By Praharana devi dasi, GVT Member, MSW, RSW (Clinical Social Worker)

Unfortunately, over the last decade, there has been a growing concern in North America, across all religious denominations, regarding clergy sexual misconduct. This is not a new phenomenon. It has been a problem in religious organizations from time immemorial. However, now there is a growing awareness and as a result, many organizations are taking action to make clergy more answerable and to empower those who are vulnerable to abuse. Protection of members of ISKCON is an important matter for everyone. This is not only the case when children are abused, but adults as well. As members of ISKCON we need to be aware of:
• the potential for clergy sexual misconduct. in any community
• the policies and procedures that have been put into place by ISKCON North America in order to prevent abuse and to address any emergent concerns.

What is Clergy Sexual Misconduct?

A relationship between a religious leader and a follower must be based on integrity, trust and confidence.

Sexual misconduct is a breach of faith and trust. When a religious leader makes a sexual advance or propositions an individual who has less power, less knowledge and lower spiritual status, this is considered clergy sexual misconduct. A congregant is considered a vulnerable adult because they have inherent faith and trust in the leader’s judgement and actions. This is similar to the relationship between a teacher and student or doctor and patient. In fact, research shows that religious followers are even more susceptible to being taken advantage of than students or patients put in a similar situation.

The vulnerable adult should not be blamed for the sexual liaison.

Because of the faith and trust a follower invests in a religious leader, the responsibility for maintaining a properly managed and professional relationship is the responsibility of the religious leader. When clergy sexual misconduct occurs almost always the victim is blamed. “She is flirtatious; she wears immodest clothing; she seduced him and made him fall down!” Victims are often asked to leave their religious communities. They are shamed and vilified. As a result, often abusive leaders offend more than once since the real source of the problem is never addressed and corrected. They remain in positions of trust. It is often difficult for someone with religious faith to perceive a spiritual leader as an offender. It is so much easier to blame the victim. This is unfortunate for everyone involved.
Often victims of clergy sexual misconduct report that they acted in ways very uncharacteristic of themselves… that they did things they would never have done with any other person outside of marriage. Many say that they were deluded by faith and trust and were not thinking rationally in the emotionally-charged situation. A victim can even feel special or grateful for the special attention at that place and time until the reality of the exploitation hits home.
Research verifies that victims of clergy sexual misconduct often suffer from post traumatic stress symptoms and depression following these incidents. Some have committed suicide. They often abandon their religious faith.

Any romantic relationship involving a spiritual leader and a follower who is not a spouse is an abnormal and unacceptable situation.

Not every incident of clergy sexual misconduct is based on purely self-centered or exploitive motives. A religious leader may develop genuine feeling of care and affection for a follower. He or she may not mean to do any harm. However it must be understood that because of the power differential between a leader and a follower, the follower is not in a position of equality in the relationship. Research across many religious organizations demonstrates that the detrimental effect on the follower can be just as harmful whether or not there was genuine care and affection on the part of the leader.

Clergy Sexual Misconduct affects the entire community.

The sexual fall-down of a religious leader typically creates a highly disturbed environment for the entire religious community. This can last for years. Devotional lives can be profoundly affected. Some community members may blame or disbelieve the person who has been taken advantage of, while others may condemn the religious leader. Families and friends of both parties suffer significant emotional distress. When married people are involved, families can be torn apart. Healing from such an incident takes the cooperation and understanding of the entire community working together.

Collective Responsibility

It is the responsibility of every devotee to serve and protect each other in devotional service. Relationships in devotional life are critically important. Our association gives us spiritual strength and inspiration. Grihasta devotees in particular, are the guardians of the community and must be vigilant as well as discriminating and objective in dealing with any problems in our congregations. Sexual misconduct is just one such problem and being vigilant against it will provide much stronger communities and a surcharged spiritual environment for everyone Creating and maintaining strong, healthy, spiritually-focused families is the key to preventing any exploitation or abuse.

ISKCON North America:
Policy and Operational Guidelines Regarding Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults from Sexual Abuse and Harassment by ISKCON Clergy and Personnel:
( adopted January 2011 in Dallas, by The North American GBC and Temple Presidents )

• The North American leadership will make reasonable efforts to prevent clergy misconduct by providing appropriate policies and procedures to respond to allegations and by providing education to leaders and congregants.
• There will be a prompt response to any allegation of sexual misconduct where there is a reasonable belief that abuse has occurred.
• ISKCON North American leadership will comply with all obligations of both civil and ecclesiastical law.
• No person in leadership who has been determined to have engaged in sexual misconduct will be allowed to remain active in any position of trust (leadership).
• The North America leadership will promote healing and empowerment when needed for individuals and communities.

To obtain a copy of the full Policy and Operational Guidelines document please write to: Secretary.NAGBC@pamho.net

If you suspect clergy sexual misconduct in your community, E- mail your report to the above address.