 | The text below this notice was generated by a computer, it still needs to be checked for errors and corrected. If you would like to help, view the original document by clicking the PDF scans along the right side of the page. Click the edit button at the top of this page (notepad and pencil icon) or press Alt+Shift+E to begin making changes. When you are done press "Save changes" at the bottom of the page. |
IV
THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
1. INTRODUCTION
SHOGHI Effendi likened the Bahá’í Administrative Order to the monument marking the resting place of the Greatest Holy Leaf,1 on Mount Carmel. A letter written on his behalf to an individual believer in Persia, dated 6 March 1945, states:
The steps of her holy resting-place represent Local Spiritual Assemblies... The columns, that is the pillars, are like the National Spiritual Assemblies, while the dome, Which is raised following the placing of the columns, symbolizes the Universal House of Justice which, in accordance With the Master’s Will and Testament must be elected by the secondary Houses of Justice, that is, the National Spiritual Assemblies of East and West.2
The Local Assemblies, then, are the base of the edifice of the Bahá’í World Order.
During the Ministry of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, local Assemblies and boards of consultation had been initiated in Persia, Turkistan, the Caucaus, Egypt, India and Burma, England, France, Germany, and the United States.3 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote that the obligations incumbent upon the members of consulting councils included the following:
The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the members of the
assembly. They must be wholly free" 1 Bahíyyih Khánum, the daughter of Bahá’u’lláh.
2 Bahíyyih @dnum, The Greatest Holy Leaf (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1982), p. 92.
3 Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1987), p. 268—69.
from estrangement and must manifest in themselves the Unity of God, for they are the waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one garden. Should harmony of thought and absolute unity be nonexistent, that gathering shall be dispersed and that assembly be brought to naught. The second condition: —They must when coming together turn their faces to the Kingdom on High and ask aid from the Realm of Glory. They must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their Views. They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one’s Views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden. The honored members must with all freedom express their own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought of another, nay, he must with moderation set forth the truth, and should differences of opinion arise a majority of voices must prevail, and all must obey and submit to the maj ority. It is again not permitted that any one of the honored fnembers obj ect to or censure, whether in or out of the meeting, any decision arrived at previously, though that decision be not right, for such criticism would prevent any decision from being enforced. In short, whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with love and purity of motive, its result is
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 719
light, and should the least trace of estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness... If this be so regarded, that assembly shall be of God, but otherwise it shall lead to coolness and alienation that proceed from the Evil One...
Discussions must all be confined to spiritual matters that pertain to the training of souls, the instruction of children, the relief of the poor, the help of the feeble throughout all classes in the world, kindness to all peoples, the diffusion of the fragrances of God and the exaltation of His Holy Word. Should they endeavour to fulfill these conditions the Grace of the Holy Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them, and that assembly shall become the center of the Divine blessings, the hosts of Divine confirmation shall come to their aid, and they shall day by day receive a new effusion of Spirit.1
Shoghi Effendi formalized the creation of Local Spiritual Assemblies, calling for their election in a letter to the followers of Baha’u’llah throughout America, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Australia dated 12 March 1923:
And, now that this all-important Work may... function vigorously and continuously in every part of the Bahá’í world; that the unity of the Cause of Baha’u’llah may remain secure and inviolate, it is of the utmost importance that in accordance With the explicit text of the Kitáb-i—Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, in every locality, be it city or hamlet, where the number of adult (21 years and above) declared believers exceeds nine, a local “Spiritual Assembly” be forthwith established. :l‘o it all local matters pertaining to the Cause must be directed and immediately referred for full consultation and decision.2
1 Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í' Administration (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1960), p. 22-23.
