Statement by the
North American
Executive Officers
The North American GBC/Temple President Executive Officers wish to voice
our strong disapproval of, and our protest against, the demeaning and ill intended
statements made by some members of the GHQ com conference that were recently brought to
public attention.
It is our firm position that Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-acarya of ISKCON, intended his
Hare Krishna Movement to be free from all prejudice, sexism, racism and other forms of
bigotry.
We affirm that the first and foremost principle of our society is that all people (indeed
all sentient beings) are eternal, sacred parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord Sri
Krishna, and as such should be respected and affirmed in their individual relationship
with the Lord, as well as their service to guru and Krishna.
Multiple statements made by members of this Internet conference ridicule, berate and
vilify women, other minorities, and individual Vaishnava devotees. They document an
organized attempt to prevent women from their God-given rights of self expression and
service to Srila Prabhupada. We denounce such views. They are opposed to the core values
and principles of Vaishnava culture which uphold the devotional offerings of all souls as
sacred and worthy of our respect and protection.
While we endorse open debate and dialogue within our Krishna Consciousness movement, we
must speak out against any discussion that crosses the line of decency, morality, and
Vaishnava etiquette and supports an agenda to exploit or minimize a section of our
society.
Bir Krishna Goswami, Chairperson
Anuttama Dasa
Sudharma Dasi
Vraja Lila Dasi
© CHAKRA 24-Nov-98 |