Acceptance of Decisions Made by the Local Spiritual Assembly

17 February 1998

To a Local Spiritual Assembly

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has received your email of 8 January 1998 in which you forwarded a question from one of the members of your Bahá’í community . . . regarding the recourse of the friends when they believe an Assembly has made an error. We are to reply as follows.

First, it is important to consider the unique nature of the Bahá'í Administrative Order, and the responsibilities of the individuals and the institutions within it. As...is no doubt aware, in the Bahá'í system, the individual votes for the members of the Spiritual Assembly with the understanding that she or he is free to choose without any interference whomever his conscience prompts him to select, and freely accepts the authority of the outcome. Submission of the believers to the decisions of the Assembly is essential to the achievement and maintenance of unity within the community. In the act of voting, the individual subscribes to a covenant by which the orderliness of society is upheld. The Assembly has the responsibility to guide, direct and decide on community affairs and the right to be obeyed and supported by members of the community. The individual has the responsibility to establish and maintain the Assembly through election, the offering of advice, moral support and material assistance; and he has the right to be heard by it, to receive its guidance and assistance, and to appeal any Assembly decision which he conscientiously feels is unjust or detrimental to the community.

Concerning the accountability of the Spiritual Assemblies, the Guardian in ‘God Passes By’ (p. 331) wrote that the Assemblies are "invested with an authority rendering them unanswerable for their acts and decisions to those who elect them," and that they are "solemnly pledged to follow, under all conditions, the dictates of the ‘Most Great Justice' that can alone usher in the reign of the ‘Most Great Peace' which Bahá'u'lláh has proclaimed and must ultimately establish." The Assemblies are therefore responsible to God rather than to those who elect them.

Martyrdom of Two Believers in Iran

18 August 1997

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

It is with much sadness that the Universal House of Justice has received the disturbing news that two more believers in Iran have been killed because of their Faith. While you may share this information with your community, no action should be taken at this time to publicize it in the media.

Mr. Masha’llah Enayati (Mashá’lláh ‘Ináyatí), a 63-year-old Bahá’í resident of Tihrán, who was well known for having constantly taught the Faith in a bold and zealous manner, died on 4 July 1997 after being severely beaten while in custody. During a visit to his native village of Ardistán to attend the meeting held to commemorate the anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, Mr. Enayati was arrested in circumstances which are not clear. He was taken to prison in Isfahán, where he was severely beaten on all parts of the body. It appears that he was held in prison for about a week before being taken to a hospital. His daughter, who lives in Australia, was in Iran at the time and visited her father in the hospital, where he was still under armed guard, though it was only a minor matter for which he had been arrested. She witnessed the effects of the beating, including visible bruising all over his body and especially on his hands, which were black from his injuries. She reports that he was in good health before his arrest. Mr. Enayati passed away in the hospital. The Friends in Iran have added that Mr. Enayati’s death certificate is worded in a most unusual way, suggesting that the doctor may himself have been under threat and thereby pressured to falsify the certificate. Under "cause of death" is entered, "Will be known later," in the handwriting of the doctor.

Baha’i International Community’s United Nations Office and Office of Public Information

11 August 1997

To National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

In our letter of 10 October 1994 conveying a paper on the external affairs strategy approved by the Universal House of Justice, we were instructed to say that the coordination of the external affairs work would be effected through close collaboration between National Spiritual Assemblies and the Bahá’í International Community’s United Nations Office and Office of Public Information, and we also indicated that it would take some time before these Offices would be prepared to initiate communications with you concerning the details of the plans to be pursued. Our purpose in writing to you now is to say that the United Nations Office will shortly launch its first coordinated program of diplomatic work in accordance with the strategy. The program will be concerned with human rights education. In anticipation of this initial effort, the House of Justice wishes us to convey the following.

As you know, the external affairs work falls into two main categories: diplomatic and public information. The emphasis of the United Nations Office, as distinct from that of the Office of Public Information, will be on the plans to be executed by your Assemblies towards building effective relations with your governments and influencing official attitudes and policies on matters of global, rather than of strictly national, importance. The efforts thus required necessitate the exercise of skills and approaches similar to those employed in the campaign to defend our persecuted coreligionists in Iran and other countries. The obvious difference with the external affairs strategy is that your concentration will be on promoting the interests of society as a whole and not on calling attention to a need to assist the Bahá'í community.

"The Establishment of Regional Bahá’í Councils in Certain Countries: Their Characteristics and Functions"

30 May 1997

The Formation of Regional Bahá'í Councils

• Authority for the formation of Regional Bahá’í Councils: The formation of Regional Bahá’í Councils in any country, and the choice of the regions to be assigned to them are dependent upon the approval of the Universal House of Justice in each case.
• Conditions indicating a need for the formation of Regional Bahá’í Councils: Regional Bahá’í Councils will be formed only in certain specific situations where this kind of decentralization is judged by the Universal House of Justice to be appropriate.

The Characteristic Features of Regional Baha’i Councils

• Mode of Establishment and Membership
• Regional Baha’i Councils are not necessarily established universally throughout a country, but rather in those regions where the condition and size of the Baha’i community indicate that such a development would be beneficial. In such cases, all other parts of the country remain under the well-established pattern of national committees, including a national teaching committee and its regional teaching committees.
• The number of members of a Regional Baha’i Council is nine or, in certain cases, seven or even five, depending upon the decision of the National Spiritual Assembly in each case.
• In accordance with local requirements and the condition of the Bahá’í community, the Universal House of Justice will decide which Regional Bahá’í Councils are to be formed by election and which by appointment.
• It is within the discretion of the National Spiritual Assembly to decide, case by case, whether its members may also serve on Regional Bahá’í Councils. In general the preference is for members of National Assemblies not to serve on Councils, whether these be elected or appointed bodies.
• Regional Bahá’í Councils formed by election

Formation of Regional Baha’i Councils: - “a new element of Baha’i administration, between the local and national levels”

30 May 1997

To National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The expansion of the Baha’i community and the growing complexity of the issues which are facing National Spiritual Assemblies in certain countries have brought the Cause to a new stage in its development. They have caused us in recent years to examine various aspects of the balance between centralization and decentralization. In a few countries we have authorized the National Spiritual Assemblies to establish State Baha’i Councils or Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees. From the experience gained in the operation of these bodies, and from detailed examination of the principles set forth by Shoghi Effendi, we have reached the conclusion that the time has arrived for us to formalize a new element of Baha’i administration, between the local and national levels, comprising institutions of a special kind, to be designated as “Regional Baha’i Councils.”

Regional Bahá’í Councils will be brought into being only with our permission and only in countries where conditions make this step necessary. Nevertheless, we find it desirable to inform all National Spiritual Assemblies of the nature of this historic development, and to make clear its place in the evolution of national and local Baha’i institutions.

