2007 GBC Resolutions
BY: SUN STAFF
Apr 14, MAYAPUR, INDIA (SUN) — Following are the just-released GBC Resolutions for 2007. In total, 14 numbered resolutions are included, with significant content found in various sub-sections. Perhaps the greatest surprise to be found among this year's Resolutions is the GBC's apology to Dhanurdhar Swami and their decision to re-instate him back into ISKCON (see Resolution 313 (c). In the days ahead, we will offer a detailed analysis of the Resolutions, including those issues the GBC set-down into law and those they chose to take no action on.
ISKCON GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION SOCIETY
Registration Number S/74662 under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act,
1961 P.O. Shree Mayapur Dham, Dist. Nadia, West Bengal 741313
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SRI MAYAPUR DHAM, FEBRUARY 5 -
15, 2007
101. GBC Officers and Members
RESOLVED:
- His Holiness Bhanu Swami is elected GBC Chairman.
- His Holiness Ramai Swami is elected First Vice-Chairman.
- His Holiness AC Bhaktivaibhava Swami is elected Second Vice-Chairman.
- His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Swami is elected GBC Secretary.
- His Holiness Kavicandra Swami is elected Special Duty Officer.
- His Grace Hrdaya Caitanya Das is continued as Assistant GBC member.
- His Grace Candrasekhara Das is appointed as Candidate for GBC.
- His Grace Kaunteya Das is appointed as Candidate for GBC.
102. Sannyasa Waiting List
RESOLVED:
That the following are the candidates for sannyasa for 2007:
| Acala Das |
4-year waiting list |
| Brhad Mrdanga Das |
2-year waiting list |
| Carudesna Das 4-year |
waiting list |
| Gaurahari Das |
2-year waiting list |
| Jagat Guru Das |
1-year waiting list |
| Janananda Das |
this year |
| Jaya Govinda Das |
2-year waiting list |
| Mahadyuti Das |
1-year waiting list |
| Makhanlal Das |
2-year waiting list |
| Nitai Caitanya Das |
3-year waiting list |
| Prabhodananda Saraswati Das |
1-year waiting list |
| Purnacandra Das |
1-year waiting list |
| Sarvaisvarya Das |
1-year waiting list |
| Siddhartha Das |
3-year waiting list |
| Vasudeva Das |
2-year waiting list |
| Visuddha Sattva Das |
2-year waiting lis |
103. Assignments to Ministries and Standing Committees
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
That the following shall be the ministry and standing committees and their
membership assignments for 2007-08:
| Ministry of Communications |
Minister - Anuttama Das |
| Ministry of Health and Welfare |
Minister - Prahladananda Swami |
| Congregational Development Ministry |
Minister - Jayapataka Swami |
| Women's Ministry |
Minister - Sudharma Dasi |
| ISKCON Youth Ministry |
Minister - Manu Das |
| Ministry of Sannyasa Services |
Minister - Prahladananda Swami |
| Sannyasa Standing Committee: Hrdaya Caitanya Das, Sivarama Swami, Guru
Prasad Swami, A.C. Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Prahladananda
Swami |
| Ministry of Deity Worship |
Minister - Nrsimha Kavaca Das |
| Ministry of Book Distribution |
Minister - Vijaya Das |
| Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture |
Minister - Balabhadra Das |
| Ministry of Padayatra |
Minister - Lokanath Swami |
| Ministry of Educational Development |
Members: Sesa Das (Minister), Laxmimoni Dasi, Saunaka Rsi Das, Braja Bihari
Das |
| Board of Examinations |
Members: Sesa Das, Laxmimoni Dasi, Saunaka Rsi Das, Braja Bihari Das |
| Sastric Advisory Council |
Members: Purnacandra Das (Chairman), Gopiparanadhana Das, Drutakarma Das,
Urmila Dasi, Mukunda Datta Das |
| Sri Mayapur Project Development Committee |
Members: Chair of GBC Executive Committee (ex-officio), Badrinarayan Das,
Bir Krishna Das Goswami, Jayapataka Swami, Gopal Krishna Goswami, Bhakti Charu
Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Praghosa Das, Ambarisa Das, Bhima Das, Gopal
