Expulsion (Excommunication)

1. Some members of the Society who have previously been in good standing have subsequently deviated from the ISKCON standard and whereas such members by their bad conduct and character may damage the good name of the Society. In such cases, the GBC Body may, by a two third(2/3) vote of the members present expel any member of the ISKCON provided that:

a. The member is openly deviating from the fundamental tenants of the Society's teaching.

b. The member is openly and flagrantly antagonistic to the GBC or other ISKCON authority.

c. The member is engaged in illegal activities.

2. In an extreme case, the GBC, by a two third(2/3) vote of the members present may issue a notice of non-participation. If such a notice is issued against an expelled member, such member shall not, in so far as possible, be allowed to participate in the functions of ISKCON. This law shall run concurrently with other disciplinary laws.(83)

3. The GBC has been designated by Srila Prabhupada as the highest ISKCON authority, and the final appellate power rests with that body in all ISKCON affairs.(79)

Someone who is excommunicated is prohibited from visiting the temple except expressly allowed to visit as a guest by the local authority. ISKCON devotees should avoid association with an excommunicated person except when authorized to preach to him for his rectification.

Principles of Clemency and Repentance

Should a person found guilty of a transgression or offense express his repentance in an appropriate manner or in writing then it shall be duly considered by the adjudicating or appeal authorities. It shall be at their discretion whether such expression is adequate to remedy the situation and accordingly shall adjust the prescribed remedial measure or grant reprieve.

The principle is to give remedial measures with the spirit of rectifying the erring devotee and protecting the interests of ISKCON rather than as a punishment.

Reinstatement of Apostates

Conditions of Reinstatement

That devotees who have left ISKCON are welcome back into ISKCON at any time provided only that they agree that the ultimate managerial authority for all of ISKCON must be the GBC Body, that they will follow all GBC resolutions, and that they accept His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, as the preeminent pure devotee under whose guidance, teachings, and instructions Lord Caitanya's movement should now spread.

Procedure of Reinstatement

The procedure for formal reinstatement shall be that the devotee desiring to return shall send a signed letter to any GBC member stating his agreement to the above-listed provisions. This GBC member shall send the letter to the GBC Corresponding Secretary, who shall distribute copies to all GBC members. If no objections are received by the Corresponding Secretary within 90 days of the date of mailing of the copies to all members, then the Corresponding Secretary shall send a notice of reinstatement to the devotee in question. During the waiting period the devotee may serve under the auspices of a GBC member.

Notwithstanding the above, in the following cases reinstatement may only be granted by resolution of the full GBC Body:

1. Devotees who were ISKCON initiating gurus at the time of their original departure from ISKCON, or devotees who accepted disciples since leaving ISKCON;

2. Devotees who are accused or who have been found guilty of any serious crime.

3. Devotees who are currently in the sannyasa asrama.

4. Devotees who were removed from ISKCON by a GBC Resolution.

5. Devotees for whom a written objection from a GBC member has been submitted to the Corresponding Secretary within 90 days of notification, as per above.(90)

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