The institutions of the Administrative Order of Bahá'u'lláh, rooted in the provisions of His Revelation, have emerged gradually and organically, as the Bahá’í community has grown through the power of the divine impulse imparted to humankind in this age. The characteristics and functions of each of these institutions have evolved, and are still evolving, as are the relationships between them. The writings of the beloved Guardian expound the fundamental elements of this mighty System and make it clear that the Administrative Order, although different in many ways from the World Order which it is the destiny of the Baha’i Revelation to call into being, is both the “nucleus” and “pattern” of that World Order. Thus, the evolution of the institutions of the Administrative Order, while following many variants to meet changing conditions in different times and places, should strictly follow the essential principles of Bahá’í administration which have been laid down in the Sacred Text and in the interpretations provided by Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian.

Importance of Upholding the Prohibition on Alcoholic Beverages

30 March 1997

To all National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa

Dear Baha’i Friends,

Ever since the launching of the Four Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice has noted, with deep satisfaction, the manner in which Baha’i institutions and communities of the African continent have welcomed the spirit and letter of the broad lines of activity set forth in the Plan, and have particularly taken to heart its Ridván message for 153 B.E. to the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in Africa. As a supplement to that message, the Universal House of Justice wishes to convey the following comments to your National Spiritual Assemblies, and through you, to the body of believers in that continent.

The development of the teaching work in Africa has always been characterized by the receptiveness with which the truths of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh have been accepted and valued by the peoples of that vast continent, by the joy stemming from the pure hearts of the African believers as reflected in their radiant faces, and by their growing maturity in appreciating the importance of adherence to Bahá’í laws and ordinances.

One of these ordinances is the clear prohibition in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh of the consumption of alcoholic drinks. This has been explicitly revealed in His Most Holy Book, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. He states, “It is inadmissible that man, who hath been endowed with reason, should consume that which stealeth it away. Nay, rather it behooveth him to comport himself in a manner worthy of the human station, and not in accordance with the misdeeds of every heedless and wavering soul.” In other Tablets, we read from His glorious Pen, “Beware lest ye exchange the Wine of God for your own wine, for it will stupefy your minds, and turn your faces away from the Countenance of God, the All-Glorious, the Peerless, the Inaccessible. Approach it not, for it hath been forbidden unto you by the behest of God, the Exalted, the Almighty.”

Music and Dance at Baha’i Centers

24 March 1997

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Cote d’Ivoire

Dear Baha’i Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has received your faxed letter dated 21 February 1997 in which you raise various questions about the use of music and dance at Bahá’í Centers and we have been asked to respond as follows.

As you may know, in many parts of the world there are certain tribal and traditional dances which are performed in glorification of God, and it is perfectly acceptable for a prayer to be interpreted in the form of movement or dance. However, to avoid that such expressions of prayer become gradually ritualized, or that certain gestures and movements become habitual accompaniments to prayers, it is preferable that they not accompany the reciting of words of the prayers. Through the revealed prayers, we seek communion with God, hence they must be offered with the utmost reverence and dignity. Each individual Bahá’í should be free to pray as he wishes, for there is no set form for prayer except for those few which have special instructions for observance upon their recitation.

Role of National Spiritual Assembly in Private Businesses Run by Baha’is

17 March 1997

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of New Zealand

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has received your letter of 24 January 1997 and has asked us to respond as follows.

The House of Justice commends you for the careful thought you have given to the issues raised about the relationship between the institutions of the Faith and those business enterprises which appear to be helpful in the attainment of Bahá’í objectives. Your account of the present understanding of the National Spiritual Assembly indicates that you are in a good position to offer suitable guidance to any believers who have concerns over these matters.

In drawing attention to private businesses set up by believers, and in encouraging the Baha’is to give serious consideration to availing themselves of such services, a National Assembly should not be regarded as endorsing these businesses, if that is understood to imply some form of guarantee about the efficacy of the service provided by any such business. The analogy of the books produced by Bahá’í publishers used in your letter is quite apt; in publicizing a book or article from such a publisher, there is no implicit assurance that the document is free from error or even that the National Assembly is entirely in agreement with every point made therein. However the National Assembly can well conclude that the product of a business conducted by Baha’is (or even non-Bahá'ís) is useful in the advancement of the interests of the Faith and can properly decide to convey information about it to the believers.

Acquisition of Property for Terraces on Mount Carmel

11 March 1997

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

With joyful and thankful hearts we announce the successful acquisition after many years of difficult negotiations and the subsequent demolition a few days ago of the building which stood as the last obstacle to the completion of the first two terraces of the Shrine of the Báb at the foot of Mount Carmel.

The Universal House of Justice

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Clarification on the Role of Continental Counselors in Pioneering and Travel Teaching

6 March 1997

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Canada

Dear Baha’i Friends,

We have been asked by the Universal House of Justice to respond as follows to your email message of 14 February 1997 on the subject of “Clarification on role of Continental Counselors in international pioneering and traveling teaching.”

As was indicated in the 27 June 1993 letter from the House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World, reference to which was made in your own letter, the launching of the Three Year Plan marked the beginning of a new stage in the administration of the international pioneering work. The implications were spelled out further in a letter of 30 June 1993, written on behalf of the House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies:

“As the friends respond to the pioneer call, the National Spiritual Assemblies and their appropriate agencies will, of course, exert their utmost to offer the administrative support to facilitate their move. However, the approach adopted for the Three Year Plan should free the institutions from the pressure of filling specific goals and allow them to focus their energies on the spiritual preparation of the friends for this vital field of service.”

Message to the Seminar on the Spiritual Axis, Sydney, Australia

12 February 1997

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Australia

We convey our warmest greetings to the friends from Australia, Japan and other countries of the Pacific who have come together at the Seminar on the Spiritual Axis being held in Sydney under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Australia and Japan.

This meeting is being convened at a time when the creative energies released by Bahá'u'lláh are giving rise to fundamental changes in the condition of humanity in your region, breaking down age-old barriers to the spread of the Faith and propelling the believers forward to gather the harvest from seeds sown as long ago as the concluding years of the Apostolic Age of the Cause.

The spiritual axis with which your deliberations will be concerned lies in an area of great strategic value to the future progress of the Faith. It is positioned at the interface between the largest and most populous land mass in the world and an ocean extending over no less than one third of diverse cultures. Sustained pursuit of the teaching work will not only immensely reinforce the human resources available to the Cause, but will also, in due course, attract worldwide attention to the Faith through the influence of the Teachings on the peoples of the small island nations of the Pacific.

It is our hope that, at this meeting, you will consolidate the basis for collaboration in the years and decades ahead through consultation on the challenges and opportunities which now lie before you, and through further reinforcement of the bonds of love and fellowship which unite you in your services to the Faith. By the formulation of plans for cooperative endeavors aimed at strengthening the national communities of this region and fulfilling the needs of the Four Year Plan, you can lay the foundation for dazzling victories in the future.

Our prayers will be offered in the Holy Shrines for the success of your consultations.

The Universal House of Justice

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Passing of Hushang Ahdieh, Former Continental Counselor

6 February 1997

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada

PROFOUNDLY GRIEVED PASSING DEARLY LOVED SERVANT FAITH, HUSHANG AHDIEH. HIS INDEFATIGABLE PIONEER SERVICES AFRICA, INCLUDING OVER TWO DECADES MEMBERSHIP CONTINENTAL BOARD COUNSELORS THAT CONTINENT, AND TRUSTEE ITS FUND UNFORGETTABLE HIS SELF-EFFACEMENT. HIS CAPACITY PROMOTE CONCORD, AND HIS WISDOM COMBINED WITH LOVE EXEMPLIFIED IN DISCHARGE HIS SACRED RESPONSIBILITIES WILL REMAIN SOURCE INSPIRATIONS HIS COLLEAGUES AND FELLOW WORKERS GOD’S HOLY CAUSE.