Bhatta Das, Anuttama Das, Radhanath Swami, Dayarama Das, Sadbhuja Das, Hari
Sauri Das (non-voting) |
| Ministry of Justice |
Minister - Sesa Das |
| ISKCON Property Office |
Members: Current GBC Executive Committee, Bhaktarupa Das
(Member-Secretary) |
| ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection |
Director - Tamohara Das |
| GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee |
Members: Bhanu Swami, Markandeya Rishi Das, Bhaktarupa Das (Convener) |
| BBT Construction Grant Allocation Committee (BBTCG) |
Members: Ramai Swami, Bhanu Swami, Devamrita Swami, Current GBC Chairman,
Krsna Naam Das (Secretary), Hrdaya Caitanya Das (Convener) |
| Guru Services Committee |
Members: Prahladananda Swami (Chairman), Anuttama Das, Vishakha Dasi,
Virabahu Das, Ravindra Svarupa Das, Bhakti Caitanya Swami |
201. GBC Budget
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
The GBC budget for 2007/2008 is:
| GBC Annual General Meeting |
Rs. 2,20,000 |
| Executive Committee Travel |
2,20,000 |
| Emergencies |
3,52,000 |
| GBC Meeting Facilities |
1,98,000 |
| GBC Secretariat |
2,20,000 |
| ISKCON Resolve |
4,40,000 |
| ISKCON Database |
96,800 |
| Health & Welfare Magazine |
44,000 |
| GBC Website |
66,000 |
| Cow Protection Ministry |
4,40.000 |
| Deity Worship Ministry |
4,40,000 |
| World Holy Name Day |
22,000 |
| Total: |
Rs. 27,58,800 |
202. Appointment of Auditor
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
Sri A. K. Shah, F.C.A., Chartered Accountant, of 125, Netaji Subhas Road,
Room No. 45, Kolkata 700 001, is appointed as statutory auditor for the
year 2007-2008.
301. Extra Meeting 2007
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
A five-day meeting of the GBC will be held in New Vrindavan (West
Virginia, USA) starting on Sunday morning, the 3rd of June, and ending on
Thursday evening, the 7th of June, 2007.
302. Mayapur Project
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
That the GBC accepts the SMPDC proposal for moving ahead with the Mayapur
project, and requests proceeding with the construction of the Temple of the
Vedic Planetarium as soon as possible.
303. Vote of Thanks to Abhirama Das
[Statement]
RESOLVED:
The GBC would like to officially thank Abhirama Prabhu for his years of
dedication to the new temple project in Mayapur. With determination,
intelligence, and much personal sacrifice, Abhirama Prabhu has worked
tirelessly to see Srila Prabhupada's desire of a world-class temple and
Vedic planetarium become a reality. We know that Srila Prabhupada, Sri Sri
Radha-Madhava, Lord Nrisimhadeva, and the Panca-tattva will bless him for his
sincere efforts.
304. Identification of Those Not Submitting Financial Statements
[Action Order]
WHEREAS ISKCON Law states that „all GBC Body members, gurus, sannyasis
and international project directors are required to file annual personal
financial reports to the Executive Committee of the GBC Body and, where
requested, their national executive body.“
WHEREAS non-reporting by GBC and non-GBC leaders reflects poorly on the
society.
RESOLVED:
Any GBC member who does not submit a personal annual financial report shall
lose voting rights at the annual general meeting.
Any non-GBC sannyasi or guru who does not submit a personal annual financial
report shall be named by the secretary at the annual general meeting.
The Sannyasa Minister shall contact all non-reporting sannyasis and non-GBC
gurus and inform them of their end-of-year reporting duties.
305. Financial Reports of Trusts
[Action Order]
WHEREAS ISKCON Law states that „all GBC Body members, gurus, sannyasis
and international project directors are required to file annual personal
financial reports to the Executive Committee of the GBC Body and, where
requested, their national executive body.“
AND WHEREAS, personal financial reports alone may not give a complete picture
of the financial dealings of a leader.
