|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Establishment of Eleven
Continental Boards of Counselors
21 June 1968
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following cable has today been sent to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States for publication in
"Bahá'í
News":
Rejoice announce momentous decision establish eleven Continental Boards
Counselors protection propagation
page 5
Faith three each for Africa Americas Asia one each for Australasia
Europe. Adoption this significant step following consultation with Hands
Cause God ensures extension future appointed functions their
institution. Continental Boards entrusted in close collaboration Hands
Cause with responsibility direction Auxiliary Boards and consultation
National Spiritual Assemblies. Hands Cause God will henceforth increase
intercontinental services assuming worldwide role protection propagation
Faith. Members Auxiliary Boards will report be responsible to
Continental Boards Counselors. Hands Cause residing Holy Land in
addition serving liaison between Universal House Justice and Continental
Boards Counselors will assist future establishment International
Teaching Center Holy Land foreshadowed writings beloved Guardian.
Details new developments being conveyed by letter. Fervently
supplicating Holy Threshold divine confirmations further step
irresistible unfoldment mighty Administrative Order Bahá'u'lláh
(Signed) Universal House of Justice.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Appointment of
Continental Boards of Counselors
24 June 1968
To the Bahá'ís of the World
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The majestic unfoldment of Bahá'u'lláh's world-redeeming administrative
system has been marked by the successive establishment of the various
institutions and agencies which constitute the framework of that
divinely-created Order. Thus, more than a quarter-of-a-century after the
emergence
page 6
of the first National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá'í world the
Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God was formally established,
with the appointment by the beloved Guardian, in conformity with the
provisions of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Will and Testament, of the first contingent
of these high-ranking officers of the Faith. Following the passing of
the Guardian of the Cause of God, it fell to the House of Justice to
devise a way, within the Administrative Order, of developing "the
Institution of the Hands of the Cause with a view to extension into the
future of its appointed functions of protection and propagation," and
this was made a goal of the Nine Year Plan. Much thought and study has
been given to the question over the past four years, and the texts have
been collected and reviewed. During the last two months, this goal, as
announced in our cable to the National Conventions, has been the object
of prolonged and prayerful consultation between the Universal House of
Justice and the Hands of the Cause of God. All this made evident the
framework within which this goal was to be achieved, namely:
The Universal House of Justice sees no way in which additional Hands of
the Cause of God can be appointed.
The absence of the Guardian of the Faith brought about an entirely new
relationship between the Universal House of Justice and the Hands of the
Cause and called for the progressive unfoldment by the Universal House
of Justice of the manner in which the Hands of the Cause would carry out
their divinely-conferred functions of protection and propagation.
Whatever new development or institution is initiated should come into
operation as soon as possible in order to reinforce and supplement the
work of the Hands of the Cause while at the same time taking full
advantage of the
page 7
opportunity of having the Hands themselves assist in launching and
guiding the new procedures.
Any such institution must grow and operate in harmony with the
principles governing the functioning of the Institution of the Hands of
the Cause of God.
In the light of these considerations the Universal House of Justice
decided, as announced in its recent cable, to establish Continental
Boards of Counselors for the protection and propagation of the Faith.
Their duties will include directing the Auxiliary Boards in their
respective areas, consulting and collaborating with National Spiritual
Assemblies, and keeping the Hands of the Cause and the Universal House
of Justice informed concerning the conditions of the Cause in their
areas.
Initially eleven Boards of Counselors have been appointed, one for each
of the following areas: Northwestern Africa, Central and East Africa,
Southern Africa, North America, Central America, South America, Western
Asia, Southeastern Asia, Northeastern Asia, Australasia and Europe.
The members of these Boards of Counselors will serve for a term, or
terms, the length of which will be determined and announced at a later
date, and while serving in this capacity, will not be eligible for
membership on national or local administrative bodies. One member of
each Continental Board of Counselors has been designated as Trustee of
the Continental Fund for its area.
The Auxiliary Boards for Protection and Propagation will henceforth
report to the Continental Boards of Counselors who will appoint or
replace members of the Auxiliary Boards as circumstances may require.
Such appointments and replacements as may be necessary in the initial
stages will take place after consultation with the Hand or Hands
previously assigned to the continent or zone.
The Hands of the Cause of God have the prerogative and
page 8
obligation to consult with the Continental Boards of Counselors and
National Spiritual Assemblies on any subject which, in their view,
affects the interests of the Cause. The Hands residing in the Holy Land
will act as liaison between the Universal House of Justice and the
Continental Boards of Counselors, and will also assist the Universal
House of Justice in setting up, at a propitious time, an international
teaching center in the Holy Land, as anticipated in the Guardian's
writings.
The Hands of the Cause of God are one of the most precious assets the
Bahá'í world possesses. Released from administration of the Auxiliary
Boards, they will be able to concentrate their energies on the more
primary responsibilities of general protection and propagation,
"preservation of the spiritual health of the Bahá'í communities" and
"the vitality of the faith" of the Bahá'ís throughout the world. The
House of Justice will call upon them to undertake special missions on
its behalf, to represent it on both Bahá'í and other occasions and to
keep it informed of the welfare of the Cause. While the Hands of the
Cause will, naturally, have special concern for the affairs of the Cause
in the areas in which they reside, they will operate increasingly on an
intercontinental level, a factor which will lend tremendous impetus to
the diffusion throughout the Bahá'í world of the spiritual inspiration
channeled through them — the Chief Stewards of Bahá'u'lláh's embryonic
World Commonwealth.
With joyful hearts we proclaim this further unfoldment of the
Administrative Order of Bahá'u'lláh and join our prayers to those of the
friends throughout the East and the West that Bahá'u'lláh may continue
to shower His confirmations upon the efforts of His servants in the
safeguarding and promotion of His Faith.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 9
First Appointments to
Continental Boards of Counselors
24 June 1968
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We list below the names of those who have been appointed to the first
Continental Boards of Counselors for the Protection and Propagation of
the Faith:
Northwestern Africa
Husayn Ardikání (Trustee, Continental Fund),
Muhammad Kebdani, William Maxwell.
Central and East Africa
Oloro Epyeru, Kolonario Oule, Isobel Sabri, Mihdí
Samandarí, 'Azíz Yazdí (Trustee, Continental Fund).
Southern Africa
Seewoosumbur-Jeehoba Appa, Shidan Fath-i-A'zam
(Trustee, Continental Fund), Bahíyyih Ford.
North America
Lloyd Gardiner, Florence Mayberry, Edna True (Trustee,
Continental Fund).
Central America
Carmen de Burafato, Artemus Lamb,
Alfred Osborne (Trustee, Continental Fund).
South America
Athos Costas, Hooper Dunbar
(Trustee, Continental Fund), Donald Witzel.
Western Asia
Masíh Farhangí, Mas'úd Khamsí, Hádí
Rahmání (Trustee, Continental Fund), Manúchihr
Salmánpúr, Sankaran Nair Vasudevan.
Southeast Asia
Yan Kee Leong, Khudrahm Paymán (Trustee, Continental
Fund), Chellie Sundram.
page 10
Northeast Asia
Rúhu'lláh Mumtází (Trustee, Continental Fund), Vicente
Samaniego.
Australasia
Suhayl 'Alá'í, Howard Harwood, Thelma Perks
(Trustee, Continental Fund).
Europe
Erik Blumenthal, Dorothy Ferraby
(Trustee, Continental Fund), Louis Hénuzet.
Please share this list with the friends.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Message to the First Oceanic Conference
August 1968
To the Hands of the Cause of God
and the Bahá'í Friends Assembled in Palermo, Sicily
at the First Bahá'í Oceanic Conference.
Dearly-loved Friends,
The event which we commemorate at this first Bahá'í Oceanic Conference
is unique. Neither the migration of Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees to
the region of Aleppo, nor the journey of Moses towards the Promised
Land, nor the flight into Egypt of Mary and Joseph with the infant
Jesus, nor yet the Hegira of Muhammad can compare with the voyage made
by God's Supreme Manifestation one hundred years ago from Gallipoli to
the Most Great Prison. Bahá'u'lláh's voyage was forced upon Him by the
two despots who were His chief adversaries in a determined attempt to
extirpate once and for all His Cause, and the decree of His fourth
banishment came when the tide of His prophetic utterance was in full
flood. The proclamation of His Message to mankind had begun; the sun
page 11
of His majesty had reached its zenith and, as attested by the devotion
of His followers, the respect of the population and the esteem of
officials and the representatives of foreign powers, His ascendancy had
become manifest. At such a time He was confronted with the decree of
final exile to a remote, obscure and pestilential outpost of the
decrepit Turkish empire.
Bahá'u'lláh knew, better than His royal persecutors, the magnitude of
the crisis, with all its potentiality for disaster, which confronted
Him. Consigned to a prison cell, debarred from access to those to whom
His Message must be addressed, cut off from His followers save for the
handful who were to accompany Him, and deprived even of association with
them, it was apparent that by all earthly standards the ship of His
Cause must founder, His mission wither and die.
But it was the Lord of Hosts with Whom they were dealing. Knowing the
sufferings which faced Him His one thought was to instill confidence and
fortitude into His followers, to whom He immediately dispatched sublime
Tablets asserting the power of His Cause to overcome all opposition.