CONVEY HIS BELOVED WIFE AND DEAR CHILDREN DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND ASSURANCE OUR FERVENT PRAYERS IN HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS RADIANT SOUL ABHA KINGDOM.

ADVISING NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY UGANDA HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERING HIS HONOR IN HOUSE WORSHIP KAMPALA. AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES THROUGHOUT AFRICA HOLD BEFITTING GATHERINGS THEIR COMMUNITIES.

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Call for Contributions to the Bahai International Fund

4 February 1997

To National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

With the Four Year Plan successfully launched and the believers in all parts of the world engaged in the energetic pursuit of its objectives, the Universal House of Justice has decided that it is timely to inform you of the state of the international funds of the Faith. We have been asked to convey the following to you.

As you are well aware, the major focus of attention for the past several years has been the Arc Projects Fund, with the friends summoned to provide financial support for the largest project ever undertaken by the worldwide Bahá’í community. The response of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in every part of the planet has been magnificent, resulting in a sacrificial outpouring of contributions of a magnitude far beyond that ever previously achieved. The House of Justice was pleased to be able to announce in its Ridván 1996 message the accomplishment of the Three Year Plan goal of 74 million U.S. dollars for that Fund.

It appears that the contribution of ten million dollars each year until the end of the century for the Arc Projects Fund, now being made by the believers in response to the call of the House of Justice set out in its letter of 20 June 1995, will be sufficient to meet the needs for completion of this enterprise, although there always remains the possibility of unforeseen disturbances in the years ahead modifying this projection. The planning and execution of the vast undertaking on Mount Carmel is being carried out with careful attention to economy, without compromising the high standards of construction befitting the edifices and terraces on the Mountain of God.

Mason Remey and those who followed him

31 January 1997

To National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá'í Friends,

In recent years advertisements have occasionally appeared in newspapers in various countries, placed by the Covenant-breaker Joel Bray Marangella, seeking to revive his claim to be the "third Guardian of the Faith." This activity could provoke questions among the friends, especially those unfamiliar with the developments associated with the actions of Mason Remey, who broke the Covenant by proclaiming himself the successor to Shoghi Effendi as Guardian. The Universal House of Justice has therefore directed us to send you a copy of a document containing background information on these developments, entitled "Mason Remey and Those Who Followed Him", which was prepared for its files some years ago. You are free to use it now or in the future, in any manner circumstances may require, to provide the friends with the facts it contains.

With loving Bahá'í greetings,

For Department of the Secretariat

Enclosure

cc:  The Hands of the Cause of God

     International Teaching Centre

     Continental Counsellors

(Baha’i Library Online)

Mason Remey and those who followed him

Four Bahá’í Prisoners in Iran Sentenced to Death

28 January 1997

To selected National Spiritual Assemblies

The Universal House of Justice has received the disturbing news from Iran that Mr. Dhabíhu’lláh Mahramí and Mr. Músá Tálibí, both of whom had been condemned to death for apostasy and had appealed against their unjust sentences, have been notified that the Supreme Court of Iran has confirmed the death sentences imposed by the Revolutionary Courts.

This news was received by relatives of Mr. Mahramí and Mr. Tálibí during prison visits. It has been the practice of the Iranian authorities to convey verdicts orally to prisoners, and not to give them a copy of the actual text of the court decision.

A worrying development is that Mr. Tálibí, until now in prison in Isfahán, has been transferred to the notorious Evin Prison in Tihrán. Similarly, Mr. Mahramí has been moved within Yazd, from the prison of the Revolutionary Court to that of the Security and Information Department. . . .

Our letters of 2 April 1996 and 27 September 1996 give details of the cases of Mr. Mahramí and Mr. Tálibí respectively, and the update on the situation in Iran sent by the United Nations Office of the Bahá’í International Community earlier this month provides further information. We have recently received the following personal details from the Friends in Iran. Mr. Mahramí is married and has four children, three daughters, two married and one unmarried, and one unmarried son; Mr. Tálibí is in his mid sixties, is married and has a family of adult children, two of whom live in Canada, one in Australia and the others in the family’s home town of Víláshahr, Ifahán.

There are two more Bahá’ís presently under the death sentence in Iran because of their beliefs, Mr. Kayván Khalajábádí and Mr. Bihnám Mítháqí, who were first arrested in 1989, and have been kept in prison in suspense since that time.

Department of the Secretariat

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Acquisition of apartment in Paris, France where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed

28 October 1996

To the National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies in Europe

Dear Baha’i Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has asked us to inform you all of the outstanding achievement recently accomplished by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of France: the acquisition for the Cause of God of the apartment at 4, Avenue de Camoens in Paris in which ‘Abdu'l-Bahá stayed during His historic visit to the city.

This marks the first step in the acquisition of sites sanctified by the residence of the Master in the cities of Europe during the three visits He made to that continent, between 1911 and 1913, for the purpose of spreading the Message of Bahá'u'lláh, sites which are second only in holiness to those places in Istanbul and Edirne where the Manifestation of God Himself blessed the soil of the European continent.

With loving Baha’i greetings,

For Department of the Secretariat

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Process of Entry by Troops

16 September 1996

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Austria

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice was very pleased to receive your letter of 30 July 1996 enclosing the announcement to all the friends in Austria of the goals you have adopted for the Four Year Plan. The clarity with which you have set them forth and your emphasis on the respective responsibilities of the institutions, the communities and the individual believers should greatly assist the friends in acquiring a vision of what is to be achieved, and their own part in the work.

You may still find that some believers have difficulty in accurately comprehending the concept of entry by troops. It may help you, when you encounter such problems, to stress the point made by the Universal House of Justice in its various messages, namely that arriving at the point of entry by troops, and then fostering it, is a process. It is the advancement of this process that is the goal of the Four Year Plan, and the exact steps to be taken in each area will depend upon how far the process has already developed by now. An essential element of the process is the preparation of the Baha’i communities and individual believers and their training in the knowledge, not only of how to prayerfully attract receptive souls and to bring entry by troops about but, equally important, how to consolidate the gains so that it becomes an enduring development. No doubt you have this aspect of the Plan clearly in mind in the goal of establishing training institutes, which you have assigned to your own Assembly, and in which the Counselor and Auxiliary Board members will closely collaborate with you.

Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Baha’i Faith in Brazil

22 August 1996              

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Baha’i Friends,

It is with feelings of deep gratitude to Bahá’u’lláh that we share with the Baha’i world the news of a historic event which has just transpired in Brazil. As representative of the Baha’i World Center, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khanum attended, as honored guest, a special session of the Brazilian Federal Chamber of Deputies called for the purpose of marking the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the Baha’i Faith into that country. Glowing tribute was paid to the life and work of Amatu’l-Bahá herself, as a defender of the cause of world peace and unity, an advocate of the interests of indigenous peoples, and a promoter of the social development of the earth’s inhabitants and the safeguarding of the environment.

