The GBC, year by year

PolicyRes. 21976-03-07

Children allocated to central gurukulas; over-eights to go to Mayapur and Vrindavan

“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.”

Restated on March 9, 1976 (res. 5): "After 8-years old the children will go to Mayapur and when ready, Vrndavan gurukul." Tamal Krishna Goswami was elected chairman that year.

Dallas gurukula (TKG Academy)Mayapur gurukula (Bhaktivedanta Academy)Vrindavan GurukulaFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 51976-03-09

No independent women's ashram; "a women should be protected by a man"

“ISKCON does not support an independent women’s ashram because in every case a women should be protected by a man.”

One of the "ISKCON Organization" resolutions of March 9, 1976. On March 15 the GBC rejected res. 1, 2, 3 and 10 of that session as "mistaken proposals" on Srila Prabhupada's order; res. 5 was not among them.

Full minutes (archived copy)

Governance1977-03-07

Leaders' fall-downs not to be reported to temple presidents; enquiries go to the GBC chairman

“This proposal was rejected by the GBC:”Authorised written information be sent to all temple presidents concerning factual fall downs or re-instatements of GBC and/or Sannyasis”. Following proposal passed: “For information regarding rumors of fall downs of GBC or Sannuasis write the GBC Chairman.””

A temple presidents' proposal decided by the GBC. Kirtanananda Swami was GBC chairman that year; the rule was made ISKCON law in 1981 (res. 54).

Full minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 271981-03-13

Gurukulas to open only with the Minister of Education's permission

“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.”

Passed as "ISKCON Law". Jagadisha Dasa was appointed GBC Minister of Education the day before (res. 19, March 12).

Full minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 501981-03-13

Grievances to go to the temple president or GBC, not before devotees in general

“If a devotee has any grievances regarding the management of a temple, his complaints should be properly aimed to the local temple president, regional secretary and / or the local GBC representative. The matter should not be acted on or brought before the devotees in general.”

An amendment to the ISKCON laws passed on March 13, 1981, the same day as res. 54.

Full minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 1, 2, 41981-03-18

Chairman empowered to accept Hansadutta's resignation; suspension if he or his men attack devotees

“If Hansadutta Maharaj tenders his resignation from the governing body commission, then the GBC Chairman is empowered to accept it. … If there is any attack, in any way, from Hansadutta Maharaj, or of his men, on any devotees or any ISKCON temples, he will be suspended from ISKCON until the next Mayapur festival. The officers committee has the right to put this suspension into effect.”

Provisional Orders of March 18, 1981. On March 12 (res. 9) the GBC had sent him a letter and named a committee, including the chairman Bhavananda, to meet him.

HansaduttaFull minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 391982-02-28

Sannyasa approved for Radhanatha dasa, Dhanurdara dasa and Nitai Chand dasa, among others

“That the follwing have been approved to take sannyasa order of life at the 1982 Gaura Purnima festival or anytime thereafter: 1. Jagadisha dasa : HDG Kirtanananda Swami 2. Radhanatha dasa : HDG Kirtanananda Swami … 9. Dhanurdara dasa : HDG Satsvarupa Goswami 10. Nitai Chand dasa : HDG Bhavananda Goswami”

Each candidate is listed with the GBC member giving sannyasa. Dhanurdhara was then principal of the Vrindavan gurukula; the minutes do not mention the school.

Radhanath SwamiDhanurdhara SwamiNitai Chand SwamiKirtanananda SwamiBhavanandaFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 11982-03-06

Jayatirtha suspended as GBC member and initiating guru

“That Jayatirtha Maharaja is suspended from his duties of GBC and Initiating guru.”

No reason or period is stated in the minutes. He was removed from the GBC on March 16, 1983.

JayatirthaFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 31983-03-16

Jayatirtha removed from the GBC

“That Jayatirtha is removed as a member of the GBC.”

No reason is stated; his status as initiating guru is not addressed in the 1983 minutes. Bhagavan Goswami took his UK zone.

JayatirthaFull minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 231983-03-17

Sannyasa approved for Tapapunja Dasa, sponsored by Kirtanananda Swami

“The following have been approved to take Sannyasa order of life at the 1983 Gaura Purnima festival or any time thereafter. … 4.Tapapunja Dasa -HDG Kirtanananda Swami”

He had been placed on the one-year waiting list in 1982 (res. 40).

TapahpunjaKirtanananda SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 71983-03-18

Privilege Committee procedure; complaints may come from a member's relative or guardian

“2. The PC shall also have jurisdiction over many complaints alleging wrongful behavior on the party of any ISKCON authority of member. 3. Under appropriate circumstances,the PC may,at its discretion,hear complaints or grievances brought by members relative or guardian of an ISKCON member against any ISKCON authorityv,member of legal entity. … However the PC cannot initiate any investigation or inquiry unless a complaint as described above has been filed.”

Tamal Krsna Goswami was made chairman of the Privilege Committee for the next three years (res. 10, March 18, 1983).

Full minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 11984-03-06

Hansadutta removed from the GBC, as BBT trustee and as initiating guru

“Resolved that Hansaduta Swami is hereby removed from his membership on the GBC, his position as BBT Trustee his position as an initiating guru. .He shall no longer be considered a Sannyasi. All ISKCON corporations are hereby advised that Hansaduta is no longer qualified to serve in any authoritative capacity relative to such corporations. All of Hansaduta’s disciples are directed to accept initiation from another ISKCON recognized guru.”

No reason is stated in the minutes. His north-western USA zone went to Atreya Rsi (res. 5, March 7, 1984).