RESOLVED:
Any ISKCON leader required to submit an annual personal financial report will
include in that report a list of all trusts or other legal entities, except for
ISKCON entities, for which they have some measure of direct or indirect
control. Reports will include the entity's purpose and their relationship
to it.
Trusts or other legal entities whose assets come entirely from activities in
householder life or family sources - for example an inheritance -
need not be reported.
The GBC secretary will make the necessary adjustments to the financial
reporting form.
306. German-Austrian Emergency
[Action Order]
WHEREAS the following resolution was passed by the GBC in 2005:
- 404. German Yatra Emergency Action
[Action Order]
Whereas the German yatra is presently facing a severe crisis, and
Whereas the leading devotees in Germany have declared a formal state of
emergency and have approached the GBC Body for endorsement and support of their
plans; and
Whereas this crisis was not of the German devotees' own making but rather
was mostly created by the GBC-appointed former zonal secretary; and
Whereas, in pursuance of the European RGB's reorganization
plan, Germany has agreed to become a single zone and region with Austria, which
will add a further financial burden of 150,000 Euros to the German leaders'
financial obligation; therefore
It is hereby RESOLVED that:
1. The GBC Body, having heard the plans of the German yatra, gives its
unqualified endorsement to ISKCON Germany's „Declaration of Emergency and
Solidarity Action 2005-07.“
2. The GBC body encourages all ISKCON preachers to visit Germany and share
their spiritual values and strength with the devotees there, who are very much
in need of association.
3. The GBC Body is encouraged by the German yatra's plans to work
unitedly to raise funds to settle the long-standing debts and obligations.
ISKCON centers around the world may want to give opportunity to the German
leaders to carry out fundraising programs in their local area, in coordination
with existing programs.
4. GBC members and guests may want to express solidarity with the effort
by making token financial pledges.
5. Due to the crisis situation, the German yatra shall be exempt from GBC
fees for 2005-2007, as well as past due fees since the crisis began.
6. That, in view of the German leaders' willingness to accept into its
zone Austria (which comes with a 150,000 Euro debt), the European RGB
especially should work to find ways and means to help the German-Austria zone
resolve its financial crisis.
And WHEREAS the yatra has made impressive progress in its reorganization, in
solving critical problems, and in paying back half of its 1.000.000EU
debts.
WHEREAS the yatra needs the emergency program to be extended until
2010 to complete repayment of another 500.000EU in debts and to further
improve its organization.
WHEREAS the European GBC members have recommended that ISKCON Germany's
„Declaration of Emergency and Solidarity Action 2005-07“ be
extended until 2010 and that the yatra continue to be exempt of all GBC,
IC, and YCF fees until 2010.
Therefore it is hereby RESOLVED:
That resolution 404 of 2005 be extended until the end of
2010 and that the yatra continue to be exempt from all GBC, IC, and YCF
fees till then.
307. Tenure and Discipline of Local Officials
[ISKCON Law]
WHEREAS the current section 5.5 in the Law Book is unsystematically
presented, disjointed and unclear,
And WHEREAS the requirements and procedures for probation, suspension and
removal lack clear guidelines and procedures,
And WHEREAS the Law Book subcommittee decided that a rewrite would help to
clarify and build on the already existing law book section,
RESOLVED:
That section 5.5 of the existing laws on discipline of ISKCON officials
shall be repealed and replaced with the following new section:
Definition of Local ISKCON Official
The specific titles borne by ISKCON officials may possibly include
„President“, „Vice-President“, „Treasurer“,
„Temple Management Council Member“, „Project Director“,
„Congregational Preaching Director“, etc. (Sections concerning
tenure and discipline of Regional Secretaries, Gurus and GBC members are to be
included in different sections.)
Leave of Absence
An ISKCON Official may be granted a leave of absence at his/her request for
any of the following reasons;
- Acute and unremitting health problem(s).
- Compelling personal reasons.
The official seeking a leave of absence shall clearly explain in writing to
his/her GBC Zonal Secretary(s) or Divisional Council the specific reasons for
his/her request. A leave of absence shall not be granted for a period in
excess of one year, although it may be extended.