"Should they attempt to conceal its light on the continent," is one of
His powerful utterances on this theme, "it will assuredly rear its head
in the midmost heart of the ocean, and, raising its voice, proclaim: 'I
am the lifegiver of the world!'" All the afflictions which men could
heap upon Him were thrown back from the rock of His adamantine will like
spray from the ocean. His patient submission to the affronts of men, His
fortitude, His divine genius transformed the somber notes of disaster
into the diapason of triumph. At the nadir of His worldly fortunes He
raised His standard of victory above the Prison City and poured forth
upon mankind the healing balm of His laws and ordinances revealed in His
Most Holy Book. "Until our time," comments 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "no such thing
has ever occurred."
Contemplating this awe-inspiring, supernal episode, we may obtain a
clearer understanding of our own times, a more
page 12
confident view of their outcome and a deeper apprehension of the part we
are called upon to play. That the violent disruption which has seized
the entire planet is beyond the ability of men to assuage, unaided by
God's revelation, is a truth repeatedly and forcibly set forth in our
Writings. The old order cannot be repaired; it is being rolled up before
our eyes. The moral decay and disorder convulsing human society must run
their course; we can neither arrest nor divert them.
Our task is to build the Order of Bahá'u'lláh. Undeflected by the
desperate expedients of those who seek to subdue the storm convulsing
human life by political, economic, social or educational programs, let
us, with single-minded devotion and concentrating all our efforts on our
objective, raise His Divine System and sheltered within its impregnable
stronghold, safe from the darts of doubtfulness, demonstrate the Bahá'í
way of life. Wherever a Bahá'í community exists, whether large or small,
let it be distinguished for its abiding sense of security and faith, its
high standard of rectitude, its complete freedom from all forms of
prejudice, the spirit of love among its members and for the closely knit
fabric of its social life. The acute distinction between this and
present day society will inevitably arouse the interest of the more
enlightened, and as the world's gloom deepens the light of Bahá'í life
will shine brighter and brighter until its brilliance must eventually
attract the disillusioned masses and cause them to enter the haven of
the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh, Who alone can bring them peace and justice
and an ordered life.
The great sea, on one of whose chief islands you are now gathered,
within whose hinterland and islands have flourished the Jewish, the
Christian and Islamic civilizations is a befitting scene for the first
Oceanic Bahá'í Conference. Two millenniums ago, in this arena, the
disciples of Christ performed such deeds of heroism and self-sacrifice
as are remembered to this day and are forever enshrined in the annals of
His Cause. A thousand years later the lands bordering the southern and
page 13
western shores of this sea witnessed the glory of Islam's Golden Age.
In the day of the Promised One this same sea achieved eternal fame
through its association with the Heroic and Formative Ages of His Cause.
It bore upon its bosom the King of kings Himself; the Center of His
Covenant crossed and recrossed it in the course of His epoch-making
journeys to the West, during which He left the indelible imprint of His
presence upon European and African lands; the Sign of God on earth
frequently journeyed upon it. It enshrines within its depths the mortal
remains of the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker and around its
shores lies the dust of apostles, martyrs and pioneers. Forty-six
Knights of Bahá'u'lláh are identified with seven of its islands and five
of its territories. Through such and many other episodes, Mediterranean
lands — ancient home of civilizations — have been endowed with spiritual
potentiality to dissolve the encrustations of those once glorious but
now moribund social orders and to radiate once again the light of Divine
guidance.
Through dedicated, heroic and sacrificial deeds during the course of the
beloved Guardian's ministry, the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh was established in
this area. Eight pillars of the Universal House of Justice were raised,
the first of an even larger number to be established now and during the
course of future plans, to include, as envisioned by Shoghi Effendi,
National Spiritual Assemblies in major islands of that historic sea.
The timing of such exciting developments is dependent upon the outcome
of the Nine Year Plan. At this midway point of that Plan, although great
strides have been made, more than half the goals are still to be won.
The greatest deficiencies are in the opening of new centers where
Bahá'ís reside and the formation of Local Spiritual Assemblies, which
inevitably affects the ability to establish National Spiritual
Assemblies. A dramatic upsurge of teaching effective
page 14
teaching — is necessary to make up the leeway; pioneers are needed,
teachers must travel, funds must be provided. It is our hope that there
will be engendered at this Conference, through your enthusiasm, prayers
and spirit of devotion, a great spiritual dynamic to reinforce that
grand momentum which, mounting steadily during the next four years, must
carry the community of the Most Great Name to overwhelming victory in
1973.
Dear friends, within a few short days the observance of the Centenary of
Bahá'u'lláh's arrival in the Holy Land will take place. The hearts and
minds of the entire Bahá'í world will be focused on the Most Holy
Shrine, where those privileged to attend this commemoration will
circumambulate that Holy Spot and raise their prayers to the Lord of the
Age. Let them remember their fellow-believers at home and supplicate
from the depths of their souls for such bounties and favors to descend
upon the friends of God everywhere as to cause them to rise as one man
to demonstrate their love for Him Who suffered for them, by such deeds
of sacrifice and devotion as shall outshine the deeds of the past and
sweep away every obstacle from the onward march of the Cause of God.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Progress of the Nine Year Plan
in the United States
14 August 1968
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the United States.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The number and character of achievements of your community since the
Nine Year Plan was launched must indeed compel our gratitude. On the
homefront, 52 Local Spiritual Assemblies have been formed and 500 new
centers have been
page 15
established. Traveling teachers and pioneers have gone forth from your
community in troops, offering all of their resources and their very
lives to the Cause. They have scattered to the far-flung fields of the
globe to proclaim the glory of God's Revelation; have opened the Turks
and Caicos Islands; poured into the Caribbean area carrying the torch of
the Faith to new outposts there, and so firmly established the Cause in
that chain of islands that a new pillar on which the Universal House of
Justice rests was erected. With unfailing generosity, you have assisted
your sister communities to acquire Bahá'í properties. Your community has
indeed merited the title of "torch-bearers."
In view of the tasks which remain to be achieved, it is evident as we
rapidly approach the midway point in the Plan, that your community now
faces a challenge of colossal magnitude, for the pace of the work must
be greatly accelerated if all the goals are to be won. On the homefront,
206 Local Spiritual Assemblies must be formed, including at least one in
each of the four States where there has as yet been only one
established, two in Puerto Rico, and the Assembly in Key West must be
reestablished. No less than 787 new centers must be opened to the Faith.
Abroad, pioneers and traveling teachers are still needed on every front
to continue to carry the Faith forward throughout the entire world. You
are called upon for further financial contributions to acquire the
remaining properties so urgently needed by your sister communities. A
gigantic, collective effort will be required to successfully discharge
all these responsibilities.
We think it is important that you phase out the remaining homefront
goals of the Nine Year Plan, adopting subsidiary plans for each year
between now and Ridván, 1973, bearing in mind the need to consolidate
all the goals thus far won. When formulating plans for a consolidation
program, to be carried out concurrently with the proclamation of the
Faith, particular thought should be given to the twelve States where
there is
page 16
now a minimum of only two Local Spiritual Assemblies. Above all, the
duty of deepening the spiritual life of your newly-enrolled co-workers
is paramount, for the fate of the entire community depends upon the
individual believers. Without the wholehearted support of each and every
one of the friends, every measure adopted, no matter how well thought
out, is foredoomed to failure. It is the individual believers who must
maintain the Local Assemblies and the centers already won at the cost of
such great sacrifice. It is they who must, afire with the love of
Bahá'u'lláh, go forth to further broaden the base of administrative
activity by forming new Assemblies and implanting the standard of
Bahá'u'lláh in new localities; who must arise in response to the call to
travel to the remote outposts of the Faith and push back the frontiers;
and who must, through your wise and loving guidance, become your
collaborators in carrying out your God-given mission.
We are deeply cognizant of the tremendous burden of responsibility you
carry, but we are confident that your dearly-loved community will arise
with a renewed spirit to assume its weighty responsibilities.
We shall offer a special prayer for your Assembly that you will be
enabled to carry forward unremittingly all your tasks to their
triumphant conclusion.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Results of the Palermo Conference
8 September 1968
To: The Bahá'ís of the World
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The glorious Conference in Palermo concluded with a burst of eager
enthusiasm of determined and dedicated believers
page 17
who have pledged to do their part in winning the remaining goals of the
Nine Year Plan. More than 125 offered to pioneer and more than 100
volunteered to do travel teaching. In addition, there was a generous
outpouring of material resources to finance teaching projects. Had the
entire Bahá'í world been able to participate in the Mediterranean
Conference we have no doubt that all the goals would be quickly won.
With this in mind we wish to impress upon the friends who could not
attend the Conference, and who will surely — through reports and
personal contact with those who did — sense the enthusiasm generated
there, that all believers have the privilege to share in the pioneering
work, in the travel teaching program and in contributing to the Fund.
We announced at the Conference that the International Deputization Fund,
so far used to aid pioneering and travel teaching on an international
level, will henceforth be available to assist such projects on the
national level in those areas where support is vitally important to the
winning of the goals of the Nine Year Plan. We are concerned that,
although we are now approaching the midway point of the Plan we must yet
form an additional 6,997 Local Spiritual Assemblies (76% of the goal),
and take the Faith to over 22,800 new localities (59% of the goal).
Obviously, hundreds of pioneers and traveling teachers will be required,
many of whom will serve in their own countries.
Those who cannot pioneer or do travel teaching will want to participate
by contributing to the International Deputization Fund. Let them
remember Bahá'u'lláh's injunction: "Center your energies in the
propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling,
let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint
him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation..." Let the
Bahá'ís of the world join in the true spirit of universal participation
and win
page 18
all the victories while there is yet time. Let each assume his full
measure of responsibility that all may share the laurels of
accomplishment at the end of the Plan.
