Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse in ISKCON

BY: SUN STAFF

June 16, USA (SUN) — A petition has been established by the readers of Chakra.org, and facilitated by Chakra's editors, seeking to persuade the GBC to take definitive action against known child abusers who remain in positions of power within the institution. To add your name to the petition, please see the link at the end of the article.

To: The Governing Body of ISKCON

Whereas there has been a history of child abuse in ISKCON schools - especially between 1972 and 1990 - which caused some of our children immeasurable suffering and grief and which ultimately led the movement to the Turley legal case and settlement.

Whereas there is still at least one person in the position of Guru and Sannyasi who has played a major role in the history of child abuse in ISKCON and who to date has been supported by a section of the Governing body of ISKCON.

Therefore, we the undersigned petition the Governing Body of ISKCON to write the following resolution into ISKCON law:

That
A confirmed child abuser can never hold position of authority in ISKCON, such as Guru, GBC, Temple President, Regional Secretary, or serve on an ISKCON board of directors. Such a person also cannot hold any fiduciary position, or perform priestly functions on behalf of an ISKCON temple.

That
ISKCON leadership throughout the Society pledges to subscribe to a 'zero tolerance policy' and faithfully support the ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection Office in its service and implementation of its judgments.

That
Anybody in ISKCON leadership position found supporting, covering up or obstructing justice in terms of child abuse is disqualified to hold a position in ISKCON leadership and must resign from his or her office.

Please visit Chakra.org for more information about the petition.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned