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The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey
AMERICA’S SPIRITUAL MISSION[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly Announces Teaching Policy for 1936-1937[edit]
After consideration of the many elements entering into the problem of establishing a teaching policy and plan capable of making a foundation on which the American Bahá’í community can proceed to fulfil the Guardian’s vision as conveyed in his cablegram to the Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly has outlined a teaching policy which is now reported to the believers throughout the United States and Canada.
It will be noted that the matter of teaching and the matter of a financial budget are so interdependent that the budget is also presented as a necessary part of the teaching effort.
The development of this vital topic of teaching has come in the following order. First, the Guardian’s cablegram to the Convention, as published last month:—
“Convey (to) American believers abiding gratitude efforts unitedly exerted (in) teaching field. Inaugurated campaign should be vigorously pursued, systematically extended. Appeal (to) assembled delegates ponder historic appeal voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (in) Tablets (of the) Divine Plan. Urge earnest deliberation with incoming National Assembly (to) insure its complete fulfilment. First century (of) Bahá’í era drawing to a close. Humanity entering outer fringes most perilous stage its existence. Opportunities (of) present hour unimaginably precious. Would to God every State within American Republic and every Republic in American continent might ere termination (of) this glorious century embrace (the) light (of the) Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and establish structural basis of His World Order.”
- (Signed) SHOGHI.
Cablegram received May 1, 1930.
Second, the following message received in a cablegram from Shoghi Effendi on May 19:—
“Convention plea addressed to American believers cannot achieve its purpose unless dauntless pioneers promptly arise and, forsaking (their) homeland, permanently reside (in) countries where light of Faith (has) not yet penetrated. Cabling three hundred pounds as nucleus (of) Special Fund to be established (for the) furtherance (of) this exalted, highly meritorious purpose.” (Signed) SHOGHI.
Third, the consultation of the N. S. A. which resulted in the recording of the following statement:—
“The National Spiritual Assembly adopts the following teaching policy for the coming year.
- The publication of the Teaching Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in pamphlet form under the title of “America’s Spiritual Mission” in order that every American Bahá’í may have this vital source of our inspiration for teaching.
- The appointment of a National Teaching Committee with these functions:
- The preparation of general teaching material and of general policies and plans.
- The supervision of regional activities, by receiving monthly reports from Regional Committees and preparing monthly reports for the N. S. A.
- The direction of teaching activities in all areas of the United States and Canada not allocated to Regional Teaching Committees.
- Enrollment of isolated believers.
- The appointment of Regional Teaching Committees to exercise the following functions:
- The coordination of Inter-Community Conferences,
- Cooperation with local Assemblies in organizing teaching circuits.
- The routing of traveling teachers.
- Rendering assistance to groups and preparing groups for the election of a Spiritual Assembly.
- Encouraging and stimulating teaching activities of isolated believers.
- The extension of teaching work to areas within the regions which have no Assemblies or groups. The Regional Committee is to exercise initiative in the areas outside the jurisdiction of local Assemblies.
- In order to prevent confusion between the functions of the National and Regional Committees, it is recorded that each Regional Committee is to be responsible for all decisions
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involving action, and need not consult the National Teaching Committee with reference to activities within the region. It is also recorded that the Regional Committees have no administrative authority over local Assembles but are to assist the local Assemblies in every possible way and also make possible a coordination of Inter-Assembly activity. The contact of the Regional Committees with the National Teaching Committee is to be through monthly reports outlining the development of the work, reporting any problems that should be brought to the attention of the N. S. A., and recommending whatever new teaching material or new teaching methods the Regional Committee may feel advisable. The National Teaching Committee is to report to the N. S. A. the progress of the regional work, report also any problems which the N. S. A. should endeavor to solve by administrative authority, and in addition, submit recommendations in the way of teaching material, methods, plans and policies for approval by the N. S. A. and subsequent publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS or other convenient form as a stimulus and guidance to those actively engaged in the teaching field.
- The responsibility of the National Assembly itself for teaching work is expressed in the schedule of meetings already adopted.* In addition to these Regional Conferences and Public Meetings, the N. S. A. will throughout the year do its utmost to bring the Cause to the attention of persons of capacity and influence who at present cannot be reached by the local Assemblies.
