The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is
of the United States and Canada
The purpose of religion as revealed from the heavens of God’s holy Will is to establish unity and concord amongst the children of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and strife. The religion of God and His Divine law are the most potent instruments and the surest of all means for the dawning of the light of unity amongst men. The progress of the world, the development of nations, the tranquillity of peoples, and the peace of all the dwellers on earth are among the principles and ordinances of God. Religion bestows upon man the most precious of all gifts, offers the cup of posterity, imparts eternal life, and showers imperishable benefits upon mankind. It behooveth the chiefs and rulers of the world, and in particular the Trustees of God’s Home of Justice, to endeavor to the utmost of their power to safeguard its position, promote its interests, and exalt its station in the eyes of the world.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
Editorial
On March 5, 1922, the Guardian issued a general letter which called into being, under the teachings revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá, the institution of Local Spiritual Assemblies among the Bahá’í communities of East and West. That action gave form and substance to Bahá’í loyalty; it marked the inauguration of the maturity of the Cause; it laid foundations for a worldwide Bahá’í government; it blessed humanity with the means of a new social creation.
It is incumbent upon Bahá’ís to study from time to time those general communications from Shoghi Effendi which reveal the nature of Bahá’í society and supply the spiritual power required to enable believers to become, inwardly and outwardly, worthy of citizenship in Bahá’u’lláh’s holy realm.
“The importance, nay the absolute necessity of these Local Assemblies is manifest when we realize that in the days to come they 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.” . . “The need for the centralization of authority in the National Spiritual Assembly, and the concentration of power in the various Local Assemblies, is made manifest when we reflect that the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is still in its tender growth. . . .” (Shoghi Effendi, March 12, 1923).
The Guardian carefully outlined the duties of the Local Assembly in the letter reproduced on pages 32-34 of the volume Bahá’í Adminisiration. Full knowledge of these and other instructions will alone enable us to fulfill our Bahá’í responsibilities. The various issues “which should receive the full attention of these Assemblies” can be summarized as follows: teaching; protection of the Cause; promotion of unity among the believers; assistance of the poor, the sick, the disabled, the orphan, the widow; promotion of the material as well as spiritual enlightenment of youth; maintenance of regular correspondence with other Bahá’i centers; support of all Bahá’í magazines; arrangement of meetings, feasts and anniversaries; supervision of Bahá’í publications (local); passing upon the qualifications of new members of the Bahá’í community; the institution of a Bahá’i Fund.
At the time when the Guardian assumed his office, a “Bahá’í” meant one who accepted the manifestation of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master’s station at the Center of the Covenant, an entirely subjective test of loyalty and one which left a wide margin for differences of opinion. In actual practice, a “Bahá’í” meant people who refused to cooperate and remained outside the circle of local activities as well as those who remained faithfully in the group. It was not until October 24, 1925 that Shoghi Effendi laid down a standard of qualifications which included objective elements and actually made possible a Bahá’í constitution and by-laws having legal value and possessing a workable basis.
The passing upon the qualifications of those desiring to become members of the local Bahá’í community, while one of the latter duties outlined by the Guardian for a Spiritual Assembly, can now be appreciated as perhaps its most important responsibility. The growth of the Cause depends upon how wisely Local Assemblies carry out this particular duty. If an Assembly is at all narrow and literal, the doors of progress are barred; if too liberal and superficial, the Bahá’í community will become a garden choked with weeds. The wisdom of resting Bahá’í decisions upon a body of nine, rather than upon any one leader or official, has become too apparent to require comment.
Emphasis may well, however, be placed here upon a statement recently written by the Guardian through his secretary to the National Spiritual Assembly and quoted elsewhere in this number of Bahá’í News: “To be a Bahá’i is to accept the Cause in its entirely.” The false and misleading distinction between “Bahá’ís” and “believers” is thus forever removed. A Bahá’í today is one who accepts the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá and becomes a loyal member of a Bahá’í community—a Bahá’í and a believer are one and the same thing.
Sooner or later a Local Spiritual Assembly is called upon to deal with practically every type of human problem— sickness and poverty, education, divorce, unemployment, mental unbalance, “psychic” cases, finance—as well as those matters which concern Bahá’í activities directly and exclusively. A Spiritual Assembly includes within its sphere of responsibility the infinite variety of subjects which society now divides between legislative bodies, judicial bodies, churches, schools and welfare organizations. It thus restores to humanity the unified vision of reality whence all true social power proceeds.
What wonder that so far Local Spiritual Assemblies have approached their duties either a little timidly or a little too rashly! What wonder that neither their members nor the general body of believers have appreciated the magnitude of Bahá’u’lláh’s creation! Generations and centuries have been required to build up the feeble and imperfect institutions we inherit from the past—surely a few more years will be necessary before this Bahá’í institution consciously gathers to itself all the elements of unity, insight, sympathy, wisdom, love, authority and power with which it has been potentially endowed by the Manifestation.
Meanwhile, from our collective experience derived from 1922 we may note certain modes of the Assembly action which indicate increasing spiritual consciousness and sense of responsibility: the issuing of proper letters of introduction to traveling Bahá’ís or those who change their residence; creating facilities for the study of Bahá’í administration by all local believers; extending love and help to believers in difficulty; showing full courtesy to visiting Bahá’ís and receiving their cooperation; maintenance of an adequate Bahá’í library; study of local conditions to formulate effective teaching plans. The problem of public meetings differs with every community; some hold too few, others attempt too much. The essence of this matter seems to consist in the development of two types of public meeting; one a general meeting to attract people to the Cause; the other a teaching meeting, that those attracted may become gradually informed and confirmed. Wherever firmly established and consistently maintained in the spirit of true devotion, these two types of meeting will receive divine blessing.
