Bahá’í News/Issue 71/Text

Bahá’í News
Issue 71

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. 71

FEBRUARY, 1933

LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]

Dear Co-Workers:

Your National Spiritual Assembly has recently been able to make Authorization No. 6 in the amount of $5,000.00, which makes it possible to proceed with the Temple dome ornamentation work until about the middle of March, 1933, without interruption or delay to the work. A total of $23,500 has been made available for this project. At this time (February 4), the four lowest rib section models have been cast and carved and the mold for the lowest and largest rib section completed. This mold is a unique plaster of Paris structure, which will be shipped to the Temple structure and used nine times to cast the lowest section of the inner dome ribs in place.

The preliminary work of the preparation of the 10 molds for the dome sections and the 13 molds for the rib sections is well under way and will be completed by the last of March. Then the work of casting the 270 dome panel sections and the 117 rib sections will begin.*

In this issue is enclosed for the information and use of each believer a diagram showing the panel and rib sections of the dome. This diagram and accompanying table can be used by each Local Assembly, group and believer to keep an up-to-date progress record of the sections of ornamentation provided for by the funds contributed after the preliminary work has been completed, beginning about April 1, 1933. As stated in the Letter on page 1 of the January, 1933 (No. 70) BAHÁ’Í NEWS, each believer will receive detailed monthly reports in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, and intermediate reports will be mailed to all local Assemblies at two week intervals.

________

Note a change from the number of sections of

dome panels and ribs described in the December, 1932, and the January, 1933, issues of BAHA’I NEWS.

The construction of the panel and rib models has resulted in the final division of each rib into thirteen (13) sections, and of each panel into ten (10) sections. Thus a revision of the figures given in the December, 1932 and the January, 1933 issues of BAHÁ’Í NEWS is necessary, as regards the cost of each section. Assuming a dome panel as costing $2,440.00, each of the 10 sections would cost about $244.00. Similarly, with a rib costing about $6,020.00, each of the 13 sections would involve an expense of approximately $463.00. These costs are of course approximate estimates, but of sufficient accuracy as the basis for contributions.

Your managing and supervising engineers are conducting an extensive research to locate sufficient quantities of a suitable quality of opaque, white quartz, which is to form the outer, radiant surface of the ornamentation. A large number of outcrops, deposits and quarries from Washington, D. C. to northern South Carolina have been visited and investigated. Recently 8 panels of the material from various localities have been made and are being studied for color, texture, light reflection and refraction, etc., at various times of the day in an outdoor location at the plant.

Another and most interesting research has concerned the design of a suitable metal furring system or framework to support the dome ornamentation on the present dome steel structure. To provide a permanent and enduring structure, a type of noncorrosive metal must be used. Your engineers have consulted with metallurgists and scientists and are studying various alloys of aluminum, steel and the non-ferrous metals.

In a letter dated November 30, 1932, our beloved Guardian in his own handwriting utters these inspiring words:

“Dear and Precious Co-Worker: I would infinitely deplore any cessation, or even an interruption, however brief, in the magnificent work which is now being undertaken by Mr. Earley and his associates. It is for the American believers, and particularly those whose financial resources have been relatively less impaired, to ensure, through their concerted, their constant and self-sacrificing endeavors the uninterrupted progress, and the successful termination of an enterprise on which so much that is vital to our beloved Faith must depend. Blessings, unimaginable and incomparably more potent than any in the past, will assuredly crown their efforts if they only persevere. Your true brother,

SHOGHI.”

May this significant utterance arouse the believers of America individually and collectively to the supreme effort of sacrifice and service to do His Will!

Yours in loving service,

THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY,

ALLEN B. McDANIEL,

Chairman.

THE GUARDIAN’S LETTERS TO INDIVIDUAL BAHA’IS[edit]

The exact status which Shoghi Effendi has intended the friends to give to those communications he sends to individual believers is explained in the following statement written through his secretary to the National Assembly on November 16, 1932: “As regards Shoghi Effendi’s letters to the individual Bahá’ís, he is always very careful not to contradict himself. He has also said that whenever he has something of importance to say, he invariably communicates it to the National Spiritual Assembly or in his general letters. His personal letters to individual friends are only for their personal [Page 2] benefit and even though he does not want to forbid their publication, he does not wish them to be used too much by the BAHÁ’Í NEWS. Only letters with special significance should be published there.”

