Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Universal House of Justice.
Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1986-1973.
Includes index.
1. Bahaism—Addresses, essays, lectures.
BP375, U54 1975 297'.89 75-11795
ISBN 0-87743-076-4
ISBN 0-87743-096-9 pbk.
Printed in United States of America
|
page v
Contents
(Click here to jump to a specific page.)
ix
Foreword
3
Election of The Universal House of Justice — Ridván 1968
3
Message to National Conventions 1968
4
Establishment of Eleven Continental Boards of Counselors
5
Appointment of Continental Boards of Counselors
9
First Appointments to Continental Boards of Counselors
10
Message to the First Oceanic Conference
14
Progress of the Nine Year Plan in the United States
16
Results of the Palermo Conference
18
Advice to Bahá'í Youth Concerning Pioneering and
Education
20
Ridván Message 1969
25
Guidance on Self-Defense
27
Homefront Victories in the United States
28
Appointments to Continental Boards of Counselors
28
Formation of an Additional National Spiritual Assembly during
Ridván 1970
29
Work of Continental Boards of Counselors and Auxiliary Board
Members
33
Appeal to Increase Teaching Efforts amidst Catastrophic Events of
the Day
35
Acquisition of Property Adjacent to Bahjí
37
Comments on the Guardianship and The Universal House of Justice
44
Noninterference in Political Affairs
50
Attainment of Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and
Social Council
51
The Spirit of Bahá'í Consultation
52
Ridván Message 1970
53
Second National Youth Conference in the United States
page vi
54
Message to Bolivia and Mauritius Conferences — August 1970
57
Formation of Seven National Spiritual Assemblies during
Ridván 1971
57
Grave Crisis in Bahá'í International Fund
60
Crisis in the Bahá'í Fund in the United States
62
Message to the Monrovia Conference — January 1971
63
Message to the Oceanic Conference of the South China Seas,
Singapore — January 1971
65
Acceleration of Enrollments in the United States
66
Participation of the Hands of the Cause of God in First National
Conventions
66
Formation of Nine Additional National Spiritual Assemblies during
Ridván 1972
67
Warning against the Misuse of Recordings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's
Voice
68
Ridván Message 1971
72
Message to the Caribbean Conference — May 1971
74
Message to the South Pacific Oceanic Conference — May 1971
76
Commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Passing of
'Abdu'l-Bahá
78
Message to the North Pacific Oceanic Conference — September 1971
80
Message to the North Atlantic Conference — September 1971
82
Formation of Thirteen New National Spiritual Assemblies during
Ridván 1972
83
Developments of Properties at the World Center
84
Announcement That Number of Localities Exceeds Nine Year Plan Goal
85
Comments on the Semiannual Statistical Report of the United States
86
Message on the Occasion of the Dedication of the Panama
88
Ridván Message 1972
91
Elucidation of the Nature of the Continental Boards of Counselors
96
Message to Bahá'í Unity Conference — Ganado,
Arizona
97
Establishment of Local Spiritual Assemblies during the Final Year
of the Nine Year Plan
98
Announcement of the Decision to Build the Seat of The Universal House of
Justice
page vii
99
Exhortation to Blot Out Every Last Trace of Prejudice
100 Sacrifice of Three Iranian Bahá'í Students in the
Philippine Islands
102 Adoption of the Constitution of The Universal House of Justice
103 Activities for the Year Preceding the Global Plan to Be Launched
Ridván 1974
104 Announcement of the Completion of the Synopsis and Codification of the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas
105 Challenge to Individuals to Obey the Law of God in Their Personal
Lives
112 Purchase of Mazra'ih Mansion
113 Ridván Message 1973
120 Election of The Universal of Justice — May 1973
In Memoriam
123
The Hand of the Cause of God Hermann Grossmann
123
Lutfu'lláh Hakím
124
The Hand of the Cause of God Tarázu'lláh
Samandarí
125
Alvin Blum
126
Sara Kenny
126
Maud Bosio
126
Nairn Forsythe Ward
127
Ruth Randall Brown
127
The Hand of the Cause of God Agnes Alexander
128
The Hand of the Cause of God Músá
Banání
128
Matthew Bullock
129
Marion Little
133
Index
page viii is intentionally blank
page ix
Forward
This volume is a sequel to Wellspring of Guidance which was published in
1969. It comprises communications from The Universal House of Justice
spanning the period of that institution's second five-year term, Ridván
1968 to Ridván 1973. Beginning with the announcement of the results of
the election at the second International Convention, this collection of
selected messages portrays Bahá'í developments during the latter half of
the Nine Year Plan in addition to conveying the guidance, advice, and
comments of The House of Justice on a variety of questions confronting
the Bahá'í world community at various stages of the Plan.
The establishment of the Continental Boards of Counselors, the
commemorations of the centenary of Bahá'u'lláh's arrival in the Holy
Land, of the fiftieth anniversary of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's passing and of the
centenary of the martyrdom of the Purest Branch, the completion of the
synopsis and codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the adoption of the
Constitution of The Universal House of Justice, the purchase of the
Mazra'ih Mansion, the dedication of the Panama Temple, the holding of a
series of eight continental and oceanic conferences between August 1970
and September 1971, the decision to build the seat of The Universal
House of Justice, the attainment of consultative status with the
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations — all indelible
landmarks of the Nine Year Plan — are treated in this volume.
In general, the messages are addressed to the Bahá'ís of the world, to
National Spiritual Assemblies, or to believers
page x
gathered at special events. Two messages are addressed jointly to
Continental Boards of Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies. One
is addressed to Bahá'í youth in every land. A letter to an individual,
appearing under the title "Comments on the Guardianship and The
Universal House of Justice," is included because of the general interest
of its subject matter to all Bahá'ís.
The reader will readily observe some differences in the presentation of
the book's contents: The messages have been printed as complete
documents and therefore include addresses, salutations, and
complimentary closes as in the originals. A subject heading has been
provided for each communication by the editors but subheadings have not
been inserted as has been the practice in the past. Several items have
been extracted from Wellspring of Guidance to make this volume
chronologically complete.
Except for three messages, all these communications have appeared in
part or in whole in the various Bahá'í journals. It is, therefore, for
the easier reference and greater use of the Bahá'í community that they
are now gathered in this anthology.
|
National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahá'ís of the United States
|
page 1
Messages from
The Universal House of Justice
1968-1973
page 2 is intentionally blank
page 3
Election of The Universal House of Justice — Ridván 1968
22 April 1968
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following cable has been sent to the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahá'ís of the United States for publication in
"Bahá'í News":
|
Announce Bahá'í world newly elected members Universal House of Justice
Amoz Gibson 'Alí Nakhjavání Hushmand Fatheázam
Ian Semple Charles
Wolcott David Hofman H. Borrah Kavelin Hugh Chance David Ruhe. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Message to National Conventions 1968
9 May 1968
To the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the United States,
Beloved Friends,
The following message is being sent to National Conventions. It is in
the form of a cable since it was necessary to send it as such to some
National Spiritual Assemblies because of the
page 4
time element. Please convey it to the friends assembled at your
Convention:
|
With joyful memory of dedicated spirit mature deliberations Second
International Convention hail golden opportunity national conventions as
crucial midway point Nine Year Plan approaches galvanize believers
direct all efforts achievement every remaining goal and simultaneously
extend accelerate universal proclamation divine message. With utmost
love call upon all Bahá'ís for sacrificial outpouring energies resources
advancement redeeming order Bahá'u'lláh sole refuge misdirected heedless
millions. World Center Faith scene prolonged prayerful consultation with
assembled Hands Cause goals Plan including fundamental objective
development institution Hands view extension future God-given duties
protection propagation. Supplicating continually Holy Shrines Lord Hosts
bountifully reward dedicated ardent lovers complete glorious victory. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Establishment of Eleven
Continental Boards of Counselors
21 June 1968
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following cable has today been sent to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States for publication in
"Bahá'í
News":
|
Rejoice announce momentous decision establish eleven Continental Boards
Counselors protection propagation |
page 5
|
Faith three each for Africa Americas Asia one each for Australasia
Europe. Adoption this significant step following consultation with Hands
Cause God ensures extension future appointed functions their
institution. Continental Boards entrusted in close collaboration Hands
Cause with responsibility direction Auxiliary Boards and consultation
National Spiritual Assemblies. Hands Cause God will henceforth increase
intercontinental services assuming worldwide role protection propagation
Faith. Members Auxiliary Boards will report be responsible to
Continental Boards Counselors. Hands Cause residing Holy Land in
addition serving liaison between Universal House Justice and Continental
Boards Counselors will assist future establishment International
Teaching Center Holy Land foreshadowed writings beloved Guardian.
Details new developments being conveyed by letter. Fervently
supplicating Holy Threshold divine confirmations further step
irresistible unfoldment mighty Administrative Order Bahá'u'lláh
(Signed) Universal House of Justice. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Appointment of
Continental Boards of Counselors
24 June 1968
To the Bahá'ís of the World
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The majestic unfoldment of Bahá'u'lláh's world-redeeming administrative
system has been marked by the successive establishment of the various
institutions and agencies which constitute the framework of that
divinely-created Order. Thus, more than a quarter-of-a-century after the
emergence
page 6
of the first National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá'í world the
Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God was formally established,
with the appointment by the beloved Guardian, in conformity with the
provisions of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Will and Testament, of the first contingent
of these high-ranking officers of the Faith. Following the passing of
the Guardian of the Cause of God, it fell to the House of Justice to
devise a way, within the Administrative Order, of developing "the
Institution of the Hands of the Cause with a view to extension into the
future of its appointed functions of protection and propagation," and
this was made a goal of the Nine Year Plan. Much thought and study has
been given to the question over the past four years, and the texts have
been collected and reviewed. During the last two months, this goal, as
announced in our cable to the National Conventions, has been the object
of prolonged and prayerful consultation between the Universal House of
Justice and the Hands of the Cause of God. All this made evident the
framework within which this goal was to be achieved, namely:
The Universal House of Justice sees no way in which additional Hands of
the Cause of God can be appointed.
The absence of the Guardian of the Faith brought about an entirely new
relationship between the Universal House of Justice and the Hands of the
Cause and called for the progressive unfoldment by the Universal House
of Justice of the manner in which the Hands of the Cause would carry out
their divinely-conferred functions of protection and propagation.
Whatever new development or institution is initiated should come into
operation as soon as possible in order to reinforce and supplement the
work of the Hands of the Cause while at the same time taking full
advantage of the |
page 7
opportunity of having the Hands themselves assist in launching and
guiding the new procedures.
Any such institution must grow and operate in harmony with the
principles governing the functioning of the Institution of the Hands of
the Cause of God.
In the light of these considerations the Universal House of Justice
decided, as announced in its recent cable, to establish Continental
Boards of Counselors for the protection and propagation of the Faith.
Their duties will include directing the Auxiliary Boards in their
respective areas, consulting and collaborating with National Spiritual
Assemblies, and keeping the Hands of the Cause and the Universal House
of Justice informed concerning the conditions of the Cause in their
areas.
Initially eleven Boards of Counselors have been appointed, one for each
of the following areas: Northwestern Africa, Central and East Africa,
Southern Africa, North America, Central America, South America, Western
Asia, Southeastern Asia, Northeastern Asia, Australasia and Europe.
The members of these Boards of Counselors will serve for a term, or
terms, the length of which will be determined and announced at a later
date, and while serving in this capacity, will not be eligible for
membership on national or local administrative bodies. One member of
each Continental Board of Counselors has been designated as Trustee of
the Continental Fund for its area.
The Auxiliary Boards for Protection and Propagation will henceforth
report to the Continental Boards of Counselors who will appoint or
replace members of the Auxiliary Boards as circumstances may require.
Such appointments and replacements as may be necessary in the initial
stages will take place after consultation with the Hand or Hands
previously assigned to the continent or zone.
The Hands of the Cause of God have the prerogative and |
page 8
obligation to consult with the Continental Boards of Counselors and
National Spiritual Assemblies on any subject which, in their view,
affects the interests of the Cause. The Hands residing in the Holy Land
will act as liaison between the Universal House of Justice and the
Continental Boards of Counselors, and will also assist the Universal
House of Justice in setting up, at a propitious time, an international
teaching center in the Holy Land, as anticipated in the Guardian's
writings.
The Hands of the Cause of God are one of the most precious assets the
Bahá'í world possesses. Released from administration of the Auxiliary
Boards, they will be able to concentrate their energies on the more
primary responsibilities of general protection and propagation,
"preservation of the spiritual health of the Bahá'í communities" and
"the vitality of the faith" of the Bahá'ís throughout the world. The
House of Justice will call upon them to undertake special missions on
its behalf, to represent it on both Bahá'í and other occasions and to
keep it informed of the welfare of the Cause. While the Hands of the
Cause will, naturally, have special concern for the affairs of the Cause
in the areas in which they reside, they will operate increasingly on an
intercontinental level, a factor which will lend tremendous impetus to
the diffusion throughout the Bahá'í world of the spiritual inspiration
channeled through them — the Chief Stewards of Bahá'u'lláh's embryonic
World Commonwealth.
With joyful hearts we proclaim this further unfoldment of the
Administrative Order of Bahá'u'lláh and join our prayers to those of the
friends throughout the East and the West that Bahá'u'lláh may continue
to shower His confirmations upon the efforts of His servants in the
safeguarding and promotion of His Faith. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 9
First Appointments to
Continental Boards of Counselors
24 June 1968
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We list below the names of those who have been appointed to the first
Continental Boards of Counselors for the Protection and Propagation of
the Faith:
Northwestern Africa
|
Husayn Ardikání (Trustee, Continental Fund),
Muhammad Kebdani, William Maxwell. |
Central and East Africa
|
Oloro Epyeru, Kolonario Oule, Isobel Sabri, Mihdí
Samandarí, 'Azíz Yazdí (Trustee, Continental Fund). |
Southern Africa
|
Seewoosumbur-Jeehoba Appa, Shidan Fath-i-A'zam
(Trustee, Continental Fund), Bahíyyih Ford. |
North America
|
Lloyd Gardiner, Florence Mayberry, Edna True (Trustee,
Continental Fund). |
Central America
|
Carmen de Burafato, Artemus Lamb,
Alfred Osborne (Trustee, Continental Fund). |
South America
|
Athos Costas, Hooper Dunbar
(Trustee, Continental Fund), Donald Witzel. |
Western Asia
|
Masíh Farhangí, Mas'úd Khamsí, Hádí
Rahmání (Trustee, Continental Fund), Manúchihr
Salmánpúr, Sankaran Nair Vasudevan. |
Southeast Asia
|
Yan Kee Leong, Khudrahm Paymán (Trustee, Continental
Fund), Chellie Sundram. |
page 10
Northeast Asia
|
Rúhu'lláh Mumtází (Trustee, Continental Fund), Vicente
Samaniego. |
Australasia
|
Suhayl 'Alá'í, Howard Harwood, Thelma Perks
(Trustee, Continental Fund). |
Europe
|
Erik Blumenthal, Dorothy Ferraby
(Trustee, Continental Fund), Louis Hénuzet. |
Please share this list with the friends.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Message to the First Oceanic Conference
August 1968
To the Hands of the Cause of God
and the Bahá'í Friends Assembled in Palermo, Sicily
at the First Bahá'í Oceanic Conference.
Dearly-loved Friends,
The event which we commemorate at this first Bahá'í Oceanic Conference
is unique. Neither the migration of Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees to
the region of Aleppo, nor the journey of Moses towards the Promised
Land, nor the flight into Egypt of Mary and Joseph with the infant
Jesus, nor yet the Hegira of Muhammad can compare with the voyage made
by God's Supreme Manifestation one hundred years ago from Gallipoli to
the Most Great Prison. Bahá'u'lláh's voyage was forced upon Him by the
two despots who were His chief adversaries in a determined attempt to
extirpate once and for all His Cause, and the decree of His fourth
banishment came when the tide of His prophetic utterance was in full
flood. The proclamation of His Message to mankind had begun; the sun
page 11
of His majesty had reached its zenith and, as attested by the devotion
of His followers, the respect of the population and the esteem of
officials and the representatives of foreign powers, His ascendancy had
become manifest. At such a time He was confronted with the decree of
final exile to a remote, obscure and pestilential outpost of the
decrepit Turkish empire.
Bahá'u'lláh knew, better than His royal persecutors, the magnitude of
the crisis, with all its potentiality for disaster, which confronted
Him. Consigned to a prison cell, debarred from access to those to whom
His Message must be addressed, cut off from His followers save for the
handful who were to accompany Him, and deprived even of association with
them, it was apparent that by all earthly standards the ship of His
Cause must founder, His mission wither and die.
But it was the Lord of Hosts with Whom they were dealing. Knowing the
sufferings which faced Him His one thought was to instill confidence and
fortitude into His followers, to whom He immediately dispatched sublime
Tablets asserting the power of His Cause to overcome all opposition.
"Should they attempt to conceal its light on the continent," is one of
His powerful utterances on this theme, "it will assuredly rear its head
in the midmost heart of the ocean, and, raising its voice, proclaim: 'I
am the lifegiver of the world!'" All the afflictions which men could
heap upon Him were thrown back from the rock of His adamantine will like
spray from the ocean. His patient submission to the affronts of men, His
fortitude, His divine genius transformed the somber notes of disaster
into the diapason of triumph. At the nadir of His worldly fortunes He
raised His standard of victory above the Prison City and poured forth
upon mankind the healing balm of His laws and ordinances revealed in His
Most Holy Book. "Until our time," comments 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "no such thing
has ever occurred."
Contemplating this awe-inspiring, supernal episode, we may obtain a
clearer understanding of our own times, a more
page 12
confident view of their outcome and a deeper apprehension of the part we
are called upon to play. That the violent disruption which has seized
the entire planet is beyond the ability of men to assuage, unaided by
God's revelation, is a truth repeatedly and forcibly set forth in our
Writings. The old order cannot be repaired; it is being rolled up before
our eyes. The moral decay and disorder convulsing human society must run
their course; we can neither arrest nor divert them.
Our task is to build the Order of Bahá'u'lláh. Undeflected by the
desperate expedients of those who seek to subdue the storm convulsing
human life by political, economic, social or educational programs, let
us, with single-minded devotion and concentrating all our efforts on our
objective, raise His Divine System and sheltered within its impregnable
stronghold, safe from the darts of doubtfulness, demonstrate the Bahá'í
way of life. Wherever a Bahá'í community exists, whether large or small,
let it be distinguished for its abiding sense of security and faith, its
high standard of rectitude, its complete freedom from all forms of
prejudice, the spirit of love among its members and for the closely knit
fabric of its social life. The acute distinction between this and
present day society will inevitably arouse the interest of the more
enlightened, and as the world's gloom deepens the light of Bahá'í life
will shine brighter and brighter until its brilliance must eventually
attract the disillusioned masses and cause them to enter the haven of
the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh, Who alone can bring them peace and justice
and an ordered life.
The great sea, on one of whose chief islands you are now gathered,
within whose hinterland and islands have flourished the Jewish, the
Christian and Islamic civilizations is a befitting scene for the first
Oceanic Bahá'í Conference. Two millenniums ago, in this arena, the
disciples of Christ performed such deeds of heroism and self-sacrifice
as are remembered to this day and are forever enshrined in the annals of
His Cause. A thousand years later the lands bordering the southern and
page 13
western shores of this sea witnessed the glory of Islam's Golden Age.
In the day of the Promised One this same sea achieved eternal fame
through its association with the Heroic and Formative Ages of His Cause.
It bore upon its bosom the King of kings Himself; the Center of His
Covenant crossed and recrossed it in the course of His epoch-making
journeys to the West, during which He left the indelible imprint of His
presence upon European and African lands; the Sign of God on earth
frequently journeyed upon it. It enshrines within its depths the mortal
remains of the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker and around its
shores lies the dust of apostles, martyrs and pioneers. Forty-six
Knights of Bahá'u'lláh are identified with seven of its islands and five
of its territories. Through such and many other episodes, Mediterranean
lands — ancient home of civilizations — have been endowed with spiritual
potentiality to dissolve the encrustations of those once glorious but
now moribund social orders and to radiate once again the light of Divine
guidance.
Through dedicated, heroic and sacrificial deeds during the course of the
beloved Guardian's ministry, the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh was established in
this area. Eight pillars of the Universal House of Justice were raised,
the first of an even larger number to be established now and during the
course of future plans, to include, as envisioned by Shoghi Effendi,
National Spiritual Assemblies in major islands of that historic sea.
The timing of such exciting developments is dependent upon the outcome
of the Nine Year Plan. At this midway point of that Plan, although great
strides have been made, more than half the goals are still to be won.
The greatest deficiencies are in the opening of new centers where
Bahá'ís reside and the formation of Local Spiritual Assemblies, which
inevitably affects the ability to establish National Spiritual
Assemblies. A dramatic upsurge of teaching effective
page 14
teaching — is necessary to make up the leeway; pioneers are needed,
teachers must travel, funds must be provided. It is our hope that there
will be engendered at this Conference, through your enthusiasm, prayers
and spirit of devotion, a great spiritual dynamic to reinforce that
grand momentum which, mounting steadily during the next four years, must
carry the community of the Most Great Name to overwhelming victory in
1973.
