Bahá’í News/Issue 97/Text

Bahá’í News
Issue 97

BAHA’I NEWS

Published by
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey

No. 97

JANUARY, 1936

LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]

On Closing of Tarbiat Schools[edit]

“With regard to the closing of the Tarbiat Schools: the school authorities have, in enforcing the observance of Bahá’í anniversaries, acted on the advice and direction of the Guardian. These Schools, being independent and official Bahá’í institutions, could not very well ignore, much less violate the express provisions and laws of the Aqdás. Had they any connection with government institutions, or had their ownership and control been shared by non-Bahá’ís, the situation would have been different. This distinction between institutions that are under full or partial Bahá’í control is of a fundamental importance. Institutions that are entirely managed by Bahá’ís are, for reasons that are only too obvious, under the obligation of enforcing all the laws and ordinances of the Faith, especially those whose observance constitutes a matter of conscience. There is no reason, no justification whatever, that they should act otherwise, and any restriction which the government may impose upon them in this connection would necessarily constitute a violation of the individual’s right to freedom in matters of religious belief. The situation is different when an institution is run partly by Bahá’ís, or is completely owned by the government. In this case the believers, while anxious to observe all prescribed Bahá’í Feasts and Anniversaries, should also take into consideration the rights and interests of their non-Bahá’í partners and associates, and not to force these to stop working when they are under no moral or religious obligation to do so.

“On the first of Ridván the believers had for a number of years observed officially the festival by closing their schools on that day. No objection had been raised by the authorities. The action was precipitated when the Assembly decided, as advised by the Guardian, to observe in the same manner the Anniversary of the Báb’s Martyrdom, the observance of which is, in addition to eight other holidays, explicitly enjoined by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in one of His Tablets.

“The point which should be always remembered is that the issue in question is essentially a matter of conscience, and as such is of a binding effect upon all believers. It has so been considered by the friends in Persia, not because of any specific instruction given to them by the Guardian, but solely in view of the fact that the celebration of the Anniversary of the Báb’s martyrdom has been explicitly enjoined by the Master.”—Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter to the N. S. A. dated Haifa, October 2, 1935.

“WHAT IS MOSTLY NEEDED”[edit]

To the Bahá’ís of the united States and Canada:

In approaching our task of carrying forward the teaching work in keeping with the high standard and unprecedented activity which the Guardian now indicates the spirit of the Faith requires, two striking conditions impinge upon our consciousness. First, we are overwhelmed with our incapacity, both spiritually and numerically; and, second, we realize that our only hope of achieving success lies in complete reliance upon the confirmations of the Holy Spirit.

The dynamic Teaching Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá not only supply the food for the development of spiritual strength for this work but also outline the path of service. Their appeal opens such recesses in our hearts as to bring the necessary confirmations of the Holy Spirit. These clarion calls lay the foundation for the spiritual victory of the American Bahá’ís.

These Tablets should become the dominating force of our daily study and contemplation that we may be severed from our localized problems and rise to those heights of Bahá’í service which alone can achieve success. Not only should the Tablets be studied continuously, but every one of the friends should use the prayers therein that we may fulfill ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s hope for the American Bahá’ís. Let us then make these Teaching Tablets the spiritual foundation for the new teaching service.

The clarion call of these Tablets is:

“Every one of the .... souls must arise, blowing over all parts of America, the Breath of Life, conferring upon the people a new spirit, baptizing them with the Fire of the Love of God, the Water of Life, and the breaths of the Holy Spirit—so that the second birth may be realized.”

As each one arises to fulfill his part in this divine drama, the guidance and confirmations of the Holy Spirit will open new paths of activity which our limited experience does not yet conceive. The important thing for each and every Bahá’í to realize is that the plan of service is not so important as the service itself. Determination and perseverance will open doors to ways and means better suited to the individual than any generalized scheme which the Teaching Committee might propose.

Our experience has demonstrated, however, the value of certain methods which might form the initial basis of activity,—for one, the fireside meeting. Every Bahá’í can invite friends into his home for a social and cultural evening. With the spirit right, there will be created an interest in the Faith on the part of these new friends. Thus is afforded an excellent opportunity to carry on teaching work in a direct and intimate way otherwise impossible. It is important that the purpose and spirit of these fireside meetings be clearly understood. It is not contem-

[Page 2] plated that each Bahá’í will invite other Bahá’ís to his home to discuss the Faith. It is intended that each Bahá’í will invite non-Bahá’ís so that the field of Bahá’í contact will be widened. If every believer in America will hold such a fireside meeting once every nineteen days, the results will be astounding. During the past year the best results in the teaching field have been achieved through this type of meeting.

On the Spiritual Assemblies rests great responsibility for pressing forward this new wave of teaching enthusiasm. Their first duty is to see that every means is utilized, not only to permit the individual Bahá’ís of their communities to teach, but also to assist them in every way. Every Bahá’í in America must be an active teacher and the Spiritual Assemblies should continually encourage and stimulate every one to fulfill this task.

Spiritual Assemblies likewise will find new doors of teaching service open to them as they arise under the guidance of the new spiritual forces being released in America. The following suggestions may offer a basis of service:

For three years we have held before us the goal for each Assembly to introduce the Faith into a new community and to carry on the follow-up work until a new Spiritual Assembly is established. Many of the Assemblies have not accomplished this task and they should endeavor to do so immediately.
Greater use should be made of the teaching literature. Selected lists of leaders of service, educational and religious groups should be prepared and appropriate teaching literature sent them with a covering letter from the Spiritual Assembly. For instance, the pamphlet, “The Most Great Peace,” should be sent to those working for peace; the pamphlet, “Homoculture,” should be sent to leaders in the educational field. To all on these selected lists there should be sent currently the public teaching bulletin issued by the National Spiritual Assembly entitled, “A New World Order.” These can be secured at a nominal cost from the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Continuous use of this material will have both direct and indirect influence. Through it the Faith will become better and more favorably known. Thus it will be easier to teach and to secure more publicity.

A special committee should be formed to arrange for Bahá’í addresses at clubs, societies, churches, etc. All organizations are now interested in the social problems, particularly from a spiritual standpoint, and openings for Bahá’í speakers can be made very easily. By this means the Faith is carried to larger numbers than can be reached through invitation to Bahá’í meetings.
Public teaching campaigns should give direct and forceful presentation of the Bahá’í teachings. The Guardian has indicated that the world today is concerned more with the problems of socialization than with the interpretation of scripture or the fulfilment of prophecy. Therefore, in responding to the psychology of the public the Bahá’í lectures should cover the following sociological questions:

(a) What is religion? (b) Can an existing religion solve the present problems of the world? (c) The mission of the Prophets of the past. (d) The influence of religion on society. (e) The cyclic development of civilization. (f) The effect of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh on society today.

The use of the radio offers a most effective channel for teaching. Educational programs are seeking new approaches to the problems before the world and have gladly accepted Bahá’í addresses on the solution of these problems. The special committee appointed to make openings for Bahá’í speakers before clubs, etc., could also include in its duties the arranging of Bahá’í talks over the radio.

Above all, we must have ever before us the goal of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. We must realize that the Bahá’í Faith is not a philosophy of life, nor is it a movement for social reform. It is the integration of the spiritual and material aspects of existence into a perfect whole—the perfect way of living. Therefore, we must order our lives in accord with the high ideals of Bahá’u’lláh so that they may be examples of the Faith itself and consequently the most effective teacher. Furthermore, this way of living applies to the community as well as to the individual. Our Assembly life must be so adjusted that the world may see in it the glory of a united humanity and find therein a haven from the forces of separation and alienation abounding in the world.

