ISKCON News - Lokanath Swami Case Closure, Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

On September 7th, the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), released its final decision regarding the 30-year case on the status of Lokanatha Swami in ISKCON. Their final decision is: that his status as initiating guru continues. The decision, however, is three-fold: firstly, the panel created in 2021 to decide on the proper handling of the case, decided against ever re-opening the case or sending it to the Child Protection Office (CPO) for re-examination. Second, the GBC decided that any regional ISKCON body (RGB) of the world can restrict him from traveling to their region, and initiating. The North American RGB has already made this decision. Additionally, the Padayatra and Kirtan Ministry positions he held have been replaced by other persons. He will not sit on the GBC in any capacity (but to be clear he was never a voting GBC member in the past). Thirdly, a new pro-active resolution by the GBC, created in tandem with this final decision, further ends any future cases of this nature from going through the GBC directly and instead must go through the properly created agencies in ISKCON for dealing with abuse and abuse of power (ie. CPO, Prevention of Leadership Misconduct Office, the ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry).

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Our community, this nation and the world feel an enormous sadness at the passing of a person who truly embodied the principles of selfless service and duty throughout her entire life.

We offer heartfelt prayers for her soul and pray for strength for her family and the country to bear her loss.