Dear friends, within a few short days the observance of the Centenary of
Bahá'u'lláh's arrival in the Holy Land will take place. The hearts and
minds of the entire Bahá'í world will be focused on the Most Holy
Shrine, where those privileged to attend this commemoration will
circumambulate that Holy Spot and raise their prayers to the Lord of the
Age. Let them remember their fellow-believers at home and supplicate
from the depths of their souls for such bounties and favors to descend
upon the friends of God everywhere as to cause them to rise as one man
to demonstrate their love for Him Who suffered for them, by such deeds
of sacrifice and devotion as shall outshine the deeds of the past and
sweep away every obstacle from the onward march of the Cause of God.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Progress of the Nine Year Plan
in the United States
14 August 1968
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the United States.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The number and character of achievements of your community since the
Nine Year Plan was launched must indeed compel our gratitude. On the
homefront, 52 Local Spiritual Assemblies have been formed and 500 new
centers have been
page 15
established. Traveling teachers and pioneers have gone forth from your
community in troops, offering all of their resources and their very
lives to the Cause. They have scattered to the far-flung fields of the
globe to proclaim the glory of God's Revelation; have opened the Turks
and Caicos Islands; poured into the Caribbean area carrying the torch of
the Faith to new outposts there, and so firmly established the Cause in
that chain of islands that a new pillar on which the Universal House of
Justice rests was erected. With unfailing generosity, you have assisted
your sister communities to acquire Bahá'í properties. Your community has
indeed merited the title of "torch-bearers."
In view of the tasks which remain to be achieved, it is evident as we
rapidly approach the midway point in the Plan, that your community now
faces a challenge of colossal magnitude, for the pace of the work must
be greatly accelerated if all the goals are to be won. On the homefront,
206 Local Spiritual Assemblies must be formed, including at least one in
each of the four States where there has as yet been only one
established, two in Puerto Rico, and the Assembly in Key West must be
reestablished. No less than 787 new centers must be opened to the Faith.
Abroad, pioneers and traveling teachers are still needed on every front
to continue to carry the Faith forward throughout the entire world. You
are called upon for further financial contributions to acquire the
remaining properties so urgently needed by your sister communities. A
gigantic, collective effort will be required to successfully discharge
all these responsibilities.
We think it is important that you phase out the remaining homefront
goals of the Nine Year Plan, adopting subsidiary plans for each year
between now and Ridván, 1973, bearing in mind the need to consolidate
all the goals thus far won. When formulating plans for a consolidation
program, to be carried out concurrently with the proclamation of the
Faith, particular thought should be given to the twelve States where
there is
page 16
now a minimum of only two Local Spiritual Assemblies. Above all, the
duty of deepening the spiritual life of your newly-enrolled co-workers
is paramount, for the fate of the entire community depends upon the
individual believers. Without the wholehearted support of each and every
one of the friends, every measure adopted, no matter how well thought
out, is foredoomed to failure. It is the individual believers who must
maintain the Local Assemblies and the centers already won at the cost of
such great sacrifice. It is they who must, afire with the love of
Bahá'u'lláh, go forth to further broaden the base of administrative
activity by forming new Assemblies and implanting the standard of
Bahá'u'lláh in new localities; who must arise in response to the call to
travel to the remote outposts of the Faith and push back the frontiers;
and who must, through your wise and loving guidance, become your
collaborators in carrying out your God-given mission.
We are deeply cognizant of the tremendous burden of responsibility you
carry, but we are confident that your dearly-loved community will arise
with a renewed spirit to assume its weighty responsibilities.
We shall offer a special prayer for your Assembly that you will be
enabled to carry forward unremittingly all your tasks to their
triumphant conclusion.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Results of the Palermo Conference
8 September 1968
To: The Bahá'ís of the World
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The glorious Conference in Palermo concluded with a burst of eager
enthusiasm of determined and dedicated believers
page 17
who have pledged to do their part in winning the remaining goals of the
Nine Year Plan. More than 125 offered to pioneer and more than 100
volunteered to do travel teaching. In addition, there was a generous
outpouring of material resources to finance teaching projects. Had the
entire Bahá'í world been able to participate in the Mediterranean
Conference we have no doubt that all the goals would be quickly won.
With this in mind we wish to impress upon the friends who could not
attend the Conference, and who will surely — through reports and
personal contact with those who did — sense the enthusiasm generated
there, that all believers have the privilege to share in the pioneering
work, in the travel teaching program and in contributing to the Fund.
We announced at the Conference that the International Deputization Fund,
so far used to aid pioneering and travel teaching on an international
level, will henceforth be available to assist such projects on the
national level in those areas where support is vitally important to the
winning of the goals of the Nine Year Plan. We are concerned that,
although we are now approaching the midway point of the Plan we must yet
form an additional 6,997 Local Spiritual Assemblies (76% of the goal),
and take the Faith to over 22,800 new localities (59% of the goal).
Obviously, hundreds of pioneers and traveling teachers will be required,
many of whom will serve in their own countries.
Those who cannot pioneer or do travel teaching will want to participate
by contributing to the International Deputization Fund. Let them
remember Bahá'u'lláh's injunction: "Center your energies in the
propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling,
let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint
him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation..." Let the
Bahá'ís of the world join in the true spirit of universal participation
and win
page 18
all the victories while there is yet time. Let each assume his full
measure of responsibility that all may share the laurels of
accomplishment at the end of the Plan.
Our fervent prayer is that this one-hundredth anniversary of the final
banishment of Bahá'u'lláh will mark a significant turning point in the
fortunes of the Nine Year Plan.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Advice to Bahá'í Youth Concerning Pioneering and Education
9 October 1968
To the Bahá'í Youth in Every Land
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
In the two years since we last addressed the youth of the Bahá'í world
many remarkable advances have been made in the fortunes of the Faith.
Not the least of these is the enrollment under the banner of Bahá'u'lláh
of a growing army of young men and women eager to serve His Cause. The
zeal, the enthusiasm, the steadfastness and the devotion of the youth in
every land has brought great joy and assurance to our hearts.
During the last days of August and the first days of September, when
nearly two thousand believers from all over the world gathered in the
Holy Land to commemorate the Centenary of Bahá'u'lláh's arrival on these
sacred shores, we had an opportunity to observe at first hand those
qualities of good character, selfless service and determined effort
exemplified in the youth who served as volunteer helpers, and we wish to
express our gratitude for their loving assistance and for their example.
Many of them offered to pioneer, but one perplexing question recurred:
Shall I continue my education, or should I
page 19
pioneer now? Undoubtedly this same question is in the mind of every
young Bahá'í wishing to dedicate his life to the advancement of the
Faith. There is no stock answer which applies to all situations; the
beloved Guardian gave different answers to different individuals on this
question. Obviously circumstances vary with each individual case. Each
individual must decide how he can best serve the Cause. In making this
decision, it will be helpful to weigh the following factors:
Upon becoming a Bahá'í one's whole life is, or should become devoted to
the progress of the Cause of God, and every talent or faculty he
possesses is ultimately committed to this overriding life objective.
Within this framework he must consider, among other things, whether by
continuing his education now he can be a more effective pioneer later,
or alternatively whether the urgent need for pioneers, while
possibilities for teaching are still open, outweighs an anticipated
increase in effectiveness. This is not an easy decision, since
oftentimes the spirit which prompts the pioneering offer is more
important than one's academic attainments.
One's liability for military service may be a factor in timing the offer
of pioneer service.
One may have outstanding obligations to others, including those who may
be dependent on him for support.
It may be possible to combine a pioneer project with a continuing
educational program. Consideration may also be given to the possibility
that a pioneering experience, even though it interrupts the formal
educational program, may prove beneficial in the long run in that
studies would later be resumed with a more mature outlook.
The urgency of a particular goal which one is especially qualified to
fill and for which there are no other offers.
The fact that the need for pioneers will undoubtedly be with |
page 20
us for many generations to come, and that therefore there will be many
calls in future for pioneering service.
The principle of consultation also applies. One may have the obligation
to consult others, such as one's parents, one's Local and National
Assemblies, and the pioneering committees.
Finally, bearing in mind the principle of sacrificial service and the
unfailing promises Bahá'u'lláh ordained for those who arise to serve His
Cause, one should pray and meditate on what his course of action will
be. Indeed, it often happens that the answer will be found in no other
way. |
We assure the youth that we are mindful of the many important decisions
they must make as they tread the path of service to Bahá'u'lláh. We will
offer our ardent supplications at the Holy Threshold that all will be
divinely guided and that they will attract the blessings of the
All-Merciful.
|
Deepest Bahá'í love,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Ridván Message 1969
Ridván 126 [1969]
To the Bahá'ís of the World.
Dearly-loved Friends,
The continued progress of the Cause of God stands in vivid contrast to
the chronic unrest afflicting human society, a contrast which the events
of the past year, both within and without the Faith, have only served to
intensify. Amidst the disintegration of the old order the Cause of God
has pursued its majestic course, extending the range of its activities
and influence and accomplishing a further development of its
administrative system.
page 21
Opening with the convening, in the Holy Land, of the Second
International Convention for the election of the Universal House of
Justice, the year has witnessed a remarkable activity in the Cause. The
most significant and far-reaching development was undoubtedly the
appointment of the eleven Continental Boards of Counselors, which
fulfilled the goal of the Nine Year Plan calling for the development of
the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God with a view to the
extension into the future of its appointed functions of protection and
propagation. This step, taken after full consultation with the Hands of
the Cause, has, at one and the same time, strongly reinforced the
activities of that Institution and made it possible for the Hands
themselves to extend the range of their individual services beyond the
continental sphere, thereby making universally available to the friends
the love, the wisdom and the spirit of dedication animating the
Guardian's appointees. We wish to pay tribute at this time to the
exemplary manner in which the Counselors, under the guidance of the
Hands, have embarked upon their high duties.
In August, the first Oceanic Bahá'í Conference, held in Palermo,
commemorated Bahá'u'lláh's voyage on the Mediterranean Sea on His way to
the Most Great Prison. Attendants at this Conference came immediately
afterwards to the Qiblih of their Faith to pay homage at the Shrine of
its Founder and to commemorate with deep awareness of its spiritual
import the long prophesied arrival of the Lord of Hosts on the shores of
the Holy Land. This gathering of more than two thousand believers
presented an inexpressibly poignant contrast to the actual arrival of
Bahá'u'lláh one hundred years before, rejected by the rulers of this
earth and derided by the local populace. Such is the conquering power of
His Message, such is the undefeatable might of the King of Kings.
That same Message is now being proclaimed by His followers from end to
end of the world. Already one hundred and
page 22
twenty-two Heads of State have been presented with the special edition
of "The Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh," and copies have been received by
thousands more officials and leaders.
Taking full advantage of the designation of 1968 as Human Rights Year by
the United Nations, Bahá'í communities throughout the world have not
only strengthened the ties between the Bahá'í International Community
and the United Nations, but have at the same time proclaimed the Faith
and its healing message. In country after country the Cause has been
featured for the first time in modern mass communications media. The
volume of this call to the peoples of the world is increasing day by day
and must so continue, penetrating every stratum of society, until the
conclusion of the Plan and beyond.
As a stimulus and aid to this vital work as well as to the promotion of
all the goals of the Plan, we announce the holding between August 1970
and September 1971 of a series of eight Oceanic and Continental
Conferences, as follows: La Paz, Bolivia, and Rose Hill, Mauritius, in
August 1970; Monrovia, Liberia, and Djakarta, Indonesia, in January
1971; Suva, Fiji, and Kingston, Jamaica, in May 1971; Sapporo, Japan,
and Reykjavik, Iceland, in September 1971.
A review of the progress of the Nine Year Plan discloses that great
strides have been made in the acquisition of Hazíratu'l-Quds, Temple
sites and Teaching Institutes, in translation of Bahá'í literature into
more languages and in the incorporation of Local and National Spiritual
Assemblies. The site of the Panama Temple has been prepared for
construction which will begin as soon as final plans and specifications
and the placing of the contract have been approved.
As a result of the accelerated pace of expansion and consolidation which
has been initiated, and which, if fostered and fed, will become a full
tide of victorious achievement, we joyfully announce the formation of
twelve more National
page 23
Spiritual Assemblies, two during Ridván 1969: the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Burundi and Rwanda with its seat in Bujumbura
and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Papua and New
Guinea with its seat in Lae, and ten during Ridván 1970: six in Africa,
the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá'ís of the Congo Republic
(Kinshasa); Ghana; Dahomey, Togo and Niger; Malawi; Botswana; and
Gambia, Senegal, Portuguese Guinea and the Cape Verde Islands; one in
the Americas, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the
Guianas; one in Asia, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of
the Near East; and two in Australasia, the National Spiritual Assemblies
of the Bahá'ís of Tonga and the Cook Islands; and Samoa. Thus at
Ridván
1970 the number of National Spiritual Assemblies will be raised to
ninety-three.
In harmony with the worldwide growth of the Cause the World Center of
the Faith is also developing rapidly. The pilgrims, the beloved Guardian
has said, are the lifeblood of this World Center and it has long been
our cherished hope and desire to be able to grant the bounty of
pilgrimage to the Holy Land to all who can avail themselves of it. It is
therefore with great joy that we now find it possible to open the door
of pilgrimage to a much greater number of believers. Beginning in
October of this year the size of each group of friends to be invited
will be quadrupled and the number of groups each year will be increased
so that nearly six times the present number of pilgrims will have the
opportunity each year to pray in the Shrines of the Central Figures of
their Faith, to visit the places hallowed by the footsteps, sufferings
and triumphs of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and to meditate in the
tranquillity of these sacred precincts, beautified with so much loving
care by our beloved Guardian.
This increased flow of pilgrims will greatly augment the spiritual
development of the Bahá'í World Community which now, after five years of
strenuous labor and bearing the laurels
page 24
of outstanding victories, is entering the fourth phase of the Nine Year
Plan.
The great, the most pressing need, at this stage of the Plan, is a rapid
increase in the number of believers, and a major advance in the opening
of the additional localities as well as in the formation of the well
grounded Local Spiritual Assemblies called for in the Plan. This
worldwide activity, the hallmark of the fourth phase of the Plan,
answering the tremendous opportunities offered by the present condition
of mankind, will be strongly reinforced by the continuance of
proclamation, is the essential foundation for the erection of the
remaining National Spiritual Assemblies, and will increasingly witness
to the benefits of international traveling teaching and inter-Assembly
cooperation. Above all, it requires a sacrificial outpouring by the
friends of contributions in support of the Funds of the Faith, and the
raising up of a mighty host of pioneers.
During the second year of the Plan the Bahá'í world achieved its
greatest feat of organized pioneering when a total of five hundred and
five believers arose to settle in the unopened and weakly held
territories of the earth. This magnificent achievement must now be
surpassed. The call is raised for seven hundred and thirty-three
believers to leave their homes and settle in territories of the globe in
dire need of pioneer support or as yet unopened to the Faith. These
devoted believers, who should arise without delay, are needed to settle,
during the fourth phase of the Plan, in 184 specified territories of the
globe: 48 in Africa, 40 in the Americas, 40 in Asia, 18 in Australasia
and 38 in Europe. Although primary responsibility has been assigned to
those national Bahá'í communities most able to provide pioneers, all
should ponder in their hearts whether they too cannot respond to this
call, either by going themselves or by deputizing, in response to
Bahá'u'lláh's injunction, those who can go in their stead. Detailed
information is being sent to National Spiritual Assemblies to ensure
that this vital mobilization
page 25
of Bahá'í warriors is accomplished as quickly as possible. Beloved
Friends, the Nine Year Plan is well advanced, our work is blessed by the
never-ceasing confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh, and the entire
Bahá'í World
Community is committed to complete victory. That happy consummation, now
faintly discernible on the far horizon, will be reached through hard
work, realistic planning, sacrificial deeds, intensification of the
teaching work and, above all, through constant endeavor on the part of
every single Bahá'í to conform his inner life to that glorious ideal set
for mankind by Bahá'u'lláh and exemplified by 'Abdu'l-Bahá. In
contemplating the Master's divine example we may well reflect that His
life and deeds were not acted to a pattern of expediency, but were the
inevitable and spontaneous expression of His inner self. We, likewise,
shall act according to His example only as our inward spirits, growing
and maturing through the disciplines of prayer and practice of the
Teachings, become the wellsprings of all our attitudes and actions. This
will promote the accomplishment of God's purpose; this will ensure the
triumph of His Faith and enable us to build up the present motion of the
Cause into a grand momentum whose force will carry the community of the
Most Great Name to glorious victory in 1973 and onwards to the as yet
unapprehended vistas of the Most Great Peace.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Guidance on Self-Defense
26 May 1969
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of Canada
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We have reviewed your letter of April 11th, asking about the teachings
of the Faith on self-defense and any guidance on
page 26
individual conduct in the face of increasing civil disorder in North
American cities.
From the texts you already have available it is clear that Bahá'u'lláh
has stated that is preferable to be killed in the path of God's
good-pleasure than to kill, and that organized religious attack against
Bahá'ís should never turn into any kind of warfare, as this is strictly
prohibited in our Writings.
A hitherto untranslated Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Bahá, however, points out
that in the case of attack by robbers and highwaymen, a Bahá'í should
not surrender himself, but should try, as far as circumstances permit,
to defend himself, and later on lodge a complaint with the government
authorities. In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, he also
indicates that in an emergency when there is no legal force at hand to
appeal to, a Bahá'í is justified in defending his life. In another
letter the Guardian has further pointed out that the assault of an
irresponsible assailant upon a Bahá'í should be resisted by the
Bahá'í,
who would be justified, under such circumstances, in protecting his
life.
The House of Justice does not wish at the present time to go beyond the
guidelines given in the above-mentioned statements. The question is
basically a matter of conscience, and in each case the Bahá'í involved
must use his judgment in determining when to stop in self-defense lest
his action deteriorate into retaliation.
Of course the above principles apply also in cases when a Bahá'í finds
himself involved in situations of civil disorder. We have, however,
advised the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States that under
the present circumstances in that country it is preferable that Bahá'ís
do not buy nor own arms for their protection or the protection of their
families.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 27
Homefront Victories in the United States
25 June 1969
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the United
States.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The news of the homefront victories contained in your Ridván cable and
in your semiannual statistical report brought great joy to our hearts.
The members of your valiant community have clearly demonstrated their
staunch resolve and their understanding of their task to strengthen the
homefront as they simultaneously pursue their global mission. They have
poured their funds freely and generously into the international teaching
work of the Faith through substantial contributions to the Bahá'í Fund,
have assisted their sister communities around the world with the
purchase of sorely needed national properties and, as the pioneers have
arisen and gone forth in troops to ensure the spiritual conquest of the
planet, new believers have embraced the Cause on the homefront,
resulting in more than 300 new localities being opened to the Faith and
the formation of 45 additional Local Spiritual Assemblies at Ridván,
thus establishing an enlarged base of operations from which additional
pioneers must now go forth to further illumine and strengthen the five
continents of the globe.
You may be assured that we shall continue to remember you in our prayers
at the Holy Shrines, supplicating that Bahá'u'lláh will guide, bless and
sustain you, individually and collectively, as you continue to labor to
execute your numerous and varied responsibilities.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 28
Appointments to Continental Boards of Counselors
10 July 1969
To: National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
With great joy we announce that we have decided to increase the total
number of members of the Continental Boards of Counselors for the
Protection and Propagation of the Faith to thirty-eight by adding John
McHenry III to the Continental Board of Counselors in North East Asia
and Mas'úd Khamsí to the Continental Board of Counselors in South
America, raising the number of Counselors on each Board to three and
four, respectively.
We also rejoice to announce the appointment of Mrs.
Shirin Boman to the Continental Board of Counselors of Western Asia to
fill a vacancy on that Board.
The devoted efforts of all eleven
Continental Boards of Counselors during the first year of their service
to the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh have been most exemplary and praiseworthy.
We are deeply grateful for the loyalty, steadfastness and devotion which
have characterized the activities of all members in reinforcing the
vitally important work of the Hands of the Cause of God.
Please share these glad tidings with the friends.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Formation of an Additional
National Spiritual Assembly during Ridván 1970
11 August 1969
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
In the brief space of time following the announcement of the formation
of six new National Spiritual Assemblies in
page 29
Africa next Ridván, the succession of victories, resulting from the
prodigious efforts exerted by the devoted friends, impels us to announce
that a seventh National Spiritual Assembly will be formed in Africa at
Ridván, 1970. The new National Spiritual Assembly including Congo
(Brazzaville), Chad, Central African Republic and Gabon, will have its
seat in Bangui. This will leave Uganda with its own separate National
Spiritual Assembly.
Please share this joyous news with the believers. We know the friends
throughout the world join us in our supplications for the continued,
uninterrupted prosecution and speedy fulfillment of the goals,
terminating in the ultimate triumph of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Work of Continental Boards of Counselors
and Auxiliary Board Members
1 October 1969
To: The Continental Boards of Counselors and
National Spiritual Assemblies.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
A number of questions have been raised concerning the work of the
Counselors and Auxiliary Board members, and it has been suggested that
Auxiliary Board members be permitted to work regularly with National
Spiritual Assemblies and national committees. We have carefully
considered again the various factors involved and have decided that we
must uphold the principle that such direct consultations should be
exceptional rather than the rule.
It is the responsibility of Spiritual Assemblies, assisted by their
committees, to organize and direct the teaching work, and in doing so
they must, naturally, also do all they can to
page 30
stimulate and inspire the friends. It is, however, inevitable that the
Assemblies and committees, being burdened with the administration of the
teaching work as well as with all other aspects of Bahá'í community
life, will be unable to spend as much time as they would wish on
stimulating the believers.
Authority and direction flow from the Assemblies, whereas the power
to accomplish the tasks resides primarily in the entire body of the
believers. It is the principal task of the Auxiliary Boards to assist in
arousing and releasing this power. This is a vital activity, and if they
are to be able to perform it adequately they must avoid becoming
involved in the work of administration. For example, when Auxiliary
Board members arouse believers to pioneer, any believer who expresses
his desire to do so should be referred to the appropriate committee
which will then organize the project. Counselors and Auxiliary Board
members should not, themselves, organize pioneering or travel teaching
projects. Thus it is seen that the Auxiliary Boards should work closely
with the grass roots of the community: the individual believers, groups
and Local Spiritual Assemblies, advising, stimulating and assisting
them. The Counselors are responsible for stimulating, counseling and
assisting National Spiritual Assemblies, and also work with individuals,
groups and Local Assemblies.