Added light is thrown upon the significance of Local Spiritual Assemblies by the fact that it is so largely through their influence that the local community is unified and harmonious enough to undertake in the right spirit the election of delegates to the Annual Convention where the members of the National Assembly are chosen, a body which later on will vote for the members of the Universal House of Justice. As the House of Justice is associated with the Guardian in the Will and Testament, we realize how essential it is that Local Spiritual Assemblies lay now the enduring, unshakable foundations upon which the world order of Bahá’u’lláh will rest. Unified Bahá’í communities assure the election of truly representative delegates; such delegates will bring into existence a more unified and capable National Assembly; such National Assemblies will assure the election of a worthy House of Justice. There is no substitute in the Bahá’í world for Local Spiritual Assemblies discharging their material and spiritual duties according to the Guardian’s standard.
One further recent instruction from the Guardian may be quoted here. In reply to a personal letter seeking advice on a material problem, Shoghi Effendi wrote that in consultation lies the secret of success.
We realize from this statement that consideration of all matters pertaining to the Cause leads directly to this principle of consultation. Consultation is not mere discussion among Bahá’ís, for consultation is not complete without a decision. Only a Spiritual Assembly can render decisions, hence consultation involves the Spiritual Assembly. The Spiritual Assembly must be made a party to it if the principle of consultation is to be invoked. The principle of consultation, in fact, is not only the basis of Bahá’í order, it is the new enlargement of human consciousness which Bahá’u’lláh came to reveal. If we evade this principle directly or indirectly, we and not the Cause are the losers. The first step in our Bahá’í life today consists in complete knowledge of and loyalty to the institution of the Local Spiritual Assembly.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
The recent Annual Convention voted a number of recommendations which have received full consideration by the National Spiritual Assembly. The following summary reports on the recommendations and the action taken by the Assembly in each case.
That the matter of providing a Bahá’í funeral service be referred to the Teaching Committee with the request that the Committee report its recommendation to the National Assembly. The Assembly recorded its view that this step would be helpful, but that such a service, if adopted, should not be regarded as permanent since provision for a Bahá’í funeral service will be made when the Aqdas is translated and the International House of Justice exists.
That the National Assembly makes regular contributions to the Bahá’í Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland. See budget of the National Assembly, published in the last issue of BAHÁ’I NEWS.
Approval of the report by Mr. Scheffler and Mr. Matthisen containing a form for a uniform accounting system to be used by Local Assemblies and National Committees. The National Assembly voted to have its Treasurer prepare one hundred copies of this form for free distribution to Assemblies requesting them. It is understood that the National Assembly considers their use distinctly valuable, but at present it is a matter of option.
That a book be provided in which shall be entered all specific donations made to the National Bahá’í Fund in the name of deceased believers. This recommendation was rejected as not in conformity with the spirit of the Cause because it is a duplication of methods sanctioned the non-Bahá’í bodies and tending to create objective monuments of spiritual service in matters sacred between God and the individuals concerned. It was the sense of the meeting that the spiritual results are obtained without the recording of the names of the donors in a special book.
That monthly financial statements be issued as promptly as possible. This recommendation was approved. It was voted to discontinue the publication of financial statements in BAHÁ’I NEWS, and to send the monthly statement to local Treasurers to be shared with the Bahá’í community. BAHÁ’I NEWS is now regarded as an international Bahá’í newspaper.
That all original Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá sent to the Archives Committee by Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada be photostated by the Committee, the photostat copy to be sent to the individual recipient or possessor of the Tablet and the original to be preserved in the Archives. The question of photostating the Tablets already in the Archives was also considered by the National Assembly and final action on this recommendation deferred until informed of the expense is received.
Concerning the rug presented by the Guardian to the Temple. The Assembly voted the resolutions necessary in order to apply for a refund of the amount paid to the Customs Department at the time the rug was secured.
That the Assembly prepare a new financial plan to carry on the purpose of the Plan for Unified Action. The budget and plan of the National Assembly to create a Temple Fund to complete the structure was reported in the last issue of BAHÁ’I NEWS.
The report of the Bahá’í young people
of New York requesting a definite
amount of space in BAHÁ’I NEWS, the
appointment of a News Editor to compile
material from Inter-Assembly
[Page 3]
communications, and recommending
that the Guardian’s statement of the
qualifications of members of Spiritual
Assemblies be made known to the
American Bahá’ís. The National Assembly
considers that the new editorial
plan for Bahá’í News meets the
purpose of this request; that
Inter-Assembly correspondence should be
fully maintained, and that the Guardian’s
statement is available to all
Bahá’ís in the volume Bahá’í Administration
and furthermore is repeated on
the ballot forms sent annually to the Local
Assemblies in connection with the
letter calling for the election of delegates
to the Convention.
THE CASE OF AHMAD SOHRAB AND THE NEW HISTORY SOCIETY[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly finds it necessary to make a definite statement to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada concerning the relations of the New History Society and the Cause.
