This statement is being released by the current Board of Directors of Gravity, a Center for Contemplative Activism.
For nearly a decade, Gravity has committed to creating a work environment that models humility, vulnerability, growth, and transformation. Gravity takes seriously the responsibility to lift up and value vulnerable people and communities, and therefore, our organization has a zero tolerance policy regarding harassment or discrimination of any kind.
We have recently learned of allegations made in an internet blog post regarding Chris Heuertz during his tenure at Word Made Flesh. Because we take allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness, we formally began a due diligence process at the guidance of our legal counsel and with the unanimous support of the board. In order to ensure that all parties are properly heard and any necessary action is subsequently taken, and in order to guarantee a fair and unbiased reporting of the facts, this inquiry will be conducted by a third-party with no personal or financial ties to or conflicts of interest with Gravity or our staff.
Both Chris and Phileena have requested a voluntary sabbatical while the inquiry into these matters is conducted. With the approval of the board, they will step away from their active roles as directors of Gravity effective immediately and until the satisfactory conclusion of this process.
It is the board’s intent that the process moves forward in the spirit of full transparency, which means that all perspectives and accounts will be heard. The board will provide further updates as they become available.
For questions, please contact inquiries@gravitycenter.com.