২০২২ সালের শেষ পর্যন্ত শিশু সুরক্ষা বিষয়ক GBC প্রস্তাবসমূহ (ISKCON শিশু সুরক্ষা কার্যালয়ের সংকলন, ১৯৭৬–২০২২; এতে লোকনাথ স্বামী সম্পর্কে ১২ মে ২০২১ তারিখের GBC-র নির্বাহী কমিটির চিঠি, ২০ জুলাই ২০২২ তারিখের GBC-র সিদ্ধান্ত এবং অনির্দেশ্যবপু দাস সম্পর্কে ১৫ ডিসেম্বর ২০২২ তারিখের প্রস্তাব অন্তর্ভুক্ত)

The following was taken from www.GBC.ISKCON.org, the official website of
ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission.

1976 - March 7
2: Gurukula – Resolved: Gurukul will not be organized on the basis of small
schools in a number of centrally located cities. The children shall be located to
Gurukulas in L.A., Vancouver farm, Dallas, and the Penn. farm. Jagadisa will list
the children who should go to the different schools. After 8 years of age, the boys
and girls will go to Mayapur, India, and then to Vrindavana, when Gurukula is
ready there.
1976 - March 9, 3 p.m
5: Jagadish das allocated children to gurukulas in the Vancouver farm, Dallas,
Penn.Farm. After 8-years old the children will go to Mayapur and when ready,
Vrndavan gurukul.


1977 - March 3, 2:30 p.m
4: Resolved: There will be no marriages of girls until they are 16-years old.


1979 - March 5
5: Resolved: That the March 21,1978 GBC resolution No.18 reading: “All
children’s books produced by ISKCON or affiliates or subsidiaries must have
approval of the Minister of Education” is amended to read,”All children's
books,including coloring books produced by ISKCON or affiliates or subsidiaries
must have approval of the Minister of Education”.


1980 - February 25
Section 5 (Priviledge), article 8: That the previous GBC resolution which required
that young girls wait until 16 years old to be married to be rescinded.


1981 - March 8
25: That ISKCON’s standard policy is to send all of its young boys (from outside
of India) to the Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula in Vrndavana from at least the
age of nine or ten until at least the age twelve.
26: That the Handbook on Gurukula as compiled by Jagadisha Dasa is
authorized by the GBC.
27 [LAW]: That within ISKCON, Gurukula schools shall open only with the
permission of the Minister of Education, and operate under the direction of the
Minister of Education and the local GBC.

1983
12: That each Gurukula in a developed country should contribute $1340 ($1340 x
16 = $21,440.) and each Gurukula in a third world country should contribute $670
($670×7 = $4,690) towards the curriculum budget of $26,065 for the year April
’83 - March ’84.
Developed-Country Gurukuls          Third world Gurukuls
Italy        Bhaktivedanta Village Mexico
France       Lake Huntington        Columbia
England      Sweden                 Mayapur
Dallas       New Vrindavan          Vrindavan
Denver       Australia              Assam
Gita Nagari New Zealand             Manipur
Vancouver San Francisco             Tirupati


1984 - March 8
6: During the following year, each zone is directed to allocate at least one top
preacher as teacher to the gurukula System.

7: Srila Svarupa Damodar Swami and HH Jagadisha Goswami are directed to
recruit and train qualified Indians to serve as teachers in the gurukula system.

1984 - March 10
11: That the funding for the approved 1984 budget for curriculum development by
the Ministry of Education will be provided by the following gurukulas or their
respective zones:
Gita Nagari        $1,640
Vancouver          $1,640
Dallas             $1,640
Lake Huntington $1,640
New Vrindaban      $1,640
Western USA        $1,640
Detroit            $1,640
Australia/NZ.      $1,640
England            $1,640
France             $1,640
Italy              $1,640
Sweden             $1,640
Vrindaban          $820
Mayapur            $820

1986
15: In reference to the “Robin George Case,”
   1. Canada must pay by October 1986 a total of $50,000 (Canadian) in equal
monthly installments. This to be divided amongst the Canadian temples as
follows: Vancouver 40%, Toronto 25%, Montreal 25%, Ottawa 10%
If any temple fails to make their payment the local presidents will be asked to
resign. (Bahudaka das – Vancouver, Bhakti Marga Swami – Toronto, Roohan
Prabhava Vigraha das – Montreal, Sankara das – Ottawa.)
  2. N.Y. must pay a total of $50,000 U.S. by October 1986. The decision of
payments is to be worked out by the responsible temples of the GBC general
secretaries. These temples will have 6 months to meet their payments, failure to
do so the local temple president will be asked to resign. (Visnugada – Towaco,
Romapada Swami; Lochananda das – N.Y.)


1987
69: That there should not be any public worship of a guru who is suspended.

70: That disciples of a suspended guru while performing arotik to the Deities
should offer the various articles through Srila Prabhupada to the disciplic
succession.

71: That while offering obeisances in a public place the disciples of a suspended
guru should recite Srila Prabhupada’s pranama mantra aloud and should chant
the mantras to the suspended gurus silently or not at all.


1988 - February 27
75: That the GBC accepts the resignation of Jagadish Goswami as Minister of
Education. The Ministry of Education is herewith dissolved and replaced by the
ISKCON Board of Education. The ISKCON Board of Education is a GBC
standing committee dealing with primary and secondary education in ISKCON,
composed of GBC and non-GBC members. The Board will formulate and
execute concrete plans which shall enable it to effectively ensure the quality of
Krsna conscious primary and secondary education throughout ISKCON. Each
member of the ISKCON Board of Education shall have responsibility for specific
duties and shall make specific commitments for which he shall be held
accountable. The yearly GBC Chairman shall also serve as a member of the
ISKCON Board of Education. The ISKCON Board of Education shall continue to
maintain the activities of the former Ministry of Education. It shall, in addition,
establish and maintain a cultural administrative office. The entire Board of
Education shall meet together no less than three times a year. [Prov. Order]

76: The members of the ISKCON Board of Education are: Toshan Krsna das,
Chairman; Jagadish Goswami, Sivarama Swami, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara
Swami, Ravindra Swarup das, Bhurijana das, Vrikodara das, Kirtiraj das, Sri
Rama das, Dhanvantari Swami, Vrisha das.

77: Each GBC Zonal Secretary shall collect an educational tax of $200 from the
grhasthas in his zone, and remit to the Board of Education, by June 1, 1988.


1989 – March 11
72: That, due to allegations of child molestation, Ananta Rupa das, shall be
prohibited from working directly or indirectly with any ISKCON school or project
that involves children, or living in any ISKCON cent

73: That, due to allegations of child molestation, Manihar das, shall be prohibited
from working directly or indirectly with any ISKCON school or project that
involves children, or living in any ISKCON center.

74: That incidents of child molestation within ISKCON or ISKCON related
organizations must be reported by the ISKCON authority to the local
governmental agency or agencies for civil or criminal action, as appropriate.

75: That the central office of the Board of Education shall compile and maintain a
record of children who have been or may have been abused in ISKCON schools.
The Board shall work with the local ISKCON management to counsel the parents
and help them to arrange for whatever professional help is ìneeded. The Board
of Education office shall keep detailed records of the ongoing progress of each
child as long as needed, and report the status each year to the GBC body.

1989 – March 13
97: That all Board of Education resolutions are binding on ISKCON Educational
Institutions, subject to review each year in Mayapur by the GBC.


1990
96: That the GBC states, in response to the petition of Manihara das, that it is
willing to reconsider its resolution 89-73 after Manihara das stands trial in
California on the child molestation charges brought against him.

119: That the following is adopted as the official ISKCON Board of Education
policy on child abuse incidents:

  a) The local governing authority of each ISKCON school or community is
responsible to appoint two or three devotees to investigate and follow-up on all
suspected or confirmed cases of child abuse.{90}
  b) Suspected or confirmed cases of child abuse must be reported to local
government authorities for investigation and/or prosecution. In India, the ISKCON
Board of Education may authorize a waiver of this requirement if the perpetrator
is willing to sign a statement authorizing the Board of Education to publicize the
incident to all ISKCON-related educational projects and other concerned parties.
  c) All suspected or confirmed incidents of child abuse must be reported
immediately to the local GBC secretary, and within thirty days, to the ISKCON
Board of Education. The ISKCON Board of Education shall review the
investigation and give a finding as to the status of the alleged perpetrator as
confirmed, suspect, or innocent/not- suspected.
  d) The perpetrator or alleged perpetrator must be immediately segregated so
that he has no possible contact with the victim or other children. This segregation
may take the form of relocating the perpetrator to another part of the project,
away from children; banishment from the project (and possibly from other
ISKCON projects with children); or in severe cases, banishment from all ISKCON
projects. The degree of segregation will be determined by the nature and severity
of the offense; the attitude of the perpetrator; the feasibility of protecting the
children from further abuse or intimidation; and the sentiments of the local
devotees, especially the parents. In no case should a confirmed or suspected
perpetrator remain in the local community unless the local ISKCON authorities
obtain the written authorization of no less than 3/4 of the parents of children at
the project or in the community. The local government authorities and/or the
ISKCON Board of Education will make the final determination of the appropriate
degree of segregation.
  e) Any confirmed child abuser may never again serve in association with
children in any ISKCON project. The Board will also make available to all
ISKCON educational proìjects and temples the names of all accused, admitted,
confirmed or convicted child abusers.
  f) Abused children must get appropriate professional counseling so that the
serious ill-effects of the abuse can be minimized.
  g) All ISKCON educational projects must have preventative programs which
train children how to avoid and report child abuse incidents.
  h) The local GBC man (or men) are directly responsible to implement the
measures outlined above. Should the GBC Body find a GBC man or other
ISKCON manager responsible for suppressing or covering-up complaints of child
abuse, or supporting intimidation of those who might complain, the GBC man
shall be open to censure or probation, and the ISKCON manager shall be open
to appropriate disciplinary action.

1991
Kshetra Committee One
1: Gurukula
To provide children with a life long devotional foundation and to progressively
train them according to their natural propensities in occupational duties of
devotional service to Krishna.


1992
86: That Resolution 1990-119 shall be modified as follows (section 2) :
 In countries such as India, where it is not practical to report child abusers to the
police, the local GBC or Continental Committee must establish a mechanism
whereby all child molestation incidents are thoroughly investigated, and
confirmed abusers are banned from residing in or working in all ISKCON
communities. Local resolutions confirming these actions must be forwarded in
writing to the ISKCON GBC Board of Education, and all temples where the
abusers may be likely to travel. The policy should be regularly explained to
the devotees in these countries.

96: The court system in ISKCON shall be broken down into three basic areas
of responsibility: Regional Courts; Continental Courts; and the Global GBC
Supreme Court.
3) No court in ISKCON shall hear cases which are recognized as being of a
criminal nature in the outside world. Examples of this are child molestation,
assault and battery, grand larceny, murder, embezzlement and fraud. Certified
cases of an obvious nature should be turned over to the local governmental
authorities and follow the normal criminal system of justice. The local GBC men
and the Regional Courts may determine when a case should be sent to the
police if there is some dispute whether this should be done or not.


1993
9: [Correspondence Resolution Effective 25 December, 1992] That the GBC
Body establishes a Farm Research Committee to propose guidelines for rural
and farm communities. The Committee shall research the following points and
report to Ksetra Committee 1 as soon as possible. Ksetra Committee 1 shall,
after review, editing and approval, present the full and final report to all members
of the GBC: …
 f) How can we maintain high spiritual standards, efficient and productive cow
protection, viable and efficient agricultural production, and proper educational
programs for our children in these communities?...

66: Dependent Resident Devotees shall have the following obligations and
responsibilities:
  i) To agree to be transferred from one temple to another as may be needed from
time to time. Such circumstances require mutual consideration. (Special
consideration and sensitivity should be given when asking families with children
to transfer to another temple.)

75: The GBC Body approves the appointment of Loka Sakshi Prabhu as the
Coordinator for Grhastha Advisory Services. He will be responsible to the Health
and Welfare Committee Chairman, who will report on the coordinator’s progress
to the GBC Body. The Coordinator’s responsibilities are: …
 c) To work out guidelines in consultation with senior grhasthas in good standing
about child raising, economic security, etc. (theoretical and practical);…


1994
23: That the Board of Education be renamed as the “GBC Education
Committee”. Membership in the Committee and responsibilities are as follows:
Badrinarayan Das, Chairman, HH Jagadisa Maharaj, HH Kavicandra Swami, HH
Gour Govinda Swami, HH Bhaktibhusana Swami, HH Prabhavisnu Swami, Loka
Saksi Das, Bhurijan Das, Bhakturupa Das

The Committee will meet annually in Mayapur to plan international policies and
strategies, interface with the GBC Body, and resolve problems brought to it.
There shall be an “ISKCON Education Office” under the Chairpersonship of
Urmila Devi Dasi in North Carolina with responsibilities as follows:
  a. To develop and print curriculum.
  b. To establish standards for voluntary accreditation of gurukulas worldwide and
manage the accreditation process.
  c. To act as an advisory service for ISKCON leaders and devotees worldwide in
all matters concerning elementary and secondary education and child protection.
It is reaffirmed herein that ultimate responsibility for education and child
protection rests with the local GBC and temple authorities.
  d. To maintain official ISKCON child abuse records and to report to the ISKCON
Education Office Liaison (described below) of any known discrepancies in local
follow up of reports.
  e. Maintain other records, files, mailing lists as appropriate.
  f. To organize the Education Conference on COM and LINK.
  Jagadisa Maharaja will serve as liaison between the GBC Education Committee
and the ISKCON Education Office. He shall supervise and review the activities of
the Office. Any matters which come to the Education Office which are beyond its
scope may be referred to Jagadisa Maharaja, who may refer them further to
other GBC members or to the GBC Education Committee.

 Bhaktarupa Das will serve as Treasurer of the ISKCON Education Office. He
will collect the annual GBC assessments for operation of the Office and manage
the Curriculum Development Fund.
  Urmila Devi Dasi, together with Jagadisa Maharaja and Bhaktarupa Das, shall
decide how the Curriculum Development Fund is to be used for publication work.

27. That persons who after an ISKCON investigation are confirmed to be guilty of
child abuse must report their status to the local temple president upon their
arrival in an ISKCON community. Also, it is the obligation of a temple president to
determine, for every member joining his community, if the newcomer is a
confirmed child abuser. The temple president is then obliged to notify the local
householders and GBC of the offender’s presence.


1995
11: Proposal Name: Re-Organization of Education Office/Board
 B.1 THAT Muralivadaka Dasa is appointed “Director of the Office of Education.”
He may organize a worldwide committee to attain the goals of this office which
are to:
 (a) give child protection training & recording (WHAT?)
 (b) serve as a center for help and information
 (c) develop strategies and goals for ISKCON education worldwide
 (d) oversee the “Office of Accreditation & Curriculum Development ”
 (e) oversee the allocation of the education budget.

 C.1 THAT Urmila devi dasi is appointed “Accreditation & Curriculum
Development Coordinator.” She will develop standards for accrediting schools
and the writing & printing of the curriculum.
 C.2 THAT a committee of Bir Krsna Swami, Bhakti Tirtha Swami, and
Badrinarayana dasa will meet with Muralivadaka Dasa and Urmila devi dasi to
implement this revised system.

13: Proposal Name: Child Protection Guidelines
 a) THAT The local GBC should be advised if a Temple President knowingly
arranges for a confirmed child abuser to be supported by a temple, or live on
temple property without first notifying the householder community as per
ISKCON laws. The local GBC is to supervise the situation to be sure the Temple
President follows the following GBC guidelines:

“In no case should a confirmed perpetrator remain in the local community unless
the local ISKCON authorities obtain the written authorization of no less than
three-quarter of the parents of children at the project or in the community. The

local government authorities and/or the ISKCON Board of Education will make
the final determination of the appropriate degree of segregation. (1990-119.4)”

 b) THAT every GBC makes sure the temple presidents in his zone are made
aware of this resolution and GBC guidelines.


1996
104: That every GBC man and every ISKCON guru should write to those
appropriate members under their jurisdiction (all grhastas and businessman)
encouraging them to actively support education as part of the preaching activities
of ISKCON. The following statements from Srila Prabhupada are recommended
for inclusion:-

 “It is necessary for the leaders of the Krishna Consciousness Movement to start
educational institutions in different parts of the world to train children.” (S.B.
4.12.23)

 “The important members of ISKCON should give careful attention to our Dallas
school.” (Cc. Adi 17.103)
NB. At the time of writing, the Dallas Gurukula was the only one throughout the
world.