LETTERS FROM HAIFA[edit]

“Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated October 24, 1932, regarding elections in the United States.

“The Guardian has written the National Assembly in detail and given them the principle upon which he would like to see them act. He has asked them to advise the friends accordingly and also to expound the principle so as to apply to the local conditions in America.

“To facilitate matters and avoid misunderstandings he prefers to refer you and the individual friends to them (the National Assembly). He is sure that you will obtain full satisfaction by putting the question to them. The purpose of the Guardian in this is not to avoid the issue but only to facilitate matters and eliminate misunderstandings. In all such matters the friends should first approach the Local, then the National Assembly and only in case they can obtain no satisfaction should they approach the Guardian on these matters. This way many difficulties will be avoided.”—(To Mrs. Corinne True, Wilmette, Illinois, through Ruhi Afnán, Haifa, November 11, 1932).

“The friends have a great duty, first towards the Cause and then towards society at large. Bahá’u’lláh has come to the world with a divine Message and devoted all His life and withstood all forms of persecution in the hope of establishing it firmly. We are now the trustees of that Mission. It is for us to bring that task begun by Bahá’u’lláh to a final consummation. Should we fail, we have been untrue to our Lord and also remained deaf to the cry of humanity seeking salvation.”—(To Miss Elsa Nordquist, Seattle, Washington, through Ruhi Afnán, Haifa, November 15, 1931).

“The report of your teaching work in Milwaukee made him (Shoghi Effendi) very happy. He sincerely hopes that every one of those individuals who expressed his desire to join the Movement will gradually become so confirmed that no amount of trials and tribulations will deter him from sharing in the work of spreading the Faith throughout the world.

“Before undertaking such a task, however, it is necessary that they should deepen their knowledge of the Teaching. They should learn to study the words for themselves and both grasp their significance and also become imbued with their spirit. The hope of Shoghi Effendi is not only to increase the number of the friends but also to have true and more understanding Bahá’ís. The task of the teachers is to produce such efficient servants for our beloved Faith. . . . These nine months, during which the Guardian has asked the friends to discard Feast Days, are meant to be months of mourning for the passing away of the Greatest Holy Leaf. The friends should also use them as a period of redoubled energy in serving the Cause, in expression of our deep love for her as well as for the Cause for which she suffered so much.”— (To Mrs. Ruth Moffett, Chicago, Illinois, through Ruhi Afnán, Haifa, October 18, 1932).

“What impressed him (Shoghi Effendi) most in the account of your services was the statement that the old and the young Bahá’ís are firmly united and cooperating in bearing the burden of the Faith in that locality. Nothing will attract God’s blessings and grace more than the unity of the friends, and nothing is more destructive of their highest purpose than divisions and misunderstandings. Cling therefore to unity if you desire to succeed and abide by the will of your Lord Bahá’u’lláh; for that is the true objective of His Mission in this world.”—(To the Spiritual Assembly of West Englewood, New Jersey, through Ruhi Afnán, Haifa, October 11, 1932).

“The Guardian values your Hymns which you so beautifully composed. They certainly contain the realities of the Faith, and will indeed help you to give the Message to the young people. It is music which assists us to affect the human spirit; it is an important means which helps us to communicate with the soul.”—(To Mrs. Shahnaz Waite, Los Angeles, California, through Ruhi Afnán, Haifa, November 15, 1932).

THE DIVINE POLITY[edit]

In adopting the statement on “The Non-Political Character of the Bahá’í Faith” published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for December, the National Spiritual Assembly sought not merely to make perfectly clear the definite instructions about non-political action contained in the seven numbered paragraphs, but also to indicate the general principle involved in the instructions by explicit reference to the Guardian’s words.

For example, the statement quoted from the Guardian’s letter of March 21, 1932, issued as a pamphlet entitled “The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.” Those who read and ponder that letter as a whole will be prepared to grasp the deeper significance of the new instruction about non-participation in political affairs, which applies to the Bahá’í world as a whole, and not simply to North America.