It is always possible, of course, for Counselors to depute an Auxiliary
Board member to meet with a National Spiritual Assembly for a particular
purpose, but this should not become a regular practice. Similarly, if
the National Spiritual Assembly agrees, it may be advisable for an
Auxiliary Board member to meet occasionally with a national committee to
clarify the situation in the area and share information and ideas
thoroughly. But this also should not become regular. Were it to do so
there would be grave danger of inhibiting the proper working of these
two institutions, vitiating and undermining the collaboration that must
essentially exist between the
page 31
Continental Boards of Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies. It
would diffuse the energies and time of the Auxiliary Board members
through their becoming involved in the administration of teaching. It
could lead to the Auxiliary Board member's gradually taking over the
direction of the national committee, usurping the function of the
National Assembly or to his becoming merely a traveling teacher sent
hither and thither at the direction of the committee or National
Assembly.
It is, of course, vital that information be shared fully and promptly,
as has been explained in the compilation on the work of Auxiliary Board
members that was circulated on March 25, 1969. The ways of ensuring this
should be worked out by the Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies
and methods may vary from area to area.
Reports and recommendations for action, however, are quite different.
Auxiliary Board members should send theirs to the Counselors and not to
National Assemblies or national committees directly. It is possible that
the Counselors may reject or modify the recommendation; or, if they
accept it and pass it on to the National Spiritual Assembly, the
National Assembly may decide to refuse it. For an Auxiliary Board member
to make recommendations directly to a national committee would lose the
benefit of knowledge and experience in a wider field than that of which
the Auxiliary Board member is aware, and would short-circuit and
undermine the authority of both the Counselors and the National
Assembly.
Similarly, although an Auxiliary Board member can and should receive
information from the National Assemblies and national committees, his
primary source of information about the community should be his own
direct contacts with Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups and individual
believers. In this way the Counselors as well as the National Spiritual
Assemblies have the benefit of two independent sources of information
page 32
about the community: through the Auxiliary Board members on the one
hand, and through the national committees on the other.
Assemblies sometimes misunderstand what is meant by the statement that
Counselors and Auxiliary Board members are concerned with the teaching
work and not with administration. It is taken to mean that they may not
give advice on administrative matters. This is quite wrong. One of the
things that Counselors and Auxiliary Board members should watch and
report on is the proper working of administrative institutions. The
statement that they do not have anything to do with administration
means, simply, that they do not administer. They do not direct or
organize the teaching work nor do they adjudicate in matters of personal
conflict or personal problems. All these activities fall within the
sphere of responsibility of the Spiritual Assemblies. But if an
Auxiliary Board member finds a Local Spiritual Assembly functioning
incorrectly he should call its attention to the appropriate Texts;
likewise if, in his work with the community, an Auxiliary Board member
finds that the teaching work is being held up by inefficiency of
national committees, he should report this in detail to the Counselors
who will then decide whether to refer it to the National Spiritual
Assembly concerned. Similarly, if the Counselors find that a National
Spiritual Assembly is not functioning properly, they should not hesitate
to consult with the National Spiritual Assembly about this in a frank
and loving way.
It is the Spiritual Assemblies who plan and direct the work, but these
plans should be well known to the Counselors and Auxiliary Board
members, because one of the ways in which they can assist the Assemblies
is by urging the believers continually to support the plans of the
Assemblies. If a National Spiritual Assembly has adopted one goal as
preeminent in a year, the Auxiliary Board members should bear this in
mind in all their contacts with the believers and should direct their
page 33
attention to the plans of the National Assembly, and stimulate them to
enthusiastically support them.
The Counselors in each continental zone have wide latitude in the
carrying out of their work. Likewise they should give to each Auxiliary
Board member considerable freedom of action within his own allocated
area. Although the Counselors should regularly direct the work of the
Auxiliary Board members, the latter should realize that they need not
wait for direction; the nature of their work is such that they should be
continually engaged in it according to their own best judgment, even if
they are given no specific tasks to perform. Above all the Auxiliary
Board members should build up a warm and loving relationship between
themselves and the believers in their area so that the Local Spiritual
Assemblies will spontaneously turn to them for advice and assistance.
We assure you all of our fervent prayers in the Holy Shrines for the
blessings of Bahá'u'lláh upon the strenuous and highly meritorious
services that you are performing with such devotion in His path.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Appeal to Increase Teaching Efforts
amidst Catastrophic Events of the Day
16 November 1969
To the Bahá'ís of the World
Dear Friends,
In the worsening world situation, fraught with pain of war, violence and
the sudden uprooting of long-established institutions, can be seen the
fulfillment of the prophecies of Bahá'u'lláh and the oft-repeated
warnings of the Master and the beloved Guardian about the inevitable
fate of a lamentably defective social system, an unenlightened
leadership and a rebellious and unbelieving humanity. Governments and
peoples of both the developed and developing nations, and other
page 34
human institutions, secular and religious, finding themselves helpless
to reverse the trend of the catastrophic events of the day, stand
bewildered and overpowered by the magnitude and complexity of the
problems facing them. At this fateful hour in human history many,
unfortunately, seem content to stand aside and wring their hands in
despair or else join in the babel of shouting and protestation which
loudly objects, but offers no solution to the woes and afflictions
plaguing our age.
Nevertheless a greater and greater number of thoughtful and fair-minded
men and women are recognizing in the clamor of contention, grief and
destruction, now reaching such horrendous proportions, the evidences of
Divine chastisement, and turning their faces towards God are becoming
increasingly receptive to His Word. Doubtless the present circumstances,
though tragic and awful in their immediate consequences, are serving to
sharpen the focus on the indispensability of the Teachings of
Bahá'u'lláh to the needs of the present age, and will provide many
opportunities to reach countless waiting souls, hungry and thirsty for
Divine guidance.
It is these opportunities which we must seize before it is too late.
What is needed now is the awakening of all believers to the immediacy of
the challenge so that each may assume his share of the responsibility
for taking the Teachings to all humanity. Universal participation, a
salient objective of the Nine Year Plan, must be pressed toward
attainment in every continent, country and island of the globe. Every
Bahá'í, however humble or inarticulate, must become intent on fulfilling
his role as a bearer of the Divine Message. Indeed, how can a true
believer remain silent while around us men cry out in anguish for truth,
love and unity to descend upon this world?
We all know how often the Master and the beloved Guardian called upon
the friends to consciously strive to be more loving, more united, more
dedicated and prayerful than ever
page 35
before in order to overcome the atmosphere of present-day society which
is unloving, disunited, careless of right and wrong and heedless of God.
"When we see the increasing darkness in the world today," the Guardian's
secretary wrote on his behalf, "we can fully realize that unless the
Message of Bahá'u'lláh reaches into the hearts of men and transforms
them, there can be no peace and no spiritual progress in the future."
The Nine Year Plan is the current stage in the achievement of that
sublime objective. It is now imperative for every Bahá'í to set for
himself individual teaching goals. The admonition of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to
lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the exhortation of
Shoghi Effendi to hold a Bahá'í fireside in one's home every
Bahá'í
month are examples of individual goals. Many have capacities to do even
more, but this alone will assure final and complete victory for the
Plan.
We call upon the friends to join with us in prayer during the Feast of
Sultan that we will all become so imbued with zeal, courage and
enthusiasm that from this day to the end of the Nine Year Plan nothing
will be able to stay the victorious onward march of the followers of the
Most Great Name. May our efforts be worthy of the blessings and
confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Acquisition of Property Adjacent to Bahjí
18 November 1969
To: National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
Enclosed please find our letter of 16 November 1969 addressed to the
Bahá'ís of the World.* Please share this letter
*See pp. 33-35.
page 36
with all believers in your jurisdiction as soon as possible.
After several years of protracted negotiations with agencies of the
Israel Government both in Jerusalem and Haifa, an important property
adjacent to Bahjí and embracing the Master's tea house has been
acquired. On November 17th we cabled the National Spiritual Assembly of
the United States as follows:
|
With grateful hearts announce successful conclusion formal negotiations
initiated nearly two decades ago by beloved Guardian with authorities
State Israel resulting ownership vitally needed property surrounding
'Abdu'l-Bahá's teahouse immediate neighborhood Most Holy Tomb Founder
Faith. Acquisition much desired land extending gardens Bahjí facilitated
through exchange property dedicated some thirty-six years ago to Holy
Tomb Bahá'u'lláh by devoted servant Cause Hájí
'Alí Yazdí (Signed)
Universal House of Justice. |
The successful conclusion of these negotiations initiated during the
lifetime of the beloved Guardian was made possible through the
acceptance by the Government, as even exchange, of an endowment property
given to the Faith in 1933 by the late Hájí
'Alí Yazdí. The significance
of the specific piece of land donated by this venerable soul becomes
apparent when reading the following quotation from the IN MEMORIAM
article about him in The Bahá'í World, Volume IX:
|
He will forever be remembered, amongst other things, as the establisher
of Bahá'í endowments in the vicinity of 'Akká through his gift of a
tract of land dedicated to Bahá'u'lláh's Holy Tomb in Bahjí... |
It is a glowing tribute to the memory of this devoted servant of the
Blessed Beauty that his gift should play such an important
page 37
part in securing this valuable additional safeguard for the Most Holy
Tomb. Please also convey the news of this victory to the friends.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Comments on the Guardianship and
The Universal House of Justice
7 December 1969
Dear Bahá'í Friend,*
Your recent letter, in which you share with us the questions that have
occurred to some of the youth in studying "The Dispensation of
Bahá'u'lláh," has been carefully considered, and we feel that we should
comment both on the particular passage you mention and on a related
passage in the same work, because both bear on the relationship between
the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice.
The first passage concerns the Guardian's duty to insist upon a
reconsideration by his fellow-members in the Universal House of Justice
of any enactment which he believes conflicts with the meaning and
departs from the spirit of the Sacred Writings. The second passage
concerns the infallibility of the Universal House of Justice without the
Guardian, namely Shoghi Effendi's statement that "Without such an
institution [the Guardianship]... the necessary guidance to define
the sphere of the legislative action of its elected representatives
would be totally withdrawn."
Some of the youth, you indicate, were puzzled as to how to reconcile the
former of these two passages with such statements
*A letter addressed to a new believer.
page 38
as that in the Will of 'Abdu'l-Bahá which affirms that the Universal
House of Justice is "freed from all error."
Just as the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá does not in any way
contradict the Kitáb-i-Aqdas but, in the Guardian's words, "confirms,
supplements, and correlates the provisions of the Aqdas," so the
writings of the Guardian contradict neither the revealed Word nor the
interpretations of the Master. In attempting to understand the Writings,
therefore, one must first realize that there is and can be no real
contradiction in them, and in the light of this we can confidently seek
the unity of meaning which they contain.
The Guardian and the Universal House of Justice have certain duties and
functions in common; each also operates within a separate and distinct
sphere. As Shoghi Effendi explained, "...it is made indubitably clear
and evident that the Guardian of the Faith has been made the Interpreter
of the Word and that the Universal House of Justice has been invested
with the function of legislating on matters not expressly revealed in
the teachings. The interpretation of the Guardian, functioning within
his own sphere, is as authoritative and binding as the enactments of the
International House of Justice, whose exclusive right and prerogative is
to pronounce upon and deliver the final judgment on such laws and
ordinances as Bahá'u'lláh has not expressly revealed." He goes on to
affirm, "Neither can, nor will ever, infringe upon the sacred and
prescribed domain of the other. Neither will seek to curtail the
specific and undoubted authority with which both have been divinely
invested." It is impossible to conceive that two centers of authority,
which the Master has stated "are both under the care and protection of
the Abhá Beauty, under the shelter and unerring guidance of His Holiness
the Exalted One," could conflict with one another, because both are
vehicles of the same Divine Guidance.
The Universal House of Justice, beyond its function as the enactor of
legislation, has been invested with the more general
page 39
functions of protecting and administering the Cause, solving obscure
questions and deciding upon matters that have caused difference. Nowhere
is it stated that the infallibility of the Universal House of Justice is
by virtue of the Guardian's membership or presence on that body. Indeed,
'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will and Shoghi Effendi in his "Dispensation of
Bahá'u'lláh" have both explicitly stated that the elected members of the
Universal House of Justice in consultation are recipients of unfailing
Divine Guidance. Furthermore the Guardian himself in "The World Order of
Bahá'u'lláh" asserted that "It must be also clearly understood by every
believer that the institution of Guardianship does not under any
circumstances abrogate, or even in the slightest degree detract from,
the powers granted to the Universal House of Justice by Bahá'u'lláh in
the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and repeatedly and solemnly confirmed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá
in His Will. It does not constitute in any manner a contradiction to the
Will and Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, nor does it nullify any of His
revealed instructions."
While the specific responsibility of the Guardian is the interpretation
of the Word, he is also invested with all the powers and prerogatives
necessary to discharge his function as Guardian of the Cause, its Head
and supreme protector. He is, furthermore, made the irremovable head and
member for life of the supreme legislative body of the Faith. It is as
the head of the Universal House of Justice, and as a member of that
body, that the Guardian takes part in the process of legislation. If the
following passage, which gave rise to your query, is considered as
referring to this last relationship, you will see that there is no
contradiction between it and the other texts: "Though the Guardian of
the Faith has been made the permanent head of so august a body he can
never, even temporarily, assume the right of exclusive legislation. He
cannot override the decision of the majority of his fellow- members, but
is bound to insist upon a reconsideration by
page 40
them of any enactment he conscientiously believes to conflict with the
meaning and to depart from the spirit of Bahá'u'lláh's revealed
utterances."
Although the Guardian, in relation to his fellow-members within the
Universal House of Justice, cannot override the decision of the
majority, it is inconceivable that the other members would ignore any
objection he raised in the course of consultation or pass legislation
contrary to what he expressed as being in harmony with the spirit of the
Cause. It is, after all, the final act of judgment delivered by the
Universal House of Justice that is vouchsafed infallibility, not any
views expressed in the course of the process of enactment.
It can be seen, therefore, that there is no conflict between the
Master's statements concerning the unfailing divine guidance conferred
upon the Universal House of Justice and the above passage from "The
Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh."
It may help the friends to understand this relationship if they are
aware of some of the processes that the Universal House of Justice
follows when legislating. First, of course, it observes the greatest
care in studying the Sacred Texts and the interpretations of the
Guardian as well as considering the views of all the members. After long
consultation the process of drafting a pronouncement is put into effect.
During this. process the whole matter may well be reconsidered. As a
result of such reconsideration the final judgment may be significantly
different from the conclusion earlier favored, or possibly it may be
decided not to legislate at all on that subject at that time. One can
understand how great would be the attention paid to the views of the
Guardian during the above process were he alive.
In considering the second passage we must once more hold fast to the
principle that the teachings do not contradict themselves.
Future Guardians are clearly envisaged and referred to in the Writings.
But there is nowhere any promise or guarantee
page 41
that the line of Guardians would endure forever; on the contrary there
are clear indications that the line could be broken. Yet, in spite of
this, there is a repeated insistence in the Writings on the
indestructibility of the Covenant and the immutability of God's Purpose
for this Day. One of the most striking passages which envisage the
possibility of such a break in the line of Guardians is in the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas itself:
|
The endowments dedicated to charity revert to God, the Revealer of
Signs. No one has the right to lay hold on them without leave from the
Dawning-Place of Revelation. After Him the decision rests with the
Aghsán (Branches), and after them with the House of Justice — should it
be established in the world by then — so that they may use these
endowments for the benefit of the Sites exalted in this Cause, and for
that which they have been commanded by God, the Almighty, the
All-Powerful. Otherwise the endowments should be referred to the people
of Bahá, who speak not without His leave and who pass no judgment but in
accordance with that which God has ordained in this Tablet, they who are
the champions of victory betwixt heaven and earth, so that they may
spend them on that which has been decreed in the Holy Book by God, the
Mighty, the Bountiful. |
The passing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957 precipitated the very situation
provided for in this passage, in that the line of Aghsán ended before
the House of Justice had been elected. Although, as is seen, the ending
of the line of Aghsán at some stage was provided for, we must never
underestimate the grievous loss that the Faith has suffered. God's
purpose for mankind remains unchanged, however, and the mighty Covenant
of Bahá'u'lláh remains impregnable. Has not
Bahá'u'lláh stated
categorically, "The Hand of Omnipotence hath established His Revelation
upon an unassailable, an
page 42
enduring foundation." While 'Abdu'l-Bahá confirms: "Verily, God
effecteth that which He pleaseth; naught can annul His Covenant; naught
can obstruct His favor nor oppose His Cause!" "Everything is subject to
corruption; but the Covenant of thy Lord shall continue to pervade all
regions." "The tests of every dispensation are in direct proportion to
the greatness of the Cause and as heretofore such a manifest Covenant,
written by the Supreme Pen, has not been entered upon, the tests are
proportionately severe... These agitations of the violators are no
more than the foam of the ocean,... this froth of the ocean shall not
endure and shall soon disappear and vanish, while on the other hand the
ocean of the Covenant shall eternally surge and roar." And Shoghi
Effendi has clearly stated: "The bedrock on which this Administrative
Order is founded is God's immutable Purpose for mankind in this day."
"...this priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now still in its embryonic
state, shall evolve within the shell of His Law, and shall forge ahead,
undivided and unimpaired, till it embraces the whole of mankind."
In the Bahá'í Faith there are two authoritative centers appointed to
which the believers must turn, for in reality the Interpreter of the
Word is an extension of that center which is the Word itself. The Book
is the record of the utterance of Bahá'u'lláh, while the divinely
inspired Interpreter is the living Mouth of that Book — it is he and he
alone who can authoritatively state what the Book means. Thus one center
is the Book with its Interpreter, and the other is the Universal House
of Justice guided by God to decide on whatever is not explicitly
revealed in the Book. This pattern of centers and their relationships is
apparent at every stage in the unfoldment of the Cause. In the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas Bahá'u'lláh tells the believers to refer after
His passing
to the Book, and to "Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from
this Ancient Root." In the Kitáb-i-'Ahd (the Book of Bahá'u'lláh's
Covenant), He makes it clear that this reference is to 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
page 43
In the Aqdas Bahá'u'lláh also ordains the institution of the Universal
House of Justice, and confers upon it the powers necessary for it to
discharge its ordained functions. The Master in His Will and Testament
explicitly institutes the Guardianship, which Shoghi Effendi states was
clearly anticipated in the verses of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, reaffirms and
elucidates the authority of the Universal House of Justice, and refers
the believers once again to the Book: "Unto the Most Holy Book everyone
must turn and all that is not expressly recorded therein must be
referred to the Universal House of Justice," and at the very end of the
Will He says: "All must seek guidance and turn unto the Center of the
Cause and the House of Justice. And he that turneth unto whatsoever else
is indeed in grievous error."
As the sphere of jurisdiction of the Universal House of Justice in
matters of legislation extends to whatever is not explicitly revealed in
the Sacred Text, it is clear that the Book itself is the highest
authority and delimits the sphere of action
of the House of Justice. Likewise, the Interpreter of the Book must also
have the authority to define the sphere of the legislative action of the
elected representatives of the Cause. The writings of the Guardian and
the advice given by him over the thirty-six years of his Guardianship
show the way in which he exercised this function in relation to the
Universal House of Justice as well as to National and Local Spiritual
Assemblies.
The fact that the Guardian has the authority to define the
sphere of the legislative action of the Universal House of Justice does
not carry with it the corollary that without such guidance the Universal
House of Justice might stray beyond the limits of its proper authority;
such a deduction would conflict with all the other texts referring to
its infallibility, and specifically with the Guardian's own clear
assertion that the Universal House of Justice never can or will infringe
on the sacred and prescribed domain of the Guardianship. It should be
remembered, however, that although National and Local
page 44
Spiritual Assemblies can receive divine guidance if they consult in the
manner and spirit described by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, they do not share in the
explicit guarantees of infallibility conferred upon the Universal House
of Justice. Any careful student of the Cause can see with what care the
Guardian, after the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, guided these elected
representatives of the believers in the painstaking erection of the
Administrative Order and in the formulation of Local and National Bahá'í
Constitutions.
We hope that these elucidations will assist the friends in understanding
these relationships more clearly, but we must all remember that we stand
too close to the beginnings of the System ordained by Bahá'u'lláh to be
able fully to understand its potentialities or the interrelationships of
its component parts. As Shoghi Effendi's secretary wrote on his behalf
to an individual believer on 25 March 1930, "The contents of the Will of
the Master are far too much for the present generation to comprehend. It
needs at least a century of actual working before the treasures of
wisdom hidden in it can be revealed..."
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Noninterference in Political Affairs
8 February 1970
To: National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
For long centuries the African Continent, or rather that great part of
it which lies south of the Sahara, remained relatively isolated from the
rest of the world, untroubled and scarcely touched by the surging
conflicts of the nations to the north and east. Now, rapidly emerging
into the main stream of
page 45
international interest, the African peoples, who were compared by
Bahá'u'lláh to the black pupil of the eye through which "the light of
the spirit shineth forth," are being swept by the heady enthusiasms of
new-found independence, torn by the conflicting forces of divergent
political interests, their vision obscured by the haze of materialism
and the dust of nationalistic passions and age-old tribal rivalries.
In the midst of the storm and stress of the battles of selfish interests
being waged about them, stand the followers of the Most Great Name,
their sight attracted to the rising Sun of God's Holy Cause, their
hearts welded together in a bond of true unity with all the children of
men, and their voices raised in a universal song of praise to the Glory
of God and the oneness of mankind, calling on their fellowmen to forget
and forgo their differences and join them in obedience and service to
God's Holy Command in this Day.
