An Aid to the Study of the Administrative Order/Text

AN AID TO 111E STUDY OF

THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

OF THE FAITH OF BAHAW'LLAH

By

Study Aids Comittee

Approved by 'Bahá’í’ Reviewing Committee

Revised. 19’48

"Witlput the study and application of the Administration the teaching of-the Cause becomes not only meaningley, but loses in‘ieffectiveness and scope." -- Letter from

g I the Guardian, pwlishea in fighégwblgyg, No. 105, p. 1.

_ Bahá‘ 1’ Publishing Committee 110 Linden Avenue

/" Wimtte, Illinois, U.S.A.

n.. 4.._

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[Page 1]l.

EEETEENCE BOOKS for study of the Administrative Order

1. Bahá’í’AdministIation. (Pages given are for the 1928 edition. Correlation with pages in the l9h5 edition is appended.) 2. Wbrld Order of Bahá’u’lláh (WOB) Letters of Shoghi Effendi. 3. Bahá’í Community, extracts from Letters of Shoghi Effendi and decisions of the N.S.A. h. Bahá’í’Procedure (19h2 edition). 5. Bahá’í World Faith (BWF), selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and 'Abdu'l—Bahá. 6. Advent of Divine Justice (ADJ), by Shoghi Effendi 7. God Passes By (GPB), by Shoghi Effendi. 8. Messages to America 1932-1936 (MA), Communications frem Shoghi Effendi. 9. Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National and Local Spiritual Assemblies, l9h5 edition.

The first three books are necessary to follow the study. The entire list is desirable.

Excerpts from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are included in pages 3—12 of Bahá’í’AiministIation. The remainder of this book is composed of letters from Shoghi Effendi, written 1922-1927 (1922-1932 in the l9h5 edition), in which he is guiding and encouraging the establishment of the Administrative Order.

Letters from the Guardian (written 1929-1936) compose the volume entitlefi. Wbrld Order of Baha' u'llah (referred to as WOB). One of these letters, dated February 8 193%, has been given the title ”The Dispensation of Baha u'llah" and is published sepaIately in a paper cover. The section on the Admin istIative Order in this letter isI reguired reading for the study of this subject.

With the thought that everyone in a class will wish to have a copy of the "Dispensation" for intensive study, it is mentioned specifically wherever reference to it is made. The pages are the same as in WOB, frem which it is reprinted. (If you have the original reprint, renumber sages, making page 5, yage 97; cage 6, page 98, etc. )

Baha' i ProceduIe is a book compiled by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada from letters from the Guardian published in Bahá’í Administration and from other letters received rom him, together with passages frqp decisions of the National Spiritual Assembly (N.S.A.) published in issues of Behe’ i'News from time to time. Bahá' i’PIoceduIe also contains the Declaration of Trust and ByéLaws of the National and Local Spiritual Assemblies, a revised (l9h5) edition of which has been published separately.

Advent of Divine Justice (ADJ) is a letter from the Guardian dated December 25, 1938. It contains many quotations from hitherto untranslated WIitings of Bahá’u’lláh, as well as many from 'Abdu'léBaha.

God Passes By (GPB) is the Guardian‘s history of the Bahá’í Faith covering the first century of the Bahá’í Era (lth-l9hh).

All these books are available fram the Bahá‘ i'Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Printed int %S A.

5+}:

[Page 2]Correlation of pages BAEA'I ADMINISTRATION - 1928 and. 1915 editions

(All pages given are inclusive)

19h5 1928 19h5 1928 same 70 79-80 118 same 71 8O -81 119

27-29 72 81-82 120 30-31 73 82-83 121

31-33 7h 83-8h 122 33 75 8h-85 123 3h 76 85-86 12A 35 77 86-87 125 36 78 87-88 126 37 79 88-89 127 38 80 89-90 128 39 81 90-91 129 ho 82 91-92 130 11 83 92-93 131 M2 8h 93-98 132

3 85 98—95 133

h3-uh 86 95-96 13h

5 , 87 96-97 135

A6 88 97-98 136 h? 89 98-99 137 A8 90 99-100 18-h9 91 100-101 50 92 101-102

50-51 93 102-103

51-52 9h 103-10h

52-53 95 10h-105

53-5h 96 105-106

58-55 97 106-107

55-56 - 98 107-108

56-57 99 108-109

57-60 . 100 109-110

60-61 101 110-111

61-62 102 111-112

62-63 103 112-113

63-6h 10h 113-11h

6h-65 105 11k

65-66 105 118-119

66-67 106 119-120

67-68 107 120

68-69 107 115

69-70 108 115-116

70-71 109 116-117

71-72 110 117-118

72—73 111 120-121

73—7h 112 121-122

78-75 113 122-123

75-76 111 123-12h

76~77 115 12h-125

77-78 116 125-126

78-79 117 126-127

Printed in the U. S. A.