The session was attended by 90 Federal Deputies and was reported by both the press and the broadcast media. The addresses of the 14 Deputies who spoke included many appreciations of both the principles of the Faith and the benefits that their application has already brought to many localities in the country. Highly gratifying, too, was the recognition expressed of the role of Leonora Holsapple Armstrong, the Baha’i pioneer through whose sacrificial efforts the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh was established in Brazil.

Maturation of Baha’i institutions and of the members of those institutions

17 July 1996

To a National Spiritual Assembly

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your email message of 24 June 1996… regarding the distinction between maturation of Baha’i institutions and of the members of those institutions, was forwarded to the Universal House of Justice, which has asked us to reply as follows.

Maturation should be regarded as a process of evolution which is destined to lead to the stage when the institutions become developed and capable of accomplishing the great tasks assigned them for achieving the ultimate unfoldment of the Baha’i World Order.

There is, of course, a close link between the maturation of the individual members and that of the institutions. While the process of evolution which maturation entails is equally applicable to individuals, it should be remembered that even when all members may be highly developed in terms of Baha’i virtues and spiritual qualities, the collective entity itself needs time to evolve and achieve maturity as an institution. This evolutionary process requires the unwavering support of individuals through considerable courage and vigilance in demonstrating their love, respect and trust for the institutions, as well as loyal obedience to the decisions made by them.

Shoghi Effendi stated, in a letter written on his behalf to an individual believer, that difficulties and evidences of immaturity seem to be an inevitable phase in the growth of the Bahá’í Administration, which is so much more perfect than the believers called upon to establish it.

We hope that the above thoughts will be helpful to you in obtaining the enlightenment sought by your Assembly on this important subject.

With loving Baha’i greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Formation of Two New National Spiritual Assemblies

15 February 1996

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Baha’i Friends,

We take great joy in announcing the formation next Ridván of two new National Spiritual Assemblies, one in Africa and one in Europe:

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sao Tomé and Príncipe with its seat in São Tomé, whose inaugural National Convention is being organized by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Nigeria.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Moldova with its seat in Chisinau, whose inaugural National Convention is being organized by the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Ukraine and Moldova.

The Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Ukraine and Moldova with its seat in Kiev will become the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Ukraine.

We are delighted by these further evidences of the extension of the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s Administrative Order as the conclusion of the Three Year Plan approaches. May the friends throughout the world derive fresh impetus from these developments and, with confidence in the assurance of Bahá’u’lláhs confirmations and assistance, concentrate their energies on spreading His redemptive Message.

With loving Baha’i greetings.

The Universal House of Justice

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

The general features of the Four Year Plan of the worldwide Baha’i community

26 December 1995

To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors

Beloved Friends,

Our deliberations on the Four Year Plan have benefited enormously from the analysis the International Teaching Centre prepared for us of conditions in the Bahá’í world, based on its constant interaction with the Counsellors in the field, and from our subsequent consultations with that body. It gives us great pleasure to share with you at the outset of this conference the general features of the Plan. We invite you to turn your attention in the coming days to issues related to implementation, drawing on the insights and knowledge gained from decades of experience around the world.

Certain elements of our decisions and comments on the Plan will have a direct bearing on your labors throughout your present term of service. These are: the principal focus of the coming Plan; the process we envisage for the elaboration of the Plan and your part in this process; developments in the mode of functioning of the Continental Boards of Counsellors; the formulation of plans at the national, regional and local levels; the vital need for institutes to train believers and develop human resources; the intimate involvement of Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members in the establishment and operation of these institutes; effective approaches to the raising up and consolidation of Local Spiritual Assemblies and the development of local Bahá’í communities; and the allocation of limited financial resources to the many challenges before the Bahá’í community.

At Ridván 1996, the Bahá’ís of the world will embark on a global enterprise aimed at one major accomplishment: a significant advance in the process of entry by troops. This is to be achieved through marked progress in the activity and -development of the individual believer, of the institutions, and of the local community. That an advance in this process depends on the progress of all three of these intimately connected participants is abundantly clear. The next four years must witness a dramatic upsurge in effective teaching activities undertaken at the initiative of the individual. Thousands upon thousands of believers will need to be aided to express the vitality of their faith through constancy in teaching the Cause and by supporting the plans of their institutions and the endeavors of their communities. They should be helped to realize that their efforts will be sustained by the degree to which their inner life and private character “mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.” An acceleration in the tempo of individual teaching must necessarily be complemented by a multiplication in the number of regional and local teaching projects. To this end the institutions should be assisted in increasing their ability to consult according to Bahá’í principles, to unify the friends in a common vision, and to use their talents in service to the Cause. Furthermore, those who enter the Faith must be integrated into vibrant local communities, characterized by tolerance and love and guided by a strong sense of purpose and collective will, environments in which the capacities of all components—men, women, youth and children—are developed and their powers multiplied in unified action.

Planning Process

The launching of the Four Year Plan at Ridván 1996

26 December 1995

To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors

Beloved Friends,

With great happiness we welcome you to this momentous conference, which is graced by the presence of three Hands of the Cause of God. It marks the opening of a period of intense activity as the twentieth century, hailed by ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá as “a century of life and renewal,” draws to a close, and a new century of enormous challenge for all mankind opens before us. To guide the activities of the Bahá’í world during this period, we have decided to launch a Four Year Plan at Ridván 1996. The provisions of that Plan are to be the focus of your consultations in the coming six days.

The Continental Boards of Counselors have been an integral part of the Administrative Order for over twenty-five years. Your institution has made an essential contribution to the strengthening and evolution of the Bahá’í community, and your role in the protection and growth of the Cause will be of even greater consequence in the years ahead.

If there is any question of the speed with which history is unfolding, we need but recall the events, both within and without the Bahá’í community, which have transpired since the Counselors assembled in conference in 1985. The transformations of this remarkable first decade of the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith, seen in the light of the promises in our Sacred Scriptures, throw into sharp perspective the great range of the tasks before us. Can we have any doubt that events will henceforth move at a still more rapid pace and will change the world even more radically than have those of the past decade?

At this crucial point in the fortunes of humankind, your role and that of your Auxiliaries in calling forth the wholehearted endeavors of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, in raising the level of their spiritual awareness, and in promoting the evolution of national and local Bahá’í institutions is of fundamental importance. In that realization we eagerly anticipate the fruits of your deliberations during the coming days. We shall offer fervent prayers at the Sacred Threshold that the confirmations of the Almighty will guide and reinforce your services both now and through the years to come.

The Universal House of Justice

(Online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World center)

Preparations for the Four Year Plan

31 December 1995

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Baha’i Friends,

Further to its message of today’s date addressed to the Baha’is of the world, the Universal House of Justice has asked us to send you the enclosed copy of its message of 26 December 1995 addressed to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors. This is intended to place in your hands, particularly for your own understanding and that of your committees which you feel would benefit from it, the text of the guidance given by the House of Justice to the Counselors so as to prepare them for their role in the execution of the forthcoming Four Year Plan. You need not publish this message, but you are free to do so if you wish.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Publication of a Persian Edition of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas

28 December 1995

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice announces with great pleasure that a Persian edition of the Most Holy Book is expected to be available for distribution by mid-January 1996.