The Army of the Cause, advancing at the bidding of the Lord, to conquer
the hearts of men, can never be defeated, but its rate of advance can be
slowed down by acts of unwisdom and ignorance on the part of its
supporters. We are writing you this letter to help in clarifying some of
the issues that have, in the past, blurred the vision of some of the
believers, and caused them to commit errors of judgment which have
retarded the progress of the Faith in their countries.
One of these issues, and by far the most important, is a lack of
appreciation of the implications of the Bahá'í principle of
noninterference in political affairs. We find that 'Abdu'l-Bahá and
Shoghi Effendi have given us clear and convincing reasons why we must
uphold this principle. These reasons are summarized below for the study
and deepening of the friends. It is our hope that these observations
will not only help the friends to intelligently and radiantly follow the
holy teachings on this matter, but will help them to explain the Bahá'í
attitude to those who may question its wisdom and usefulness:
page 46
The Faith of God is the sole source of salvation for mankind today. The
true cause of the ills of humanity is its disunity. No matter how
perfect may be the machinery devised by the leaders of men for the
political unity of the world, it will still not provide the antidote to
the poison sapping the vigor of present-day society. These ills can be
cured only through the instrumentality of God's Faith. There are many
well-wishers of mankind who devote their efforts to relief-work and
charity and to the material well-being of man, but only Bahá'ís can do
the work which God most wants done. When we devote ourselves to the work
of the Faith we are doing a work which is the greatest aid and only
refuge for a needy and divided world.
The Bahá'í Community is a worldwide organization seeking to establish
true and universal peace on earth. If a Bahá'í works for one political
party to overcome another it is a negation of the very spirit of the
Faith. Membership in any political party, therefore, necessarily entails
repudiation of some or all of the principles of peace and unity
proclaimed by Bahá'u'lláh. As 'Abdu'l-Bahá stated: "Our party is God's
party; we do not belong to any party."
If a Bahá'í were to insist on his right to support a certain political
party he could not deny the same degree of freedom to other believers.
This would mean that within the ranks of the Faith, whose primary
mission is to unite all men as one great family under God, there would
be Bahá'ís opposed to each other. Where, then, would be the example of
unity and harmony which the world is seeking?
If the institutions of the Faith, God forbid, became involved in
politics, the Bahá'ís would find themselves arousing antagonism instead
of love. If they took one stand in one country, they would be bound to
change the views of the people in another country about the aims and
purposes of the Faith. By becoming involved in political disputes, the
Bahá'ís instead of changing the world or helping it, would |
page 47
themselves be lost and destroyed. The world situation is so confused and
moral issues which were once clear have become so mixed up with selfish
and battling factions, that the best way Bahá'ís can serve the highest
interests of their country and the cause of true salvation for the
world, is to sacrifice their political pursuits and affiliations and
wholeheartedly and fully support the divine system of Bahá'u'lláh.
The Faith is not opposed to the true interests of any nation, nor is it
against any party or faction. It holds aloof from all controversies and
transcends them all, while enjoining upon its followers loyalty to
government and a sane patriotism. This love for their country the
Bahá'ís show by serving its well-being in their daily activity, or by
working in the administrative channels of the government instead of
through party politics or in diplomatic or political posts. The Bahá'ís
may, indeed are encouraged to, mix with all strata of society, with the
highest authorities and with leading personalities as well as with the
mass of the people, and should bring the knowledge of the Faith to them;
but in so doing they should strictly avoid becoming identified, or
identifying the Faith, with political pursuits and party programs. |
So vital is this principle of noninterference in political matters,
which must govern the acts and words of Bahá'ís in every land, that
Shoghi Effendi has written that "Neither the charges which the
uninformed and the malicious may be led to bring against them, nor the
allurements of honors and rewards" would ever induce the true believers
to deviate from this path, and that their words and conduct must
proclaim that the followers of Bahá'u'lláh "are actuated by no selfish
ambition, that they neither thirst for power, nor mind any wave of
unpopularity, of distrust or criticism, which a strict adherence to
their standards might provoke."
page 48
"Difficult and delicate though be our task," he continues, "the
sustaining power of Bahá'u'lláh and of His Divine guidance will
assuredly assist us, if we follow steadfastly in His way, and strive to
uphold the integrity of His laws. The light of His redeeming grace,
which no earthly power can obscure, will if we persevere, illuminate our
path, as we steer our course amid the snares and pitfalls of a troubled
age and will enable us to discharge our duties in a manner that would
redound to the glory and honor of His blessed Name."
The second issue which causes difficulties for the African friends in
these days is the matter of tribalism. As Bahá'ís they are convinced
that mankind is one and must be viewed as one entity, yet, as members of
their respective tribes, they find themselves expected by their
non-Bahá'í brothers to give their first loyalty to, and even
aggressively pursue the interests of, their tribe. They live, moreover,
in an atmosphere which is only too often one of mistrust, fear and even
hatred against the members of other tribes.
The Bahá'í attitude in such a situation is clearly set forth in the
Writings. As Bahá'ís we are attached to our tribes and clans, just as we
are to our families and, on a larger scale, to our nations, but we do
not allow this attachment to conflict with our wider loyalty to
humanity. The followers of the Faith, the Guardian has clearly stated,
"will not hesitate to subordinate every particular interest, be it
personal, regional or national, to the overriding interests of the
generality of mankind, knowing full well that in a world of
interdependent peoples and nations the advantage of the part is best to
be reached by the advantage of the whole, and that no lasting result can
be achieved by any of the component parts if the general interests of
the entity itself are neglected."
In further elucidating this theme he has written: "Let there be no
misgivings as to the animating purpose of the worldwide Law of
Bahá'u'lláh... It does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress,
the diversity of ethnical origins, of climate, of
page 49
history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that
differentiate the peoples and nations of the world. It calls for a wider
loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the human
race. It insists upon the subordination of national impulses and
interests to the imperative claims of a unified world. It repudiates
excessive centralization on one hand, and disclaims all attempts at
uniformity on the other. Its watchword is unity in diversity..."
In these days when tribal tensions are increasing in Africa the friends
should be vigilant lest any trace of prejudice or hatred, God forbid,
may enter their midst. On the contrary, they should endeavor to bring
into the Faith an ever larger representation of the various tribes in
each country, and through complete lack of prejudice as well as through
the love that Bahá'ís have for each other and for their
non-Bahá'í
neighbors, demonstrate to their countrymen what the Word of God can do.
They will thus provide, for the scrutiny of the leaders and rulers of
their countries, a shining example of a unified community, working
together in full concord and harmony, demonstrating a hope that is
attainable, and a pattern worthy to be emulated.
To discriminate against any tribes because they are in a minority is a
violation of the spirit that animates the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. As
followers of God's Holy Faith it is our obligation to protect the just
interests of any minority element within the Bahá'í community. In fact
in the administration of our Bahá'í affairs, representatives of minority
groups are not only enabled to enjoy equal rights and privileges, but
they are even favored and accorded priority. Bahá'ís should be careful
never to deviate from this noble standard, even if the course of events
or public opinion should bring pressure to bear upon them.
The principles in the Writings are clear, but usually it is when these
principles are applied that questions arise. In all cases where the
correct course of action is not clear believers should consult their
National Spiritual Assembly who will
page 50
exercise their judgment in advising the friends on the best course to
follow.
It is the hope and prayer of the Universal House of Justice that
National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa will, in full collaboration with
the Continental Boards of Counselors and Auxiliary Boards in their
areas, act as loving shepherds to the divine flock in that mighty
Continent, protect the friends from the evil influences surrounding
them, guide them in the true and right path, and assist them to attain a
continuously deeper understanding, a firmer conviction and a more
consuming love for the Cause they are so devotedly seeking to promote
and serve.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Attainment of Consultative Status with the
United Nations Economic and Social Council
18 February 1970
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We share with you the text of a cable sent today to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States for publication in "Bahá'í
News":
|
Joyfully announce Bahá'í world attainment consultative status United
Nations Economic and Social Council thereby fulfilling long cherished
hope beloved Guardian and World Center goal Nine Year Plan. Sustained
persistent efforts more than twenty years accredited representatives
Bahá'í International Community United Nations devoted support
Bahá'í
communities throughout world finally rewarded. Significant achievement
adds prestige influence recognition ever advancing Faith Bahá'u'lláh.
Offering |
page 51
|
prayers gratitude Holy Shrines (Signed) Universal House of Justice. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
The Spirit of Bahá'í Consultation
6 March 1970
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of Canada.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We have your letter of 14 January 1970 asking questions about the
decision-making process of Spiritual Assemblies.
It is important to realize that the spirit of Bahá'í consultation is
very different from that current in the decision-making processes of
non-Bahá'í bodies.
The ideal of Bahá'í consultation is to arrive at a unanimous decision.
When this is not possible a vote must be taken. In the words of the
beloved Guardian: "...when they are called upon to arrive at a
certain decision, they should, after dispassionate, anxious and cordial
consultation, turn to God in prayer, and with earnestness and conviction
and courage record their vote and abide by the voice of the majority,
which we are told by the Master to be the voice of truth, never to be
challenged, and always to be whole-heartedly enforced."
As soon as a decision is reached it becomes the decision of the whole
Assembly, not merely of those members who happened to be among the
majority.
When it is proposed to put a matter to the vote, a member of the
Assembly may feel that there are additional facts or views which must be
sought before he can make up his mind and intelligently vote on the
proposition. He should express this feeling to the Assembly, and it is
for the Assembly to decide whether or not further consultation is needed
before voting.
page 52
Whenever it is decided to vote on a proposition all that is required is
to ascertain how many of the members are in favor of it; if this is a
majority of those present, the motion is carried; if it is a minority,
the motion is defeated. Thus the whole question of "abstaining" does not
arise in Bahá'í voting. A member who does not vote in favor of a
proposition is, in effect, voting against it, even if at that moment he
himself feels that he has been unable to make up his mind on the matter.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Ridván Message 1970
Ridván 1970
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following is the text of our message to the Bahá'í world which has
been cabled to certain National Spiritual Assemblies:
|
Bahá'í World Community entering seventh year Nine Year Plan has amply
demonstrated ability scale heights devotion sacrifice win astonishing
victories world redeeming world healing world uniting Faith. At this
Ridván extend loving welcome eleven new National Spiritual Assemblies
now forming seven in Africa one in Americas one in Asia two in
Australasia raising to ninetyfour number supporting pillars Universal
House Justice. Moved pay loving tribute Hands Cause God their brilliant
services blazing teaching trails surface planet uplifting advising
Assemblies friends all continents. In view effective reinforcement this
noble work by able dedicated Continental Boards Counselors their
Auxiliary Boards together with growing need and expansion world
community announce augmentation vital institution through appointment
three additional Counselors Iraj Ayman western Asia Anneliese Bopp Betty
Reed Europe |
page 53
|
and authorization appointment fortyfive additional Auxiliary Board
members nine Africa sixteen Asia two Australasia eighteen Western
Hemisphere. Calling formation four National Spiritual Assemblies Ridván
1971 Lesotho seat Maseru Ivory Coast Mali and Upper Volta seat Abidjan
Trinidad and Tobago seat Port of Spain Solomon Islands seat Honiara.
Nine Year Plan already marked great achievements pioneering proclamation
recognition Faith upsurge youth acquisition properties commencement
construction Panama Temple developments World Center. Urgent immediate
vital need concentrate attention increase number localities Local
Spiritual Assemblies believers fill remaining pioneer posts. Last Ridván
call raised sevenhundred and thirtythree pioneers minimum requirement.
Fourhundred and seventynine specific posts still unfilled. Total
victory requires more pioneers more funds more new believers. Hands
Cause Counselors Board Members National Local Spiritual Assemblies every
single follower Bahá'u'lláh summoned utmost effort remaining years Nine
Year Plan. Achievement this step Master's Divine Plan will endow
community capacity administrative agencies undertake next stage
implementation supreme purpose Bahá'u'lláh's revelation unification
mankind establishment long promised Kingdom God this earth. Assure
ardent loving prayers Holy Shrines. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Second National Youth Conference
in the United States
11 June 1970
Bahá'í
Wilmette Illinois USA
Greet representatives vibrant army Bahá'í youth United States gathered
national conference blessed inspiring presence
page 54
participation beloved Amatu'l-Bahá. Growing effectiveness
Bahá'í youth
evidenced rising tide enrollments and eagerness study exemplify
teachings Faith every aspect lives shoulder responsibilities Plan home
abroad source joy House Justice and inspiration followers Bahá'u'lláh
throughout world. Fervently praying Lord Hosts will bountifully
reinforce every effort American Bahá'í youth achieve glorious victories
Five Year Plan so audaciously adopted 1968 setting shining example
making outstanding contribution completion worldwide Nine Year Plan
proclaim Cause God deeply suffering mankind.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
Message to Bolivia and Mauritius
Conferences — August 1970.
August 1970
To the Continental Conference in La Paz, Bolivia and
the Oceanic Conference in Rose-Hill, Mauritius.
Beloved Friends,
Our hearts turn with eager expectancy to the twin Conferences now in
session in the southern hemisphere. Their convocation so shortly after
the worldwide commemoration of the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the
Purest Branch, calls to mind that the promotion and establishment of
the Faith of God have always been through sacrifice and dedicated
service. Indeed, these very Conferences testify to the creative power,
the fruitfulness, the invocation of Divine confirmations which result
from sacrificial service to the Cause of God. Although both Bolivia and
Mauritius are mentioned specifically in the tablets of the Divine Plan,
the Cause, even thirty-five years ago, was virtually unknown in those
areas: today we witness the holding of these historic Conferences.
Little wonder that South America, whose rulers and presidents
page 55
were addressed by Bahá'u'lláh in His Kitáb-i-Aqdas, of whose
indigenous
believers the Master, in those Tablets already referred to, wrote "...
Should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no
doubt that through the divine teachings they will become so enlightened
that the whole earth will be illumined," should have exerted a magnetic
attraction upon a number of ardent souls in the northern continent,
eager to serve in so promising a field. A band of heroic pioneers,
bearing the Message of Bahá'u'lláh, gradually penetrated its wide
territories, its jungles and mountains. They were followed by others
under systematic crusades of two Seven-Year Plans and the beloved
Guardian's Ten-Year Plan and together they became the spiritual
conquerors of that continent. The Latin American communities which arose
as a result of their pioneer efforts were described by the beloved
Guardian as "associates in the execution" of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine Plan.
May Maxwell, one of the great heroines of the Faith, attained her
longed-for crown of martyrdom in Buenos Aires; Panama became the site of
the sixth Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of the Bahá'í world, and La Paz,
Bolivia, is
now the scene of this Continental Conference.
The Indian Ocean, whose furthermost waves lap the shores of the Cradle
of our Faith, upon whose waters the Divine Báb traveled in the course of
His pilgrimage to Mecca, the heart of Islám, where He openly announced
His Mission; whose mighty subcontinent from which it derives its name
was the home and assigned province of the ninth Letter of the Living;
whose major islands were severally mentioned by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in the
second of His Tablets of the Divine Plan, lay, for most of a century,
fallow to the Word of God, a challenge to the promotion of His Faith.
This challenge was answered by half a hundred Knights of Bahá'u'lláh,
who, in response to the beloved Guardian's call left their homes and
wholeheartedly gave themselves to the establishment of the
page 56
Cause in those parts. They implanted the banner of Bahá'u'lláh upon its
atolls, its great islands and bordering territories. Now, in the midmost
heart of that huge expanse of sea, Mauritius, an island whose name was
enshrined in Bahá'í history during the Heroic Age of our Faith as the
source, two years before 'Abdu'l-Bahá's arrival in America, of a
contribution to the purchase of the site of the Mother Temple of the
West, has been chosen as the venue of this oceanic Conference.
Not only have the institutions of the Faith been established in this
ocean and this continent, but the spirit of the New Day, brilliant even
at this early dawn with the light of Bahá'u'lláh's gifts to man, is
apparent in the diversity of the attendants, in the brotherhood of
erstwhile strangers — even enemies — and above all in the noble purposes
for which you have gathered.
Your aim is the redemption of mankind from its godlessness, its
ignorance, its confusion and conflict. You will succeed, as those before
you succeeded, by sacrifice to the Cause of God. The deeds and services
required of you now, will shine in the future, even as those of your
spiritual predecessors shine today and will forever shine in the annals
of the Cause.
We share with you the spiritual delight of these occasions and assure
you of our constant and ardent prayers that your deliberations upon the
objectives of the Cause in your areas and the spiritual fellowship which
you will enjoy will result in immediate and determined plans to
complete the tasks assigned to you ere the rapidly approaching end of
the Nine Year Plan. This Plan is the current stage of the Master's
Divine Plan and its success must precede those greater triumphs when, as
the result of your labors, the divine outpourings will raise up a vast
concourse of radiant and devoted servants of Bahá'u'lláh who will
establish His Kingdom in this world.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 57
Formation of Seven National Spiritual Assemblies
during Ridván 1971
12 August 1970
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following cable has just been sent to Hands of the Cause
Rúhíyyih Khánum and William Sears representing
the Universal House of Justice at
Conferences in Bolivia and Mauritius:
|
Please announce to participants conference joyous news decision call
three additional national conventions next Ridván namely Sudan Chad and
Congo Brazzaville Gabon bringing to seven new National Spiritual
Assemblies being formed at close of seventh year Nine Year Plan.
Fervently praying Holy Shrines behalf national communities Bahá'í world
reaching one hundred one by next Ridván supplicating reinforcement ties
uniting them greater consecration challenging tasks still ahead wider
participation all ranks faithful. Communicating text cable all National
Spiritual Assemblies. |
Please share this news with the friends.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Grave Crisis in Bahá'í International Fund
29 December 1970
To the Followers of Bahá'u'lláh in every land.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We have reached a critical point in the progress of the Nine
Year Plan. In many lands multitudes are thirsty and eager to
page 58
embrace the Message of Bahá'u'lláh. In others, materially advanced but
spiritually backward, a great effort is needed to awaken the people to
the light of this New Day. The recently established National Spiritual
Assemblies in many lands are occupied in acquiring the Hazíratu'l-Quds,
Temple Sites, National Endowments and Teaching Institutes essential for
the proper development of the Administrative Order and the deepening of
the Bahá'í knowledge of their believers, while in the heart of the
Western Hemisphere, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of Panama requires several
hundred thousand dollars for its completion. To accomplish these many
essential tasks the resources of the Cause are being stretched to their
uttermost.
At this crucial moment when the activities of the believer and the
expenditure of funds should be increased to seize the opportunities
which lie before us, the Bahá'í International Fund finds itself plunged
into a grave crisis by a steep reduction in contributions. Undoubtedly
worldwide economic difficulties are one of the causes of this, but we
are confident that the believers throughout the world will respond to
this challenge and will make every sacrifice to ensure that the work of
the Cause of God goes forward unimpeded.
Since 1963 when there were 56 National Spiritual Assemblies, to the
present time when there are 94 (soon to be 101), the work of the Cause
has expanded so rapidly, both in the teaching field and at the World
Center, that the Universal House of Justice has had to increase more
than fourfold the annual international budget of the Cause. This year
fifty-eight percent of the International Fund is being expended outside
the Holy Land on projects such as assistance to National Spiritual
Assemblies (56 of which receive a large part, if not all, of their
budgets from the World Center), contributions to the work of the Hands
of the Cause and the Continental Boards of Counselors, defense of the
Cause in lands where it is
page 59
facing persecution, and our expanded activities at the United Nations.
In order to meet the present situation the Universal House of Justice
must drastically reduce the expenditure of the Bahá'í International Fund
until the flow of contributions is restored. While the work on the
International Archives Building necessary to protect the precious
Tablets and relics from the high humidity and increasingly polluted
atmosphere of Haifa city has been completed, the projects of further
developing the Gardens in Bahjí and of starting upon an extension of the
Terraces below the Shrine of the Báb, as well as additional developments
to the office facilities of the World Center, must now be postponed. In
addition we are reluctantly compelled to reduce by ten percent the next
two quarterly remittances of assistance to National Spiritual
Assemblies, and we call upon these Assemblies now to reduce their own
expenditure to take account of this.
These, however, can but be temporary measures designed to minimize the
present emergency. The real answer lies, not in restricting the
activities of the friends at this time when mankind stands in such dire
need of the Message of Bahá'u'lláh, but in the universal participation
of every believer in the work of the Cause.
The poor believers vastly outnumber the wealthy ones, and this majority
will grow rapidly as mass teaching spreads. Thus, although the work in
mass teaching areas will continue to be assisted by the contributions of
the friends in prosperous lands, and these believers must for the
immediate future continue to be the main support of the International
Fund, it becomes ever more urgent for the friends in mass teaching areas
to finance their own activities to an ever greater degree. The backbone
of the Fund must be the regular contributions of every believer. Even
though such contributions may be small
page 60
because of the poverty of the donors, large numbers of small sums
combine into a mighty river that can carry along the work of the Cause.
Moreover the unity of the friends in sacrifice draws upon them the
confirmations of the Blessed Beauty.
The universal participation of the believers in every aspect of the
Faith — in contributing to the Fund, in teaching, deepening, living the
Bahá'í life, administering the affairs of the community, and, above all,
in the life of prayer and devotion to God — will endow the Bahá'í
community with such strength that it can overcome the forces of
spiritual disintegration which are engulfing the non-Bahá'í world, and
can become an ocean of oneness that will cover the face of the planet.