  “I consider the gurukula school to be one of the most important aspects of this
movement. It should be given all serious consideration by the members.”
(letter to Stoka-Krsna 6/20/72)

 “I greatly appreciate your activities for conducting our school to the highest
standard of Krishna Consciousness. I consider your work the most important in
the society, because you are shaping the future generation of our Krishna
Conscious preachers. This is not a small thing.” (letter to Rupa-vilasa 6/20/72)

 “I am especially stressing the importance of our gurukula for training up the next
generation of Krishna Conscious preachers. This is the most important task
ahead… It is very important work, and you are especially responsible to make it
successful. All other GBC men should give you all assistance for building up the
standard.” (letter to Satsvarupa Maharaja 7/1/72)

  “Do not neglect this educational program… You GBC members take it very
seriously to develop that school for children. If we lose even one Vaisnava, it is a
very great loss. This gurukula is the responsibility of every GBC man, not just the
zonal secretary. You all should actually participate in its development.”
(letter to unknown 1972)

“It is the most important preaching work; training our children in Krishna
Conscious education.” (letter to Mohanananda 12/11/72)

 “All grhastas who are interested in doing business should do so in full swing…
Let all the grhastas who wish to, execute business… The profits from the
businesses should go first to support gurukula, and the balance may be given for
the local temple’s maintenance… If grhastas want to do book distribution, they
should be given a commission… of which part must go to gurukula. Others, who
are engaged in important society projects, must get something for maintaining
their children in gurukula.” (letter to Jayatirtha 1/22/76)

 B. Copies of such letters should be sent to the International Office of Education
no later than 4/15/96.

105: Whereas our Society has not yet provided clear, secure pathways into
adulthood for our succeeding generations, and there is an urgent need to provide
a broad spectrum of training and occupational placement for succeeding
generations growing up in ISKCON:
  It is hereby resolved that all GBC representatives and ISKCON gurus issue, to
the appropriate members under their jurisdiction, letters encouraging support of
programs aimed at addressing the above problems. Such a letter should include
the following points:
   a) That all departments within ISKCON accept responsibility, as their moral and
spiritual duty, to offer training in their particular skills and expertise to members of
our second generation.
   b) adoption of a “second generation first” policy in terms of placing [or hiring]
devotees in all positions within our society [given certain prerequisite
qualifications are present]
   c) encouraging all privately owned devotee businesses and services to look
first for a member of the second generation to train and employ
   d) addressing the misconception that if an ISKCON devotee or department
trains a second generation devotee and they later take those skills and go
“outside” ISKCON to get a job that this constitutes a loss for ISKCON. Rather,
from such training an enthusiastic and supportive congregation will develop.

 2. It is further resolved that all GBC men ensure that temple presidents in their
zones take responsibility to acquire, distribute, encourage the completion of,
collect, and return the Project Future Hope surveys. This can be done by the
presidents directly or by overseeing someone else taking on this service. The
surveys can be obtained from the North American Youth Ministry Office in Los
Angeles.

106.
Whereas there is no clear format for hearing from, and dealing with, our second
[and succeeding] generations – whose who’ve grown up in our movement, it is
resolved:
  a) that the North American Minister for Youth be recognized to act in an
international capacity, specifically:
   i) accessing ISKCON mailing lists and audiences
   ii) establish reps. in various parts of the world [North European rep., etc.]
  b) that a period [15-30 minutes] be designated annually at a GBC plenary
session for a report from the Youth Minister
  c) a $6000 budget be given to the Youth Ministry with which it will
   i) establish and maintain a Youth Ministry Office
   ii) develop a world-wide data base of second generation devotee youth
   iii) develop a world-wide data base of training and occupational opportunities
for second generation youth
   iv) facilitate the connection of devotees from the above two subsets
   v) produce a bimonthly newsletter describing this ongoing training and
placement
  d) that there be a permanent invitation for the ISKCON Minister of Youth to
attend the Mayapur GBC meetings, and that he/she may elect one other second
generation young adult to attend the meetings with him/her in his/her place with
the approval of the GBC Executive Committee.

107: Whereas it is the responsibility of the GBC Body to provide vision for and
practical assistance for the overseeing of the primary and secondary education of
the children and youth of ISKCON;
 Therefore it is resolved that:
 1. A Ministry of Education be established to fulfill this function.
 2. A group of Muralivadaka dasa (convener), Bhurijan dasa, and Manu dasa be
assembled to perform the following single function: to assemble a greater, more
representative committee suitable to fulfill other tasks, including:
  a) proposing the mission and objectives for the ministry.
  b) proposing an organizational structure for the ministry.
  c) proposing persons to fulfill the positions within the structure, including a
Minister of Education, and, in conjunction with local GBC men, regional
representatives.
  d) proposing five year plans as well as next year’s tasks, together with a
budget and funding plan needed to fulfill those tasks.
  e) submitting a proposal to the GBC Body via COM by the end of June which
expresses the fulfillment of the above tasks.

312: That a Committee be appointed to study the current child protection
guidelines and present a revised comprehensive version (with regional
variations) by next year’s meeting. The Chairman will be Bir Krsna Maharaja.
Members will include Yasoda devi dasi, Murlivadaka dasa, Bhurijan dasa,
Jayapataka Swami, Amarendra dasa, Sesa dasa, and all current members of the
board of Education.

 Bir Krsna Maharaja shall ask GBC members if they need a regional variation on
the guidelines, and, if so, who they will assign to be their liaison and regional
representative.


1997
105 [VISION]: THAT the following is accepted by the GBC Body as the preaching
vision and goals for ISKCON.
1. Goal and Strategy for Qualified Teachers:
 a. BACKGROUND: That in order to maintain our devotees in the preaching
spirit, they need to continually be utilizing their brain to its capacity and providing
them with a challenging and meaningful learning experience within Krishna
consciousness.
 b. GOAL: That all ISKCON personnel who are teaching other devotees on any
subject should obtain the ability and technique required to educate the students
effectively.
 c. STRATEGY: All ISKCON personnel who are teaching or intend to teach
others on any subject should attend and pass the Teachers training course as
soon as possible.
 d. ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY:
    1) All desirous of teaching;
    2) Teachers Training course organizers.

2. Goal & Strategy for Education Oriented Ministries
  a. BACKGROUND: The Book Distribution Minister reported great gains from his
Book Distribution courses and trainers courses. It became evident that this
should be the standard for all or most Ministries in ISKCON and that some more
curriculums were urgently needed.
  b. GOAL: That every Ministry will have nicely developed curriculum and courses
for imparting knowledge in their area of activity.
  c. STRATEGY: That every Ministry shall submit the topics for which they need
training courses to the Adult Education Minister who shall utilize his resources
and work cooperatively to ensure that high quality training manuals and courses
are prepared for each Ministry. The Congregational Preaching Ministry is a top
priority.

 d. ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY: Each Minister, Ksetra Committee, Adult
Education Minister and VTE

302 [LAW]:
  1. THAT gurukula graduates and youth who have been raised in our ISKCON
family are to receive a special ISKCON Youth Membership status offering them
free prasadam and accommodation at any ISKCON temple for one week per
year per temple (provided they are respectful and follow temple rules.)
Membership certificates shall be issued by the ISKCON Youth Ministry on
renewable five year terms to individuals in good standing.
  2. THAT all ISKCON departments, projects, businesses, and other enterprises
controlled by ISKCON members, are strongly encouraged to seek out, train and
employ ISKCON gurukula graduates and other youth raised in ISKCON.
Wherever feasible, such youth shall be given priority over others.
  3. THAT ISKCON temple ashrams have an obligation to provide room and
board to gurukula graduates and other youth raised in ISKCON while they are
pursuing further education and training at colleges, universities, or from our own
skilled devotees. Such youth living in ISKCON ashrams must be of good
character and are expected to be respectful, follow the temple rules, and attend
the morning program. Whenever possible (for example, when there is an income
from parents, financial aid, etc.), they should make regular donations to the
temple. ISKCON Temple Presidents shall do everything feasible to fulfill this
obligation to any youth certified and approved by ISKCON Youth Ministry.

303 [LAW].
 1. THAT the GBC Body gives its blessings to Children of Krishna, Inc. for its
project to raise, manage and disburse funds internationally for the purposes of
funding projects that improve gurukula education, help integrate gurukula
graduates into society, and protect the physical and emotional well-being of
gurukula students and graduates. This project of caring for our gurukulis is one of
the most important elements in ISKCON and it has the full support and blessings
of the GBC Body.

  2. ISKCON leaders are strongly encouraged to make personal contributions
(lead gifts) to Children of Krishna’s annual fundraising campaign to show their
concern for succeeding generations and set an example to others.

306 [ACTION ORDER]:
THAT Harikesa Swami is appointed the Minister of Educational Development. He
is to work on:
  (a) development of curriculum from gurukula to university level,
  (b) finding and training teachers,
  (c) help create higher educational institutions (high school upwards), and

 (d) work with and coordinate with experts in ISKCON education.