The text of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas itself remains in the original Arabic. This has been written by a skilled calligrapher in Naskh script and appropriately illuminated. The other Sacred Writings comprised in the volume will be in the original language, Arabic or Persian, while the introduction, notes and other supplementary material of the English edition have been translated into Persian.

The Persian edition of 30,000 copies is being published by World Center Publications and will be distributed by Bahá’í-Verlag, the German Bahá’í Publishing Trust. We enclose a copy of a letter from Bahá’í-Verlag giving ordering and price details.

Kindly inform the friends in your community of the imminent release of this publication. To facilitate your communication of this important matter to the Iranian friends in your community, we enclose a translation of this letter into Persian.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Message to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors

26 December 1995

To the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors

Beloved Friends,

With great happiness we welcome you to this momentous conference, which is graced by the presence of three Hands of the Cause of God. It marks the opening of a period of intense activity as the twentieth century, hailed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as "a century of life and renewal,” draws to a close, and a new century of enormous challenge for all mankind opens before us. To guide the activities of the Bahá’í world during this period, we have decided to launch a Four Year Plan at Ridván 1996. The provisions of that Plan are to be the focus of your consultations in the coming six days.

The Continental Boards of Counselors have been an integral part of the Administrative Order for over twenty-five years. Your institution has made an essential contribution to the strengthening and evolution of the Bahá’í community, and your role in the protection and growth of the Cause will be of even greater consequence in the years ahead.

If there is any question of the speed with which history is unfolding, we need but recall the events, both within and without the Bahá’í community, which have transpired since the Counselors assembled in conference in 1985. The transformations of this remarkable first decade of the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith, seen in the light of the promises in our Sacred Scriptures, throw into sharp perspective the great range of the tasks before us. Can we have any doubt that events will henceforth move at a still more rapid pace and will change the world even more radically than have those of the past decade?

Homosexuality and the Baha’i Faith

11 September 1995

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States

Dear Baha’i Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has considered your letters ... in which you describe the impact of the changing sexual mores and the public debate on homosexuality on some of the members of the American Baha’i community who are homosexuals. We are instructed to provide the following guidance in response to the National Spiritual Assembly’s requests for a clarification of the Baha’i law on homosexual practices and for assistance in guiding the believers.

It is important to understand that there is a difference between the Baha’i attitude towards, on the one hand, the condition of homosexuality and those who are affected by it and, on the other, the practice of homosexual relations by members of the Baha’i community.

As you know, the Baha’i Faith strongly condemns all blatant acts of immorality, and it includes among them the expression of sexual love between individuals of the same sex. With regard to homosexual practices, Bahá'u'lláh, in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, paragraph 107, and Questions and Answers, number 49, forbids pederasty and sodomy. The following extract from one of His Tablets reveals the strength of His condemnation:

“Ye are forbidden to commit adultery, sodomy and lechery. Avoid them, O concourse of the faithful. By the righteousness of God! Ye have been called into being to purge the world from the defilement of evil passions. This is what the Lord of all mankind hath enjoined upon you, could ye but perceive it. He who relateth himself to the All-Merciful and committeth satanic deeds, verily he is not of Me. Unto this beareth witness every atom, pebble, tree and fruit, and beyond them this ever-proclaiming, truthful and trustworthy Tongue.”

In a letter dated 26 March 1950, written on his behalf, Shoghi Effendi, the authorized interpreter of the Bahá’í Teachings, further explicates the Bahá’í attitude towards homosexuality. It should be noted that the Guardian’s interpretation of this subject is based on his infallible understanding of the Texts. It represents both a statement of moral principle and unerring guidance to Bahá’ís who are homosexuals. The letter states:

“No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong. To say that it is ideal is no excuse. Immorality of every sort is really forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh, and homosexual relationships He looks upon as such, besides being against nature. To be afflicted this way is a great burden to a conscientious soul. But through the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap.” 

Emergency Contributions to Mount Carmel Project Funds

20 June 1995

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Baha’i Friends,

An emergency mission undertaken at our request by one of our members, accompanied by a member of the International Teaching Center and the Chief Financial Officer of the Baha’i World Center, who visited the United States, Canada, and Europe and apprised the friends of the possible crisis that could affect the progress of the Mount Carmel Projects if the shortfall of US$40 million was not contributed by the end of the Three Year Plan, has just been completed. With deep satisfaction we are glad to announce that the total sum has been ensured through immediate contributions, firm pledges, and donations in kind, enabling this vital enterprise, which is progressing at full force, to proceed without any need to interrupt the construction work. Heartfelt acknowledgement is due to all those from the areas visited and elsewhere who heroically stepped forward and made sacrificial offerings for the furtherance of this vast undertaking so highly extolled by the beloved Guardian.

From the conclusion of the Three Year Plan, approximately US$10 million annually will still be required until the end of the century, when the projects underway on Mount Carmel are expected to be completed.

If all pledges are duly honored, as anticipated, and more friends in the above-named areas, as well as the rest of the world, will continue to offer their loving contributions towards this historic undertaking during this last year of the Three Year Plan, the estimated amount of US$10 million of annual contributions mentioned above will correspondingly be reduced, enabling the World Center to direct its attention with less anxiety to the vital needs of the expansion, consolidation, and proclamation work of the Faith throughout all continents.

With loving Baha’i greetings,

The Universal House of Justice

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

Clarification of the Bahá'í law on homosexual practices

23 May 1995

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States

Dear Bahá'í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has considered your letters of August 27,1993, and September 19, 1994, in which you describe the impact of the changing sexual mores and the public debate on homosexuality on some of the members of the American Bahá'í community who are homosexuals.

We are instructed to provide the following guidance in response to the National Spiritual Assembly's requests for a clarification of the Bahá'í law on homosexual practices and for assistance in guiding the believers.

It is important to understand that there is a difference between the Bahá'í attitude toward, on the one hand, the condition of homosexuality and those who are affected by it and, on the other, the practice of homosexual relations by members of the Bahá'í community.

As you know, the Bahá'í Faith strongly condemns all blatant acts of immorality, and it includes among them the expression of sexual love between individuals of the same sex. With regard to homosexual practices, Bahá'u'lláh, in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, paragraph 107, and Questions and Answers, number 49, forbids paederasty and sodomy. The following extract from one of His Tablets reveals the strength of His condemnation:

"Ye are forbidden to commit adultery, sodomy and lechery. Avoid them, O concourse of the faithful. By the righteousness of God! Ye have been called into being to purge the world from the defilement of evil passions. This is what the Lord of all mankind hath enjoined upon you, could ye but perceive it. He who relateth himself to the All-Merciful and committeth satanic deeds, verily he is not of Me. Unto this beareth witness every atom, pebble, tree and fruit, and beyond them this ever-proclaiming, truthful and trustworthy Tongue."