This Society was started in New York City early in 1929 by Ahmad Sohrab, one of its avowed purposes being to spread the Bahá’í teachings. Neither the Local nor the National Assembly was consulted in the matter, and the meetings and activities of the New History Society have been maintained apart from the principles of consultation and Assembly supervision which today, under the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, form the basis of Bahá’í unity and the protection of the Cause.
Appreciating the urgency of obedience to the Master’s command that all Bahá’í activities be conducted under the supervision of the Spiritual Assembly, both the Local and the National Assembly have on several occasions— through written as well as oral communication—attempted to bring about full and frank consultation with the leaders of the New History Society, but without success.
Under these conditions, it becomes the obvious responsibility of the National Spiritual Assembly to inform the friends that the activities conducted by Ahmad Sohrab through the New History Society are to be considered as entirely independent of the Cause, as outside the jurisdiction of the Local and National Assembly, and hence in no wise entitled to the cooperation of Bahá’ís.
The Guardian has referred to this situation in the words of unmistakable clarity. Writing the National Assembly on May 30, 1930, through his secretary, Shoghi Effendi declares: “To accept the Cause without the administration is like accepting the teachings without acknowledging the divine station of Bahá’u’lláh. To be a Bahá’í is to accept the Cause in its entirety. To take exception to one basic principle is to deny the authority and sovereignty of Bahá’u’lláh, and therefore is to deny the Cause. The administration is the social order of Bahá’u’lláh. Without it all the principles of the Cause will remain abortive. To take exception to this, therefore, is to take exception to the fabric that Bahá’u’lláh has prescribed, it is to disobey His law.”
In clarifying this difficult situation for the body of believers, the National Assembly urges an attitude which shall express full loyalty to Bahá’í administration and also unfailing kindness and good will of individuals. The doors of Bahá’í fellowship and instruction must always remain open to sincere seekers, no matter from whence they come into the Cause.
Every believer must take to heart this lesson that individual Bahá’í effort, without due consultation, is foredoomed to failure.
Every man’s attention should in this day be directed to such things as are conducive to the spread of the Cause of God. The Lord is My Witness that nothing today is more harmful to the Cause than malice, contention and dispute, estrangement and apathy amongst the loved ones of God. Avoid them through the might and sovereign strength of God, and weld the hearts together by the reconciling power of the Name of Him Who is the All-knowing, the All-wise. Beseech the Almighty that He may vouchsafe unto you your share of the gladness of achievement in His path and of humility and lowliness in His love. Be forgetful of self; let your care be for others. Exert the highest endeavor for the true education of mankind. . . .
O children of understanding! The closing of an eyelid shutteth out the world and all that is therein; what then if the veil of evil desire blind the sight of the heart?—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTS A PUBLICITY COMMITTEE[edit]
The action of the National Spiritual Assembly in appointing a press committee to be known as Bahá’í News Service was reported to the Local Spiritual Assemblies in a letter from the new committee issued on July 1. Parts of that letter are reproduced here so that its special work may be known and cooperation extended to National Committees and traveling teachers, as well as to Local Assemblies.
“Dear Bahá’í friends:
“The National Assembly has appointed a new committee to be known as Bahá’í News Service.
“This committee will endeavor to serve as a publicity bureau, representing the Cause in the United States and Canada. The work outlined by the National Assembly at its meeting held June 29 has two main objects, as follows:”
“First—the preparation of articles which can be used by Local Assemblies, together with suggestions for the assistance of Local Assemblies in developing their own Bahá’í publicity.
“Please send two clippings of whatever is published, for our files.
“Second—the preparation of articles which will be sent directly to important papers throughout the country by a professional press bureau. It is hoped that these articles will increase general interest in and knowledge of the Cause. As this part of our work develops, the Assemblies will be kept in close touch through BAHÁ’I NEWS.
“We suggest that each Assembly appoint a Press Committee to cooperate directly with the national Bahá’í News Service, and also to prepare items based on your own local activities. This matter of publicity for the Cause is very important. As the
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Address for Correspondence News Editor Office of the Secretariat Evergreen Cabin West Englewood, New Jersey BAHÁ’I NEWS is the official organ of the American National Spiritual Assembly. Its cost is defrayed from the National Bahá’i Fund and copies are distributed free of charge to recognized believers throughout the United States and Canada, and to National and Local Spiritual Assemblies in other lands. News articles and reports of general Bahá’í interest and value are requested from Assemblies, National Committees and other representatives of the Cause. The Guardian’s statement concerning the purpose and scope of this publication can be found in the volume entitled “Bahá’i Administration.” |
Temple construction proceeds, it will be very much easier to secure favorable attention from the press. Meanwhile let us endeavor to train ourselves in the work and cultivate friendly relations with editors and reporters.”
- Yours faithfully,
- BAHÁ’I NEWS SERVICE,
- Allen B. McDaniel, chairman
- Stanwood Cobb
- Florence R. Morton
- Horace Holley, secretary
- 129 East 10th Street,
- New York City
- 129 East 10th Street,
THE PARAMOUNT ISSUE[edit]
A Letter from the Teaching Committee
To our co-workers in the United States and Canada:
The 1930 Convention marked the turning of a unique period in the life of the Cause in this country. For a number of years the energies and resources of the friends had been pouring with increasing volume into the building of the Temple. Then at the Convention we became aware of the results even more significant to the welfare of our Faith than the accomplishment of the required funds. The sustained spirit of the Convention convinced us that as an organized group we had generated actual energy through our striving, we had been disciplined by working hard together for a central aim, we had gained spiritual stamina. We now share the glorious realization that a maturing process has been at work that can but find its expression in organic growth.