Our fervent prayer is that this one-hundredth anniversary of the final
banishment of Bahá'u'lláh will mark a significant turning point in the
fortunes of the Nine Year Plan.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Advice to Bahá'í Youth Concerning Pioneering and Education
9 October 1968
To the Bahá'í Youth in Every Land
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
In the two years since we last addressed the youth of the Bahá'í world
many remarkable advances have been made in the fortunes of the Faith.
Not the least of these is the enrollment under the banner of Bahá'u'lláh
of a growing army of young men and women eager to serve His Cause. The
zeal, the enthusiasm, the steadfastness and the devotion of the youth in
every land has brought great joy and assurance to our hearts.
During the last days of August and the first days of September, when
nearly two thousand believers from all over the world gathered in the
Holy Land to commemorate the Centenary of Bahá'u'lláh's arrival on these
sacred shores, we had an opportunity to observe at first hand those
qualities of good character, selfless service and determined effort
exemplified in the youth who served as volunteer helpers, and we wish to
express our gratitude for their loving assistance and for their example.
Many of them offered to pioneer, but one perplexing question recurred:
Shall I continue my education, or should I
page 19
pioneer now? Undoubtedly this same question is in the mind of every
young Bahá'í wishing to dedicate his life to the advancement of the
Faith. There is no stock answer which applies to all situations; the
beloved Guardian gave different answers to different individuals on this
question. Obviously circumstances vary with each individual case. Each
individual must decide how he can best serve the Cause. In making this
decision, it will be helpful to weigh the following factors:
Upon becoming a Bahá'í one's whole life is, or should become devoted to
the progress of the Cause of God, and every talent or faculty he
possesses is ultimately committed to this overriding life objective.
Within this framework he must consider, among other things, whether by
continuing his education now he can be a more effective pioneer later,
or alternatively whether the urgent need for pioneers, while
possibilities for teaching are still open, outweighs an anticipated
increase in effectiveness. This is not an easy decision, since
oftentimes the spirit which prompts the pioneering offer is more
important than one's academic attainments.
One's liability for military service may be a factor in timing the offer
of pioneer service.
One may have outstanding obligations to others, including those who may
be dependent on him for support.
It may be possible to combine a pioneer project with a continuing
educational program. Consideration may also be given to the possibility
that a pioneering experience, even though it interrupts the formal
educational program, may prove beneficial in the long run in that
studies would later be resumed with a more mature outlook.
The urgency of a particular goal which one is especially qualified to
fill and for which there are no other offers.
The fact that the need for pioneers will undoubtedly be with
page 20
us for many generations to come, and that therefore there will be many
calls in future for pioneering service.
The principle of consultation also applies. One may have the obligation
to consult others, such as one's parents, one's Local and National
Assemblies, and the pioneering committees.
Finally, bearing in mind the principle of sacrificial service and the
unfailing promises Bahá'u'lláh ordained for those who arise to serve His
Cause, one should pray and meditate on what his course of action will
be. Indeed, it often happens that the answer will be found in no other
way.
We assure the youth that we are mindful of the many important decisions
they must make as they tread the path of service to Bahá'u'lláh. We will
offer our ardent supplications at the Holy Threshold that all will be
divinely guided and that they will attract the blessings of the
All-Merciful.
|
Deepest Bahá'í love,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Ridván Message 1969
Ridván 126 [1969]
To the Bahá'ís of the World.
Dearly-loved Friends,
The continued progress of the Cause of God stands in vivid contrast to
the chronic unrest afflicting human society, a contrast which the events
of the past year, both within and without the Faith, have only served to
intensify. Amidst the disintegration of the old order the Cause of God
has pursued its majestic course, extending the range of its activities
and influence and accomplishing a further development of its
administrative system.
page 21
Opening with the convening, in the Holy Land, of the Second
International Convention for the election of the Universal House of
Justice, the year has witnessed a remarkable activity in the Cause. The
most significant and far-reaching development was undoubtedly the
appointment of the eleven Continental Boards of Counselors, which
fulfilled the goal of the Nine Year Plan calling for the development of
the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God with a view to the
extension into the future of its appointed functions of protection and
propagation. This step, taken after full consultation with the Hands of
the Cause, has, at one and the same time, strongly reinforced the
activities of that Institution and made it possible for the Hands
themselves to extend the range of their individual services beyond the
continental sphere, thereby making universally available to the friends
the love, the wisdom and the spirit of dedication animating the
Guardian's appointees. We wish to pay tribute at this time to the
exemplary manner in which the Counselors, under the guidance of the
Hands, have embarked upon their high duties.
In August, the first Oceanic Bahá'í Conference, held in Palermo,
commemorated Bahá'u'lláh's voyage on the Mediterranean Sea on His way to
the Most Great Prison. Attendants at this Conference came immediately
afterwards to the Qiblih of their Faith to pay homage at the Shrine of
its Founder and to commemorate with deep awareness of its spiritual
import the long prophesied arrival of the Lord of Hosts on the shores of
the Holy Land. This gathering of more than two thousand believers
presented an inexpressibly poignant contrast to the actual arrival of
Bahá'u'lláh one hundred years before, rejected by the rulers of this
earth and derided by the local populace. Such is the conquering power of
His Message, such is the undefeatable might of the King of Kings.
That same Message is now being proclaimed by His followers from end to
end of the world. Already one hundred and
page 22
twenty-two Heads of State have been presented with the special edition
of "The Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh," and copies have been received by
thousands more officials and leaders.
Taking full advantage of the designation of 1968 as Human Rights Year by
the United Nations, Bahá'í communities throughout the world have not
only strengthened the ties between the Bahá'í International Community
and the United Nations, but have at the same time proclaimed the Faith
and its healing message. In country after country the Cause has been
featured for the first time in modern mass communications media. The
volume of this call to the peoples of the world is increasing day by day
and must so continue, penetrating every stratum of society, until the
conclusion of the Plan and beyond.
As a stimulus and aid to this vital work as well as to the promotion of
all the goals of the Plan, we announce the holding between August 1970
and September 1971 of a series of eight Oceanic and Continental
Conferences, as follows: La Paz, Bolivia, and Rose Hill, Mauritius, in
August 1970; Monrovia, Liberia, and Djakarta, Indonesia, in January
1971; Suva, Fiji, and Kingston, Jamaica, in May 1971; Sapporo, Japan,
and Reykjavik, Iceland, in September 1971.
A review of the progress of the Nine Year Plan discloses that great
strides have been made in the acquisition of Hazíratu'l-Quds, Temple
sites and Teaching Institutes, in translation of Bahá'í literature into
more languages and in the incorporation of Local and National Spiritual
Assemblies. The site of the Panama Temple has been prepared for
construction which will begin as soon as final plans and specifications
and the placing of the contract have been approved.
As a result of the accelerated pace of expansion and consolidation which
has been initiated, and which, if fostered and fed, will become a full
tide of victorious achievement, we joyfully announce the formation of
twelve more National
page 23
Spiritual Assemblies, two during Ridván 1969: the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Burundi and Rwanda with its seat in Bujumbura
and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Papua and New
Guinea with its seat in Lae, and ten during Ridván 1970: six in Africa,
the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá'ís of the Congo Republic
(Kinshasa); Ghana; Dahomey, Togo and Niger; Malawi; Botswana; and
Gambia, Senegal, Portuguese Guinea and the Cape Verde Islands; one in
the Americas, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the
Guianas; one in Asia, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of
the Near East; and two in Australasia, the National Spiritual Assemblies
of the Bahá'ís of Tonga and the Cook Islands; and Samoa. Thus at
Ridván
1970 the number of National Spiritual Assemblies will be raised to
ninety-three.
In harmony with the worldwide growth of the Cause the World Center of
the Faith is also developing rapidly. The pilgrims, the beloved Guardian
has said, are the lifeblood of this World Center and it has long been
our cherished hope and desire to be able to grant the bounty of
pilgrimage to the Holy Land to all who can avail themselves of it. It is
therefore with great joy that we now find it possible to open the door
of pilgrimage to a much greater number of believers. Beginning in
October of this year the size of each group of friends to be invited
will be quadrupled and the number of groups each year will be increased
so that nearly six times the present number of pilgrims will have the
opportunity each year to pray in the Shrines of the Central Figures of
their Faith, to visit the places hallowed by the footsteps, sufferings
and triumphs of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and to meditate in the
tranquillity of these sacred precincts, beautified with so much loving
care by our beloved Guardian.
This increased flow of pilgrims will greatly augment the spiritual
development of the Bahá'í World Community which now, after five years of
strenuous labor and bearing the laurels
page 24
of outstanding victories, is entering the fourth phase of the Nine Year
Plan.
The great, the most pressing need, at this stage of the Plan, is a rapid
increase in the number of believers, and a major advance in the opening
of the additional localities as well as in the formation of the well
grounded Local Spiritual Assemblies called for in the Plan. This
worldwide activity, the hallmark of the fourth phase of the Plan,
answering the tremendous opportunities offered by the present condition
of mankind, will be strongly reinforced by the continuance of
proclamation, is the essential foundation for the erection of the
remaining National Spiritual Assemblies, and will increasingly witness
to the benefits of international traveling teaching and inter-Assembly
cooperation. Above all, it requires a sacrificial outpouring by the
friends of contributions in support of the Funds of the Faith, and the
raising up of a mighty host of pioneers.