2.

1985.

127-128 128-129 129-130 130-131 131-132 132-133 13h 135 136 137 138 139 1&0 1u1 1&2 1h3-1hh 1hh 1A5 .1h6 1&7 1h7-196 (end)

[Page 3].3.

"It should be remembered by every follower of the Cause that the system of ' Bahá’í administration is not an innovation imposed. arbitrarily upon the Baha is of the world since the Master' a passing, but derives its authority from the Will and. Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is spec:ii’:i.caLJ.],}r prescribed in tmnumbered. Tablets, and rests in some of its essential features upon the explicit provisions of the Kitáb- -i-Aqdas. It thus unifies and correlates the principles separately laid. down by Baha' u'lla’h and 'Abdu' l-Bahai, and. is indieeolubly bound. with the essential verities of the Faith."--Shoghi Effendi (W03 5).

I. CRARACTEREATION OF A DIVINE INSTRUMENT A. PERIODS OF DEMOPWT OF THE Bahá’í FAITH:

Preparatory period - the ’twin resplendent lights" Shaykh Ahmed and. Siyyid Káẓim taught many learned and sincere souls ”of the coming of the Promised One, and. prepared them for "His Cause" (see Dam-Breekers, Part I, "Pre-Revelation Days’; GPB 97). '

Periods outlined. by the Guardian in "The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh" and in God Passes By (xiii-xv, 32h-5):

l. The Heroic, Primitive and Agostolic Age: First Century of Bahá’ i’ Era divided into four periods:

lat period. 181+h—53 -- period of Revelation of the Báb from Declaration of His Mission, 18%, to imrieonment of Bahei'u'lláh in the dungeon in Tihran.

2nd period 1853-92 -- period of Revelation of Bahaf'u'lla’h from release of Bahaf'u'llafh from the dungeon, 1853, where He had received. the first intimation of His Mission, to His Ascension in 1892.

These ,two periods constitute the ”Period. of Divine Revelation" .. "almost fifty years of continuous and progressive Revelation" (Diep . 1’43) .

3rd period 1892-1921 -- period of Ministry of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’. 2. The Formative; Transitional and. Iron Age: hth period 1921-hh "The inception of this fourth, the last period of the first Babe." 1’ century synchronizes with the birth of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Era, with the founding of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá'u' llah -- a. system which is at once the harbinger, the nucleus and. pattern of His World Order" (GPB xv) .

(From the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ in 1921, with the release of His Will and Testament and. the establishment of the Guardianship, to the end of the let Century.)

[Page 4]h.

3, The Golden Age 9- "the age in which the face of the earth, from pole to pole, will miner the ineffable aplendore of the Abhái Paradise" (WOB 206),

The Will and Testament of» ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is "the perpetual, the indie. soluble link which the mind of Him Who is the Mystery of God has conceived in order to insure the continuity of the three ages that constitute the component parts of the Bahá’í'33ispeneation" (Diet. 1,164+).

B, DEFINITION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER:

1, "To be regarded not only as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World. Order destined to embrace in the fuihiese of time the whole of mankind" (Disp. 1M).

2, "The framework of the Will itself" (Disp. 1M).

3. The sole framemrk of the Bahá’í’Comonwealth of the future (Disp. 152).

u. The "hall-mark of this second and.formative age of the Bahá’í’era" (Diep. 156). (Hallmark: "The official. mark stamped. on an article to attest its purity" (Webster DictionaryM)

5a "The Chief agency empowered to usher in the concluding phase, the consunnnation of this glorious Dispeneation” (Diep. 156).

C. SOURCE AND AUTHORiTY N in the written, revealed Word (W03 .5):

l. Bahá'u'lla’h — "The bedrock on which this Administrative Order is founded is God's inunutable Purpose for mankind in this day. The Source from which it deriVes its inspiration is no one less than Baha' u'llah Himself" (Disp. 156), -- Kitáb- ~i-Aqdas (WOB 3J4, 5, 19, 21-2; Diep. 146- 7). ~~ Kitáb-i-t'Ahd (The Book of the Covenant BWF 207), in which Baháau'llah invests ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with the Station of the ‘ Center of His Covenant, hence giving authority to

2. 'Abgz' 1;Baha’ (Tablets of Bahai'u'lla’h,Bw13' 2011-6, 209-10; Diap. 133-5, 1 '5 -- Will and Testament, the "Charter of the New World Order" (Disp. 1M; GPB 325, 328). Its provisions are the "axis" round which the institutions of the Administrative Order revolve (Disp. 156). Read. excezpts in Bahá’í’Administration, pp. 7,10,11.

. 3. Referred to by the 3821) in His Persian Bayah(Disp.lh6-7; GPB 25—6,?)25).

D. PURPOSE -- "the establishment of the New World Order as adumbrated by Baha' u'llah" (Disp. 157) , the World Order of Baha" u'llah~ -"that Ark of human salvation" (Disp. 155).

E. CHARACTERISTIC UNIQUE: The Administrative Order is based on written directions having Divine Authority (Diep. 115-6).

[Page 5]5 (This passage in Dispensation is fundamental to the understanding of the Administrative Order and the role it is destined to play)

F. DEVELOPMENT:

Will be through its Institutions. (The Institutions are to be distinguished from the O1dinances of the Faith of Baha u 'llah. The Ordinances are (as given in the Aqdas) Prayer, Fasting, observance of the Anniversaries. )

G. CAUTION:

"The a¢minietration of the Cause is to be conceived as an instrument and not a substitute for the Faith of Baha“u'lláh" (WOB 9). This is very important. (See also B. Admin. 93.)

II. INSTITUTIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER A. THE TWIN PILLARS (that support the Administrative Structure):

1. THE GUARDIANSHIP

(Note: The Guardianship is an Institution of the Administrative Order; the Guardian is a person.)

a. Source and Authority: 1. Foreshadowed in the Aqdas (Disp. 147). ii. Will and Testament (B. Admin. 3,6-7,12). iii. Divine in origin (Disp. 1&8). iv. "Head cornerstone of the Administrative Order of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh" (MA 8).

b. Purpose and Function: 1. Interpretation of the Word (Disp. 150) --not legislation; is therefore not an autocratic principle (Disp. 153). ‘ ii. Provides the hereditary principle ”invariably upheld by the Law of God" (B. Admin. 8, Disp. 1&8-9). , iii. Complements the Universal Ebuse of Justice (Disp. lh8,

WOB 8,21-2)

--The Guardian is its permanent head (Disp. 150).

0. Station of the Guardian -- Shoghi Effendi, the First Guardian, has explained (Disp..l5l) that the Guardian: 1. Is not the perfect exemplar (as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is) but is essentially human 11. Shares with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the right and obligations to interpret the revealed word. iii. Is protected and inspired by the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh (Disp. 1M9). iv. we are not to pray to him or to celebrate his birthday. . (Disp. 151).

[Page 6]2. THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

a. Source and Authority: 1. Aqdas (Disp. 1h9) and Will and Testament (B. Admin. 10). 11. Tablets of Baha' u 'llfiflu Ishraqat,125, 128 ,130, 136 ,etc. (Baha' i Wbrld Faith 197, 199, 200),Glad. Tidings, 89 (BWF 195). Wbrds of Paradise, 53-h, 55 (BWF 182-3; Disp. 1H9). World, 28-9, 33 (BWF 176,179).

b. Purpose and Function: 1. To legislate on matters not expressly provided for in the

Writings of Baha u'uéh (B. Admin. 11; Diep. 1119) and.

ii. To abrogate its own laws as necessary for progress (WOB 23, Disp. 1119, B. Procedure 3-10. "This it can do because these laws form no part of the divine explicit text" (Disp. 119).

111. Acts in conjuction with the Guardianship-”to insure the continuity of that divinely-appointed authority which flows from the Source of our Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its teachings" (Disp. 1&8).

c. Establishment:

1. When the local and national Assemblies "function vigorously and harmoniously" (B. Admin. 5h, 36).

11. Not dependent on adoption of the Bahá’í Faith by the masses (WOB 7).

111. Pending its establishment, local and national bodies are

called local and national "Spiritual Assemblies” (B. Admin. 73; WOB 6).

d. Election of members: ‘ i. From ”the mass of the faithful" (i.e.,the body of all Bahá’ís) (Disp. 15h, B.Adm1n. ll) -- therefore not aristocratic. ii. DiIec 1y, by the ”secondary Houses of Justice" (National Spiritual Assemblies) (B. Admin. 10, 3h, 36, 75,- W03 7). (Note: The National Spiritual Assemblies are elected in. directly, 1. e., through delegates to the Annual Convention. ) 111. Members elected to the Universal House of Justice are responsible to God, not to those who elect them or to those whom they represent--hence not purely democratic (Disp. 153). 1v. Expulsion by Guardian of a member who commits a sin injurious to commonwealth (B.Admin. 10).

6. Station: 1. Whatsoever they decide is of God (Disp. lh9)—-i.e., the Guardian and the House of Justice tagether. ii. Both are under the protection and guidance of the Báb and Baha' u'llah (Disp. 1M9).

Cpmment: As we understand and assist in the functioning of our local Spiritual Assemblies, we speed the establishment of the Universal House of Justice; as we do not, we delay its establishment (WQB.6—7).

[Page 7]7.