HansaduttaFull minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 61984-03-07

Kirtanananda Swami ("Srila Bhaktipada") one of three GBCs appointed for Vrindavan

“HH Gopal Krsna Swami,HH Jagadisha Swami,and Srila Bhaktipada are appointed GBC for Vrindahan and surrounding areas traditionally connected with Vrindaban namely UP, MP, and Rajasthan.”

The zonal list of March 8 (res. 8(H)) names "HDG Kirtanananda Swami" as co-GBC for Vrindavan. Bhavananda had held the Vrindavan zone from 1979 to 1983.

Kirtanananda SwamiVrindavan GurukulaFull minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 41986-03-30

GBC blesses initiations begun since September 1985, including Lokanath Swami and Bir Krishna Swami

“The GBC gives its blessings to those who have begun to give formal initiations since September, 1985. They are as follows: … 1. Lokanath Swmi – Padayatra, Pandarpura Delhi … 4. Bir Krsna Swami – North Carolina”

Lokanath SwamiBir Krishna Das GoswamiFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 11986-03-31

Bhavananda may resume his GBC and initiating responsibilities from October 1986

“That all of Bhavananda Goswamis GBC and initiations responsibilities can be resumed by him as of October, 1986.”

The 1986 minutes do not say when or why these responsibilities had been suspended. In March 1987 the GBC removed him from the GBC (res. 3) and suspended his guru status (res. 53).

BhavanandaFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 41986-04-01

ISKCON corporations told to arrange their defence against lawsuits

“The GBC directs the officers and managers of all ISKCON corporations to make all necessary and prudent arrangements to defend the corporations and their properties from legal liability, including lawsuits such as […] Failing to make such arrangements shall be sufficient ground for removal of the officers regional secretaries or GBC zonal secretaries.”

The omitted words name a lawsuit brought by a former member.

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 131986-04-04

Sannyasa procedures amended so that Anir Desya Vapu (later Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami) may take sannyasa

“Due to the recommendation of the Iskcon Managers Meeting the GBC voted to amend GBC proceedures regarding sannyas initiation such that Anir Desya Vapu may be initiatd into the sannyas ashram.”

The 1985 minutes list "Anudeshya Vapu Das" among the sannyasa recommendations for 1987, paired with Bhavananda Goswami.

Bhakti Vidya Purna SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

Governance1986-04-04

Charter of the ISKCON Ministry of Justice

“To provide the worldwide ISKCON community the means to resolve controversies and administer justice expeditiously and equitably. … N B The GBC Body specifically empowered the Minister of Justice to initiate investigations without first having received a complaint and to issue injunctions.”

On March 29, 1986 the GBC named Guru Gauranga Das (a senior GBC member, not the Guru Gauranga Dasa in this site's records) Minister of Justice.

Full minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 11987-03

Ramesvara removed from the GBC

“Ramesvara is removed as member of GBC.”

The minutes state no reason. Res. 96 of the same meeting suspended him as an ISKCON guru.

RamesvaraFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 31987-03

Bhavananda removed from the GBC

“Bhavananda is removed as member of GBC.”

The minutes state no reason. Res. 48 and 53 of the same meeting dealt with his sannyasa and his guru status.

BhavanandaFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 481987-03

GBC consensus that Bhavananda should not continue as a sannyasi

“That Bhavananda Prabhu, after hearing from appropriate devotees shall decide, in close consultation with deputed GBC members, his proper engagement in devotional service according to guna and karma. It is the consensus of the GBC body, however, that he will not be properly situated as a sannyasi.”

BhavanandaFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 531987-03

Bhavananda's status as an ISKCON guru suspended

“That Bhavananda Swami’s status as an ISKCON guru is suspended.”

Continued in 1988 (res. 31); in 1989 (res. 85) the GBC removed him as an initiating guru.

BhavanandaFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 721987-03

Compulsory rules for approving new gurus, including no record of moral turpitude

“GBC compulsory rules for approval of new gurus a) Must be strictly following the four regulative principle and chanting 16 rounds daily. b) Must have been an initiated disciple for at least ten years. c) Must not have had a falldown within 5 years. d) Must have no record of moral turpitude either in his present activities or his previous record.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 871987-03

Graded discipline for gurus, starting with confidential warnings

“a) Warning (or censure) – That when a deviation or neglect of spiritual practices is detected and the deviation or negligence is not very severe or habitual, or when guru is transgressing the approved guidelines and codes for guru behavior (such as canvassing disciples, etc) the guru should be warned (or censured) confidentially. … c) Suspension – That if a guru repeatedly breaks one or more of the regulative principles or acts in a manner which seriously and harmfully disregards existing ISKCON or GBC policies or left his ashram of sannyasa without authorization or left the association of devotees and the ISKCON movement, or completely deviates from standard sadhana, he should be suspended.”

The resolution also sets out probation and removal; the removal clause was reworded in 1988 (res. 30).

Full minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 961987-03

Bhagavan and Ramesvara suspended as ISKCON gurus

“That Bhagavan das and Rameswara das are suspended as ISKCON gurus.”

The minutes state no reason. In 1989 (res. 84) the GBC accepted Ramesvara's resignation as an initiating guru.

RamesvaraFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 221988-02-23

Members and office-holders must seek redress through ISKCON's judicial process, not civil courts

“When a person becomes a member of ISKCON or assumes an office within ISKCON, he does so on the condition of submission to the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of ISKCON; and however much he may dissatisfied with the exercise of that jurisdiction, he shall refrain from invoking the supervisory power of the civil court but shall seek redress of any grievance(s) through the ISKCON judicial process. Otherwise, he may be removed from office and or his membership in ISKCON terminated.”

First passed as a provisional order in 1987 (res. 32).

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 421988-02-25

Jayadvaita Swami appointed Global Minister of sannyasis

“That Jayadvaita Swami be appointed ISKCON Global Minister of sannyasis.”