So it is with unbounded joy and enthusiasm that the National Teaching Committee points out to you another period of the unfoldment of out beloved Cause. Another flight is required of us. Shoghi Effendi in a letter to the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly directs our group effort toward new directions when he says, “I strongly feel that the teaching work should be regarded henceforth as the paramount issue facing the believers.” Once more as cohorts of Bahá’u’lláh, our Guardian calls upon us to rally our collective reserves and step forth into the arena of deeds.
Beloved friends, the Teaching Committee extends to you a deep appreciation for your cooperation in the years just past. Limitations in funds have not prevented your steady application to the teaching problems of the Cause. Reports at the Convention revealed the vigorous health of this all-important activity, even in the face of difficulties. During this period new communities have come into being through the work of our distinguished teachers, groups of youth in many centers have become enkindled, racial amity work has brought its conciliatory message to the attention of enlightened individuals in many cities, there has been a nationwide response to the self-supporting activities of the Outline Bureau and Correspondence Course, traveling teachers have arisen to be met everywhere with hospitality and intelligent cooperation. In short, teaching work has been quietly taking shape. Throughout the entire country a concept of teaching has been unobtrusively growing in preparation for this time.
It is helpful frequently to remind ourselves of the Bahá’í ideal of Oneness which so subtly expresses itself in every avenue of our work. At a recent meeting in New York the Teaching Committee felt a flow of inspiration from every side. Letters from the Guardian, the wise counsel of the National Spiritual Assembly, the practical experience and suggestions of the friends all contributed vitally to the formation of our plans. This sense of close association must be fostered. The abundant energy which is the life current of the Cause must find its unobstructed channels through each of us. The Committee will make the strengthening of such ties its first concern in the months that lie ahead so that an ever-closer relationship may make us as one. With frequent letters we are planning to keep you in touch with every phase of our work and we urge you to write us freely of your problems, discoveries, accomplishments, that a really comprehensive policy may be evolved for the benefit of the entire group. That we may become better equipped with exact knowledge of our teaching resources and build our group plans more scientifically we are asking your local Secretaries for certain facts which we need for reference. The composite point of view, thus acquired will contribute to the accomplishment of one of the major aims of the Committee, namely, to formulate a broad platform of teaching through which all Bahá’í groups can function.
An analysis of teaching problems and needs reveals nothing essentially new. As always, the strengthening of our inner life and organic responsibility has as its objective the reaching out to a wider circumference of attracted souls. There is no one way for its accomplishment. Every means must be employed—the direct and the indirect, the appeal to the emotions and the appeal to the intellect. Every pathway leads both toward and away from the City of God, we can but point the right direction. It is, however, the privilege of the Teaching Committee to build in concrete terms methods of uniform procedure calculated: (1) to quicken Assembly initiative and promote group effectiveness; and (2) to devise means of making wider Bahá’í contacts with individuals and groups that are reflecting the progressive thought of the age. With your assistance we shall attempt thus to bring to a focus the various elements that contribute to the successful promulgation of the Word and spirit of the Bahá’í Cause.
Together let us envision the sweep of the Bahá’í Teachings across the United States and Canada—see our individual efforts merge into a committee of the whole; witness the exchange of correspondence and the development of regional consultation—our forces augmented by inter—Assembly circulation; behold our youth arising, contributing their gift and having it accepted, and the systematic training of our young teachers; consider an extension of the activities of the Outline Bureau to a series of weekly lesson plans in which modern thought will be linked to our Bahá’í Teachings by page references to the best and latest books and the gradual addition of these books to our local Bahá’í libraries. Then shall we be ready to carry our activities over into new territory through organized public approach. The appointment of Contact committees to secure information concerning the aims and personnel of progressive groups, the arranging of round-table discussions at which leaders of such groups will be invited to participate and the development of a fresh Bahá’í platform in series of inter-racial and inter-religious meetings is, in the opinion of the Teaching Committee, a logical advance toward our goal.
The Temple is rising, the power is released, the emergency is here. When turning the pages of the Scriptures who is not awed by the station conferred upon us by Bahá’u’lláh, or ignited by the fire of our beloved Master’s appeal for teachers? Such words as these quoted by Shoghi Effendi shake us awake to sacred obligations:
“In these days, the holy ones of the
realms of Glory, dwelling in the all-highest
Paradise, yearn to return unto
this world, and be of some service to
the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and prove
their servitude to the threshold of the
Abhá Beauty.” Our Guardian adds,
“What a wondrous vision these words
unfold to our eyes! How great our
[Page 5]
privilege to labor in this day in the
Divine Vineyard! Is it not incumbent
upon us to rise and teach His Cause
with such an ardor that no earthly
adversity can quell, nor any measure of
success satiate?”
- National Teaching Committee
Mr. R. C. Collison, Chairman
Dr. A. D. Heist
Mrs. May Maxwell
Mrs. Doris McKay, Secretary
Mr. Louis Gregory, Racial Amity Sec.
Man is the most patent of talismans; and naught but want of true education hath deprived him of that which is latent within him. With one word He created him, with another guided his steps to the path of true learning, and with still another guarded and preserved his standing and station.
