Chichester Institute of Higher Education, Chichester PO19 4ED. 
England.

6th Feb 1995.

International Society for Krishna Consciousness

To whom it may concern.

It has come to my notice that the Russian Republic is considering 
declaring ISKCON to be a destructive sect which should not be 
allowed to exist in the country. I hope this will not happen. ISKCON 
is recognised by the British Hindu community to be an integral and 
important part of the religion and a form of the religion's ancient 
Vaishnavite tradition. British educationalists in general, 
regardless of their religious allegiance, regard it as making a 
considerable contribution to the teaching of Religious Education 
which is an important subject in British schools. It is a valued 
member of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales.

We, in the west, are overjoyed at the way in which Russia has 
emerged so quickly as a democracy after a period of totalitarian 
government and an earlier long history of Tsarist autocracy. I can 
understand the concern to cherish Russia's institutions. However, I 
must assure you that I personally, and those other people in Britain 
who have had dealings with ISKCON are sure that it can bring only 
positive benefits to your country by encouraging the development of 
religious freedom. No one need feel threatened by its presence, it 
is likely to be enriching.

W Owen Cole; BA, BD, M Phil, PhD, Dip Ed.. Former consultant on 
inter-religious affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury and 
currently member of several Anglican and ecumenlcal Christian 
committees.


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