The post was created by res. 41, among other things "To help the GBC deal with rumors or complaints about Sannyasa."

Jayadvaita SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 451988-02-25

New Vrindaban declared not officially associated with ISKCON

“That New Vrndavan and its satellite temples and centers in Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, Pittsburgh and Morgantown, and any other cities such as Washington, New York and Philadelphia, are not officially associated with ISKCON, as they are not following the GBC directives of 1987 re Kirtanananda Swami.”

Kirtanananda SwamiNew VrindabanFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 571988-02-26

Conditions before a married man may take sannyasa: wife's written agreement, children provided for

“That a grhastha or vanaprastha should not take the sannyasa order, unless: a. the wife is in agreement by writing, and all necessary legal separation papers are provided whenever possible b. All of the daughters are married or financially independent or of legal majority age; c. The sons are self-supporting, or of majority age, and the father has no further legal responsibility d. He has arranged financial support for the wife if there are no grown sons or sons-in-law who have agreed to provide support; and e. He agrees that, in principle, ISKCON is not responsible for such support or arrangements.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 751988-02-27

Ministry of Education replaced by the ISKCON Board 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 following year the Board was told to keep a record of children abused in ISKCON schools (1989 res. 75).

Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 761988-02-27

First members of the ISKCON Board of Education

“The members of the ISKCON Board of Education are: Tosan 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.”

Bhurijana DasaSivarama SwamiRavindra Svarupa DasaFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 771988-02-27

Educational tax on householders to fund the Board of Education

“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.”

Replaced in 1989 by a levy on temples and farms (res. 87).

Full minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 21989-02-20

No second fire-sacrifice marriage after a legal divorce without local and guru consent

“That a devotee in ISKCON cannot be married again by Vaishnava fire sacrifice if the previous marriage is ended by legal divorce, unless the local authorities (Temple President, GBC, etc.) where the divorce occured, and the spiritual master(s) concerned give their consent that there is an authorized Krishna conscious basis for the fire sacrifice.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 681989-03-11

Ilapati (later Bhakti Vikasa Swami) approved to take sannyasa

“That Ilapati Prabhu is approved to take sannyasa.”

Bhakti Vikasa SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 841989-03-11

Ramesvara's resignation as an initiating guru accepted

“Recognizing the valuable service rendered to ISKCON by Ramesvara das, the GBC accepts his resignation as an initiating guru in ISKCON. We hope that he will return to active devotional service. His initiated disciples should seek spiritual shelter elsewhere in ISKCON.”

RamesvaraFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 851989-03-11

Bhavananda removed as an initiating guru

“Recognizing the valuable service rendered to ISKCON by Bhavananda das, the GBC hereby removes him as an initiating guru in ISKCON. We hope that he will return to active devotional service. His initiated disciples should seek spiritual shelter elsewhere in ISKCON.”

No reason is stated.

BhavanandaFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 127

GBC statement on Kirtanananda Swami restates the 1987 grounds without listing any accusations

“In Resolution 87-8, the GBC expelled Kirtanananda Swami for minimizing the pre-eminent position of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as the Founder- Acarya of ISKCON, for rejecting the Governing Body Commission as the ultimate managing authority in ISKCON, for creating a movement separate from ISKCON, for systematically misrepresenting ISKCON, etc.”

Issued under res. 94, which asked that "Any accusations that have been verified should be made known." The statement does not repeat the 1987 clause on "numerous, serious illegal acts".

Kirtanananda SwamiNew VrindabanFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 96

GBC willing to reconsider Manihara das's ban after his California trial

“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.”

Manihara DasFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 1011990-03-02

Devotees remarried after divorcing a devotee spouse barred from the GBC

“That no devotee who has remarried after having been divorced from a devotee-spouse shall serve as a member of the Governing Body Commission. Exempt from this law are devotees who become divorced against their desire by the action of their spouses, or as a consequence of their spouses’ becoming committed non-devotees.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 25

Case-by-case support for "widows" whose husbands took sannyasa

“That, for those widows in ISKCON whose husband took sannyasa prior to March 1988, any needs that they may have for financial support shall be taken up on a case-by-case basis by the Health and Welfare Committee. The Committee should act as a “placement agency” attempting to match widows with temples and service opportunities. The goal should be to find a temple which will provide shelter in exchange for reasonable service.”

"Widows" here means wives whose husbands left married life to take sannyasa.

Full minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 87

Umapati Swami and Varsana Swami welcomed back to ISKCON as sannyasis

“That the GBC Body welcomes back to ISKCON: HH Umapati Swami and HH Varsana Swami. We recognize their qualifications to serve as sannyasis and appreciate the contribution to ISKCON they are making.”

Res. 88 recommended that they "regularize their situation and reaffirm their sannyasa vows from an ISKCON sannyasa guru." In 2011 (res. 307) the GBC ruled that Umapati "shall no longer be accepted as a sannyasi, nor may he function as an initiating guru".

Umapati SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 94

Nitai Cand Goswami to preach outside India for most of the year

“That, in response to HH Nitai Cand Goswami’s request to the GBC Body for guidance, it is resolved that he expand his preaching activities outside of India for nine to ten months of the year for the next two to three years. Like others, he may spend the month of Kartik in Vrindaban and the Gour Purnima Festival.”

The minutes give no reason and do not quote his request.

Nitai Chand SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 96

ISKCON courts not to hear criminal cases such as child molestation

“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.”

Last paragraph of the resolution restructuring ISKCON's justice system, passed at the same meeting as res. 86.

Full minutes (archived copy)

Governance

The ISKCON Mayapur GBC Committee named

“The ISKCON Mayapur GBC Committee shall be Bhakticaru Swami, Harikesa Swami, Jayapataka Swami, and Naresvara das.”