The great Being saith: Consider man even as a mine that holdeth stones of precious beauty, of which education alone revealeth its value and bestoweth its benefit upon mankind.
Were man to study with deep insight God’s holy Words and ponder them in his heart, he will surely realize that their one aim is to so unite the world that the divers peoples on earth may be regarded even as one soul, that the seal of “Unto God is all dominion” may be stamped upon the tablet of every heart and that the splendors of loving-kindness, of grace and mercy may be shed upon all mankind.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
REFERENCES TO THE CAUSE IN RECENT LITERATURE[edit]
A very scholarly service has been rendered by Mr. Bishop Brown, now of Pittsburgh, who some years ago compiled the lists of books and magazines containing references to the Bahá’í Cause as published in The Bahá’í World. A few recent references have come to the attention of BAHÁ’I NEWS and are mentioned here for the information of students: The Soul of the East, by Marcus Ehrenpreis, Viking Press, New York, 1928; A History of Nationalism in the East, by Hans Kohn, Harcourt Brace, New York, 1929; Wider Horizons, by Herbert Adams Gibbons, Century Company, New York, 1930; Palestine, Today and Tomorrow, by John Haynes Holmes, Macmillan, New York, 1929; A World Community, by John Herman Randall, F. A. Stokes, New York, 1930; Inquirer and Christian Life, a Unitarian weekly, London, England, for May 10, 1930; The Illustrated Weekly of India for March 24, 1929.
PROGRESS OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION PLANS[edit]
The past month has been one of great activity and rapid progress toward completing the plans for the Temple.
The Research Service, Incorporated, is received from the structural engineer in Chicago, Mr. Benjamin B. Shapiro, voluminous blueprints prepared after consultation with the architect, Mr. Louis Bourgeois. The health of the latter is now such that he can give considerable time to the development of the very intricate details.
The changes and improvements in devices which have taken place during the years since the Foundation was completed, necessitate the rubbing out of many carefully-drawn lines, and the re-computation and re-lettering of countless details. The necessary shifting of a stairway, partition or opening is like a pebble thrown into a still pond. The ripples or re-adjustments spread to remote points.
The expediting of the work necessitates not only the preparation of structural plans to meet the architectural needs, but also full consideration of the utilities and the working out of the details for future heating and ventilating; also of plumbing, lighting, and the provision for such possibilities as air conditioning. In short a vision of the future, as well as of the now well-known needs in connection with the best use of the Temple.
As rapidly as the sheets and drawings and specifications are released by Messrs. Bourgeois and Shapiro, they are transmitted to The Research Service, and are then passed upon by the consulting staff. These men approach the problem from other angles. They “check and double check” with both telescopic and microscopic vision.
All of this necessitates continual attention on the part of The Research Service. For the greater part of a week, Mr. Shapiro was recently in the Washington office in consultation with various associates. Later Dr. F. H. Newell and Mr. Shapiro went to Schenectady for a conference on lighting problems with Dr. Walter D’Arcy Ryan of the General Electric Company. Various new devices, not yet on the market, were brought out and suggestions made with reference to making provision in the plans for the use of these new and up-to-date devices.
Various competent contractors have been advised of the progress of the drawings, and are awaiting the final sheets, in order to make out their estimates. Finished plans and specifications will be in the hands of these contractors by the last of July.
INTER-RACIAL AMITY[edit]
To the National and Local Spiritual Assemblies, the Amity Committees and Workers.
Dear Friends:
At this time we send you a message of greeting and longing as an emblem of our faith. It is one of gratitude and appreciation for your faithful and loyal services. Nobly have you responded to many calls and through your loving and generous sacrifices the cause of amity has grown. The Annual Convention was enlivened by many brilliant reports and meetings in various centers since that time has been a record of success. We are elated by the increasing volume of service. Preparations are now under way for the annual amity conferences at Green Acre which it is hoped that many will attend. The date is August 21 to 24.
The work of harmonizing the races
is known to be difficult. The odds appear
to be greatly against us. Human
prejudices, although their basis be but
superstition and fancy, enthrall by far
the greater portion of humanity. So
dense is the gloom caused by this condition
that many think it impenetrable.
Yet withal hope constantly brightens
as knowledge rapidly spreads. A retrospect
at almost any time shows
progress. Consider that, but a few
centuries ago men generally believed
the earth to be flat. The few wise
men who taught differently were
cruelly oppressed. Yet anon their
light removed that darkness. Now
their fame is established while the
forces that harmed they have long
been lost in oblivion. The growing
liberality of the ruling powers in the
Orient to the friends of Bahá’u’lláh
after the great persecutions of the
past and the transformation of the
world through the penetration of His
laws all is augury of glorious victory.
Today, both the scientific and spiritual
worlds favor unity among races. These
worlds which are knowledge and love
are the worlds that are real. From
these worlds great souls are ever
ready to answer the call when the
friends of God arise to demonstrate
the oneness of mankind. How sweet
is the spiritual fragrance of such
meetings! How attracted to the intelligent!
How luminous in reality!
How vibrant with celestial harmony!
The Word that creates has been
spoken. Let us concentrate in service
and never fear! Be pleased therefore
to aid us by your counsel; refresh
[Page 6]
us by your prayers; bring forward
your suggestions; lend us your
presence whenever possible; send in
monthly reports and by every means
in your power continue to stimulate
the work in both local and national
fields. On our part is the wish and
will to cooperate fully, at all times
relying upon divine favor. The Spirit
that animates our group action and
collective consciousness is One. Although
the organization and technique
of service may vary from time to time
to meet the needs of a changing
world, yet may our continued effort
and cooperation as we pursue the
ideals of Bahá’u’lláh bring to the earth
of hearts the joys of eternal realms.
