Preamble

Whereas through Divine Grace members of the Hindu faithful have been able to form a community in Australia, the AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF HINDU CLERGY declares the following;--

  • The Hindu community of Australia is a religious community owing spiritual allegiance to the Hindu religious traditions of our ancestors.
  • The Hindu community of Australia is a congregation of Australian citizens  (and P.R's) owing civic allegiance to the Commonwealth of Australia, her constitution and fellow Australians.
  • The Hindu community of Australia accepts that there is no disparity between  the members of the Hindu community nor disparity between the community and fellow Australians.
  • Whereas Mother India is a land of language diversity and various  long established cultural traditions; the A.C.H.C. recognizes the need for a high degree of unity in the Hindu community in Australia.
  • The council recognizes this need for  unity in Australia, amongst the various Hindu traditions because of the small numbers of Hindus in Australia.
  • The  religious needs of the various linguistic traditions within the Hindu community shall be catered for according to the size of that community and the financial condition of the council.
  • The A.C.H.C. accepts as of paramount importance the requirement of relating to the rest of the Australian community according to the highest standards of the dharma and Vaidik philosophy.
  • Whereas the Dharma is One and the teachings of the Vedas apply to the faithful everywhere, the A.C.H.C. recognizes the spiritual supremacy of the Hindu Establishment in India. The Sacred Land of Bharat is the Ground and Source of our Faith;
  • The A.C.H.C. undertakes to practice the Dharma in the spirit in which It was given. The unavoidable disagreements which may arise from time to time shall be settled in a manner that brings credit to the Council & community.
  • The Hindu community of Australia recognizes that the most important teacher of the Dharma is living example. All members of the A.C.H.C. shall be examplars of the Dharma.
  • The A.C.H.C. recognizes the presence in India of the highest Spiritual Authorities. The A.C.H.C. undertakes to be aware of the spiritual wisdom and practical guidance of these Acharyas. Without discarding its own autonomy the A.C.H.C. shall give practical respect to these Acharyas.

                          Objectives

1. To propagate and foster the Hindu Faith amongst Hindus in Australia in all its manifold forms with due and equal regard to all lineages and traditions.

2. To provide qualified priests to instruct, guide and assist the Hindu community in the performance of their ceremonies, rituals, sacraments and festivals.

3. To counsel the members of the Hindu community in the correct performance of their religious obligations and spiritual duties in accordance with the scriptural injunctions.

4. To represent the Hindu Religious establishment to the Australian Public and to interface with the government in matters pertaining to the Hindu religion and in matters regarding the specific needs of the Hindu community in Australia.

5. To act as an organ for voicing considered views and to interact with the councils of other religions in Australia for promoting multi-culturalism and inter-faith dialogue

6. To ensure a high sacerdotal standard amongst the Hindu Priests presently practicing in Australia. To ensure that all potential migrant priests are screened and tested for their qualifications, knowledge and suitability to the needs of the Australian community.

7. To act as a forum for, debate on, and resolution of, religious & social issues in an Australian context, amongst the various traditions within the Hindu community in Australia as a whole.

8. To support spiritually and financially (where necessary) and encourage the priests presently practicing in Australia.

9. To supply the services of the priests, and to subsidize the cost (where necessary) to the needy Hindus in any part of Australia; for the performance of their sacraments and rites.

10. To publish books and pamphlets for the religious & spiritual education of the Hindu community and for the information of the Australian community at large.

11. To support and assist all Hindu migrants to Australia in establishing themselves and settling down.

12. To establish and maintain ties with the major Hindu religious institutions in India and abroad for the exchange of information and co-operation in fostering Hinduism.

13. To organize and finance public festivals and rituals for the benefit of the Country and nation as a whole.

14. To periodically, bring to Australia, recognized spiritual teachers for the enlightenment of the community.