501 [LAW] THAT the GBC Body hereby declares that the International Society
for Krishna Consciousness does not condone abuse of any kind, especially that
which is directed towards dependents such as women, children, aged and cows.
Battery, verbal and emotional abuse are destructive to the devotional creeper and
thus considered serious Vaisnava aparadhas. Any attempt to justify this type of
abusive mentality on the basis of sastra is misconstrued and is firmly rejected by
all practicing Vaisnavas.


1998
Resolutions:
3. EDUCATIONAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
301 [LAW]: THAT the Ministry of Education is dissolved.

302 [LAW] THAT the Ministry for Social Development Information is established.
The purpose of this Ministry is to:

(a) help with the development of other ministries in the Social Circle (Cow
Protection and Agriculture, Grhasta and Community Development and Health
and Welfare),

(b) actively pursue improved communications between ISKCON and its
members,

(c) facilitate communications among ministries on matters of social development,

(d) propagate understanding of social principles among devotees by publications,
seminars and visiting devotee communities,

(e) identify competent devotees to head various projects for social development,

(f) engage in fund raising for it and the ministries it represents, in addition to any
funds that the individual ministries are able to generate for themselves. (Funds
are to be allocated by a committee representative of the four ministries).

[Action Order] Lokanatha Swami is appointed the Minister.

305 [LAW]: THAT the proposal of the Child Protection Task Force outlining a
justice system, central office, and various guidelines for GBC Members, Regional
Secretaries and Temple Presidents to assure enforcement and implementation,
is approved in total and is the approved standard everyone should follow.

   ⮚ In 1998 Dhira Govinda das was appointed Director of the Association for
     the Protection of Vaisnava Children, Inc. aka the Child Protection Office.
     This international office was based in Alachua, Florida, USA.


1999
304 [VISION AND GOAL]: RATIFICATION OF CHILD PROTECTION REPORT
THAT the revised ISKCON Child Protection Task Force Report is ratified by the
GBC Body.

504 [VISION AND GOAL]: VARNASRAMA DHARMA AND CARE FOR
DEVOTEES
 Whereas Srila Prabhupada repeatedly and consistently advocated the
implementation of Varnasrama as the panacea for all of societies social
imbalances, and
 Whereas Srila Prabhupada instructed that Varnasrama must be implemented
within ISKCON,
 It is resolved THAT as a humble beginning of the process of implementing
Daivi-varnasrama within ISKCON, the GBC Body emphasizes the need to care
for devotees in the following fundamental areas:
        Children
        Women
        Elderly
        Brahmanas
        Cows
B. The GBC Body encourages the Ministries of Social Development circle to
spearhead this effort.

505 [ACTION ORDER]: COMMUNITY COUNCILS FOR DEVOTEE CARE:
 Whereas the GBC Body recognizes that communication with and caring for
devotees is fundamental to the success of ISKCON,
 It is resolved THAT:
 By August, 1999 each ISKCON center will establish a “community care” council.
The council will assist the local temple management to serve their community by
developing strategies and programs in the following areas (but not restricted to):
        Family counseling
        Health care
        Youth Vocational assistance
        Child protection
        Womens’ care
        Economics
 It is to be understood that each ISKCON community is unique and that each will
develop and adapt its community care programs to suit local needs.

 GBC zonal secretaries or their appointed representative will take responsibility
for the compliance of the temples in their zones and send a simple compliance
report to the Social Development Coordination Ministry by November 1999.
 The Social Development Coordination ministry will make a report to the GBC
Body at the year 2000 Mayapura meeting.
 The Grihasta & Community Development ministry will supply information and
general guidelines to the local community care councils on suggested care &
protection programmes.

601 [ACTION ORDER]: VISVA TOSANI FUND DISBURSEMENT
  A. THAT the GBC Body hereby ratifies the plan to release the principal of the
Visva Tosani Fund to be spent by the GBC Body at its discretion.
    [Note: This was passed by a greater than two-thirds (2/3) majority, as
requested by the managers of the Fund.]
  B. THAT the priorities for the dispersal of the Visva Tosani Fund are: to fill the
GBC Body 1999 budget, including funds for education, child protection,
development of the GBC Executive Committee, research on matters of spiritual
leadership, and the maintenance of ISKCON Russia. The Executive Committee
finance committee (consisting of former and current Executive Committee
officers) shall appoint a Financial Officer who will be responsible for the dispersal
and collection of these funds.


2000
CPO Amendment
618 [LAW]: The time period for giving notice of intent to appeal an Official
Decision by the Child Protection Office is reduced from six months down to one
month. One extra month is given for the Child Protection Office to complete the
filing process of appeals. That is, the time period for the above process for
appealing an Official Decision is two months from the time that a party receives
the Official Decision.

Child Protection Office Funding
620 [ACTION ORDER]: The Child Protection Office shall be funded for the year
2000 as follows:

1. US$15,000 of the GBC annual assessment funds will be allocated to the Child
Protection Office in the year 2000.

2. FURTHERMORE,
 a) The North American Temples need to raise an additional $5,000
 b) The Indian Temples need to raise an additional $5,000

  c) Mayapur Temple will commit half of its agreement from a recent CPO
recommendation for funding this effort, equaling $5,000
  d) Other GBC Body members and Emeritus’ not previously pledging,
including Mukunda Goswami, Giriraja Swami, Hridayananda Goswami, Bhakti
Svarupa Damodara Swami and Balavanta Das, are officially requested to support
this effort, collectively we hope for a total of not less than $20,000
Total to be pledged $225,579

3. GBC Body members and others who pledged funds, and especially those who
expressed a desire to try to raise more money than pledged, are encouraged to
try to raise additional funds to assure there is no shortfall.

4. The Child Protection Office also explored several options for helping to raise
funds for the 2001 pledge including producing a CD by gurukuli musicians as a
benefit and will develop these options during the next year for partial funding of
the 2001 requirement.


2001
606 [RULE OF ORDER]: Appeal Process of the Office of Child Protection
  The system delineated below is the procedure for appealing an Official Decision
of the ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection (ICOCP). This system supplants
any previously defined appeal system, including the appeal system described in
the ISKCON Child Protection Task Force Report. This resolution will now be
incorporated in the ISKCON Child Protection Task Force.

  Therefore it is resolved THAT: an alleged perpetrator may appeal the ICOCP’s
Official Decision against him to the GBC Executive Committee. If that committee
decides that there is sufficient cause to appeal the case, such appeal shall be
handled by a second team of three trained, independent judges, appointed by the
ICOCP, who were not involved in the original case, and who are impartial to both
the alleged victims and the alleged perpetrator. All parties involved in the case,
including the alleged perpetrator and alleged victims, shall be made aware of the
choice of judges in advance of any proceedings, and shall have the right to
appeal a judge’s participation in the appeal panel. Such an appeal may be
submitted to the ISKCON Justice Minister, and the Justice Minister will decide
whether the appealed panel member will be replaced.

  This second panel of judges shall review all of the evidence presented to the
first panel, the Official Decision of the first panel, plus any new evidence,
objections, or recommendations from any party involved in the case, and shall
make a final ruling in the case.

  The director of the ICOCP will not be a member of the appeal panel. The appeal
panel of three trained ICOCP panel members will determine the validity of each
allegation of child abuse, and the appeal panel will also write the final version of
the Official Decision for the case. This final version of the Official Decision will
include directives and recommendations concerning the alleged perpetrator’s
relationship with the ISKCON organization. The Official Decision of the appeal
panel shall be final and binding on all parties, and this Official Decision cannot be
appealed by the GBC or by any ISKCON entity.

610 [GUIDELINE]: Local Coordinator of Youth Programs
Whereas:
– There is an increasing need for engaging our youth in all aspects of our
movement;
– There are more and more youth growing up and coming of age in our
movement;
– ISKCON Youth Ministry requires the help of local representatives to effectively
minister to and engage youth at local levels.
 Therefore it is resolved THAT: every temple, when possible, should have a
Coordinator of Youth Programs to reach out to and engage the youth of the local
congregation.
 This Coordinator of Youth Programs shall coordinate his/her efforts with the
Youth Ministry.


2002
301 [ACTION ORDER]: Updated Vision for the Vrindavan Gurukula
 Resolved, That the GBC Body gives approval for the Vrindavan Gurukula to
make the following adjustments:
 1. To affiliate with the Indian Certificate Secondary Education (ICSE) Board and
the UK Cambridge Testing. ICSE is an Indian non-Government and widely
accepted board. ICSE will allow the Gurukula to continue with its present
curriculum until 8th Standard, but will require the Gurukula to follow the ISCE
Curriculum for 9th and 10th grades, with an increased emphasis spent on
academics during those years.
 2. To split the School into the following two categories:
  a. Bhaktivedanta Gurukula: From 1st standard to 8th (basically Srila
Prabhupada’s Gurukula program)
  b. Bhaktivedanta International School: 9th and 10th Standard (up to 12th
eventually) following the ICSE Curriculum. It will still maintain a spiritual program,
but one adjusted to the needs and mentality of teenagers.
 3. To give reasonable maintenance to the teachers at par with Indian salaries.