In January 1993, according to ISKCON's child-protection office, the Mayapur GBC Committee said Satadhanya dasa had been "punished sufficiently".

Jayapataka SwamiSatadhanya DasaISKCON MayapurFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 29

GBC must correct its representatives but "cannot be held liable"

“That the GBC Body is responsible for establishing the proper standards of conduct for its members and others to whom it delegates authority. If an individual to whom the GBC Body has delegated authority fails to perform his mandated duties or acts in a manner contrary to ISKCON law or principle, then the GBC Body is responsible to correct or remove the deviant. If it is demostrated [sic] that the GBC Body did not function in a timely manner to rectify one of its representatives, and as a result, an individual ISKCON temple or project suffers inordinately, then the GBC Body should consider how to help the local temple or project overcome its difficulties, but the GBC Body cannot be held liable in any way.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 49

General apology to devotees hurt by ISKCON leaders

“Whereas the GBC is hopeful that in the spirit of the Srila Prabhupada Centennial all of Srila Prabhupada’s family may unite for this celebration, and understanding that this may only be a first step in many cases, the GBC body hereby formally extends apologies to any devotees who have been hurt by poor treatment or mistakes made by ISKCON leaders.”

The resolution does not mention children or abuse.

Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 14

Radhanath Swami made assistant GBC and guru, provided he is not indicted in the case against Kirtanananda

“That HH Radhanatha Swami is appointed as an assistant GBC and initiating guru, provided the United States Government does not indict him in its case now pending against Kirtananda Swami.”

Res. 13 of the same meeting "unanimously welcomes HH Radhanatha Swami and the League of Devotees Temples back to ISKCON."

Radhanath SwamiKirtanananda SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 15

Women may not take sannyasa

“Whereas it is against Vedic and Vaisnava principles for women to take sannyas, and whereas it is not authorized by Srila Prabhupada, it is resolved that those women rejoining ISKCON after taking sannyas are free to rejoin their families. If any woman devotee is internally committed to celibacy they are welcome to follow that decision in ISKCON in white cloth and to render devotional service up to their full capacity and dedicate themselves to the sankirtan movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 23

ISKCON Education Office to keep the official child-abuse records

“That the Board of Education be renamed as the “GBC Education Committee”. Membership in the Committee and responsibilities are as follows: Badrinarayan Das, Chairman, … There shall be an “ISKCON Education Office” under the Chairpersonship of Urmila Devi Dasi in North Carolina with responsibilities as follows: … 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.”

Bhurijan Das and Prabhavisnu Swami were also members of the GBC Education Committee. Jagadisa Goswami, the GBC chairman that year, was to "supervise and review the activities of the Office".

Badrinarayan SwamiBhurijana DasaPrabhavishnu DasFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 27

Confirmed child abusers must report themselves to the local temple president

“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.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 11

Muralivadaka Dasa made Director of the Office of Education, with child-protection training and recording

“THAT Bhurijana Dasa is appointed Chairman of the GBC Education Sub-Committee. … 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?)”

"(WHAT?)" is printed in the official minutes; Bir Krishna Swami and Badrinarayana Dasa sat on the sub-committee and on the group to implement the new system. In 1998 ISKCON's Central Office of Child Protection found, and he admitted, that he had fondled four boys as a teacher and headmaster up to 1989.

Muralivadaka DasaBhurijana DasaBir Krishna Das GoswamiBadrinarayan SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 13

Child Protection Guidelines: confirmed abusers living on temple property

“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. … 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 inner quotation restates section 4 of the GBC's 1990 child-abuse policy (res. 119).

Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 39

Umapati Swami authorized as an initiating guru

“THAT Umapati Swami be authorized as an initiating guru in ISKCON.”

In 2011 (res. 307) the GBC ruled that he "shall no longer be accepted as a sannyasi, nor may he function as an initiating guru", after accusations that he had violated "the required standards of behavior for a Krishna conscious leader".

Umapati SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 60

New Vrindaban devotees who reject Kirtanananda welcomed back; Radhanath Swami co-GBC for West Virginia

“the GBC body welcomes back all devotees of New Vrindaban who have rejected the authority of Kirtanananda Swami and who again wish to be a part of ISKCON; … Bhakti Tirtha Swami and Radhanath Swami shall be co-GBC for West Virginia. They shall act as liaison between the GBC body and New Vrindaban during the transition to full ISKCON affiliation.”

Kirtanananda SwamiRadhanath SwamiNew VrindabanFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 71

Children may accept a siksa guru with the approval of a gurukula principal and a parent

“Someone who has been connected with the Krsna consciousness movement for more than one year either as a congregational member or a mature child brought up in a Krishna conscious devotee’s household shall be allowed to accept an ISKCON guru as a siksa guru and be accepted as an aspirant for shelter and initiation in the future, provided the temple president or gurukula principal (for gurukula students) gives his approval and, in the case of a minor child, a parent gives approval.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 102

International Women's Ministry set up to address abuse and sexual impropriety

“The GBC Body shall establish an International Women’s Ministry. This Ministry will address the following concerns in a clear, mature, and deliberate manner: … 4. Addressing issues of abuse and sexual impropriety in ISKCON. … 4. Positive, regional guidelines for protecting ISKCON women, including domestic violence, sexual impropriety, etc.”

The second item 4 is among “the first duties of this Ministry”. No International Women's Minister is named in the 1997–1999 minutes.

Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 107

Ministry of Education created, with Muralivadaka dasa as convener

“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”

The minutes do not say whether the GBC knew of allegations against Muralivadaka dasa. The ministry was dissolved by 1998 res. 301.

Muralivadaka DasaBhurijana DasaFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 705

Mayapur gurukula students thanked, "under the direction of" Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami

“Special thanks to the Mayapura devotees and gurukula students under the direction of H. H. Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami, for preparing and serving Krishna prasadam.”