3o INSTITUTIONS OF THE GUARDIANSHIP AND THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE Each has its separate Institutions (Disp. lh8):

a. Institutions of the Guardianship: i. The Hands of the Cause: Appointed by the Guardian (B. Admin. 8). Duties and functions (B. Admin. 8-9). Special body of nine, elected from their own number, to serve the Guardian (B. Admin. 8). (Note: Hands of the Cause were first appointed by Baha' u'lláh (WOB 1&7, 110; GPB 195, 328, 329).)

ii. Huquq —- a fund mentioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Will and Testament and in many Tablets (GPB, 328), but not yet called into action by the Guardian.

iii. International Secretariat at Haifa (B. Admin. 108).

b. Institutions of the Universal House of Justice (insofar as we know, we cannot really study these yet because they are not in effect):’

1. Bahá’í Fund--spoken of in the Aqdas.

B. THE "SECONDARY HOUSES OF JUSTICE" (THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES).

1. Source and Authority: Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (B. Admin. 10; B. Admin. 3h;

WOB 5-6). 2. Establishment (B. Admin. 3h). (Name "National Spiritual Assembly" is temporary (B. . Admin. 73) .) 3. Function-- an "intermediary body" (woe 5):

a. To elect directly the members of the Universal Bbuse of Justice (B. Admin. 3h).

b. To correlate and administer all national activities, through consultations and committees (B. Admin. 3h, 131-23 B.Com. h6- -51, 53- -55) In this capacity the NSA is executive as well as legislative and Judicial in character (B. Com. 65).

c. To win the confidence and loyalty of the believers; aim is unity (B. Admin. 22, 55, 57-8, 39, 118, 133).

d. To represent the Bahá’íe under its national jurisdiction in their relationship and activities with Baha'ie of other lands (By-Laws, Art. I).

e. To hear appeals for reconsideration of action taken by National or Local Spiritual Assemblies (By-Laws, Arts. I, VII, Sect. 6 and 9). (See also B. News, No. 71, Feb. 1933, pp. 6- 8).

f. To uphold and protect the spirit and interests of the Faith (B. Admin. 37).

3. To represent the believers and local assemblies in relation to the Guardian, and the Guardian in relation to them (B. Proc. 65).

See also Declaration of Trust, and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly, l9h5 Revision.

[Page 8]B. THE "SECONDARY HOUSES OF JUSTICE" (cont.)

h. Election of Members:

a. Indirect, 1.6., by delegates to the Convention (B. Admin. 3h-5, 711—5, 81-2; Revised National By-Laws 19115, Article VIII).

1. Convention, National (B. Admin. 81-2); Purpose is twofold (B. Com. 59~63): 1. Election of members of National Spiritual Assembly by delegates (B. Admin. 78- 9).

2. Consultation (B. Admin. 69- -70, 77- ~83 B. Com. 60— 62 6h).

Delegates are elected by Baha' is voting in specified Districts (N. S. A. By-Laws l9h5 Revision, Art. VIII, Sec. 1-2; B. Com. 55-58).

Have definite responsibilities (B. Admin. 82).

Function is purely advisory (B. Com. 60,65).

Status of members of N.S.A. (B. Com. 62,6h).

1. Participation in discussion at Convention.

2. Voting privilege only if elected delegate.

b. Eligible for election to N.S.A.: ”all the friends in that country“ (B. Admin. 35).

c. Qualifications and requisites (B. Admin. 21-2, 78-9).

d. Spirit of Bahá’í’elections: i. "Rarefied atmosphere" (B. Admin. 55-6). 11. "Silent and prayerful" (B. Admin. 126).

This means no nominations (B. Admin. 126) and no electioneering (B. Proc. h8). If any electioneering is attempted, it should be rebuked at once, as it is the negative and passive attitude which would allow such infringement of the Baha' i spirit that harms the Cause (Bahá’í News, insert, July, 1938).

5. Station and Responsibility:

a. ”The suprefié body in that land" (B. Admin. 39; B. Com. 59, 65; B. Admin. 70—71).

b. "Assemblies and not individuals constitute the bedrock on which the Administration is built. Everything else must be subordinated to, and be made to serve and aiwance the best interests of these elected custodians and promoters of the Laws of Baha' u'll (Letter from the Guardian, B. News, No. 80, p. 6,061. 1). (See also B. Admin. 5h).

0. Allegiance to the Assembly is the highest responsibility of every member (B. Proc. 67).

6. Incorporation and By-Laws (B. Admin. l2h- -5, 132- -3, See 19h5 Revision, Declaration of Trust and By-Laws).

7. Institutions of the National body: a. The National Bahá’í Fund (B. Admin. 36- -7, 117, 67; B. Com. 52-3; WEB 6)--cohtributions voluntary in character (B. Admin. 92). "Eac.h a.gn ove~y believer, undaunted by the uncertainties, the perils and the financial stringency afflicting the nation, must arise anc insure, to the full measure of his or her capacity, that continuous and abundant flOW'Of funds into the national

[Page 9]9.