Ruling of Supreme Court in India Citing the Bahá’í Teachings as a Guideline for Resolving Disputes

5 May 1995

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice was overjoyed to receive recently a copy of a judgment by the Supreme Court of India on a religious dispute between the Hindus and Muslims in which the official decision of this highest judicial authority in India cited the Bahá’í Faith as an example and the Teachings of the Faith as guidelines for solving such disputes. As you may recall, the Babri mosque in the northern town of Ayodhya was razed by a group of Hindus because the mosque, built in 1528, had been erected on the spot where the Hindu god Rama is said to have been born thousands of years earlier. The destruction enraged Muslims and ignited a grave crisis in India. Muslim and Hindu mobs attacked each other’s houses of worship, homes and people in a number of cities, resulting in the death of hundreds and the destruction of property not only in India but in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even in Britain.

The relevant excerpt from the judgment of the Supreme Court of India dated 24 October 1994 is enclosed for your information.

The Faith has emerged from obscurity, thanks to the sacrifices of the Bahá’ís in Iran and the solidarity of the Bahá’í world in rallying around its institutions to support and protect the community of the Greatest Name in the cradle of the Faith. Many doors have been opened as a result of campaigns waged to reach government officials to familiarize them with the Faith and the deplorable situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran, as well as through the interaction of the friends in worthy causes for the benefit of their countrymen. Reports have been received that receptive members of governments are now using the life-giving Teachings and principles of the Faith in directing the affairs of their countries. The enclosed excerpt from the judgment is one such indication. The House of Justice is gratified by these accomplishments, and is confident that such efforts will be magnified in the future.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

The Supreme Court of India

Civil Original Jurisdiction

Transferred Case (C) Numbers 41, 43 And 45 Of 1993

Writ Petition (Civil) Number 20b Of 1993

Transferred Case (C) Number 42 Of 1993

Writ Petition (C) Number 186 Of 1994

Excerpt from pp. 91-93 of the Judgment of the

Supreme Court of India

Response of Bahá’í community to believer suffering from AIDS

17 April 1995

To a National Spiritual Assembly

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your letter of 10 January 1995 to the Universal House of Justice was received by fax only on 14 February. It has asked us to convey to you that it was deeply saddened to learn that a member of your Bahá’í community has been diagnosed as being infected with the AIDS virus. If it will not be distressing to this friend to know that the news has been shared with the House of Justice, then you are asked to kindly extend to him (or her) its loving sympathy, and the assurance of its fervent prayers at the Sacred Threshold, beseeching Bahá’u’lláh to shower this servant of the Cause with His tender mercies and protection.

You ask if there is any guidance on this matter. It is not clear from your letter whether the situation of this believer is commonly known in the Bahá’í community. If it is, then the House of Justice hopes you will encourage the Local Spiritual Assembly involved, and the friends in the community, to turn to non-Bahá’í agencies specializing in dealing with AIDS for information and counseling as appropriate or needed. Furthermore, all should draw inspiration and guidance from the peerless example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whose compassion, loving understanding and sincere concern for the welfare of others exemplified the Bahá'í attitude to those who are suffering... .

With loving Bahá'í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

Preparations for Completion of Lower Terraces on Mount Carmel

4 April 1995

To All National Spiritual Assemblies

We rejoice at the opportunity to announce a major advance in the Mount Carmel Projects marked by the razing of several houses, thus opening the way for the completion of the lower terraces of the Shrine of the Báb. These are the same structures to which Shoghi Effendi referred in a cable on 1 October 1954 to the Bahá’í world stating that “preliminary documents have been signed in connection with the purchase from the Development Authority of the State of Israel of five houses, situated at the foot of Mount Carmel and adjoining the last terrace of the Báb’s Shrine. . . ." Subsequently, in March 1955, he confirmed the acquisition of these houses by the Bahá’í World Center.

The action just taken with the full cooperation of the city authorities harmonizes with the intention of the beloved Guardian: it clears the site for the monumental entrance to the majestic path leading from the southern end of Ben Gurion Avenue up to the central edifice of the Shrine and beyond to the crest of God’s Holy Mountain. This progress in the construction work is complemented by yet another welcome development, namely, a municipal scheme involving restoration of the German Templar houses along that avenue and a general beautification of the area—a scheme that will ensure an uninterrupted vista of splendor northward from the Terraces to the sea, towards Bahjí.

The Universal House of Justice

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

Cultivating a Proper Attitude toward Bahá’í Elections

14 March 1995

To a National Spiritual Assembly

Dear Bahá'í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has received your letter of 8 February 1995 and we have been asked to respond as follows.

The House of Justice does not feel that you should be inhibited from carrying out the functions specified for the National Spiritual Assembly at the National Convention through fear of being accused of electioneering. Through the performance of these assigned functions to the best of your ability, you will be able to find the appropriate balance between, on the one hand, an excessive prominence of the outgoing members, which could arouse concerns among delegates, and, on other hand, such disengagement from the Convention consultation and from presentation of National Assembly’s concerns and plans that the delegates could feel deprived of an important component in their deliberations.

Electioneering is principally a matter of attitude rather than of the extent of exposure of a believer indulging in such a deplorable form of conduct. As the believers grow in their powers of discernment, they can more accurately come to their own private conclusions about any Bahá'í who appears to be seeking to put himself forth in a desire to be elected to an administrative position. It should also be understood that, at this stage in the development of the Bahá'í community, it is not unusual for Assembly members to be subject to unwarranted accusations of electioneering from believers who may have a distorted impression of what a National Spiritual Assembly should do in the discharge of its functions; this should not cause you undue concern, and should not detain you from conscientiously taking those actions which you believe to be in the best interests of the Cause.

Release of a Compilation on Scholarship

10 February 1995

To selected National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

We have been asked by the Universal House of Justice to send you the enclosed copy of a compilation on scholarship prepared recently at its request by the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Center.

It is the hope of the House of Justice that a study of this compilation will serve as a stimulus and a guide in the further development of Bahá’í scholarship, and that the unique features of this vital aspect of Bahá’í activity will be clarified through a perusal of its contents.

The House of Justice calls upon the members of the community of the Greatest Name, young and old, men and women alike, to strive to develop and offer to humanity a new model of scholarly activity along the lines set out in this compilation, animated by the spirit of inquiry into the limitless meaning of the Divine Teachings. This scholarly endeavor should be characterized by the welcome it offers to all who wish to be involved in it, each in his or her own way, by mutual encouragement and cooperation among its participants, and by the respect accorded to distinguished accomplishment and outstanding achievement. The spirit and approach should be far removed from the arrogance, contention, and exclusiveness which have too often sullied the name of scholarship in the wider society, and which have created barriers to the sound development of this worthy pursuit.

It is left to your discretion to determine the use you should make of the enclosed material.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

Release of The Prosperity of Humankind

23 January 1995

To the National spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá ís throughout the world

Dear Friends,

As the twentieth century rapidly approaches its end, there is a marked acceleration in the efforts of governments and peoples to reach common understandings on issues affecting the future of humankind. The 1992 Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, the forthcoming March 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, to be followed in September by the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, are conspicuous indications of this acceleration. These events are as capstones to the myriad activities taking place in different parts of the world involving a wide range of nongovernmental organizations and networks in an urgent search for values, ideas and practical measures that can advance prospects for the peaceful development of all peoples. In this endeavor can be discerned the gathering momentum of an emerging unity of thought in world undertakings, the realization of which our sacred scriptures describe as one of the lights of unity that will illumine the path to peace. The Bahá’ís around the world are, of course, heartened by such hopeful trends and will continue increasingly to lend moral and practical support to them as opportunities allow.