Let us arise to the standard and spirit of the new teaching campaign as set forth so comprehensively by the Guardian in the following letter just received through his secretary:

“In connection with the problems facing the friends in their teaching work these, the Guardian is well aware, are by no means easy to overcome, especially in view of the limited number and resources to the believers. But in the field of Bahá’í service, as the history of the Cause abundantly demonstrates, there is no obstacle that can be said to be insurmountable. Every difficulty will, in due time, be solved. But continued and collective effort is also needed. The Bahá’í teacher should not get discouraged at the consciousness of the limitations within or without him. He should persevere, and be confident, that no matter how numerous and perplexing the difficulties that confront him may appear, he is continually assisted and guided through Divine confirmations. He should consider himself as a mere instrument in the hands of God, and should, therefore, cease looking at his own merits. The first and most important qualification of a Bahá’í teacher is, indeed, unqualified loyalty and attachment to the Cause. Knowledge is, of course, essential; but compared to devotion, it is secondary in importance.

“What the Cause now requires is not so much a group of highly cultured and intellectual people who can adequately present its Teachings, but a number of devoted, sincere and loyal supporters who, in utter disregard of their own weaknesses and limitations, and with hearts afire with the love of God, forsake their all for the sake of spreading and establishing His Faith. In other words, what is mostly needed nowadays is a Bahá’í pioneer, and not so much a Bahá’í philosopher or scholar. For the Cause is not a system of philosophy; it is essentially a way of life, a religious faith that seeks to unite all people on a common basis of mutual understanding and love; and in a common devotion to God.”

NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.

PARTICIPATION IN 1936 CONVENTION[edit]

All local Assemblies elected in 1935 have been requested to fill out and return to the N. S. A. the application form which is mailed to local Assemblies each year. The form calls for the number of voting members in the community at this time, and for the list of their names and addresses. Names and addresses of Bahá’í youth of less than twenty-one years of age should be added. The voting list should be revised so as to exclude all believers who have been transferred to other Bahá’í communities during the past year, but include all who have been newly enrolled or received on transfer

[Page 3] from other cities.

Will each Spiritual Assembly which has not yet done so please fill out and return the application form at once. If for any reason the form has not been received, it will be sufficient to report the number of voting believers in the community immediately, and supply the other information after a duplicate is obtained from the N. S. A.

For the benefit of new Assemblies it should be explained that the N. S. A. must soon assign the ninety-five delegates to the local communities in accordance with the principle of proportionate representation. Consequently, if any local Assembly fails to report, the National Assembly must either seriously delay issuing the Convention Call, or assign no delegate to that community.

LOCAL ASSEMBLY ROLL[edit]

To the list of recognized Assemblies published some months ago, the N. S. A. is pleased to add the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of St. Paul, Minnesota.

MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF THE TEMPLE*[edit]

Since the completion of the superstructure of the Temple in June, 1931, the Temple Trustees have given careful consideration to the maintenance and operation of the Temple with a view to the proper protection of the physical structure, especially during the season of severe storms in the winter and spring, and its economical operation with regard to lighting, heating, cleaning, the care of the surrounding grounds, etc.

It has been necessary to give some attention to the maintenance of the physical structure and to make some minor reports during the past year as a result of the temporary condition of such portions of the foundation as the sloping ramp, which will support the tier of steps of the completed building.

The care and operation of the Temple has been under the personal supervision of Mr. Edward D. Struven for the past decade and about two and a half year ago Mr. Carl Hannen came to the Temple as assistant caretaker. Both of these devoted believers are especially equipped by training and experience to operate the mechanical plant and to perform the various duties required properly to maintain the entire property which includes not only the Temple structure, but the caretaker’s house, the Bourgeois Studio and the nine acres of grounds.

MT. CARMEL

View taken by Miss Effie Baker to show the general area of land surrounding the Shrine which has come under Bahá’í ownership and control.

During the completion of the superstructure, early in 1931, a careful study was made by The Research Service to ascertain the type and amount of utilities such as heating, lighting, ventilation and plumbing, that could be included within the amount of money available and would operate the building most efficiently and economically. It was thought best to provide only such equipment that would be permanent in nature and could be added to as future finances made possible. The extremely low-price conditions of the depression made it possible for the Trustees to secure considerably more equipment than would have been possible in normal times.

Your Trustees deemed it desirable to make a review of conditions of maintenance and operation of the Temple covering the past four years in order to determine as to whether further economies might be effected and operating conditions improved. To this end a special committee was appointed several months ago and this committee was authorized to consult with specialists to get their unbiased views relative to the various elements of lighting, heating, cleaning, repairs, etc. At a meeting of the Temple Trustees held at Evanston on October 27, 1935, the report of the committee was considered and two consultants of the committee made a lengthy oral statement. These two consultants were Mr. Benjamin B. Shapiro, engineer of maintenance of the properties of the park system of Chicago, and Mr. C. J. Ullrich, architect of Chicago. The report of these two experts briefly is as follows:

Repairs[edit]

Some minor repairs are necessary

_____
* A statement by the Temple Trustees, prepared at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly.

[Page 4] at this time including the waterproofing of a section of the foundation ramp to the south and west, and the repair and replacement of sections of the promenade tile deck at the foot of the clerestory which have been slightly damaged by the placing of the ornamentation of the dome and clerestory just above this level.

Heating[edit]

The caretakers have operated the mechanical plant in an efficient manner and in order to properly protect and maintain the physical structure under the extreme weather conditions and ranges of temperature that prevail at this location, it has been necessary to maintain a temperature of 40° to 50° F. in the entire building during the winter and early spring months. The operation of the boilers, constituting the heating plant, has been economical. There are three boilers, one of which is fully automatic and generally in use when artificial heat is required, and one or two additional boilers are used only when required by severe weather or low temperature conditions.

Lighting[edit]

The contract made with the Public Service Company of Northern Illinois is the most favorable and advantageous arrangement that can be entered into to provide for present lighting requirements and future needs both for internal and external illumination. Under any other contract that could be arranged, the present lighting cost would be greater. A careful analysis was made and it was found that the Trustees could not effect a saving by installing their own electric plant. The current is used not only for lighting but for power in connection with the operation of the fans, blowers, oil burners in the boilers, vacuum, water and ventilation, pumps, etc.

Caretaking[edit]

It was pointed out that the care of the Temple is a 16-hour day job and cannot be done by one man.

Under existing conditions it must be understood that the Temple is an unfinished building and cleaning is a difficult matter, as the floors and walls become covered with dust a few hours after they are cleaned. This condition will continue until the permanent interior finish is completed.

In addition to the caretaking, Mr. Struven has found it necessary to give considerable time to receiving and showing visitors through the Temple.

Grounds[edit]

The area along Linden Avenue is sodded and has been kept in attractive and well cared for condition. Arrangements have been made during the past few years to fill in the low areas along Sheridan Road, utilizing excavated material from the new water works plant at Wilmette and other construction work. It is recommended that, as funds become available, this material be levelled off and graded up to the building so as to give a more finished appearance.

As the continuation of external ornamentation may be deferred for some considerable time, it is recommended that the scaffolding and sheds used by the Earley Studio for the erection of the dome and clerestory ornamentation be removed and stored.

The Temple Trustees were very much pleased with this report, as it confirms the original recommendations of the engineers and shows that the funds that are being devoted to the maintenance and operation of the Temple are being efficiently used and properly administered.

IN MEMORIAM[edit]

Know thou that every hearing ear, if kept pure and undefiled, must, at all times and from every direction, hearken to the voice that uttereth these holy words: “Verily, we are God’s, and to Him shall we return.” The mysteries of man’s physical death and of his return have not been divulged, and still remain unread. By the righteousness of God! Were they to be revealed, they would evoke such fear and sorrow that some would perish, while others would be so filled with gladness as to wish for death, and beseech, with unceasing longing, the one true God—exalted be His glory—to hasten their end.

Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the hearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.

As to those that have tasted the fruit of man’s earthly existence, which is the recognition of the one true God, exalted be His glory, their life hereafter is such as We are unable to describe. The knowledge thereof is with God, alone, the Lord of all worlds.—Bahá’u’lláh.

Mr. W. M. Cline. Sr., Verdugo City, Calif.

Mr. A. I. Truesdell, Santa Monica. Calif.

Dr. Howard Carpenter, Berkeley, Calif.

Mr. John Stoeffel, Baltimore.

Mrs. Iva Johnson, Urbana, Ohio.

Mrs. Annie E. McKinney, Providence, R. I., and Eliot, Maine.

Mr. Weaver von Kirtley, Glendale, Calif.

Mrs. Clara Hillhouse, New Haven, Conn.

“THE ROSE-GARDEN OF UNFADING SPLENDOR”[edit]

In this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS the believers will find a statement prepared by the Teaching Committee, outlining essential elements in a plan intended to enable American Bahá’ís to move forward unitedly in response to Shoghi Effendi’s words about teaching.

The members of the National Spiritual Assembly add their appeal, that one and all the American believers will strive to concentrate effort upon revitalizing and extending the direct promotion of the Message among the people in their environment, realizing how Bahá’ís are assisted by superhuman power, and how brief is the time allowed us in which to enlarge our numbers and consolidate our forces ere human events come to the climax foretold by Bahá’u’lláh.

“Release yourselves, O nightingales of God, from the thorns and brambles of wretchedness and misery, and wing your flight to the rose-garden of unfading splendor.... Behold how the manifold grace of God, which is being showered from the clouds of Divine glory, hath, in this day, encompassed the world. For whereas in days past every lover besought and searched after his Beloved, it is the Beloved Himself Who now is calling His lovers and is inviting them to attain His presence.”—Bahá’u’lláh. (Gleanings, pp. 319-320.)

Our highest capacity and our purest joy is surely attained only as we have the privilege of participating in Bahá’í gatherings inspired by such words of the Manifestation, where each can rise above himself and feel that he has become part of a new Creation. “The Book of God is wide open, and His Word is summoning mankind unto Him. No more than a mere handful, however, hath been found willing to cleave to His Cause, or to become the instruments for its promotion. These few have been endued with the Divine Elixir that can, alone, transmute into purest gold the dross of the world, and have been empowered to administer the infallible remedy for all the ills that afflict the children of men.”—Ba-

[Page 5] há’u’lláh. (Gleanings, p. 183.)

“Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it.... Should the greatness of this Day be revealed in its fulness, every man would forsake a myriad lives in his longing to partake, though it be for one moment, of its great glory—how much more this world and its corruptible treasures!”—Bahá’u’lláh. (Gleanings, pp. 196-197.)

In its essence, teaching is but action done for the sake of the love of God. Our first and foremost responsibility is to attain that love, without which our services can have no fruit. But this love enkindles the flame of unity, and has no fulfilment in separation from the common tasks of the Bahá’í community.

The National Spiritual Assembly would therefore contribute these few thoughts to the all-important work of teaching: That each Bahá’í steep himself in the utterances given us in “Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”; that each local Assembly make its highest obligation the provision of study classes and also public meetings; and that all the friends deepen their understanding of the functions of a Bahá’í community, so that Nineteen Day Feasts will be imbued with spiritual inspiration and the friends become a magnet of attraction for people who are “near to God.” “Nothing whatever can, in this Day, inflict a greater harm upon this Cause than dissension and strife, contention, estrangement and apathy, among the loved ones of God. Flee them, through the power of God and His sovereign aid, and strive ye to knit together the hearts of men, in His Name, the Unifier, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”—Bahá’u’lláh. (Gleanings, p. 9.)

N. S. A. ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE 1935 CONVENTION[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to report the results of its consultation on the Resolutions voted by the Annual Convention of 1935.

1. That the Convention delegates here assembled record their firm resolve to appeal to local Assemblies quickly to shoulder the responsibilities and sacrifices necessary to fulfil our obligations, first, to contribute the balance necessary for the purchase of the Dumit property in Haifa, then to provide means for the clerestory section of the Temple dome.

The N. S. A. brought this Resolution to the attention of the believers by publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, reminding the delegates of the responsibility they themselves had assumed.

2. That the publicity method used in Pasadena be made available to local Assemblies throughout the United States and Canada, as information that may possibly lead to uniform action.

It is recorded that since the Convention, Mrs. French has supplied the Publicity Committee with copies of a circular letter describing her method, and that this letter has been distributed by the Publicity Committee.

3. That a Committee be appointed to develop and formulate plans for Bahá’í social activities, and that the program suggested for publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS be entirely satisfactory to the Guardian and to the National Assembly; and that the deductions of the Committee be based upon definite instructions of the Master on that point.

A special Committee has been appointed to recommend such plans, and its report when presented and approved will be published.

4. That the National Assembly be requested to look into the matter of lantern slides and see if any of the photographs in the various volumes of The Bahá’í World and The Dawn-Breakers are available.

This Resolution is still under discussion and the result will be reported as soon as possible.

5. That a sign be placed in the Temple Auditorium, in accordance with the quotation mentioned by Dr. Bagdadi, or some other suitable quotation, to impress upon those present the need of reverence and silence.

It has been voted to take no action on this recommendation.

6. That the National Assembly be made aware of the principle established by the Guardian that only Bahá’ís may contribute to the Temple Fund, so that the matter can be settled as the Guardian wishes it to be.

It is recorded that the National Assembly has consistently acted in accordance with the Guardian’s words on that subject, and calls attention to the following excerpt from Bahá’í Administration: “As I have already intimated in the course of my conversations with visiting pilgrims, so vast and significant an enterprise as the construction of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West should be supported, not by the munificence of a few but by the joint contributions of the entire mass of the convinced followers of the Faith. It cannot be denied that the emanations of spiritual power and inspiration destined to radiate from the central Edifice of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will to a very large extent depend upon the range and variety of the contributing believers, as well as upon the nature and degree of self-abnegation which their unsolicited offerings will entail. Moreover, we should, I feel, regard it as an axiom and guiding principle of Bahá’í administration that in the conduct of even specific Bahá’í activity, as different front undertakings of a humanitarian, philanthropic, or charitable character, which may in future be conducted under Bahá’í auspices, only those who have already identified themselves with the Faith and are regarded as its avowed and unreserved supporters should be invited to join and collaborate. For apart from the consideration of embarrassing complications which the association of nonbelievers in the financing of institutions of a strictly Bahá’í character may conceivably engender in the administration of the Bahá’í community of the future, it should be remembered that these specific Bahá’í institutions, which should be viewed in the light of Bahá’u’lláh’s gifts bestowed upon the world, can best function and most powerfully exert their influence in the world only if reared and maintained solely by the support of those who are fully conscious of, and are unreservedly submissive to, the claims inherent in the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. In cases, however, when a friend or sympathizer of the Faith eagerly insists on a monetary contribution for the promotion of the Faith, such gifts should be accepted and duly acknowledged by the elected representatives of the believers with the express understanding that they would be utilized by them only to reinforce that section of the Bahá’í Fund exclusively devoted to philanthropic or charitable purposes.” (pages 171-172.)

7. That the Convention recommends to the National Assembly the plan for providing local Assemblies with uniform receipts on the same model used by the National Assembly itself.

It has been voted to publish the following view: That local Assemblies are urged to give careful consideration to the matter of proper financial records and any local Assembly wishing to do so may turn to the National Assembly for advice and assistance.

