The Abbé Pierre Foundation reaffirms on Wednesday November 6 its decision to change its name, after the series of revelations of sexual accusations targeting the priest who died in 2007, but insists on the fact that its fight will remain the same against poor housing.
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“ Despite the terrible revelations about Abbé Pierre which caused shock waves throughout society and our difficult decision to change our name, our role remains the same », underlines Christophe Robert, general delegate of the Foundation, in a press release.
“ We are going to write a new chapter for the Foundation, but our mission is to continue to fight poor housing, exclusion and inequalities. », he adds. “ The Foundation changes its name, no fight. We will not weaken. For the people we support and, because the social emergency is there. »
Iconic figure and founder of Emmaüs, Abbé Pierre, whose real name is Henri Grouès, has since July been the target of a series of testimonies from women on sexual violence committed between the 1950s and the 2000s, and for some of which may amount to rape or target minors.
Also readFrance: Abbé Pierre accused of sexual assault, “unacceptable” facts for Emmaüs international
The new name announced “ shortly »
In the wake of these revelations, the Abbé Pierre Foundation (FAP) announced that it had “ initiated » Steps to change the name as well as the definitive closure of the place of memory dedicated to Abbé Pierre in Esteville, in Seine-Maritime.
“ A number of decisions were taken, including changing the name of the Foundation », Underlines the Foundation in its press release. “ It is a very difficult, but necessary, decision for the victims, because the facts are serious. »
“ The legal steps to change the name have been initiated, but it is a cumbersome legal procedure », adds the FAP, hoping however to be able to announce the new name “ shortly. »
Also readEmmaüs must carry out “work to raise awareness of what Abbé Pierre was able to do”