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SINCE ASCII TEXT DOES NOT ALLOW FOR ITALICIZED TEXT, ALL ITALICIZED PARAGRAPHS, WHICH ARE NON-SACRED PASSAGES AND COMMENTS, HAVE BEEN DEMARCATED BY THIS SYMBOL: /// Example: /// Dear Baha'i Friends, /// To assist Local Spiritual Assemblies in their efforts to rise to the new stage in the exercise of their responsibilities, "Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies" has been revised and the National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to provide you with this publication as a ready reference to facilitate your consultations. ----------------------------------------- DEVELOPING DISTINCTIVE BAHA'I COMMUNITIES GUIDELINES FOR SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES Page ii Office of Assembly Development, Evanston, Illinois 60201 Copyright (c) 1998 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States All rights reserved. Published 1998 Cover design by Pepper Oldziey Copyright 1989 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States All rights reserved. Published 1989 Printed in the United States of America +iii Contents PREFACE XVII Part One THE INSTITUTION OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY 1 THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY 1.1 SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION 1.1 The Covenant and the Administrative Order 1.1 The Uniqueness of the Administrative Order 1.2 Divine Nature of the Administrative Order 1.2 Development of Local Spiritual Assemblies 1.3 THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AND THE BAHA'I COMMUNITY 1.6 Qualities of Assembly Members 1.6 THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AND ITS RELATION TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS 1.10 The National Spiritual Assembly 1.10 The Institution of the Learned 1.12 Suggested Readings 1.18 2 THE FORMATION OF THE ASSEMBLY 2.1 FORMING THE ASSEMBLY 2.1 Obligation to Form 2.1 When to Form 2.1 Annual Meeting 2.2 ELECTION PROCESS 2.5 The Spirit and Character of Baha'i Elections 2.5 Qualifications for Membership 2.6 Eligibility 2.8 Voting 2.11 Policy of National Spiritual Assembly 2.14 Counting the Ballots 2.14 Election Results and Recognition 2.15 Joint Declaration 2.17 Registration of a Baha'i Group 2.18 +iv By-Elections 2.18 Jeopardized Assemblies 2.19 JURISDICTION 2.20 A Baha'i Locality 2.20 Baha'i Boundaries Determined by Civil Boundaries 2.20 Annexed Areas 2.21 Area of Jurisdiction 2.21 3 ORGANIZATION OF THE ASSEMBLY 3.1 MEANING OF ORGANIZATION 3.1 MEETINGS AND MEMBERSHIP 3.1 Meetings 3.1 Election of Officers 3.3 Duties of Officers 3.5 Dissatisfaction with Officers 3.8 Attendance 3.8 Resignation 3.10 Removal from Assembly Membership 3.11 DUTIES AND GOALS 3.12 Duties of Assembly 3.12 Systematic Planning and Execution 3.13 Committees 3.15 Using Non-Baha'i Experts/Agencies 3.17 Public Information Representatives and Committees 3.17 ASSEMBLY COMMUNICATIONS 3.18 Record-keeping 3.18 Correspondence 3.20 Archives 3.24 Local Publications 3.25 LEGAL BASIS 3.26 Incorporation 3.26 Insurance 3.27 Suggested Readings 3.28 Appendix A 3.29 Appendix B 3.30 Appendix C 3.31 4 CONSULTATION 4.1 THE NATURE OF CONSULTATION 4.1 Source of Guidance and Understanding 4.1 Consultation in All Things 4.1 +v Consultation and the Divine Institutions 4.2 Conditions Necessary for Effective Consultation 4.2 If Necessary Conditions Not Present 4.3 THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION 4.3 Investigation of Truth 4.3 The Role of Spiritual Principles 4.4 Elements of Consultative Discussion 4.4 REACHING A DECISION 4.6 Additional Facts May be Necessary 4.6 Ideal to Arrive at Unanimous Decision 4.7 No Dissenting Votes in the Cause 4.7 Abstaining Does Not Exist in Baha'i Voting 4.7 A Motion Is Not Required 4.7 AFTER A DECISION IS REACHED 4.7 Majority Decision Must be Upheld 4.7 If Majority View is Wrong 4.8 Reconsideration of a Decision 4.9 Appeal of a Decision 4.9 CONSULTATION WITH OTHERS 4.9 Fact-Gathering 4.9 Assign Counseling to Individuals or Committees 4.10 Personal Consultation with Assembly Members 4.10 Non-Assembly Members in Attendance Assembly Not Only Channel to Which Baha'is May Turn 4.11 Consultation Differs from Confession 4.11 Confidentiality 4.12 Members of Assemblies Who Are Also Assistants to Auxiliary Board Members 4.12 THE INDIVIDUAL: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND CRITICISM 4.13 Right of Individual to Self-Expression 4.13 Criticism 4.13 Suggested Readings 4.17 5 PROTECTION OF THE FAITH 5.1 REVIEWING BAHA'I LITERATURE AND MATERIALS 5.1 Purpose of Review 5.1 Role of the National Spiritual Assembly and Local Spiritual Assembly in Reviewing Publications 5.2 Criteria for Review 5.2 Materials to be Reviewed 5.2 Reverence in Relation to the Review Process 5.4 Trademarks 5.6 +vi Copyrights 5.6 THE COVENANT 5.7 Power of the Covenant 5.7 The Greater and Lesser Covenants 5.7 Perpetuation of the Covenant 5.7 The Passing of Shoghi Effendi 5.8 COVENANT-BREAKING 5.8 The Meaning of Covenant-Breaking 5.8 The Nature of Covenant-Breaking 5.8 Response of the Believers to Covenant-Breaking 5.9 The Auxiliary Boards for Protection 5.11 OPPOSITION 5.12 Opposition--Natural and Inevitable Stage in the Unfoldment of the Faith 5.12 Opposition and the Plan of God 5.12 Sources of Opposition 5.13 The Forms Opposition Will Take 5.13 The Response of the Believers to Opposition 5.14 The Response of the Assemblies to Opposition 5.15 Triumph of the Cause of God 5.16 Suggested Readings 5.17 Appendix 5.17 6 COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP 6.1 MEMBERSHIP STATUS 6.1 Three Conditions of Baha'i Status 6.1 DECLARATION AND ENROLLMENT OF NEW BELIEVERS 6.2 Declaration 6.2 Enrollment 6.3 Special Enrollment Procedures 6.3 STATUS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH 6.8 Children of Non-Baha'i Parents 6.8 Children of Baha'i Parents 6.8 Registration and Declaration 6.9 BAHA'I CREDENTIALS 6.12 Checking Credentials 6.12 Transfer of Membership 6.13 Special Membership Transfer Procedures 6.13 WITHDRAWAL FROM AND REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP 6.15 +vii Handling Requests for Withdrawal 6.15 Criteria for Withdrawal 6.15 Reinstatement from Withdrawal 6.17 COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP 6.17 Register of Vital Statistics 6.17 Community Membership List 6.18 Use of Baha'i Directories and Membership Lists 6.19 Appendix 6.19 Part Two COMMUNITY GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 7 TEACHING 7.1 THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AND TEACHING 7.1 THE NATURE OF TEACHING 7.1 Commandment of God 7.1 Divine Assistance 7.2 Three Aspects of Teaching 7.3 No Proselytizing 7.7 TEACHING AND THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVER 7.8 The Obligation to Teach 7.8 Steps in the Process of Individual Teaching 7.8 The Role of the Individual 7.9 Why Individuals Do Not Teach--What the Assembly Can Do 7.10 TEACHING AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY 7.12 The Family and Teaching 7.12 Youth and Teaching 7.13 Creating a Teaching Plan 7.14 Suggested Goals for Local Spiritual Assemblies 7.15 Need For Systematic Efforts 7.18 TEACHING THE MASSES / LARGE SCALE GROWTH 7.18 The Process of Teaching the Masses 7.18 Mass Conversion 7.18 Experiments in Teaching 7.21 Consultation on Mass Teaching Methods 7.21 Balance Between Local and National Projects 7.22 Guarding Against Extremes 7.22 ENROLLMENT AND SYSTEMATIC FOLLOW-UP 7.23 +viii Conditions for Enrollment 7.23 Follow-up with New Believers 7.25 TEACHING METHODS 7.26 Many Different Methods 7.26 Weaving Bonds of Friendship 7.27 Firesides 7.27 Door to Door Teaching 7.28 Other Methods 7.28 OTHER TOPICS 7.29 The Arts and Teaching 7.29 Teaching and the Role of the Learned 7.29 Pioneering 7.32 Minority Teaching 7.36 Teaching Institutes 7.38 Summer Schools 7.39 Applying the Teachings to the Needs of Society 7.40 Suggested Readings 7.41 Appendix A 7.42 Appendix B 7.43 Appendix C 7.43 Appendix D 7.45 8 THE DISTINCTIVE BAHA'I COMMUNITY 8.1 DEVELOPING A DISTINCTIVE BAHA'I COMMUNITY 8.1 Characteristics of Distinction 8.1 Purpose for a Distinctive Baha'i Community 8.1 Characteristics of a Baha'i Society 8.2 ROLE OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY 8.4 Responsibility of Individual Assembly Members 8.4 Unity Within the Assembly 8.5 Instruments for Establishing Unity and Harmony 8.5 Unity in Diversity 8.6 Supporting Youth Participation 8.7 HOW TO DEVELOP A DISTINCTIVE COMMUNITY LIFE 8.7 Firmness in the Covenant 8.7 Spiritual Development 8.7 Consolidation Activities 8.8 Nineteen Day Feasts 8.8 Service to Humanity 8.8 ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY 8.8 Relationship Among the Baha'is 8.8 +ix Role of Individuals 8.10 Suggested Readings 8.12 9 HOLY DAYS, FESTIVALS, THE FAST AND THE NINETEEN DAY FEAST 9.1 BAHA'I HOLY DAYS, FESTIVALS AND THE FAST 9.1 Dates 9.1 Descriptions 9.1 Preparing for the Holy Days 9.4 When to Observe 9.5 Observing the Holy Days 9.6 Suspension of Work and School 9.7 THE NINETEEN DAY FEAST 9.10 Baha'i Months and Dates of Nineteen Day Feasts 9.10 Purpose and Significance 9.10 When to Hold the Nineteen Day Feast 9.14 Where to Hold 9.15 Organization of the Feast 9.16 Attendance and Participation 9.20 Behavior of Children 9.23 Sale of Items During Feast 9.23 Promotion of Personal Businesses or Services During Feast 9.23 Music 9.23 Smoking During Feast 9.23 Unity Feasts 9.23 CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS OF OTHER RELIGIONS AND COMMUNITIES 9.25 Preserving Inherited Cultural Identities 9.25 Participation in Other Cultural/Religious Festivals 9.26 Attending Other Religious Marriage Ceremonies 9.26 SPECIAL EVENTS DAYS 9.27 Dates and Descriptions 9.27 Suggested Readings 9.28 10 THE BAHA'I FUND 10.1 THE NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE BAHA'I FUND 10.1 Nature of the Funds 10.1 Spiritual Activity and Material Means 10.1 Purpose of the Funds 10.2 Requirements of the Cause Take Precedence Over Individual Needs 10.3 +x Four Major Funds 10.3 PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND 10.6 Obligation and Privilege 10.6 Nature of Giving 10.9 THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AND THE FUND 10.12 Responsibilities of the Treasurer 10.13 Treasurer's Committees and Treasurer's Assistants 10.19 Budgeting, Accounting and Auditing Procedures 10.19 Fund Education 10.22 Fund Appeals 10.23 WAYS OF GIVING 10.26 To the Baha'i Funds 10.26 To Charity 10.28 Suggested Readings 10.29 Appendix A 10.31 Appendix B 10.31 Appendix C 10.33 11 BAHA'I EDUCATION 11.1 THE NATURE OF EDUCATION 11.1 Definition of Eduction 11.1 Purpose of Education 11.1 DUTIES OF THE ASSEMBLY 11.3 Incumbent to Educate the Children 11.3 Promote Knowledge and Education 11.3 Ensure the Education and Instruction of All Children 11.3 Provide Well-Planned Programs 11.4 ORGANIZATION AND METHODS OF INSTRUCTION 11.4 Teaching Qualifications 11.4 Organization and Methods 11.5 What to Teach 11.7 Steadfastness in Conducting Classes 11.10 Age to Begin Formal Children's Classes 11.10 Using the Creative Word 11.11 The Arts 11.11 Baha'i Education Programs in Local Communities 11.12 +xi BAHA'I SCHOLARSHIP 11.12 Nature of Baha'i Scholarship 11.12 Distinction Between Individual and Authoritative Interpretation 11.15 BAHA'I SCHOOLS 11.15 Primary and Secondary Schools 11.15 Centers of Baha'i Learning 11.16 Suggested Readings 11.18 Appendix A 11.19 Appendix B 11.20 Appendix C 11.21 12 EXTERNAL AFFAIRS 12.1 ASSOCIATION WITH THE NON-BAHA'I WORLD 12.1 RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT 12.3 Loyalty to Government 12.3 Noninvolvement in Politics 12.3 Contact with Government Officials 12.5 Petitions and Letter-Writing Campaigns 12.6 RELATIONSHIP WITH PROMINENT PERSONS, OTHER ORGANIZATIONS 12.6 Contacting Prominent Persons 12.6 Association with Other Organizations 12.7 The Issue of the Death Penalty 12.9 Promoting Universal Peace 12.9 RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MEDIA 12.10 Contacting National Media 12.10 Public Image of the Faith 12.10 Letters to the Editor 12.11 Publicity 12.12 Uses of Pictures of `Abdu'l-Baha 12.12 Use of the Term "Baha'i World Faith" 12.12 Suggested Readings 12.12 Appendix 12.13 13 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 13.1 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS 13.1 Mandate for Social and Economic Development Projects 13.1 +xii Project Implementation 13.11 Financing of Projects 13.12 Individual Ventures 13.13 Role of Women and Youth 13.14 POTENTIAL PROJECTS 13.14 Information and Referral 13.14 Volunteerism 13.14 Food 13.14 Housing 13.15 Shelter for the Homeless 13.15 Substance Abuse 13.15 Education 13.15 14 BAHA'I PROPERTIES 14.1 Description of Properties 14.1 The Mashriqu'l-Adkar 14.1 The Haziratu'l-Quds--National and Local 14.2 Local Baha'i Centers--Embryonic Haziratu'l-Quds 14.3 Endowments 14.3 Baha'i Cemeteries 14.4 FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ACQUIRING A CENTER 14.4 Consider Alternatives 14.4 Statement of Purpose 14.5 Consideration of Various Factors 14.5 Technical Issues 14.6 OTHER PROPERTY ISSUES 14.13 Jurisdiction of Local Centers 14.13 Contributions 14.13 Rental of Baha'i Property 14.14 Dancing in a Baha'i Center 14.15 Use of Churches for Baha'i Functions 14.15 Reports to the National Spiritual Assembly 14.16 Suggested Readings 14.16 Part Three APPLICATION OF BAHA'I LAW 15 BAHA'I LAW AND ITS APPLICATION 15.1 +xiii NATURE AND PURPOSE OF BAHA'I LAW 15.1 Nature of the Laws 15.1 Purpose of the Laws 15.1 The Progressive Application of Baha'i Law 15.2 THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY IN UPHOLDING Baha'i LAW 15.3 Administering the Laws 15.3 Handling Violations of Baha'i Law 15.5 Removal of Administrative Rights 15.7 Meaning of Deprivation of Administrative Rights 15.9 Handling Appeals 15.11 Restoration of Administrative Rights 15.12 LAWS AND STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS 15.13 Immorality 15.14 Alcohol 15.16 Use of Illegal Drugs 15.18 Political Activity 15.18 Criminal Offenses, Disobedience to Civil Laws 15.19 Criminal Matters in Which the State Claims Exclusive Interest 15.20 Membership in Other Organizations 15.20 Gambling, Lotteries 15.21 Behavior that Damages the Reputation of the Faith or Causes Disunity 15.22 Laws Not Presently Binding Upon the Western Believers 15.24 OBEDIENCE TO THE LAWS 15.24 Importance of Obedience 15.24 Effect of Obedience 15.24 Effect of Disobedience 15.25 Obedience Will Necessarily Impose Hardships 15.25 LAWS BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUAL AND GOD 15.25 Read the Sacred Writings Daily 15.26 Prayer 15.26 Fasting 15.26 Huququ'llah 15.28 Suggested Readings 15.29 Appendix 15.29 16 MARRIAGE 16.1 THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE 16.1 ENGAGEMENT 16.1 +xiv Purpose of Engagement 16.1 95-Day Period of Engagement 16.2 Breaking of Engagement 16.2 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY 16.3 Role in Upholding the Law 16.3 A Checklist for Baha'i Marriage 16.4 OBTAINING CONSENT 16.5 Purpose of Consent 16.5 Consent Requirements 16.6 Contacting Parents 16.8 When Consent Is Withheld 16.11 Circumstances Under which Parental Consent Is Not Required 16.12 THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY 16.14 Requirements of Baha'i Law 16.14 Nature of the Ceremony 16.16 The Reception: Serving Alcoholic Beverages 16.17 Consummation of the Marriage 16.17 VIOLATIONS OF BAHA'I MARRIAGE LAW 16.17 When Unnecessary to Correct Violation 16.17 Correcting Conscious Violations 16.18 Removal of Administrative Rights 16.19 Restoration of Administrative Rights 16.20 Baha'is Marrying Contrary to Baha'i Law: Attendance at Ceremony 16.23 Suggested Readings 16.23 17 DIVORCE 17.1 ATTITUDE TOWARD DIVORCE 17.1 Divorce Discouraged 17.