The only mention of the Mayapur gurukula's head in the 1996–1999 minutes.

Bhakti Vidya Purna SwamiMayapur gurukula (Bhaktivedanta Academy)Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 707

Lokanath Swami made Minister of Information for Mayapur

“Whereas Lokanath Maharaj has been a great inspiration for ISKCON and has proven his ability to lead and inspire projects of international importance. … Lokanath Maharaj shall be the Minister of Information for Mayapur (or some other name to be finalized).”

The GBC's 2022 resolution on him states that a minor's allegation reached the GBC three years after 1990, and that the GBC investigated and imposed restrictions.

Lokanath SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 501

ISKCON "does not condone abuse of any kind"

“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.”

Passed as ISKCON law. Sexual abuse is not named.

Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 305

Child Protection Task Force proposal approved — justice system and central office

“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.”

The founding resolution for the central child-protection office. The minutes name neither the task-force members nor the office's director.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 603

Hansadutta's 1983 expulsion and 1984 removal reconfirmed

“THAT the GBC hereby reconfirms the following resolutions regarding Hansadutta that were passed on July 8, 1983 at an extraordinary meeting of the GBC held in ISKCON Miami, USA: “1. That Hansadutta [Swami] (alias Jack London, alias Hans Kary) is no longer a member of ISKCON, the GBC, the BBT, or an initiating guru, due to his moral and spiritual deviations.”

Res. 603.2 also reconfirms the March 6, 1984 resolution removing him from the GBC, as BBT trustee and as initiating guru.

HansaduttaFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 304

Revised Child Protection Task Force Report ratified

“THAT the revised ISKCON Child Protection Task Force Report is ratified by the GBC Body.”

Filed as “Vision and Goal”; the report's text is not in the minutes.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 403

GBC apology for the "excesses and abuses of the zonal acarya system"

“Thus, the GBC Body, both individually and collectively, wishes to express its deepest apologies to, and beg the forgiveness of, the followers of Srila Prabhupada who were offended or hurt by our past decisions resulting in the excesses and abuses of the zonal acarya system and its ongoing ramifications.”

Part A, “Apology to Society from the GBC Body”, of a resolution concerning gurus in ISKCON. It does not mention children.

Full minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 405 H

Gurus not to be alone with members of the opposite sex

“Gurus shall not personally engage single members of the opposite sex, or married members of the opposite sex without their spouse, in direct personal service, and should never be alone or in a solitary place with them as ordained by sastra.”

Part of the ISKCON law on standards of guru worship.

Full minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 501

GBC apology to the women of ISKCON

“the members of the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness offer their humble apologies to the women of Srila Prabhupada’s society who, because of our own shortcomings and those of the Society, have suffered due to a lack of protection, support, facility and appreciation for their service, devotion and vast contributions to the Society”

Full minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 608

Guru Services Committee created to check gurus' conduct

“A Guru Services Committee is hereby established with the purpose to resolve present and perspective guru topics. This committee is to: A. Ascertain whether each guru is following the standard practices of Krsna consciousness, including: … (b) has proper relationships with others according to his asrama, especially with the opposite sex,”

Members named: Anuttama Das, Virabahu Das, Ravindra Svarupa Das, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Prahladananda Swami and Visakha Devi Dasi.

Ravindra Svarupa DasaFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 618

Time limit to appeal a child-protection decision cut to one month

“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.”

Headed “CPO Amendment”; the 2000 minutes use the number 618 twice.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 618

Women may speak in temple classes and get half the temple room

“A. All ISKCON temples are to allow all qualified devotees, regardless of gender, to speak on Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, etc. during the regular temple class. B. All ISKCON temples designate half of the temple room area, divided in the center from the altar, for the ladies.”

The 2000 minutes use the number 618 twice. In 2002 (res. 502/2002) the GBC appointed a subcommittee to discuss objections to this resolution with ISKCON leaders in India.

Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 620

Child Protection Office funding for 2000

“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.”

North American temples, Indian temples and the Mayapur temple were each to add $5,000; the office's director is not named in the 2000 minutes.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 605

Fundraising for the legal defense of North American temples

“THAT the GBC Body and its respective members pledge their support and assistance to Bhakti Caru Swami in his endeavor to raise US$10,000 per month towards the legal defense of North American ISKCON temples.”

The lawsuit is not named here; res. 616 of the same meeting names the Turley lawsuit. Res. 604, just before, is printed as “[UNPUBLISHED]”.

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 606

Appeals against child-protection decisions go through the GBC Executive Committee

“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 … 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.”

The resolution provides an appeal for the alleged perpetrator; it supplants the appeal system of the Child Protection Task Force Report.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeGBC Executive CommitteeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 616

Ravindra Svarupa dasa to handle the Turley lawsuit for the Executive Committee

“THAT the GBC delegates Ravindra Svarupa dasa specifically to represent the Executive Committee in dealing with issues involving ritvik temples and court cases in India and with issues involving the Turley lawsuit in the United States.”

The first mention of the Turley lawsuit in the published minutes.

Ravindra Svarupa DasaInternational Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)GBC Executive CommitteeFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 301/2002

Vrindavan gurukula to adopt a recognised secondary curriculum

“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.”

The school was to be split into the Bhaktivedanta Gurukula (1st to 8th standard) and the Bhaktivedanta International School (9th standard upward).

Vrindavan GurukulaFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 301

Review of the Child Protection Task Force report and the office's work ordered

“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's report was endorsed in 2005 (res. 409).

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeGBC Executive CommitteeFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 405

Kesava Bharati blessed to resume sannyasa

“The members of the GBC Body give their blessings to His Holiness Kesava Bharati Maharaja for resuming his sannyasa.”