8. That in view of the excellent report of the Amity Committee, it would be very helpful to have a survey of the number of races, religions and nationalities represented in the Cause in America.

It is reported that this recommen-

[Page 6] dation has been fulfilled in the questions included in the Bahá’í Historical Record Cards.

9. That Convention sessions begin on Thursday and continue through Sunday each year.

This suggestion is to be considered when plans for the 1936 Convention are adopted.

EXPENSES OF THE NATIONAL FUND[edit]

To follow the statement that appeared in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of December the treasurer’s office is presenting now the details under the various headings given then, showing how the moneys used in these activities are expended.

Under general head of administration, $572.18 is the monthly average expense apportioned as follows:

Stationery, postage, supplies, etc.	$ 35.00
Traveling Expenses N. S. A, members	135.00
Convention Expense	15.00
Special Printing	25.00
Communications—Tel., Tel. and cables	35.00
New York Office—rent and clerical salary	125.00
Office Salaries—West Englewood	173.00
Contacts Committee	4.18
Mimeograph Service	10.00
Sundry	15.00
	________
	$572.18

The World Order magazine of which average cost is $205.00 per month, is divided as follows:

Editorial Expense	$150.00
Office Rent	25.00
Sundry	30.00
	________
	$205.18

The International Fund is in one check of $190.00, which is sent each month to the Guardian.

The amount being sent to the Guardian for the International Bahá’í Fund is altogether too little to be representative of the devotion of the American Bahá’í Community. With the believers of Iran (Persia) unable to transmit funds outside their country, the burden upon the International Fund is far heavier than in previous years.

The monthly average cost of the News Letter is $110.00 and this covers all expense of printing, postage, etc.

The cost of Temple maintenance, which averages $617.16 per month, is apportioned as follows:

Caretakers’ Salaries	$216.00
Oil for heat
Temple	136.00
Studio	11.50
Light and power
Temple	90.00
Studio	3.50
Gas
Temple	.75
112 Linden Avenue	5.50
Studio	7.50
Coke	7.50
Repairs and Supplies	50.00
Water	17.50
Insurance	65.00
Telephone
Temple	2.50
Studio	1.25
Sundry	2.50
	________
	$617.16

It is important that every believer should realize the extremely low cost of ‎maintainance maintenance‎ of the Temple. The two caretakers have between them a twenty-four hour a day job. In winter the temperature of the building must be maintained above freezing, approximately forty degrees and this of course requires the constant attendance of one or the other of the men. The rates for current for light and power, as well as for fuel oil, are the absolute minimum that can be had in these parts. The building is fully covered by insurance so that the believers may feel amply protected against loss under fire, storm, riot, airplane and other hazards.

Green Acre expense, which averages $229.00 per month, we consider higher than it should be considering the short period in which the believers can use the property, is nevertheless the absolute minimum that we have been able to attain in the maintenance of this property. At the present time a new committee are making a careful study of Green Acre and its possibilities with the idea of further reducing the cost and increasing the use of this splendid property. The details of the monthly average figure are as follows:

Caretakers’ salary	$100.00
Water	5.00
Insurance	45.00
Repairs	25.00
Taxes	50.00
Printing	2.00
Sundry	2.00
	________
	$229.00

While discussing Green Acre, we want to emphasize the fact that this expense is incurred in order to maintain facilities for a Bahá’í Summer School open to all believers and their friends, a Center the importance of which was made clear by the Master in many Tablets, and more recently by the Guardian. If enough believers used these facilities, Green Acre would not be an expense but a valuable asset to the teaching work of the Cause. In future there is no doubt but that Green Acre will have so many guests and visitors that its annual statement will show a profit.

These figures are presented to the believers with the idea that they should carefully study them. Every believer should be thoroughly acquainted with the work of the Treasurer’s office, for we feel certain that this will inspire confidence in those who are supporting the Fund. The actively operating plant as reflected by the activity of the National Spiritual Assembly and the bodies of trustees who maintain the various Bahá’í properties is a really great one which is running smoothly and efficiently.

You will note that this budget has made no provision for teaching expense even though the teaching work is being carried forward. The first expansion of this budget should be to make definite provision for more teaching activity. At a recent meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly it was voted that all literature used for free distribution should be paid for by the National Fund. This the Publishing Committee have endeavored in the past to provide for us. However, it cannot continue to do so longer and still maintain its regular work of publishing the books as it has been doing in the past. It feels that if such expense can be taken from a budget for teaching the Publishing Committee can without assistance from the National Assembly maintain itself through the printing and sale of the various Bahá’í books. That the Publishing Committee is self-sustaining and has for some years now been operating, producing the many beautiful Bahá’í publications that are made available to the Bahá’ís at a minimum of cost, should be noted by every believer.

If there are items that are still not clear, or any believer wishes to make a suggestion regarding the work of the Treasurer’s office please write and we shall be most happy to respond and let us then at this first Nineteen Day Feast in 1936 resolve to begin anew a more active participation in the work of the Cause as represented by the National Treasurer’s office through a 100 per cent cooperation in every Bahá’í community in the country.

[Page 7]

THE RESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATION OF VOTING MEMBERSHIP IN A BAHA’I COMMUNITY[edit]

In BAHÁ’Í NEWS, January, 1935, the National Spiritual Assembly published a statement entitled “Interpretation of the By-Law on Residential Qualification of Voting Believers” in which was expressed the view that the requirement of residence as one of the qualifications of a voting believer should be based upon definite proof of capacity to associate with the Bahá’í community.

It appears that this interpretation has led to some confusion in a number of local communities. The National Spiritual Assembly has therefore given the subject further consideration and now offers the following supplementary statement in clarification of the January publication. This statement is the outcome of consultation with the Guardian and has been submitted to and approved by him. It is based upon what he considers “a fundamental principle” of Bahá’í Administration,—that no adult believer may be deprived of “the sacred right of participating in Bahá’í elections,” unless he reside in a community not itself qualified for such participation or has permanently withdrawn or been removed from further association with the activities of the Faith.

The enrollment of voting members in accordance with the By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly is a responsibility vested in the Local Spiritual Assembly, but is made subject to approval by the National Assembly. Otherwise, the matter of an individual’s voting right does not come before the latter unless on appeal from a decision made by a Local Assembly.
Previous statements published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS have sought to clarify the action of Local Assemblies in determining the applicant’s qualifications for voting membership in a Bahá’í community with respect to his faith and his acceptance of the Cause in general. The question now under discussion deals exclusively with the matter of residence, and how Local Assemblies are to apply the residential qualifications as set forth in the By-Laws.
The requirement of residential qualifications is recorded in Article II, Section (a) of the By-Laws, which reads as follows:

“To become a voting member of a Bahá’í community a person shall

Be a resident of the locality defined by the area of jurisdiction of the Local Spiritual Assembly, as provided by Article VII, Section 12, of this instrument.”

Article VII, Section 12, referred to, provides:

“The sphere of jurisdiction of a Local Spiritual Assembly, with respect to residential qualification of membership and voting rights of a believer in any Bahá’í community, shall be the locality included within the civil limits of the city, town or village; but Bahá’ís who reside in adjacent, outlying or suburban districts and can regularly attend the meetings of the local Bahá’í community, may be enrolled on the membership list of the adjacent Spiritual Assembly and enjoy full voting rights pending the establishment of a Local Spiritual Assembly in their community.”