- The appointment of an Inter-America Teaching Committee to make careful research, and to advise and assist the N. S. A. in all activities related to the promotion of the Faith in Mexico, Central America, South America and the Islands of the Caribbean area.
In connection with the decision to
appoint both a National and Regional
Teaching Committees, the National
Spiritual Assembly feels it advisable
to call the attention of the friends to
the development of teaching facilities
over the period of the last few years.
After centering the teaching work in
one central committee for some time,
regional representatives were appointed in order to extend the teaching
work farther in the direction of the
local Assemblies, groups and isolated
believers. The present method of Regional Committees now makes them
fully independent as far as action is
concerned, but the National Committee
is retained as a necessary aid to the
N. S. A. in the preparation of general
teaching material and methods, and in
the coordination of monthly reports
from the Regional Committees.
Another important consideration is that the five regions indicated in the Master’s Teaching Tablets are far too large to represent active regional areas with the facilities at the disposition of the American Bahá’í community at this time. Therefore a greater number of areas have been selected, in order to provide for the utmost concentration of our energies and resources. As the Guardian said in his cablegram to the Convention, “Inaugurated campaign should be vigorously pursued, systematically extended.”
That cablegram, in fact, appears to have confirmed the objectives set forth in the statement issued by the National Teaching Committee in Bahá’í News last January, under the title of “What Is Mostly Needed.”
The prayerful hope of the National Spiritual Assembly is that the American believers will unite themselves for teaching work this year with even greater enthusiasm and sacrifice than we united for the construction of the House of Worship. Only in that spirit of consecration can we play our part in fulfilling the ultimate destiny of the Faith: “Would to God every State within American Republic and every Republic in American continent might ere termination (of) this glorious century (i. e., the first century of the Bahá’í era) embrace (the) light (of the) Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and establish structural basis of His World Order.”
Fourth, the preparation of a Bahá’í map of North America, showing the location of the important Bahá’í centers, the regional divisions, and other matters making it useful in planning the present teaching activities.
Fifth, the National Bahá’í Budget for 1936-1937, as follows:
International Bahá’í Fund | $ 2,300 |
Administration | 6,500 |
House of Worship, maintenance** | 8,500 |
Green Acre (less income received from 1936 season) | 2,500 |
BAHÁ’Í NEWS | 1,400 |
Publishing Committee | 2,000 |
Malden House | 200 |
General Committee budgets | 1,600 |
| _____ | |
| $25,000 | |
Obligations carried over | 3,000 |
Keith Ransom-Kehler Memorial | 1,000 |
For reserve | 1,000 |
| _____ | |
| $30,000 | |
Special Teaching Fund | 30,000 |
| _____ | |
| $60,000 |
RECENT ANNUAL BUDGETS[edit]
In order to show the comparison between the financial budget adopted for 1936-1937 with the totals contributed during recent years, the following figures are presented.
- 1931—Total cash contributions, $58,997.44.
- 1932—Total cash contributions, $54,917.46.
- 1933—Total cash contributions, $84,545.02.
- 1934—Total cash contributions, $149,686.26.
- (The 1934 income was reported for the period of thirteen months.)
- 1935—Total cash contributions, $55,170.08.
- (The 1935 income was reported for the period of eleven months.)
- 1936—Total cash contributions, $54,263.90.
It will be noted that the six year average is $76,263.36 — more than $16,000 in excess of the total which the National Spiritual Assembly has fixed as the goal for the coming year.
“FRESH CONQUESTS AND UNPRECEDENTED TRIUMPHS”[edit]
Since the foregoing teaching policy was adopted, a letter dated May 30, has been received from Shoghi Effendi containing the following passage in his own hand:
“I fervently hope and pray that the year into which we have just entered may be signalized by fresh conquests and unprecedented triumphs in the teaching field within the United States and beyond its confines. A systematic,
_____
* Under the plan mentioned in the Annual Report of the N. S. A.
** No provision is made for Temple construction
work this year, the Guardian having granted a
year’s respite.
