To the members of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), international ISKCON devotees and all concerned members of the public:

It is with heavy hearts and a deep sense of urgency, despite numerous emails, and phone calls to the relevant governing body, supervisors and decision makers, our pleas for justice and support have been ignored, and our concerns brushed aside. 

The congregation and concerned community members in Edmonton, Canada, are calling for the immediate removal of the current temple president and dissolution of the Board of Directors of Sri Sri Radha Govindaji Vedic Cultural Society, a registered Alberta Not-For-Profit Organization, affiliated with the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). 

Despite holding on to power and position for 24 years, the president has failed to address several sexual harassment and assault cases all of which occurred on a public place of worship, the temple premises.

It is public knowledge that several of these cases were reported to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), with one currently under investigation. 

He continues to isolate the victims, disregard the issues, and promote bullying among congregation members towards victims. This toxic behaviour caused many congregation members, donors, and sponsors to leave, disrupting their peace, self worth and spiritual growth.

We firmly believe that the president's ongoing leadership jeopardizes the safety, trust, and spiritual well-being of all female congregation members and will continue to affect new and existing members of all gender identities, including LGBTQ1AS+ individuals. 

His grasp for power and control is evident and can be heard through his misleading words, seen from his shady actions and disrespectful behaviour towards the congregation. For 2 decades there has been no growth in our congregation as new people come and flee as they are exposed to the toxic environment in which the temple operates in.

The aim of ISKCON is to acquaint ALL people of world with universal principles of self-realization and God consciousness so that they may derive the highest benefit of spiritual understanding, unity and peace. Instead, this temple has little to none white Canadians or people from other countries in the congregation because the current president is not fit to engage with people who are not of Indian origin. These biases in language and operations continue to hurt the mission, vision and growth of the temple. 

He takes the responsibility to “appoint” board members who follow his every whim and are too afraid to speak out! The Board is fully aware of their deficiencies yet continue to support his crooked practices that aim to benefit a selected few. He blatantly ignores the decisions made by the Board and continues on his own accord. If a Board member dares to speak out, they are faced with retaliation and threaten to be punished in various ways. 

But we are speaking out now! 24 years of bullying, sexual harassment and in some case physical abuse. 24 years of trying to work under an authoritarian leader. 24 years of verbal abuse and tarnishing the reputation of victims and those who speak out. 

We cannot stand idly by as our fellow brothers and sisters continue to endure this toxic environment, where fear and silence reign supreme. Our temple, meant to be a sanctuary of peace and spiritual growth, has been tainted by the actions of those who abuse their power and betray the trust of the congregation under his “leadership”.

Leaders who misuse their authority and perpetuate harm have no rightful position guiding a community.

We implore you to hear our cries for change and take decisive action to remove the current president from his position. It is time for a new era of leadership to rise, one that is rooted in transparency, accountability, and above all, compassion for all members of our community.

By signing this petition, you are not only standing up against violence towards women but also advocating for the fundamental right to feel safe and valued within our places of worship worldwide.

Reasons for Removal:

1. Lack of Accountability: The president has consistently avoided taking responsibility for the reported incidents. His lack of transparency and action perpetuates a culture of silence and fear.
2. Disregard for Victims: Victims of harassment and assault have been left unsupported and unheard. Their pain and trauma have been dismissed, leading to a toxic environment for over 2 decades within the temple. The lack of concern, support and care for members is very alarming. 
3. Support for the perpetrator: The president has shown unwavering support for the perpetrator, even attempting to relocate him to another temple in the USA, potentially enabling further harm and giving him the opportunity to re-offend. He ignored the immigration rules and continued to allow a sexual offender to reside on the temple grounds and walk freely among vulnerable congregation members. 
4. Action in self-interest: The president ONLY acts for self-serving interest. After the perpetrator circulated a defaming video online highlighting the president’s hidden behaviour, only then did he act to remove the perpetrator from Edmonton, Canada after his own behaviour was exposed! 
5. Guidance from a dysfunctional Board: The president continues to advise and take advice from a negligent Board, and they continue to turn a blind eye on these matters; covering up these criminal offences. The Board has failed the congregation members and failed to perform their oversight duties! 
6. Failure to Implement Safeguarding Measures: Despite involvement from ISKCON’s international authorities, the president has not implemented effective safeguarding policies. His negligence endangers vulnerable members of our community and includes negligence towards child protection and safety.

Our Demands:

1. Immediate Removal: We demand the immediate REMOVAL of the current temple president. Further, we demand the immediate dissolution of the current Board of Directors, concurrent with the removal of the president to restore trust and ensure a safe environment for the congregation and the public.
2. Transparent Investigation: An independent committee MUST investigate all reported cases of sexual harassment. The findings MUST be made public.
3. New Leadership: After 24 years of failed leadership, we request the appointment of a new, un-corrupt, transparent and accountable president who prioritizes the safety and well-being of the congregation and members of the public. Further, a new Board of Directors be elected or a Committee put in place to restore trust and transparency for the community. 

Join us in signing this petition to show your unwavering stance against violence towards women and to advocate for the safety of all individuals in places of worship across the globe!