Resignation
An ISKCON Official may tender his/her resignation to their GBC Zonal
Secretary(s) or Divisional Council at any time. A resignation should be
submitted in writing with reasons and an effective date from which the
resignation shall stand.
Resignations may be partial in nature, wherein only a portion of the
responsibilities held is relinquished, such as when an official agrees to the
appointment of a co-official to share the duties of office.
Disciplining Authority
There should ideally be no change of Presidents or ISKCON Leaders. If there
are any difficulties there should first be an attempt to resolve it by careful
mediation.
An ISKCON Official may be disciplined by any of the following;
- A two-thirds majority of a Regional Governing Body or Divisional or
National Council.
- Three GBCs, which must include the GBC(s) of that area, or
- A majority vote of the GBC Body
Depending on the severity of any improper activity, corrective steps may
consist of informal discussions, written warnings or censures, or formal
disciplinary measures such as placing the offending official on probation,
suspension of the official's authority, or removal of the official
from the position.
The reason(s) for and the process and standards of rectification, if any,
must be given in writing to the official under discipline. The disciplining
body or persons must ensure that the details are entered into the relevant
resolutions of the disciplining body. In the case of three GBC's, the details
shall be recorded by the GBC Secretariat.
Reasons for Discipline
An ISKCON Official may be disciplined for the following transgressions:
Misconduct and Indiscipline
- Willful violation of GBC resolutions.
- Vilification of ISKCON or the GBC Body.
- Misconduct in office (physical assault except in self-defense, improper
relationships with the opposite sex, improper sexual behavior, abusive behavior
to devotees, improper dealings with external society, and so on.)
- Habitually or knowingly making false charges and accusations or other
consistent vaisnava-aparadhas.
- Serious interference in the guru and disciple relationship.
- Duplicitous or untruthful dealings (giving false promises to devotees, lying
to spiritual authorities, and other serious prevarication).
Improper Discharge or Neglect of Duty
- Consistent unexcused absences at Divisional Council meetings.
- Consistent failure to submit prescribed monthly reports.
- Consistent interference in the guru-disciple relationship or consistent
disregard of the devotees' requirement to accept a spiritual master and serve
him.
- Consistent or serious economic mismanagement of such a nature that it
endangers the temple or preaching mission.
- Serious degradation of temple standards (deity worship, cleanliness and
kitchen standards, devotee morale, preaching, temple economy, etc.)
- Failing to make all necessary and prudent arrangements to defend their
corporations and properties from legal liabilities.
Spiritual Discrepancy
- Failure to follow strictly the rules and regulations as described in Srila
Prabhupada's books.
- Philosophical deviation.
- Consistently irregular attendance at the temple morning program without bona
fide cause.
- Failure to follow any of the four regulative principles or to regularly
chant sixteen rounds of japa.
Censure
Censure is to be understood as a reprimand aimed at reformation of an
official and prevention of further offending acts. It is the warning voice of
pending probation or removal.
When ordering the censure, the disciplining authority must clearly spell out
in writing to the disciplined official the specific actions that were
irresponsible, inappropriate, or in violation of ISKCON law and why they were
judged so.
Probation
Probation is an opportunity for disciplined officials to redress themselves
and regain their status as ISKCON Officials in good standing.
When ordering the probation, the disciplining authority must clearly spell
out in writing to the disciplined official:
- The specific actions that were irresponsible, inappropriate, or in violation
of ISKCON law and why they were judged so
- The specific program of rectification
- The specific curtailment of powers, if any
- The specific prerequisites for restoration, if any
- The time period of the probation, which shall be no longer than six
months.
After the period of probation, the disciplining authority must decide as per
one of the following:
- That the official is rectified and that any restrictions imposed for the
term of probation are rescinded; or
- That further probation under the same or modified conditions is required to
complete the rectification process; or
- That the official has not been rectified and that the official be removed
from the position.
Suspension
In the case where there is substantial reason to believe that an ISKCON
official has acted irresponsibly, inappropriately, or in violation of ISKCON
law to the extent that continuation of the official in the particular position
will be injurious to the properties, good name, physical assets or other
resources of the society, then an official should be suspended from that
position.