Under these provisions of the By-Laws, residential qualification for voting membership in a Bahá’í community thus becomes a question of fact. In order to assist Local Spiritual Assemblies in determining whether an applicant for such membership comes within these requirements in any particular case, the National Spiritual Assembly offers the following interpretation of certain specific situations which experience has shown are likely to arise.
2. Where a believer lives sufficiently near a Bahá’í community to take an active share in its activities and there is no organized Spiritual Assembly in his own community, he should be enrolled and continued upon the voting list of that community until a Spiritual Assembly is established in his own immediate neighborhood.
4. Where a believer, actually a resident of a particular community, is temporarily absent from his community but honestly regards his residence there as continuing and fully intends to return to and resume his activities in that community, he retains his voting rights in the community without interruption. He may not, however, during his absence vote in any other Bahá’í community.
6. Where a believer spends practically half of the year within the jurisdiction of one Bahá’í community and the other half within the jurisdiction of another he must choose which of the two localities he considers to be his place of residence, and exercise his voting rights in that city alone. Naturally, he should take part in all other Bahá’í activities in whichever place he may be.
8. Where a believer claims residence in a particular community for the purpose of exercising voting rights but is actually domiciled elsewhere and makes only occasional visits to the community, insufficient to bring him within the provision of paragraph A above, a question of fact arises which the Local Spiritual Assembly may find it difficult to decide. In such cases the Local Assembly may take counsel with the National Assembly before making a final decision.
10. A Local Spiritual Assembly confronted by any other unusual situation involving the question of residence can at any time seek advice from the National Spiritual Assembly before making a final decision.
In connection with the foregoing interpretations, though not involving the specific question of residence exclusively, the following point has been brought to the attention of the National Spiritual Assembly by the Guardian.
2. A believer who has been absent for some time from the community of which he is a resident, or a new believer not yet sufficiently well acquainted with the local community, is not obliged to vote in a Bahá‘í election when conscientiously feeling incapable of voting intelligently.

It is hoped that these supplementary explanations will remove the misunderstandings which the January statement appears to have caused and may be of assistance to Local Spiritual Assemblies in dealing with this important question of residence.

DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]

1. Voted to approve the recommendation made by the Publishing Committee, that when books are financed by a Bahá’í author with the idea that the Publishing Committee shall distribute the book, the author is to turn over to the Publishing Committee the cost of printing the work, so that the Committee can supervise the printing. This ruling does not mean that a Bahá’í author cannot publish approved Bahá’í literature through a recognized general publisher. Its aim is to prevent confusion between

[Page 8] authors and the Publishing Committee, and enable the Committee to maintain proper standards of printing and binding, and assure accuracy in the text.

2. Voted to adopt the ruling that hereafter all radio broadcasts of a direct Bahá’í character shall be approved by the local Assembly before delivery.

COMMITTEE LIST[edit]

To the list of National Committees already published, the following appointments have been added.

Bahá’í Social and Recreational Activities: Mrs. Bahiyyih Lindstrom, Chairman, Dr. E. Lenore Morris, Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray, William de Forge, Mrs. Thurston Vaughn, Dr. Eliza Ransom.

Compilations for Bahá’í Anniversaries: Miss Jean Anthony, Mrs. Mariam Haney, Mrs. Mary M. Rabb.

Green Acre Committee (general committee combining program and property functions): Mrs. Florence Morton, Chairman, Mrs. Emma D. Flynn, Mrs. Hebe Struven, Dr. Genevieve Coy, Howard Struven, Mrs. Amelia Bowman, Harold Bowman, Horace Holley.

LIBRARY COMMITTEE[edit]

A Correction[edit]

The Library Committee report in December BAHÁ’Í NEWS conveyed a wrong impression which is now corrected.

The following books are donated by the Library Committee to Public and University Libraries, from its budget of free literature—The Bahá’í World, Vols. Two, Three and Four, Book of Assurance, Bahá’u’lláh (former edition of the Iqán), Bahá’í Revelation, by Thornton Chase, and Bahá’í: Spirit of the Age, by Horace Holley.

These titles, however, cannot be supplied free at present but the Library Committee hopes that local Assemblies will donate them to Libraries—Promise of All Ages, by Christophil, Security for a Failing World, by Stanwood Cobb, and Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

REPORT FROM PUBLICITY COMMITTEE[edit]

In the Sixth Taraz, Bahá’u’lláh says: “Newspapers are as a mirror which is endowed with hearing, sight, and speech. They are a wonderful phenomenon and a great matter.”

If a Bahá’í teacher could come into your city and have as an audience the readers of only one of the daily newspapers, what a vast assemblage that would be. We are immediately impressed with the necessity of ceaseless endeavor to teach through the press. We must, however, be careful that the material we submit teaches in several ways: Familiarizing the public with the names, arousing interest in a world-wide cause, causing questions to arise in the mind of the reader and if possible a desire to know more about the question.

We have on hand some of the last photographs taken of the Bahá’í House of Worship suitable for use in newspapers. If your paper did not carry a photograph at the time of the completion of the clerestory perhaps you could have one used in connection with the coming Convention. We will send them upon request.

The following paragraph is quoted from a letter received recently from Martha Root. “As I travel these countries, I try to make friends, teach the few who are most interested, try to get them books to study, try to get them in contact with Bahá’ís in the other parts of the world, try to get Bahá’ís in other countries interested in them. Also I try to get publicity about the Bahá’í Cause into the newspapers, over the radios, and to the peace workers, the Esperantists, the modern religious organizations; sometimes I have the bounty to speak of the Teachings to rulers, statesmen, educators and the heads of the press.” This letter tells of publicity in Esthonian, German, Russian and in papers at Riga, Latvia. One morning paper, “Savardnias” with both morning and evening editions, Russian but not Bolshevik, is the largest circulated Russian newspaper in the world, outside of Russia. They used an excellent article giving the principles and the photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The ‎jornalist journalist‎ called again, she is interested in spiritual subjects and I lent her some Bahá’í magazines. Five Riga newspapers used articles the next day.”

Each Community can reach countless readers through the press and the eye is used today more often than the ear in the education of the great masses of people.

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE

RUTH RANDALL BROWN, Chairman.

TEMPLE PROGRAM COMMITTEE[edit]

The following items of interest have been reported by this Committee:

The record of Temple visitors during September, October and November, 1935: Week days, September, 892: October, 104; November, 10. Sundays, September, 2,741; October, 2,051; November, 787. Total visitors during three months, 5,579; total number of groups, 713.

Program, Sunday meetings, November: Mme. Barry Orlova, “Immortality”; Philip Marangella, “The Great Jubilee”; Mrs. Sarah Walrath, “The Meaning of a New Revelation”; Mme. Barry Orlova, “Conscious Faith.” December: Mrs. Howard Ives, “Security for a Failing World”; Mrs. Corinne True, “Distinguishing Features of the Bahá’í Faith”; Philip Marangella, “A King Is Born”; Howard Ives, “Building a New World: A Call to Heroism”; Albert Windust, “The Coming of the Lord.”

REPORT FROM YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]

An administrative change of great importance has occurred in the National Youth Committee during the past two months. With the approval of the N.S.A. the membership of the Youth Committee has been increased by the addition of Farruk Ioas, Margaret Kunz, and Florence Mattoon. The Committee will issue, beginning with this month, an international quarterly in the form of a mimeographed magazine which will contain study suggestions, news, and articles by young Bahá’ís.

The work of Bahá’í youth will be conducted now on the basis of area representation. All the members of the National Youth Committee have been divided into three groups to serve these following areas—the Eastern and Southern (with Kenneth Christian as secretary), the Chicago and Mid-Western (with Florence Mattoon as secretary), and the Pacific coast (with Marion Holley as secretary).