B. THE "SECONDARY HOUSES OF JUSTICE" (cont.)

8.

Treasury, on which the successful prosecution of the Plan must chiefly depend...

”He Wishes you particularly to impress the believers with the necessity of maintaining the flow of their contributions to the Temple, and also to stress the importance of the institution of the National Bahá’í'Fund which, in these early days of the administrative development of the Faith, is the indispensable medium for the growth and expansion of the MOVement. Contributions to this fund constitute, in addition, a practical and effective way whereby every believer can test the measure and character of his faith, and to prove in deeds the intensity of his devotion and attachment to the Cause...

"we must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellows undeterred by the fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good--this is the secret of right living." (Letters from Shoghi Effendi, B. Proc. 8-9.)

h. The Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds--the national teaching, administrative and social center (B. Proc. 70-1; GPB 339). (National Secretariat, MA 23-2LL.)

Palestine Branch of North American N.S.A. (B. Proc..6k).

C. THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES

1.

Source and Authority:

a. Kitáb-i-Aqdas, quoted in B. Admin. 21.

13. Tablets of 'Abdu'i-Baha’ (13. Admin. 20-21,- GPB 332). 0. Letters from Shoghi Effendi (B. Admin. 32).

Establishment: , In any locality where the number of adult declared Bahá’ís reaches

nine (B. Com.85-37).

Function -- is threefold (executive, legislative, judicial) within its local lihits (B. Admin. 23; B. Com. 22), in accordance with ByLaws of the N.S.A. (Art. VII) and of the L.S.A. These are based on letters from the Guardian published in Bahá’í’Administration. a. Two conditions on which function is dependent (B. Admin. 22):

1. Unity of members.

ii. Prayer

b. To consolidate teaching and other activities (B. Admin. 32).

c. To protect the Cause (B. Admin. 33).

d. To promote amity and concord among the friends (B. Admin. 33; B. Proc. 19—20, 1+3, 23-25).

e. To help the poor and‘sick, the orphan, the Widow (B. Admin. 33). f. To educate the children and youth (B. Admin. 33).

3. To stimulate contact and correspondence with other communities (B. Admin. 33), remembering that the central body for reporting such activities is the N.S.A. (B. News, No. 175, p. 6).

[Page 10]10.

C. THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES (cont.)

h.

1.

In.

To arrange meetings, Feasts, anniversaries and. special gatherings (B. Admin. 33). (See also under item 9b.)

To supervise all Bahá’í publications and translations and. their distribution (B. Admin. 33).

These functions (a-i) are to be referred to special committees elected by the Local Spiritual Assembly and. responsible to it. (B. Admin. 3h).

To receive contributions to the Bahá’í Fund (see item 9a).

To receive recommendations from the Feasts through its consultation period (see 9b) , and. if they are approved by the Local Assembly and. are for the N.S.A., to transmit them to the N.S.A.

To receive applications of qualified persons for new membership in the Bahá’í Community and to insure that the applicant understands and accepts the Guardian's "fundamental and. primary considerations" for membership (B. Admin. 81; also in B. Com. 1LO-J.).

1. Full recognition 'of station of Forerunner (The Báb) , Author (Bahá’u’lláh) and. True Exemplar ( 'Abdu'l—Beha) of the Cause as set forth in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's Testament (see B. Admin. 11). These are fully explained by the Guardian in "Dispensation" (WOB 100- 139). (See also B. Com. 1-5. )

11. "Unreserved. acceptance of, and submission to , whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen."

111. "Loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause” of ‘Abdu’l-Bahás Will and Testament.

iv. "Close association with the spirit as well as the form of the present day Bahá’í administration throughout the world."

--The admission of new believers is a function of the Assembly itself and not of a committee. The duties of the Local Assembly are "faithfully to stand as witness that the spirit of the person seeking membership has turned. to Baha' u'llah and become quickened. for life infiis Cause" (N. S .A. in B. News, No. 65, Aug. 1932,

p. 1+).(Read. also MA 11, bottom.)

The National Spiritual Assembly therefore has recommended. that "Local Assemblies shall read. to applicants the qualifications of voting membership as defined in the By-Laws, and. record in their minutes the full and complete acceptance by each applicant"

(B. News, Aug. 1932).

The believer in this Day has "twin duties": Recognition and. action (read. BWF 126; B. Proc. 18).

"Allegiance to the Faith cannot be partial and ‘half-hearted. Either we should. accept the Cause without any qualification whatever, or cease calling ourselves Bahá’ís. The new believers should be made to realize that it is not sufficient for them to accept some aspects of the teachings and reject these which cannot suit their mentality in order to become fully recognized and active followers of the Faith. In this way all sorts of misunderstandings will vanish and. the organic unity of the Cause will be preserved." (Letter from Shoghi Effendi, B. Proc. 18.)