Moreover, intimate knowledge of the Guardian’s preceding letters—more especially that published under the title “The Goal of a New World Order”—enables a Bahá’í to realize that the Master’s definite prophecy concerning another war compels a Guardian responsible for a worldwide Cause to foresee changing conditions and prepare the minds and hearts of the friends. Without this providential guidance, so varied and so widely separated a Bahá’í community could not hope to survive the “fiery ordeals” that must come between now and 1963.

The members of the National Assembly are assured that even though at first the importance of this instruction may not be appreciated and fully realized by every individual believer, nevertheless through local consultation the matter can be illumined, its details clarified, and thus be made for us all not merely an occasion for blind obedience but rather for conscious, grateful cooperation.

One or two points raised in correspondence since December should perhaps be more definitely explained. The instruction not to take part in political elections leaves us free to vote in any election where the various political parties have combined upon one candidate or one ticket. While Bahá’ís should not run for offices dominated by party politics, they are perfectly free to hold administrative posts based upon personal capacity, as for example the posts within the field of civil service examinations. In considering this general instruction, Local Spiritual Assemblies should surely assume that each believer is entirely loyal to the Guardian’s request, and not take the step of requiring explicit obedience in advance. It is only in the event of deliberate disloyalty, when every effort of local consultation has failed, that the question of depriving anyone of his Bahá’í membership is involved.

We should recall the fact that the qualifications of a voting believer include the element of “loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sacred Will; and close association with the spirit as well as [Page 3] the form of present-day Bahá’í administration throughout the world.” Thus, numbered paragraph 7, in the statement published in December, does not create any new degree of either responsibility or authority for Local Spiritual Assemblies, but merely calls to their attention the fact that it is incumbent upon believers to accept this particular instruction from the Guardian as well as those which preceded it and those which will follow it in the future.

Moreover, the quality of sympathetic understanding with which a Local Spiritual Assembly approaches its task of explaining a new instruction makes a vast difference in the response the community will make. The Cause of Bahá’u’lláh has no arbitrary commands— every positive teaching and instruction emanating from its spiritual Center carries a divine blessing which makes obedience not blind and meaningless but an act of devoted faith fulfilling our individuality.

The Guardian’s cablegram, quoted elsewhere in this issue, informing us that believers in Turkey have been imprisoned by the government on the charge that they are members of a movement intending to carry on political intrigue—charges no doubt instigated by Muhammadan sources—now serves to give us a concrete example of the vital importance of this whole issue. In less than two months after the National Assembly published its statement on the non-political character of the Faith, its members are called upon to appeal and intercede on behalf of their suffering brothers in a far-distant land! This instance surely reminds us in a most emphatic manner how essential it is to cast aside all provincial limitations, all traditional values, and assert our devotion to a Cause whose vision includes mankind.

IN MEMORIAM[edit]

Mr. Stephen Saghatielan, Portland,

Oregon.

Mr. Karl G. Hillmann, Seattle,

Washington.

Dawn Nabil Britt, Seattle, Washington.

Mrs. Belle Blaney, Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Shari Boros, Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Hazel Chandon Hopkins, Gridley, California.

NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]

The text of the National Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, and of the By-Laws approved for use by Local Spiritual Assemblies, has been published in pamphlet form at the special

“I would infinitely deplore any cessation, or even an interruption, however brief, in the magnificent work which is now being undertaken by Mr. Earley and his associates. It is for the American believers, and particularly those whose financial resources have been relatively less impaired, to assure, through their concerted, their constant and self-sacrificing endeavors, the uninterrupted progress and the successful termination of an enterprise on which so much that is vital to our beloved Faith must depend. Blessings, unimaginable and incomparably more potent than any in the past, will assuredly crown their efforts if they only persevere.”

Your true brother,

SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine

November 30, 1932

To Mr. Allen B. McDaniel

request of the National Spiritual Assembly, that all believers may inform themselves of these elements of Bahá’í administration. Per copy, 10c. Local Librarians are requested to order a supply and bring this pamphlet to the attention of the friends.