During the second year of the Plan the Bahá'í world achieved its
greatest feat of organized pioneering when a total of five hundred and
five believers arose to settle in the unopened and weakly held
territories of the earth. This magnificent achievement must now be
surpassed. The call is raised for seven hundred and thirty-three
believers to leave their homes and settle in territories of the globe in
dire need of pioneer support or as yet unopened to the Faith. These
devoted believers, who should arise without delay, are needed to settle,
during the fourth phase of the Plan, in 184 specified territories of the
globe: 48 in Africa, 40 in the Americas, 40 in Asia, 18 in Australasia
and 38 in Europe. Although primary responsibility has been assigned to
those national Bahá'í communities most able to provide pioneers, all
should ponder in their hearts whether they too cannot respond to this
call, either by going themselves or by deputizing, in response to
Bahá'u'lláh's injunction, those who can go in their stead. Detailed
information is being sent to National Spiritual Assemblies to ensure
that this vital mobilization
page 25
of Bahá'í warriors is accomplished as quickly as possible. Beloved
Friends, the Nine Year Plan is well advanced, our work is blessed by the
never-ceasing confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh, and the entire
Bahá'í World
Community is committed to complete victory. That happy consummation, now
faintly discernible on the far horizon, will be reached through hard
work, realistic planning, sacrificial deeds, intensification of the
teaching work and, above all, through constant endeavor on the part of
every single Bahá'í to conform his inner life to that glorious ideal set
for mankind by Bahá'u'lláh and exemplified by 'Abdu'l-Bahá. In
contemplating the Master's divine example we may well reflect that His
life and deeds were not acted to a pattern of expediency, but were the
inevitable and spontaneous expression of His inner self. We, likewise,
shall act according to His example only as our inward spirits, growing
and maturing through the disciplines of prayer and practice of the
Teachings, become the wellsprings of all our attitudes and actions. This
will promote the accomplishment of God's purpose; this will ensure the
triumph of His Faith and enable us to build up the present motion of the
Cause into a grand momentum whose force will carry the community of the
Most Great Name to glorious victory in 1973 and onwards to the as yet
unapprehended vistas of the Most Great Peace.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Guidance on Self-Defense
26 May 1969
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of Canada
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We have reviewed your letter of April 11th, asking about the teachings
of the Faith on self-defense and any guidance on
page 26
individual conduct in the face of increasing civil disorder in North
American cities.
From the texts you already have available it is clear that Bahá'u'lláh
has stated that is preferable to be killed in the path of God's
good-pleasure than to kill, and that organized religious attack against
Bahá'ís should never turn into any kind of warfare, as this is strictly
prohibited in our Writings.
A hitherto untranslated Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Bahá, however, points out
that in the case of attack by robbers and highwaymen, a Bahá'í should
not surrender himself, but should try, as far as circumstances permit,
to defend himself, and later on lodge a complaint with the government
authorities. In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, he also
indicates that in an emergency when there is no legal force at hand to
appeal to, a Bahá'í is justified in defending his life. In another
letter the Guardian has further pointed out that the assault of an
irresponsible assailant upon a Bahá'í should be resisted by the
Bahá'í,
who would be justified, under such circumstances, in protecting his
life.
The House of Justice does not wish at the present time to go beyond the
guidelines given in the above-mentioned statements. The question is
basically a matter of conscience, and in each case the Bahá'í involved
must use his judgment in determining when to stop in self-defense lest
his action deteriorate into retaliation.
Of course the above principles apply also in cases when a Bahá'í finds
himself involved in situations of civil disorder. We have, however,
advised the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States that under
the present circumstances in that country it is preferable that Bahá'ís
do not buy nor own arms for their protection or the protection of their
families.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 27
Homefront Victories in the United States
25 June 1969
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the United
States.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The news of the homefront victories contained in your Ridván cable and
in your semiannual statistical report brought great joy to our hearts.
The members of your valiant community have clearly demonstrated their
staunch resolve and their understanding of their task to strengthen the
homefront as they simultaneously pursue their global mission. They have
poured their funds freely and generously into the international teaching
work of the Faith through substantial contributions to the Bahá'í Fund,
have assisted their sister communities around the world with the
purchase of sorely needed national properties and, as the pioneers have
arisen and gone forth in troops to ensure the spiritual conquest of the
planet, new believers have embraced the Cause on the homefront,
resulting in more than 300 new localities being opened to the Faith and
the formation of 45 additional Local Spiritual Assemblies at Ridván,
thus establishing an enlarged base of operations from which additional
pioneers must now go forth to further illumine and strengthen the five
continents of the globe.
You may be assured that we shall continue to remember you in our prayers
at the Holy Shrines, supplicating that Bahá'u'lláh will guide, bless and
sustain you, individually and collectively, as you continue to labor to
execute your numerous and varied responsibilities.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
page 28
Appointments to Continental Boards of Counselors
10 July 1969
To: National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
With great joy we announce that we have decided to increase the total
number of members of the Continental Boards of Counselors for the
Protection and Propagation of the Faith to thirty-eight by adding John
McHenry III to the Continental Board of Counselors in North East Asia
and Mas'úd Khamsí to the Continental Board of Counselors in South
America, raising the number of Counselors on each Board to three and
four, respectively.
We also rejoice to announce the appointment of Mrs.
Shirin Boman to the Continental Board of Counselors of Western Asia to
fill a vacancy on that Board.
The devoted efforts of all eleven
Continental Boards of Counselors during the first year of their service
to the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh have been most exemplary and praiseworthy.
We are deeply grateful for the loyalty, steadfastness and devotion which
have characterized the activities of all members in reinforcing the
vitally important work of the Hands of the Cause of God.
Please share these glad tidings with the friends.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Formation of an Additional
National Spiritual Assembly during Ridván 1970
11 August 1969
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
In the brief space of time following the announcement of the formation
of six new National Spiritual Assemblies in
page 29
Africa next Ridván, the succession of victories, resulting from the
prodigious efforts exerted by the devoted friends, impels us to announce
that a seventh National Spiritual Assembly will be formed in Africa at
Ridván, 1970. The new National Spiritual Assembly including Congo
(Brazzaville), Chad, Central African Republic and Gabon, will have its
seat in Bangui. This will leave Uganda with its own separate National
Spiritual Assembly.
Please share this joyous news with the believers. We know the friends
throughout the world join us in our supplications for the continued,
uninterrupted prosecution and speedy fulfillment of the goals,
terminating in the ultimate triumph of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Work of Continental Boards of Counselors
and Auxiliary Board Members
1 October 1969
To: The Continental Boards of Counselors and
National Spiritual Assemblies.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
A number of questions have been raised concerning the work of the
Counselors and Auxiliary Board members, and it has been suggested that
Auxiliary Board members be permitted to work regularly with National
Spiritual Assemblies and national committees. We have carefully
considered again the various factors involved and have decided that we
must uphold the principle that such direct consultations should be
exceptional rather than the rule.
It is the responsibility of Spiritual Assemblies, assisted by their
committees, to organize and direct the teaching work, and in doing so
they must, naturally, also do all they can to
page 30
stimulate and inspire the friends. It is, however, inevitable that the
Assemblies and committees, being burdened with the administration of the
teaching work as well as with all other aspects of Bahá'í community
life, will be unable to spend as much time as they would wish on
stimulating the believers.
Authority and direction flow from the Assemblies, whereas the power
to accomplish the tasks resides primarily in the entire body of the
believers. It is the principal task of the Auxiliary Boards to assist in
arousing and releasing this power. This is a vital activity, and if they
are to be able to perform it adequately they must avoid becoming
involved in the work of administration. For example, when Auxiliary
Board members arouse believers to pioneer, any believer who expresses
his desire to do so should be referred to the appropriate committee
which will then organize the project. Counselors and Auxiliary Board
members should not, themselves, organize pioneering or travel teaching
projects. Thus it is seen that the Auxiliary Boards should work closely
with the grass roots of the community: the individual believers, groups
and Local Spiritual Assemblies, advising, stimulating and assisting
them. The Counselors are responsible for stimulating, counseling and
assisting National Spiritual Assemblies, and also work with individuals,
groups and Local Assemblies.
It is always possible, of course, for Counselors to depute an Auxiliary
Board member to meet with a National Spiritual Assembly for a particular
purpose, but this should not become a regular practice. Similarly, if
the National Spiritual Assembly agrees, it may be advisable for an
Auxiliary Board member to meet occasionally with a national committee to
clarify the situation in the area and share information and ideas
thoroughly. But this also should not become regular. Were it to do so
there would be grave danger of inhibiting the proper working of these
two institutions, vitiating and undermining the collaboration that must
essentially exist between the
page 31
Continental Boards of Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies. It
would diffuse the energies and time of the Auxiliary Board members
through their becoming involved in the administration of teaching. It
could lead to the Auxiliary Board member's gradually taking over the
direction of the national committee, usurping the function of the
National Assembly or to his becoming merely a traveling teacher sent
hither and thither at the direction of the committee or National
Assembly.
It is, of course, vital that information be shared fully and promptly,
as has been explained in the compilation on the work of Auxiliary Board
members that was circulated on March 25, 1969. The ways of ensuring this
should be worked out by the Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies
and methods may vary from area to area.
Reports and recommendations for action, however, are quite different.