To arrange proper transfers of membership when a Bahá’í moves (B. Com. M's).

[Page 11]C. LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES (cont.)

n.

0.

Po

To recommend. removal of members from voting list under certain circumstances (B. Proc. 50—1); e.g., in case of continued action not in conformity with the Bahá’í Teachings (as being in politics; disobedience; etc.) , subject to approval of N.S.A.

To give consultation to individual Bahá’ís whenever requested (B. Proc. lL3).

"Regarding consultation: Any person can refer a matter to the Assembly for consultation whether the other person wishes to or not. In matters which affect the Cause the Assembly should, if it deems it necessary, to intervene even if both sides dnn‘t want it to , because the whole purpose of the Assemblies is to protect the Faith, the Communities and the individual Bahá’ís aewell.” (Letter from Shoghi Effendi, B. News , No. 177, Nov. 1915, p. 2.)

To incorporate and. thus receive legal status (see item 6).

In incorgorated Local Assemblies, chairman and. secretary may perform Bahá’í marriage (B. Proc. 52; B. Com. 16).

"All over the world the Guardian is constantly encouraging and. enjoining the believers to learn to function according to Bahá’í laws and. principles; members of Spiritual Assemblies must learn to face their responsibilities; individuals must learn to turn to them and abide by their decisions. When we realize that all marriages, divorces, disposal of inheritance, etc., are now handled in Egypt and. Persia solely through the Assemblies and. that the believers abide by their decisions, we see that in Western Countries the fr iends still have a long way to go--the sooner they start the better for themselves and. for the'Fait ." (Letter from Shoghi Effendi, B. News, No. 178, Dec. 1916, p. l.)

1;. Election of Members:

8..

b.

C.

d.

e.

f.

"Prime requisites" of members (13. Admin. 21-2).

By direct election by the friends (B. Admin. 311-; B. Proc. 1+8) at Annual Meeting (see item 9c). (By plurality vote; B. Admin. 126).

Obligation to vote —- "sacred. duty" (B. Admin. 3h, 36).

Spirit of Bahá’í elections (B. Admin. 55-6; 126)--eee also under National Spiritual Assemblies (items he and ’46.; 5b and 50).

Election of officers (B. Com. 37, paragraph 9) by "majority vote” (Le. over half, or 5 or more), of the entire membership of the Assembly, taken by secret ballot (By-Lawe of L.S.A., Art. VII). (F0): gerrymg out this provision, see E. News , No. 197, July 19W, 1:. .

Obligation to serve (13. Com. 39, paragraph 3).

5. Meetings:

5..

Prayerful and united. spirit (B. Admin. 20; L'iPromulg. UP 178):

"Bahá’u’lláh has giVen the promise that in every Assembly where unity and harmony prevail, there His glorious spirit will not only be present, but will animate, sustain and guide all the friends

in all their deliberations. It is to unity that the Guardian hes

[Page 12]12.

C. LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES (cont.)

8.

been continually calling the friends. For where a. united will exists, nothing can effectively oppose and hamper the forces of constructive development." (Letter from Shoghi Effendi, E. News , No. 190, Dec. 19%, p. 1.)

Prayer which may be used for opening the meeting (B.Adm1n.20). Prayer which may be used. for closing the meeting (Eflblets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, vol. I, p. 16)

b. Consultation the basis--is "the keynote of the Cause of God" (B.Admin. 5h, 21, 131).

"Consultation is the guiding light that giVeth enlightenment and. leadeth unto the Way" (Tablet of Bahai'u'llah translated by the Guardian, Star of West, 1h: 323, Feb. 1921;).

"Not to dictate but to consult" (B. Admin. 55). Members "must take counsel together" (B. Admin. 21: 22).

c. Efter consultation, decisionuarrived. at by majority vote or preferably by unanimous vote (B. Admin. 555 B. Proc. 66). (The aim is unity. A majority vote may be found. to be in error; unity will rectify the error.)

6.. Obedience to decisions (B. Admin. 21-2, 22, 55; B. Com. 21:-~6). We show our faith by obedience (B. Admin. 53).

e. Trustworthinese (BWF 169): Only by holding in strict confidence the matters of Assembly consultation can Justice and unity be established (B. Admin. 22).

f. "Personalities should be subordinated under all conditions and however great their merits to the properly constituted Assemblies" (MA 2).

g. Meetings should be attended by all members; continued absence should. be recognized. as a vacancy and a. new member elected (Bo com. 26.7).

h. Criterion Of spirituality "is the extent its members feel themselves reaponsible for the welfare of. the group" (B. Proc. 50).