The appointment of these sub-secretaries will enable the ‎Commitee Committee‎ members of these respective areas to help the youth groups in their vicinity and deal directly with their problems. It also will be the duty of these sub-secretaries to foster regional youth conferences throughout the year. News of these conferences and other activities will be reported each month in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

This radical change in the nature of the National Youth Committee makes it possible for closer cooperation and more direct action in attaining those objectives set by our Guardian.

On December 27-28 a regional youth conference was held in New York with youth group representatives from Boston, New York, Syracuse, Binghamton, West Englewood, Amityville, Baltimore, and Philadelphia attending.

The conference convened on Saturday, December 27, and consisted of

[Page 9] three strenuous sessions up to the time of the regular public Sunday afternoon meeting in the New York Bahá’í Center. This meeting was conducted by the youth delegates and consisted of three short talks on personal aspects of the Cause, music, prayers, and readings from the Gleanings.

The sessions of the conference were unusually fruitful. The new set-up of Youth Committee was explained. Many suggestions were advanced whereby the National Committee can be of greater help to local youth groups. A logical series of steps for approaching young people and presenting the Message were formulated. They are: analysis of the individual (since all young people fall into one of three types—religious, indifferent, and non-religious), selection of a subject approach suitable to the type, the explanation of Bahá’í terminology, the selection of approach books suited to the type, the formulation of answers to certain questions all seekers ask, the selection of definite books to be studied when the individual is ready. It will be the duty of the Youth Committee to put these steps into form for use by youth groups.

A discussion was held concerning the summer youth conference at Green Acre. Other topics discussed were the holding of more regional conferences, the relation of Bahá’í youth to economically insecured youth, the standard of Bahá’í conduct, and the personal relation of the individual to Bahá’u’lláh.

The spirit animating the discussions was one of unity, enthusiasm, and consecration. And, to bless the efforts being made by Bahá’í youth, our Guardian sent the following cable: “Assure Regional Youth Conference (of) loving prayers (for) success (of) activities (and) blessings (on) deliberations.”

SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA[edit]

“Brothers in the Bahá’í Spiritual Assemblies, in East and West:

“Peace be upon you all. With reference to the present condition of Ethiopia I beg to draw your attention to the fact that we have, for the present, stopped our spiritual meeting.

“All letters addressed to us must be sent by registered post, so that if not delivered to us they will be returned to the sender; and I prefer to stop writing letters for the present.

“Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era in Abyssinian language, with illustrations, has already been printed and copies have reached us. The cost is S. M. T. 2 Thellers.

“Prayers are required that God makes peace on earth.”

SABRI ELIAS, Secretary.

P. O. Box 193.

NEWS FROM THE N. S. A. OF GERMANY AND AUSTRIA[edit]

Fifty-nine believers gathered at a general meeting which took place in the evening of Saturday, April 27. The Chairman of the Convention addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of the Administrative Order, which was introduced during the term of office of the outgoing N. S. A. and designed closely after the pattern of the American “Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.” The N. S. A. had hoped to be able to present its Declaration and By-Laws in print at the National Convention, but the printing had met with unavoidable delays. The Chairman, after pointing out the sacred task and responsibility of the Convention, concluded with a pledge of loyalty to the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith.

Then followed the reports on the activities of the N. S. A. and its Committees, as well as of the Local Assemblies and Groups. The Secretary of the outgoing N. S. A., Dr. Eugen Schmidt, reports on the activities of the N. S. A, from April 22, 1934 to April 27, 1935, during which period twelve meetings have been held. The N. S. A. accepted as its main task the creation and consolidation of the Bahá’í Administration, focusing its efforts on the formulating of the “Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Bahá’ís in Germany and Austria.” Conforming to the wishes of the Guardian, registration cards were introduced and thus the community of the Bahá’í-believers more clearly defined.—At present there are seven Local Assemblies: Berlin, Esslingen, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, Warnemunde, Vienna; and groups which meet regularly in: Dresden, Frankfurt, Goeppingen-Geislingen, Heidelberg, Leipzig, Rostock.—On June 8, 1934, the designation of “National Spiritual Cooperative of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria” was changed into “National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria.”—In addition to its administrative activities, the N. S. A. gave its attention to the problems of expansion and a deepening of understanding of the Faith in Germany and Austria. A share of these tasks was assigned to several committees. Mr. Max Greeven-Bremen was requested to furnish for Bahá’í World, Vol. VI—a Bahá’í year book, published by the American friends—a report on the Bahá’í activities in Germany during April 21, 1934 to April 21, 1935, whilst Dr. A. Muehlschlegel will compile a bibliographical survey.—Through other resolutions ruling were laid down for Bahá’í elections and the holding of the National Convention in conformity with the new By-Laws.

Dr. Schmidt gave also a report on our magazine Sun of Truth, whose pages had to be decreased in number in order to reduce the cost. The desired increase in the number of pages and the consolidation of the magazine depends decidedly on a wide propagation of the paper through the friends, and in this respect the appeal of our magazine has not yet found the necessary response by the friends. Contents and number of copies of the December issue had been increased in order to give the magazine a better introduction to the public. It is hoped that the friends will seize this excellent opportunity for an expansion of our Faith. It is the wish of the Guardian that in addition to translations from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh the magazine publish also general articles on the Cause and the active collaboration of the friends is heartily invited.

Then followed the report of the Treasurer, Paul Gollmer, on the financial state of the treasury and its income and disbursements from the Publishing Committee and the magazine Sun of Truth. The appeal of the N. S. A. for the creation of a Bahá’í Fund, which is the fervent wish of our Guardian, requires a still greater response from the believers and everyone should make his greatest effort and financial sacrifice, so that the urgent activities which are planned, may be carried out.

Dr. H. Grossman reported on behalf of the Committee “Bahaa Esperanto-Eldonejo and La Nova Tago.” The first work on Eldonejo was undertaken in 1925 when Friedrich Gerstner in co-operation with H. Grossman founded La Nova Tago. Besides this magazine were issued a number of publications, as the Esperanto edition of the Esslemont Book and the Paris Talks, translated by Lidja Zamenhof, and others. The publications were of great assistance at Bahá’í meetings, which took place at the yearly Universal Esperanto Conventions, and a wonderful help for the spreading of the Bahá’í Faith abroad. For lack of time and shortage of private funds, the publication of La Nova Tago had to be interrupted in 1934.

[Page 10] Then, following a repeated request of the Guardian that the magazine should be published again, the N. S. A. appointed this committee and the first new issue of La Nova Tago appeared in March, 1935, whilst the publication of an Esperanto edition of the Kitáb-i-Iqán had to be postponed on account of urgent publications in the German language.

For the Publishing and Reviewing Committee, Dr. Muehlschlegel reported that it is the task of this committee to review all publications on the Bahá’í Faith in Germany and Austria. Approved texts are recognized by the remark “Authorized by the N. S. A. of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria.” ... Of 150 reviewed pages were printed in the Sun of Truth: “Divine Art of Living,” “Nabil’s Narrative” (in extracts), “Epistle to the Son of the Wolf,” etc. Ready for publication are the following books: “Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” “Book of the Covenant,” “The Message of Bahá’u’lláh” and others.

For the Teaching Committee reported Dr. H. Grossman. At first, the committee was charged with the creation and execution of the program of the Bahá’í Summer-Week at Esslingen; then, on June 10, 1934, its scope was enlarged, and it was made responsible for the supervision and uniform execution of all official Bahá’í meetings in our two countries—The Summer-Week, 1934, as held at the Bahá’í House in Esslingen from August 5 to 12. More foreign friends attended than ever before, and for the first time we had also a foreign speaker: Mrs. Helen Bishop—Geneva. For the promotion of teaching activities several circulars were sent out and a Bahá’í Teaching Meeting, to take place on Whitsuntide, 1935, was prepared. Also preparations for the Bahá’í Summer-Week, 1935, were begun.—The members of the Teaching Committee held a number of addresses and meetings at various places.