We ask every one of you to ponder these matters deeply, and to join us
in fervent prayer that this momentary crisis will prove to have been a
providential test that will spur the community of the Greatest Name to
new heights of dedication and triumphant achievement.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Crisis in Bahá'í Fund in United States
29 December 1970
To the Believers in the Cradle of the
Bahá'í Administrative Order.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
Your National Spiritual Assembly is, at this very time, taking urgent
steps to acquaint each one of you with the serious condition of your
National Fund, and we are sure that,
page 61
as soon as you know of this situation, you will respond with the
generosity and self-sacrifice that are characteristic of the American
Bahá'í community.
The crisis in your National Fund has, in its turn, precipitated a crisis
in the international funds of the Cause, because your National Spiritual
Assembly has been unable to send more than a small proportion of the
$600,000 which it had decided to contribute to the International Fund.
The inability of your National Assembly to transmit this contribution to
the Holy Land has caused us to drastically reduce expenditures in the
international work of the Cause, as explained in the letter to the
friends throughout the world, which is enclosed.
As the United States' own mass teaching progresses, your National Fund
will have to be expended increasingly on vital deepening and
consolidation projects, for it is important that the new believers who
are entering the community in such large numbers be rapidly integrated
into the life of the whole. The administration of the Cause in the
United States is entering a completely new phase, of high promise,
challenging problems and golden opportunities. You are the cradle of the
Administration, and in this development too you can become a pattern for
the entire Bahá'í world. The essential requirement at this time is
complete unity and whole-hearted support for your National Spiritual
Assembly, both in action and in funds.
Once again, the progress of the Cause throughout the world hangs largely
on the response and single-minded devotion of the American followers of
Bahá'u'lláh. That they may arise with characteristic youthful fervor and
trust in Almighty God is our ardent prayer at the Sacred Threshold.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 62
Message to the Monrovia Conference — January 1971
January 1971
Dearly-loved Friends,
The emergence on the African Continent of a widely spread, numerous,
diversified and united Bahá'í community, so swiftly after the initiation
of organized teaching plans there, is of the utmost significance and a
signal evidence of the bounties which God has destined for its peoples
in this day.
The great victories in Africa, which brought such joy to the Guardian's
heart in the last years of his life, resulted from the self-sacrificing
devotion of a handful of pioneers, gradually assisted by the first few
native believers, all laboring under the loving shadow of the Hand of
the Cause Musa Banani. From their efforts there has been raised up an
increasing army of African teachers, administrators, pioneers and
valiant promoters of the Divine Cause, whose main task is to bring to
all Africa the bounties conferred by the Word of God, bounties of
enlightenment, zeal, devotion and eventually the true civilization of
Bahá'u'lláh's World Order.
Many of the gravest ills now afflicting the human race appear in acute
form on the African Continent. Racial, tribal and religious prejudice,
disunity of nations, the scourge of political factionalism, poverty and
lack of education are obvious examples. Bahá'ís have a great part to
play — greater than they may realize — in the healing of these sicknesses
and the abatement of their worst effects. By their radiant unity, by
their "bright and shining" faces, their self-discipline in zealously
following all the requirements of Bahá'í law, their abstention from
politics, their constant study and proclamation of the Great Message,
they will hasten the advent of that glorious day when all mankind will
know its true brotherhood and will bask in the sunshine of God's love
and blessing.
That the African believers are fully capable of taking their
page 63
full share in building the Kingdom of God on earth, their natural
abilities and present deeds have fully demonstrated. An African Hand of
the Cause of God, even now in the course of a brilliant, triumphal
teaching tour of the planet, African Counselors, Board Members, national
and local administrators and an ever-increasing army of believers
testify to the vigor and immense capacity of this highly-blessed
continent to serve its Lord in the great day of His appearance. That the
African believers, so beloved by the Guardian of the Faith, will rise to
the challenge facing them and earn the gratitude and goodwill of all
mankind by their deeds of dedication and self-sacrifice is the longing
of our hearts.
May this Conference become a sun from which will stream forth to all
parts of the vast continent rays of spiritual energy and inspiration,
galvanizing the friends to action in the fields of teaching and
pioneering in such manner that they will rapidly achieve all the tasks
assigned to them under the Nine Year Plan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Message to the Oceanic Conference of the
South China Seas, Singapore — January 1971
January 1971
Dearly-loved Friends,
The wonderful progress made by the Bahá'í communities of South East Asia
towards achievement of the tasks assigned to them under the Nine Year
Plan, fills our hearts with thankfulness to God and arouses our keenest
admiration for the capacities and dedicated services of the friends in
all those vast and varied territories. Indeed, so bountiful have been
the divine confirmations rewarding their efforts that we are confident
of their ability to far exceed the stated objectives and
page 64
to initiate the opening phase of the next stage of their development, a
massive increase in the establishment of the Cause of God among the
teeming millions of the islands and ocean-bordering countries of so huge
an area of the earth.
South East Asia, whose gifted and industrious peoples have embraced four
of the world's major religions, have produced in all ages civilizations
and cultures representative of the highest accomplishments of the human
race, now experiencing with the rest of the world the disruptive,
revolutionizing, "vibrating influence of this Most Great, this New World
Order, the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed," lies open
and receptive to the Word of God, ready once more to nourish in its
fertile soil that potent seed and to bring forth, in its own
characteristic manner and as an integral part of the world civilization,
the institutions, the fabric, the brilliant edifice of Bahá'u'lláh's
World Order.
We now summon the believers of this highly-promising area, flushed with
the tide of approaching victory, to launch a three-pronged campaign, the
main feature of which is to achieve an immediate expansion of the Faith,
exceeding the aims of the Nine Year Plan. In addition you are called
upon to raise a corps of traveling teachers, whose main objective will
be to visit all the communities and groups in the area for the purpose
of deepening and consolidating their Bahá'í life, thus preserving the
victories won and reinforcing the base for future development.
Simultaneously a number of Chinese-speaking believers must arise who, as
pioneers and traveling teachers in all the countries of South East Asia,
will attract large numbers of the talented Chinese race to embrace and
serve the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh.
Recognizing your current achievements and fully confident in your
determination and ability to continue to attract the divine
confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh, we are happy to announce as a
supplementary goal of the Nine Year Plan, the establishment, at Ridván,
1972, of the National Spiritual
page 65
Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Singapore, an additional supporting pillar of
the Universal House of Justice and a new bastion of the Faith in so
vital a crossroads of human activity.
We pray that your deliberations will engender a new wave of enthusiasm,
cement ever more firmly the bonds of love between the many and various
national communities of your area and result in practical plans for the
implementation of the above tasks.
We send you all our most loving greetings and look forward eagerly to
the report of your conference.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Acceleration of Enrollments in the United States
31 January 1971
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We share with you the text of a cable sent today to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States for publication in "Bahá'í
News":
|
Joyfully announce Bahá'í world process entry by troops rapidly
accelerating United States evidenced by enrollment 8000 new believers
South Carolina course six weeks campaign raising number new believers
entire country 13000 since Ridván. Process gathering momentum.
Indications similar development occurring new areas North South America.
May valiant workers Faith toiling throughout world gain confidence added
strength these uplifting victories won in His name reap similar harvest
homefronts all continents (Signed) Universal House of Justice. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 66
Participation of the Hands of the Cause of God
in First National Conventions
1 February 1971
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We share with you the text of a cable sent today to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States for publication in "Bahá'í
News":
|
Please publish Bahá'í News following happy announce following Hands
Cause will represent Universal House first national conventions coming
Ridván Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum
Ivory Coast Upper Volta Mali
Dhikr'u'lláh Khadem Trinidad Tobago Adelbert Muhlschlegel Lesotho 'Alí
Muhammad Varqá Congo Brazzaville Gabon Enoch Olinga both Sudan Chad
Collis Featherstone both Solomon Islands Southwest Pacific Ocean.
Confident presence participation these standard bearers Nine Year Plan
historic first conventions will attract divine blessings assist new
national communities befittingly assume sacred responsibilities (signed)
Universal House of Justice. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Formation of Nine Additional
National Spiritual Assemblies during Ridván 1972
11 February 1971
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We share with you the text of a cable sent today to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States for publication in "Bahá'í
News":
page 67
|
Please publish Bahá'í News following rejoice announce all friends
formation during Ridván 1972 nine additional National Spiritual
Assemblies raising total number pillars Universal House Justice to one
hundred and ten. Three in Africa Malagasy Republic Reunion Seychelles
three in Asia East Pakistan Nepal Singapore one in Australasia Northwest
Pacific Ocean comprising Guam Carolines Marianas Marshalls two in Europe
Iceland and Republic Ireland. Four of these Seychelles East Pakistan
Singapore Northwest Pacific constitute supplementary achievements Nine
Year Plan. Urge pioneers scheduled all these areas settle posts without
delay. Call upon respective communities brace themselves exert supreme
effort fast fleeting weeks before coming Ridván establish as many
Assemblies as possible thereby broadening strengthening foundations
projected national institutions. Fervently praying Holy Shrines
followers Most Great Name may seize unique opportunities present hour
and spare no effort until goals Plan are fully accomplished thereby
attracting to themselves and their communities inestimable blessings
Ancient Beauty (Signed) Universal House of Justice. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Warning against the Misuse of
Recordings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Voice
23 February 1971
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The advent and liberal supply of tape and cassette recorders in the
markets of the world have opened new doors and placed in almost every
land at the disposal of the friends new methods for the dissemination of
Bahá'í material. It is the hope of the
page 68
Universal House of Justice that the recording of Bahá'í talks, and other
audio features, and their wide use among Bahá'ís and
non-Bahá'ís alike,
will prove to be a powerful new instrument in the teaching and deepening
work everywhere. There Is one area, however, where great care must be
exercised, and this is the use of the record of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's voice.
The Guardian, when referring to this record, requested the friends "to
exercise restraint and caution." "In my view," he added, "it should be
used only on special occasions and be listened to with the utmost
reverence. The dignity of the Cause, I am sure, would suffer from too
wide and indiscriminate use of one of the most precious relics of our
departed Master. "
We request you to share the contents of this letter, in any manner you
deem advisable, with the friends residing under your jurisdiction. We
are confident that all the friends will strictly observe the Guardian's
exhortation-and will not overstep the bounds of courtesy and moderation
in the use of a precious relic so lovingly left to us by the Center of
God's Covenant.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Ridván Message 1971
Ridván 1971
To the Bahá'ís of the World
Dearly-loved Friends,
On November 28th 1971 the Bahá'í World will commemorate the fiftieth
anniversary of the Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant,
the Ensign of the Oneness of Mankind, the Mystery of God, an event which
signalized at once the end of the Heroic Age of our Faith, the opening
of the Formative Age and the birth of the Administrative Order, the
nucleus and pattern of the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. As we
page 69
contemplate the fruits of the Master's Ministry harvested during the
first fifty years of the Formative Age, a period dominated by the
dynamic and beloved figure of Shoghi Effendi, whose life was dedicated
to the systematic implementation of the provisions of the Will and
Testament of 'Abdu'-Bahá and of the Tablets of the Divine Plan — the two
charters provided by the Master for the administration and the teaching
of the Cause of God — we may well experience a sense of awe at the
prospect of the next fifty years. That first half-century of the
Formative Age has seen the Bahá'í Community grow from a few hundred
centers in 35 countries in 1921, to over 46,000 centers in 135
independent states and 182 significant territories and islands at the
present day, has been marked by the raising throughout the world of the
framework of the Administrative Order, which in its turn has brought
recognition of the Faith by many governments and civil authorities and
accreditation in consultative status to the Economic and Social Council
of the United Nations, and has witnessed the spread to many parts of the
world of that "entry by troops" promised by the Master and so long and
so eagerly anticipated by the friends.
A new horizon, bright with intimations of thrilling developments in the
unfolding life of the Cause of God, is now discernible. The approach to
it is complete victory in the Nine Year Plan. For we should never forget
that the beloved Guardian's Ten Year Crusade, the current Nine Year
Plan, other plans to follow throughout successive epochs of the
Formative Age of the Faith, are all phases in the implementation of the
Divine Plan of 'Abdu'l-Bahá set out in fourteen of His Tablets to North
America.
The Nine Year Plan is well advanced, and this Ridván will witness the
establishment of seven more National Spiritual Assemblies, five in
Africa, one in South America and one in the Pacific, bringing the total
number of these exalted bodies to 101. Next Ridván the nine already
announced will be
page 70
formed, together with 4 more, one each in Afghanistan, Arabia, the
Windward Islands and Puerto Rico, bringing the total to 114, six more
than called for in the Nine Year Plan. The members of all National
Spiritual Assemblies which will be elected at Ridván 1972 will take part
in the election of the Universal House of Justice at Ridván 1973, when
an international convention will be held at the World Center.
The Mother Temple of Latin America, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of Panama, is
scheduled to be completed by December 1971, and its dedication will take
place at the following Ridván.
The wonderful spirit released at the four Oceanic and Intercontinental
Conferences, together with the practical benefits which accrued to the
Cause from them, reinforce our high hopes that the four Conferences to
be held this year will be resounding successes and result in more
pioneers, more traveling teachers, greater proclamation of the Message
and a raising of the spirits and devotion of the friends.
Our appeal to the friends in December 1970 for support of the Bahá'í
International Fund, which had reached a serious condition due to various
unforeseen circumstances, has had a magnificent response from many
quarters of the worldwide Bahá'í Community, and we are heartened to
believe that this manifestation of devotion and sacrifice, as it
continues and becomes more widespread, will resolve the condition that
had threatened to adversely affect the attainment of cherished goals of
the Nine Year Plan.
The travels and other services of the Hands of the Cause of God
continually evoke our thankfulness and delight, even wonder and
astonishment. Their deeds are such as to eclipse the acts of the
apostles of old and to confer eternal splendor on this period of the
Formative Age. On behalf of all the friends everywhere, we offer them
our reverent love and gratitude. It is fitting to record here the
passing, after seventy years exemplary service to the Faith, of the Hand
of the Cause Agnes
page 71
Alexander, whose early services in Hawaii were said by the Master to be
greater than if she had founded an empire.
Restrictive measures, directed against the Faith, and varying in
severity from outright oppression to imposition of disabilities make
virtually impossible the achievement of the goals of the Nine Year Plan
in a number of countries, particularly in the Middle East, in North West
Africa, along the fringes of East Africa and certain areas in South East
Asia. It is hoped that those Bahá'í communities which enjoy freedom to
teach their Faith will so far surpass their own goals as to amply
compensate for the disabilities suffered by their less fortunate
brothers. The army of traveling teachers must be reinforced and the
friends, particularly Bahá'í youth, are called to seriously consider how
much time they can offer to the Faith during the remaining two years of
the Nine Year Plan. Teaching visits of brief or long duration,
deputization of others, the undertaking of such tasks as would free
other friends for teaching work, are all means of building up, in
unison, that final surge which will carry the Plan to victory.
Two major objectives of the Plan are the formation of new Local
Spiritual Assemblies and the opening of new localities. 13,996 Local
Spiritual Assemblies are called for; 10,360 are now in existence. 54,503
localities must claim a Bahá'í resident; 46,334 do so now. The goal is
in sight, the time short. However, the growth reflected in the above
statistics has not taken place at all levels and in all areas. For while
a number of national communities have already achieved, or even
surpassed the goals assigned to them, many face extreme difficulties in
attaining theirs. With mutual help and an increase in the momentum
already generated there is no doubt that the community of the Most Great
Name is capable of sweeping on to total victory, thereby gaining a view
of those enthralling vistas at present beyond the horizon.
The twin processes so clearly described by the beloved Guardian in his
essay "The Unfoldment of World
page 72
Civilization" — the steady progress and consolidation of the Cause of God
on the one hand and the progressive disintegration of a moribund world
on the other — will undoubtedly impose upon us new tasks, the obligation
of devising new approaches to teaching, of demonstrating more clearly to
a disillusioned world the Bahá'í way of life and making more effective
the administrative institutions of the Faith. The authority and
influence of National and Local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be
strengthened in order to deal with larger Bahá'í communities; the
international character of the Cause will need to be developed, while
the international teaching agency at the World Center, already referred
to in previous general letters, will be established.
However fascinating such considerations, which are likely to be forced
upon our attention in the near future, may be, they must not deflect our
energies and will from the immediate task — the goals of the Nine Year
Plan. Their achievement is the best preparation for the future and the
means of developing new powers and capacities in the Bahá'í Community.
We are confident that the Army of Light, growing in strength and unity
will, by 1973, the centenary year of the revelation of the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas, have scaled the heights of yet another peak in the path
leading ultimately to the broad uplands of the Most Great Peace.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Message to the Caribbean Conference — May 1971
May 1971
To the Friends of God gathered in the Caribbean Conference
Warmest greetings!
How propitious that on its mountaintop between the two greatest oceans
and the two American continents the Mother
page 73
Temple of Latin America is rising now in Panama, a land blessed by
'Abdu'l-Bahá's prophecy that "in the future it will gain great
importance." How splendid that the vision projected in the Divine Plan
for the Americas has sprung into such vibrant life in this Caribbean
basin, in country after country upon its verdant shores, in island after
island across its expanse, all named by the Master in His Tablets. What
shall we not witness erelong in these places so charged with destiny
through the Master's utterances!
The Nine Year Plan, the current stage in the unfoldment of the Divine
Plan of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, is approaching its triumphant end. This Conference
is an occasion to sum up what has been won, to determine to achieve the
remaining goals for expansion in these blessed lands, and to consolidate
the old and new communities of the Most Great Name. Indeed, the winning
of our grand Bahá'í objectives began just yesterday when, in the early
years of the Formative Age, a few travelers crossed the Caribbean. Yet
it was not until the successive Plans of the beloved Guardian,
culminating in the Ten Year Crusade, when 27 Knights of Bahá'u'lláh
settled throughout this vast area, that the Cause took firm root. By
1963 the countries and islands of the Caribbean claimed less than 400
localities and only 147 Local Spiritual Assemblies. Now Bahá'ís are to
be found in over 2, 500 localities, more than 500 Local Assemblies and
16 National Spiritual Assemblies have been formed, and there have been
hundreds of concrete achievements which have brought about our
recognition as an independent Faith.
The Americas have been a melting pot and a meeting place for the races
of men, and the need is acute for the fulfillment of God's promises of
the realization of the oneness of mankind. Particularly do the Master
and the Guardian point to the Afro-Americans and the Amerindians, two
great ethnic groups whose spiritual powers will be released through
their response to the Creative Word. But our Teachings must touch
page 74
all, must include all peoples. And, in this hour of your tireless
activity, what special rewards shall come to those who will arise,
summoned by 'Abdu'-Bahá' Words: "Now is the time to divest yourselves of
the garment of attachment to this phenomenal realm, be wholly severed
from the physical world, become angels of heaven, and travel and teach
through all these regions."
The time is short, the needs many. No effort can be foregone, no
opportunity wasted. Praised be God that you have gathered in this
Conference to consult upon the vital requirements of this highly
significant moment. Our prayers ascend at the Holy Threshold that every
session of this historic meeting will attract Divine Blessings, and that
each soul, armed with the love of God and imbued with His purpose for a
struggling mankind, will arise to activate, beyond all present hope, the
vast spiritual potentialities of the Americas.
To each of you we send our deepest love.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Message to the South Pacific
Oceanic Conference — May 1971
May 1971
To the Friends of God Assembled in the
Conference of the South Pacific Ocean:
Dearly Loved Friends,
We send our warmest greetings and deepest love on the occasion of the
first Conference in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Praised be to God
that you have gathered to consult on the vital needs of the hour!
Recalling the promise of Bahá'u'lláh "Should they attempt to conceal His
light on the continent, He will assuredly rear
page 75
His head in the midmost part of the ocean and, raising His voice
proclaim: 'I am the lifegiver of the world!'" we now witness its
fulfillment in the vast area of the Pacific Ocean, in island after
island mentioned by the Master in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. How
great is the potential for the Faith in localities blessed by these
references!
At the inception of the Formative Age, the Cause was little known here.
Agnes Alexander had brought the Teachings to the Hawaiian Islands.
Father and Mother Dunn had only recently arrived in Australia. Later the
name of Martha Root was to be emblazoned across the Pacific. Still
later, at the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade, a vanguard of
twenty-one Knights of Bahá'u'lláh raised His call as they settled in the
islands of this great Ocean. The names of these valiant souls, together
with the names of the army of pioneers and teachers who followed, will
be forever enshrined in the annals of the Faith.
Their mighty endeavors brought about the enrollment of thousands of the
peoples of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia under the banner of the
Most Great Name, the opening in Australasia of more than 800 centers and
the establishment of ten pillars of the Universal House of Justice. We
can but marvel at such triumphs attained despite great difficulties
imposed by the vast expanses of ocean separating the island communities,
especially when it is recalled that in many of these islands even the
Christian Gospel was unknown as late as the 1880s.
How great is the responsibility to continue spreading the Word of God
throughout the Pacific. It was in the Tablets of the Divine Plan that
'Abdu'l-Bahá called for teachers "speaking the languages, severed, holy,
sanctified and filled with the love of God," to "turn their faces to and
travel through the three great island groups of the Pacific
Ocean — Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia... with hearts overflowing
with
page 76
the love of God, with tongues commemorating the mention of God" to
"deliver the Glad Tidings of the manifestation of the Lord of Hosts to
all the people."
The Nine Year Plan, the current phase of the unfoldment of the Divine
Plan, is now approaching its final stages. It is incumbent on the
friends to assess what has been accomplished and to anticipate and plan
for such rapid acceleration of the teaching and consolidation work as is
necessary to win all goals by 1973. Time is short; the needs critical.
No effort must be spared; no opportunity overlooked.
Our prayers ascend at the Holy Threshold that every session of this
historic meeting will attract Divine blessings, and that the friends
will go forth, armed with the love of God and enthusiasm born of the
Spirit, fully prepared to scale the heights of victory!