2003
301 [ACTION ORDER]: TASK FORCE REPORT CP:
 Resolved that the GBC Executive Committee organizes a complete review of
the Task Force report as well as the CPO’s implementation of that report.
 The review will be discussed and voted on at the 2004 AGM. That review will be
done by whoever are willing of the original members of the Task Force as well as
others added by the Executive Committee.



   ⮚ During 2004 Tamohara das ACBSP was appointed Director of the
     Association for the Protection of Children, Inc. ISKCON’s international
     Child Protection Office remained based in Alachua, Florida, USA.



2005
409 [Action Order / Law]: Child Protection Rules Modifications

  Whereas, the GBC Body endorsed a task force report in 1998, with
modifications approved in 1999, that established an ISKCON Central Office of
Child Protection, gave direction for its functioning, and established as ISKCON
law a body of rules setting out procedures for the investigation and adjudication
of complaints of child abuse in ISKCON.
  And whereas, GBC Resolution 301 of 2003 mandated that a fresh task force
conduct a complete review of both the original task force report as well as the
operation of the Central Office of Child Protection.
  And whereas, this review was successfully completed and the report of the
fresh task force was submitted to the GBC Body in January 2005. This report
recommends some changes and enhancements to the originally adopted rules
and also provides guidelines for the continued functioning of the Central Office,
and the GBC Body wishes to give its full endorsement to this report.
  Therefore it is resolved that the document “Child Protection Office Review —
Task Force Report, January 2005″ is fully endorsed by the GBC Body.

410 [Law]: Child Protection Zero Tolerance Policy

  Whereas, the GBC Body wishes to give guidance to the judges functioning
under the ICOCP rules as to what is the maximum sentence that may be applied
in a particular case, and what would be the circumstances under which such a
maximum sentence may be applied.
Therefore it is resolved that the following section shall be inserted in the Child
Protection laws in Section 4c, after item 1:

   1a. “Zero Tolerance.” Some incidents of child abuse are of such severity that
the judges’ decision would be to invoke a “zero tolerance” sentence. In other
words, the abuser would not be allowed to visit any ISKCON property, attend
ISKCON functions, or have any contact with ISKCON properties or functions of
organizations affiliated with ISKCON for the remainder of the abuser’s lifetime.
  Cases that would be eligible for a zero tolerance sentence include serious
sexual or physical abuse where the evidence is clear and persuasive.
Considerations in determining “serious sexual abuse” would include evidence of
some of the following elements: The sexual abuse includes instances where
violence, force, or the threat of violence is used; the sexual act itself is of a very
invasive nature, the acts are repeated, and where there is great physical or
psychological distress experienced by the victim.
  Serious physical abuse would include some of the following elements: The act
is of a very violent nature, there is long term physical harm to the victim, the acts
are repeated, and there is great physical or psychological distress to the victim.


2006
407 [Law]: Child Abuse Cases Mandatory Restrictions after going through
the Criminal System

  Whereas, in certain cases ISKCON devotees have been found guilty of child
abuse in criminal courts. These cases may or may not have involved ISKCON
temples and projects. Many of these cases occurred within the congregational
setting. As our movement increasingly expands to include a greater
congregation, risk from child abusers may come more from people joining our
movement from the outside rather than from those who have perpetrated abuse
within our gurukulas or temples. Also, as our local Child Protection Teams are
becoming better trained to report abuse to local authorities, many cases will be
decided in the courts rather than in our ISKCON Child Protection Office (CPO)
system. Also, some of these cases may be technically outside the jurisdiction of
the Child Protection Office as they do not occur on ISKCON property or involve
ISKCON officials. Nevertheless, the perpetrators, even if now taking up the
process of devotional service, may still constitute a threat to our children. Further,
if they become involved in any type of leadership positions, regardless of the
degree of actual risk, it will become an embarrassment to our Society, bring
about further loss of faith from our second generation and other devotees, and
constitute needless legal risk to ISKCON. In these cases of clear finding of guilt
by the civil legal process, it is not necessary to go through a lengthy and
time-consuming full Child Protection Office investigation and adjudication. It is
logical that those found guilty in criminal courts should automatically receive
similar levels of restrictions and sanctions as cases which have received CPO
Official Decisions.

Therefore it is resolved that:
  Devotees who have been convicted, or found guilty, in legitimate criminal or civil
court proceedings, or who have been determined by a government agency to
have perpetrated sexual or physical child abuse, will be restricted in their
relationship with ISKCON temples and projects in the following manner:
   They may not reside in temples or stay overnight.
   They may not assume a position of leadership, or publicly represent ISKCON
in any way.
   They may not give class or lead kirtan in any ISKCON-sponsored activity or
event.
   They may not engage in service involving children.
   They may not be present at a temple if their victims are also present.

In certain cases where the individual has been pronounced guilty of severe
criminal child abuse (such as defined in the “zero tolerance” section of the CPO
Policies and Procedures), the offender may be restricted entirely from
participating in ISKCON projects or visiting ISKCON temples. Invoking this
restriction would require the normal full CPO adjudication process and would be
a decision of the CPO judges assigned to the case. In any case, consistent with
current policy, any temple may impose further restrictions on an individual. A
temple is free to totally restrict an abuser from the temple if they so choose.

If there are extenuating circumstances that would warrant the relaxation of the
restrictions in #1 above, that case would need to be appealed by the individual
devotee or a local temple to the ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection
(ICOCP), and the decision would be made by the CPO Appeals Review Board.

409: Youth Initiatives
  Whereas the child abuse lawsuit filed against ISKCON temples in North
America has been resolved, yet more needs to be done to resolve the lingering
issues surrounding the tragic history of child abuse in ISKCON;
  A series of meetings, including three formal sessions between GBC leaders and
Gurukula Alumni, were held in North America to reach out to the youth, hear from
them, and learn what additional steps the youth think ISKCON needs to take;
  A comprehensive report of recommendations has been presented to the GBC
Body by the ISKCON Communications Minister, Anuttama Prabhu;
  Considering all these, it is resolved that:

1 [Action Orders]
 The GBC Body will issue a formal apology letter to the gurukula alumni signed
by all GBC members.
 All GBC members shall insure that by 2008 all ISKCON centers in their
respective zones have child protection teams (CPTs) in place. Each GBC

member will send the names of the CPT members for each center to both the
GBC Secretariat and the Child Protection Office prior to the 2008 Annual General
Meeting.

2 [Guidelines]
The GBC recommends that ISKCON leaders worldwide:
  Act in a way that is sensitive to the needs of those who were abused, while
treating them with respect, love, patience and understanding
  Take steps to improve the care and facilities for children in our communities,
including Sunday schools, parental training, and other educational programs, as
well as providing appropriate facilities like playgrounds, etc.
  Conduct annual child protection awareness training at every temple
  Encourage, value, facilitate and engage the youth and gurukula alumni
  Train and mentor youth and second-generation devotees with the goal of
engaging them in responsible positions
GBC members are recommended to:
  Meet regularly with youth and gurukula alumni, listen to them, encourage them,
and help the society build better relationships with our second generation

Leaders of ISKCON educational venues are recommended to:
 Provide and promote all educational programs at reduced rates for gurukula
alumni and youth. (This includes VIHE, MIHE, VTE, BC, etc.)
All ISKCON leaders are recommended to utilize the Child Protection Office’s
Employee-Volunteer Screening Form. This document may need adjustments to
accommodate local requirements.

411 [Action Order]: Waiving Interest on the George Loan
  Whereas in 1993 the North American GBC took from the Construction Fund a
loan of US $1.5 million, to be repaid with 8% interest per year;
  Whereas a substantial portion of that loan has yet to be repaid;
  Whereas funding the Turley case and the Youth Fund has since the start of the
Turley case heavily burdened the finances of the NA GBC and will most likely
continue to do so till 2011,
  Therefore it is resolved:
  That the loan interest starting from a date to be determined by the BBT trustees
and extending till now is hereby waived.
  That the interest from now till 31st December 2011 is hereby waived, provided
that the NA GBC faithfully makes at least a token payment on the loan every
month.

2007
309 [Action Order]: Definition of Clergy
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:
   1. The individual administers sacraments; or
   2. The individual conducts worship services; or
   3. 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
   4. 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.