Next was Mrs. Anna Grossmann-Neckargemuend, who reported for the Contacts and BAHÁ’Í NEWS Committee which was created in April, 1934. Its duties are to establish and maintain connections with Communities, Groups and isolated believers, and to assist foreign friends wishing to visit German Bahá’ís in their efforts.

The Legal Committee, Dr. Grossmann stated, was appointed on June 10, 1934, for the purpose of preparing the “Declaration of Trust and By-Laws” of the N.S. A. It collaborated in some legal matters and prepared a number of circulars for the N. S. A.

Dr. Muehlschlegel reported for the Archives Committee, which was created in October, 1934. The archives serve the following purposes: (1) collection of documents on the Bahá’í Movement (reports, pictures, newspaper articles, etc.), and on events important to the Bahá’í Movement, (2) storing of files of the N. S. A. and local Assemblies, (3) storing of Bahá’í texts (originals, copies and prints). Originals—as e. g., Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—are stored in a safe. (4) It is also planned to create a lending library later on....

For the Management of the Bahá’í Home at Esslingen Anna Koestlin reported on the great interest which the Guardian takes in the Bahá’í home, the extensions which have been made last year and those which are planned for the future.

The Committee North-German Bahá’í Meetings told of its preparations for a meeting at Berlin on Whitsuntide.

These committee reports were followed by reports of the communities and groups, which indicated a great animation of activities. A collective report will appear in our next issue of the BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

At the next and last point of the agenda “Questions and Suggestions for Consultation of the Delegates” several friends asked for the floor. Amongst other points the question was raised whether in the activities of the immediate future preference should be given to literature or the Bahá’í Home, and it seemed to be the opinion of the gathering that both needed equal attention.

The meeting was closed at midnight with a prayer.

The election of the new National Spiritual Assembly took place the next morning, April 28, at the Bahá’í Office. Of the nineteen delegates fifteen had been recognized. The casting of the ballots was preceded by a prayer spoken by Mrs. Schwartz. Mr. Gollmer, Miss Koestlin and Mr. Weber acted as scrutinizers. The members of the new N. S. A. are: Martha Brauns—Karlsruhe, Paul Gollmer—Stuttgart, Max Greeven—Bremen, Dr. Herman Grossmann— Neckargemuend, Edith Horn—Frankfurt-Main, Anna Koestlin—Esslingen, Dr. Adelbert Muehlschlegel—Stuttgart, Dr. Eugen Schmidt—Stuttgart, and Alice Schwartz—Stuttgart. Thus the same members of last year’s N. S. A. are constituting the new N. S. A. Mrs. Brauns obtained the largest number of votes and became thus temporary chairman of the N. S. A. until its election of officers. The following telegram was sent to the Guardian: “Loving greetings in full harmony. National Convention.” The meeting closed at 10:30.

At 11 about 300 people gathered in the large auditorium of the German House for a morning meeting to which the public had been invited through advertisements in the press. Mrs. Schwarz spoke on the Ridvan-World of the Bahá’í Faith and Dr. E. Schmidt on Living Religiously. Otto Geldreich concluded the meeting with the reading of words by Bahá’u’lláh. The program was fittingly interspersed with musical recitals.

Over one hundred friends met for dinner as guests of the Bahá’í Community of Stuttgart in the hall of the city park. At 15 the dinner was followed by a Unity Feast, which formed the conclusion of the 13th National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria.

The Newly Elected N. S. A.[edit]

Chairman, Mrs. Alice Schwarz.

Vice-Chairman, Dr. A. Muehlschlegel.

1st Secretary, Dr. E. Schmidt.

2nd Secretary, Max Greeven.

Treasurer, Paul Gollmer.

Members: Martha Brauns, Dr. H. Grossmann, Edith Horn, Anna Koestlin.

Address of the Secretary: Dr. E. Schmidt, Stuttgart-W., Reinsburgstr. 198.

Address of the Treasurer: Paul Gollmer, Stuttgart, Neckarstrasse, 127.

NEWS FROM N. S. A. OF INDIA AND BURMA[edit]

Beginning July, 1935, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India and Burma began publication of a larger Bahá’í News Letter, four pages of which were printed in English. The following items are reproduced from this important Bahá’í periodical:

The Story of the Convention[edit]

The most important step towards consolidation of the Divine Faith as repeatedly stressed by our Beloved Guardian is to observe the Commandments of Bahá’u’lláh and to organize and co-ordinate the activities of the Friends of God. In obedience to these injunctions the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India and Burma called a convention of the delegates of the local Spiritual Assemblies so that they may discuss ways and means to give effect to the wishes of

[Page 11] the Beloved Guardian.

The delegates and friends began pouring in Bombay from all parts of India as if drawn by some great centrifugal force. The friends of Bombay welcomed them with open arms and great joy and happiness pervaded the group of these ardent souls. They all rapturously beheld this imposing symbol of our Faith and every friend seemed determined to carry out the injunctions of the Beloved Guardian which he had so often enjoined upon his faithful friends. The Cablegram from the Beloved of our hearts added a new zest and the glad-tidings of the establishment of a Branch of the N. S. A. of India and Burma in Palestine gladdened the hearts of these sincere souls. In their rejoicings they did not lose sight of what the Guardian’s message meant. Mr. Hishmatullah drew attention to it when he said that the message meant a closer attention of the Guardian on the activities of the friends in India and Burma. This enhanced the determination of those present and they primed themselves for the work that they were to do in the year to come. The delegates met for three days and each recounted what his Assembly had done up till then and what they proposed to do hereafter. Their recommendations were recorded by Prof. Pritam Singh to be placed before the N. S. A. While the afternoon lectures in different parts of Bombay carried the Great Message to others; the evening lectures at the spacious Bahá’í Hall proved a strong force to draw the friends closer. The Convention then proceeded with its second function: They elected their N. S. A. for the next year and thus closed the memorable session which it is hoped will prove a great landmark in the history of the Divine Cause in India and Burma. While bidding good-bye to each other the delegates seemed to have imbibed the great spirit of sacrifice and renunciation and they left with firm determination to do what they could to teach the Great Message in their spheres of influence.

First All-Burma Convention[edit]

As a result of Mr. Hishmatullah’s visit to Burma and in consequence of a Resolution passed by the N. S. A. at their Karachi session, the Bahá’ís of Burma held their first convention on 9th, 10th and 11th, April, 1935, at Daidnaw, the Bahá’í village of Burma. All Burma Local Assemblies were represented by their delegates and the opportunity was utilized for conveying the Message to the people of the neighboring villages. A series of public lectures were held and under the presidency of our veteran teacher Siyyid Mustafa Roumi, Miss Hla Hla, Miss Mya Mya, Mr. Siyyid Murteza Ali, Saya U. Ba Sein, Mr. Faqir Muhammad Muqri and Mr. Siyyid Abdul Rashid delivered impressive and instructive speeches. The chorus of ‘Allah-o-Ahha’! Alla-o-Ahha! of 700 persons raised in unison produced an atmosphere which influenced even those who had come here with no sympathetic intentions. The session was a great success in as much as it produced the desired results—awakened a spirit of sacrifice among friends and an interest among those who had come to know what the Divine Cause meant for the World.

