Luxembourg Archdiocese terminates collaboration with fraternity linked to 'dangerous doctrine'

The Luxembourg Archdiocese announced on Friday that it has terminated its collaboration with the fraternity Verbum Spei effective immediately. The decision, outlined in a press statement, cites a "breach of confidence" and concerns over a "dangerous philosophical doctrine" as the primary reasons for the split.

Verbum Spei [Latin for: Word of Hope, editor's note], which has been active in Luxembourg since 2016, was founded in 2012 in Mexico by former members of the Brothers of Saint-John community. This connection lies at the heart of the archdiocese's concerns. The Brothers of Saint-John were established by Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, whose controversial philosophical teachings on "friendship love" have drawn criticism. According to Gerard Kieffer, spokesperson for the archdiocese, these teachings pose a potential risk of spiritual abuse.

Kieffer elaborated that while the doctrine superficially emphasises positive concepts like friendship and love, its application within the Saint-John community becomes "rather complicated." He warned that the philosophy could be misused to justify inappropriate relationships, including those of a physical nature. For instance, Kieffer explained, a priest might rationalise inappropriate behaviour by claiming, "If I touch you, it is actually God who is touching you."

When Verbum Spei first established itself in Luxembourg, it did so with the explicit approval of Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, under the condition that the fraternity would distance itself from Father Philippe's teachings.

However, Kieffer stated that the fraternity failed to uphold this agreement, leading to a "breach of confidence." While he declined to provide specific details, citing the confidentiality of discussions between Cardinal Hollerich and the fraternity, Kieffer emphasised that Verbum Spei did not sufficiently distance itself from the individuals or ideas associated with the controversial doctrine. The philosophical teachings in question have been scrutinised not only by the Vatican but also by the French diocese, where the fraternity has also been active.

In July 2024, the Luxembourg Diocese launched an investigation following a complaint made to Cardinal Hollerich the previous month. A woman had come forward, revealing that she had entered into a relationship with one of the priests from the Verbum Spei fraternity while she was a university student. The relationship, which was consensual, resulted in the birth of two children.

Kieffer clarified that this was not a case of sexual abuse, as the relationship and pregnancies occurred with mutual consent. However, he acknowledged that, given the controversies of the past two decades, it is "understandable" that such situations might immediately raise concerns about abuse. For the diocese, the primary issue remains the breach of trust and confidence.

The fraternity has been primarily active in southern Luxembourg, particularly in Esch-sur-Alzette.

According to Kieffer, Verbum Spei regularly held weekend Masses that attracted a significant number of attendees, including many families with young children, predominantly from francophone communities. Additionally, the fraternity provided chaplaincy services for students at the University of Luxembourg's Belval campus.

The diocese has now severed all ties with the fraternity. However, Verbum Spei will be permitted to continue holding Mass in Esch-sur-Alzette until the end of the summer season, partly due to legal obligations related to employment contracts. Other activities, such as their work with students and events like the "Bistrot des Moines," have been immediately prohibited, as confirmed by Kieffer.

Moving forward, the diocese is evaluating how to address the gap that will arise after the summer in Esch-sur-Alzette. Given the large number of parishioners who regularly attend these Masses, the Luxembourg Catholic Church is committed to ensuring they continue to have access to spiritual services.