The Focolare Movement has commissioned GCPS Consulting to conduct an Inquiry into abuse cases against J.M.M., a former member of the Focolare in France. Although J.M.M. has been prosecuted in relation to one victim, it is understood there is a significant number of other victims who may wish to speak about their experiences within the Focolare Movement.

The Inquiry began in January 2021 and will close at the end of the year, when its results will be made public. Work has already begun listening to victims and gathering witness testimony.

Detail on the Terms of Reference are available on a dedicated Inquiry website

As stated in the ToR document, there are the four main elements of the Inquiry:

• To investigate the sexual abuse crimes committed by J.M.M., reviewing the details and assessing the context;

• To establish the degree of knowledge of these events on the part of Focolare’s persons in charge at the time and/or subsequently;

• To provide recommendations on the current arrangements put in place by the Focolare in France and elsewhere for the protection of minors; and

• To produce a public report outlining the findings of the investigation and the recommendations that stemmed from it.

In order to ensure that the Inquiry process is as victim/survivor-centred as possible, GCPS Consulting has shared and evaluated the proposed process with some victims to ensure it meets their expectations.

It has also provided a contact page on the Inquiry website dedicated to receiving testimonies, requests, or suggestions from the victims and anyone wishing to get in touch with the Independent Inquiry.

Anyone with information relating to J.M.M is encouraged to make contact with the Inquiry via this webpage https://inquiry.gcps.consulting/contact.html . It is possible to contact the GCPS Inquiry team confidentially by phone, email or using the Inquiry site’s contact form.