Bahá’ís around the world arose t0 the summons, “in complete unison, and despite the great diversity in their outlook, customs and languages, the double task of establishing and of consolidating their local councils...”3 Shoghi Effendi was pleased, but felt compelled to remind the friends that “...all these administrative activities, however harmoniously and efficiently conducted, are but means to an end, and should be regarded as direct instruments for the propagation of the Bahá’í Faith.”4 As further guidance, on 27 February 1929, Shoghi Effendi wrote to the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada:
...the administration of the Cause is to be conceived as an instrument and not a substitute for the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, that it should be regarded as a channel through which His promised blessings may flow, that it should guard against such rigidity as would clog and fetter the liberating forces released by His Revelation. ...the whole machinery of assemblies, of committees and conventions is to be regarded as a means, and not an end in itself; that they will rise or fall according to their capacity to further the interests, to coérdihate the activities, to apply the principles, to embody the ideals and execute the purpose of the Bahá’í Faith.5
In November, 1931, the New York Bahá’í community drafted a document containing by-laws for Bahá’í local assemblies which Shoghi Effendi accepted as a pattern for local Bahá’í communities. This became the basis for the model document provided by the Universal House of Justice and printed below.
ibid‘, p. 37.
God Passes By, p. 330.
Bahá’í' Administration, p. 103.
Shoghi Effendi, The World Order ofBahd ’u ’Ildh (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 9.
UI-b-UJN
[Page 720]
720 THE BAHA’l WORLD
2. BY—LAWS OF A LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
WE, the undersigned members of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís Of..., desiring to incorporate this body do hereby adopt the following By-Laws:
ARTICLE I The Tmstees, i.e., the members of the Spiritual Assembly, recognize that this action has been taken in full unanimity and agreement. They acknowledge for themselves and on behalf of their successors the sacred meaning and universal purpose of the Bahá’í Faith, the teachings and principles of Which fulfil the divine promise of all former revealed religions.
ARTICLE II In administering the affairs of the Bahá’í religion under this Corporation for the benefit of the Bahá’ís of... in accordance With the religious teachings and administrative principles of this Faith, the Spiritual Assembly shall act in conformity With the functions of a Local Spiritual Assembly as defined in the By-Laws adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly and published by that body for the information and guidance of Bahá’ís throughout...1
ARTICLE III ,
The Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfilment of its obligations and responsibilities under this Corporation, shall have exclusive jurisdiction and authority over all the local activities and affairs of the Bahá’í community of ..., including paramount authority in the administration of this Corporation. It shall be responsible for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of all Bahá’í teaching, Whether written or oral, undertaken throughout the ‘. local community. It shall make available the published literature of the Faith. It shall represent the community in relationship to the National Spiritual Assembly, the Universal House of Justice, other local Bahá’í communities and the general public in . It shall be charged With the recognition of all applicants requesting membership in the local Bahá’í community. It shall pass upon the right of any and all members of the community Whose membership is in question to retain their status as voting members of the community. It shall call the meetings of the community, including the Bahá’í Anniversaries and Feasts, the Meetings of consultation, and the Annual Meeting at Which the members of the Assembly are elected. It shall appoint and supervise all committees of the Bahá’í community. It shall collect and disburse all funds intended for the maintenance of this Corporation. It shall have full and complete custody of the headquarters or meeting place of the Bahá’í community. It shall have exclusive authority to conduct Bahá’í maiiiage ceremonies and issue Bahá’í marriage ceitifieates Within the area of its jurisdiction. It shall report to the National Spiritual Assembly annually, or When requested, the membership roll of the Bahá’í community, for the information and approval of the National Assembly. The Spiritual Assembly, however, shall recognize the authority and right of the National Spiritual Assembly to declare at any time what activities and affairs of the Bahá’í community of are national in scope and hence subject to the jurisdiction of the National Assembly. It shall likewise recognize the right of any member of the
I Name of country 01’ region.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 721
community to appeal to the National Assembly for review and decision of any matter in Which the previous decision of the Local Spiritual Assembly is felt by the member to be contrary to the explicit teachings of the Bahá’í Faith or opposed to its best interests. It shall, on the other hand, have the authority and right to appeal from the decision of the National Assembly to the Universal House of Justice for review and final decision of any matter related to the Faith in .