Generous and noble friends we greet you in the Greatest Name and have the honor to be,
Your fellow servants and coworkers, The National Teaching Comm.,
- Louis G. GREGORY,
- Secretary for Amity.
NEW POLICY ADOPTED BY PUBLISHING COMMITTEE[edit]
The Publishing Committee for many years has been making consistent and determined effort so to plan and administer its affairs that it might achieve the twofold purpose of making available all recognized Bahá’í texts in the English language, and of creating a surplus for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The Committee asks for the sympathetic understanding and cooperation of the friends in the performance of this difficult task.
It will be recalled that the Committee came into existence by Assembly appointment following the voluntary discontinuance of the original “Bahá’í Publishing Society” which rendered such splendid services in Chicago over a period of many years. When all the stocks were received from Chicago, it became apparent that sales through Local Assemblies and groups should be expedited, with the result that a consignment of literature was sent to each Bahá’í community. The last of these consignments has been paid up or cancelled.
The Committee, however, on careful study, has realized that the literature of the Cause in America has been developing to meet two distinct purposes— the publication of a standard, recognized Bahá’í texts which are the basis of the teachings, and the printing of numerous leaflets, pamphlets and other material to serve various particular needs. The literature in fact divides into two classes: that which represents the permanent responsibility of the Publishing Committee, and that which reflects the activities of National and Local Teaching Committees.
The Publishing Committee has consequently adopted a policy which takes this fact into account and seems to provide a better division of interest and responsibility as between Publishing and Teaching Committees. The Publishing Committee will in future publish and distribute only such bound books and pamphlets as perpetuate the standard literature and which can be handled so as to develop a financial surplus either for extension of the Publishing work or for the other needs of the National Fund. It will continue to print, but not to sell, the smaller and more special leaflets and booklets needed by the Teaching Committee and provided for out of the Teaching budget. While publishing can and must be self-supporting and should be a source of profit, teaching—which involves literature to be sold at small cost or given away—is an entirely different type of Bahá’í service. Under present conditions, it should be remarked, the Publishing Committee actually loses money on every sale of the little pamphlets.
In accordance with this policy, the Publishing Committee is taking steps to retain only the standard and permanent bound books and booklets, and to catalogue only these titles. The balance of the stock on hand will be divided among the Local Assemblies and sent to them as a gift from the Publishing Committee. The Local Assemblies can either sell this literature for the benefit of their local Bahá’í Funds, or give it away as part of their teaching activity.
As this part of the literature goes out of print, it is clearly the province of the Teaching Committee to decide from year to year what teaching literature is needed. The Publishing Committee will print whatever is ordered and financed by the National Assembly and ship to the Teaching Committee or the Local Assemblies, as instructed. Thus the all-essential teaching work will be extended by a much more careful consideration of how printed matter can be used at Bahá’í meetings, and the Publishing Committee will be free to develop its own resources of service.
Whatever orders are received in the future by the Publishing Committee for these smaller leaflets and pamphlets from isolated believers or non-Bahá’ís will be forwarded to the nearest Assembly or group. The result will be to develop more efficient Bahá’í libraries in all the centers.
The ring-stones, photographs, moving picture films and voice records hitherto sold by the Publishing Committee will in future, it is hoped, be placed in charge of some other Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly, such as an Arts and Crafts Committee, better adapted to the sale of general merchandise outside the publishing field. Faced with the task of publishing Bahá’í books for the future needs of the one hundred and fifty million people in the United States and Canada, the Publishing Committee recognizes that the time has come for the utmost concentration and efficiency in this field of service.
NEWS LETTER FROM BAHA’IS OF BRITISH ISLES[edit]
( Continued )
Manchester
Seventeen of the friends met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sugar on the evening of Saturday, the 3rd inst., to deal with matters pertaining to the Cause, national and local. Mr. Hall presided, and after prayer, outlined the business to be dealt with.
The friends considered and approved several proposals designed to assist the advancement of the Cause, and decided that the same be submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly for their approval and adoption.
It was decided to hold meetings for worship and discussion at 16, Lily Street, Hr. Crumpsall, on the evening of the first Saturday in every month, also occasional meetings on other evenings for the benefit of those friends who cannot attend on Saturdays.
It was agreed to invite the Altrincham friends to cooperate in a Joint Gathering and Reunion, to be held on Saturday, May 24th, in celebration of the Anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab, and the birth of Abdu’l-Bahá on the 23rd.
Cordial and affectionate thanks were tendered to Mr. Hall for his many years of strenuous work for the Cause, and to Mrs. Hall for her loving service in providing hospitality to the friends when meeting.
After electing nine members to form the local Spiritual Assembly for the year, the following officers were appointed: Mr. Robinson (Chairman). Mr. Sugar (Secretary), and Mr. Chessel (Treasurer).
The friends were united in a spirit of loving cooperation and quiet determination to spend themselves in the service of the Cause.