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Commemoration of the
Fiftieth Anniversary of the Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
12 July 1971
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We have noted with deep satisfaction that some National Spiritual
Assemblies have already initiated plans to befittingly commemorate the
Fiftieth Anniversary of the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and the inception of
the Formative Age of the Bahá'í Dispensation.
We feel it would be highly fitting for the three days, November 26 to
28, during which the Day of the Covenant
page 77
and the Anniversary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá occur, to be set
aside this year by all National Spiritual Assemblies for specially
arranged gatherings and conferences, convened either nationally or
locally or both, on the three following main themes: The Bahá'í
Covenant, The Formative Age, and The Life of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
We hope that these gatherings will serve to intensify the consecration
of the workers in the Divine Vineyard in every land, and provide them
with the opportunity, especially in the watches of the night of that
Ascension, when they will be commemorating the passing hour of our
Beloved Master, to renew their pledge to Bahá'u'lláh and to rededicate
themselves to the accomplishment of the as yet unfulfilled goals of the
Nine Year Plan.
The Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land, the members of the Universal
House of Justice, and all resident and visiting believers at the World
Center will, on that memory-laden night, visit the Shrine of that
Mystery of God on behalf of the entire Community of the Blessed Beauty
and will supplicate for the stalwart champions of the Faith laboring in
the forefront of so many fields of service and winning fresh triumphs in
His Name, for the self-sacrificing believers without whose support and
sustained assistance most of these victories could not be achieved, and
for those who will be inspired to join the ranks of the active and
dedicated promoters of His glorious Cause at this crucial stage in the
development of the Plan, that we may all meet our obligations and
discharge our sacred trust, thus making it possible in the latter months
of the Plan for our entire resources to be devoted to an even greater
expansion of the Faith in its onward march towards the spiritual
conquest of the planet.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 78
Message to the North Pacific
Oceanic Conference — September 1971
September 1971
To the Friends of God Assembled in the
Conference of the North Pacific Ocean
Dearly-loved Friends,
On the eve of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the opening of the Formative
Age of our Faith we call to mind the high hopes often expressed by the
beloved Master for the spread of the Cause in this region, His mention
in the Tablets of the Divine Plan of many of the territories represented
in this Conference, and the faithful and devoted services of that
maidservant of Bahá'u'lláh, the Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander, who
brought the Teachings to these shores in the early years of this
century.
In these days we are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration of the
teaching work in almost every part of the globe. In the North Pacific
Ocean area great strides have been made in the advancement of the Cause
since that historic Asia Regional Teaching Conference in Nikko just
sixteen years ago The next two years witnessed the formation of the
National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska and of the Regional National
Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia. To the Convention in Tokyo at
Ridván 1957 the Guardian addressed these prophetic words:
|
This auspicious event, which posterity will regard as the culmination of
a process initiated, half a century ago, in the capital city of Japan...
marks the opening of the second chapter in the history of the
evolution of His Faith in the North Pacific area. Such a consummation
cannot fail to |
page 79
|
lend a tremendous impetus to its onward march in the entire Pacific
Ocean... |
Since that time National Spiritual Assemblies have also been firmly
established in Korea and Taiwan.
Hokkaido, the site of this Conference, first heard of the Teachings less
than fifteen years ago, and the first aboriginal peoples of this land
accepted Bahá'u'lláh just over a decade ago. Now you are the witnesses
to the beginnings of a rapid increase in the number of believers.
Peoples in other islands and lands of the North Pacific, including the
Ryukyus, Guam, the Trust Territories, the western shores of Canada and
Alaska and the Aleutians are also enrolling under the banner of the Most
Great Name, the next Ridván yet another pillar of the Universal House of
Justice is to be raised in Micronesia. We are heartened at the prospect
that from the indigenous peoples of this vast oceanic area, the Ainu,
the Japanese, the Chinese, the Koreans, the Okinawans, the Micronesians,
the American Indians, the Eskimos, and the Aleuts vast numbers will soon
enter the Faith.
The final hours of the Nine Year Plan are fast fleeting. Praised be to
God that you have gathered to consult on ways and means of assuring
complete victory so that from these outposts the teachings may spread to
those nearby lands where teeming millions have not as yet heard of the
advent of this Most Great Dispensation.
The sweet perfume of victory is in the air, and we must hasten to
achieve it while there is yet time. Vital goals, particularly on the
homefronts of Taiwan and Japan, remain to be won, and everywhere the
roots of the faith of the believers must sink deeper and deeper into the
firm earth of the Teachings lest tempests and trials as yet unforeseen
shake or uproot the tender plants so lovingly raised in the islands of
this great Ocean and the lands surrounding it.
page 80
As you and the friends in the sister Conference in Reykjavik bring this
series of eight Oceanic and Continental Conferences to a triumphant
close, our prayers for the success of your deliberations ascend at the
Holy Threshold. May God grant you the resources, the strength, and the
determination to attain your highest hopes, and enable you to open a new
and glorious chapter in the evolution of His Faith in the North Pacific
area.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Message to the North Atlantic
Conference — September 1971
September 1971
To the Friends Assembled in the
North Atlantic Conference in Reykjavik
Dearly-loved Friends,
To each and every one of you in this historic Conference we send our
most cordial and loving greetings. The famous island in which you are
now gathered, so strategically placed between the two great continents
flanking the vast oceanic area which surrounds it, to which the
Teachings of Christ were brought a millennium ago, and which, in this
Dispensation, was mentioned by the Center of the Covenant in His Tablets
of the Divine Plan, first heard the Name of Bahá'u'lláh in 1924 when the
Hand of the Cause Amelia Collins stopped briefly in Reykjavik and made
the acquaintance of Holmfridur Arnadottir who subsequently became the
first Bahá'í of Iceland. Eleven years later the beloved Martha Root
spent a month in this land which she loved so well. On that occasion,
with the help of Holmfridur, the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh was
page 81
widely proclaimed in the press, on the radio and from the lecture
platform.
The great Ocean extending from the equator to the Pole and from Europe
to North America, which has been both the barrier and the link between
the Old and the New Worlds, has played a highly significant part in the
later history of mankind. Long before Columbus arrived in the West
Indies the Vikings, forebears of Icelanders of today, were plying its
northern waters. In later centuries wave upon wave of Europeans sailed
from east to west, engaging in one of the most significant migrations in
human history. In the twentieth century 'Abdu'l-Bahá Himself sailed
across it and back, a voyage unique in the religious history of mankind
and creating a remarkable parallel with the Light of the Cause itself,
beaming from the East across the great Ocean to the heart of the North
American Continent, being reflected back again, firing new beacon lights
in Europe and in later years diffusing its radiance throughout the
world. The great Republic whose eastern shore forms part of the boundary
of this Ocean has become the Cradle of the Administrative Order and at
this present time the banner of the Most Great Name is being raised in
island after island of this Ocean, two of which — Iceland and Ireland
— will raise, next Ridván, new pillars of the Universal House of
Justice.
The Faith of God is flourishing in the lands around the North Atlantic;
a new wind is blowing, promoting an upsurge of proclamation and
teaching. In Europe the youth are afire with enthusiasm and vigor. In
Canada and the United States a ground swell of unknown proportions is
carrying Bahá'í communities to heights of unprecedented achievement.
You are gathered in this Conference to consult on ways and means of
winning, in the few fleeting months ahead, the remaining goals of the
Nine Year Plan. In Europe particularly
page 82
there is much to be done, but we have full faith that the friends,
galvanized by their love for Bahá'u'lláh and fortified by His promises
of Divine assistance, will, with the enthusiasm which they already
display, commit their resources to the tasks ahead and will surely
attain the victory.
The beloved Master prayed that holy souls would arise from the Northern
Territories of the West and become signs of God's guidance and standards
of the Supreme Concourse. In one of the Tablets of the Divine Plan He
refers to an inhospitable island of that area saying:
|
Should the fire of the love of God be kindled in Greenland all the ice
of that country will be melted, and its cold weather become
temperate — that is, if the hearts be touched with the heat of the love
of God, that territory will become a divine rose garden and a heavenly
paradise, and the souls, even as fruitful trees, will acquire the utmost
freshness and beauty. Effort, the utmost effort is required. |
As the friends gathered in Reykjavik and Sapporo bring this worldwide
series of Oceanic and Continental Conferences to a triumphant close our
thoughts are with you and our prayers on your behalf rise from the
Sacred Threshold. May untold blessings and confirmations be showered
upon you as you go forth to labor for the advancement of the Cause of
God and may your brows be crowned with victory.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Formation of Thirteen New
National Spiritual Assemblies during Ridván 1972
7 December 1971
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We share with you the text of a cable sent on December 7th
page 83
to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States for publication
in "Bahá'í News":
|
Please publish Bahá'í News following happy announce decision add
Rwanda list National Spiritual Assemblies to be formed next Ridván.
Representatives House Justice first conventions as follows Hands Cause
Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum Windward Islands Ugo
Giachery Puerto Rico 'Alí-Akbar Furútan Nepal
Shu'á'u'lláh 'Alá'í East Pakistan Adelbert
Muhlschlegel Rwanda Seychelles Jalál Kházeh Singapore Enoch Olinga
Iceland William Sears Ireland Collis Featherstone Northwest Pacific
Rahmatu'lláh Muhájir Malagasy Republic Reunion Counselor
Hádí Rahmaní
Afganistan. Praying Shrines outstanding success these historic
gatherings electing members new pillars House Justice focal centers
spiritual invigoration illumination newly emerging national communities
(signed) Universal House of Justice. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Developments of Properties at the World Center
19 December 1971
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We share with you the following text of a cable which has
been sent to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States:
Joyously announce further developments World Center. After many years
difficult negotiations erection obelisk marking site future
Mashriqu'l-Adhkár Mount Carmel completed thus fulfilling project
initiated beloved Guardian
page 84
|
early years crusade. Gardens Bahjí Haifa extended by development
quadrant southeast Mansion Bahá'u'lláh and establishment formal garden
southwest corner property surrounding Shrine Báb. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Announcement that Number of Localities
Exceeds Nine Year Plan Goal
14 February 1972
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We share with you the text of a cable sent on February 14th to the
National Spiritual Assembly of the United States for publication in
"Bahá'í News":
|
Please publish Bahá'í News following overjoyed announce friends every
land number localities now 56645 exceeding by over 2500 original goal
Nine Year Plan. Offering prayers thanksgiving Sacred Threshold for
divine bounties surrounding sacrificial efforts love intoxicated
supporters His blessed name. Urge believers those areas whose teaching
goals are still outstanding exert utmost effort course swiftly passing
remaining months Plan win their goals enabling them join ranks their
victorious brethren who are urged continue their vigorous brilliant
exploits in service God's infinitely glorious Cause (signed) Universal
House of Justice. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 85
Comments on the Semiannual
Statistical Report of the United States
14 February 1972
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the United States
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We were delighted with the information contained in your semiannual
statistical report. The believers in the United States are to be
applauded for opening, during the past six-month period, 642 localities
to the Faith and enrolling 3,053 believers.
We note that the new teaching methods you have developed, in reaching
the waiting masses, have substantially influenced the winning of your
goals, and we urge the American Bahá'ís, one and all, newly enrolled and
believers of long standing, to arise, put their reliance in Bahá'u'lláh
and armed with that supreme power, continue unabated their efforts to
reach the waiting souls, while simultaneously consolidating the hard-won
victories. New methods inevitably bring with them criticism and
challenges no matter how successful they may ultimately prove to be. The
influx of so many new believers is, in itself, a call to the veteran
believers to join the ranks of those in this field of service and to
give wholeheartedly of their knowledge and experience. Far from standing
aloof, the American believers are called upon now, as never before, to
grasp this golden opportunity which has been presented to them, to
consult together prayerfully and widen the scope of their endeavors.
Efforts to reach the minorities should be increased and broadened to
include all minority groups such as the Indians,
page 86
Spanish-speaking people, Japanese and Chinese. Indeed, every stratum of
American society must be reached and can be reached with the healing
Message, if the believers will but arise and go forth with the spirit
which is conquering the citadels of the southern states. Such a program,
coupled as it must be with continuous consolidation, can be effectively
carried out by universal participation on the part of every lover of
Bahá'u'lláh.
Your goals are well-nigh won and you have only to form one Local
Assembly in Bermuda and one in the Falkland Islands. You must pursue
your efforts to translate and publish literature in Kazakh and enrich
literature for the Indians. The palm of victory is within your reach.
We shall continue to pray fervently at the Holy Shrines for the
self-sacrificing labors of the beloved friends in the United States.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Message on the Occasion of the
Dedication of the Panama Temple
19 March 1972
To the Beloved of God gathered in the
Conference called on the occasion of the
Dedication of the Mother Temple of Latin America
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
With praise and gratitude to God the whole Bahá'í world acclaims the
dedication of the Mother Temple of Latin America, an edifice which
glorifies the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh at that point where, the beloved
Master asserted, "the Occident
page 87
and the Orient find each other united through the Panama Canal," where
"the teachings, once established..., will unite the East and the
West, the North and the South."
This historic project, in a hemisphere of infinite spiritual
potentiality, fulfills one of the most important goals of the Nine Year
Plan, and brings untold joy to the hearts of the friends in every land.
Privileged are they who shared in the raising of this glorious Silent
Teacher with deeds of loving generosity and sacrifice. A crown to the
labors of all those who have striven to establish the Faith of
Bahá'u'lláh in Latin America, this Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, the
rallying point
for the Bahá'ís of those lands, whether they are of the blessed Indian
peoples or represent the other races whose diversity enriches the
nations of that hemisphere, will be a fountainhead of spiritual
confirmations, and this mighty achievement will endow the Bahá'í
Community with new and greater capacities, enabling the friends in Latin
America, and particularly in this privileged land of Panama, to win
victories that will eclipse all their past achievements.
The threefold task to which your attention is now directed comprises the
proclamation, expansion and consolidation of the Faith. We urge you to
concentrate your deliberations not only on the exchange of ideas for the
prosecution of this task, but on ways and means for fostering
collaboration among the Bahá'í Communities of Central and South America
so that the most fruitful harvest may be gathered in all three aspects
of the teaching work and enable you to achieve your remaining goals of
the Nine Year Plan.
Our loving, ardent prayers will be offered at the Sacred Threshold, that
the Almighty may inspire your discussions in this historic Conference
and crown all your efforts with victory.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 88
Ridván Message 1972
Ridván 1972
To the Bahá'ís of the World
Dearly-loved Friends,
The opening of the final year of the Nine Year Plan sees the Bahá'í
world community poised for overwhelming victory. With grateful hearts we
acknowledge the continuing confirmations which have attended its efforts
and the Divine Bounties which have never ceased to rain down upon this
blessed, this ever-developing embryonic world order.
The Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of Panama, the Mother Temple of Latin America,
will be dedicated this Ridván. Three beloved Hands of the Cause,
Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum representing the
Universal House of
Justice, Ugo Giachery and Dhikru'lláh Khádem will attend this historic
ceremony. The imaginative and inspiring concept of the architect, Peter
Tillotson, has been wonderfully realized and we extend to the National
Spiritual Assembly of Panama on behalf of the entire Bahá'í world,
loving congratulations on their achievement.
Although the dissolution of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iraq has,
unhappily, resulted from the persecution of the Faith in that land, the
thirteen new National Spiritual Assemblies which will come into being
this Ridván will bring the total number of these pillars of the
Universal House of Justice to 113.
The goals requiring acquisition of properties and establishment of
Teaching Institutes are well in hand and, in those countries where legal
circumstances permit, incorporation of Assemblies and recognition of
Bahá'í marriage and Holy Days are making good progress.
page 89
It is the teaching goals which must engage our attention and effort.
Although more than 260 territories have achieved their assigned goals of
localities where Bahá'ís reside, and in some cases have exceeded them,
enabling the Bahá'í world community to rejoice in having outstripped on
a world scale the total number of localities envisaged in the Plan,
there are still some 60 territories where this goal is yet to be won and
where its attainment must be given absolute priority between now and
Ridván 1973. It is expected that a large number of new Local Spiritual
Assemblies will be established at Ridván and immediately the position of
this goal is ascertained a detailed listing of all territories
throughout the world which have not yet won their goals for localities
and Local Spiritual Assemblies will be sent to every National Spiritual
Assembly for urgent release to the friends.
It is hoped that during this last year of the Plan the principle of
collaboration between National Spiritual Assemblies will be extended far
beyond the special tasks set in the Nine Year Plan. Those communities
which have already attained their goals or are in clear sight of them
should consider the world picture as disclosed by the listing mentioned
above and do everything they can, without jeopardizing their own
success, to assist their fellow communities with pioneers and traveling
teachers, or in any other way possible. Such a process will greatly
consolidate the unity and brotherhood of the Bahá'í world community.
In the meantime we call on all believers everywhere to prayerfully
consider their personal circumstances, and to arise while there is yet
time, to fill the international pioneer goals of the Plan. There are 267
pioneer needs still to be answered — 75 in Africa, 57 in the Americas, 40
in Asia, 30 in Australasia and 65 in Europe.
The extraordinary advances made since that Ridván of 1964
page 90
when the Nine Year Plan was begun, continuing the organized and
purposeful process of teaching on a world scale instituted by our
beloved Guardian when he launched the Ten Year Crusade, force upon our
attention new requirements of this ever-growing world order both for its
own organic life and in relation to the disintegrating world society in
which it is set. The divergence between the ways of the world and of the
Cause of God becomes ever wider. And yet the two must come together. The
Bahá'í community must demonstrate in ever-increasing measure its ability
to redeem the disorderliness, the lack of cohesion, the permissiveness,
the godlessness of modern society; the laws, the religious obligations,
the observances of Bahá'í life, Bahá'í moral principles
and standards of
dignity, decency and reverence, must become deeply implanted in Bahá'í
consciousness and increasingly inform and characterize this community.
Such a process will require a great development in the maturity and
effectiveness of Local Spiritual Assemblies. The purposes and standards
of the Cause must be more and more understood and courageously upheld.
The influence of the Continental Boards of Counselors and the work of
their Auxiliary Boards must develop and spread through the entire fabric
of the Bahá'í community. A vast systematic program for the production of
Bahá'í literature must be promoted.
Our immediate and inescapable task, however, is to ensure that every
attainable goal of the Nine Year Plan is achieved. This must be done at
all costs. No sacrifice, no deferment of cherished plans must be refused
in order to discharge this "most important" of the many "important"
duties facing us. Who can doubt that one last supreme effort will be
crowned with success? Even now the national community to bear the
laurels of first achieving every task assigned to it, Fiji, leads the
procession of rejoicing and victorious communities within the
page 91
Army of Light. We may well emulate Bahá'í youth whose recent surge
forward into the van of proclamation and teaching is one of the most
encouraging and significant trends in the Faith, and who storm the gates
of heaven for support in their enterprises by long-sustained, precedent
and continuing prayer. We are all able to call upon Bahá'u'lláh for His
Divine, all-powerful aid, and He will surely help us. For He is the
Hearer of prayers, the Answerer.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Elucidation of the Nature of the
Continental Boards of Counselors
24 April 1972
To the Continental Boards of Counselors
and National Spiritual Assemblies
Beloved Friends,
Recently we have received queries from several sources about the nature
of the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counselors and its
relationship to the Institution of the Hands of the Cause, and we feel
it is timely for us to give further elucidation.
As with so many aspects of the Administrative Order, understanding of
this subject will develop and clarify with the passage of time as that
Order grows organically in response to the power and guidance of
Almighty God and in accordance with the needs of a rapidly developing
worldwide community. However, certain aspects are already so clear as to
require a proper understanding by the friends.
In the Kitáb-i-'Ahd (the Book of His Covenant) Bahá'u'lláh wrote
"Blessed are the rulers and the learned in Al-Bahá," and
page 92
referring to this very passage the beloved Guardian wrote on 4 November
1931:
|
In this holy cycle the "learned" are, on the one hand, the Hands of the
Cause of God, and, on the other, the teachers and diffusers of His
teachings who do not rank as Hands, but who have attained an eminent
position in the teaching work. As to the "rulers" they refer to the
members of the Local, National and International Houses of Justice. The
duties of each of these souls will be determined in the future.
(Translated from the Persian). |
The Hands of the Cause of God, the Counselors and the members of the
Auxiliary Boards fall within the definition of the "learned" given by
the beloved Guardian. Thus they are all intimately interrelated and it
is not incorrect to refer to the three ranks collectively as one
institution.
However, each is also a separate institution in itself The Institution
of the Hands of the Cause of God was brought into existence in the time
of Bahá'u'lláh and when the Administrative Order was proclaimed and
formally established by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will, it became an auxiliary
institution of the Guardianship. The Auxiliary Boards, in their turn,
were brought into being by Shoghi Effendi as an auxiliary institution of
the Hands of the Cause.
When, following the passing of Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of
Justice decided that it could not legislate to make possible the
appointment of further Hands of the Cause, it became necessary for it to
create a new institution, appointed by itself, to extend into the future
the functions of protection and propagation vested in the Hands of the
Cause and, with that in view, so to develop the Institution of the Hands
that it could nurture the new institution and function in close
collaboration with it as long as possible. It was also vital so to
arrange matters as to make the most effective use of the unique services
of the Hands themselves.
page 93
The first step in this development was taken in November 1964 when the
Universal House of Justice formally related the Institution of the Hands
to itself by stating that "Responsibility for decisions on matters of
general policy affecting the institution of the Hands of the Cause,
which was formerly exercised by the beloved Guardian, now devolves upon
the Universal House of Justice as the supreme and central Institution of
the Faith to which all must turn." At that time the number of members of
the Auxiliary Boards was increased from 72 to 135, and the Hands of the
Cause in each continent were called upon to appoint one or more members
of their Auxiliary Boards to act in an executive capacity on behalf of
and in the name of each Hand, thereby assisting him in carrying out his
work.