ARTICLE IV
The Spiritual Assembly, in administering this Corporation, shall ever bear in mind the ideals upheld in the sacred Writings of the Bahá’í Faith respecting the relationships of a Spiritual Assembly to its Bahá’í community, respecting the relations of Bahá’ís to one another in the community, and the relationships of Bahá’ís to all non-Bahá’ís, Without prejudice of race, creed or nationality. The Assembly shall therefore above all recognize its sacred duty to maintain full and complete unity throughout the Bahá’í community, to relieve and comfort the sick and distressed, to assist the poor and destitute, to protect the orphans, the crippled and the aged, to educate the children of Bahá’ís according to the highest religious and intellectual standards, to compose differences and disagreements among members of the community, to promulgate the principles of Divine Civilization revealed by Baha’u’llah, and to promote in every way possible the Bahá’í aim of the oneness of mankind. It shall faithfully and devotedly uphold the general Bahá’í activities and affairs initiated and sustained by the National Spiritual Assembly. It shall co-operate wholeheartedly With other Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout...2 in all matters declared by the National Spiritual Assembly to be of general Bahá’í importance and concern. It shall rigorously abstain from any action or influence, direct or indirect, that savours of intervention on the part of the Bahá’í body in matters of public politics and civil jurisdiction. It shall encourage intercourse between the Bahá’í community of and other recognized Bahá’í communities, issuing letters of introduction to Bahá’ís travelling from and passing upon letters of introduction issued by other Bahá’í Assemblies. It shall regard its authority as a means of rendering service to Bahá’ís and non—Bahá’ís and not as a source of arbitrary power. While retaining the sacred right of final decision in all matters pertaining to the Bahá’í community, the Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek the advice and consultation of all members of the community, keep the community informed of all its affairs, and invite full and free discussion on the part of the community of all matters affecting the Faith.
ARTICLE V
The Bahá’ís of for Whose benefit this Corporation has been established Shall consist of all persons of the age of 15 years or over resident in Who are accepted by the National Spiritual Assembly as possessing the qualifications of Bahá’í faith and practice required under the following standard set forth by the Guardian of the Faith:
Full recognition of the station of the Báb, the Forerunner; of Baha’u’llah, the Author; and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the True Exemplar of the Bahá’í religion; unreserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to evely clause of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sacred Will; and Close association With the spirit as well as the form of Bahá’í Administration throughout the world.
Upon attaining the age of 21 years, a Bahá’í is eligible to vote and to hold elective office.
Name of country or region.
[Page 722]
7 22 THE BAHA’t WORLD
ARTICLE VI The Spiritual Assembly shall consist of nine Trustees chosen from among the Bahá’ís Of..., Who shall be elected by these Bahá’ís in a manner hereinafter provided and Who shall continue in office for the period of one year, or until their successors shall be elected.
ARTICLE VII The officers of the Spiritual Assembly shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as may be found necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs. The officers shall be elected by a maj ority vote of the entire membership of the Assembly taken by secret ballot.
ARTICLE VIII
The first meeting of a newly-elected Assembly shall be called by the member elected to membership by the highest number of votes or, in case two or more members have received the same said highest number of votes, then by the member selected by lot from among those members; and this member shall preside until the permanent Chairman shall be chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be called by the Secretary of the Assembly at the request of the Chairman or, in his absence or incapacity, of the Vice—Chairman, or of any three members of the Assembly; provided, however, that the Annual Meeting of the Assembly shall be held on April 21, in accordance with the administrative principles recognized by all Bahá’í Assemblies.
SECTION 1. Five members of the Assembly present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of those present and constituting a quomm shall be sufficient for the conduct of business, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws, and With due regard to the principle of unity and cordial fellowship involved in the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. The transactions and decisions of the Assembly shall be recorded at each meeting by the Secretary, Who shall have the minutes adopted and approved by the Assembly, and preserve them in the official records of the Assembly.
SECTION 2. Vacancies in the membership of the Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by election at a special meeting of the local Bahá’í community duly called for that purpose by the Assembly. In the event that the number of vacancies exceeds four, making a quorum of the Spiritual Assembly impossible, the election shall be under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly.
ARTICLE IX The sphere of jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly, With respect to residential qualification of membership, and voting rights of a believer in the Bahá’í community, shall be the locality included Within the civil limits of...
ARTICLE X
SECTION 1. In the event that any decision of the Assembly is unacceptable to any member or members of the community, the Assembly shall, after endeavouring to compose the difference of opinion, invite the said member or members to make appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly and notify that body of the condition of the matter and the readiness of the Assembly to become party to that appeal.
SECTION 2. In the same manner, if any difference arises between the Assembly and another Local Assembly, 0r Assemblies, in ...3 , the Assembly shall report the matter to the
3 Name of country or region.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 723
National Assembly and inform that body of its readiness to make joint appeal together with the other Assembly or Assemblies.