1. Procedure for calling of Meetings and Order of Business is given m B. C0111. 22'6.

J. Permanent records are to be kept (B. Com. 27).

Incorporation of Assemblies is requested by the Guardian (B. Admin. 125; B. Proc. 115-7); See Declaration of Trust and. By-Laws, 1916 edition. Purpose is to provide "the constitutional basis” and "preliminary framework of that complete system of world administration implicit in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh" (B. Admin. 125). (Incorporation provides the legal basis for making contracts.)

Station and. Responsibility (13. Admin. 23; W03 6-7)

"Will evolve into the local House of Justice, and. at present provide the firm foundation on which the structure of the Master's Will is to be reared in future" (B. Admin. 32).

Dissolution under certain conditions (B. Com. 38-40).

[Page 13]13.

C. LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSMLIES (001113.). 9. Institutions of the Local Spiritual Assembly:

a. The Local Bahá’í Fund: 1. Established by 'Abau'l-Baha’. (Disp. 1117; woe 6). ii. A "test of faith" (B. Proc. 9), to maintain flow to National Bahá’í Fund. (See under N. S .A., item B. 76..) iii. Voluntary contributions a "sacred. obligation" (B. Admin. 36-7).

b. The Nineteen Day Feast--"the foundation of the World. Order of Bahá u'lláh” (B. Com. 28). 1. Authority: Established by the Báb and. commanded by Bahá' u‘lláh (Tablets 'Abdu'l—Bahá,II-1+68;B. News, July 1929 (B. Proc. 39) ii. Purpose is unity through spiritual nourishment fellowship and consultation (B. Com. 27-29). Provides the channel through which individual Baha'ie can offer suggestions to the Local and. the National Spiritual Assembly (B. Com. 30). iii. Attitude in attending Feasts: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá'. said: "You must free yourselves from everything that is in your hearts, before you enter." (B. Proc. 1+2.) iv. Conducted. in three parts (B. Com. 28): (l) Spiritualudevoted. to readings from Bahá’í Sacred Writings (Baha u'lláh and. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá). (2) Consultation period--eee B. Com. 29-32:

Report from Local Assembly concerning activities:

Messages from the Guardian and letters from N.S.A.3 local committee reports, etc.

General discussion and. suggestions.

Motions adopteé. by majority vote of Community on recommendations to Local Assembly, to be considered by L.S.A. at its next meeting and. decision reported back to later Feast.

Motions adopted by majority vote of community on suggesJzions for National Spiritual Assembly, to be recomended to that body, if so decided, by L.S.A.

Only matters concerning the Cause to be brought up for consultation at Feast. Matters of personal nature should. be brought to the Assembly.

Opportunity for contributions to loca1,nationa.l and. international Bahá’í Funds.

(3) Material feast and social meeting of the friends.

v. Every member of the Bahá’í community should. take part, in attendance and in consultation, who is a voting believer, "unless ill or absent from the city" (B. Com. 29).

Bahá’í Youth, and interested youth may attend. if they make declaration on reaching 15 years of their intention to become voting members when they become 21 years of age (B. Com. 29).

Children of Baha’,’ is, under 15 years of age, may attend (B. Proc. 11). Visiting Baha' is from other communities may attend. (B. Com. 29)

c. The Annual Meeting on April 21 (B. Admin. 36; B. Com. 32): 1. Purpose: (1) Election of Local Spiritual Assembly by members of the Community. (2) Presentation of annual reports. ii. Presiding officer is chairman of outgoing Assembly.

[Page 14]1h.

D. THE BAHA'I COMMUNITY

1. Basis ie JUSTICE (S.A.Q. 308-310). What is the Bahá’í meaning of Justice? .

a.

6.

Definition of Justice (sahé'u'ileh):

"The essence of all that We have revealed for thee is Justice,

is for man to free himself from idle fancies and imitation, discern with the eye of oneness His glorious handiwork, and

look into all things with a searching eye." (BWF lh2;also p.1h0).

"The light of men is Justice; quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of Justice is the appearance of unity among men." (Nerds of Paradise, ADJ 23).

"No light can compare with the light of justice. The establishment of order in the world an& the tranquillity of the nations depend upon it.” (Son of the Wblf 28.)

"What this eppreesed One requires of all is justice and equity. Let them not satisfy themselves with mere hearing, but reflect upon that which hath proceeded from this oppressed Qne....The benefit of the utterance of the merciful One goes to those who practice." (Tablet of Ishreqat, BWF 202.)

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá): "The canopy of existence resteth upon the pole of Justice, and not of forgiveness, and the life of mankind dependeth on Justice and not ofl forgiveness." (ADJ 2h.)

Purpose of Justice is "the appearance of unity among men."(ADJ 23).

What makes man Just? "...the fear of God commands people to do that which is Just and forbids them that which is evil. (BWF 198, Tablet of Ishraqét, let Ishraq; read also the Guardian' 9 translation of the hth Ishréq in Epistle to the Son of the Wblf, p. 26. )

Bahá’í laws are founded on Justice: e.g., the Law of Unity (BWF #11, 2nd paragraph). the Law of Consultation (B. Admin. 21-22).