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carefully conceived, and well-established plan should be devised, rigorously pursued and continuously extended. Initiated by the National representatives of the American believers,
the vanguard and standard-bearers of
the radiant army of Bahá’u’lláh, this
plan should receive the whole-hearted,
the sustained and ever-increasing support, both moral and financial, of the
entire body of His followers in that
continent. Its supreme immediate objective should be the permanent establishment of at least one center in every
state of the American Republic and in
every Republic of the American continent not yet enlisted under the banner
of His Faith. Its ramifications should
gradually be extended to the European
continent, and its scope should be
made to include those countries, such
as the Baltic states, Poland, Greece,
Spain and Portugal, where no avowed
believer has established any definite
residence. The field is immense, the
task gigantic, the privilege immeasurably precious. Time is short, and the
obligation sacred, paramount and urgent. The American community must
muster all its force, concentrate its resources, summon to its aid all the faith,
the determination and energies of
which it is capable, and set out, single-minded and undaunted, to attain still
greater heights in its mighty exertions
for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.” (Signed) SHOGHI.
THE NATIONAL BAHA’I FUND[edit]
A Compilation[edit]
And as the progress and extension of spiritual activities is dependent and conditioned upon material means, it is of absolute necessity that immediately after the establishment of local as well as national Spiritual Assemblies, a Bahá’í Fund be established, to be placed under the exclusive control of the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and contributions should be offered the Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express purpose of promoting the interests of the Cause, throughout that locality or country. It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahá’u’lláh who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase of that Fund. The members of the Spiritual Assembly will at their own discretion expend it to promote the Teaching Campaign, to help the needy, to establish educational Bahá’í institutions, to extend in every way possible their sphere of service. I cherish the hope that all the friends, realizing the necessity of this measure, will bestir themselves and contribute, however modestly at first, towards the speedy establishment and the increase of that Fund.”—Bahá’í Administration, pp. 36-37.
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 —Bahá’í News, September, 1926.
With regard to the Bahá’í Fund, recently established amongst the friends, I trust that the matter now stands clear to everyone throughout the country. As I have previously intimated, although individual friends and local Assemblies are absolutely free to specify the object and purpose of their donations to the National Spiritual Assembly, yet, in my opinion, I regard it of the utmost vital importance that individuals, as well as local Assemblies, throughout the land should, in view of the paramount importance of National Teaching and as an evidence of their absolute confidence in their national representatives, endeavor, however small at first, to contribute freely towards the upkeep and the increase of the National Bahá’í Fund, so that the members of the National Assembly may at their full discretion expend it for whatever they deem urgent and necessary.— Bahá’í Administration, p. 47.
In connection with the institution of the National Fund and the budgetary system set forth in the minutes of the National Spiritual Assembly, I feel urged to remind you of the necessity of ever bearing in mind the cardinal principle that all contributions to the Fund are to be purely and strictly voluntary in character. It should be made clear and evident to every one that any form of compulsion, however slight and indirect, strikes at the very root of the principle underlying the formation of the Fund ever since its inception. While appeals of a general character, carefully worded and moving and dignified in tone are welcome under all circumstances, it should be left entirely to the discretion of every conscientious believer to decide upon the nature, the amount, and purpose of his or her contribution for the propagation of the Cause.—Bahá’í Administration, p. 92.
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. —Bahá’í News, November, 1934.
As to material sacrifices towards the welfare of the Cause, he wishes you to understand that the general interests of the Cause take precedence over the interests of the particular individuals. For instance, contributions to the welfare of individuals are secondary to contributions to the National and local Funds and that of the Temple.—Bahá’í News, February, 1932.
As the activities of the American Bahá’í community expand, and its worldwide prestige correspondingly increases, the institution of the National Fund, the bedrock on which all other institutions must necessarily rest and be established, acquires added importance, and should be increasingly supported by the entire body of the believers, both in their individual capacities, and through their collective efforts, whether organized as groups or as local Assemblies. The supply of funds, in support of the National Treasury, constitutes, at the present time, the life-blood of these nascent institutions you are laboring to erect. Its importance cannot, surely, be overestimated. Untold blessings shall no doubt crown every effort directed to that end—Bahá’í News, October, 1935.
LETTER FROM YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]
Dear fellow youth:—
The National Youth Committee, through the medium of this announcement, wishes to call your attention to several important phases of the Bahá’í Youth program.
- Shoghi Effendi’s recent letter to the American believers and his telegram to the Convention place a great responsibility upon us to advance on the lines of the Divine Plan for teaching. The Guardian is calling for pioneers in this “new hour.” Are there not many in our ranks who will answer his call? Does not youth mean that we share a greater part of the responsibility placed upon the American believers? Let us seize the “unspeakably precious” opportunities and advance
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the banner of the New World Order to all parts of the United States and Canada.