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR BAHA'I DIVORCE 17.2 Year of Waiting 17.2 Conditions Under Which Year of Waiting Not Required 17.3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY 17.4 Initial Meetings 17.4 Obligation to Consider Application 17.4 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUPLE 17.9 Obligation to Consult with an Assembly 17.9 +xv Should Actively Seek Reconciliation 17.10 Financial Support 17.10 Unfaithfulness 17.11 Dating During the Year 17.11 Not Appropriate to Look for New Marriage Partner 17.12 Should Not Announce New Marriage Plans 17.12 Voiding the Year of Waiting 17.12 RELATION OF CIVIL DIVORCE TO Baha'i DIVORCE 17.13 Giving Legal Sanction to the Divorce 17.13 Initiation of Civil Divorce Proceedings During the Year of Waiting 17.13 If Non-Baha'i Partner Obtains a Civil Divorce 17.13 If Reconciliation Takes Place Before Civil Divorce and After the End of the Year of Waiting 17.14 Divorce Agreement, Child Support, Custody 17.14 Obligation of the Couple to Obey Civil Divorce Decree 17.15 Assembly Should Encourage Couple to Fulfill Divorce Decree 17.15 Remarriage 17.16 GRANTING THE BAHA'I DIVORCE 17.16 Withholding the Divorce 17.16 Extending the Year of Waiting 17.16 Delaying or Interfering with the Civil Divorce 17.16 Date on which a Baha'i Divorce Should be Granted 17.17 Reporting to the National Spiritual Assembly 17.17 Annulment 17.17 Suggested Readings 17.18 18 BURIAL LAW, WILLS, LIFE AFTER DEATH 18.1 BURIAL LAW 18.1 Responsibilities of the Local Spiritual Assembly 18.1 Requirements Currently Binding on Western Believers 18.2 Requirements Not Yet Binding on Western Believers 18.6 Other Related Topics 18.7 WILLS 18.11 The Need for a Will 18.11 Will Preparation 18.11 Responsibilities of the Local Spiritual Assembly 18.12 LIFE AFTER DEATH 18.13 +xvi The Spiritual World Beyond and Our Relation to It 18.13 "Soul mates" 18.14 Suggested Readings 18.14 19 MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS 19.1 Birth Control 19.7 Contraception 19.7 Sterilization and Abortion 19.1 Surrogate Mothers, Artificial Insemination 19.3 Serving Alcohol 19.3 Back-Biting 19.4 Debts 19.5 Smoking 19.5 Pilgrimage 19.5 Capital Punishment 19.6 Handling Business Disputes 19.6 Establishing a Business Venture 19.6 Military Service 19.7 General Principles 19.7 Pacifists, Conscientious Objectors 19.7 Non-Combatant Status 19.7 Baha'i Should Not Refuse to Bear Arms 19.8 Draft Registration 19.8 Suggested Readings 19.9 20 BIBLIOGRAPHY 20.1 xxxiii PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION /// To All Local Spiritual Assemblies /// Dear Baha'i Friends, /// To assist Local Spiritual Assemblies in their efforts to rise to the new stage in the exercise of their responsibilities, "Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies" has been revised and the National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to provide you with this publication as a ready reference to facilitate your consultations. /// Local Spiritual Assemblies have been asked by the Universal House of Justice to "rise to a new stage in the exercise of their responsibilities as channels of divine guidance, planners of the teaching work, developers of human resources, builders of communities, and loving shepherds of the multitudes." The Supreme Body tells us, "They can realize these prospects through increasing the ability of their members to take counsel together in accordance with the principles of the Faith and to consult with the friends under their jurisdiction, through fostering the spirit of service, through spontaneously collaborating with the Continental Counselors and their auxiliaries, and through cultivating their external relations." Further, the progress in the evolution of the institutions must be "manifest in the multiplication of localities in which the functioning of the Spiritual Assembly enhances the individual believers' capacity to serve the Cause and fosters unified action." /// "Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies" is a compilation of the Baha'i writings designed to aid Local Spiritual Assemblies in applying the principles of Baha'i Administration with wisdom and love. In addition to the Writings of the Central Figures of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, the Guidelines offer the current policies and general practices of the National Spiritual Assembly in administering the affairs of the American Baha'i Community. xxxiv Preface to The Revised Edition /// In its infallible wisdom, the Universal House of Justice has explained that "the plan to which we are now committed is set at one of the most critical times in the life of the planet." The Supreme Body emphasized that "the need at this exact time is so to intensify our efforts in building the Baha'i System that we will attract the confirmations of Baha'u'llah and thus invoke a spiritual atmosphere" that will stimulate the release of "pent-up forces," bring about large-scale growth of the Baha'i community, and "change the direction of human affairs throughout the planet." NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES MARCH 1998 ******************** 1.1 Chapter 1 THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION Ordained by God The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of Justice be established wherein shall gather counselors to the number of Baha. . . . It behoveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, par. 30 Let no one, while this System is still in its infancy, misconceive its character, belittle its significance or misrepresent its purpose. The bedrock on which this Administrative Order is founded is God's immutable Purpose for mankind in this day. . . . Its consummation [is] the advent of that golden millennium--the Day when the kingdoms of this world shall have become the Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of Baha'u'llah. Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, pp. 156-57 The Uniqueness of the Administrative Order The world's equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System--the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed. Baha'u'llah, in The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 146 The Spiritual Assemblies to be established in this Age of God, this holy century, have, it is indisputable, had neither peer nor likeness in the cycles gone before. For those assemblages that wielded power were based on the support of mighty leaders of men, while these Assemblies are based on the support of the Beauty of Abha. The defenders and patrons of those other assemblages 1.2 The Local Spiritual Assembly were either a prince, or a king, or a chief priest, or the mass of the people. But these Spiritual Assemblies have for their defender, their supporter, their helper, their inspirer, the omnipotent Lord. 'Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, p. 82 This Administrative Order is fundamentally different from anything that any Prophet has previously established, inasmuch as Baha'u'llah has Himself revealed its principles, established its institutions, appointed the person to interpret His Word and conferred the necessary authority on the body designed to supplement and apply His legislative ordinances. Therein lies the secret of its strength, its fundamental distinction, and the guarantee against disintegration and schism. Nowhere in the sacred scriptures of any of the world's religious systems, nor even in the writings of the Inaugurator of the Babi Dispensation, do we find any provisions establishing a covenant or providing for an administrative order that can compare in scope and authority with those that lie at the very basis of the Baha'i Dispensation. Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 145 Pattern for Future Society Baha'u'llah . . . has not only imbued mankind with a new and regenerating Spirit. He has not merely enunciated certain universal principles, or propounded a particular philosophy however potent, sound and universal these may be. In addition to these He, as well as 'Abdu'l-Baha after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of the past, clearly and specifically laid down a set of Laws, established definite institutions, and provided for the essentials of a Divine Economy. These are destined to be a pattern for future society, a supreme instrument for the establishment of the Most Great Peace, and the one agency for the unification of the world, and the proclamation of the reign of righteousness and justice upon the earth. Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 19 Aided by the Spirit of God These Spiritual Assemblies are aided by the Spirit of God. Their defender is 'Abdu'l-Baha. Over them He spreadeth His wings. What bounty is there greater than this? These Spiritual Assemblies are shining lamps and heavenly gardens, from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused over all regions, and the lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all created things. From them the spirit of life streameth in every direction. They, indeed, are the potent sources of the progress of man, at all times and under all conditions. 'Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, p. 80 1.3 Newly-born Institutions Basic Administrative Unit of Baha'u'llah's World Order The divinely ordained institution of the Local Spiritual Assembly operates at the first levels of human society and is the basic administrative unit of Baha'u'llah's World Order. It is concerned with individuals and families whom it must constantly encourage to unite in a distinctive Baha'i society, vitalized and guarded by the laws, ordinances and principles of Baha'u'llah's Revelation. It protects the Cause of God; it acts as the loving shepherd of the Baha'i flock. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated Naw-Ruz, 1974, to the Baha'is of the World Development of Local Spiritual Assemblies Newly-born Institutions Local Spiritual Assemblies are at the present newly-born institutions, struggling for the most part to establish themselves both in the Baha'i community and in the world. They are as yet only embryos of the majestic institutions ordained by Baha'u'llah in His writings. . . . Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 30, 1972, to a National Spiritual Assembly Not only will the present-day Spiritual Assemblies be styled differently in the future, but they will be enabled also to add to their present functions those powers, duties, and prerogatives necessitated by the recognition of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, not merely as one of the recognized religious systems of the world, but as the State Religion of an independent and Sovereign Power. Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, pp. 6-7 The Baha'i administration is only the first shaping of what in future will come to be the social life and laws of community living. As yet the believers are only first beginning to grasp and practice it properly. So we must have patience if at times it seems a little self-conscious and rigid in its workings. It is because we are learning something very difficult but very wonderful--how to live together as a community of Baha'is, according to the glorious teachings. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The Local Spiritual Assembly, p. 28 The Guardian is, doubtless, well aware of the existing imperfections in the administrative machinery of the Cause, but these, he strongly feels, should be attributed not to the administrative system itself, but to the administrators of the Faith, who by reason of their human limitations and imperfections can never hope to entirely fulfill those ideal conditions set forth in the Teachings. Much of the 1.4 The Local Spiritual Assembly existing defects in the present-day activities of the believers, however, will as the Community develops and gains in experience be gradually removed, and healthier and more progressive conditions prevail. And it is towards the realization of this high aim that the friends should earnestly and unitedly strive. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The National Spiritual Assembly, p. 34 Assembly Development Related to Entry by Troops As for the institutions, entry by troops will act upon them as much as they will act upon it. The evolution of local and national Baha'i Assemblies at this time calls for a new state of mind on the part of their members as well as on the part of those who elect them, for the Baha'i community is engaged in an immense historical process that is entering a critical stage. Baha'u'llah has given to the world institutions to operate in an Order designed to canalize the forces of a new civilization. Progress toward that glorious realization requires a great and continuous expansion of the Baha'i community, so that adequate scope is provided for the maturation of these institutions. This is a matter of immediate importance to Baha'u'llah's avowed supporters in all lands. For such an expansion to be stimulated and accommodated, the Spiritual Assemblies must rise to a new stage in the exercise of their responsibilities as channels of divine guidance, planners of the teaching work, developers of human resources, builders of communities, and loving shepherds of the multitudes. They can realize these prospects through increasing the ability of their members to take counsel together in accordance with the principles of the Faith and to consult with the friends under their jurisdiction, through fostering the spirit of service, through spontaneously collaborating with the Continental Counselors and their auxiliaries, and through cultivating their external relations. Particularly must the progress in the evolution of the institutions be manifest in the multiplication of localities in which the function of the Spiritual Assembly enhances the individual believer's capacity to serve the Cause and fosters unified action. In sum, the maturity of the Spiritual Assembly must be measured not only by the regularity of its meetings and the efficiency of its functioning, but also by the continuity of the growth of Baha'i membership, the effectiveness of the interaction between the Assembly and the members of its community, the quality of the spiritual and social life of the community, and the overall sense of vitality of a community in the process of dynamic, ever-advancing development. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated Ridvan 153, to the Baha'is of the World 1.5 Salient Objectives Strengthening and development of Local Spiritual Assemblies is a vital objective. . . . Success in this one goal will greatly enrich the quality of Baha'i life, will heighten the capacity of the Faith to deal with entry by troops which is even now taking place and, above all, will demonstrate the solidarity and ever-growing distinctiveness of the Baha'i community, thereby attracting more and more thoughtful souls to the Faith and offering a refuge to the leaderless and hapless millions of the spiritually bankrupt, moribund present order. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated Naw-Ruz, 1974, to the Baha'is of the World The establishment and strong growth of Local Spiritual Assemblies is one of the most fundamental requirements for the spread of the Message of Baha'u'llah, the development of Baha'i community life and the emergence of a transformed society. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated March 6, 1977, to National Spiritual Assemblies Salient Objectives Among the more salient objectives to be attained by the Local Spiritual Assembly in its process of development to full maturity are to act as a loving shepherd to the Baha'i flock, promote unity and concord among the friends, direct the teaching work, protect the Cause of God, arrange for Feasts, Anniversaries and regular meetings of the community, familiarize the Baha'is with its plans, invite the community to offer its recommendations, promote the welfare of youth and children, and participate, as circumstances permit, in humanitarian activities. In its relationship to the individual believer, the Assembly should continuously invite and encourage him to study the Faith, to deliver its glorious message, to live in accordance with its teachings, to contribute freely and regularly to the Fund, to participate in community activities, and to seek refuge in the Assembly for advice and help, when needed. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 30, 1972, to a National Spiritual Assembly THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AND THE BAHA'I COMMUNITY Attitude of Assembly Members Unity within the Assembly itself is, of course, of immediate importance to the wider unity your actions are intended to foster and sustain. At no time can any member of your Assembly afford to be unmindful of this basic requirement nor neglect to work towards upholding it. Of particular relevance is the attitude that the members adopt towards their membership on that exalted body. There needs to be a recognition on their part of the Assembly's spiritual character and a feeling in their hearts of respect for the institution 1.6 The Local Spiritual Assembly based upon a perception of it as something beyond or apart from themselves, as a sacred entity whose powers they have the privilege to engage and canalize by coming together in harmony and acting in accordance with divinely revealed principles. With such a perspective the members will be better able to acquire an appropriate posture in relation to the Assembly itself, to appreciate their role as Trustees of the Merciful and to counteract any impression that they have assumed ownership and control of the institution in the manner of major stockholders of a business enterprise. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a National Spiritual Assembly The members of these Assemblies, on their part, must disregard utterly their own likes and dislikes, their personal interests and inclinations, and concentrate their minds upon those measures that will conduce to the welfare and happiness of the Baha'i Community and promote the common weal. Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p. 41 Through their repeated appeals, through their readiness to dispel all misunderstandings and remove all obstacles, through the example of their lives, and their unrelaxing vigilance, their high sense of justice, their humility, consecration and courage, they must demonstrate to those whom they represent their capacity to play their part in the progress of the Plan in which they, no less than the rest of the community, are involved. Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America, p. 12 The Cause . . . is a divine institution whose responsible administrators should consider themselves as mere channels whereby God protects and guides His Faith. The Administration should never be allowed to become a bone of contention between individuals and groups. It stands above human personalities and transcends the scope of their limited and inevitably selfish ideas. Its custodians should continually purge themselves of every trace of personal desire or interest and become wholly imbued with the spirit of love, of cooperation and of genuine self-sacrifice. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated August 8, 1933 Only as individual members of Local Spiritual Assemblies deepen themselves in the fundamental verities of the Faith 1.7 Latitude for Initiative and in the proper application of the principles governing the operation of the Assembly will this institution grow and develop toward its full potential. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated August, 1970, in The Local Spiritual Assembly, p. 5 For upon the degree to which the members of these Assemblies grasp the true significance of the divine institution on which they serve, arise selflessly to fulfill their prescribed and sacred duties, and persevere in their endeavors, depends to a large extent the healthy growth of the world-wide community of the Most Great Name, the force of its outward thrust, and the strength of its supporting roots. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 25, 1975, to all National Spiritual Assemblies The Relation of the Assembly with the Baha'is There is no task more urgently necessary than the insurance of perfect harmony and fellowship among the friends, especially between the local assemblies and individual believers. The local assemblies should inspire confidence in the individual believers, and these in their turn should express their readiness to fully abide by the decisions and directions of the local assembly: the two must learn to cooperate, and to realize that only through such a cooperation can the institutions of the Cause effectively and permanently function. While obedience to the local assembly should be unqualified and whole-hearted, yet that body should enforce its directions in such a way as to avoid giving the impression that it is animated by dictatorial motives. The spirit of the Cause is one of mutual cooperation, and not that of a dictatorship. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, October 28, 1935, in The Local Spiritual Assembly, p. 23 The maintenance of a climate of love and unity depends largely upon the feelings among the individuals composing the community that the Assembly is a part of themselves, that their cooperative interactions with the divinely ordained body allow them a fair latitude for initiative and that the quality of their relationships with both the institution and their fellow believers encourages a spirit of enterprise invigorated by an awareness of the revolutionizing purpose of Baha'u'llah's Revelation, by a consciousness of the high privilege of their being associated with efforts to realize that purpose, and by a consequent, ever-present sense of joy. In such a climate, 1.8 The Local Spiritual Assembly the community is transformed from being the mere sum of its parts to assuming a wholly new personality as an entity in which its members blend without losing their individual uniqueness. . . . Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a National Spiritual Assembly Let us also bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of God is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a true Baha'i can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion, and prudence on the one hand, and fellowship, candor, and courage on the other. The duties of those whom the friends have freely and conscientiously elected as their representatives are no less vital and binding than the obligations of those who have chosen them. Their function is not to dictate, but to consult, and consult not only among themselves, but as much as possible with the friends whom they represent. They must regard themselves in no other light but that of chosen instruments for a more efficient and dignified presentation of the Cause of God. They should never be led to suppose that they are the central ornaments of the body of the Cause, intrinsically superior to others in capacity or merit, and sole promoters of its teachings and principles. They should approach their task with extreme humility, and endeavor, by their open-mindedness, their high sense of justice and duty, their candor, their modesty, their entire devotion to the welfare and interests of the friends, the Cause, and humanity to win, not only the confidence and the genuine support and respect of those whom they serve, but also their esteem and real affection. They must, at all times, avoid the spirit of exclusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy, free themselves from a domineering attitude, and banish all forms of prejudice and passion from their deliberations. They should, within the limits of wise discretion, take the friends into their confidence, acquaint them with their plans, share with them their problems and anxieties, and seek their advice and counsel. Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, pp. 63-64 The temperament of authority in the administration of justice varies according to the degree of the gravity of each case. Some cases require that the Assembly take action that is firm or drastic. 1.9 The Relation of the Baha'is with the Assembly Even so, Assembly members have always to be mindful that the authority they wield must in general be expressed with love, humility and a genuine respect for others. Thus exercised, authority strikes a natural note and accords with that which is acceptable to spiritually attuned and fair-minded souls. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a National Spiritual Assembly The administrators of the Faith of God must be like unto shepherds. Their aim should be to dispel all the doubts, misunderstandings and harmful differences which may arise in the community of the believers. And this they can adequately achieve provided they are motivated by a true sense of love for their fellow- brethren coupled with a firm determination to act with justice in all the cases which are submitted to them for their consideration. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, March 9, 1934, in The Local Spiritual Assembly, p. 23 These bodies have the sacred obligation to help, advise, protect and guide the believers in every way within their power when appealed to--indeed they were established just for the purpose of keeping order and unity and obedience to the law of God amongst the believers. "You should go to them as a child would to its parents. . . ." Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, September 28, 1941, in The Local Spiritual Assembly, p. 16 The Relation of the Baha'is with the Assembly In order to avoid division and disruption, that the Cause may not fall a prey to conflicting interpretations, and lose thereby its purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs may be conducted with efficiency and promptness, it is necessary that every one should conscientiously take an active part in the election of these Assemblies, abide by their decisions, enforce their decree, and cooperate with them whole-heartedly in their task of stimulating the growth of the Movement throughout all regions. Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p. 41 The Guardian believes that a great deal of the difficulties from which the believers . . . feel themselves to be suffering are caused by their neither correctly understanding nor putting into practice the administration. They seem--many of them--to be prone to continually challenging and criticizing the decisions of their assemblies. If the Baha'is undermine the very leaders who are, however immaturely, seeking to coordinate Baha'i activities and administer 1.10 The Local Spiritual Assembly Baha'i affairs, if they continually criticize their acts and challenge or belittle their decisions, they not only prevent any real rapid progress in the Faith's development from taking place, but they repel outsiders who quite rightly may ask how we ever expect to unite the whole world when we are so disunited among ourselves! There is only one remedy for this: to study the administration, to obey the assemblies, and each believer seek to perfect his own character as a Baha'i. We can never exert the influence over others which we can exert over ourselves. If we are better, if we show love, patience, and understanding of the weaknesses of others, if we seek to never criticize but rather encourage, others will do likewise, and we can really help the Cause through our example and spiritual strength. The Baha'is everywhere, when the administration is first established, find it very difficult to adjust themselves. They have to learn to obey, even when the assembly may be wrong, for the sake of unity. They have to sacrifice their personalities, to a certain extent, in order that the Community life may grow and develop as a whole. These things are difficult, but we must realize that they will lead us to a very much greater, more perfect, way of life when the Faith is properly established according to the administration. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, October 26, 1943, in The National Spiritual Assembly, pp. 34-35 We should respect the National Spiritual Assembly and the Local Spiritual Assembly because they are institutions founded by Baha'u'llah. It has nothing to do with personality, but is far above it. It will be a great day when the friends, on and off the assemblies, come to fully grasp the fact that it is not the individuals on an assembly which are important, but the assembly as an institution. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, March 13, 1944, in The National Spiritual Assembly, pp. 18-19 The authority to direct the affairs of the Faith locally, nationally and internationally, is divinely conferred on elected institutions. However, the power to accomplish the tasks of the community resides primarily in the mass of the believers. The authority of the institutions is an irrevocable necessity for the progress of humanity; its exercise is an art to be mastered. The power of action in the believers is unlocked at the level of individual initiative and surges at the level of collective volition. In its potential, this mass power, 1.11 The Relation of the Baha'is with the Assembly this mix of individual potentialities, exists in a malleable form susceptible to the multiple reactions of individuals to the sundry influences at work in the world. To realize its highest purpose, this power needs to express itself through orderly avenues of activity. Even though individuals may strive to be guided in their actions by their personal understanding of the Divine Texts, and much can be accomplished thereby, such actions, untempered by the overall direction provided by authorized institutions, are incapable of attaining the thrust necessary for the unencumbered advancement of civilization. Individual initiative is a pre-eminent aspect of power; it is therefore a major responsibility of the institutions to safeguard and stimulate it. Similarly, it is important for individuals to recognize and accept that the institutions must act as a guiding and moderating influence on the march of civilization. In this sense, the divine requirement that individuals obey the decisions of their Assemblies can clearly be seen as being indispensable to the progress of society. Indeed, individuals must not be abandoned entirely to their own devices with respect to the welfare of society as a whole, neither should they be stifled by the assumption of a dictatorial posture by members of the institution. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a National Spiritual Assembly The friends are called upon to give their whole-hearted support and cooperation to the Local Spiritual Assembly, first by voting for the membership and then by energetically pursuing its plans and programs, by turning to it in time of trouble or difficulty, by praying for its success and taking delight in its rise to influence and honor. This great prize, this gift of God within each community must be cherished, nurtured, loved, assisted, obeyed and prayed for. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated Naw-Ruz, 1974, to the Baha'is of the World Also relevant to effecting unity is the attitude of the friends, whether serving on any Assembly or not, towards the exercise of authority in the Baha'i community. People generally tend to be suspicious of those in authority. The reason is not difficult to understand, since human history is replete with examples of the disastrous misuse of authority and power. A reversal of this tendency is not easily achievable, but the Baha'i friends must be freed of suspicion towards their institutions if the wheels of progress are to turn with 1.12 The Local Spiritual Assembly uninterrupted speed. A rigorous discipline of thought and action on the part of both the friends and the National Assembly will succeed in meeting this challenge; both must live up to their responsibilities in this regard by recognizing some fundamental realities. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a National Spiritual Assembly THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AND ITS RELATION TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS The National Spiritual Assembly, Its Authority and Significance The National Spiritual Assembly shall have exclusive jurisdiction and authority over all the activities and affairs of the Baha'i Faith throughout its area. The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, By-Laws, Article III, p. 9 All matters arising within a local Baha'i community which are of purely local interest and do not affect the national interests of the Cause shall be under the primary jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly of that locality, but decision whether a particular matter involves the interest and welfare of the national Baha'i body shall rest with the National Spiritual Assembly. Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States , 1975, Article VII, Section 8 Whatever functions and powers are not specifically attributed to Local Spiritual Assemblies in these By-Laws shall be considered vested in the National Spiritual Assembly, which body is authorized to delegate such discretionary functions and power as it deems necessary and advisable to the Local Spiritual Assemblies in its jurisdiction. Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States , 1975, Article X I wish to reaffirm in clear and categorical language, the principle already enunciated upholding the supreme authority of the National Assembly in all matters that affect the interests of the Faith in that land. There can be no conflict of authority, no duality under any form or circumstances in any sphere of Baha'i jurisdiction whether local, national, or international. Shoghi Effendi, June 11, 1934, in The National Spiritual Assembly, p. 12 The Guardian wishes me to again affirm his view that the authority of the N.S.A. is undivided and unchallengeable in all matters pertaining to the administration of the Faith . . . and that, therefore, the obedience of individual Baha'is, delegates, groups, and Assemblies to that authority is imperative, and should be whole-hearted and unqualified. He is convinced that the unreserved 1.13 Its Relation with Regional Baha'i Councils acceptance and complete application of this vital provision of the Administration is essential to the maintenance of the highest degree of unity among the believers, and is indispensable to the effective working of the administrative machinery of the Faith in every country. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, June 11, 1934, in The National Spiritual Assembly, p. 28 Its Relation with Regional Baha'i Councils The expansion of the Baha'i community and the growing complexity of the issues which are facing National Spiritual Assemblies in certain countries have brought the Cause to a new stage in its development. They have caused us in recent years to examine various aspects of the balance between centralization and decentralization. In a few countries we have authorized the National Spiritual Assemblies to establish State Baha'i Councils or Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees. From the experience gained in the operation of these bodies, and from detailed examination of the principles set forth by Shoghi Effendi, we have reached the conclusion that the time has arrived for us to formalize a new element of Baha'i administration, between the local and national levels, comprising institutions of a special kind, to be designated as "Regional Baha'i Councils." Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 30, 1997, to all National Spiritual Assemblies Regional Baha'i Councils partake of some, but not all, charac- teristics of Spiritual Assemblies, and thus provide a means of carrying forward the teaching work and administering related affairs of a rapidly growing Baha'i community in a number of situations. Without such an institution, the development of a national committee structure required to cover the needs in some countries would run the danger of over-complexity through adding a further layer of committees under the regional committees, or the danger of excessive decentralization through conferring too much autonomy on committees which are characterized by the Guardian as "bodies that should be regarded in no other light than that of expert advisers and executive assistants." Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 30, 1997, to all National Spiritual Assemblies 2.2.1 The members of an elected Regional Baha'i Council, who shall be nine in number, are elected from among all the adult believers in the region by the members of the Local Spiritual 1.14 The Local Spiritual Assembly Assemblies in that region every year on 23 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab according to the Gregorian calendar, or on a weekend immediately before or after that date. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 30, 1997, to all National Spiritual Assemblies Its Relation with Local Spiritual Assemblies Unity is, therefore, the main key to success. And the best way to insure and consolidate the organic unity of His Faith is to strengthen the authority of the local assemblies and to bring them within the full orbit of the National Assembly's jurisdiction. The National Assembly is the head, and the local assemblies are these various organs of the body of the Cause. To insure full cooperation between these various parts is to safeguard the best interests of the Faith by enabling it to counteract those forces which threaten to create a breach within the ranks of the faithful. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, September 20, 1933, in The National Spiritual Assembly, p. 57 It [the Local Spiritual Assembly] shall faithfully and devotedly uphold the general Baha'i activities and affairs initiated and sustained by the National Spiritual Assembly. It shall cooperate wholeheartedly with other Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout the United States in all matters declared by the National Spiritual Assembly to be of general Baha'i importance and concern. Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly, pp. 24-25 Just as the individual believers are bound to support and sustain their spiritual assembly, for the preservation of the unity of the Faith and the strengthening of its as yet embryonic World Order, so must the local assemblies obey and sustain their national representatives. The closer the cooperation between the local and national assemblies, the greater will be the power and radiance which can and must stream forth from these institutions to the suffering ranks of humanity. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, July 29, 1942, in The Local Spiritual Assembly, pp. 27-28 It is obvious that through the consolidation of the foundations of the Administrative Order on the local level, the national institutions of the Faith will receive support and strength in the conduct of their activities. In turn, the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies should not only oversee the activities of the local communities, but it has the duty and privilege to coordinate the efforts and to stimulate and give direction to the spirit of enterprise and initiative 1.15 The Institution of the Learned of the individual friends. When a proper and balanced relationship is maintained between these two levels of Baha'i activity, and a healthy interaction takes place between them, a foundation is laid for the community to become "spiritually welded into a unit at once dynamic and coherent." Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated April 17, 1981, to all National Spiritual Assemblies Coordinating National and local interests Local activities should always be subordinated to those of a national character and importance. This is intended not to minimize the role of the local assembly in the administrative order, but to establish and ensure a sane relationship between that body and the national organism of the Cause. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated May 10, 1934, to an individual believer The Institution of the Learned In the Kitab-i-'Ahdi (the Book of His Covenant) Baha'u'llah wrote "Blessed are the rulers and the learned in Al-Baha," and 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. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated April 24, 1972, in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986, p. 215 As you know, a distinguishing feature of the Administrative Order is the existence of elected institutions, on the one hand, which function corporately with vested legislative, executive and judicial powers, and of appointed, eminent and devoted believers, on the other hand, who function primarily as individuals for the 1.16 The Local Spiritual Assembly specific purposes of protecting and propagating the Faith under the guidance of the Head of the Faith. The two sets of institutions collaborate in their functions so as to ensure the progress of the Cause. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a National Spiritual Assembly This Administrative Order consists, on the one hand, of a series of elected councils, universal, secondary and local, in which are vested legislative, executive and judicial powers over the Baha'i community and, on the other, of eminent and devoted believers appointed for the specific purposes of protecting and propagating the Faith of Baha'u'llah under the guidance of the Head of that Faith. The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, p. 8 Every institution of this Divinely created Order is one more refuge for a distraught populace; every soul illumined by the light of the sacred Message is one more link in the oneness of mankind, one more servant ministering to the needs of an ailing world. Even should the Baha'i communities, in the years immediately ahead, be cut off from the World Center or from one another--as some have already been--the Baha'is will neither halt nor hesitate; they will continue to pursue their objectives, guided by their Spiritual Assemblies and led by the Counselors, the members of the Auxiliary Boards and their assistants. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated November 3, 1980, to the Baha'is of the World The obligations of the Hands of the Cause of God are to diffuse the Divine Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, to promote learning, to improve the character of all men and to be, at all times and under all conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things. They must manifest the fear of God by their conduct, their manners, their deeds and their words. 'Abdu'l-Baha, Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha, p. 13 The Hands of the Cause of God The Hands of the Cause of God are one of the most precious assets the Baha'i 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 Baha'i communities" and "the vitality of the faith" of the Baha'is throughout 1.17 International Teaching Center the world. The House of Justice will call upon them to undertake special missions on its behalf, to represent it on both Baha'i and other occasions and to keep it informed of the welfare of the Cause. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated June 24, 1968, in The Continental Boards of Counselors, pp. 5-6 (See also in this Chapter the Section entitled "International Teaching Center") International Teaching Center The time is indeed propitious for the establishment of the International Teaching Center, a development which, at one and the same time, brings to fruition the work of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land and provides for its extension into the future, links the institution of the Boards of Counselors even more intimately with that of the Hands of the Cause of God, and powerfully reinforces the discharge of the rapidly growing responsibilities of the Universal House of Justice. . . . The duties now assigned to this nascent institution are: To coordinate, stimulate and direct the activities of the Continental Boards of Counselors and to act as liaison between them and the Universal House of Justice. To be fully informed of the situation of the Cause in all parts of the world and to be able, from the background of this knowledge, to make reports and recommendations to the Universal House of Justice and give advice to the Continental Boards of Counselors. To be alert to possibilities, both within and without the Baha'i community, for the extension of the teaching work into receptive or needy areas, and to draw the attention of the Universal House of Justice and the Continental Boards of Counselors to such possibilities, making recommendations for action. To determine and anticipate needs for literature, pioneers and traveling teachers and to work out teaching plans, both regional and global, for the approval of the Universal House of Justice. 1.18 The Local Spiritual Assembly All the Hands of the Cause of God will be members of the International Teaching Center. Each Hand will be kept regularly informed of the activities of the Center through reports or copies of its minutes, and will be able, wherever he may be residing or traveling, to convey suggestions, recommendations and information to the Center and, whenever he is in the Holy Land, to take part in the consultations and other activities of the Center. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated June 8, 1973, in The Continental Boards of Counselors, pp. 46-47 The Continental Boards of Counselors The Universal House of Justice decided . . . 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. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated June 24, 1968, in Messages from The Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986, p. 131 The Counselors are responsible for stimulating, counseling and assisting National Spiritual Assemblies, and also work with individuals, groups, and Local Assemblies. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969, in Messages from The Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986, p. 151 We are confident that the institution of the Boards of Counselors will lend its vital support and, through the Counselors' own contacts with friends, through their Auxiliary Boards and their assistants, will nourish the roots of each local community, enrich and cultivate the soil of knowledge of the teachings and irrigate it with the living waters of love for Baha'u'llah. Thus will the saplings grow into mighty trees, and the trees bear their golden fruit. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 25, 1975, in The Continental Boards of Counselors, pp. 63-64 The Continental Boards of Counselors and the National Spiritual Assemblies share in the functions of propagation and protection, but the Counselors specialize in these functions from a different level and in a different manner. From a continental vantage point, the Counselors bring a perspective to their functions which, when offered to a National Assembly in the form of counsel, advice, recommendations, suggestions, or commentary, enriches the 1.19 Propagation Boards latter's understanding, acquaints it with a broader experience than its own, and encourages it to maintain a world-embracing vision. An aspect of the difference in the manner of functioning of the Counselors derives from the instructions given in the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha to the Hands of the Cause of God, the extension into the future of whose functions of protection and propagation is the responsibility of the Counselors. As appointees of the Universal House of Justice, the Counselors assist the Head of the Faith to broaden the base, foster the strength and ensure the security of the National Spiritual Assemblies and the institutions and communities under their jurisdiction. Through their Auxiliary Boards, the Continental Counselors spread the benefits of their functions to the Local Spiritual Assemblies and the grassroots of the community. These functions are shaped by their obligations, in the words of the Will and Testament, "to diffuse the Divine Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, to promote learning, to improve the character of all men and to be, at all times and under all conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things." It can be seen, then, that through their work in propagating and protecting the Faith, the Counselors play a major role in knitting and bolstering the entire fabric of the Baha'i community. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a National Spiritual Assembly The Auxiliary Board Members The beloved Guardian's message of October 1957 [cited in Messages to the Baha'i World, pp. 124-30] clearly indicates that the two Auxiliary Boards must have distinct but complementary functions. In that message he charges the Protection Board with "the specific duty of watching over the security of the Faith" and says that the duty of the Propagation Board would "henceforth be exclusively concerned with assisting the prosecution of the Ten- Year Plan" [1953-1963]. Protection Boards Above all, members of the Protection Boards should concentrate on deepening the friends' knowledge of the Covenant and increasing their love and loyalty to it, on clearly and frankly answering, in conformity with the teachings, whatever questions may trouble any of the believers, on fostering the spiritual profundity and strength of their faith and certitude, and on promoting whatever will increase the spirit of loving unity in Baha'i communities. Propagation Boards The primary tasks of the Propagation Boards, however, are to direct the believers' attention to the goals of whatever plans have 1.20 The Local Spiritual Assembly been placed before them, to stimulate and assist them to promote the teaching work in the fields of proclamation, expansion, consolidation and pioneering, to encourage contributions to the funds, and to act as standard-bearers of the teachers of the Faith, leading them to new achievements in the diffusion of God's Message to their fellow human beings. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 10, 1976, to the International Teaching Center 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. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969, to the Continental Boards of Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies, in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986, p.152 When a Local Spiritual Assembly begins to function properly, it does not mean it can dispense with the service and work of Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, who can and should continue to provide stimulation and inspiration not only generally to the Assembly and local Baha'i activities, but to individual believers as well. Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated June 9, 1980, to an individual believer 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. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969, to the Continental Boards of Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies, in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986 , pp.152-153 Their Supporting Role 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. . . . The Auxiliary Boards should work closely with the grass roots of the community: 1.21 Referring Matters the individual believers, groups and Local Spiritual Assemblies, advising, stimulating and assisting them. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969, in The Continental Boards of Counselors , pp. 37-38 Relation to Administrative Work 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. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969, in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1968-1973 , p. 32 Systematic Visits and Correspondence with Communities Our beloved Guardian urged Auxiliary Board members to establish contact with Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups, isolated centers and the individual believers, and through periodic and systematic visits to localities as well as by correspondence help in promoting the interests of the Plan, assist in the efficient and prompt execution of the goals, watch over the security of the Faith, stimulate and strengthen the teaching and pioneer work, impress upon the friends the importance of individual effort, initiative and sacrifice, and encourage them to participate in Baha'i activities and be unified under all circumstances. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated November 17, 1971 Referring Matters The question has been raised as to how Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual believers are to know which matters they should refer to which Auxiliary Board member. We feel that this will be worked out at the local level in the light of experience, and that meanwhile the Assemblies and believers should not concern themselves unduly about it. They should feel free to refer to either Board, and if the Auxiliary Board member feels that the matter would better have been referred to his colleague, he can either himself pass the question on, or suggest the different approach to the Assembly or believer. This is similar to the situation, already familiar to Board members, when they have referred to them a matter which should 1.22 The Local Spiritual Assembly properly be dealt with by a National Spiritual Assembly or one of its committees. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 10, 1976, to the International Teaching Center Flexibility and Speed in Response Support Maturation The flexibility and speed with which the Counselors and their Auxiliary Board members can respond to a perceived need in the community--such as a need for encouragement, explanation of plans, deepening in the Teachings, protection of the Covenant-- are elements of their functioning which distinguish them from Spiritual Assemblies; this flexibility enables them to operate as occasions demand, whether it is in giving counsel at a meeting, or advising an individual in private, or helping the friends to understand and obey a ruling of the Spiritual Assembly, or dealing with issues of the Covenant. In such different modes these officers of the Faith are able to draw attention to relevant Texts, to impart information, explore situations, and acquaint themselves with conditions in ways not possible to a Spiritual Assembly but important to the success of its plans. They are able then to share with Spiritual Assemblies, as deemed necessary, ideas, analyses, perceptions, and advice which inevitably enhance the ability of these Assemblies to serve their communities. They thus assist Assemblies to mature. Where Local Assemblies are new or weak, Auxiliary Board members help them to understand their functions, encourage them to organize their work, and rally the local believers in support of their Assemblies' initiatives. Prop and Mainstay of National Spiritual Assembly Through the various modes of their activities, the Counselors aided by their Auxiliary Boards spark and buttress the growth and development of Spiritual Assemblies and local and national communities. With this perspective, Shoghi Effendi's regarding of the Auxiliary Board members as "a prop and mainstay to the often overworked and overburdened National Spiritual Assemblies" becomes clear. The indispensability of the involvement of Continental Counselors and Auxiliary Board members in the planning stages of the teaching work and the benefits of acquainting them with the hopes and concerns of National Spiritual Assemblies and of seeking their advice are also obvious. Free to Determine Manner of Support While the Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards, in addition to the discharge of their specific responsibilities, will support the initiatives adopted by a National Spiritual Assembly, the Assembly should recognize that the Counselors must be free to determine, 1.23 The Assistants to the Auxiliary Board Members according to their own best judgment, in what manner that support will be given. There is a great difference between the functions of national committees and Auxiliary Board members in this respect. Whereas the committees may be required by the Assembly to follow particular procedures, Auxiliary Board members are not similarly bound; yet they should not act in a manner that undermines the operations of the National Assembly or its agencies. This does not mean that Auxiliary Board members may not decide, upon request or not, to participate in the execution of a particular programme or educational project devised by a national committee, or even to contribute towards the conceptualization and fruition of the project. It does mean, however, that their prerogative to proceed within a wider latitude than that accessible to the national committee should be respected. Should not Divert Attention from Adopted Plans By working at the grassroots of the community, an Auxiliary Board member is often able to satisfy a need not being met by any national or local programme, but which if dealt with by the Auxiliary Board member will better equip the local friends to achieve the established goals of the community. Such a flexibility on the part of the Auxiliary Board member in dealing with immediate situations, such a freedom for independent action, should be taken for granted by all concerned. However, a pattern of activity on the part of the Auxiliary Board member, or even of a Counselor, which appears to the National Assembly to be seriously diverting attention from the adopted plans of the community should unhesitatingly be made a matter for remedial consultation with the Counselor. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a National Spiritual Assembly /// (See also Chapter 5, "Protection of the Faith," for further information on the relation of the Protective Boards to the Local Spiritual Assembly; and Chapter 7, "Teaching and Consolidation," for further information on the relation of the Propagation Boards to the Local Spiritual Assembly) The Assistants to the Auxiliary Board Members We have decided to take a further step in the development of the institution by giving to each Continental Board of Counselors the discretion to authorize individual Auxiliary Board members to appoint assistants. . . . Their aims should be to activate and encourage Local Spiritual 1.24 The Local Spiritual Assembly Assemblies, to call the attention of Local Spiritual Assembly members to the importance of holding regular meetings, to encourage local communities to meet for the Nineteen Day Feasts and Holy Days, to help deepen their fellow-believers' understanding of the Teachings, and generally to assist the Auxiliary Board members in the discharge of their duties. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 7, 1973, in The Continental Boards of Counselors, p. 54 One of the most potent aids to the consolidation of local communities and Assemblies and the deepening of the faith of the believers, is the services of the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants. Here is an institution of the Faith, reaching into every locality, composed of firm believers who know the area they have to serve and are familiar with its problems and potentialities-- an institution expressly designed to encourage and reinforce the work of the Spiritual Assemblies, to enthuse the believers, to stimulate them to study the Teachings and apply them in their lives-- a body of Baha'is whose efforts and services will complement and support the work being done by your committees and by the Local Assemblies themselves in every sphere of Baha'i endeavor. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated December 2, 1976, to a National Spiritual Assembly Believers Can Serve Both as Assistants and on Administrative Institutions Appointment of a believer as a Board member's assistant does not require the resignation of the appointee from a Spiritual Assembly or a committee. The House of Justice leans towards "assistants" not retiring from administrative work, although in consultation with their Spiritual Assembly it may be quite in order; it would be preferable, however, for the suggestion to come from the appointee and not from the Spiritual Assembly. Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated November 10, 1975, to a National Spiritual Assembly Assistants Who Are Also Members of an Administrative Institution Assistants who are members of a National Assembly or a national committee do not function as assistants in relation to that body, and they have the same duty to observe the confidentiality of its consultations, and of matters considered by the Assembly to be confidential, as does any other member. An assistant can, of course, be a member of a Local Spiritual Assembly, but his task here as an assistant is to help the Spiritual Assembly to function harmoniously and efficiently in the discharge of its duties and this will hardly succeed if he gives the Assembly the feeling that he is 1.25 The Local Spiritual Assembly reporting privately everything it does to the Auxiliary Board member. He should, on the contrary, do all he can to foster an atmosphere of warm and loving collaboration between the Local Assembly and the Board member. Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated August 2, 1982, to a National Spiritual Assembly /// (See also Chapter 3, "Organization of the Local Spiritual Assembly," for further information on confidentiality) SUGGESTED READINGS The Covenant and the Administrative Order SUGGESTED READINGS Tablets of Baha'u'llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas, pp. 217-23 Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha God Passes By, Shoghi Effendi, pp. 158-329 The World Order of Baha'u'llah, Shoghi Effendi, pp. 141-57 The Covenant, compiled by the Universal House of Justice Electing Baha'i Assemblies, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, 1997 The Covenant: Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It, compiled by the National Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States A Miracle of Governance: the Local Spiritual Assembly, a video and workbook deepening program prepared by the Office of Assembly Development of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 1997 March of the Institutions, Eunice Braun Eternal Covenant, Lowell Johnson Covenant of Baha'u'llah, Adib Taherzadeh The National Spiritual Assembly The National Spiritual Assembly, compiled by the Universal House of Justice The Local Spiritual Assembly The Local Spiritual Assembly, compiled by the Universal House of Justice 2.1 Chapter 2 THE FORMATION OF THE ASSEMBLY FORMING THE ASSEMBLY Obligation to Form It is of the utmost importance that in accordance with the explicit text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, in every locality, be it city or hamlet, where the number of adult (21 years and above) declared believers exceeds nine, a local "Spiritual Assembly" be forthwith established. To it all local matters pertaining to the Cause must be directly and immediately referred for full consultation and decision. The importance, nay the absolute necessity of these local Assemblies is manifest when we realize that in the days to come they will evolve into the local Houses of Justice. . . . Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p. 37 Shoghi Effendi feels that in any locality where the number of adult believers reaches nine, a local Assembly should be established. He feels this to be an obligation rather than a purely voluntary act. Only in exceptional cases has the National Spiritual Assembly the right to postpone the formation of an Assembly if it feels that the situation does not warrant such a formation. This right, however, should be exercised if the situation absolutely demands it. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Principles of Baha'i Administration, p. 46 Historical Perspective In developing the Administrative Order, the Guardian established the First Day of Ridvan as the day when all Local Spiritual Assemblies should be elected. During his own lifetime, this practice was followed as the number of Local Assemblies steadily grew to over one thousand. In the subsequent two decades the Faith expanded greatly, especially in the rural areas of the world, often remote and difficult to reach. In view of this development, the Universal House of 2.2 The Formation of the Assembly Justice decided in 1977 that, in certain cases, when the local friends failed to elect their Spiritual Assembly on the First Day of Ridvan, they could do so on any subsequent Day of the Ridvan festival. This permission did not apply to all localities, but to those that, in the judgment of the National Spiritual Assembly, were particularly affected by such factors as illiteracy, remoteness, and unfamiliarity with concepts of Baha'i administration. The House of Justice also gave permission at the beginning of the Five Year Plan for Assemblies being formed for the first time to be elected at any point during the year. Responsibility of Baha'is in the Locality These provisions have enabled the believers in a large number of localities to receive assistance in electing their Local Spiritual Assemblies, and much experience has been gained in strengthening Local Assemblies under diverse conditions in a vast array of cultural settings. Nevertheless, in principle, the initiative and responsibility for electing a Local Spiritual Assembly belong primarily to the Baha'is in the locality, and assistance from outside is ultimately fruitful only if the friends become conscious of this sacred responsibility. As progress is made in the training of human resources and in the development of the entire range of Baha'i community life, the capacity of the friends to elect their Local Spiritual Assemblies on their own will certainly grow. Election Day: First Day of Ridvan With these thoughts in mind, we have decided that, beginning at Ridvan 1997, the practice of electing all Local Spiritual Assemblies on the First Day of Ridvan will be reinstituted. We recognize that the immediate result my be a reduction in the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies at Ridvan 1997, but we are confident that subsequent years will witness a steady increase. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated December 26, 1995, to the Conference of the Continental Boards of counselors Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the Corporation [the Local Spiritual Assembly] at which its Trustees shall be elected shall be held on the first day of Ridvan, being that period between sunset on April 20 and sunset on April 21, at an hour and place to be fixed by the Spiritual Assembly, which shall give not less than fifteen days' notice of the meeting to all members of the local Baha'i community. Section 1. The Spiritual Assembly shall accept those votes transmitted to the Assembly before the election by members who by reason of sickness or other unavoidable reason are unable to be present at the election in person. 2.3 Preparation for the Annual Meeting Section 2. The election of members to the Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality vote [whereby candidates that have obtained the highest number of votes, regardless of whether they received a majority of the votes cast, are elected]. Section 3. All voting members of the local Baha'i community are eligible for election as members of the Spiritual Assembly. Section 4. The Spiritual Assembly shall prepare an agenda for the Annual Meeting in which shall be included reports of the activities of the Assembly since its election, a financial statement showing all income and expenditure of its fund, reports of its committees and presentation of any other matters pertaining to the affairs of the Baha'i community. The Assembly, both preceding and following the Annual Election, shall invite discussion and welcome suggestions from the community in order that its plans may reflect the community mind and heart. Section 5. The result of the election shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly to the National Spiritual Assembly. Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, Article XI, By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly . Preparation for the Annual Meeting /// The Local Spiritual Assembly may wish to begin in early March to prepare for the Annual Meeting by taking the following steps: /// * Schedule the Annual Meeting to take place during the period between sunset on April 20 and sunset on April 21. (An Annual Meeting held at any other time will invalidate the election.) /// * Determine the place of the meeting. /// * Notify all voting members (those twenty-one and over) of the time and place of the Annual Meeting and provide instructions for absentee ballots. (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Absentee Ballots") /// If the Assembly is to be re-formed, fifteen days' notice should be given. Failure to give at least fifteen days' notice, however, will not necessarily invalidate the election. (When a Local Spiritual Assembly is formed for the first time, advance notice should be given; however, no specific time period is required.) /// * Appoint tellers (at least two) to count the votes at the election. /// (See also in this Chapter, Section titled "Tellers") 2.4 The Formation of the Assembly /// * Instruct the tellers, one of whom should be designated chief teller. /// The following steps should be taken at the Annual Meeting before voting: /// * Read the qualifications for Assembly membership and procedures for voting /// * Provide ballot paper /// * Update the adult membership list /// Announce at the meeting all persons who have transferred in or out of the community since the election notices were sent. A current voting list may be provided for every adult; or, where this is not feasible, copies of the adult membership list should be available at the time of the election. Agenda /// The Local Spiritual Assembly sets the agenda for the Annual Meeting. The following agenda is provided merely as an example of how the Assembly might wish to organize the meeting: /// * Opening prayers /// * Presentation of the Annual Report /// * Consultation and questions on the Annual Report /// * Reading of election call /// * Introduction of tellers and instructions on voting procedure /// * Final call for absentee ballots /// * Announcement of persons who have recently transferred in or /// * out of the community since the election call /// * Prayer /// * Voting /// * Collection of ballots by tellers /// * Consultation on the development of the community in the /// * coming year /// * Tellers' report and acceptance by community /// * Closing prayer Annual Report /// The Annual Report is a summary of the community's goals, concerns, activities, and progress of the past year. It should also reflect the nature of the participation of the community in the national and global plans of the Faith. Incorporated Assemblies may also need to submit this report to the state to maintain their incorporation. The 2.5 Reports of Committees Annual Report is normally distributed to the community prior to the election of the Assembly, either at the Annual Meeting or in a mailing before the Annual Meeting.(For more information, see also Section titled "Incorporated Assemblies" in this Chapter) /// The Local Assembly makes the final determination of what is included in the Annual Report. The following basic information may be included: /// * Name and location of the Spiritual Assembly /// * Date of report /// * Period covered /// * Results of the last annual election and any by-elections /// * Assembly membership and attendance record /// * Vital statistics: /// * total membership of the community /// * makeup of membership--adults, youth, children /// * enrollments for the year /// * transfers in and out, withdrawals, deprivations of /// * administrative rights /// * marriages, births, deaths /// * Nineteen Day Feast (percentage of community attendance) /// * Major local projects and activities, and their progress to date /// * Part played by the community in national and global plans of the Faith, including: /// * extension teaching /// * pioneers sent out /// * community support of national activities /// * Noteworthy developments /// * Financial record /// * total contributions received to date /// * expenditures /// * percentage of community participating in the Fund Reports of Committees /// Committee reports should be submitted to the Assembly well before the Annual Meeting. The Assembly will need time to review the reports and to decide what to include in its own general report to the community. (Or the Assembly may simply add the committee reports as an addendum to its report.) Altogether, the yearly reports prepared by the Assembly and its committees constitute the Annual Report of the Local Spiritual Assembly which must be kept in the permanent files of the Assembly. A copy of the report should be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly and may also be shared with the Auxiliary Board member(s) 2.6 The Formation of the Assembly Incorporated Assemblies /// Incorporated Assemblies may have to meet certain legal requirements to maintain their corporate status. These requirements vary from state to state. The Assembly may, for example, be required to have presented and to have received acceptance of the minutes of the last year's Annual Meeting. Incorporated Assemblies should make sure that they familiarize themselves with and adhere to the state requirements. Tellers /// The tellers are appointed by the outgoing Spiritual Assembly. Any Baha'i, adult or youth, in good standing may serve as teller; however, the Chief Teller should be an adult. The task includes: /// * Collecting the ballots /// * Counting the ballots /// * Making certain that the ballots are valid /// * Recording the results /// * Reporting the results to the election meeting /// Submitting to the local and National Spiritual Assembly a report signed by all tellers. This report becomes part of the permanent records of the community. /// In addition, the Chief Teller is responsible for organizing the work of the tellers, announcing the results of the election and any other relevant information desired by the electors, and ensuring that the election report is signed by all tellers. /// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Counting the Ballots"; Chapter 3, Section titled "Service of Children and Youth") ELECTION PROCESS The Spirit and Character of Baha'i Elections On the election day, the friends must wholeheartedly participate in the elections, in unity and amity, turning their hearts to God, detached from all things but Him, seeking His guidance and supplicating His aid and bounty. Shoghi Effendi, translation of letter dated February 27, 1923, to Persian believers, in "Extracts from the Guardian's Letters on the Spiritual Character of Baha'i Elections," p. 1 I feel that reference to personalities before the election would give rise to misunderstanding and differences. What the friends should do is to get thoroughly acquainted with one another, to exchange views, to mix freely and discuss among themselves the requirements and qualifications for such a membership without reference or application, however indirect, to particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing the opinion of others, of canvassing 2.7 Qualifications for Membership for any particular individual, but should stress the necessity of getting fully acquainted with the qualifications of membership referred to in our Beloved's Tablets and of learning more about one another through direct, personal experience rather than through the reports and opinions of our friends. Shoghi Effendi, Principles of Baha'i Administration, p. 47 Let us recall His explicit and often-repeated assurances that every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and detachment is, in truth, appointed of God, that its verdict is truly inspired, that one and all should submit to its decision unreservedly and with cheerfulness. Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p. 65 The elector . . . is called upon to vote for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to uphold. Moreover, the practice of nomination, so detrimental to the atmosphere of a silent and prayerful election, is viewed with mistrust, inasmuch as it gives the right . . . to deny that God-given right of every elector to vote only in favor of those who he is conscientiously convinced are the most worthy candidates. Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p. 136 Let them exercise the utmost vigilance so that the elections are carried out freely, universally and by secret ballot. Any form of intrigue, deception, collusion and compulsion must be stopped and is forbidden. Shoghi Effendi, translation of letter dated March 8, 1932, to Persian believers, in "Extracts from the Guardian's Letters on the Spiritual Character of Baha'i Elections," p. 2 One's vote should be kept confidential. It is not permissible to make any reference whatsoever to individual names. The friends must avoid the evil methods and detestable practices of the politicians. They must turn completely to God, and with a purity of motive, a freedom of spirit and a sanctity of heart, participate in the elections; otherwise the outcome will be chaos and confusion, serious difficulties will ensue, mischief will abound and the confirmation of God will be cut off. Shoghi Effendi, translation of letter dated January 16, 1932, to Persian believers in "Extracts from the Guardian's Letters on the Spiritual Character of Baha'i Elections," p. 2 Qualifications for Membership It is incumbent upon the chosen delegates to consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best 2.8 The Formation of the Assembly combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience. Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p. 88 If we but turn our gaze to the high qualifications of the members of Baha'i Assemblies . . . we are filled with feelings of unworthiness and dismay, and would feel truly disheartened but for the comforting thought that if we rise to play nobly our part every deficiency in our lives will be more than compensated by the all-conquering spirit of His grace and power. Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p. 88 In regard to your question about qualifications of delegates and Assembly members: the qualifications which he outlined are really applicable to anyone we elect to a Baha'i office, whatever its nature. But these are only an indication, they do not mean people who don't fulfill them cannot be elected to office. We must aim as high as we can. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated October 24, 1947, to a National Spiritual Assembly, in "Extracts from the Guardian's Letters on the Spiritual Character of Baha'i Elections," p. 3 Concerning the qualifications of the members of the spiritual assembly; there is a distinction of fundamental importance which should be always remembered in this connection, and this is between the spiritual assembly as an institution, and the persons who comprise it. These are by no means supposed to be perfect, nor can they be considered as being inherently superior to the rest of their fellow-believers. It is precisely because they are subject to the same human limitations that characterize the other members of the community that they have to be elected every year. The existence of elections is a sufficient indication that assembly members, though forming part of an institution that is divine and perfect, are nevertheless themselves imperfect. But this does not necessarily imply that their judgment is defective. For as 'Abdu'l-Baha has repeatedly emphasized Baha'i assemblies are under the guidance and protection of God. The elections, specially when annual, give the community a good opportunity to remedy any defect or imperfection from which the assembly may suffer as a result of the actions of its members. Thus a safe method has been established whereby the quality of membership in Baha'i assemblies can be continually raised and improved. But, as already stated, the institution of the 2.9 The Benefits of Electing New Members spiritual assembly should under no circumstances be identified with, or be estimated merely through, the personal qualifications of the members that compose it. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The Local Spiritual Assembly, pp. 9-10 Physical Handicaps In view of the spiritual principles which must guide the elector in selecting those he feels are best fitted to serve on the Assembly, and to preserve the unfettered freedom of the voter, a believer should not be arbitrarily considered ineligible for Assembly membership because of physical handicaps. The handicapped person, seemingly incapable of taking part in consultation, may in fact be able to function quite adequately, provided his fellow Assembly members are determined to find ways in which they can help him to participate. In the Baha'i community for anyone to be elected, a sufficient number of voters must have prayerfully considered that believer fitted to serve. If the elected Assembly finds that one of its members is unable to function, the question of declaring a vacancy may be considered. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated January 15, 1965, to a National Spiritual Assembly Representation of Minorities Bearing in mind the extreme desirability of having the minority elements participate and share responsibility in the conduct of Baha'i activity, it should be the duty of every Baha'i community so to arrange its affairs that in cases where individuals belonging to the diverse minority elements within it are already qualified and fulfill the necessary requirements, Baha'i representative institutions, be they Assemblies, conventions, conferences, or committees, may have represented on them as many of these diverse elements, racial or otherwise, as possible. Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 35-36 The Benefits of Electing New Members Shoghi Effendi has never said that the members of the National Assembly have to be renewed partially every year. The important thing is that they should be properly elected. It would be nice if there should be new members elected, for new blood always adds to the energy of the group and will keep up their spirit. But this depends entirely upon the will of the delegates as represented in the result of their voting. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated October 1932 He was very happy to see that changes had been made in membership of the N.S.A. this year, not from any reasons of 2.10 The Formation of the Assembly personality, but because change itself is good and brings a fresh outlook into the discussions of any assembly. He was also pleased to see that these changes involved more younger people being on the N.S.A.; with the tremendous amount of work which this . . . Plan is going to involve, this will be a great help to the older members of that body. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The National Spiritual Assembly, p. 18 Eligibility to Vote or Hold Office Age Upon attaining the age of twenty-one years, a Baha'i is eligible to vote and to hold elective office. By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly, Article V Members of the Institution of the Learned The exalted rank and specific functions of the Hands of the Cause of God make it inappropriate for them to be elected or appointed to administrative institutions, or to be elected as delegates to national conventions. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated November 1964, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 42 Auxiliary Board members are eligible to be elected. Therefore, a ballot should not be invalidated because it contains the name of a member of an Auxiliary Board. The basic principle involved is that the Board member himself must decide whether or not to accept his election. As you have stated in your letter, if the membership in a Baha'i community drops to nine, including the Auxiliary Board member resident there, the Auxiliary Board member may serve temporarily as a member of the Assembly to preserve its Assembly status. The Universal House of Justice, in The Continental Boards of Counselors, p. 33 All adult Baha'is, including members of the Auxiliary Board, are eligible to vote in elections for delegates or in elections for members of the Local Spiritual Assembly. The Universal House of Justice, in The Continental Boards of Counselors, p. 34 Believers can serve at the same time both as assistants to Auxiliary Board members and on administrative institutions. The Universal House of Justice, in The Continental Boards of Counselors, pp. 54-55 Residency Requirements To count as a member of a local Baha'i community for the purpose of forming or maintaining the Local Spiritual Assembly, a believer must be resident in that area of jurisdiction on the First Day of Ridvan. This is the principle. What constitutes "residence" is a secondary matter for each National Spiritual Assembly to decide. . . . 2.11 Newly-Enrolled Baha'is It is, moreover, not essential for a person to be physically present to be a resident. There are many instances of a sailor or salesman who spends most of his time moving from place to place but who is indisputably resident in the town where his family lives. All such matters must be decided by the National Spiritual Assembly in the light of the circumstances of each case within the general framework of the definition of "residence" that it adopts. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated September 18, 1985, to a National Spiritual Assembly, in Lights of Guidance , par. 20 Students and Others Who Reside in More Than One Community For example, it may be that a university student spends some six months of the year in the town where his university is, and the other half-year in the home of his parents. In such a case it is normal to permit him to choose which of the two places is to count as his residence for Baha'i purposes; one cannot count as being "resident" in two places at once. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated September 18, 1985, to a National Spiritual Assembly, in Lights of Guidance, par. 20 Moving after Ridvan /// It is a policy of the National Spiritual Assembly that if a Baha'i has made a firm commitment, such as signing a lease or purchase agreement on a house, he is eligible to vote in that community's election or be elected to the Assembly of that community provided that he is able physically to reside in the community within 90 days. Moving after the Election Calls Have Been Sent /// There is no minimum amount of time Baha'is must be residents of a community before they can participate in a Baha'i election. If they move to a community the day of an election, they may participate in it as long as the Assembly is convinced that they are making their home in that community. Change of Boundaries /// Baha'i community membership is often affected by civil boundary changes, and because of this, those who are eligible to serve during one year on the Assembly may not be members of the same community the next year. The National Spiritual Assembly should be notified of all civil boundary changes. No change in a membership list resulting from civil boundary changes should be made until the National Spiritual Assembly approves or acknowledges the changes. Newly-Enrolled Baha'is /// Unless they are from the Middle East (see following section), newly-enrolled Baha'is are eligible to vote in an election or to be elected to a Local Spiritual Assembly, regardless of whether they have received Baha'i identification cards from the National Spiritual Assembly. 2.12 The Formation of the Assembly Newly-Transferred Baha'is /// Pending the transfer of their membership into the United States Baha'i community from the community of the country in which they were last residing, Baha'is with current credentials from other countries (not visitors) may be considered eligible to vote or to be elected to an Assembly. They must submit their credentials (and ask for a return receipt) to the National Spiritual Assembly and request that their membership be transferred to the United States Baha'i community. If, after 60 days, the Baha'is still have not received their United States Baha'i credentials, the National Spiritual Assembly should be notified. /// Baha'is without credentials from another country (not visitors) who have not yet received United States Baha'i credentials are not eligible to vote and serve on a Spiritual Assembly until their status has been verified and their transfer has been completed. They must contact their former National Spiritual Assembly and ask that their credentials be sent to the United States National Spiritual Assembly. Enrollments and Transfers from the Middle East /// Any person from Persian background, regardless of their immigration status or length of stay in the U.S., and Middle Easterners may participate in administrative functions only after their enrollments and transfers are confirmed by the National Spiritual Assembly. Baha'is with Unknown Adresses /// If the community membership list includes the names of Baha'is whose mail has been returned, the Assembly should not remove their names from the community list or voting list unless it has been verified that the persons no longer live at their last known address. /// Concerning those persons for whom every effort has been made to locate them, to no avail, the Assembly should notify the National Spiritual Assembly (Attn: Management Information Systems office) and ask that they be removed from the local community's membership list. /// (See also Chapter 6, "Community Membership") Special Circumstances While this teaching work is commendable those who accept Baha'u'llah under these conditions cannot undertake administrative responsibilities, nor can Local Assemblies be formed in prisons. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated February 9, 1972, to a National Spiritual Assembly, in Lights of Guidance , par. 25 Prisoners You are free to accept declarations of faith from inmates of a prison, but their participation as voting believers can take place only after they have been discharged from prison. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated December 8, 1969, to a National Spiritual Assembly, in Lights of Guidance , 1994 ed., par. 263 2.13 Sacred Responsibility Mentally Ill or Senile /// If a believer is incapable of serving due to mental illness or senility, the Assembly should write to the National Spiritual Assembly, recommending that the person be relieved of administrative service. Until the National Assembly approves the recommendation, the person should continue to be included on the voting list. Withdrawals /// If a person has asked to withdraw from the Faith but the community has not received notice from the National Spiritual Assembly that the withdrawal has been officially accepted, the person is still considered a member of the community, and their name should be included on the voting list. /// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Election of a Believer Who Has Withdrawn") Reinstatement from Withdrawal /// A person who has previously withdrawn and wishes to be reinstated to Baha'i membership is eligible to vote in an election only after the reinstatement has been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly. The Local Spiritual Assembly should send its recommendation to the National Spiritual Assembly, which will then notify the Local Spiritual Assembly upon approval of the reinstatement. /// (See also Chapter 6, Section entitled "Withdrawal from and Reinstatement of Membership") Voting Sacred Responsibility These local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be elected directly by the friends, and every declared believer of twenty-one years and above, far from standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude, should regard it his sacred duty to take part conscientiously and diligently in the election, the consolidation and the efficient working of his own local Assembly. Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Administration, p. 39 I feel I must reaffirm the vital importance and necessity of the right of voting--a sacred responsibility of which no adult recognized believer should be deprived, unless he is associated with a community that has not as yet been in a position to establish a Local Assembly. This distinguishing right which the believer possesses, however, does not carry with it nor does it imply an obligation to cast his vote, if he feels that the circumstances under which he lives do not justify or allow him to exercise that right intelligently and with understanding. This is a matter which should be left to the individual to decide himself according to his own conscience and discretion. Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America, pp. 3-4 2.14 The Formation of the Assembly Nine Votes Must Be Cast Inasmuch as Spiritual Assembly membership, according to the principles of Baha'i Administration, has been limited for the present to nine members, it follows that no electoral vote can be effective unless it is cast for exactly that number. It is, therefore, the sacred duty of every Baha'i elector to cast nine votes, neither more nor less, except under special circumstances so as to insure that the results of the elections for the Spiritual Assembly will be effective and on as wide a basis of representation as possible. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated March 27, 1940, to a National Spiritual Assembly, Lights of Guidance , par.42 Voting for Oneself A believer has the right to vote for himself during the election time, if he conscientiously feels the urge to do so. This does not necessarily imply that he is ambitious or selfish. For he might conscientiously believe that his qualifications entitle him to membership in a Baha'i administrative body, and he might be right. The essential, however, is that he should be sincere in his belief, and should act according to the dictates of his conscience. Moreover, membership in an assembly or committee is a form of service, and should not be looked upon as a mark of inherent superiority or a means for self-praise. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Dawn of a New Day, pp. 200-201 Voting Absentee The same procedure in voting should be followed, namely, the ballot should be placed and sealed in an unmarked inner envelope and that envelope placed in an outer envelope marked with the name of the voter. . . . Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated January 21, 1973, to all National Spiritual Assemblies /// Those Baha'is who are unable to be present at the election may mail in their votes or send them with a Baha'i who will attend the meeting using the ballot paper and the two envelopes provided. The inner envelope in which the ballot is enclosed should have no mark which can identify the voter. The ballot envelope should be sealed and placed in the second or outer envelope. The outer envelope should have the name and address of the sender and be marked "ballot." If mailed, the absentee ballot should be mailed enough in advance to ensure its receipt prior to the election date. /// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Preparation for the Annual Meeting") /// If a person is unable to fill out a ballot form, he may call a person designated by the Assembly to accept the ballots (usually the Chief 2.15 In Case of Minority Teller or the Secretary of the Assembly). The Local Spiritual Assembly should make some kind of arrangements to accept ballots from those who cannot speak or write English or who cannot, for whatever reason, fill out a ballot. (For example, a youth could be designated to fill out the ballot according to the person's wishes.) Tie Votes /// If there is a tie for the ninth member on the Assembly, the community should re-vote to break the tie. An exception to the rule occurs when one of the parties represents a minority. In case by reason of a tie vote or votes the full membership of an elected body is not determined on the first ballot, then one or more additional ballots shall be taken on the persons tied until all members are elected. The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, Article VI Q. In the case of a tie between five persons for three vacancies should the names of the five be read for the delegates' vote? A. Yes. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 29, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly, Lights of Guidance , par. 80 Regarding your question about the breaking of tie votes, a balloting to break such a tie vote for members of a Spiritual Assembly may be held after the first day of Ridvan if necessary, but obviously the day of balloting should not be delayed too long. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 4, 1972, to a National Spiritual Assembly In Case of Minority If any discrimination is at all to be tolerated, it should be a discrimination not against, but rather in favor of the minority, be it racial or otherwise. . . . So great and vital is this principle that in such circumstances, as when an equal number of ballots have been cast in an election . . . [and] are balanced between the various races, faiths or nationalities within the community, priority should unhesitatingly be accorded the party representing the minority, and this for no other reason except to stimulate and encourage it, and afford it an opportunity to further the interests of the community. Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 35 There are so many varieties of situations which can occur in respect to minorities, and in so many different circumstances in different parts of the world, that it is impossible to lay down a hard and fast rule. The two guiding principles are the beloved Guardian's 2.16 The Formation of the Assembly statement, which is well known to you, and its concomitant that whenever there is doubt as to what is a minority or whether all other matters are equal a re-vote should be taken. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated September 27, 1973, to a National Spiritual Assembly What is not clearly defined is "majority" and "minority." The Guardian refers to "various races, faiths or nationalities." Where this is obvious, e.g., in the United States a white American and a Negro, there is no problem. In all cases of doubt a re-vote should be held. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated June 30, 1966, to a National Spiritual Assembly /// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Policy of the National Spiritual Assembly on What Constitutes a Minority") Policy of the National Spiritual Assembly on What Constitutes a Minority The definition of a minority in any locality is in the discretion of the National Spiritual Assembly. It is clear that pioneers from other lands should not be regarded as belonging to a minority, neither do the categories quoted by the Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice namely, "faith, race, class or nation," include sex. The overriding principle is always that if there is any doubt as to whether the minority principle should be invoked, then a further ballot should be taken. Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated March 5, 1986, to a National Spiritual Assembly, Lights of Guidance, par. 84 /// Since there are many nationalities represented in the United States, and in any given community many members could claim justly to belong to various nationalities, the settling of a tie on the basis of nationality is unworkable. Therefore, the National Spiritual Assembly has established that the question of what constitutes a minority for the purpose of resolving tie votes in Baha'i elections must be determined according to race. At this time, the criteria used to determine a racial minority are those established by the United States government and are not based upon the racial make-up of the Baha'i community. For example, if there is a tie vote between a Caucasian believer and a Hispanic believer, and the majority of the Baha'i community consists of Hispanic believers, the Hispanic believer would be elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly because Hispanic people are considered a racial minority by the United States government. Persians are considered a nationality and not a racial minority. 2.17 Preservation of the Ballots Counting the Ballots It is for your National Assembly to determine how to properly instruct the delegates beforehand in the recording of identical names on ballots and to give the tellers guidelines for handling these questions when they arise in the counting of the ballots. Thereafter, it is for the tellers to make the decision and give the results to the Convention or Assembly. . . . Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 29, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly As to whether a voter in a Baha'i election has the right to know how many votes he may have received in that election even if he was not elected, it is inappropriate for an individual to raise such a question. . . . The procedure which applies in the reporting of the results of a Baha'i election is as stated in the letter of 16 December 1965 addressed to your National Assembly by the Universal House of Justice and is recited as follows for your ready reference: Normal Convention procedure would call for a tellers' report announcing the names of the nine believers elected to the National Spiritual Assembly plus statistical information as to the balance of the votes cast. However, if the Convention votes to have the complete report of the tellers, or any part of it, the Convention is entitled to have the information which will thereupon be presented by the tellers in accordance with the vote of the Convention. Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated May 4, 1984, to a National Spiritual Assembly Invalid Ballots Under certain conditions an entire ballot may be declared invalid. These are: (1) More than nine names on ballot paper; (2) Less than nine names on ballot paper; (3) Duplication of names. Under other conditions, because of specified irregularities, one or more of the names may be invalidated but the rest of the ballot would be considered valid. These irregularities are: (1) A name not identifiable, or illegible; (2) The name of an ineligible person, such as a youth or person not resident in the jurisdiction of the voting area, provided of course that each ballot contains no more or less than nine names and no name has been duplicated. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 29, 1971, to a National Spiritual Assembly Preservation of the Ballots While it is within the discretion of a National Spiritual Assembly to determine what to do about preservation of the ballots 2.18 The Formation of the Assembly following the annual election, the House of Justice points out that should any question concerning the balloting arise during the year following the election, it would be helpful if the ballots were available for National Spiritual Assembly scrutiny. Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, July 22, 1980, Lights of Guidance, par. 93 Election Results and Recognition Once Assembly elections are over, the results should be conscientiously and unquestionably accepted by the entire body of the believers, not necessarily because they represent the voice of truth or the will of Baha'u'llah, but for the supreme purpose of maintaining unity and harmony in the Community. Besides, the acceptance of majority vote is the only effective and practical way of settling deadlocks in elections. No other solution is indeed possible. Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated July 10, 1939, to an individual believer Electing Officers /// (Please see Chapter 3, Section entitled "Electing Officers") Election with Less Than a Quorum No quorum is required in the holding of an election for a Local Spiritual Assembly. This rule also applies in the case of By-elections. The mere fact that less than nine vote for the members of the Local Spiritual Assembly does not invalidate the election. As you know, the National Assembly can always look into the circumstances surrounding a Local Spiritual Assembly election and use its discretion in determining whether, considering all circumstances, the existence of the Local Spiritual Assembly should be recognized. Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated April 16, 1969, to a National Spiritual Assembly /// There is no prescribed minimum number of persons required at the annual meeting and the National Spiritual Assembly may, at its discretion, choose to recognize an Assembly even if only a few persons vote. /// In all cases, an Assembly should be formed and the formation papers submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly describing any unusual or extenuating circumstances. The National Spiritual Assembly will review the information and decide whether the election is valid or not. In the meantime, those elected should begin to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a Local Spiritual Assembly. /// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "When to Form") 2.19 Reporting Election Information to the National Spiritual Assembly Resignation of Assembly Member Your Assembly should first have considered whether to accept Miss . . .'s resignation, and then, if the Assembly had accepted her resignation, the vacancy should have been filled by a By- election. . . . Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, July 6, 1981, Lights of Guidance, par. 88 /// If one of the elected members declines service on the Assembly, the resignation must be submitted to the newly elected Assembly. (The resignation cannot be considered by the community at the Annual Meeting.) /// The newly elected Spiritual Assembly should consult, seeking the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly if necessary, and call for a By-election if a vacancy is declared. Before the person can be replaced, all members of the community must be notified of the need for a By-election. /// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "By-Elections"; and Chapter 3, Section titled "Resignation") Election of a Believer Who Has Withdrawn If, prior to local elections an enrolled believer withdraws from the Faith and this leads to the removal of his name from Baha'i membership, and yet he is subsequently elected to the Local Assembly, such votes as have been cast in his name are disregarded without invalidating the remaining votes on the ballots. If, however, the process of withdrawal has not taken place, that is, the believer refuses on the day of election to participate and expresses then his desire to withdraw from the community, and yet he is subsequently elected to the Assembly, since his withdrawal is generally unknown to the friends, in such a case the remaining eight elected members should meet, consider the withdrawal, and if his name has to be removed from Baha'i membership, a by-election should be held to fill the vacancy. Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated December 11, 1979, to a National Spiritual Assembly Reporting Election Information to the National Spiritual Assembly The result of the election shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly to the National Spiritual Assembly. By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly, Article XI, Section 5 /// Before Ridvan, the National Spiritual Assembly sends election forms and instructions to Local Spiritual Assemblies. Communities that have not received the forms should request them from the Management Information Services department at the Baha'i National Center. 2.20 The Formation of the Assembly The forms should be completed and returned to the National Assembly immediately following the election (or joint declaration). /// Note: It is preferable that Assembly officers be elected and their names forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly on the election (or joint declaration) form. However, if it is not possible to elect officers immediately after the Assembly formation, a temporary secretary (someone to receive mail and telephone calls) should be appointed and recorded on the form, and the form sent in immediately. Permanent officers should be elected and reported as soon as possible on the "Assembly Officer and Address Change" form. Formation Report Form Not Received /// If the Local Spiritual Assembly does not receive the formation report form by the time of the election, the election results may be reported in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly. The report should state whether the Assembly was formed by election or joint declaration and include the date, the name of the Baha'i locality, the names and Baha'i identification numbers of the Assembly members and the number