The minutes give no reason why his sannyasa had lapsed; in 2002 the minutes style him “Kesava Bharati dasa”.

Kesava Bharati Dasa GoswamiFull minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 412

Lokanath Swami made global coordinator for Prabhupada's 108th anniversary

“H.H. Lokanath Swami was successful in performing the service of Srila Prabhupada Centennial Global Minister, … H.H. Lokanath Swami will take up the service of global coordinator for this project.”

The GBC's 2022 resolution on him states that a minor's allegation reached the GBC three years after 1990, and that the GBC investigated and imposed restrictions.

Lokanath SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 402

Suhotra Swami to leave sannyasa under Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami's guidance in Mayapur

“Suhotra Swami has expressed difficulties maintaining proper behaviour in the sannyasa ashrama. … 2) Under the guidance of Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami, his friend and previous sannyasa guru, he will engage in a daily program of increased chanting, hearing and austerity in Sri Mayapura Dhama. He will be regularly monitored by the GBC Executive Committee.”

The GBC's 2022 resolution on Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami refers to a child-protection decision against him from September 2000.

Bhakti Vidya Purna SwamiGBC Executive CommitteeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 409

Child Protection Office review report endorsed

“Therefore it is resolved that the document “Child Protection Office Review — Task Force Report, January 2005” is fully endorsed by the GBC Body.”

The review was ordered by 2003 res. 301.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 410

Child-protection "zero tolerance" sentence introduced

“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.”

Inserted into the child-protection laws as guidance on the maximum sentence child-protection judges may impose.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 407

Mandatory restrictions on devotees convicted of child abuse

“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.”

A total ban from ISKCON projects still requires a full child-protection adjudication; relaxations may be appealed to the Central Office of Child Protection.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 420

Task force on abuse of women in ISKCON

“The GBC Body hereby directs the GBC CCO and Tamohara Prabhu to coordinate a Task Force to define and deal with abuse against women in ISKCON.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 312 C

GBC apologises to Dhanurdhara Swami for slow 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. … In conclusion, we never wanted you to leave the ISKCON society. We humbly request you again to remain an active member in ISKCON.”

Part C of the same resolution whose Part B extended child-protection leadership restrictions to the post of initiating guru.

Dhanurdhara SwamiISKCON Child Protection OfficeVrindavan GurukulaFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 312 D

Reconciliation plan for past child abuse, including failures of oversight

“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 plan was to be presented at the June 2007 meetings; no follow-up resolution on it appears in the 2008 minutes.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 306

Balabhadra Das (formerly Bhakti Balabh Puri) removed as guru and sannyasi; membership suspended

“1. As per Balabhadra Das’s request, he shall no longer function within ISKCON as a spiritual master or as a sannyasi. 2. Balabhadra Das shall no longer represent the Society in any position of authority now or in the future. 3. His membership in ISKCON is suspended until he personally contacts the GBC Executive Committee and makes appropriate steps to be re-instated as a member of the Society. … The Body notes that Sivarama Swami, feeling responsible that Balabhadra Das’s deviations took place for the most part under his jurisdiction as GBC, has thus tendered his resignation as a GBC member. The GBC Body, however, does not accept the resignation.”

The resolution does not say what the "deviations" were; it refers to an Executive Committee report and an agreement of August 2007.

Bhakti Balabh Puri GoswamiSivarama SwamiGBC Executive CommitteeFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 311

Endnotes recommended for passages on women and rape in Prabhupada's books

“Whereas some ISKCON devotees may have used these statements out of context as an excuse to offend, neglect and abuse women; … RESOLVED: That the GBC Body recommends to the BBT Trustees that the above quotes, and other such statements as determined by the BBT, be explained in endnotes or in appendices.”

The passages quoted in the resolution include SB 4.25.41, 4.25.42 and 4.26.26. Rescinded in 2009 (res. 306).

Full minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 306

2008 endnotes resolution on women and rape passages rescinded

“That the GBC endorses the BBT plan to create a website to address concerns arising from certain statements within Srila Prabhupada’s books. Accordingly, Resolution 311 of 2008 is hereby rescinded.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 309

GBC Review Panel of the Child Protection Office created

“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. … 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.”

The panel's members are not named in the 2009–2013 minutes.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeGBC Executive CommitteeFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 305

Param Gati Swami steps down as a sannyasi

“Param Gati Swami has decided in consultation with the Sannyasa Ministry that it would be in his best interest to step down indefinitely as a sannyasi. This was seen as being favorable for rectifying problems he faced in the sannyasa asrama in the past. The GBC Body has accepted this decision. The Sannyasa Committee will monitor his service and his situation will be reviewed after three years.”

The 2009 meeting had accepted his resignation as a GBC member (res. 101.12) without stating a reason.

Param Gati SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 307

Ten-year conduct standard for GBC members, zonal secretaries and temple presidents

“Henceforward, a devotee shall not be approved to serve as a GBC Member, RGB Member, Regional Secretary, Zonal Secretary, Project Director, other Officer of an International ISKCON project, or Temple President of any ISKCON center, if, as determined by the appointing authority, within the ten years preceding the appointment he or she: a. Seriously deviated from the standard initiation vows; or … c. Engaged in serious criminal activity according to the law of the land; or d. Otherwise engaged in an act of moral turpitude, as defined in the ecclesiastical discretion of the GBC, and/or the law of the jurisdiction in which the devotee candidate resides.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 308

Guru approval standards rewritten around a ten-year window

“2. Must have been strictly following the four regulative principles, regularly attending the morning program, and chanting sixteen rounds daily, and have otherwise remained in good standing for the previous ten years. 3. Must not exhibit tendencies toward behavior contrary to Vaisnava moral principles.”