In view of the intensive attention being given to the issues of social and economic development since the Earth Summit in Brazil, we requested the Bahá’í International Community’s Office of Public Information to prepare a statement on the concept of global prosperity in the context of the Bahá'í Teachings. This statement is now ready for distribution. We are therefore very pleased to send each of you herewith a copy of The Prosperity of Humankind and to commend it to your use as you pursue activities that enable you to interact with governments, organizations, and people everywhere.

Our confident hope is that the statement will assist you to foster understanding of this important topic among the members of your communities and thus vitalize their contribution to the constructive social processes at work throughout the planet.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

Formation of Five New National Spiritual Assemblies

7 December 1994

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

With joyful hearts we announce the formation next Ridván of five new National Spiritual Assemblies. One will be in Africa: Eritrea with its seat in Asmara; two in Asia: Armenia with its seat in Yerevan and Georgia with its seat in Tbilisi; and two in Europe: Belarus with its seat in Minsk and Sicily with its seat in Palermo.

The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Russia, Georgia and Armenia will then become the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Russian Federation, and the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova will become the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Ukraine and Moldova.

Moreover, a simultaneous occurrence will be the merging of the Bahá’í communities of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, South Africa and Transkei under the one National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South Africa, to reflect the recent political reunion of that region.

These thrilling prospects denote the quickening pace of the consolidation process in different parts of the world, making possible a further thrust in the evolution of the wondrous System originated by the Lord of the Age for ordering the affairs and ultimately guaranteeing the peace of the entire planet. In their contemplation of such impending victories, may the friends everywhere derive fresh encouragement to increase and accelerate their manifold efforts in spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh in all regions.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

Progress of the Mount Carmel Project Fund

12 September 1994

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has asked us to inform you of the progress being made towards raising the US$74,000,000 called for in contributions to the Mount Carmel Projects.

During the first year of the Three Year Plan, as a result of the self-sacrificing efforts of the friends throughout the world, a total of almost sixteen million dollars was contributed to the Arc Projects Fund, equivalent to nearly 1,800 units of nine thousand dollars each. During the course of the year the volume of contributions grew at a progressively increasing rate, showing the friends’ eager response to the letter of 31 October 1993 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice in which mention was made of units of $9,000.

A total of over $7,500,000 was contributed during the three months of February through April 1994. If the friends can maintain this level of devoted sacrifice during the remaining two years of the Plan, they will triumphantly raise the fifty-eight million dollars which remain to be provided to meet the goal.

The rate of contributions dropped considerably in the months of May and June, to only just over 40% of the needed monthly average. However, the early months of an administrative year often show a lower level of contributions, and it is the ardent prayer of the Universal House of Justice that the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in every land will keep the high importance and urgency of this great undertaking always in their thoughts and prayers, and will exert every effort to ensure that the goal is met and there will be no cause for a halt in the work.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

1994 World Forestry Charter Gathering in the presence of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and H.R.H. The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

7 August 1994

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

We take pleasure in sharing with you news of the highly successful World Forestry Charter Gathering held at St. James’s Palace, Thursday, 28 July, in the presence of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and H.R.H. The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who were the two principal speakers. Amatu’l-Bahá’s brief and radiant address on the spiritual dimensions of the environmental challenge, which cited words of Bahá’u’lláh as the inspiration for her own devotion to the environmental cause, was several times interrupted by the warm applause of her listeners. For his part, Prince Philip used the occasion to issue an urgent call for a legally binding international convention to halt reckless deforestation of the planet.

Among the more than two hundred distinguished guests at the luncheon and the reception that followed were ambassadors and other diplomats, representatives of major environmental protection organizations, and prominent personalities in government, business and the professions. The government of the United Kingdom participated through a statement from Prime Minister John Major, read by the Secretary of State for Environmental Affairs. Messages of support and encouragement were received from seventeen governments, the one from President Bill Clinton of the United States capturing succinctly the vision that animated the gathering, that, in the protection and sustainable management of the earth's forests, there are no borders.

Visit to the Bahá’í World Center by the President of the Seychelles

26 July 1994

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá'í Friends,

We take great pleasure in sharing the news of the visit to the Bahá'í World Center on 22 and 23 July of His Excellency France Albert René, President of the Republic of the Seychelles. President René was welcomed by the members of the Universal House of Justice for consultations in the Council Chamber. These discussions, which he had requested, lasted just under two hours and dealt both with issues affecting global peace and important development challenges facing the Seychelles. They were marked by a spirit of candor and great cordiality.

Highly gratifying, too, was the presence at the World Center of His Excellency's wife, Sarah, their young daughter, Ella, and Mrs. René's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abdul Rahman Zarqani. The First Lady and her parents are Bahá'ís, and Mr. Zarqani is a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for the Seychelles islands.

During the course of the two days spent at the World Center, the presidential party was able to visit the Shrines of both Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb, as well as several other Bahá'í Holy Places. On the first evening, a formal dinner was offered in His Excellency’s honor in the Banquet Hall of the Seat of the House of Justice. In addition to our guests, who included the Mayor of Haifa and his wife, the dinner was graced by the presence of the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and Mr. ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan. On this occasion, as throughout the visit, President René expressed a lively appreciation of the relevance of the Bahá'í Teachings and of the contribution that the Seychellois Bahá'í community is making to his country.

This historic event brings perceptibly closer that future age envisioned by Shoghi Effendi when “embodiments of kingly power" from every part of the world will eagerly visit the World Center of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

Responsibility of Delegates to a National Convention

25 July 1994

To a National Spiritual Assembly

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has received your letter of 28 June 1994 concerning the extraordinary behavior of one of the delegates at your recent National Convention.

How to deal with this situation would depend to some degree upon the believer in question; for example, whether he is a new and inexperienced Bahá’í or a long-time believer who would be expected to know better. This is a matter within your jurisdiction, but if you require any further advice from the Universal House of Justice on the specific case, you will need to provide it with more detailed information. In general it would, of course, be desirable for you to try to clarify the principles for this friend and help him to understand his responsibilities. At the same time you will wish to try to ascertain the reasons for his behavior so that you can assist him to overcome his problems.

To assist you in consulting with this friend, we enclose a few extracts from passages relating to the responsibilities of delegates to a National Bahá’í Convention.

Of all the responsibilities resting upon a delegate, that of voting for the members of the National Spiritual Assembly is clearly the most weighty. In carrying out this duty, the delegate must, prayerfully and conscientiously, vote for those whom he judges best fit the qualifications that the beloved Guardian has outlined for those who are to serve on Spiritual Assemblies and, in making this choice, he must be left free from every external influence by either individual believers or Bahá’í institutions. If he states that he has difficulty in thinking of nine Bahá’ís who measure up to the high standards mentioned, he could be referred to the following passage written on behalf of the Guardian to a National Spiritual Assembly on 24 October 1947:

Availability of Electronic Versions of Sacred Writings

31 May 1994

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

On 7 April 1994, it was announced to various computer user groups that electronic versions of a number of the Sacred Writings were available for downloading from a computer at the Bahá’í World Center.