Bahá’í Magazine[edit]

The old Kaukab-i-Hind was renamed The Bahá’í Magazine and with an addition of Persian pages began its publication last year from Lahore. Mr. Hormzdyar Khodabakhsh contributed some very instructive and interesting Persian articles and the N. S. A. takes this opportunity to offer him their sincere thanks. This year the office of the Magazine has been transferred to Delhi and Mr. Hormzdyar having left for Irán, the Persian section is placed in the able hands of Mr. Rashid Oliani, who is an erudite Iráni scholar and a Bahá’í of long standing. We are sure that the readers of the Magazine will find a marked improvement in both its quality and quantity. We offer our hearty thanks to Mr. Mahfuz-ul-Haq Ilmi who has been, with an unparalleled determination, carrying on the editorial duties of the Magazine for the last 10 or 12 years under trying circumstances.

“OF ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE IS YOUR UNITY AND AGREEMENT”[edit]

The following Resolution adopted by the Spiritual ‎Asembly Assembly‎ of Los Angeles has been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly for publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS. The quotation from words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is taken from an address given by the Master in that city during 1912, reported stenographically at the time.

“Therefore I pray, asking for conformation and assistance that the aid and uplift of Bahá’u’lláh may reach you; the host of the ‎kindom kingdom‎ of Abha may reinforce you: that the powerful angels of God may assist you. Be assured of the victory: rest assured that you will be confirmed. That which is of essential importance is your unity and agreement. You must be in the utmost state of unity and agreement. You must love one another; you must be self-sacrificing for one another. If you observe any shortcomings on the part of any, as much as you can be forgiving and do not be harsh.”

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles has voted that the above quotation be called to the attention of the Los Angeles Bahá’í Community. They request that all the friends of Bahá’u’lláh, whether in public talks or in private discussions, make the utmost effort to attain this attitude. If mistakes are made in efforts to serve the Cause no personal reference should be resorted to, but as opportunity arises, the principles of the Faith should be so clearly conveyed that erroneous statements will of themselves vanish. The Spiritual Assembly feels that the friends should always express the unity of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, seeking, between themselves, never publicly, to settle differences of opinion, if any, by referring to the ‎writen written‎ Word of God: should differences in understanding still continue, the Spiritual Assembly feels that the friends, “having the utmost fear of discord,” should lay the matter before the Spiritual Assembly, as the first door in the Administrative Channel that leads, if necessary, to the Guardian for interpretation. The Spiritual Assembly feels that great blessings have recently descended upon the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles because of united effort founded on loyalty to the Administrative order, and that such blessings will increasingly descend as such loyal unity is maintained and the above procedure is followed, thereby gaining the confirmation of Bahá’u’lláh.

ON MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS[edit]

A Statement of Procedure Approved and Adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]

In every Bahá’í community, misunderstandings and differences between individual believers arise from time to time, and the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh provides spiritual principles and also administrative institutions for the preservation of the unity of the believers under all conditions. As the members of the community, one and all, conscientiously abide by the Teachings,

[Page 12] such disturbances will result in strengthening our collective capacity and deepening our spirit of faith, but whenever the Teachings are not fully applied, personal grief and perhaps even injustice may result.

The members of the Spiritual Assembly feel that it will be helpful to summarize briefly its understanding of the principles which control this important matter of personal differences between believers.

In the first place, the spiritual law of the Cause, which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá so frequently explained, is that whenever two Bahá’ís have any difference, they themselves are in duty bound to try and attain true harmony. The Master even said that if two believers are unwilling to be reconciled, both will eventually leave the Cause. He did not say that they would be removed from the Cause by administrative action; His words meant that such an offense against divine law would be punished by loss of faith leading eventually to an abandonment of the Cause by the offenders.

The Spiritual Assembly, in the second place, has a great responsibility in all matters of dispute between believers which are referred to it for settlement. The Assembly, when it receives a complaint from a member of the community about another believer, must spare no effort to learn the facts and, when possible, make a decision. It is clear that an Assembly cannot make a decision in cases which arise merely from personal antagonism or unfriendliness, but in such cases can only insist that the grief or unhappiness should not be allowed to become a cause of disunity within the community as a whole. The Assembly also must in these cases point out the Master’s interpretation of the spiritual law and urge the two believers concerned in the dispute to realize the gravity of their mutual antagonism.

Some disputes, on the other hand, may arise from business or other relations between believers and involve charges of some definite unfairness or injustice committed by one believer against another. When such charges can be proved, it is surely the duty of the Assembly to remove the injustice and place the matter upon a proper Bahá’í basis.

No doubt all of us still need to be reminded of the fact that when a matter has been referred to a Spiritual Assembly for decision, the individual believers concerned must await the Assembly’s decision and abide by it, unless and until that decision is altered on appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly. But whether the matter is being handled by the local or by the National Assembly, none of the believers involved in the trouble should agitate their case among the friends. Nothing so disrupts a Bahá’í community as personal agitation. The only solution of this problem is for every faithful believer, when approached by another believer with complaints and criticisms, to remind that believer of his or her duty to refer the difficulty to the Assembly, and not share that believer’s personal agitation.

Nine times out of ten, the spirit of calm and serene faith on the part of other Bahá’ís whom the agitated believer approaches will allay the feeling of trouble, but when the personal agitation is shared by others, the original problem becomes multiplied into an issue which disturbs the whole community.

When a believer brings a problem to the Assembly, it is not sufficient to make charges and complaints against another believer—every charge must be proved before the Assembly can act. No Spiritual Assembly could possibly allow itself to be a mere passive instrument for any one believer to use as a weapon against another. The Assembly has the same duty of justice and consideration toward the one against whom the charges are made as toward the one who makes the charges.

In looking into the problem which has been referred to it, the Assembly must call in for consultation all the individual Bahá’ís who may be involved. However deep the feeling one believer may have against another, and no matter what may be the reasons for that feeling, no faithful Bahá’í will refuse to meet with the Spiritual Assembly for such consultation, because it is consultation with the Assembly itself and not with the believer against whom the complaint is made. Should the one making the complaint refuse to consult with the Assembly, the Assembly in that case must dismiss the complaint, since one of the necessary steps leading to eventual justice and unity has been refused by a party to the dispute; unless of course the truth of the charges is self-evident. If the Bahá’í who makes the complaint is willing to come for consultation, but the other Bahá’í—that is, the one against whom the complaint is made—refuses the Assembly’s invitation, this refusal would be serious, because on the one hand it would create a strong impression that the believer could not answer the charges made against him or her, and on the other hand it would mean unwillingness to recognize the authority of the Assembly to act in a matter affecting Bahá’ís and consequently affecting the Cause itself.

To carry the explanation one step farther: if all the believers concerned in a personal problem have met with the Assembly, and if the Assembly, after looking into the matter from all sides, makes a decision, the believers are clearly obligated to accept that decision and abide by it. An appeal, of course, can be made to the N. S. A. and eventually to the Guardian, but whatever the Bahá’í authority which is invoked, a matter referred to a Bahá’í institution for settlement is outside the realm of personal feeling and individual conscience. If we do not trust the Bahá’í institutions created by Bahá’u’lláh, we do not have real faith in Bahá’u’lláh Himself. Moreover, even when an Assembly makes a decision in a case of personal dispute, the spiritual law laid upon all Bahá’ís is still operating, and the believers involved in the problem should pray for divine compassion and illumination in addition to whatever actions they take in relation to administrative procedure. We Bahá’ís live in the spiritual world which Bahá’u’lláh created in His Revelation, and we must do our utmost to learn and obey its mysterious laws which control our destiny.

“Every eye, in this Day, should seek what will best promote the Cause of God. He, Who is the Eternal Truth, beareth me witness! Nothing whatever can, in this Day, inflict a greater harm upon this Cause than dissension and strife, contention, estrangement and apathy, among the loved ones of God. Flee them, through the power of God and His sovereign aid, and strive to knit together the hearts of men, in His Name, the Unifier, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”—Bahá’u’lláh.