Suspension is to separate the official from their office so that a thorough
investigation of allegations may be conducted and the suitability of the
official to continue in their position is determined.
The disciplining body must conduct an immediate investigation so as to
minimize disruption at the respective ISKCON centre or project. After
completion of the investigation, the body shall make a determination as to the
truth of the allegations and the future course of action. They may order as per
one of the following:
- The suspension shall be revoked and the official shall be restored to the
original position; or
- There shall be a probationary period with a program of rectification as
described under probation above, with or without restoration of authority
during the period of probation; or
- It is not expected that the official can be rectified within a reasonable
period of time and he or she shall be permanently removed from the
position.
If an ISKCON official is under suspension he may not vote as a member of any
ISKCON management body.
Removal
Under normal circumstances, an ISKCON Official will be removed from his/her
position only after being put on probation and consequently unable to rectify
his/her situation.
However, in urgent situations, an ISKCON Official may be removed in case of
the following;
- Any violation of either ISKCON, local or national laws which endangers
ISKCON's stability and security locally, nationally or internationally and
which cannot wait for the usual process of probation and removal.
- Severe spiritual, philosophical or moral deviation.
- Rebellion against the authority of Srila Prabhupada, the GBC Body or other
regional, national or local ISKCON authorities.
- Incompetent management over an extended period of time, giving rise to an
emergency situation.
Appeals
If an ISKCON Official is disciplined by three GBCs or a National or
Divisional Council, he/she shall have the right of appeal to the Regional
Governing Body (if one exists in the area) or the GBC Body (if there is no
Regional Governing Body in the area). If he/she is disciplined by a Regional
Governing Body, he/she shall have the right of appeal to the GBC Body. Any
disciplinary action taken against an ISKCON Official by any of the
above-mentioned entities shall stand unless and until it is overruled by a
higher body.
308. Diksa Mantra Correction
[Action Order]
WHEREAS Srila Prabhupada repeatedly stressed that the Sanskrit language in
his books and other ISKCON publications should be edited in strict accordance
with the standard Sanskrit grammar and usage:
WHEREAS the word „guruh“ in the third of the diksa-mantras (the
guru-gayatri) in ISKCON is mistakenly spelled as „guroh“, thus
contradicting the standard Sanskrit grammar;
WHEREAS in all three of Srila Prabhupada's own tape recordings of the
diksa-mantras, available in the VedaBase-2003, he pronounces
„guruh“;
WHEREAS the above misspelling has over the years become
ISKCON's standard;
WHEREAS authoritative scriptural references to guru-gayatri followed in the
Gaudiya Vaisnava line, like Bhaktivinode Thakur's Bhajana-rahasya and
Dhyanacandra Goswami's Gaura-govindarcana-smarana-paddhati, have the
correct spelling for guruh.
RESOLVED:
All official ISKCON publications and diksa-mantra sheets be corrected to
conform with the proper form „guruh“ in the guru-gayatri;
309. Definition of Clergy
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
That the following Definition of Clergy is accepted for all ISKCON entities
in North America:
The individual must maintain fidelity to the teachings given by His Divine
Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of ISKCON and be
„ordained, commissioned, or licensed“ as per the procedures
established for North America by the ISKCON Governing Body Commission Society,
West Bengal, India.
And the individual must fulfill at least one of the following
requirements:
- The individual administers sacraments; or
- The individual conducts worship services; or
- The individual performs services in the „control, conduct, or
maintenance of a religious organization“ under the authority of the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON); or
- The individual is considered to be a spiritual leader by virtue of his or
her affiliation with ISKCON.
NOTE: Initiation is necessary but not sufficient to qualify one to be
considered as clergy by ISKCON entities in North America.
310. Annual World Holy Name Day
[Action Order]
WHEREAS, during the Srila Prabhupada Centennial in 1996, ISKCON celebrated
World Holy Name Day by performance of harinama sankirtan in our temples,
individuals' homes, publicly, at interfaith conferences, with harinama banks of
written harinama, through the distribution of literature on the subject of the
holy name, and throughout the media.
WHEREAS, a World Holy Name Day was celebrated during 2004, the 108th
Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's Appearance, and met with much
success.
