Bahai Administration Part 12

Letter of January 29th, 1925.

To the esteemed members of the American National Spiritual a.s.sembly.

My well-beloved and precious fellow-workers:

I have perused your recent communication, dated December 29th, and signed on your behalf by your vigilant and capable secretary, with an interest and attention worthy of the paramount importance of the issues it raises.

The matter of the revision of the English version of the Hidden Words, in view of the rapidity of the sale of the copies recently printed, is of urgent importance. I shall as soon as my mult.i.tudinous preoccupations permit avail myself of the opportunity of Dr. Esslemont's happy sojourn in the Holy Land to collaborate with him in any necessary alterations of the text. I strongly hope, except in the event of unforeseen circ.u.mstances, to undertake this task in the course of this coming month.

In connection with the fundamental questions of general policy referred to in your letter, I feel that the basic principles, laid down but briefly stated in my past letters, which must guide the administration of the affairs of the Baha'i Movement, pending the definite formation of the first authoritative Universal House of Justice, must be further affirmed, elucidated, and explained in greater detail, for the complete knowledge of all the individual members of the vast and growing community of the believers in America.

The National Convention

Hitherto the National Convention has been primarily called together for the consideration of the various circ.u.mstances attending the election of the National Spiritual a.s.sembly. I feel, however, that in view of the expansion and the growing importance of the administrative sphere of the Cause, the general sentiments and tendencies prevailing among the friends, and the signs of increasing interdependence among the National Spiritual a.s.semblies throughout the world, the a.s.sembled accredited representatives of the American believers should exercise not only the vital and responsible right of electing the National a.s.sembly, but should also fulfill the functions of an enlightened, consultative and cooperative body that will enrich the experience, enhance the prestige, support the authority, and a.s.sist the deliberations of the National Spiritual a.s.sembly. It is my firm conviction that it is the bounden duty, in the interest of the Cause we all love and serve, of the members of the incoming National a.s.sembly, once elected by the delegates at Convention time, to seek and have the utmost regard, individually as well as collectively, for the advice, the considered opinion and the true sentiments of the a.s.sembled delegates. Banis.h.i.+ng every vestige of secrecy, of undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness, from their midst, they should radiantly and abundantly unfold to the eyes of the delegates, by whom they are elected, their plans, their hopes, and their cares. They should familiarize the delegates with the various matters that will have to be considered in the current year, and calmly and conscientiously study and weigh the opinions and judgments of the delegates. The newly elected National a.s.sembly, during the few days when the Convention is in session and after the dispersal of the delegates, should seek ways and means to cultivate understanding, facilitate and maintain the exchange of views, deepen confidence, and vindicate by every tangible evidence their one desire to serve and advance the common weal. Not infrequently, nay oftentimes, the most lowly, untutored and inexperienced among the friends will, by the sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent devotion, contribute a distinct and memorable share to a highly involved discussion in any given a.s.sembly. Great must be the regard paid by those whom the delegates call upon to serve in high position to this all-important though inconspicuous manifestation of the revealing power of sincere and earnest devotion.

National Spiritual a.s.sembly

The National Spiritual a.s.sembly, however, in view of the unavoidable limitations imposed upon the convening of frequent and long-standing sessions of the Convention, will have to retain in its hands the final decision on all matters that affect the interests of the Cause in America, such as the right to decide whether any local a.s.sembly is functioning in accordance with the principles laid down for the conduct and the advancement of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer that they will utilize their highly responsible position, not only for the wise and efficient conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but also for the extension and deepening of the spirit of cordiality and wholehearted and mutual support in their cooperation with the body of their co-workers throughout the land. The seating of delegates to the Convention, i.e., the right to decide upon the validity of the credentials of the delegates at a given Convention, is vested in the outgoing National a.s.sembly, and the right to decide who has the voting privilege is also ultimately placed in the hands of the National Spiritual a.s.sembly, either when a local Spiritual a.s.sembly is for the first time being formed in a given locality, or when differences arise between a new applicant and an already established local a.s.sembly. While the Convention is in session and the accredited delegates have already elected from among the believers throughout the country the members of the National Spiritual a.s.sembly for the current year, it is of infinite value and a supreme necessity that as far as possible all matters requiring immediate decision should be fully and publicly considered, and an endeavor be made to obtain after mature deliberation, unanimity in vital decisions. Indeed, it has ever been the cherished desire of our Master, 'Abdu'l-Baha, that the friends in their councils, local as well as national, should by their candor, their honesty of purpose, their singleness of mind, and the thoroughness of their discussions, achieve unanimity in all things. Should this in certain cases prove impracticable the verdict of the majority should prevail, to which decision the minority must under all circ.u.mstances, gladly, spontaneously and continually, submit.

Nothing short of the all-encompa.s.sing, all-pervading power of His Guidance and Love can enable this newly-enfolded order to gather strength and flourish amid the storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in the fulness of time vindicate its high claim to be universally recognized as the one Haven of abiding felicity and peace.

