The Australian Sangha Association (ASA) is committed to helping its members provide safe environments for monastics and lay people, free from sexual abuse and coercion.

All full members of the ASA are required to be celibate, as a foundational membership criterion. They are additionally required to abide by Federal and State laws and the monastic precepts and/or Vinaya of their tradition.

In the interest of protecting vulnerable populations, the ASA recommends that all monastics are familiar with the Working with Children requirements in their relevant jurisdictions.

The ASA is currently investigating ways to help members develop their own, culturally appropriate, safeguarding policies and procedures. If your community would like assistance, please contact the ASA Secretary <asasecretary@gmail.com>.

The ASA acknowledges the harms experienced by victim-survivors of sexual abuse and extends deep compassion.

With kindness,

Ven. BomHyon Sunim

ASA Chair

Download a PDF of this statement

Further reference: Australian Sangha Association Sexual Abuse Policy 2016