Auxiliary Board members should send theirs to the Counselors and not to
National Assemblies or national committees directly. It is possible that
the Counselors may reject or modify the recommendation; or, if they
accept it and pass it on to the National Spiritual Assembly, the
National Assembly may decide to refuse it. For an Auxiliary Board member
to make recommendations directly to a national committee would lose the
benefit of knowledge and experience in a wider field than that of which
the Auxiliary Board member is aware, and would short-circuit and
undermine the authority of both the Counselors and the National
Assembly.
Similarly, although an Auxiliary Board member can and should receive
information from the National Assemblies and national committees, his
primary source of information about the community should be his own
direct contacts with Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups and individual
believers. In this way the Counselors as well as the National Spiritual
Assemblies have the benefit of two independent sources of information
page 32
about the community: through the Auxiliary Board members on the one
hand, and through the national committees on the other.
Assemblies sometimes misunderstand what is meant by the statement that
Counselors and Auxiliary Board members are concerned with the teaching
work and not with administration. It is taken to mean that they may not
give advice on administrative matters. This is quite wrong. One of the
things that Counselors and Auxiliary Board members should watch and
report on is the proper working of administrative institutions. The
statement that they do not have anything to do with administration
means, simply, that they do not administer. They do not direct or
organize the teaching work nor do they adjudicate in matters of personal
conflict or personal problems. All these activities fall within the
sphere of responsibility of the Spiritual Assemblies. But if an
Auxiliary Board member finds a Local Spiritual Assembly functioning
incorrectly he should call its attention to the appropriate Texts;
likewise if, in his work with the community, an Auxiliary Board member
finds that the teaching work is being held up by inefficiency of
national committees, he should report this in detail to the Counselors
who will then decide whether to refer it to the National Spiritual
Assembly concerned. Similarly, if the Counselors find that a National
Spiritual Assembly is not functioning properly, they should not hesitate
to consult with the National Spiritual Assembly about this in a frank
and loving way.
It is the Spiritual Assemblies who plan and direct the work, but these
plans should be well known to the Counselors and Auxiliary Board
members, because one of the ways in which they can assist the Assemblies
is by urging the believers continually to support the plans of the
Assemblies. If a National Spiritual Assembly has adopted one goal as
preeminent in a year, the Auxiliary Board members should bear this in
mind in all their contacts with the believers and should direct their
page 33
attention to the plans of the National Assembly, and stimulate them to
enthusiastically support them.
The Counselors in each continental zone have wide latitude in the
carrying out of their work. Likewise they should give to each Auxiliary
Board member considerable freedom of action within his own allocated
area. Although the Counselors should regularly direct the work of the
Auxiliary Board members, the latter should realize that they need not
wait for direction; the nature of their work is such that they should be
continually engaged in it according to their own best judgment, even if
they are given no specific tasks to perform. Above all the Auxiliary
Board members should build up a warm and loving relationship between
themselves and the believers in their area so that the Local Spiritual
Assemblies will spontaneously turn to them for advice and assistance.
We assure you all of our fervent prayers in the Holy Shrines for the
blessings of Bahá'u'lláh upon the strenuous and highly meritorious
services that you are performing with such devotion in His path.
|
The Universal House of Justice
|
Appeal to Increase Teaching Efforts
amidst Catastrophic Events of the Day
16 November 1969
To the Bahá'ís of the World
Dear Friends,
In the worsening world situation, fraught with pain of war, violence and
the sudden uprooting of long-established institutions, can be seen the
fulfillment of the prophecies of Bahá'u'lláh and the oft-repeated
warnings of the Master and the beloved Guardian about the inevitable
fate of a lamentably defective social system, an unenlightened
leadership and a rebellious and unbelieving humanity. Governments and
peoples of both the developed and developing nations, and other
page 34
human institutions, secular and religious, finding themselves helpless
to reverse the trend of the catastrophic events of the day, stand
bewildered and overpowered by the magnitude and complexity of the
problems facing them. At this fateful hour in human history many,
unfortunately, seem content to stand aside and wring their hands in
despair or else join in the babel of shouting and protestation which
loudly objects, but offers no solution to the woes and afflictions
plaguing our age.
Nevertheless a greater and greater number of thoughtful and fair-minded
men and women are recognizing in the clamor of contention, grief and
destruction, now reaching such horrendous proportions, the evidences of
Divine chastisement, and turning their faces towards God are becoming
increasingly receptive to His Word. Doubtless the present circumstances,
though tragic and awful in their immediate consequences, are serving to
sharpen the focus on the indispensability of the Teachings of
Bahá'u'lláh to the needs of the present age, and will provide many
opportunities to reach countless waiting souls, hungry and thirsty for
Divine guidance.
It is these opportunities which we must seize before it is too late.
What is needed now is the awakening of all believers to the immediacy of
the challenge so that each may assume his share of the responsibility
for taking the Teachings to all humanity. Universal participation, a
salient objective of the Nine Year Plan, must be pressed toward
attainment in every continent, country and island of the globe. Every
Bahá'í, however humble or inarticulate, must become intent on fulfilling
his role as a bearer of the Divine Message. Indeed, how can a true
believer remain silent while around us men cry out in anguish for truth,
love and unity to descend upon this world?
We all know how often the Master and the beloved Guardian called upon
the friends to consciously strive to be more loving, more united, more
dedicated and prayerful than ever
page 35
before in order to overcome the atmosphere of present-day society which
is unloving, disunited, careless of right and wrong and heedless of God.
"When we see the increasing darkness in the world today," the Guardian's
secretary wrote on his behalf, "we can fully realize that unless the
Message of Bahá'u'lláh reaches into the hearts of men and transforms
them, there can be no peace and no spiritual progress in the future."
The Nine Year Plan is the current stage in the achievement of that
sublime objective. It is now imperative for every Bahá'í to set for
himself individual teaching goals. The admonition of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to
lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the exhortation of
Shoghi Effendi to hold a Bahá'í fireside in one's home every
Bahá'í
month are examples of individual goals. Many have capacities to do even
more, but this alone will assure final and complete victory for the
Plan.
We call upon the friends to join with us in prayer during the Feast of
Sultan that we will all become so imbued with zeal, courage and
enthusiasm that from this day to the end of the Nine Year Plan nothing
will be able to stay the victorious onward march of the followers of the
Most Great Name. May our efforts be worthy of the blessings and
confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Acquisition of Property Adjacent to Bahjí
18 November 1969
To: National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
Enclosed please find our letter of 16 November 1969 addressed to the
Bahá'ís of the World.* Please share this letter
*See pp. 33-35.
page 36
with all believers in your jurisdiction as soon as possible.
After several years of protracted negotiations with agencies of the
Israel Government both in Jerusalem and Haifa, an important property
adjacent to Bahjí and embracing the Master's tea house has been
acquired. On November 17th we cabled the National Spiritual Assembly of
the United States as follows:
With grateful hearts announce successful conclusion formal negotiations
initiated nearly two decades ago by beloved Guardian with authorities
State Israel resulting ownership vitally needed property surrounding
'Abdu'l-Bahá's teahouse immediate neighborhood Most Holy Tomb Founder
Faith. Acquisition much desired land extending gardens Bahjí facilitated
through exchange property dedicated some thirty-six years ago to Holy
Tomb Bahá'u'lláh by devoted servant Cause Hájí
'Alí Yazdí (Signed)
Universal House of Justice.
The successful conclusion of these negotiations initiated during the
lifetime of the beloved Guardian was made possible through the
acceptance by the Government, as even exchange, of an endowment property
given to the Faith in 1933 by the late Hájí
'Alí Yazdí. The significance
of the specific piece of land donated by this venerable soul becomes
apparent when reading the following quotation from the IN MEMORIAM
article about him in The Bahá'í World, Volume IX:
He will forever be remembered, amongst other things, as the establisher
of Bahá'í endowments in the vicinity of 'Akká through his gift of a
tract of land dedicated to Bahá'u'lláh's Holy Tomb in Bahjí...
It is a glowing tribute to the memory of this devoted servant of the
Blessed Beauty that his gift should play such an important
page 37
part in securing this valuable additional safeguard for the Most Holy
Tomb. Please also convey the news of this victory to the friends.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Comments on the Guardianship and
The Universal House of Justice
7 December 1969
Dear Bahá'í Friend,*
Your recent letter, in which you share with us the questions that have
occurred to some of the youth in studying "The Dispensation of
Bahá'u'lláh," has been carefully considered, and we feel that we should
comment both on the particular passage you mention and on a related
passage in the same work, because both bear on the relationship between
the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice.
The first passage concerns the Guardian's duty to insist upon a
reconsideration by his fellow-members in the Universal House of Justice
of any enactment which he believes conflicts with the meaning and
departs from the spirit of the Sacred Writings. The second passage
concerns the infallibility of the Universal House of Justice without the
Guardian, namely Shoghi Effendi's statement that "Without such an
institution [the Guardianship]... the necessary guidance to define
the sphere of the legislative action of its elected representatives
would be totally withdrawn."
Some of the youth, you indicate, were puzzled as to how to reconcile the
former of these two passages with such statements
*A letter addressed to a new believer.
page 38
as that in the Will of 'Abdu'l-Bahá which affirms that the Universal
House of Justice is "freed from all error."
Just as the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá does not in any way
contradict the Kitáb-i-Aqdas but, in the Guardian's words, "confirms,
supplements, and correlates the provisions of the Aqdas," so the
writings of the Guardian contradict neither the revealed Word nor the
interpretations of the Master. In attempting to understand the Writings,
therefore, one must first realize that there is and can be no real
contradiction in them, and in the light of this we can confidently seek
the unity of meaning which they contain.