Altrincham
The friends in Altrincham district rallied to the call on Friday, April 11th, when it was agreed that an Assembly be re-formed, as the number of accredited believers exceeded ten. The members present elected Mr. J. C. Craven as secretary, and Miss Hunt treasurer. They further desired that Mr. Craven represents the Assembly at the Delegates’ Meeting in London on April 26th, summoned for the election of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
On Friday, May 2nd, six members and one interested friend listened with interest to the Secretary’s report of the London Conference. Following this, the remainder of the evening was spent in an interesting study of the Bahá’í invitation to love God, and the relationship of God to the creature.
This exercise of heart and mind produced a spiritual atmosphere full of fire and light, attracting each soul to the indwelling Kingdom of God, which verified the truth “that we are emanations from God.”
“O Son of Man! I loved thy creation; therefore I created thee. Wherefore love Me that I may acknowledge thee, and in the Spirit of Life confirm thee.” (A4), Hidden Words.
From York encouraging news reaches us. Mrs. Kenworthy writes, “I hope soon to be able to tell of a little group forming in York, but in the meantime, I would reach out my hand to isolated Bahá’ís like myself, in the consciousness that we need not meet in the same room face to face, in order to find fellowship, for the Divine Breath and refreshing Life-giving waters can reach us wherever we are, and link us together in the spirit. I also realize (what some others who read this will agree with me in) that some of us, for a Divine purpose, may have been kept isolated for a time in order that we may be strong to stand alone, and may by a variety of experiences be proved and tested and made able to bear the responsibilities and privileges of this New Day and wonderful Revelation.” Mrs. Kenworthy tells in a later latter of a weekly meeting begun in York at the house of a friend for prayer and study of the Bahá’í teachings. She writes of the first meeting—“There were only three of us, but we had a lovely happy time, and we shall probably have more as time goes on.”
Bournemouth
Members of the Group, and other interested friends continue to meet every Sunday afternoon at “Rizwan,” Broadstone, and occasionally on week evenings at “Greenacre,” Bournemouth. Very happy Meetings have been held, with prayer and study of the Word, bringing strength to the believers, and convincing more than one regular attender of the truth of the Teachings. For two consecutive Sundays the subject of Spiritual Healing was studied, and Bahá’í prayers for Healing used, and on Monday afternoon, May 5th, a special Healing Service was held at “Rizwan,” attended by patients and staff in the Nursing Home, and friends in the neighborhood wishing for spiritual help. Great blessing was experienced, resulting in a renewal of spiritual and physical strength in several present, and a deeper realization of the power of prayer, and God’s readiness to answer and bless those who wait upon Him in faith.
Eight members of the newly-elected local Spiritual Assembly met on April 30th, when officers were elected for the year as follows: Chairman and Secretary, Miss Challis; Treasurer, Mr. King.
THE BAHA’I CAUSE IN GERMANY[edit]
1928-1929
The approximation between the mentality of the East and the West, has at the present time of the world’s development become a very acute question. Through the great strides made by the technical, communication, between the Eastern and Western countries, they have grown very close together; that the contrasts between the two continents are sharply apparent and it is impossible to dissolve the Western problem without a discussion of the Asiatic and African problem.
From historical tradition the policy of the big nations will only approach with dislike the necessity, which means the same as a renunciation of sole national power. When commerce, science and inventions such as broadcasting cinematograph have decidedly promoted the international understanding and approachment, nevertheless it is urgently necessary to promote the realization of the World’s Unity, by creating a new type of man the “International Man.”
This demand seems to us to-day to be an impossible Utopia, though it advances even practically close, when we think that the American of to-day was a few hundred years ago something strange. To the contrary, America was inhabited by different nationalities, which after a certain historical development, by working together have formed characteristic marks.
The Bahá’í Teachings have with astonishing rapidity and strength made a type of real international people and we can’t proclaim this better than through the Words of Bahá’u’lláh “You are all the leaves of one tree.” In autumn 1929 the Persian-European approachment had a visitor. Dr. Jouness Afrouktha from Teheran at the wish of Shoghi Effendi he also visited Germany. The spiritual exchange with our Persian brothers, is at this moment really of great interest to our German Bahá’í work. Though it must be our endeavor to give our Bahá’í work its own particular note, according to its surroundings, that is to promote the valuable peculiarity of the country, and at the same time it is necessary to develop closer connections with other countries to realize a universal spirit, not to mention the value of reciprocal thoughts interchanged.
It can be said that amongst the Eastern Bahá’í World the united Bahá’í type is since a long time a matter of fact, and though distance and language separate the Oriental and European Bahá’ís and make it very difficult to work in one spirit, yet we see to-day, how the Bahá’í Cause, notwithstanding the distance, is in absolute relationship with the East and West, though in general, keeping the individuality, the new international man is created.
Certainly there is a difference still in the depths of understanding the Bahá’í ideas. And herein the Persian Bahá’ís can give us European, who are technically high, a spiritual culture, in which we are only at the beginning.
The visit of Dr. Jouness had a great success, through an article about Persia’s Intellectual Reforms, which appeared in the Hamburger Fremdeublatt, one of the leading and most popular newspapers, in its evening No. of 15th of September, 1929. For the same purpose Miss Martha L. Root, New York, also visited different German Universities. In the German Universities there has been a lot of material gathered about Babism and Bahá’í Revelations and in different Universities scientific works published.
A good many works of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá in the original language are in the Government and University libraries, an outward sign of the interest the German science takes in our Cause.
