Emmaüs removes the mention of its founder from its logo

The cleric, who died in 2007, is the target of 33 accusations of sexual violence.

The movement Emmausmeeting on Tuesday January 21 in an extraordinary general assembly, decided to remove from its logo the mention of its founder, Abbé Pierre, who died in 2007 and is now the target of accusations of sexual violence. Participants voted 91% in favor of removing the mention “founder Abbot Pierre”which until now appeared in small print after the name of the association, under its symbol, a blue square decorated with a sun.

“It’s a clear result”commented to AFP Bruno Morel, president of Emmaüs France. “Without denying what we owe to Abbé Pierre, we must continue to work in the service of vulnerable populations”.

The board of directors of Emmaüs France proposed this withdrawal in September, following a second round of revelations of accusations of sexual violence against him. This measure is part “in line with the approach of recognition and respect towards the victims”specifies Emmaüs.

Abbot Pierre will “still part of our history” more “it becomes impossible to publicly honor one’s image”notes the association. It also permanently closed the place of memory dedicated to the priest, in Esteville (Seine-Maritime). “Perhaps we will succeed in turning a very painful page, for the victims, but also for the movement”suggested Bruno Morel.

In total, Abbé Pierre is targeted by 33 accusations of sexual violence. They were revealed in three different reports produced by the Egaé firm, commissioned by the Emmaüs movement and the Abbé Pierre Foundation to shed light on the priest's actions.