The Guardian and the Universal House of Justice have certain duties and
functions in common; each also operates within a separate and distinct
sphere. As Shoghi Effendi explained, "...it is made indubitably clear
and evident that the Guardian of the Faith has been made the Interpreter
of the Word and that the Universal House of Justice has been invested
with the function of legislating on matters not expressly revealed in
the teachings. The interpretation of the Guardian, functioning within
his own sphere, is as authoritative and binding as the enactments of the
International House of Justice, whose exclusive right and prerogative is
to pronounce upon and deliver the final judgment on such laws and
ordinances as Bahá'u'lláh has not expressly revealed." He goes on to
affirm, "Neither can, nor will ever, infringe upon the sacred and
prescribed domain of the other. Neither will seek to curtail the
specific and undoubted authority with which both have been divinely
invested." It is impossible to conceive that two centers of authority,
which the Master has stated "are both under the care and protection of
the Abhá Beauty, under the shelter and unerring guidance of His Holiness
the Exalted One," could conflict with one another, because both are
vehicles of the same Divine Guidance.
The Universal House of Justice, beyond its function as the enactor of
legislation, has been invested with the more general
page 39
functions of protecting and administering the Cause, solving obscure
questions and deciding upon matters that have caused difference. Nowhere
is it stated that the infallibility of the Universal House of Justice is
by virtue of the Guardian's membership or presence on that body. Indeed,
'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will and Shoghi Effendi in his "Dispensation of
Bahá'u'lláh" have both explicitly stated that the elected members of the
Universal House of Justice in consultation are recipients of unfailing
Divine Guidance. Furthermore the Guardian himself in "The World Order of
Bahá'u'lláh" asserted that "It must be also clearly understood by every
believer that the institution of Guardianship does not under any
circumstances abrogate, or even in the slightest degree detract from,
the powers granted to the Universal House of Justice by Bahá'u'lláh in
the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and repeatedly and solemnly confirmed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá
in His Will. It does not constitute in any manner a contradiction to the
Will and Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, nor does it nullify any of His
revealed instructions."
While the specific responsibility of the Guardian is the interpretation
of the Word, he is also invested with all the powers and prerogatives
necessary to discharge his function as Guardian of the Cause, its Head
and supreme protector. He is, furthermore, made the irremovable head and
member for life of the supreme legislative body of the Faith. It is as
the head of the Universal House of Justice, and as a member of that
body, that the Guardian takes part in the process of legislation. If the
following passage, which gave rise to your query, is considered as
referring to this last relationship, you will see that there is no
contradiction between it and the other texts: "Though the Guardian of
the Faith has been made the permanent head of so august a body he can
never, even temporarily, assume the right of exclusive legislation. He
cannot override the decision of the majority of his fellow- members, but
is bound to insist upon a reconsideration by
page 40
them of any enactment he conscientiously believes to conflict with the
meaning and to depart from the spirit of Bahá'u'lláh's revealed
utterances."
Although the Guardian, in relation to his fellow-members within the
Universal House of Justice, cannot override the decision of the
majority, it is inconceivable that the other members would ignore any
objection he raised in the course of consultation or pass legislation
contrary to what he expressed as being in harmony with the spirit of the
Cause. It is, after all, the final act of judgment delivered by the
Universal House of Justice that is vouchsafed infallibility, not any
views expressed in the course of the process of enactment.
It can be seen, therefore, that there is no conflict between the
Master's statements concerning the unfailing divine guidance conferred
upon the Universal House of Justice and the above passage from "The
Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh."
It may help the friends to understand this relationship if they are
aware of some of the processes that the Universal House of Justice
follows when legislating. First, of course, it observes the greatest
care in studying the Sacred Texts and the interpretations of the
Guardian as well as considering the views of all the members. After long
consultation the process of drafting a pronouncement is put into effect.
During this. process the whole matter may well be reconsidered. As a
result of such reconsideration the final judgment may be significantly
different from the conclusion earlier favored, or possibly it may be
decided not to legislate at all on that subject at that time. One can
understand how great would be the attention paid to the views of the
Guardian during the above process were he alive.
In considering the second passage we must once more hold fast to the
principle that the teachings do not contradict themselves.
Future Guardians are clearly envisaged and referred to in the Writings.
But there is nowhere any promise or guarantee
page 41
that the line of Guardians would endure forever; on the contrary there
are clear indications that the line could be broken. Yet, in spite of
this, there is a repeated insistence in the Writings on the
indestructibility of the Covenant and the immutability of God's Purpose
for this Day. One of the most striking passages which envisage the
possibility of such a break in the line of Guardians is in the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas itself:
The endowments dedicated to charity revert to God, the Revealer of
Signs. No one has the right to lay hold on them without leave from the
Dawning-Place of Revelation. After Him the decision rests with the
Aghsán (Branches), and after them with the House of Justice — should it
be established in the world by then — so that they may use these
endowments for the benefit of the Sites exalted in this Cause, and for
that which they have been commanded by God, the Almighty, the
All-Powerful. Otherwise the endowments should be referred to the people
of Bahá, who speak not without His leave and who pass no judgment but in
accordance with that which God has ordained in this Tablet, they who are
the champions of victory betwixt heaven and earth, so that they may
spend them on that which has been decreed in the Holy Book by God, the
Mighty, the Bountiful.
The passing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957 precipitated the very situation
provided for in this passage, in that the line of Aghsán ended before
the House of Justice had been elected. Although, as is seen, the ending
of the line of Aghsán at some stage was provided for, we must never
underestimate the grievous loss that the Faith has suffered. God's
purpose for mankind remains unchanged, however, and the mighty Covenant
of Bahá'u'lláh remains impregnable. Has not
Bahá'u'lláh stated
categorically, "The Hand of Omnipotence hath established His Revelation
upon an unassailable, an
page 42
enduring foundation." While 'Abdu'l-Bahá confirms: "Verily, God
effecteth that which He pleaseth; naught can annul His Covenant; naught
can obstruct His favor nor oppose His Cause!" "Everything is subject to
corruption; but the Covenant of thy Lord shall continue to pervade all
regions." "The tests of every dispensation are in direct proportion to
the greatness of the Cause and as heretofore such a manifest Covenant,
written by the Supreme Pen, has not been entered upon, the tests are
proportionately severe... These agitations of the violators are no
more than the foam of the ocean,... this froth of the ocean shall not
endure and shall soon disappear and vanish, while on the other hand the
ocean of the Covenant shall eternally surge and roar." And Shoghi
Effendi has clearly stated: "The bedrock on which this Administrative
Order is founded is God's immutable Purpose for mankind in this day."
"...this priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now still in its embryonic
state, shall evolve within the shell of His Law, and shall forge ahead,
undivided and unimpaired, till it embraces the whole of mankind."
In the Bahá'í Faith there are two authoritative centers appointed to
which the believers must turn, for in reality the Interpreter of the
Word is an extension of that center which is the Word itself. The Book
is the record of the utterance of Bahá'u'lláh, while the divinely
inspired Interpreter is the living Mouth of that Book — it is he and he
alone who can authoritatively state what the Book means. Thus one center
is the Book with its Interpreter, and the other is the Universal House
of Justice guided by God to decide on whatever is not explicitly
revealed in the Book. This pattern of centers and their relationships is
apparent at every stage in the unfoldment of the Cause. In the
Kitáb-i-Aqdas Bahá'u'lláh tells the believers to refer after
His passing
to the Book, and to "Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from
this Ancient Root." In the Kitáb-i-'Ahd (the Book of Bahá'u'lláh's
Covenant), He makes it clear that this reference is to 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
page 43
In the Aqdas Bahá'u'lláh also ordains the institution of the Universal
House of Justice, and confers upon it the powers necessary for it to
discharge its ordained functions. The Master in His Will and Testament
explicitly institutes the Guardianship, which Shoghi Effendi states was
clearly anticipated in the verses of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, reaffirms and
elucidates the authority of the Universal House of Justice, and refers
the believers once again to the Book: "Unto the Most Holy Book everyone
must turn and all that is not expressly recorded therein must be
referred to the Universal House of Justice," and at the very end of the
Will He says: "All must seek guidance and turn unto the Center of the
Cause and the House of Justice. And he that turneth unto whatsoever else
is indeed in grievous error."
As the sphere of jurisdiction of the Universal House of Justice in
matters of legislation extends to whatever is not explicitly revealed in
the Sacred Text, it is clear that the Book itself is the highest
authority and delimits the sphere of action
of the House of Justice. Likewise, the Interpreter of the Book must also
have the authority to define the sphere of the legislative action of the
elected representatives of the Cause. The writings of the Guardian and
the advice given by him over the thirty-six years of his Guardianship
show the way in which he exercised this function in relation to the
Universal House of Justice as well as to National and Local Spiritual
Assemblies.
The fact that the Guardian has the authority to define the
sphere of the legislative action of the Universal House of Justice does
not carry with it the corollary that without such guidance the Universal
House of Justice might stray beyond the limits of its proper authority;
such a deduction would conflict with all the other texts referring to
its infallibility, and specifically with the Guardian's own clear
assertion that the Universal House of Justice never can or will infringe
on the sacred and prescribed domain of the Guardianship. It should be
remembered, however, that although National and Local
page 44
Spiritual Assemblies can receive divine guidance if they consult in the
manner and spirit described by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, they do not share in the
explicit guarantees of infallibility conferred upon the Universal House
of Justice. Any careful student of the Cause can see with what care the
Guardian, after the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, guided these elected
representatives of the believers in the painstaking erection of the
Administrative Order and in the formulation of Local and National Bahá'í
Constitutions.