For several years the writer of this
Article has been trying to gather in his library
an extensive amount of systematical
[Page 8]
material about the Bahá’í
Teachings to put it to the service of
science. This library contains most
of the Western books published about
the Bahá’í Teachings, several works
of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá and
other Bahá’í books in the Persian language,
the different published papers
which appear in the World, and a
collection of press notices published in
different countries on the Bahá’í
Cause, etc.
The Assistant-School for Feeble-minded Children in Warnemünde Mecklenburg ( represented by Emil Jörn) is built up entirely on Bahá’í principles, in October, 1928, there was a meeting in Rostock and Warnemünde for the Assistant-School teachers. This fact is especially to be greeted and notified as the Assistant School in Warnemünde was only founded a few years ago.
The North German Bahá’í Groups held a working meeting in December, 1929. Friends, from Berlin, Rostock, Warnemünde, Schwerin and Hamburg in the presence of a representative of the Bahá’í National counsel in Wandsbek. This meeting was a great strengthening for the Bahá’í spirit amongst the groups, and several new directions were proposed for closer working with the provinces together.
REPORT FROM ITALY[edit]
Italy has not been totally neglected in the past years. While the work has brought but little visible results, the knowledge of the Cause has been widely spread, and the books are in various libraries of the larger cities of Italy.
As early as 1899 there were two Bahá’ís in Italy, both having now passed on to the ’Abha Kingdom.
Mrs. Edith Burr of Florence, has made her home a center for many years, and here many Bahá’ís have spoken to groups. Signora Maria Forni, who latterly lived at Crevenna near Lake Como, was an ardent exponent from the time of her acceptance of the Teachings in 1899, and her social work among children was the testimony of her sincere faith.
During the winter of 1920, in Naples, talks on the Cause were given to groups of university students and a weekly meeting held where some of these students and others met. That same winter various successive talks were given in Rome in private homes and one to a large group of the idealistic Socialists, among the adherents of this group being some of the most aristocratic of Rome’s citizens.
In the Fall of 1921 the work was extended to Florence, Milano, Torino and Bologna, and some smaller cities, where talks were given in private homes as well as at groups composed of theosophists, socialists and Esperanto students.
In 1922 groups were held weekly in Rome and various talks given to groups of university students there.
Since the winter of 1923 until last winter, regular meetings have been held in Florence every week at my apartment and occasionally at Mrs. Burr’s.
Mrs. Loulie Mathews had for a few years a Circulating Library at Portofino.
Signora Teresa Campani has given constantly her talent as a speaker, and in the years past various Bahá’ís have spoken on the Cause at the Philosophical Society rooms in Florence.
There have been translated into Italian the “Hidden Words,” “Paris Talks,” and Dr. Esslemont’s “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era,” and some pamphlets.
We trust that the seeds sown may be slowly developing to bring forth fruits when the season of harvest shall have arrived. The political upheavals of the past fifteen years or more have occupied the minds of the Italians to such an extent that their spiritual eyes seem to have been veiled; yet we know that it is but a slumber that will bring a strengthened awakening, as has ever been in Italy after the time of fallow.
- Allah’u’Abhá!
CIRCULAR LETTER FROM ASSEMBLY OF HAIFA[edit]
In our last letter we had occasion to mention the visit of our devoted Bahá’í friend and indefatigable worker, Miss Martha Root and of her plans to visit Persia. Although she has not yet sent in a detailed report of her travel through Iraq and of her experiences during her present sojourn in Persia, letters from both of these countries are already full with news of her arrival and of the important and distinguished people in the country, which she had met. In Iraq she had the privilege of an audience with His Majesty King Feisal and she visited outlying villages where Arab Bahá’í peasants had the rare opportunity of meeting an American Bahá’í and who had the pleasure of entertaining her in their homes and be photographed with them.
In Persia the friends were naturally delighted to welcome her and some of the friends of Tihran went out of town by motor to welcome her. We do not have as yet full news of her work, but her call upon the Minister of the Court in Persia was very cordial and she had similar interviews with various Ambassadors there. We wish her every success in her many travels, we admire the courage and the strong faith that animates her work and we look forward with interest for still more news of her visit to various centers in Persia.
We learn with great pleasure and satisfaction of the new interest and enthusiasm that the Bahá’í Faith has aroused among a number of people both in Johannesberg and Pretoria in South Africa. For sometime the torch has been kept aflame by a number of devoted and zealous Bahá’í workers from America. But their efforts, like all pioneer work was slow and difficult. It is only lately that a number of friends have come together with the hope of establishing permanent centers. We extend to those fellow-workers, our warmest greetings and we await their news with keen interest.
The friends in every country will be very glad to know that the Guardian who had been lately unwell has fully recovered and is again devoting his entire time to the work of the Cause. Among the visitors that have lately been with us in Haifa, we have had Dr. Younis Khan, who has been spending quite a few months visiting the different centers throughout Europe and is now on his way to Persia. We have also had some of our dear friends from Ishqabad among them Mirza Hussein Ali and his son Mr. Neyru. Their account of the suffering and imprisonment of many Bahá’ís in Russian Turkistan in which Ishqabad is situated was heart-rending and some of them were released from prison on the express condition of their leaving the country entirely. We are extremely grieved to learn of the unhappy conditions, which are in some cases, desperate, in which they live and we cannot but remember the day when through their self-sacrifice they were the first to build a Bahá’í Temple throughout the world.
The Master’s family as well as the friends join in greetings and good wishes to you all.
March, 1930