Regarding the pamphlet ent.i.tled "The Pa.s.sing of 'Abdu'l-Baha," I believe some additional material, consisting mainly of a few selections from leading American newspapers, would increase its value and extend its scope. I shall be glad to receive a copy of the reprinted edition, and I wish you success in this endeavor.

My dearly-beloved friend and fellow-worker, Mr. Mountfort Mills, is now with me in Haifa, and will ere long join you in the discharge of your manifold and arduous duties. I greatly value his a.s.sistance in the difficult task and the complex and often urgent problems that are before me, and I trust that his return to America will lend a fresh impetus to the glorious work of service you are rendering to the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

I wish you success from all my heart.

Your brother and fellow-worker, SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine, January 29th, 1925.

Letter of April 10th, 1925.

To the members of the American National Spiritual a.s.sembly.

My dearly-beloved fellow-workers:

The communications lately received from your distinguished secretary, dated January 8th, February 6th and 13th, and March 17th, together with the enclosed minutes, reports and letters, have been read with profound interest and genuine satisfaction. The methods you pursue, the new measures for publicity which you have adopted, the increasing confidence you have achieved, and the degree of support, both moral and financial, which you have deservedly earned from the body of the believers are all encouraging signs that testify to the growing solidarity of a Cause destined to confer inestimable benefits upon mankind.

Great as is the promise of the Movement for the future, it has already revealed in a remarkable manner to every unprejudiced observer its indomitable spirit of loving sacrifice and true fellows.h.i.+p burning with undiminished ardor in the b.r.e.a.s.t.s of its followers both in the land of its birth and in the great Republic of the West. The heroism and fort.i.tude lately displayed by its sorely-tried adherents in Persia, and the prompt and generous contributions of the American believers who have spontaneously responded to the call of their needy brethren of the East have served to kindle the flame of enthusiasm in many a heart, and forged fresh bonds of fellows.h.i.+p which will prove of the highest value for the advancement of the Baha'i Faith. I would specially request you to convey to all the friends in the name of the oppressed Baha'is of Persia, and particularly the homeless sufferers of Nayriz, the expression of their deepest grat.i.tude and highest appreciation. May America's n.o.ble donations draw even as a magnet the blessings of the Almighty Giver upon the task it has set itself to achieve!

I am delighted to learn of the evidences of growing interest, of the sympathetic understanding, and brotherly cooperation on the part of two capable and steadfast servants of the One True G.o.d, Dr. H. Randall and Dr.

Guthrie, whose partic.i.p.ation in our work I hope and pray will widen the scope of our activities, enrich our opportunities, and lend a fresh impetus to our endeavors. I wish them happiness and success from all my heart.

News Letter

The News Letter which you have lately initiated fulfills a very vital function and has been started admirably well. I would urge you to enlarge its scope, as much as your resources permit, that in time it may devote a special section to every phase of your activities, administrative, devotional, humanitarian, financial, educational and otherwise. That it may attain its object it must combine the essential qualities of accuracy, reliability, thoroughness, dignity and wisdom. It should become a great factor in promoting understanding, providing information on Baha'i activity, both local and foreign, in stimulating interest, in combating evil influences, and in upholding and safeguarding the inst.i.tutions of the Cause. It should be made as representative as possible, should be replete with news, up-to-date in its information, and should arouse the keenest interest among believers and admirers alike in every corner of the globe.

I cherish great hopes for its immediate future, and I trust you will devote your special attention to its development, and by devising well-conceived and worldwide measures transform this News Letter into what I hope will become the foremost Baha'i Journal of the world.

t.i.tle of a.s.semblies

As to the t.i.tle to be adopted for letterheads, I would suggest, pending the formation of the Universal House of Justice, the phrase "The National Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada,"

retaining the word "spiritual" and restricting the meaning of the term "a.s.sembly" to be applied only to the body of nine elected by the friends whether for local or national purposes.

Representation at Convention

I have already replied to your cable in connection with the representation of groups of less than nine adult believers at the annual Convention and the matter of proxy, the latter being left to the discretion of the National Spiritual a.s.sembly. Should the conditions be altered, and the number of Baha'i localities multiply, the situation will have to be considered afresh and a new basis for representation adopted.

The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar

Regarding the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar, I would again most emphatically urge the believers in America, and ask you to do the utmost you can to devise every possible means for the removal of every outstanding financial liability incurred in this connection. I would remind you of the supreme and urgent necessity of raising the full sum decided upon by the National Spiritual a.s.sembly at its meeting in Chicago in order to meet the immediate needs of this great future House of Wors.h.i.+p. I would welcome a full, authorized and up-to-date statement on its present situation, its a.s.sets and liabilities and an estimate of the cost for its completion.

In conclusion I wish to renew the a.s.surance of my ardent prayers for you and for those whom you represent in safeguarding and promoting the sacred interests of so precious a Cause. I am fully alive to the vastness and delicacy of your task, I heartily appreciate your indefatigable efforts and unflinching determination, I am continually reminded of our Master's a.s.surances of a dazzling future before you. May His love enfold you, His Spirit guide you, and His power enable you to achieve signal victory.

Your brother in the Master's service, SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine, April 10th, 1925.