To all National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear friends,
We have been receiving with deep joy and gratification,
reports of the Conventions held throughout the Bahá'í world during the Ridvan
period just concluded and the national and regional elections resulting in the
formation of sixty-nine National Spiritual Assemblies.
The announcement of the goals of the Nine Year Plan has
received universally a warm response. Individuals, Conventions and Assemblies
have pledged loyalty and given assurance of the execution of the assigned goals
with determination and dedication. In two cases a goal has already been
declared accomplished.
If your Assembly has been given what appears to be a heavy
task, particularly in terms of home-front goals, you should consider how this
can be phased so that your teaching programme is conducted systematically. When
you do work out such an internal plan we would appreciate receiving a copy.
We feel that at this time certain guidelines could be given
to the National Spiritual Assemblies to assist them in the understanding and
attainment of the goals assigned to them.
New and Unsettled Territories: this aspect of the Plan is of vital importance. It involves the establishment of points of light in new territories, the further diffusion of the radiance of the Faith of God and is directly linked with the prestige and international status of the Faith. It is essential that the enthusiasm generated at the Conventions be capitalized upon and the pioneers who have offered their services are directed wisely and energetically to the posts to be opened and resettled.
Acquisition of Properties: as prices generally are soaring
everywhere it is important that properties called for in the Plan be purchased
as soon as funds are made available. Your National Assembly is no doubt
conscious of the fact that wherever a Haziratu'l-Quds has been allocated it
should be a modest structure, acquired in a dignified location within the civil
limits of the town or city named in the Plan. However, a Temple site could be
near the city, as it is not essential that it be located within the civil
limits of the city.
National Endowments: the object here is not to buy an
extensive property. A token piece of land, possibly donated by a believer, is
all that is required for the moment.
Teaching Institute: this is essentially an activity aimed at
deepening the knowledge of the friends to prepare them for active participation
in the teaching work. In some countries it may continue to be an activity
conducted either in local Bahá'í Centres or possibly housed in hired quarters,
like most Summer Schools. However, in other countries, and particularly in mass
teaching areas, it may have to be a modest structure acquired or erected in the
rural areas where the majority of the believers reside rather than in capital
cities, to obviate transportation expenses for those attending.
Recognition of the Faith: such goals as national and local
incorporations, as well as applications to obtain recognition of the Bahá'í
Marriage Certificate and Bahá'í Holy Days, should be embarked upon only when
circumstances are propitious and there is reasonable assurance that the goal
can be attained.
New Languages: the translation of Bahá'í literature into new
languages should be carefully co-ordinated with the settlement of pioneers in
areas using such languages. Therefore, this is a goal which must be pursued
vigorously and without delay so that the teaching work may proceed effectively
in these areas.
If in the pursuit of any of the above or other goals your
Assembly should experience any difficulty or need any clarification, you are
welcome to write to us at once.
We assure you of our constant prayers at the Holy Shrines
for the befitting discharge of your responsibilities under the Nine Year Plan.
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963 to 1986)