We hope that these elucidations will assist the friends in understanding
these relationships more clearly, but we must all remember that we stand
too close to the beginnings of the System ordained by Bahá'u'lláh to be
able fully to understand its potentialities or the interrelationships of
its component parts. As Shoghi Effendi's secretary wrote on his behalf
to an individual believer on 25 March 1930, "The contents of the Will of
the Master are far too much for the present generation to comprehend. It
needs at least a century of actual working before the treasures of
wisdom hidden in it can be revealed..."
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Noninterference in Political Affairs
8 February 1970
To: National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
For long centuries the African Continent, or rather that great part of
it which lies south of the Sahara, remained relatively isolated from the
rest of the world, untroubled and scarcely touched by the surging
conflicts of the nations to the north and east. Now, rapidly emerging
into the main stream of
page 45
international interest, the African peoples, who were compared by
Bahá'u'lláh to the black pupil of the eye through which "the light of
the spirit shineth forth," are being swept by the heady enthusiasms of
new-found independence, torn by the conflicting forces of divergent
political interests, their vision obscured by the haze of materialism
and the dust of nationalistic passions and age-old tribal rivalries.
In the midst of the storm and stress of the battles of selfish interests
being waged about them, stand the followers of the Most Great Name,
their sight attracted to the rising Sun of God's Holy Cause, their
hearts welded together in a bond of true unity with all the children of
men, and their voices raised in a universal song of praise to the Glory
of God and the oneness of mankind, calling on their fellowmen to forget
and forgo their differences and join them in obedience and service to
God's Holy Command in this Day.
The Army of the Cause, advancing at the bidding of the Lord, to conquer
the hearts of men, can never be defeated, but its rate of advance can be
slowed down by acts of unwisdom and ignorance on the part of its
supporters. We are writing you this letter to help in clarifying some of
the issues that have, in the past, blurred the vision of some of the
believers, and caused them to commit errors of judgment which have
retarded the progress of the Faith in their countries.
One of these issues, and by far the most important, is a lack of
appreciation of the implications of the Bahá'í principle of
noninterference in political affairs. We find that 'Abdu'l-Bahá and
Shoghi Effendi have given us clear and convincing reasons why we must
uphold this principle. These reasons are summarized below for the study
and deepening of the friends. It is our hope that these observations
will not only help the friends to intelligently and radiantly follow the
holy teachings on this matter, but will help them to explain the Bahá'í
attitude to those who may question its wisdom and usefulness:
page 46
The Faith of God is the sole source of salvation for mankind today. The
true cause of the ills of humanity is its disunity. No matter how
perfect may be the machinery devised by the leaders of men for the
political unity of the world, it will still not provide the antidote to
the poison sapping the vigor of present-day society. These ills can be
cured only through the instrumentality of God's Faith. There are many
well-wishers of mankind who devote their efforts to relief-work and
charity and to the material well-being of man, but only Bahá'ís can do
the work which God most wants done. When we devote ourselves to the work
of the Faith we are doing a work which is the greatest aid and only
refuge for a needy and divided world.
The Bahá'í Community is a worldwide organization seeking to establish
true and universal peace on earth. If a Bahá'í works for one political
party to overcome another it is a negation of the very spirit of the
Faith. Membership in any political party, therefore, necessarily entails
repudiation of some or all of the principles of peace and unity
proclaimed by Bahá'u'lláh. As 'Abdu'l-Bahá stated: "Our party is God's
party; we do not belong to any party."
If a Bahá'í were to insist on his right to support a certain political
party he could not deny the same degree of freedom to other believers.
This would mean that within the ranks of the Faith, whose primary
mission is to unite all men as one great family under God, there would
be Bahá'ís opposed to each other. Where, then, would be the example of
unity and harmony which the world is seeking?
If the institutions of the Faith, God forbid, became involved in
politics, the Bahá'ís would find themselves arousing antagonism instead
of love. If they took one stand in one country, they would be bound to
change the views of the people in another country about the aims and
purposes of the Faith. By becoming involved in political disputes, the
Bahá'ís instead of changing the world or helping it, would
page 47
themselves be lost and destroyed. The world situation is so confused and
moral issues which were once clear have become so mixed up with selfish
and battling factions, that the best way Bahá'ís can serve the highest
interests of their country and the cause of true salvation for the
world, is to sacrifice their political pursuits and affiliations and
wholeheartedly and fully support the divine system of Bahá'u'lláh.
The Faith is not opposed to the true interests of any nation, nor is it
against any party or faction. It holds aloof from all controversies and
transcends them all, while enjoining upon its followers loyalty to
government and a sane patriotism. This love for their country the
Bahá'ís show by serving its well-being in their daily activity, or by
working in the administrative channels of the government instead of
through party politics or in diplomatic or political posts. The Bahá'ís
may, indeed are encouraged to, mix with all strata of society, with the
highest authorities and with leading personalities as well as with the
mass of the people, and should bring the knowledge of the Faith to them;
but in so doing they should strictly avoid becoming identified, or
identifying the Faith, with political pursuits and party programs.
So vital is this principle of noninterference in political matters,
which must govern the acts and words of Bahá'ís in every land, that
Shoghi Effendi has written that "Neither the charges which the
uninformed and the malicious may be led to bring against them, nor the
allurements of honors and rewards" would ever induce the true believers
to deviate from this path, and that their words and conduct must
proclaim that the followers of Bahá'u'lláh "are actuated by no selfish
ambition, that they neither thirst for power, nor mind any wave of
unpopularity, of distrust or criticism, which a strict adherence to
their standards might provoke."
page 48
"Difficult and delicate though be our task," he continues, "the
sustaining power of Bahá'u'lláh and of His Divine guidance will
assuredly assist us, if we follow steadfastly in His way, and strive to
uphold the integrity of His laws. The light of His redeeming grace,
which no earthly power can obscure, will if we persevere, illuminate our
path, as we steer our course amid the snares and pitfalls of a troubled
age and will enable us to discharge our duties in a manner that would
redound to the glory and honor of His blessed Name."
The second issue which causes difficulties for the African friends in
these days is the matter of tribalism. As Bahá'ís they are convinced
that mankind is one and must be viewed as one entity, yet, as members of
their respective tribes, they find themselves expected by their
non-Bahá'í brothers to give their first loyalty to, and even
aggressively pursue the interests of, their tribe. They live, moreover,
in an atmosphere which is only too often one of mistrust, fear and even
hatred against the members of other tribes.
The Bahá'í attitude in such a situation is clearly set forth in the
Writings. As Bahá'ís we are attached to our tribes and clans, just as we
are to our families and, on a larger scale, to our nations, but we do
not allow this attachment to conflict with our wider loyalty to
humanity. The followers of the Faith, the Guardian has clearly stated,
"will not hesitate to subordinate every particular interest, be it
personal, regional or national, to the overriding interests of the
generality of mankind, knowing full well that in a world of
interdependent peoples and nations the advantage of the part is best to
be reached by the advantage of the whole, and that no lasting result can
be achieved by any of the component parts if the general interests of
the entity itself are neglected."
In further elucidating this theme he has written: "Let there be no
misgivings as to the animating purpose of the worldwide Law of
Bahá'u'lláh... It does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress,
the diversity of ethnical origins, of climate, of
page 49
history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that
differentiate the peoples and nations of the world. It calls for a wider
loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the human
race. It insists upon the subordination of national impulses and
interests to the imperative claims of a unified world. It repudiates
excessive centralization on one hand, and disclaims all attempts at
uniformity on the other. Its watchword is unity in diversity..."
In these days when tribal tensions are increasing in Africa the friends
should be vigilant lest any trace of prejudice or hatred, God forbid,
may enter their midst. On the contrary, they should endeavor to bring
into the Faith an ever larger representation of the various tribes in
each country, and through complete lack of prejudice as well as through
the love that Bahá'ís have for each other and for their
non-Bahá'í
neighbors, demonstrate to their countrymen what the Word of God can do.
They will thus provide, for the scrutiny of the leaders and rulers of
their countries, a shining example of a unified community, working
together in full concord and harmony, demonstrating a hope that is
attainable, and a pattern worthy to be emulated.
To discriminate against any tribes because they are in a minority is a
violation of the spirit that animates the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. As
followers of God's Holy Faith it is our obligation to protect the just
interests of any minority element within the Bahá'í community. In fact
in the administration of our Bahá'í affairs, representatives of minority
groups are not only enabled to enjoy equal rights and privileges, but
they are even favored and accorded priority. Bahá'ís should be careful
never to deviate from this noble standard, even if the course of events
or public opinion should bring pressure to bear upon them.
The principles in the Writings are clear, but usually it is when these
principles are applied that questions arise. In all cases where the
correct course of action is not clear believers should consult their
National Spiritual Assembly who will
page 50
exercise their judgment in advising the friends on the best course to
follow.
