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Conclusion
The presentations published here led to the GBC adopting a series
of resolutions (see end) aimed at recognising the value of women
in ISKCON and ensuring their right to fully participate in the Society
according to their abilities and wishes.
It is a significant point in ISKCON history as it is the first
time these rights have been so clearly stated by ISKCON's governing
body. The real test of ISKCON's will to rectify prejudicial behaviour
lies ahead. The GBC has apologised for its behaviour and the behaviour
of the Society at large, but how will the Society at large respond
to the call to provide '... equal facilities, full encouragement,
and genuine care and protection for the women members of ISKCON'?
Will, as the GBC requests, senior women be invited to temples to
preach? Will women really no longer be expected to stand at the
back of the temple room during worship? Will 'equal facility' be
taken to mean that women can have their turn at chanting in the
temple room during japa period? Does 'full encouragement'
mean that women have a right to participate in managerial decision-making
or to preach according to their ability rather than their gender
role?
The resolutions have been passed, now it is time to see if they
are taken to heart. The first signs were not too hopeful. Immediately
after the GBC meetings it was felt by many that as a sign of goodwill
a woman should be allowed, for the first time, to give Srimad-Bhagavatam
class in ISKCON's Mayapura temple. The temple management was
strongly opposed arguing that it was against local custom and would
undermine ISKCON's status in its own spiritual heartland. The debate
was long and, at times, heated. However, the temple management relented
and Visakha Devi Dasi gave class. Alternative arrangements were
made for those who preferred not to attend. Reports indicate that
some temples may be prepared to ignore the resolutions. Will these
temples be held to account or will they be left to go their own
way?
There will be dilemmas to confront in this process. Many, inside
and outside of ISKCON, will be watching to see if these dilemmas
are dealt with fairly and honestly. This will be the real test of
ISKCON's commitment to its women.
GBC Resolutions 2000
Section 501.
WHEREAS, the Women's Ministry presentation on 1 March 2000, to
the international GBC brought a clearer understanding of the mistakes
of the past and the need to provide equal and full opportunity for
devotional service for all devotees in ISKCON, regardless of gender,
and
WHEREAS, it is clearly following in the line of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
and His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada that all
people are welcome to join Lord Caitanya's sankirtana movement
and are capable of developing love of God, and
WHEREAS, it is our belief that many of the social issues that confront
us are exacerbated because the voices of our women, who are the
mothers and daughters of our Krsna conscious family, have been hushed
and stifled owing to misinterpretation of our Vaisnava philosophy,
and the resultant minimisation of the human needs of our devotees.
THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED THAT:
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,
All GBC members and other leaders shall hold ista-gosthis
in each of their respective temples to establish the priority of
providing equal facilities, full encouragement, and genuine care
and protection for the women members of ISKCON. Also, separate meetings
shall be held with the leaders and women of each temple to address
the women's needs and concerns, and
All GBC Zonal secretaries, Temple Presidents and other leaders
are requested, in coordination with the Women's Ministry, to invite
senior devotee women, especially Srila Prabhup?da's direct disciples,
to visit their temples to provide their association and thus help
in training younger devotees.
Section 618. Women's Participation.
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 centre from the altar, for the ladies.
C. If the management in a particular temple feels it is unable
to implement these proposals, the Executive Committee will appoint
a small team of senior devotees, including women, to sensitively
review the particular local situation.
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