WHEREAS, having a Global Coordination Team would be essential for a
successful Annual World Holy Name Day observance.
Therefore it is resolved:
That World Holy Name Day is made an annual program for all ISKCON centers.
Different countries or continents may modify the name to suit their needs.
The observance of World Holy Name Day is to be held in connection with the
anniversary observances of Srila Prabhupada's arrival in the USA on
Sept. 17, 1965, to coincide with, and commemorate, his delivering the gift of
the holy name to the world.
The Global Coordination Team for World Holy Name Day shall be Lokanath Swami,
Janananda Das, and Ekalavya Das.
For 2007 - 2008, a budget of Rs. 22,000/- is granted for promotion and
other expenses.
311. Kirtan Standards
[Action Order]
WHEREAS,
It is desirable for all ISKCON devotees to know and follow the standards of
kirtana required and recommended by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of ISKCON,
There are increasingly divergent styles and moods of kirtana within
ISKCON's ranks,
There are sometime disagreements as to what standards of kirtana are
acceptable and what are not,
Srila Prabhupada at various times gave directives and guidelines as to what
standards of kirtana he wanted and found acceptable, and what he did not,
RESOLVED:
That a committee called the `Kirtana Standards Committee' [KSC] be formed,
consisting of Janananda Dasa, Hari Sauri Dasa, Bhakti Vikasa Swami, Lokanatha
Swami and Jagajivan Dasa, with consultation from Siva Rama Swami and Jayadvaita
Swami. They shall formulate clear standards and guidelines for kirtana within
ISKCON based on the statements of Srila Prabhupada. Janananda Dasa will be the
coordinator of this committee.
The KSC will present their findings at the GBC AGM in Mayapur, 2008, for
approval by the GBC Body.
312. Clarifying Leadership Standards
Part A. Introduction
[Statement]
Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gita:
api cet suduracaro bhajate mam ananya-bhak
sadhur eva sa mantavyah samyag vyavasito hi sah
Even if one commits the most abominable action, if he is engaged in
devotional service he is to be considered saintly because he is properly
situated in his determination.
From this declaration by Lord Krishna himself, we recognize that any devotee
can repent of misbehavior, become purified, and advance in Krishna
consciousness. No religious institution can ever deprive a fallen soul of the
merciful opportunity for full self-rectification offered by the Lord
Himself.
As Lord Krishna thus cares for every individual, He also cares for society,
for He personally establishes and maintains the principles necessary to protect
the integrity, trustworthiness, and harmony of the social body. Following the
will of Lord Krishna, ISKCON must respect the spiritual rights both of the
individual and of society. Individuals must exercise their own proper rights
with due regard for those of society, and society must balance its rights and
needs with those of its members.
Within the spiritual society of ISKCON, the GBC must strive to balance the
spiritual needs and rights of its members with those required by their society.
In this matter, a restriction placed on a certain member as a social requirement
cannot be taken automatically to imply a judgment on that
individual's current spiritual status. Nor does that restriction
limit that devotee's right and ability to inspire and enlighten other
people with Krishna consciousness.
Moreover, a devotee does not have to hold titles such as GBC, temple
president, diksa-guru, etc. in order to advance-and to help others advance-in
Krishna consciousness. And at times, it is necessary to restrict access to such
official positions in order to protect the reputation of Srila Prabhupada and
the integrity of his society.
The GBC asks the members of ISKCON to give serious consideration to these
reflections, and it begs for their understanding and cooperation as it attempts
to balance the needs of individuals in ISKCON with those of ISKCON as a
society.
Part B. Clarification of the Term „Positions of Leadership“
[Statement]
RESOLVED:
- Whenever the ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection rules that an offense
is such as to restrict a person from serving in ISKCON in „positions of
leadership“ (including but not limited to offices of GBC, minister, zonal
secretary or temple officer), the restriction must include the position of
initiating guru. This restriction shall apply to all previous and future
decisions of the Central Office of Child Protection.