- The one step begun this last year to consolidate our ranks must be continued, and that is the registration of youth under twenty-one who declare their acceptance of the Bahá’í Faith. Perhaps the youth chairman in each city could present this problem for consultation at the next 19-day feast. It is a part of our work which we have barely begun, and it is not fully understood.
- The two months vacation period of the year is about to begin. Shall we allow this to be a period of let-up in our service to Bahá’u’lláh? Are not the bounties and confirmations of God descending continually ? Therefore, should we not carry our program of service and activity through the summer without any interruption? The vacation period is a challenge to us to adopt our methods of teaching the Bahá’í Faith to the conditions of summer living. The Religion of God does not function ten months of the year, but twelve. Let us face this fact now and teach continually during the summer by means of the three Summer Schools, by picnics, by campfires, by week-ends at camps. If we unitedly attack this problem, we shall even discover new methods of attracting people to the Cause of God.
- You will find in this issue the names of the new Youth Committee just appointed by the N. S. A. The regional system has worked very successfully this last year, the first year of its inception. The sub-secretaries wish, even more this year, to be active clearing houses for problems, news, and ideas from the youth groups and individuals in their respective areas.
The opportunity for most heroic
living is ours. Let us not waste a single day! Let us vindicate our belief in and dedication to the Faith of God for this new age! Let us pioneer for
Bahá’u’lláh!
Sincerely in the Guardian’s Service,
- YOUTH COMMITTEE.
- By: KENNETH CHRISTIAN, Chairman.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
- Mrs. Louise Herman, Columbus, Ohio.
- Mrs. Anna Steinmetz, Minneapolis, Minn.
- Dr. Edwin Karl Fisher, Los Angeles, Calif.
Exhibit of Bahá’í Literature in Public Library, Racine, Wis., arranged by the Spiritual Assembly in connection with a series of Teaching meetings recently conducted at Racine by Mrs. Ruth Moffett
- Mrs. Elizabeth McGwan, Buffalo, N. Y.
- Rosa Harmon, Kenosha, Wis.
- Mrs. Dora Dunbar Maule, McMinville, Oregon.
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
Beginning June 1, 1936, the price of “Security for a Failing World,” by Stanwood Cobb, has been reduced from $2.00 to $1.50 per copy. It is hoped that the lower price will make it possible for many more believers to secure a copy of this book for their own Bahá’í library, and give many more copies away as part of their teaching work.
New Literature[edit]
Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, Bahá’u’lláh. The new translation by Ali-Kuli Khan, N. D. is now available in a book of very convenient size. There are two bindings—paper, at $0.50 per copy, and fabrikoid, at $0.75.
“Seven Valleys” has been out of print for many years, while “Four Valleys” has never before been published in English.
The Path to God, by Dorothy Baker. The latest addition to the series of important “teaching literature” booklets. The price is uniform with the titles already issued—$1.50 per hundred copies, net.
Bahá’í Study Course, prepared by the Study Outlines Committee some years ago. This is a reprint, as the supply became exhausted some months ago. The friends will recall that this is the outline which is sold with three books, all references being to those books—Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Foundations of World Unity.
The price of the Study Course and all three books, complete, $1.50 net.
Any of the friends able to furnish a copy of “Star of the West,” Vol. 17, No. 6, is requested to notify the Publishing Committee.
Note: Thanks to a special donation of books, the Committee is able to offer the following useful and informative books at 50c net, while they last: A World Community, by J. H. Randall; Seven Great Bibles, by Alfred W. Martin; Nationalism and Internationalism, by Herbert Adams Gibbons. These books were originally published at $2.00 each.
Send orders for Bahá’í literature to: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Annex, New York, N. Y., or to Western Division, Mrs. Emma F. Smith, 940 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, Calif.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY LEGAL COMMITTEE[edit]
The Legal Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly, in passing upon the sufficiency of the incorporation papers of a local Spiritual Assembly, desires to impress upon all local Assemblies contemplating local incorporation that a copy of the State statute under which the incorporation is being set up, should be, in all cases, forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly with the proposed incorporation papers.
Consideration and approval of any local incorporation papers cannot be completed without such copies of the State law. The lack of these has greatly retarded action upon papers already submitted for the Assembly’s approval.
