And then four days ago more than 100 Jewish rabbis and cultural leaders put out a very strongly worded Change.org petition that has attracted more than 1900 co-signers, who are calling for organizations such as Whole Foods and Esalen to dissociate from him completely. The comments on this petition are particularly intense to read: Stop Marc Gafni from Abusing Again: https://www.change.org/p/whole-foods-www-esalen-com-stop-marc-gafni-from-abusing-again

There have been many other articles in the last week, including a statement from Aleph (the Alliance for Jewish Renewal) which issued a strong warning (http://kolaleph.org/2015/12/29/statement-of-the-jewish-renewal-movement-concerning-marc-gafni/) as well as a heartwrenching and prayerful testimony from Gafni’s third wife in the Times of Israel on Friday. (http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/from-one-gafni-victim/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

The New York Daily News also ran a disturbing piece. (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/marc-gafni-denies-sexual-misconduct-allegations-article-1.2483567)

In the last few months, I have personally spoken with nine women and men who have told me they were deeply traumatized by Gafni. Almost all of them have been afraid to speak out. Many are still healing from their experiences. And they have told me about many others they personally know.

I have considered many sources of information to come to my own conclusions. I encourage everyone to do the same.

It’s worth noting there are many other trusted leaders in our movement who have come to the same conclusion as me and signed a statement to that effect here:

We, the undersigned, have concluded, based upon direct experience, investigation, or conversation with trusted allies, that we cannot endorse Marc Gafni as a teacher in any way. Furthermore, we will not feature him in any event, publication, or online activity we produce, nor will we participate as a speaker or promote any event in which he is featured.

Signed by:

Sera Beak – Author of Red Hot and Holy
Adam Bucko – Hab Community
Rev. Diane Berke – Founder, One Spirit Learning Alliance
Deepak Chopra – NY Times bestselling author
Stephen Dinan – CEO, The Shift Network
Scott Edelstein – Author of Sex and the Spiritual Teacher
Lion Goodman – founder, Clear Your Beliefs
Andrew Harvey – Founder, Institute for Sacred Activism
Craig Hamilton – CEO, Evolving Wisdom
Harriet Hawkins – Center for Spiritual Living Livermore Valley
Ross Hostetter – Founder, The Fieldwork School
Jean Houston – Author of The Possible Human
Kurt Johnson – The Interspiritual Network
Anodea Judith – Founder, Sacred Centers
Bill Kauth – Founder, The ManKind Project
Rory McEntee – Foundation for New Monasticism
Devaa Haley Mitchell – Co-founder, The Shift Network
David Nicol – Founder, Subtle Activism Network
Terry Patten – Integral Evolutionary Practice
John Robbins – Author of Diet for a New America
Ocean Robbins – CEO, The Food Revolution Network
Robb Smith – CEO, Integral Life
Mirabai Starr – Author of Caravan of No Despair
Marcia Wieder – CEO, Dream University
Claire Zammit – Founder, Feminine Power

I strongly believe that the full truth of this situation needs to be surfaced, witnessed and addressed, not just for the sake of those involved but for the sake of our whole movement so that we may do collective shadow work and face the abuse of power that too often happens under the guise of spiritual teaching.

The situation with Gafni is a collective wake-up call and an opportunity for our maturation.

Andrew Harvey, who is one of our most beloved faculty members and who previously endorsed Gafni’s work, including featuring him in a course, offers some insights in an illuminating 12-minute audio that makes it clear why it is so vital that we address this situation with rigor.

You can listen to that here: Reflections on the Marc Gafni Situation: http://blog.theshiftnetwork.com/blog/reflections-marc-gafni-situation

My hope is that we can address this situation with a commitment to the evolution of all beings (yes, including Marc Gafni).

To serve the Shift to a better world, we all need to be willing to look into the the darkness with open eyes and a commitment to truth and justice. That is what will grow us all into the kind of mature, sacred leaders who can really help change things for the better.

In many ways, how we as a movement choose to navigate situations like this is a reflection of how ready we are to face the shadows in our world and transform them into a higher possibility.

I do sense there is a higher possibility in this very disturbing saga but it will require each of us to cultivate a strong heart, clear discernment and courage to get there.

Thank you for reading this email, reviewing those articles, listening to the message from Andrew Harvey, doing your own research (I particularly recommend reading the comments on the petition where many people are sharing their direct experiences), and keeping your eyes and heart open.

May we approach this situation with compassion, and may the truth prevail and lead to healing and awakening for all.

Stephen Dinan

At least the Rabbinate defrocked him. That’s a blessing.

I wish I understood. Maybe some of it is people thinking ‘I’m not perfect, I hope people will show mercy to me if that comes out. I’ll show mercy to him’ — without realizing what a harmful person they’re showing mercy to, without knowing exactly what he does… Maybe?