312. Clarifying Leadership Standards
Part B. 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 ensuring 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


2009
309 [Action Order]: CPO Review Panel
 Whereas the original mission of the Child Protection Office was an important
and well thought-out effort, and after ten years of operation the Office has gained
additional perspectives on the legal and practical complexities involved;
 Whereas the work of the Child Protection Office has far-reaching consequences
for the victims, perpetrators, and ISKCON as a whole;
 Whereas ISKCON values fair processes and procedures;
Whereas the Child Protection Office has proposed a review process that will
assess the policies and procedures of their office;

 Whereas executive review of the Child Protection Office is a function of the
GBC;
RESOLVED:
 That the GBC hereby creates a GBC Review Panel of the CPO comprised of
three neutral persons with interest or experience with child protection issues. The
members of this panel are to be appointed by the GBC Executive Committee.
Upon completion of the current internal review being conducted by the CPO, or in
conjunction with it, the Review Panel shall review the revised policies and
procedures of the CPO and suggest any amendments helpful in achieving the
objectives of the CPO.

 The Review Panel will periodically, at the invitation of the GBC Executive
Committee, review the CPO’s compliance with its own policies and procedures,
as well as propose or review additional revisions, and will report its conclusions
to the CPO Director and GBC Executive Committee.

  The Review Panel shall not represent or advocate for any person or party, get
involved in legal issues or formal complaints, or rule on the validity of already
issued decisions.

 All information shared with the Review Panel remains strictly confidential. After
each review, the Review Panel will make a recommendation regarding the length
of time until the next review, which should be within three to five years.



   ⮚ During 2009 Champakalata dd IDS was appointed Director of the
     Association for the Protection of Children, Inc. aka Child Protection Office.
     Therefore, the office moved to Durban, South Africa.

   ⮚ June 2011 Lilasuka dasi BKG was appointed Director of the newly
     constituted Child Protection Office for North America, located in Alachua,
     Florida to serve ISKCON centers in the U.S. and Canada.



2011
307: Srila Prabhupada instructed that the Governing Body Commission [GBC] is
the ultimate managing authority for ISKCON. The GBC is responsible to see that
Srila Prabhupada’s teachings are properly represented and that the standards
expected of sannyasis, initiating gurus and other spiritual leaders are upheld.
The GBC holds those who represent Srila Prabhupada as sannyasis and diksa
gurus to the highest standards of moral and ethical behavior.

308: Letter of Censure to Bir Krishna Das Goswami
Dear Bir Krishna Maharaja,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Due to the reasons stated below, you have been censured. A censure expresses
disapproval of your conduct. A censure is an official note of caution.
Please take due notice thereof and rectify the situation.
In 1996, as GBC of ISKCON Hillsborough, North Carolina, you received a
credible allegation that a member of the congregation had committed sexual
abuse of a child some years earlier in another country. While some investigation
was done, and some cautionary steps taken, you failed to properly report the
incident to local authorities, or later to the CPO. Most significantly, the local
community and householders were not notified or made or aware of this potential
threat, contrary to ISKCON Law 3.5.5.1.3.9.
This put the community at risk and created serious potential exposure to
repetition of these incidents.
Your servants on the GBC Body


2013
315. Child Protection Policy Manual (passed by correspondence vote in June
2012)

 Whereas in 1998 the GBC Body adopted resolution 305, which accepted in total
the recommendations of the Child Protection Task Force "outlining a justice
system, central office, and various guidelines for GBC Members, Regional
Secretaries and Temple Presidents to assure enforcement and implementation";

 Whereas with now twelve years of experience of the functioning of the Child
Protection Office, there is a need to update the existing processes based upon
the experiences gained. Specifically, there is a need to expand upon, and clearly
detail, among others:

  (a) the processes involved in dealing with a complaint of child abuse
  (b) the duties and responsibilities of the various role-players in the processes
  (c) the categories of abuse, offenders, and manner in dealing with them
  (d) the scope of jurisdiction of the Child Protection Office

 Whereas there is a need to provide guide` for the prevention of abuse and the
various processes involved in investigating and adjudicating complaints of abuse;

And whereas a committee of Champakalata Devi Dasi (Child Protection Office
Executive Director), Tamohara Das (GBC and former CPO Director) and
Anuttama Das (GBC and original CPO Task Force member) have revised and

edited a new version of the CPO Manual and obtained legal review of the
document:

RESOLVED:

That the current revised version of the "CPO Policy and Procedure Manual" shall
be adopted by GBC Body and become official ISKCON policy.



   ⮚ In 2016 Kamalesh Krishna das BCS was appointed Director of the
     Association for the Protection of Children, Inc. aka Child Protection Office.
     Therefore, the International CPO moved to London, England. Gandharvika
     dd SRS, his wife serves as Assistant Director.

   ⮚ Daksina dd SRS was appointed Regional CPO Director for the U.K.



2017-
303: 2016 Child Protection Action

  Whereas recent videos, publicity, and discussions have drawn particular
attention to on-going problems at the schools in Vrindavan and Mayapur. These
locations are both centers of historic Vaisnava worship and places that Srila
Prabhupada envisioned to be exemplary centers of Krishna Conscious
education, worship and culture. They should therefore be flagships of child and
devotee care; not continued sources of concern or harm.

 Whereas the ongoing problems in Vrindavan and Mayapur show that despite
some genuine efforts, clearly not enough has been done. Local leaders, and
perhaps the GBC itself, are not living up to the expectations demanded of them.

 Whereas direct intervention is needed by the GBC to assure child protection
within our ISKCON Society and Schools, and also satisfy the greater ISKCON
community that the GBC is acting decisively,

 Therefore, the following measures should be put in place regarding the
Mayapur and Vrindavan schools. (We recognize that some of these measures
may already be in place. Such progress is appreciated yet we list the full
requirements below for proper documentation.)

Vrindavan School (Bhaktivedanta Gurukula & International School – BGIS)

 Whereas, several months ago students of the Vrindavan school (BGIS) were
sexually abused off site by a local perpetrator who is known to be a danger. The
school pushed police authorities to have the alleged perpetrator, Devashish,
arrested and a trial is proceeding. To push for the arrest and prosecution in a
region where police are usually unwilling to take strong action is commendable.

  Whereas, that any abuse could again occur in the vicinity of this school -
despite the high priority of child protection we should expect there - is
unacceptable. It demonstrates that the school did not have adequate measures
in place to ensure the safety of its students.

 Whereas, the Director of the ISKCON Child Protection Office has determined
that child protection training, policies, and enforcement are inadequate within the
BGIS.

RESOLVED:
 The Vrindavan school (BGIS) is on notice for a minimum of one year from the
date of the passage of this resolution. Within that time, the school must address
the following mandates or be subject to a GBC discussion and possible decision
to close its boarding school function. It is understood that some of these items
may have been recently put into place. The GBC Executive Committee
representative will be conducting an inquiry shortly after the conclusion of the
midterm meetings to determine the progress and what additional steps are
needed on the following mandates:

1. Administration
 The Principal of the school must live full time in Vrindavan and work full time at
the school.
 The Principal must fulfill all qualifications required of such a post as established
by the Indian Government, and have the appropriate educational background to
oversee such a school.
 The Principal must undergo full CPO training, off site if necessary, at the
school’s expense.

2. Within three months a full time Child Protection Officer must be engaged at the
school.
  a.) The school will pay the salary of the CP Officer at a level appropriate to
attract a qualified, well-trained person.
  b.) The Child Protection Officer is charged with ensuring the safety of the
children at the school, and that they are protected from all forms of abuse. Any

training, policies, or other programs that he or she deems necessary must be
implemented by the Principal.
  c.) The CP Officer will be hired (or fired) with the advice and concurrence of the
international CPO Director.
  d.) The CP Officer is accountable to the international CPO Director and school
administration.
  e.) The CP Officer will file quarterly reports to the local administration, VEB,
CPO, GBC EC, India Bureau EC, and the Principal.

3. Within three months, or at the latest one month after the hiring of the Child
Protection Officer per above, the Principal must provide a detailed plan for
ongoing child protection at the school, in consultation with the CP Officer and the
International CPO Director, considering the school’s unique features and
challenges.

4. The school will facilitate bi-annual inspections by the International Child
Protection Director, or his or her representatives, and cover all the costs of such
a visit. The first inspection should be conducted by January 2017. The visits shall
last as long as needed, as determined by the CPO Director, and during that time
the CPO Director shall have unhindered access to the school and to meet with
students, administrators, parents, teachers, and other interested parties.
  a.) Any recommendations of the CPO must be undertaken by the school
administrators within a time frame established by the CPO.
  b.) Failure to act on those recommendations will be reported to the GBC EC,
and the ISKCON India Bureau, and may be cause for further probation or will
subject the school to a vote of the GBC whether its boarding school functions, or
the entire school, should be closed.