In June 1968 the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counselors was
brought into being, fulfilling the goal of extending the aforementioned
functions of the Hands into the future, and this momentous decision was
accompanied by the next step in the development of the Institution of
the Hands of the Cause: the continental Hands were to serve henceforth
on a worldwide basis and operate individually in direct relationship to
the Universal House of Justice; the Hands ceased to be responsible for
the direction of the Auxiliary Boards, which became an auxiliary
institution of the Continental Boards of Counselors; the Hands of the
Cause residing in the Holy Land were given the task of acting as liaison
between the Universal House of Justice and the Boards of Counselors; and
the working interrelationships between the Hands and the Boards of
Counselors were established. Reference was also made to the future
establishment by the Universal House of Justice, with the assistance of
the Hands residing in the Holy Land, of an international teaching center
in the Holy Land.
In July 1969 and at Ridván 1970 further increases in the numbers of
Counselors and Auxiliary Board members were made.
page 94
Other developments in the Institution of the Hands of the Cause and the
Institution of the Continental Boards of Counselors will no doubt take
place in future as the international teaching center comes into being
and as the work of the Counselors expands.
We have noted that the Hands, the Counselors and the Auxiliary Boards
are sometimes referred to by the friends as the "appointive arm" of the
Administrative Order in contradistinction to the Universal House of
Justice and the National and Local Assemblies which constitute the
"elective arm." While there is truth in this description as it applies
to the method used in the creation of these institutions, the friends
should understand that it is not only the fact of appointment that
particularly distinguishes the institutions of the Hands, Counselors and
Auxiliary Boards. There are, for instance, many more believers appointed
to committees in the "elective arm" than are serving in the so-called
"appointive arm." A more striking distinction is that whereas the
"rulers" in the Cause function as corporate bodies, the "learned"
operate primarily as individuals.
In a letter written on 14 March 1927 to the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of Istanbul, the Guardian's Secretary explained, on his behalf,
the principle in the Cause of action by majority vote. He pointed out
how, in the past, it was certain individuals who "accounted themselves
as superior in knowledge and elevated in position" who caused division,
and that it was those "who pretended to be the most distinguished of
all" who "always proved themselves to be the source of contention." "But
praise be to God," he continued, "that the Pen of Glory has done away
with the unyielding and dictatorial views of the learned and the wise,
dismissed the assertions of individuals as an authoritative criterion,
even though they were recognized as the most accomplished and learned
among
page 95
men and ordained that all matters be referred to authorized centers and
specified assemblies. Even so, no assembly has been invested with the
absolute authority to deal with such general matters as affect the
interests of nations. Nay rather, He has brought all the assemblies
together under the shadow of one House of Justice, one
divinely-appointed Center, so that there would be only one Center and
all the rest integrated into a single body, revolving around one
expressly-designated Pivot, thus making them all proof against schism
and division." (Translated from the Persian).
Having permanently excluded the evils admittedly inherent in the
institutions of the "learned" in past dispensations, Bahá'u'lláh has
nevertheless embodied in His Administrative Order the beneficent
elements which exist in such institutions, elements which are of
fundamental value for the progress of the Cause, as can be gauged from
even a cursory reading of the Guardian's message of 4 June 1957.
The existence of institutions of such exalted rank, comprising
individuals who play such a vital role, who yet have no legislative,
administrative or judicial authority, and are entirely devoid of
priestly functions or the right to make authoritative interpretations,
is a feature of Bahá'í administration unparalleled in the religions of
the past. The newness and uniqueness of this concept make it difficult
to grasp; only as the Bahá'í Community grows and the believers are
increasingly able to contemplate its administrative structure
uninfluenced by concepts from past ages, will the vital interdependence
of the "rulers" and "learned" in the Faith be properly understood, and
the inestimable value of their interaction be fully recognized.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 96
Message to Bahá'í Unity Conference —
Ganado, Arizona
18 May 1972
Bahá'í Unity Conference
Ganado, Arizona
Beloved Friends,
Praise be to the Almighty that you have gathered in that beautiful spot
in a spirit of love and harmony for the purpose of strengthening the
bonds of unity between yourselves and among all men.
The All-Wise Creator of earth and heaven has from the beginning which
has no beginning sent to His peoples Divine Messengers to guide them to
the Straight Path. These Wise Ones have come to establish the unity of
the Kingdom in human hearts. This great evolutionary process of building
the organic unity of the human race has entered a new stage with this
mighty message of Bahá'u'lláh. His voice is the voice of the Great
Spirit. His love for human kind is the force of the New Age.
He who sends the rain, who causes the sun and the stars to shine, the
rivers to flow, the winds to blow and the earth to give forth her
bounties has in this Great Day sent to all mankind Bahá'u'lláh. It is
this Great One who has opened the door of divine knowledge to every
soul. It is His teachings that will establish world unity and bring
about universal peace.
The people of the world are the tools in His hand. They must strive to
understand His message and to walk in the path of His divine guidance.
Every human being is responsible in this day to seek the truth for
himself and thereafter to live according to that wise counsel. The old
ones have all longed for this sweet message. Praise God that you have
found it.
page 97
Now awakened to new wisdom, now guided to the straight path, now
illumined with this mighty message, strive you day and night to guide
and assist the thirsty ones in all lands to the ever-flowing fountain,
the wandering ones to this fortress of certainty, the ignorant ones to
this source of knowledge and the seekers to that One for whom their
hearts long.
May your consultation reach so high a level of endeavor and purpose that
the Great One will open before your faces the doors of the paradise of
wisdom and love and cause the light of the Abhá Beauty to shine in your
midst.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Establishment of Local Spiritual Assemblies
during the Final Year of the
Nine Year Plan
28 May 1972
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
In order to stimulate the teaching work in every land and encourage the
friends during this last year of the Nine Year Plan we have decided that
as soon as the number of adult believers in any locality reaches or
exceeds nine they are permitted to form their Local Spiritual Assembly
immediately, rather than wait until 21 April 1973.
We hope moreover that, especially in the areas where the people are
entering the Cause in troops, the implementation of this decision will
increase the number of those communities which will, without the need
for outside assistance, reelect their Assemblies on the first day of
Ridván in 1973 and in succeeding years.
page 98
It is our prayer at the Sacred Threshold that during the months ahead
the steadily mounting number of these divine institutions will
tremendously reinforce the labors of the valiant servants of the Blessed
Beauty in every clime.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Announcement of the Decision to Build
the Seat of the Universal House of Justice
7 June 1972
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
With great joy we send you the following message, couched in cable form,
and ask you to share it with all the friends in your jurisdiction. The
text has been cabled to "Bahá'í News" for publication in its next issue.
|
Joyfully inform Bahá'í world range and acceleration growth Cause
Bahá'u'lláh local national levels and resultant expansion activities
World Center impel us now announce ere completion Nine Year Plan
decision initiate procedure select architect design building for seat
Universal House Justice envisaged beloved Guardian on far flung arc
heart Mount Carmel centering spot consecrated resting places sister
brother mother beloved Master. Construction this center legislation
God's world redeeming Order will constitute first major step development
area surrounding Holy Shrine since completion International Archives
Building. Moved pay tribute express heartfelt gratitude outstanding
services Robert McLaughlin in preparation for this historic undertaking.
Fervently praying project now initiated may |
page 99
|
during years immediately ahead progress uninterruptedly speedily attain
majestic consummation. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Exhortation to Blot Out
Every Last Trace of Prejudice
13 July 1972
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The blessings of the Ancient Beauty are being showered upon the
followers of the Greatest Name. Our efforts to serve Him and humanity
are being crowned with victories throughout the world. As we give thanks
for these splendid achievements, as the Cause of God spreads in every
land, as our institutions become more perfected, as the number of
believers increases over the face of the planet, our individual lives
must increasingly mirror forth each day the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh and
we must so live our lives that all will see in us a different people.
The acts we perform, the attitudes we manifest, the very words we speak
should be an attraction, a magnet, drawing the sincere to the Divine
Teachings.
Bahá'u'lláh tells us that prejudice in its various forms destroys the
edifice of humanity. We are adjured by the Divine Messenger to eliminate
all forms of prejudice from our lives. Our outer lives must show forth
our beliefs. The world must see that, regardless of each passing whim or
current fashion of the generality of mankind, the Bahá'í lives his life
according to the tenets of his Faith. We must not allow the fear of
rejection by our friends and neighbors to deter us from our goal: to
live the Bahá'í life. Let us strive to blot out from our lives every
last
page 100
trace of prejudice — racial, religious, political, economic, national,
tribal, class, cultural, and that which is based on differences of
education or age. We shall be distinguished from our non-Bahá'í
associates if our lives are adorned with this principle.
If we allow prejudice of any kind to manifest itself in us, we shall be
guilty before God of causing a setback to the progress and real growth
of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. It is incumbent upon every believer to
endeavor with a fierce determination to eliminate this defect from his
thoughts and acts. It is the duty of the institutions of the Faith to
inculcate this principle in the hearts of the friends through every
means at their disposal including summer schools, conferences,
institutes and study classes.
The fundamental purpose of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh is the realization
of the organic unity of the entire human race. Bearing this glorious
destiny in mind, and with entire reliance on the promises of the Blessed
Beauty, we should follow His exhortation:
|
We love to see you at all times consorting in amity and concord within
the paradise of My good-pleasure, and to inhale from your acts the
fragrance of friendliness and unity of loving-kindness and fellowship. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Sacrifice of Three Iranian Bahá'í Students
in the Philippine Islands
19 September 1972
To the Bahá'ís of the World
With feelings of deep sorrow we relate to the Bahá'í world the
distressing circumstances surrounding the murder of three
page 101
Iranian Bahá'í students, pioneers to the Philippine Islands.
Parvíz Sádiqí, Farámarz Vujdání
and Parvíz Furúghí were among a number of
Iranian Bahá'í youth who answered the call for pioneers. With eleven
others they registered at the Universities in Mindanao with the
intention of completing their studies and proclaiming the Faith of
Bahá'u'lláh. These three had conceived the plan of making teaching trips
to a rural area inhabited by Muslims. When on July 31st the authorities
of Mindanao State University were notified that they had left the campus
the previous day and had not yet returned, search parties were
immediately formed and the assistance of the police and local
authorities obtained. After inquiries and search, led entirely by
President Tamano of Mindanao State University, the bodies of the three
young men were found in a shallow grave. They had been shot, grievously
mutilated and two had been decapitated. The bodies were removed and
given Bahá'í burial in a beautiful plot donated for the purpose.
Immediately upon receipt of the tragic news, Vicente Samaniego,
Counselor in Northeast Asia, in close cooperation with the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Philippines, acted vigorously on behalf of the
Bahá'ís and was given the utmost cooperation and sympathy by the
authorities, police, military and civil. A convocation was called,
attended by more than 900 students, faculty members and University
officials. Prayers were said in English, Arabic and Persian. The
President of the University gave a talk in which he said that the
murdered Iranian students are not ordinary students, for with them is
the Message of Bahá'u'lláh which is the way to unity. The Council of the
Student Body asked that their new Social Hall be renamed Iranian Student
Memorial Hall. Three thousand people marched in the funeral procession
and six hundred went to the burial site to attend the interment.
A dignified burial was conducted by the Bahá'ís in the presence of
University authorities and friends.
page 102
The relatives and friends of these three young men, who gave their lives
in the service of the Blessed Beauty, are assured of the loving sympathy
and prayers of their fellow believers. The sacrifice made by these youth
adds a crown of glory to the wonderful services now being performed by
Bahá'í youth throughout the world. Bahá'u'lláh
Himself testifies:
|
They that have forsaken their country in the path of God and subsequently
ascended unto His presence, such souls shall be blessed by the Concourse
on High and their names recorded by the Pen of Glory among such as have
laid down their lives as martyrs in the path of God, the Help in Peril,
the Self-Subsistent. |
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Adoption of the Constitution of
The Universal House of Justice
26 November 1972
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following cable has just been sent to the United States "Bahá'í
News" for publication.
|
With grateful joyous hearts announce entire Bahá'í world adoption
profoundly significant step in unfoldment mission supreme organ Bahá'í
world commonwealth through formulation constitution Universal House
Justice. After offering humble prayers gratitude on Day Covenant at
three Sacred Thresholds Bahjí Haifa members gathered council chamber
precincts house blessed Master appended their signatures fixed seal on
instrument envisaged writings beloved Guardian hailed by him as Most
Great Law Faith Bahá'u'lláh. Fully assured measure just taken will
further |
page 103
|
reinforce ties binding World Center to national local communities
throughout world release fresh energies increase enthusiasm confidence
valiant workers His divine vineyard laboring assiduously bring mankind
under shelter His all glorious Covenant. |
Please share this joyous news with the friends. It is anticipated that
the Constitution will be published at Ridván.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Activities for the Year Preceding
the Global Plan to Be Launched Ridván 1974
14 January 1973
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
As the Bahá'í world approaches the triumphant conclusion of the Nine
Year Plan it gives us the utmost gratification to see that a few
National Spiritual Assemblies have already formulated plans for activity
during the coming Bahá'í year.
The next global plan will be launched at Ridván 1974 and you will
therefore have twelve months to prepare for it. We call upon you all to
take the greatest possible advantage of that year to:
Strengthen the foundations of your achievements through developing and
enriching Bahá'í community life, fostering youth activity and through
all means suited to your circumstances; and
Continue expansion of the Faith, trying new openings and possibilities
not fully explored when you were under the pressure or other priorities. |
page 104
Obviously conditions differ in the various areas under the jurisdiction
of the National Spiritual Assemblies, and the goals which each Assembly
adopts must be suited to its particular circumstances and possibilities,
but, as the beloved Guardian once pointed out, "The broader the basis"
of such a campaign, and "the deeper its roots, the finer the flower into
which it shall eventually blossom."
We ask you to make your plans now and to send us your report of them to
reach us as soon as possible and not later than 1st April 1973 so that
we may present a consolidated summary to the International Convention.
We feel that such a summary will be an inspiration and a source of new
ideas to the delegates when they are consulting upon the challenges that
lie before the Bahá'í community in the years ahead and which must be
faced during the next global plan. Moreover, the achievements of the
coming year, added to the great victories of the Nine Year Plan, will
enable the-worldwide Bahá'í community to enter with even greater
assurance upon the next stage of its ever-unfolding destiny.
We pray at the Holy Shrines that the blessings of Bahá'u'lláh may guide
and assist you with a fresh measure of His divine grace in the few
months separating us from the glorious festivities of next Ridván.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Announcement of the Completion of the
Synopsis and Codification of the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas
19 January 1973
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following cable has just been sent to the United States "Bahá'í
News" for publication:
page 105
|
Joyfully announce completion synopsis codification Kitáb-i-Aqdas for
publication Ridván synchronizing celebration hundredth anniversary
revelation Most Holy Book fulfilling World Center goal Nine Year Plan.
Confident release this publication envisaged by beloved Guardian and
whose main features he outlined will constitute another significant step
path leading Bahá'í community full maturity establishment World Order
Bahá'u'lláh. |
Please share this joyous news with the friends.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Challenge to Individuals to Obey
the Law of God in Their Personal Lives
6 February 1973
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following is an excerpt from a letter written recently in response
to questions from an individual believer. As it is of general interest
we are sending it to you so that you may share it with the friends
within your jurisdiction in whatever manner you judge wise and
necessary.
|
Just as there are laws governing our physical lives, requiring that we
must supply our bodies with certain foods, maintain them within a
certain range of temperatures, and so forth, if we wish to avoid
physical disabilities, so also there are laws governing our spiritual
lives. These laws are revealed to mankind in each age by the
Manifestation of God, and obedience to them is of vital importance if
each human being, and mankind in general, is to develop properly and
harmoniously. Moreover, these various aspects are |
page 106
interdependent. If an individual violates the spiritual laws for his own
development he will cause injury not only to himself but to the society
in which he lives. Similarly, the condition of society has a direct
effect on the individuals who must live within it.
As you point out, it is particularly difficult to follow the laws of
Bahá'u'lláh in present-day society whose accepted practice is so at
variance with the standards of the Faith. However, there are certain
laws that are so fundamental to the healthy functioning of human society
that they must be upheld whatever the circumstances. Realizing the
degree of human frailty, Bahá'u'lláh has provided that other laws are to
be applied only gradually, but these too, once they are applied, must be
followed, or else society will not be reformed but will sink into an
ever worsening condition. It is the challenging task of the Bahá'ís to
obey the law of God in their own lives, and gradually to win the rest of
mankind to its acceptance.
In considering the effect of obedience to the laws on individual lives,
one must remember that the purpose of this life is to prepare the soul
for the next. Here one must learn to control and direct one's animal
impulses, not to be a slave to them. Life in this world is a succession
of tests and. achievements, of falling short and of making new spiritual
advances. Sometimes the course may seem very hard, but one can witness,
again and again, that the soul who steadfastly obeys the law of
Bahá'u'lláh, however hard it may seem, grows spiritually, while the one
who compromises with the law for the sake of his own apparent happiness
is seen to have been following a chimera: he does not attain the
happiness he sought, he retards his spiritual advance and often brings
new problems upon himself
To give one very obvious example: the Bahá'í law requiring |
page 107
consent of parents to marriage. All too often nowadays such consent is
withheld by non-Bahá'í parents for reasons of bigotry or racial
prejudice; yet we have seen again and again the profound effect on those
very parents of the firmness of the children in the Bahá'í law, to the
extent that not only is the consent ultimately given in many cases, but
the character of the parents can be affected and their relationship with
their child greatly strengthened.
Thus, by upholding Bahá'í law in the face of all difficulties we not
only strengthen our own characters but influence those around us.
The Bahá'í teaching on sexual intercourse is very clear. It is
permissible only between a man and the woman who is his wife. In this
connection we share with you extracts from four letters written on
behalf of the Guardian which throw light on various aspects of the
matter. One of them contains the paragraph that you quote in your
letter. |
With reference to the question you have asked concerning the Bahá'í
attitude towards the problem of sex and its relation to marriage.
The Bahá'í Teachings on this matter, which is of such vital concern and
about which there is such a wide divergency of views, are very clear and
emphatic. Briefly stated the Bahá'í conception of sex is based on the
belief that chastity should be strictly practiced by both sexes, not
only because it is in itself highly commendable ethically, but also due
to its being the only way to a happy and successful marital life. Sex
relationships of any form, outside marriage, are not permissible
therefore, and whoso violates this rule will not only be responsible to
God, but will incur the necessary punishment from society. |
page 108
|
The Bahá'í Faith recognizes the value of the sex impulse, but condemns
its illegitimate and improper expressions such as free love,
companionate marriage and others, all of which it considers positively
harmful to man and to the society in which he lives. The proper use of
the sex instinct is the natural right of every individual, and it is
precisely for this very purpose that the institution of marriage has
been established. The Bahá'ís do not believe in the suppression of the
sex impulse but in its regulation and control. |
|
(From a letter dated September 5, 1938,
to an individual believer)
|
The question you raise as to the place in one's life that a deep bond of
love with someone we meet other than our husband or wife can have is
easily defined in view of the teachings. Chastity implies both before
and after marriage an unsullied, chaste sex life. Before marriage
absolutely chaste, after marriage absolutely faithful to one's chosen
companion. Faithful in all sexual acts, faithful in word and in deed.
The world today is submerged, amongst other things, in an
over-exaggeration of the importance of physical love, and a dearth of
spiritual values. In as far as possible the believers should try to
realize this and rise above the level of their fellowmen who are,
typical of all decadent periods in history, placing so much overemphasis
on the purely physical side of mating. Outside of their normal,
legitimate married life they should seek to establish bonds of
comradeship and love which are eternal and founded on the spiritual life
of man, not on his physical life. This is one of the many fields in
which it is incumbent on the Bahá'ís to set the example and lead the way
to a true human standard of life, when the soul of man is exalted |
page 109
|
and his body but the tool for his enlightened spirit. Needless to say
this does not preclude the living of a perfectly normal sex life in its
legitimate channel of marriage.
|
|
(From a letter dated September 28, 1941,
to an individual believer) |
|
Concerning your question whether there are any legitimate forms of
expression of the sex instinct outside of marriage; according to the
Bahá'í Teachings no sexual act can be considered lawful unless performed
between lawfully married persons. Outside of marital life there can be
no lawful or healthy use of the sex impulse. The Bahá'í youth should, on
the one hand, be taught the lesson of self-control which, when
exercised, undoubtedly has a salutary effect on the development of
character and of personality in general, and on the other should be
advised, nay even encouraged, to contract marriage while still young and
in full possession of their physical vigor. Economic factors, no doubt,
are often a serious hindrance to early marriage but in most cases are
only an excuse, and as such should not be over stressed. |
|
(From a letter dated December 13, 1940,
to an individual believer)
|
|
As regards your question whether it would be advisable and useful for
you to marry again; he feels unable to give you any definite answer on
that point, as this is essentially a private affair about which you, and
the friends around you or your local assembly are in a much better
position to judge. Of course, under normal circumstances, every person
should consider it his moral duty to marry. And this is what Bahá'u'lláh
has encouraged the believers to do. But marriage is by no means an
obligation. In the last |
page 110
|
resort it is for the individual to decide whether he wishes to lead a
family life or live in a state of celibacy. |
|
(From a letter dated May 3, 1936,
to an individual believer) |
You express surprise at the Guardian's reference to "the necessary
punishment from society." In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Bahá'u'lláh prohibits
sexual immorality and in the Annex to that Book states that the various
degrees of sexual offenses and the punishments for them are to be
decided by the Universal House of Justice. In this connection it should
be realized that there is a distinction drawn in the Faith between the
attitudes which should characterize individuals in their relationship to
other people, namely, loving forgiveness, forbearance, and concern with
one's own sins, not the sins of others, and those attitudes which should
be shown by the Spiritual Assemblies, whose duty is to administer the
law of God with Justice.