These replace the earlier rules "Must not have had a fall-down within five years" and "Must evince no tendency towards moral turpitude in his present or past activities."

Full minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 307

Umapati Swami no longer accepted as sannyasi or initiating guru

“In recent years, accusations were presented to the GBC that Umapati Swami had violated the required standards of behavior for a Krishna conscious leader. The GBC carefully considered these allegations and determined that Umapati Swami, now Umapati Das, shall no longer be accepted as a sannyasi, nor may he function as an initiating guru within our society.”

The resolution does not state what the accusations were; ISKCON will not recognise his initiations after February 2010.

Umapati SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 311

Prabhavisnu Das resigns as GBC member, sannyasi and initiating guru

“Whereas in a letter to the GBC Body dated January 7 2012, Prabhavisnu Das stated as follows: “I have resigned from all positions of leadership within ISKCON, including GBC member, sannyasa and initiating guru;” … The GBC accepts Prabhavisnu Das’s resignation as stated above.”

The resolution gives no reason for the resignation.

Prabhavishnu DasFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 315

Revised child-protection manual adopted as ISKCON policy

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

Passed by correspondence vote in June 2012 and recorded in the 2013 minutes. The June 2012 manual states: "Physical discipline in any form for the behavior management of children is prohibited."

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 311

Reinstatement rules for devotees who left or were removed

“Notwithstanding the above, in the following cases reinstatement may only be granted by simple majority vote of the full GBC Body: 1. Devotees who were ISKCON initiating gurus at the time of their original departure from ISKCON, or devotees who accepted disciples since leaving ISKCON; 2. Devotees who have been found guilty of any serious offence.”

In other cases reinstatement follows if no GBC member objects within 90 days.

Full minutes (archived copy)

On a caseRes. 312

GBC concerns about Hridayananda Das Goswami's criticism and "relaxed behavior as a sannyasi"

“As GBC chairman Praghosa Das strongly pointed out to Hridayananda Das Goswami that the GBC has two immediate areas of concern with him: 1. His strong criticism of the GBC and ISKCON. 2. His relaxed behavior as a sannyasi.”

The minutes do not explain the "relaxed behavior". At the October 2017 mid-term meeting he was elected a GBC member with responsibility for Brazil (res. 101(1)).

Hridayananda Das GoswamiFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 313

Bhakti Vikasa Swami's book on women declared his private opinion

“The opinions expressed by Bhakti Vikasa Swami in his book "Women: Masters or Mothers" are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not necessarily reflect the views and practices of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), or its Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.”

Bhakti Vikasa SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 303

Mayapur schools: former principal must comply with an earlier child-protection decision

“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. … 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.”

Part of the same resolution; it does not name the former principal. It also threatens "possibly ending boarding school functions, or closure of certain schools" in Mayapur if the measures are not taken.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeMayapur gurukula (Bhaktivedanta Academy)Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 303

Vrindavan school put on notice over child protection

“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. … 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.”

Titled "2016 Child Protection Action"; the 2017 minutes say it was originally passed at a mid-term meeting. It states that students had been sexually abused off site by a local man and that the school pushed police to arrest the alleged perpetrator.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeVrindavan GurukulaFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 3032017-10

Child-protection team given full authority over the Vrindavan school

“The GBC hereby establishes that the Vrindavan CPT team now has full child protection authority over the BGIS school.”

Passed at the mid-term meeting in Ujjain, October 9–17, 2017.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeVrindavan GurukulaFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 311

Office for the Prevention of Leader Misconduct established

“Whereas ISKCON does not have established formal Policies and Procedures to maintain ecclesiastical leadership standards within our Society regarding Sexual Misconduct of Leaders nor does ISKCON have methodologies to respond appropriately when a leader demonstrates Sexual Misconduct; … 1. The ISKCON International Office for the Prevention of Leader Misconduct (PLM Office) be established as a permanent ISKCON organizational entity subject to review by the GBC Body (as with other Offices and Ministries).”

By res. 312 the GBC appointed Champakalata Devi Dasi its director from March 2018 to February 2020.

Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 314

Revised child-protection guidelines approved

“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.”

The approved guidelines say ISKCON personnel "shall immediately make any report required by law" to the civil authorities, and: "There is no statute of limitations within the CPO system."

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 315

Vrindavan school kept on probation

“Resolved: That the Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School will remain on probation until the 2019 Annual General Meeting.”

Vrindavan GurukulaFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 426.15

Legal Development Committee recognised to draft ISKCON's procedures for misconduct cases

“Whereas internal ISKCON investigations, in principle, are based on the enforcement of ecclesiastical standards and acceptable moral and ethical behavior of ISKCON devotees, and as such they will not supersede any secular criminal investigations; … That the GBC Body hereby recognizes that an “ISKCON Legal Development Committee” has been created by the ISKCON Ministry of Justice and has been delegated the following responsibilities: 1. To develop and confirm all judicial policies and procedures with the GBC Body to effectively address transgressions and misconduct of ISKCON members. … This resolution and the committee so created do not supersede the existence, duties, policies or independent status of the ISKCON International Child Protection Office.”

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 301.03

Statement and guidelines against domestic abuse adopted

“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 … 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.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

AppointmentRes. 411.01

Lokanath Swami named minister of the new Harinama Sankirtana Ministry

“That the World Holy Name Committee is hereby reconstituted as the ISKCON Harinama Sankirtana Ministry. … The Minister shall be Lokanath Swami.”

According to 2022 res. 301:06, the allegation that he had touched a minor reached the GBC in 1993 and was raised again in 2010. He was also listed as Padayatra Minister in 2019 and 2020 (res. 805.1, 805.01).