5. If the above steps are not in place within three months from passage of this
resolution then all fund-raising for a new school campus shall be suspended, as
determined by the GBC EC with the advice of the International CPO Director.


Mayapur Schools
 Whereas, numerous problems and complaints have been directed toward the
Mayapur Schools, and several recent CPO investigations and cases have been
undertaken.
 Whereas, despite sincere attempts of the management to address child
protection concerns, these have appeared inadequate to meet the many issues
and problems associated with a very large community with multiple schools.

RESOLVED:

1. Within 3 months the Mayapur Management is directed to reconstitute its Child
Protection Team (CPT), as the current CPT objectivity may be compromised due
to family affiliations. The local CPT should be composed of parents and other
concerned adults. It is recommended that teachers and administrators from the
several Mayapur schools should participate and act as advisors, but shall not
vote nor be the decision makers of the CPT.

2. A full time Child Protection Officer must be engaged at the Mayapur
community and schools within 3 months of the date of this resolution.
  a.) The local schools will share the costs of the salary with the community for
the CP Officer (proportionally as determined MAC with approval of the MEB) at a
level appropriate to attract a qualified, well-trained person.
  b.) The Child Protection Officer is charged with ensuring the safety of the
children at the schools and community, and that they are protected from any
abuse. Any training, policies, or other programs that he or she deems necessary
must be implemented by the respective school’s Principal.
  c.) The CP Officer will be hired (or fired) with the advice and concurrence of the
International CPO Director.
  d.) The CP Officer is accountable to the international CPO Director and local
administration.
  e.) The CP Officer will file quarterly reports to the MAC, CPO, GBC EC,
ISKCON Indian Bureau, and the Principals.

3. The International CPO Director or their representative shall visit the Mayapura
schools a minimum of twice a year. Costs of the visit will be borne by the schools
and community. During that time the CPO Director shall have unhindered access
to all the schools located in Mayapura, and to meet with students, administrators,
parents, teachers, and other interested parties.
Recommendations of the CPO must be undertaken by school administrators
within the time frame determined by the CPO.

4. Failure to act on those recommendations will be reported to the GBC EC, and
the Bureau, and may be cause for further action by the GBC including possibly
ending boarding school functions, or closure of certain schools.

5. The previous principal is required to complete the full mandate of the previous
CPO decision about him. That is, he shall permanently relocate to a living space
off, and away from any school facility. The CPO decision that he must not be
engaged in any administration work must also be followed strictly. The CPO and
Ministry of Education will ensure prior CPO decisions are being followed.

6. School officials shall do whatever necessary to correct the erroneous
conception that the Bhaktivedanta Academy is “Maharaja’s school” as he is
prohibited from managing the school by a prior CPO decision.

Additional Recommendations

 Due to the above mentioned issues and problems with the schools within India,
the ISKCON India Bureau is urged and directed to establish a CPO for India that
will work under the direction of the International CPO and report to both the
Bureau and the International CPO, as is currently done in other regional CPO
offices. Sufficient funds should be provided to ensure a capable Director is hired
along with payment for necessary office functions.

  The Bureau Chairman is requested to report back to the GBC by the AGM 2017
in regards to progress in this matter.

2017 Mid-Term GBC Meetings-
303: GBC Decision Regarding the Bhaktivedanta Gurukula & International
School, Vrindavan

 The GBC hereby establishes that the Vrindavan CPT team now has full child
protection authority over the BGIS school. That team is composed of Gaura
Purnima Dasi (Chairperson), Sevamurti Radhika Dasi, Kirtan Premi das, Nadia
Dasi, and Sri Rama Pandit Das. Additional members may be appointed by the
CPO Director.
 Sevamurti Radhika will continue to serve as the full time Child Protection Officer
for the school.

The CPO International Director, Kamlesh Krishna Das, will be in regular contact
and seek reports from the CPT team and the school management to measure
progress and expected improvements in child protection standards at the school.

The principal of the school, Harikeshwar Das, and Sevamurti Radhika Dasi, will
attend weekly meetings of the Vrindavan Management Committee.

 The Administrators of the BGIS agreed to fully cooperate with the CPT team
above, and recognize that the CPT team is directly empowered as a
representative of the GBC Body.

The CPO International Director will submit a formal report to the GBC regarding
progress, standards, and any violations of child protection in advance of the
Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the GBC in February 2018.

 The GBC shall review this report and make further decisions regarding the future
status of the school at that time.


2018
314: CPO Manual Revision
The revised ISKCON Child Protection Policy and Operational Guidelines as
proposed to the Governing Body Commission by the Central Office of Child
Protection during the GBC Annual General Meeting 2018 are hereby approved
by the GBC.

315: Update on Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School, Vrindavan
 Whereas there has been improvement in the Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and
International School, Vrindavan, in regards to positive communications and
cooperation with the Child Protection Team;
 Whereas this is aiding to establish clear policies and systems to safeguard
children;
 Whereas the GBC recognizes and appreciates this progress, but wishes to see
additional improvements in these areas;
 Resolved: That the Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School will remain
on probation until the 2019 Annual General Meeting.


2019 - GBC North America Resolution:
Domestic abuse is illegal, indefensible and never acceptable within the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Any interpretation of
Vaishnava religious or social teachings that condones, endorses, or justifies
domestic abuse is rejected by the North American Governing Body Commission
(GBC).

Read the full statement here:
https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-statement-on-domestic-abuse,6929/


Read the Appendix here:
https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-statement-on-domestic-abuse-appendices,6930/



2020-
301.03: ISKCON members
[Title] – Policy guidelines for understanding and managing domestic abuse in

ISKCON — 2020
Guideline
 Whereas Srila Prabhupada instructed his devotees to be of exemplary behavior
at all times
 Whereas Grhastha-asrama is meant to be an asrama of peaceful coexistence
and spiritual progress for both husband and wife
 Whereas Srila Prabhupada took special care to engage, facilitate and protect
his women disciples
 Whereas our sastra directs all devotees to protect the brahmanas, the elderly,
children, women and cows
 Whereas sometimes Vaisnava husbands in ISKCON communities use sastric
references or bring in outside non-Gaudiya Vaisnava cultural norms and use
those to justify physical or emotional abuse of their spouse
 Whereas spousal abuse also harms children and the community at large

RESOLVED:
That the ISKCON GBC accepts the GBC Statement Against Domestic Abuse
and the Guidelines contained therein that give guidance to devotees and also
provide resources to leaders and managers who are called upon to deal with
domestic abuse in their communities.

[Footnotes to resolution]

ISKCON North America instituted a Domestic Abuse Policy in 2019. This has
been well received. A modified policy for International ISKCON is available.
(https://gbc.iskcon.org/domestic-abuse-policy/)
(https://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/GBC-Stmt-Domestic-Abuse-2020.docx)
(https://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Domestic-Abuse-Appendix-2020-Intl.docx)



2021
301.03: ISKCON members: Guidelines
Code of ethical behavior - 2021 Online AGM (passed via GEM on August 16,
2021)
Statement:
 Whereas Srila Prabhupada wished his followers to exhibit exemplary ethical
behavior;
 Whereas the GBC Body seeks to encourage ISKCON devotees in such
behavior;
 Whereas since 1975 the GBC has created meaningful ethical guidelines;
 Whereas there is a need of consolidating these guidelines into a concise
document,
 RESOLVED: That the ISKCON GBC accepts the Code of Ethical Behaviour and

the guidelines contained therein as a living document that gives guidance to
devotees and provide resources to leaders and managers who are called upon to
deal with issues regarding ethical behavior.
(https://iskconethics.com/)
(https://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CODE_8-21-21_FINAL_COPY.pdf)

Excerpt from ISKCON Code of Ethical Behavior:
3) ETHICAL BEHAVIOR CONCERNING SEXUAL CONDUCT
3a) ISKCON devotees, in particular officers and directors, are expected to
scrupulously refrain from even the appearance of sexual misconduct in its many
forms. The following categories of behavior are specifically criminal:
• Child sexual abuse, including any sexual activity, involvement or attempt of
sexual contact by an adult with a person who is under the applicable legal age of
consent.
3c) While sexual misconduct is inappropriate for all initiated devotees,
repercussions from such behavior will be more severe for ISKCON officers and
directors.