Within the first three days of operation, over one thousand copies of the books in electronic format were transferred to computers around the world.

The system being used is known as FTP (File Transfer Protocol). It allows those with the appropriate programs on their own computers to connect via the Internet directly to the FTP Server at the Bahá’í World Center. They can then see a list of the Bahá’í books available electronically from the World Center, and copy them into their own computers.

The text files have been reduced to their simplest form (known as ASCII, an international standard format recognized by most computers), then “compressed” to save computer space and transmission time. When copied to another computer they are uncompressed and become basic, readable files. Other computer programs owned by the users can then be used to conduct word searches and similar functions on the text. . ..

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)

Response to Concerns Raised by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly

19 May 1994

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States

Dear Baha’i Friends,

We recall with much joy and deep gratitude to Bahá'u'lláh your presence in the Holy Land only a short while ago during the month of the Fast. Your urgent request to which we acceded by meeting with all nine of your members in intensive consultations over a period of three days—a new fact of history in itself—initiated another phase in the evolution of your Assembly and reinforced the bonds that bind the American Baha’i community to the World Center of the Faith. Our hearts were touched by the candor, courage, and sincerity with which your members presented your concerns, as well as by the spirit of optimism you displayed despite the overwhelming challenges and burdens which prompted your request for a meeting with us.

Having considered the various points and queries you raised, we are now able to respond to those which fall under the broad categories of teaching, relations between your National Spiritual Assembly and the Continental Counselors, and the functioning of your Assembly.

******

Regarding your "Vision in Action" initiative, you reported evidences of a tremendous response, some movement, and some expansion; furthermore, the stimulus of the recent Atlanta conference spearheaded by the Continental Counselors caused a marked acceleration of activities. In sum, the friends have seldom been more visibly active, but growth is slow; you feel the community has for some time been on the threshold of a breakthrough which remains elusive. The degeneration of society, as manifested by the breakdown of moral standards and the alarming increase of violence, you feel, is exerting a debilitating effect on the individual believer. You yearn for a way to free the teaching potential which to a large extent is locked up in the individual in the face of these dreadful circumstances.

Appointment of New Continental Counselor

7 April 1994

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Baha’i Friends,

After more than four years of highly valued service on the Continental Board of Counselors in Africa, Mr. Gilbert Robert has resigned for compelling health reasons. We are confident that he will continue to serve the Cause with great devotion in other ways, and assure him of our loving prayers.

To fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Robert’s resignation, we announce the appointment of Mr. Eddy Lutchmaya of Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius, to the membership of the Continental Board of Counselors in Africa for the remainder of the current term.

With loving Baha’i greetings,

The Universal House of Justice

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Murder of Three Iranian Pioneers to South Africa

28 March 1994

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

With much sorrow, the Universal House of Justice has asked us to share with you certain details relevant to the murder of three Iranian Bahá’í pioneers to South Africa for the information of the friends throughout the world.

As you may have learned from the wide publicity which the incident received, on 13 March Mr. Houshmand Anvari, Dr. Shamam Bakhshandegi and Mr. Riaz Razavi were shot to death by gunmen who burst into the Bahá’í Center at Mdantsane, Ciskei, where some adults and children had gathered for meetings. Mr. Anvari, who served as caretaker of the Bahá’í Center, had been painting a portion of the building when four young gunmen ordered him to go inside at a time when children’s classes were ending and the friends were preparing for a meeting concerning the International Year of the Family. Mr. Razavi, Auxiliary Board member for Ciskei, and Dr. Bakhshandegi had been invited especially to consult with the friends at this meeting. The gunmen ordered the "whites," these three Iranian friends, to stand apart from the others, lined them up against the wall with their hands above their heads, searched them, and then fired at them with automatic weapons as their fellow believers looked on in utter shock. The gunmen fled immediately, using Mr. Razavi’s car to get away. Mr. Razavi and Mr. Anvari were killed instantly; Dr. Bakhshandegi died upon arrival at a hospital in Mdantsane.

Passing of Dorothy Ferraby, Former Continental Counselor

24 March 1994

To all National Spiritual Assemblies in Europe

HEARTS GRIEVED PASSING DEARLY LOVED STALWART MAIDSERVANT BAHÁ’ULLÁH DOROTHY FERRABY WHOSE DISTINGUISHED SERVICES CAUSE GOD EXTENDED OVER MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY SHE CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY ADMINISTRATION FAITH AS MEMBER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BRITISH ISLES AND FIRST AUXILIARY BOARD EUROPE, PLAYED VITAL PART HISTORIC AFRICA CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY SHOGHI EFFENDI, SERVED WORLD CENTER DURING CUSTODIANSHIP HANDS CAUSE, AND LATER AS MEMBER CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELORS EUROPE THESE SERVICES, AS WELL AS HER INDEFATIGABLE LABORS AND STERLING QUALITIES, HER TENACITY, PERSEVERANCE AND UNFLINCHING LOYALTY HAVE ENRICHED ANNALS FAITH BRITISH ISLES AND SET WORTHY EXAMPLE.

ARDENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HER NOBLE SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM. ADVISE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS COMMUNITIES UNITED KINGDOM. REQUESTING NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF GERMANY HOLD A MEMORIAL SERVICE MOTHER TEMPLE EUROPE ALSO ADVISING EUROPEAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES HOLD COMMEMORATIVE GATHERINGS COMMUNITIES THEIR COUNTRIES.

CONVEY OUR LOVING SYMPATHY HER BELOVED DAUGHTER, OTHER MEMBERS HER FAMILY.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

Significance of the Building Projects on Mount Carmel

4 January 1994

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

As construction work commences on the first of the monumental Edifices which must be raised on Mount Carmel to complete the World Administrative Center of the Bahá’í Faith, it seems appropriate to review the significance of this vast project and to reflect on its basic purpose.

The projects under way on this mountain are of profound significance. They represent much more than the erection of buildings to meet the expanding needs of the Bahá’í World Center. The call for contributions to the Arc Projects Fund, far from being a diversion of resources which might otherwise be used to help relieve the distress of mankind, offers the followers of Bahá’u’lláh a providential opportunity to participate in an endeavor which is central to the work of the Faith in eradicating the causes of the appalling suffering now afflicting humanity.

The Bahá’í community encourages and supports the manifold efforts being made by people of goodwill to better the condition of humankind and promote unity and harmony among the peoples and nations of the earth. However, the believers should never, for even one moment, lose sight of the fact that the crisis now engulfing every part of the planet is essentially spiritual. "That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world," Bahá’u’lláh emphatically states, "is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith." Our acute awareness of the magnitude of the misery which so many groups and individuals are experiencing should spur us on to ever-greater exertions, inspired and animated by an abiding consciousness that only through the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh can the multitudinous problems burdening humanity be resolved.