A number of sexual problems, such as homosexuality and transsexuality
can well have medical aspects, and in such cases recourse should
certainly be had to the best medical assistance. But it is clear from
the teaching of Bahá'u'lláh that homosexuality is not a condition to
which a person should be reconciled, but is a distortion of his or her
nature which should be controlled and overcome. This may require a hard
struggle, but so also can be the struggle of a heterosexual person to
control his or her desires. The exercise of self-control in this, as in
so very many other aspects of life, has a beneficial effect on the
progress of the soul. It should, moreover, be borne in mind that
although to be married is highly desirable, and Bahá'u'lláh has strongly
recommended it, it is not the central purpose of life. If a person has
to wait a considerable period before |
page 111
finding a spouse, or if ultimately, he or she must remain single, it
does not mean that he or she is thereby unable to fulfill his or her
life's purpose.
In all this we have been speaking about the attitude that Bahá'ís should
have towards the law of Bahá'u'lláh. You, however, as a doctor working
mainly as a counselor in family and sexual problems, will mostly be
concerned with advising non-Bahá'ís who do not accept, and see no reason
to follow, the laws of Bahá'u'lláh. You are already a qualified
practitioner in your field, and no doubt you give advice on the basis of
what you have learned from study and experience — a whole fabric of
concepts about the human mind, its growth, development and proper
functioning, which you have learned and evolved without reference to the
teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Now, as a Bahá'í, you know that what
Bahá'u'lláh teaches about the purpose of human life, the nature of the
human being and the proper conduct of human lives, is divinely revealed
and therefore true. However, it will inevitably take time for you not
only to study the Bahá'í teachings so that you clearly understand them,
but also to work out how they modify your professional concepts. This
is, of course, not an unusual predicament for a scientist. How often in
the course of research is a factor discovered which requires a
revolution in thinking over a wide field of human endeavor. You must be
guided in each case by your own professional knowledge and judgment as
illuminated by your growing knowledge of the Bahá'í teachings;
undoubtedly you will find that your own understanding of the human
problems dealt with in your work will change and develop and you will
see new and improved ways of helping the people who come to you.
Psychology is still a very young and inexact science, and as the years
go by Bahá'í psychologists, who know from the |
page 112
|
teachings of Bahá'u'lláh the true pattern of human life, will be able to
make great strides in the development of this science, and will help
profoundly in the alleviation of human suffering. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Purchase of Mazra'ih Mansion
15 March 1973
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following cable has just been sent to the United States "Bahá'í
News" for publication.
|
Occasion Naw-Rúz 130 joyously announce Bahá'í world acquisition by
purchase mansion Mazra'ih result several years patient persistent
determined negotiations thereby adding to Bahá'í endowments Holy
Land first residence Bahá'u'lláh after nine years spent walled prison
city 'Akká. Control this holy site reacquired by beloved Guardian after
lapse more than fifty years when he secured lease mansion 1950 extended
to present time. Purchase includes land area approximating twentyfour
thousand square meters highly suitable extension gardens cultivation.
Offering prayer thanksgiving Sacred Threshold this greatly cherished
bounty. |
Please share this joyous news with the friends.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 113
Ridván Message 1973
Ridván 1973
To the Bahá'ís of the World
Dearly-loved Friends,
We announce with joyful and thankful hearts the completion in
overwhelming victory of the world-encircling Nine Year Plan. The Army of
Light has won its second global campaign; it has surpassed the goals set
for expansion and has achieved a truly impressive degree of universal
participation, the twin objectives of the Plan. With gratitude and love
we testify to the unceasing confirmations which Bahá'u'lláh has showered
upon His servants, enabling each and every one of us to offer Him some
part of the labor, the devotion, the sacrifice, the supplication which
He has so bountifully rewarded. At this Centenary of the Revelation of
the Most Holy Book, the Community of the Most Great Name lays its
tribute of victory at His feet, acknowledging that it is He Who has
bestowed it.
The Cause of God at the end of the Nine Year Plan is immensely more
widespread, more firmly founded, and its own international relations
more closely knit than in 1964 when the Plan was launched. Ninety-five
new territories have been opened to the Faith; the 69 National Spiritual
Assemblies which shouldered the world community's task have become 113,
5 more than called for. These embryonic secondary Houses of Justice are
supported by more than 17,000 Local Spiritual Assemblies, 3,000 in
excess of the goal and 12,000 more than at the beginning of the Plan.
Bahá'ís reside in 69,500 localities, 15,000 more than called for, and
54,000 more than in 1964. Bahá'í literature has been translated into 225
more languages bringing the total number to 571; 63
page 114
Temple sites, 56 National Hazíratu'l-Quds, and 62 National Endowments
have been acquired bringing the total numbers of these properties to 98,
112 and 104 respectively; 50 Teaching Institutes and Summer and Winter
Schools are playing their part in Bahá'í education and 15 Publishing
Trusts produce Bahá'í literature in major languages of the world. The
Mother Temple of Latin America has been built and dedicated. Among those
goals whose achievement is dependent on favorable circumstances outside
our control are the incorporation of Assemblies and recognition of
Bahá'í Holy Days. It is gratifying to record that 90 National Spiritual
Assemblies and 1,556 Local Spiritual Assemblies — 181 more than the total
number called for — are incorporated, while Bahá'í Holy Days are
recognized in 64 countries and Bahá'í certification of marriage in 40.
This great expansion of the Faith required an army of international
pioneers. Two major calls were raised, for 461 and 733, which together
with others for particular posts made an overall total of 1,344. The
Community of the Most Great Name responded with 3,553 who actually left
their homes, 2,265 of whom are still at their posts.
At the World Center of the Faith the collation and classification of the
Bahá'í Sacred Scriptures and of the writings of Shoghi Effendi have been
carried forward in ever increasing volume, a task supported and enriched
by the labors of a special committee appointed by the Persian National
Spiritual Assembly. The material at the World Center includes some 2,600
original Tablets by Bahá'u'lláh, 6,000 by 'Abdu'l-Bahá and
2,300 letters
of Shoghi Effendi. There are in addition some 18,000 authenticated
copies of other such Tablets and letters. All these have been studied,
important passages from them excerpted and classified, and the subject
matter indexed under 400 general headings.
A Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of
page 115
the Kitáb-i-Aqdas — completing the considerable progress made by the
beloved Guardian in this task — is being published on the Centenary of
the Revelation of the Most Holy Book, which, as already announced, is to
be celebrated both in the Holy Land and throughout the Bahá'í world
during this Ridván.
The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, hailed by Shoghi
Effendi as the Most Great Law of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, has been
formulated and published.
The gardens in Bahjí and on Mount Carmel have been significantly
extended and plans have been approved for the befitting development and
beautification of the entire area of Bahá'í property surrounding the
Holy Shrines in Bahjí and Haifa.
The worldwide proclamation of the Faith, an intensive and
long-to-be-sustained process initiated during the third phase of the
Plan, opened in October 1967 with the commemoration of the Centenary of
Bahá'u'lláh's Proclamation to the kings and rulers which had centered
around His revelation of the Súriy-i-Mulúk in Adrianople. This historic
event was commemorated at six Intercontinental Conferences held
simultaneously around the planet. A further nine Oceanic and Continental
Conferences held during the Plan gave great impetus to this proclamation
program. The fifteen Conferences were attended by nearly 17,000
believers and attracted great publicity by press and radio and were made
the occasion of acquainting dignitaries and notabilities with the Divine
Message. The presentation, on behalf of the Universal House of Justice,
to 142 Heads of State, of a specially produced book containing the
translation into English of the Tablets and passages of Scripture in
which Bahá'u'lláh, some hundred years before, had issued His mighty
Proclamation to mankind, initiated this campaign, which will continue
long beyond the end of the Nine Year Plan.
page 116
The outstanding development in the relationship of the Bahá'í
International Community to the United Nations was the accreditation of
that Community as a nongovernmental organization with consultative
status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The
Bahá'í International Community now has a permanent representative at
United Nations and maintains an office in New York.
The loved and revered Hands of the Cause have rendered sacrificial and
distinguished service throughout the Nine Year Plan. They have, in all
parts of the world, inspired the friends, assisted National Spiritual
Assemblies, promoted the teaching work and played a vital part in the
success of the Plan. The lagging fortunes of more than one national
community have been revolutionized by a visit of a Hand of the Cause;
swift and energetic action, inspired by the Hand, has been followed by
astonishing results, completely reversing that community's prospects.
They have added distinguished works to the literature of the Faith.
The goal of the Plan to develop "The institution of the Hands of the
Cause of God, in consultation with the body of the Hands of the Cause,
with a view to the extension into the future of its appointed functions
of protection and propagation," was accomplished in stages, leading to
the establishment of eleven Continental Boards of Counselors, whose
members were appointed by the Universal House of Justice and who assumed
responsibility for the Auxiliary Boards for protection and propagation.
The beloved Hands no longer remained individually identified with any
particular continent except insofar as their residence was concerned
— but extended their sphere of action to the whole planet. The
Continental Boards of Counselors, advised and guided by the Hands of the
Cause of God and working in close collaboration with them, have already,
in their brief period of office, performed outstanding and distinguished
services.
page 117
Three highly portentous developments have taken place during the Nine
Year Plan, namely, the advance of youth to the forefront of the teaching
work, a great increase in the financial resources of the Faith, and an
astonishing proliferation of inter-National Assembly assistance
projects.
The first, the heartwarming upsurge of Bahá'í youth, has changed the
face of the teaching work; impenetrable barriers have been broken or
overpassed by eager teams of young Bahá'ís, dedicated and prayerful,
presenting the Divine Message in ways acceptable to their own generation
from which it has spread and is spreading throughout the social
structure. The entire Bahá'í world has been thrilled by this
development. Having rejected the values and standards of the old world,
Bahá'í youth are eager to learn and adapt themselves to the standards of
Bahá'u'lláh and so to offer the Divine Program to fill the gap left by
the abandonment of the old order.
The vast increase in the financial resources of the Faith called for
under the Plan has evoked a heartwarming response from the entire Bahá'í
community. Not only the Bahá'í International Fund but the local,
national and continental Funds of the Faith have been sacrificially
supported. This practical proof of the love which the friends bear for
the Faith has enabled all the work to go forward — the support of
pioneers and traveling teachers, the raising of Mashriqu'l-Adhkárs and
acquisition of Bahá'í properties, the purchase of Holy Places in the
Cradle of the Faith and at the World Center, the development of
educational institutions and all the multifarious activities of a
vigorous, onward-marching, constructive world community. It is of
interest that sixty percent of the international funds of the Faith is
used to assist the work of National Spiritual Assemblies, to promote the
teaching work and to defend the Cause against attacks in many parts of
the world. Without such help from the Bahá'í world community many
National Assemblies would be paralyzed in their efforts
page 118
of expansion and deepening. The administration of Huqúqu'lláh has been
strengthened in preparation for its extension to other parts of the
world. An International Deputization Fund was established at the World
Center to assist pioneers and traveling teachers who were ready to serve
but unable to provide their own expenses, and this Fund was later
extended to the support of projects on national homefronts. Contribution
to the Fund is a service which will never cease to be open to all
believers; the growth of the Faith and the rise of its Administrative
Order require an ever-increasing outpouring of our substance,
commensurate in however small a measure with the bounty and liberality
of the outpouring confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh.
When the Plan was launched 219 assistance projects were specified
whereby national communities would render financial, pioneering or
teaching aid to others, generally remote from them geographically. The
intention was to strengthen the bonds of unity between distant parts of
the Bahá'í world with different social, cultural and historical
backgrounds. At the end of the Plan more than 600 such projects had been
carried out. Intercommunity cooperation has been further developed in
the field of publishing Bahá'í literature, notably in Spanish and French
and the languages of Africa. A vast field of fruitful endeavor lies open
in this respect.
In some countries due to lack of freedom, to actual repression in
others, to legal and physical obstacles in yet others, certain
particular goals — mainly those requiring incorporation or
recognition — could not be won. Foreseeing this, the Universal House of
Justice called upon national communities in lands where there is freedom
to practice and promote the Faith, to exceed their own goals and thus
ensure that the overall goals would be won. It has proved still
impossible to
page 119
begin work on the erection of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in Tihrán, but
contracts have been signed for the preparation of detailed drawings,
geological surveys are being made, and everything made ready for
immediate action whenever the situation in Persia becomes propitious.
During the period of the Nine Year Plan a number of important and
interesting events, not directly associated with it, have taken place.
First and foremost was the commemoration, in the precincts of the Qiblih
of the Bahá'í world, of the centenary of the arrival at the prison-city
of 'Akká, as foretold in former Scriptures, of the Promised One of all
ages.
The Mansion of Mazra'ih, often referred to by the beloved Guardian as
one of the "twin mansions" in which the Blessed Beauty resided after
nine years within the walled prison-city of 'Akká, and dear to the
hearts of the believers by reason of its associations with their Lord,
has at last been purchased together with 24,000 square meters of land
extending into the plain on its eastward side.
The raising of the obelisk, marking the site of the future
Mashriqu'l-Adhkár on Mount Carmel, completes a project initiated by the
beloved Guardian.
The decision has been made and announced to the Bahá'í world, and the
initial steps have been taken for the erection on Mount Carmel, at a
site on the Arc as purposed by Shoghi Effendi, of the building which
shall serve as the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.
The progress of the Cause of God gathers increasing momentum and we may
with confidence look forward to the day when this Community, in God's
good time, shall have traversed the stages predicated for it by its
Guardian, and shall have raised on this tormented planet the fair
mansions of God's Own Kingdom wherein humanity may find surcease from
its self-induced confusion and chaos and ruin, and the
page 120
hatreds and violence of this time shall be transmuted into an abiding
sense of world brotherhood and peace. All this shall be accomplished
within the Covenant of the everlasting Father, the Covenant of
Bahá'u'lláh.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Election of
The Universal House of Justice — May 1973
3 May 1973
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following cable has just been sent to the United States "Bahá'í
News" for publication:
|
Newly elected members Universal House of Justice 'Alí Nakhjavání
Hushmand Fatheázam Amoz Gibson Ian Semple David Hofman Charles Wolcott
Borrah Kavelin David Ruhe Hugh Chance. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 121
In Memoriam
page 122 is intentionally blank
page 123
The Hand of the Cause of God Hermann Grossmann
9 July 1968
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following cable has been sent to the National Spiritual Assembly of
Germany:
Deeply regret announce passing Hand Cause Hermann Grossmann. Greatly
admired beloved Guardian his grievous loss deprives company Hands Cause
outstanding collaborator and Bahá'í World Community staunch defender
promoter Faith. His courageous loyalty during challenging years tests
persecutions Germany outstanding services South America immortalized
annals Faith. Invite all National Spiritual Assemblies hold memorial
gatherings befitting his exalted rank exemplary services. Request those
responsible Mother Temples arrange services auditorium.
Please share with all the friends. |
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Lutfu'lláh Hakím
12 August 1968
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We share with you the following cable which we have just sent to the
National Spiritual Assembly of Persia:
page 124
|
Grieve announce passing Lutfu'lláh Hakím dedicated servant Cause God.
Special missions entrusted him full confidence reposed in him by Master
and Guardian his close association with early distinguished believers
East West including his collaboration Esslemont his services Persia
British Isles Holy Land his membership appointed and elected
International Bahá'í Council his election Universal House Justice will
always be remembered immortal annals Faith Bahá'u'lláh. Inform believers
hold befitting memorial meetings all centers. Convey all members his
family expressions loving sympathy assurance prayers progress his
radiant soul Abhá Kingdom. |
In view of Dr. Hakím's long and devoted record of services to the Faith
other National Spiritual Assemblies are requested to hold memorial
gatherings. Special commemorative services should also be held in the
four Mother Temples of the Bahá'í World.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
The Hand of the Cause of God Tarázu'lláh Samandarí
4 September 1968
To All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
We have today sent the following cable to the National Assembly of
Persia:
|
With sorrowful hearts announce passing Hand Cause God shield His Faith
dearly loved Tarázu'lláh Samandarí ninety-third year his
life on morrow
commemoration centenary Bahá'u'lláh's arrival Holy Land. Faithful to
last |
page 125
|
breath instructions his Lord his Master his Guardian he continued
selfless devoted service unabated until falling ill during recent
teaching mission. Unmindful illness he proceeded Holy Land participate
centenary. Ever remembered hearts believers East West to whose lands he
traveled bearing message his Lord whose communities he faithfully served
this precious remnant Heroic Age who attained presence Blessed Beauty
year His ascension now laid rest foot mountain God amidst throng
believers assembled vicinity very spot Bahá'u'lláh first trod these
sacred shores. Request all National Assemblies hold memorial services
including four Mother Temples Bahá'í world befitting long life dedicated
exemplary service Lord Hosts by one assured Center Covenant loving
welcome presence Bahá'u'lláh Abhá Kingdom. Extend loving sympathy
assurance prayers members distinguished family. |
We request that memorial services be held as indicated.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Alvin Blum
24 September 1968
NatBahai
Honiara (British Solomon Islands)
Grieved learn passing Knight Bahá'u'lláh Alvin Blum steadfast devoted
servant Faith his tireless labors pioneer Solomons unforgettable annals
Bahá'í history praying Shrines progress soul Abhá Kingdom. Advise hold
befitting memorial service Honiara. Requesting National Assembly
Australia hold memorial service Mother Temple Antipodes. Convey loving
sympathy members family.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
page 126
Sara Kenny
24 September 1968
Bahá'í London SW 7
(England)
Grieved learn passing Knight Bahá'u'lláh Sara Kenny dedicated servant
Cause native land stalwart pioneer Madeira whose devoted labors France
membership first National Assembly and staunch defense Covenant
contributed firm establishment foundation that national community.
Assure family prayers Holy Shrines progress her soul Abhá Kingdom.
Requesting National Assembly France hold befitting memorial service.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
Maud Bosio
3 October 1968
Bahá'í
Rome
Deeply grieved learn passing devoted maidservant Bahá'u'lláh Maud Bosio
early believer Italian community her sacrificial services success first
Mediterranean Conference lovingly remembered praying Shrines progress
her soul Abhá Kingdom advise hold befitting memorial gathering. Convey
sympathy members family.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
Nairn Forsythe Ward
9 June 1969
Bahá'í
Wilmette Illinois USA
Grieved announce sudden passing Nairn Forsythe Ward devoted believer who
while enroute pioneer post Africa during
page 127
Crusade responded request Hands Cause remain Bahjí as custodian Sacred
Shrine Blessed Beauty serving with wife Janet in that exalted post until
his passing. His devoted services American homefront since early
twenties long remembered. View his intimate association Geyserville
advise holding befitting memorial service during summer school sessions
there. Praying Shrines progress his soul Abhá Kingdom.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
Ruth Randall Brown
4 November 1968
Bahá'í
Wilmette Illinois USA
Have today cabled NSA South Africa following quote grieved learn passing
Ruth Randall Brown. Her long life devoted distinguished service Cause
Bahá'u'lláh shining example all pioneers. Please arrange befitting
memorial her behalf. Convey her family our loving sympathy assurance
ardent prayers divine threshold progress her soul unquote.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
The Hand of the Cause of God Agnes Alexander
4 January 1971
Bahá'í Faith
Honolulu Hawaiian Islands
Profoundly grieve passing illumined soul Hand Cause Agnes Alexander
longstanding pillar Cause Far East first bring Faith Hawaiian Islands.
Her long dedicated exemplary life service devotion Cause God anticipated
by Center Covenant selecting her share May Maxwell imperishable honor
mention Tablets Divine Plan. Her unrestrained unceasing pursuit teaching
obedience command Bahá'u'lláh exhortations Master
page 128
guidance beloved Guardian shining example all followers Faith. Her
passing severs one more link Heroic Age. Assure family friends ardent
prayers holiest shrine progress radiant soul request all National
Spiritual Assemblies hold memorial meetings and those responsible hold
service Mother Temples
(Signed) Universal House of Justice
The Hand of the Cause of God Músá Banání
5 September 1971
Bahá'í Wilmette Illinois
(Wilmette, Illinois, USA)
Profoundly mourn passing dearly loved Hand Cause Músá Banání
recall with
deep affection his selfless unassuming prolonged services cradle Faith
his exemplary pioneering Uganda culminating his appointment as Hand
Cause Africa and praise beloved Guardian as spiritual conqueror that
continent. Interment his remains African soil under shadow Mother Temple
enhances spiritual luster that blessed spot. Fervently praying shrines
progress his noble soul. May Africa now robbed staunch venerable
promoter defender Faith follow his example cheer his heart Abhá Kingdom.
Convey family most tender sympathies advise hold memorial meetings all
communities Bahá'í world befitting gatherings Mother Temples.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
Matthew Bullock
21 December 1972
Bahá'í
Wilmette Illinois USA
Grieve passing Knight Bahá'u'lláh Matthew Bullock distinguished promoter
Faith convey family assurance prayers Holy
page 129
Threshold progress his soul advise hold memorial gathering
Mashriqu'l-Adhkár.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
Marion Little
12 March 1973
Bahá'í Wilmette
Wilmette Illinois USA
Have cabled National Assembly France quote ascension Abhá Kingdom Marion
Little steadfast devoted servant Bahá'u'lláh more than fifty years
teaching publishing pioneering United States South America Europe
deprives American Bahá'í Community one its brightest ornaments Europe
one most radiant pioneers. Her loyalty cheerfulness courage uplifted
spirits friends assures bounteous reward. Offering prayers Sacred
Threshold progress her soul recommend German National Assembly hold
befitting memorial service Mother Temple Europe end quote please publish
Bahá'í News.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
|
Site Map