11) ETHICAL BEHAVIOR CONCERNING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
11a) ISKCON devotees have an ethical responsibility to protect others who
appear to be victims of abuse or neglect, particularly minors. ISKCON officials
are expected to report to appropriate authorities (including the ISKCON Child
Protection Office, police, and child welfare agencies) whenever they have
reasonable concern that a minor in their community is being abused, neglected,
or is living in an unsafe home. ISKCON devotees are encouraged to familiarize
themselves with local laws and learn how to recognize basic indicators of child
abuse and neglect.


2021 GBC Resolutions

May 12, 2021

Dear Devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The following resolutions were passed yesterday in relation to the International
CPO’s review of Lokanath Swami’s case:

1. Lokanath Swami’s authorization to initiate is hereby suspended pending the
completion of the International CPO’s review of Lokanath Swami’s CPO case.

2. Lokanath Swami is hereby suspended from his role as GBC minister pending
the International CPO’s review of his CPO case.

Hare Krsna,

GBC EC Secretary


2022
201.02 [GBC Body Regulations]: REFRAINING THE GBC FROM
INTERVENING IN THE WORK OF VARIOUS ISKCON AGENCIES, OFFICES
AND COMMITTEES Approved 20th JULY 2022 (GBC Virtual Meeting)

  WHEREAS the GBC Body (“GBC”) has created various ISKCON agencies,
offices and committees to which it has delegated authority to deal with abuse of
minors, leadership sexual misconduct and other transgressions involving
ISKCON sannyasis, gurus, leaders and members. As of the date hereof, these
agencies, offices and committees are the ISKCON Child Protection Office
(“ICPO”), the Prevention of Leadership Misconduct Office (“PLMO”), the ISKCON
Sannyasa Ministry and the Guru Services Committee.

 WHEREAS a few of these agencies, offices and committees, such as the
ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry and the Guru Services Committee contain, within
their Guidelines, provisions by which the GBC may be called to act as a
decision-making or appellate adjudicatory body.

 WHEREAS the GBC recognizes the necessity for these agencies, offices and
committees to function without the intervention of the GBC, except in instances
where the Guidelines of these agencies, offices and committees provide
otherwise.

BE IT, THEREFORE, RESOLVED THAT, henceforth, all allegations of conduct
risking or resulting in the physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or
exploitation of a minor shall be directly and automatically referred to the ICPO; all
allegations of a sexual act or behaviour by an ISKCON leader with adults, or
other misconduct, which are in violation of the standard of behaviour for ISKCON
leaders as contained in ISKCON Law as well as the Code of Ethical Behaviour,
directly and automatically to the PLMO; all allegations of misconduct by an
ISKCON sannyasi, directly and automatically to the ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry
and all allegations of misconduct by an ISKCON guru, directly and automatically
to the ISKCON Guru Services Committee. Where any allegation of misconduct
falls under the jurisdiction of multiple ISKCON agencies, offices and committees,
there shall be concurrent jurisdiction of each.

  Except for appointing the CPO and PLMO Directors and approving CPO and
PLMO Guideline and policy objectives, the GBC Body shall refrain from
intervening in the work of the various ISKCON agencies, offices and committees
described herein.

2022 - July 20
GBC Decision Regarding Lokanath Swami
WHEREAS, in 1990, a devotee invited Lokanath Swami to stay with his family for
several days while recovering from a serious injury. The host also “requested
Lokanath Swami to train and impart Indian culture to his youngest daughter, who
was eleven and a half years old at the time” (the “Minor”).

WHEREAS the Minor alleged to ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (“GBC
Body” or “GBC”) three years later that Lokanath Swami had touched her
inappropriately during his stay in the Minor's home;

WHEREAS, the GBC took these allegations seriously and immediately launched
an investigation, which included reaching out to the Minor and her family. The
investigation also included a review by independent mental health experts. The
GBC also imposed certain restrictions on Lokanath Swami;

WHEREAS, the minor (then an adult) raised the issue again in 2010, 20 years
after the original event(s). The GBC then reopened the matter and imposed
additional restrictions on Lokanath Swami;

WHEREAS, there was recently discussion about reopening the Lokanath Swami
matter for a third time;

WHEREAS, the GBC appointed a Review Panel whose work resulted in the
Review Panel Report of the Lokanath Swami Matter (“the Report”);

WHEREAS, the GBC found the Review Panel’s in-depth and professional Report
to be helpful and insightful;

WHEREAS, the Review Panel members, unanimously agreed that: (a) the
allegations concerning Lokanath Swami had been fully investigated in both 1993
and again in 2010-2011; (b) these investigations were adequately documented;
(c) Lokanath Swami substantially complied with the restrictions imposed on him;
and (d) the Lokanath Swami matter be referred back to the GBC to act on the
Review Panel’s recommendations.

WHEREAS, The GBC plans to adopt the attached Resolution 301.02 requiring
that henceforth any plausible claim of abuse or misconduct be directly referred to
the appropriate ISKCON agency rather than to the GBC body;

Based on ISKCON’s ecclesiastical principles and practices as well as the Report,
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that:

1. The GBC Body endorses the Review Panel’s recommendation that the
Lokanath Swami matter, already twice adjudicated, not be reopened for further
proceedings as no new relevant facts pertaining to this matter have come to light,
as of the date hereof.

2. The GBC Body reaffirms its existing policy that an ISKCON Regional
Governing Body (“RGB”) or similar body has the right to restrict any devotee from
visiting and preaching in their region(s), such as has already been done in North
America.

3. Lokanath Swami shall not initiate disciples, in person or virtually, in any region
or area where he has not been welcomed by the relevant RGB or similar body of
area leaders. In the case of rare exceptions that may be proposed to the RGB (or
similar body), the GBC Executive Committee (“EC”) will assist in reaching an
agreeable outcome.

4. This present Resolution is based on and limited to the facts described herein.

Additional information can be found at the end of this article:
https://iskconnews.org/gbc-releases-decision-on-lokanath-swami/

2022 - December 15
Governing Body Commission Resolution Re: The Status of Anirdesya Vapu
das (Formerly known as Bhaktividya Purna Swami)
Whereas, an October 28, 2022, ISKCON Child Protection Office (CPO) decision
determined that Anirdesya Vapu das, previously known as Bhaktividya Purna
Swami, had engaged in the sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and psychological
abuse of a child;

Whereas, it was also confirmed that he had engaged in sexual acts with at least
one adult woman over an extended period of time;

Whereas, a further investigation by the GBC Guru Services Committee has
confirmed the same;

Whereas, such behaviors are in gross violation of Vaishnava codes of conduct,
especially for someone who is trusted to give spiritual guidance as a leader and a
guru. They go against the very principles of care for the vulnerable which should
guide our every action and thought;

Whereas, in February 2007 Anirdesya Vapu das was restricted from accepting
disciples via GBC Resolution 312/B which was based upon a CPO decision from
September 2000;

Whereas, it has been established that Anirdesya Vapu das violated that
prohibition and initiated devotees after that date;

Whereas, based on the 2022 CPO decision and new information about the extent
of Anirdesya Vapu das’ abuses that it revealed, and his other violations, the Guru
Services Committee has determined that Anirdesya Vapu das is unqualified to
serve as either a diksa guru or siksa guru (initiating disciples, or offering spiritual
instruction);

Whereas, the GBC Sannyasa Committee has suspended Anirdesya Vapu das’
sannyasa status, and that is likely to be made permanent in the near future;
Therefore, the GBC affirms that Anirdesya Vapu das is, for the duration of his life,
prohibited from:
·   Accepting disciples in ISKCON; and
·   Serving as a siksa guru in ISKCON; and
·   Giving any form of spiritual guidance or instruction, including leading or
contributing to any classes, meetings, or seminars of any kind, at any ISKCON
temple, or affiliated program, festival, venue, or online forum.

Furthermore, regarding those devotees who accepted initiation from Anirdesya
Vapu das:
If such an initiation was before February 2007, those devotees are advised to
seek spiritual guidance from senior devotees in ISKCON and to continue serving
within ISKCON as they have been doing. They continue to be initiated devotees
in ISKCON, in the line of Srila Prabhupada, with the full privileges and
responsibilities thereof. If any of those devotees choose to seek reinitiation from
a guru in good standing in ISKCON, either now or in the future, they are
welcomed and encouraged to do so. In such a circumstance, devotees should
seek further guidance from their local ISKCON authorities and GBC.

If such an initiation occurred after February 2007, the date that Anirdesya Vapu
das was prohibited from initiating, those devotees are strongly advised to seek
initiation from an ISKCON guru in good standing, as their current initiation status
has no standing in ISKCON.

The GBC Executive Committee will reach out to ISKCON devotees worldwide,
and especially those impacted by Anirdesya Vapu das’ abuse and other actions
to share this information and to offer them appropriate spiritual support.