Lokanath SwamiFull minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 451.022021-03-31

Policies on leaders' sexual misconduct adopted

“The document entitled International Policy and Procedure Guidelines is hereby adopted as ISKCON’s official policies on: (a) preventing Leader Sexual Misconduct (b) responding to complaints and (c) conducting investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct by leaders in ISKCON and resultant disciplinary proceedings.”

The Prevention of Leader Misconduct Office had been established in 2018, according to the resolution's preamble.

Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 408:012022-12-14

Inquiry ordered into child-protection lapses at the Mayapur and Vrindavan schools

“Whereas it has been brought to the attention of the GBC Body that there were lapses in the implementation of sufficient child protection measures in the ISKCON Mayapur and Vrndavana Schools … The GBC conducts an inquiry to identify the lapses in the implementation of child protection measures at ISKCON Mayapur and Vrndavana schools”

The resolution names Jayapataka Swami among the GBC zonal secretaries "with authority over Mayapur". The inquiry's report (8 February 2023) states: "Had all the GBC resolutions been enforced, had historic CPO sanctions been implemented, it is almost certain that many children would not have been abused."

Jayapataka SwamiISKCON MayapurISKCON Child Protection OfficeMayapur gurukula (Bhaktivedanta Academy)Vrindavan GurukulaFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 450.032023-12-13

Committee formed to find a new child-protection director

“The GBC hereby forms a committee composed of the Executive Support Office, along with Navin Krishna Das, Champakalata Devi, Chaitanya Mangala Das, Govinda Lilamrita Devi, the regional CPO Directors, and the CPO advisor Anuttama Das, to identify qualified candidates for CPO directorship. The current CPO Director, Kamalesh Krishna Das, will be consulted in this process.”

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 450:01

Revised child-protection office guidelines approved

“The revised ISKCON Child Protection Office Policy and Operational Guidelines are hereby approved by the GBC.”

Passed at an online meeting on December 13, 2023 and printed in the 2024 minutes. The revised guidelines rename the office's GBC review panel the "International Office of Child Protection Oversight Committee".

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 450.032024-03-09

Child-protection director reappointed for one year after acknowledging shortcomings

“Whereas upon completion of the discussions held on 1st and 3rd March 2024 between Kamalesh Krishna dasa, ICPO Director, and the GBC Body, Kamalesh Krishna dasa acknowledged shortcomings on his part … 2. Kamalesh Krishna dasa is reappointed to serve as the ICPO Director for a period of one (1) year, until March 1, 2025. … a. The ICPO Director, is to prioritize the finalization of any pending cases, particularly those in Bangladesh and Mayapur during this year.”

The same resolution provides for an interim Oversight Committee reporting to the GBC Executive Committee; its members are not named in the minutes.

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protection2025-01-03

Enhanced Approach to Child Protection; Child Protection Oversight Committee created

“To oversee this new strategy, the GBC has established the Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC), a supervisory body ensuring adherence to policies while remaining independent of case adjudications.”

Wording of the GBC meeting report. The committee later began "procedural reviews" of decided cases; in 2025–2026 these set aside the findings in Sapna Patel's case and against Kesava Bharati.

Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC)ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 450.032025-02-21

Justice Minister made transitional child-protection director; case files to be handed over

“Whereas the GBC recognizes that its resolution dated January 3, 2025, has met with mixed response from the Regional Governing Bodies and Regional Child Protection Offices around the world. … The Minister of Justice will serve as the transitional ICPO Director for a period of 3-9 months. A comprehensive handover process by the current ICPO Director to the transitional ICPO Director shall be conducted.”

In February 2026 the GBC censured the former director for not carrying out this handover (res. 301.09).

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeChild Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC)Full minutes (archived copy)

PolicyRes. 302.052025-02-23

Guideline on temple asramas, including facilities for women

“5. Except in parts of the world where women’s asramas are culturally unacceptable, resident asramas should provide separate but equal facility for men and women, as per Srila Prabhupada’s instruction. 6. In addition to equal asrama facility, where culturally appropriate, aspiring Vaisnavis should be given equal opportunity and encouragement for worship, preaching and service.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 414.012025-02-23

1988 sannyasa eligibility rule replaced

“Whereas resolution 57/1988 states: "That a brahmacari be considered for sannyasa only if he has actually strictly followed his vows for at least ten years and is at least forty years old. … Resolution 57/1988 be replaced by: … 2. A candidate in order to be eligible to take sannyasa must be at least 40 years old.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

GovernanceRes. 436.042025-02-23

Guru Services Policy Manual for complaints against gurus approved

“Whereas ISKCON Law does not at present contain a comprehensive statement on the handling of complaints against ISKCON gurus; Whereas the Guru Services Committee has drafted a Guru Services Policy Manual and has submitted it for approval on December 8, 2022 … That the Guru Services Policy Manual as attached is approved as the methodology for dealing with complaints against ISKCON gurus by the Guru Services Committee.”

Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 301.092026-02-09

Notice of censure of the former child-protection director and two officers

“Accordingly, the GBC formally censures: You, Kamalesh Krishna dasa, for failure to execute the comprehensive handover mandated by Resolution 450.03 and failure to exercise basic foresight and leadership.”

Lilasuka devi dasi and Daksina devi dasi were censured "for facilitating or supporting the continued withholding of CPO files and databases".

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeFull minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 450.032026-02-09

Ownership and retrieval of historical case records

“The GBC formally reaffirms that all child protection case files are the exclusive property of ISKCON and must be held only by currently authorized child protection bodies.”

ISKCON Child Protection OfficeChild Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC)Full minutes (archived copy)

Child protectionRes. 450.032026-03-24

Special Interim Review Panels for pending cases

“The GBC hereby authorizes the establishment of Special Interim Review Panels (SIRPs), operating under the oversight of the Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC), to address pending child protection matters without final adjudication and/or appeals”

Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC)Full minutes (archived copy)