Appreciation and Correction
BY: DHIRA GOVINDA DASA
Jan 30, ALACHUA, FLORIDA, USA (SUN) — Hare Krsna. I appreciate the article by Gadadhara dasa prabhu, entitled "CPO Status Report Exposes Hypocrisy of ISKCON Leaders". However, I wish to make a correction to that article. The article states:
"As of the writing of this report the subject of the case under discussion is advertised throughout ISKCON temples as a featured speaker at public events, celebrations, and festivals, and, with the approval of ISKCON leadership, disregards CPO restrictions. One may ask what about the accuser? Well, she is grieving in seclusion and patiently waiting for justice. She has no supporters."
The above section indicates that the following sentences are part of the ISKCON Child Protection Office Annual Report from 2004: "One may ask what about the accuser? Well, she is grieving in seclusion and patiently waiting for justice. She has no supporters."
Actually, those sentences are written by Gadadhara prabhu. The report itself, with regard to this particular section, states only "As of the writing of this report the subject of the case under discussion is advertised throughout ISKCON temples as a featured speaker at public events, celebrations, and festivals, and, with the approval of ISKCON leadership, disregards CPO restrictions."
After I issued the 2004 report, the reaction I received from those in upper levels of ISKCON leadership was generally one of severe disapproval. Expressions of this disapproval, sometimes crossing the line to outright condemnation, was not based on content, or even tone, but rather on the fact itself that I openly put such things in writing. From those not involved with leadership in ISKCON, and who had some familiarity with the issues addressed in the report, the general response was also one of criticism. The substance of that dissatisfaction was that the report was unwarrantedly generous towards the members of the GBC and others involved with ISKCON leadership.
For further information about these matters I refer you to the following book chapter and journal article:
Wolf, D. (2005). Child Abandonment and Religious Organizations: A Case Study. The Journal of Religion and Abuse, 7 (3), 63-88.
Wolf, D. (2004). Child Abuse and the Hare Krishnas: History and Response, pgs. 321-344, In The Hare Krishna Movement- The Postcharismatic Fate of a Religious Transplant. Edited by Bryant, E. F. and Ekstrand, M. L. Columbia University Press: New York.
Sincerely,
Dhira Govinda dasa (David B. Wolf, Ph.D.)
[Editor's Note: The error in Gadadhar dasa's article pointed out by Dhira Govinda prabhu was not the author's, but was the fault of the editors. Apologies for the inconvenience.]