It is the hope and prayer of the Universal House of Justice that
National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa will, in full collaboration with
the Continental Boards of Counselors and Auxiliary Boards in their
areas, act as loving shepherds to the divine flock in that mighty
Continent, protect the friends from the evil influences surrounding
them, guide them in the true and right path, and assist them to attain a
continuously deeper understanding, a firmer conviction and a more
consuming love for the Cause they are so devotedly seeking to promote
and serve.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Attainment of Consultative Status with the
United Nations Economic and Social Council
18 February 1970
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We share with you the text of a cable sent today to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the United States for publication in "Bahá'í
News":
Joyfully announce Bahá'í world attainment consultative status United
Nations Economic and Social Council thereby fulfilling long cherished
hope beloved Guardian and World Center goal Nine Year Plan. Sustained
persistent efforts more than twenty years accredited representatives
Bahá'í International Community United Nations devoted support
Bahá'í
communities throughout world finally rewarded. Significant achievement
adds prestige influence recognition ever advancing Faith Bahá'u'lláh.
Offering
page 51
prayers gratitude Holy Shrines (Signed) Universal House of Justice.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
The Spirit of Bahá'í Consultation
6 March 1970
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of Canada.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
We have your letter of 14 January 1970 asking questions about the
decision-making process of Spiritual Assemblies.
It is important to realize that the spirit of Bahá'í consultation is
very different from that current in the decision-making processes of
non-Bahá'í bodies.
The ideal of Bahá'í consultation is to arrive at a unanimous decision.
When this is not possible a vote must be taken. In the words of the
beloved Guardian: "...when they are called upon to arrive at a
certain decision, they should, after dispassionate, anxious and cordial
consultation, turn to God in prayer, and with earnestness and conviction
and courage record their vote and abide by the voice of the majority,
which we are told by the Master to be the voice of truth, never to be
challenged, and always to be whole-heartedly enforced."
As soon as a decision is reached it becomes the decision of the whole
Assembly, not merely of those members who happened to be among the
majority.
When it is proposed to put a matter to the vote, a member of the
Assembly may feel that there are additional facts or views which must be
sought before he can make up his mind and intelligently vote on the
proposition. He should express this feeling to the Assembly, and it is
for the Assembly to decide whether or not further consultation is needed
before voting.
page 52
Whenever it is decided to vote on a proposition all that is required is
to ascertain how many of the members are in favor of it; if this is a
majority of those present, the motion is carried; if it is a minority,
the motion is defeated. Thus the whole question of "abstaining" does not
arise in Bahá'í voting. A member who does not vote in favor of a
proposition is, in effect, voting against it, even if at that moment he
himself feels that he has been unable to make up his mind on the matter.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Ridván Message 1970
Ridván 1970
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The following is the text of our message to the Bahá'í world which has
been cabled to certain National Spiritual Assemblies:
Bahá'í World Community entering seventh year Nine Year Plan has amply
demonstrated ability scale heights devotion sacrifice win astonishing
victories world redeeming world healing world uniting Faith. At this
Ridván extend loving welcome eleven new National Spiritual Assemblies
now forming seven in Africa one in Americas one in Asia two in
Australasia raising to ninetyfour number supporting pillars Universal
House Justice. Moved pay loving tribute Hands Cause God their brilliant
services blazing teaching trails surface planet uplifting advising
Assemblies friends all continents. In view effective reinforcement this
noble work by able dedicated Continental Boards Counselors their
Auxiliary Boards together with growing need and expansion world
community announce augmentation vital institution through appointment
three additional Counselors Iraj Ayman western Asia Anneliese Bopp Betty
Reed Europe
page 53
and authorization appointment fortyfive additional Auxiliary Board
members nine Africa sixteen Asia two Australasia eighteen Western
Hemisphere. Calling formation four National Spiritual Assemblies Ridván
1971 Lesotho seat Maseru Ivory Coast Mali and Upper Volta seat Abidjan
Trinidad and Tobago seat Port of Spain Solomon Islands seat Honiara.
Nine Year Plan already marked great achievements pioneering proclamation
recognition Faith upsurge youth acquisition properties commencement
construction Panama Temple developments World Center. Urgent immediate
vital need concentrate attention increase number localities Local
Spiritual Assemblies believers fill remaining pioneer posts. Last Ridván
call raised sevenhundred and thirtythree pioneers minimum requirement.
Fourhundred and seventynine specific posts still unfilled. Total
victory requires more pioneers more funds more new believers. Hands
Cause Counselors Board Members National Local Spiritual Assemblies every
single follower Bahá'u'lláh summoned utmost effort remaining years Nine
Year Plan. Achievement this step Master's Divine Plan will endow
community capacity administrative agencies undertake next stage
implementation supreme purpose Bahá'u'lláh's revelation unification
mankind establishment long promised Kingdom God this earth. Assure
ardent loving prayers Holy Shrines.
|
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
|
Second National Youth Conference
in the United States
11 June 1970
Bahá'í
Wilmette Illinois USA
Greet representatives vibrant army Bahá'í youth United States gathered
national conference blessed inspiring presence
page 54
participation beloved Amatu'l-Bahá. Growing effectiveness
Bahá'í youth
evidenced rising tide enrollments and eagerness study exemplify
teachings Faith every aspect lives shoulder responsibilities Plan home
abroad source joy House Justice and inspiration followers Bahá'u'lláh
throughout world. Fervently praying Lord Hosts will bountifully
reinforce every effort American Bahá'í youth achieve glorious victories
Five Year Plan so audaciously adopted 1968 setting shining example
making outstanding contribution completion worldwide Nine Year Plan
proclaim Cause God deeply suffering mankind.
|
Universal House of Justice
|
Message to Bolivia and Mauritius
Conferences — August 1970.
August 1970
To the Continental Conference in La Paz, Bolivia and
the Oceanic Conference in Rose-Hill, Mauritius.
Beloved Friends,
Our hearts turn with eager expectancy to the twin Conferences now in
session in the southern hemisphere. Their convocation so shortly after
the worldwide commemoration of the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the
Purest Branch, calls to mind that the promotion and establishment of
the Faith of God have always been through sacrifice and dedicated
service. Indeed, these very Conferences testify to the creative power,
the fruitfulness, the invocation of Divine confirmations which result
from sacrificial service to the Cause of God. Although both Bolivia and
Mauritius are mentioned specifically in the tablets of the Divine Plan,
the Cause, even thirty-five years ago, was virtually unknown in those
areas: today we witness the holding of these historic Conferences.
Little wonder that South America, whose rulers and presidents
page 55
were addressed by Bahá'u'lláh in His Kitáb-i-Aqdas, of whose
indigenous
believers the Master, in those Tablets already referred to, wrote "...
Should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no
doubt that through the divine teachings they will become so enlightened
that the whole earth will be illumined," should have exerted a magnetic
attraction upon a number of ardent souls in the northern continent,
eager to serve in so promising a field. A band of heroic pioneers,
bearing the Message of Bahá'u'lláh, gradually penetrated its wide
territories, its jungles and mountains. They were followed by others
under systematic crusades of two Seven-Year Plans and the beloved
Guardian's Ten-Year Plan and together they became the spiritual
conquerors of that continent. The Latin American communities which arose
as a result of their pioneer efforts were described by the beloved
Guardian as "associates in the execution" of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine Plan.
May Maxwell, one of the great heroines of the Faith, attained her
longed-for crown of martyrdom in Buenos Aires; Panama became the site of
the sixth Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of the Bahá'í world, and La Paz,
Bolivia, is
now the scene of this Continental Conference.
The Indian Ocean, whose furthermost waves lap the shores of the Cradle
of our Faith, upon whose waters the Divine Báb traveled in the course of
His pilgrimage to Mecca, the heart of Islám, where He openly announced
His Mission; whose mighty subcontinent from which it derives its name
was the home and assigned province of the ninth Letter of the Living;
whose major islands were severally mentioned by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in the
second of His Tablets of the Divine Plan, lay, for most of a century,
fallow to the Word of God, a challenge to the promotion of His Faith.
This challenge was answered by half a hundred Knights of Bahá'u'lláh,
who, in response to the beloved Guardian's call left their homes and
wholeheartedly gave themselves to the establishment of the
page 56
Cause in those parts. They implanted the banner of Bahá'u'lláh upon its
atolls, its great islands and bordering territories. Now, in the midmost
heart of that huge expanse of sea, Mauritius, an island whose name was
enshrined in Bahá'í history during the Heroic Age of our Faith as the
source, two years before 'Abdu'l-Bahá's arrival in America, of a
contribution to the purchase of the site of the Mother Temple of the
West, has been chosen as the venue of this oceanic Conference.
Not only have the institutions of the Faith been established in this
ocean and this continent, but the spirit of the New Day, brilliant even
at this early dawn with the light of Bahá'u'lláh's gifts to man, is
apparent in the diversity of the attendants, in the brotherhood of
erstwhile strangers — even enemies — and above all in the noble purposes
for which you have gathered.
Your aim is the redemption of mankind from its godlessness, its
ignorance, its confusion and conflict. You will succeed, as those before
you succeeded, by sacrifice to the Cause of God. The deeds and services
required of you now, will shine in the future, even as those of your
spiritual predecessors shine today and will forever shine in the annals
of the Cause.
We share with you the spiritual delight of these occasions and assure
you of our constant and ardent prayers that your deliberations upon the
objectives of the Cause in your areas and the spiritual fellowship which
you will enjoy will result in immediate and determined plans to
complete the tasks assigned to you ere the rapidly approaching end of
the Nine Year Plan. This Plan is the current stage of the Master's
Divine Plan and its success must precede those greater triumphs when, as
the result of your labors, the divine outpourings will raise up a vast
concourse of radiant and devoted servants of Bahá'u'lláh who will
es