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From the ISKCON Communications Ministry
September 7, 2022
Dear Devotees,
Please settle for our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC) at the moment launched its determination relating to the standing of Lokanatha Swami. That decision is hooked up under together with different related paperwork.
The GBC additionally launched two different paperwork. One is the 73+ web page report and proposals of the 5-member Panel appointed by the GBC to evaluation Lokanath Swami’s state of affairs.
The different is a separate, single-page GBC decision that was handed after the Lokanath Swami determination was finalized. That determination clarifies the GBC’s self-imposed limitations in order that sooner or later any credible allegation of abuse by any ISKCON chief should routinely be delegated to the suitable ISKCON committee or workplace, together with the Child Protection Office, the Prevention of Leadership Misconduct Office, the ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry and the Guru Services Committee and never come on to the GBC for evaluation.
The GBC determined this extra decision was required to keep away from the quandary that the Lokanath Swami state of affairs prompted. As defined intimately within the Panel report, allegations of abuse by Lokanath Swami arose a number of years earlier than ISKCON’s Child Protection Office (CPO) was shaped in 1998.
At that point, there was no different ISKCON approved workplace to research baby abuse allegations, so the GBC launched its personal investigation. Lokanath Swami was required to endure a psychological evaluation, and later restrictions on his journey and skill to provoke for a number of years have been put in place. He additionally apologized to the minor concerned and her household. (See the Panel report for particulars).
However, questions arose and later additional inquiries have been launched to find out whether or not the GBC determination was ample. The latest evaluation led to sturdy opinions being expressed all through ISKCON on each side of the problem. Some felt the Lokanath Swami case ought to, as with different abuse allegations, be despatched to the CPO and that the previous GBC selections weren’t as stringent because the CPO would possibly decide. Others argued that the sooner selections and restrictions have been ample, and that nobody ought to be repeatedly investigated or punished for occasions that had been adjudicated a long time earlier than.
Seeking an applicable response to new requires a evaluation and to official questions whether or not the GBC had dealt with the state of affairs correctly up to now (though no new allegations of kid abuse had surfaced), the GBC created a particular Panel to totally think about the state of affairs once more in 2021.
“The GBC is aware of it will need to have procedures in place to reply when leaders, together with Presidents, Sanyasis, Gurus, or GBC Members are alleged to abuse their positions and people underneath their care,” stated Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON’s Minister of Communications. “Spiritual communities are usually not proof against abuse. The GBC selections launched at the moment acknowledge that we should proceed to develop and enhance methods which can be each efficient, and an arm’s size from the GBC to make sure neutrality and equity, and that susceptible members are protected.”
The Lokanath Swami Panel was cut up in a part of its determination. The GBC, following the bulk opinion of the Panel, determined to not absolutely reopen the Lokanath Swami case, or ship it to the CPO, as some needed.
“The GBC agreed with nearly all of the Panel that the case needn’t be reopened. The GBC additionally affirmed that the North American restrictions on Lokanath Swami could stay, and that Lokanath Swami could not journey to, or provoke, in areas until they particularly welcome him to take action. Other areas could comply with swimsuit with their very own restrictions,” stated Anuttama.
In a associated determination, Sri Krishna Caitanya Swami, beforehand Ekalavya das, was appointed as ISKCON’s Padayatra Minister and Kirtan Minister, positions previously held by Lokanath Swami.
Please discover hooked up:
GBC Decision: “Regarding Lokanath Swami”
Questions and Answers Re: the GBC Decision
GBC Decision: “Refraining the GBC from Intervening”
Official Panel Report: “Final Report on Lokanath Swami”
GBC Decision: Panel Creation (Released previously)
Statement on Lokanath Swami Decisions
Your servants,
ISKCON Communications Ministry