- A devotee initiated by a guru subsequently affected by this resolution
is considered to have been duly initiated under the authority of ISKCON and the
GBC and is recognized as an ISKCON member in good standing with all the
privileges of an initiate. Other questions that may arise in the application of
this law should be referred to the Executive Committee of the GBC.
Part C. Apology to Dhanurdhara Swami
[Statement]
Dear Dhanurdhara Maharaja,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We hope that this letter finds you in good health.
The GBC Body is aware that in the course of its ecclesiastical dealings
concerning past child abuse in the society, sometimes the procedures we
followed were awkward and took a long time to complete. This was particularly
true in your case, and we unfortunately did not always keep you abreast of the
ongoing progress of those procedures.
The GBC Body is sorry for the difficulties you and your disciples, followers,
and friends must have experienced because of these long and cumbersome
procedures. We could have done much better, and we sincerely apologize.
We support the decision of the Office of Child Protection in your case, but
our procedures should not have added to your burden.
Additionally, we remain committed to promoting healing and reconciliation for
our youth, parents, and all others affected by abuse. We hope that you will
continue to reach out personally to former students. We appreciate the efforts
you have made in this regard, and we encourage you to continue. We are willing
to work with you where appropriate.
In conclusion, we never wanted you to leave the ISKCON society. We humbly
request you again to remain an active member in ISKCON. Not only are we sure
that this would be the desire of Srila Prabhupada, but also that it would be
the best course of action for you, your disciples, and your followers.
Your servants,
The GBC
Part D. Reconciliation Initiative
[Action Order]
The ICOCP and ISKCON Resolve will develop an international plan, in
consultation with a broad representation of ISKCON devotees, to address
lingering issues concerning past child abuse, including failure of
administrative oversight in child protection. The goal will be to promote
reconciliation and healing while insuring fairness and integrity in
ISKCON's response to these issues. The plan will be ready for presentation
to the GBC Body at the June meetings for ratification.
313. Apology Letter to Recipients of Compensation from the ISKCON Youth
Fund
[Statement]
Resolved: That the following letter of apology, which is being sent to
recipients of compensation from the ISKCON Youth Fund on GBC letterhead
stationary, be entered into the GBC minutes book as a matter of record:
Dear [Claimant's name]:
As Chairman of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission, I have been
officially requested to personally communicate to you the GBC's most
sincere apology for the abuse and the neglect you suffered while in
Gurukula.
You were a pioneer in ISKCON's fledgling attempts to establish a
Gurukula system to train our children in Krishna Consciousness. Unfortunately,
you were also subjected to serious mistreatment and abuse as a result of our
failure to properly implement that vision. For this we are very sorry, and we
ask you to please accept our deepest and most heartfelt apology.
As members of the Governing Body Commission, past and present, we want you to
know that we take full responsibility for the wrongdoings committed in the early
years of the ISKCON movement. As leaders, the GBC members were entrusted with
properly providing for your care. And during the time that terrible abuses were
committed, the leadership of the Society failed in its responsibility to
vigilantly provide for your welfare and protect you from all forms of harm and
abuse. We are also aware of our failure to provide the quality of care and
education that Srila Prabhupada wanted for you, and that you deserved.
We truly wish we could turn back the clock and remove the pain you underwent;
but as you know, we cannot do that. We are, however, fully committed to making
amends for past transgressions, and implementing safeguards against future
abuse. And we will continue to improve opportunities for Krishna Conscious
children today. We humbly request that you help us assure that others do not
suffer the way you did by sharing your insights and invaluable experience with
us.
Although this personal apology is long overdue (and in many ways inadequate)
we pray that you will find it in your heart to forgive us. We offer you
acknowledgment, support and friendship. We understand that we are all connected
with one another, and that we cannot move forward as a Movement without you. We
will do whatever is within our capacity to assist you, so please let us know
how we can help.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Bhanu Swami
GBC Chairman
314. Annual General Meeting 2008
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
The Annual General Meeting for 2008 will start on the 24th of February
2008 and end on the 5th of March.
February 19 | Lord Nityananda's Appearance February 24 -
March 5 | GBC Meetings February 26 | Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati
Thakura's Appearance March 21 | Gaura Purnima /Lord
Gauranga's Abhisheka