SECTION 3. If, however, the result of such appeal is unsatisfactory to the Spiritual Assembly, or the Assembly at any time has reason to believe that actions of the National Spiritual Assembly are affecting adversely the welfare and unity of the Bahá’í community of..., it shall, after seeking to compose its difference of opinion With the National Assembly in direct consultation, have the right to make appeal to the Universal House of Justice.
SECTION 4. The Assembly shall likewise have the right to make complaint to the National Spiritual Assembly in the event that matters of local Bahá’í concern and influence are referred to the national body by a member or members of the local community without previous opportunity for action by the Local Assembly.
ARTICLE XI
The Annual Meeting of the Corporation at Which its Trustees Shall be elected shall be held on April 21, at an hour and place to be fixed by the Assembly, Which shall give not less than fifteen days’ notice of the meeting to all members of the local Bahá’í community.
SECTION 1. The Assembly shall accept those votes transmitted to the Assembly before the election by members Who by reason of sickness or other unavoidable reason are unable to be present at the election in person.
SECTION 2. The election of members to the Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality vote.
SECTION 3. All voting members of the local Bahá’í community are eligible for election as members of the Spiritual Assembly.
SECTION 4. The Assembly shall prepare an agenda for the Annual Meeting in Which shall be included reports of the activities of the Assembly since its election, a financial statement showing all income and expenditure of its fund, repmts of its committees and presentation of any other matters pertaining to the affairs of the Bahá’í community. The Assembly, both preceding and following the annual election, shall invite discussion and welcome suggestions from the community, in order that its plans may reflect the community mind and heart.
SECTION 5. The result of the election shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly to the National Assembly.
ARTICLE XII In addition to the Annual Meeting, the Assembly shall arrange for regular meetings of the Bahá’í community throughout the year at intervals of nineteen days, in accordance With the calendar incorporated in the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.
ARTICLE XIII The seal of the Corporation shall be circular in form, bearing the following inscription: The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of .....
ARTICLE XIV Alternative ‘A ’ w These By-Laws may be amended by majority vote of the Spiritual Assembly at any of its regular or special meetings, provided that at least fourteen days prior to the date fixed for the said meeting a copy of the proposed amendment or amendments is mailed to each member of the Assembly by the Secretary.
[Page 724]
724 THE BAHA’l WORLD
Alternative 'B’
These By-Laws may be amended only by majority action of the National Spiritual Assembly, Which, in making amendments, does so for the By-Laws of all Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout. . . .4
4 Name of country 01‘ region.
Seven members Oftlze Local Spiritual Assembly in Loja, Spain, elected in October 1986. The majority of Assembly members are Roma.
The Local Spiritual Q?
Assembly of Ashkha- E
bad, T urkmen S.S.R.,
re—formed in 1989 after
a lapse of fifty years.
The Local Spiritual Assembly ofrhe
Bahd ’z's ofDistricz‘ 1 0 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, elected at Riḍván 1990.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 725
Members offhe
Local Spiritual Assembly offhe Bahd ’z's Of , Johannesbur , South Africa, consulting during a meeting in 1988.
Children gathered
for Bahá’í' classes in
the Local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Dziz‘ya,
Yucatan, Mexico,
in 1987.
Members Oflocal youth committees meeting with the National Youth Committee of Germany to consult on the Six Y ear Plan. Mainz, Germany March 1987.
l 1 l I
[Page 726]
726 THE Bahá’í WORLD
A Nineteen Day F east being held at the Khaoi—Dan g Annex Refugee Camp in T hailand,
in I 98 7.
Roslyn Bule (in the wheelchair) reading a prayer during the devotionalpart Of the Naw~RLZZ celebrations held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on
21 March 1992.
Children ofAmbano, Madagascar, singing during the Naw—RLZZ celebrations held in
their community on 2] March 1991.
[Page 727]
F riends enjoying
the Ayydm—i—Hd celebrations sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly ofSan Jose, California, USA, in
F ebruary 1988.
Y oung friends providing entertainment during the Naw-RLZZ celebration held in Paramaibo, Suriname, on 21 March 1988.
727
A social activity held as part ofa Weekend Bahá’í School in Macau in January 1988.