Application of Justice (BWF 138, "Moderation"; #12, 195 (13th Glad Tidings; WOB ho; BWF 181; ADJ 22-2h).

Characteristics of the Bahá’í Community:

a. Must be "distinguished" (ADJ 6, 13-1h).

b. C.

d.T

e.

Prerequisites of "success” (ADJ 18-22; B. Admin. 57, 59-60). Time of trials (WOB 16-17, 201-25 B. Admin. 113).

The Community of the Most Great Name (WOB 19h- 6)--"O people of Baha!" (ADJ 63-72).

A Wbrld Commonwealth--"Wbrld unity is the goal" (WOB 202-6).

[Page 15]15.

E. THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVER

1. Within himself:

2.

3.

8..

b.

d.

e.

f.

5:.

d.

6.

Inner realization of "the unfailing efficacy of the Message he bears" (B. Admin. 30, 57, 102, 120; Disp. 100, let paragraph).

Wholehearted allegiance (See under L.S.A., C. 31:).

Standards of faith: fulfillment of obligations (B. Com. 10-11): The two sustaining pillars:

i. Obligatory prayer (B. Com. 11-12)

ii. Fasting (B. Com. 12-15)

Steadfastness in persecution (B. Admin. , 1915 edition, 1). 162). relation to the Comunity as a. whole:

Membership in the Bahá’í/ Community carries responsibility in action, not in words alone (HW Persian #76,69; BWF 126; B. Admin.

30-2, 59, 99-100).

Participation in activities:

1. Nineteen Day Feasts (see under C. 9b).

11. Voting at Annual Meeting ”a sacred. responsibility" (MA 3-4). iii. Contribute to Fund (B. Admin. 36-7).

"Chief duty" is to teach, in cooperation with the Local Spiritual Assembly (B. Admin. 6, 37-8, 59-60, 79).

Relationship to Bahá’í’COmmunity is the most important--not affiliation with other religious organizations or social movements (association, not affiliation)- (B. Com. 67-8; MA 11-5).

Aloofness from politics (B. Com. 69; WOB 197-9, 63-7; MA 2,15-16).

Responsibility to protect welfare of the Faith: 1. Travelers should. have proper credentials to present to other communities (B. Com. L5). ii. No association with Orientals unless they present proper written credentials (B. Proc. 21; B. Admin. 92). "No excuse whatever is acceptable" (Letter of Shoghi Effendi, B. Proc.2l)

relation to the Local Spiritual Assembly:

Individual believer as such or as member of the Spiritual Assembly has no status other than that of a member of the Community (B. Proc. 9; MA 2).

Consultation with the Local Spiritual Assembly on individual as

well as on community problems is the duty and right of every individual member of the Commmity (B. Proc. 19-20; 13. Admin. 19;

B. News, No. 177, p. 2, col. 3).

Obedience to decisions of the Spiritual Assembly (B. Admin. 21, 22, 53, 55; B. Cam. 26).

Right of individual believer to make appeal to N.S.A. (B.Proc. 5h-7; B. News, Nb. 71, pp, 6-8). (See under N.s.A., B. 3c.)

Obligation to serve, if elected or appointed. (B. Proc. 8).

[Page 16]l.

$6.: h. In relation to other members of the Bahá’í" Community: 8.. "Equal co-sharera," ”living witnesses" (B. Admin. 120-1).

13. Express love for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: in love for fellow believers and ' all mankind. (13. Admin. 30-31, 52-53). ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's three conditions for membership in "the heavenly armies" (BWF 1M23497). '

0. Prayer from the Will and. Testament (B. Admin. 5).

III. SIMMARY AND REVIEW as given by the Guardian in God. Passes By:

A. B. C. D.

E.

F.

G.

Rise of the Administrative Order in the "Formative Period"--_323-9. Source and Authority -- 32h-5.

Ite uniqueness -- 326.

Its imperviousnees to attack -- 327-8.

Establishment of the Local Spiritual Assemblies -- the "broad and solid base" -- 330-2.

Establishment of the National Spiritual Assemblies -7- 332—3;

1. The Bahá’í National Constitution (Declaration of Truet)--:331+-5.I 2. Local Constitutions and 1ncorporation--335-7.

3. National endowments and. aseete--337-9.

1;. The institution of the Hazfratu'l-Quds (the ”sacred fold") and. its complementary institutione--339.

5. The Mashriqu’l-Adhkárufig-ho, 3&8-53. 6. The summer schools —- 3140-1. 7. Bahaf' 1’ youth (Eganization -- 3&1-2.

International contacts and. institutions: 1. International contacts -- 3&2-5.

2. International institutions -- 315-8.

3. Eventual establishment of the Universal House of Justice -- #11 to end.