We are pleased to present the 4 September 2024 GBC Meeting Highlights Report. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the online GBC meeting highlighting the key topics discussed.

The meeting commenced with an invocation of prayers led by Guru Prasad Swami, followed by Anuttama Dasa reading Srila Prabhupada’s ‘Markine Bhagavata-dharma’ prayers, offered at Boston Harbor, 18 September, 1965.

The following key topics were discussed:

1. ISKCON Africa Regional Governing Body

Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Kavichandra Swami and Govardhan Das, GBC members for Africa, presented a proposal for the establishment of the African Regional Governing Body (RGB). Prior to this, the African RGB proposal had been reviewed and approved by the Legal Counsel. Govardhan Das addressed questions from GBC members regarding the composition of the RGB and the number of temples under its jurisdiction. The African RGB spans Southern Africa, West Africa and East Africa.

The GBC body approved the formation of the African RGB and gave its blessings for its success.

2. Emeritus Status for Retired GBC Members

In appreciation for their years of service to ISKCON and the GBC, the GBC body proposed offering GBC Emeritus status to five recently resigned GBC members namely, Bhakti-bhusana Swami, Bhaktimarg Swami, Giridhari Swami, Niranjana Swami and Radhanath Swami.

The title of GBC Emeritus is awarded by the GBC body to honour retired members who have rendered distinguished service to ISKCON and the GBC Body. Due to their extensive experience and knowledge derived from years of service, GBC Emeriti are invited to provide advice and guidance to the GBC body in a non-managerial role.

The GBC body voted to confer GBC Emeritus status on Bhakti-bhusana Swami, Bhaktimarg Swami, Giridhari Swami, Niranjana Swami and Radhanath Swami in appreciation for their decades of service.

3. Recognizing Bhakti Prema Swami for Offering his First Guru Dakshina to the GBC Body

Bhakti Prema Swami donated all of his guru-dakshina from his first initiation ceremony to the GBC body. Bhakti Prema Swami was invited to the meeting and Guru Prasad Swami, GBC Chair, expressed the GBCs heartfelt gratitude for Bhakti Prema Swami’s spirit of surrender, sacrifice and emphasis on the importance of the GBC. Several GBC members commended Maharaj for setting an exemplary standard in line with the mood of his spiritual master, Bhakti Caru Swami.

Bhakti Prema Swami initiated eleven devotees during his first initiation.

4. Procedural Review and Decision on Temple Presidency

An ISKCON official serving as a temple president was removed from their service by the local temple management board as various issues arose over time that adversely impacted the temple’s management and the congregation’s spiritual leadership. The official appealed his removal which was considered by the area GBC, who upheld the decision. This was further appealed to the relevant RGB, who appointed an independent panel that upheld the decision. The individual then requested the GBC to consider the matter.

On review, the GBC affirmed that due process was followed and that there were sufficient grounds for the change in leadership and upheld the original decision.

You can view a .pdf version of the report here and a video version here.