A new, revised edition of “Divine Philosophy,” for some years out of print and greatly missed by the friends, is now available. Per copy, $0.75.

During recent months there has been great demand for copies of “Study Guide to the Dawn-Breakers,” at 25c per copy. The Study Guide can be used in classes or by individual believers making an intensive study of Nabil’s inspiring Narrative.

Send orders to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York, N. Y.

TEACHING COMMITTEE REPORT[edit]

Such encouraging news has been received from various parts of the country where earnest attempts are being made to put into effect the reconstructed teaching program, outlined in detail in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS of July, 1932, that the National Teaching Committee feels it essential to give all the friends the benefit and inspiration of some of them as new opportunities of service.

First: Let us assure ourselves that the source of confirmation in successful teaching work is complete reliance on the power of Bahá’u’lláh to remove all obstacles before the pure in heart and sincere in service. We must place all our faith in the unfailing guidance of God; knowing of a certainty that in this day of supreme affliction, He will lead his devout followers to victory.

Second: Our efforts must be filled with the irresistible spirit of the invincible Pioneers of the Faith in Persia, who so ably assisted the Báb in preparing the way for the coming of Bahá’u’lláh. This spirit can be achieved through study and re-study of Nabil’s Narrative. Ruhi Afnán wrote that Shoghi Effendi’s purpose in translating this display of spiritual force was that the power of the Holy Spirit, which animated those beings, might likewise now animate our activities. Shoghi Effendi writes: “I feel an organized, systematic and thorough study of Nabil’s Narrative should constitute this year a valuable adjunct to the teaching program.”

In order to assist the friends in this thorough and systematic study, Mrs. Doris McKay and Mrs. Bahiyyih Lindstrom at the request of the Teaching Committee, prepared a Study Guide of the Dawn-Breakers, which can be secured from the Publishing Committee, 25 cents per copy. It has come to our attention that many of the friends have refrained from purchasing copies of the Dawn-Breakers because they felt it more important to send the funds to the National Fund. The National Spiritual Assembly must meet all expense of the activities of the Faith in America out of the one Fund. There is still over $3000 due to the printers for the publication of the Dawn-Breakers, a portion of which is being paid monthly by the National Assembly. Therefore purchasing copies of the Dawn-Breakers does not withdraw money from the Temple Fund. Each and every Bahá’í should have a copy of this invaluable book, with the fact now understood that purchase of the Dawn-Breakers by funds which otherwise might be sent direct to the National Funds, does not divert that money from its intended purpose, but in this instance does double service, giving you the much needed Nabil’s Narrative, and aids the Temple Fund by decreasing the indebtedness of issuing the Dawn-Breakers.

Third: Bahá’ís should keep in touch with those progressive groups whose principles are in accord with Bahá’í principles. In each city, if one Bahá’í could keep in contact with the people of capacity in each progressive and universal group, numerous doors would be opened for Bahá’í service. Social Service Agencies and workers are almost always prepared soil for the seeds of the New Life.

[Page 4]

Where it is impossible to have individual membership, Assemblies might accomplish the same ends, by appointing a Contacts Committee, or making it a part of the specific responsibilities of the local Teaching Committee, which would keep in constant touch and cooperation with all desirable groups and activities.

Fourth: Attend all Conference of an Inter-racial, Inter-religious, or International nature, endeavoring, if possible, to have Bahá’ís active delegates and workers in the Conference. This is a field which presents almost unending sources of Bahá’í work. Astonishing results are always achieved, as in the case of the young Bahá’ís of Southern California at the World Council of Youth, held in Pasadena, immediately after the Olympic Games; or as the individual work of Mr. C. G. Nordquist in meeting the leaders of the Rotary Clubs, during their 10th International Convention held in Seattle.

Fifth: Too much cannot be said of the holding of “fireside” meetings. This is worked out in many ways. In one community a very carefully picked group of key people are invited to tea once every two weeks, a program planned, which will present aspects of the Cause in a manner to incite interest in it. In another community, an authority on some subject with which the Cause deals, is invited for an informal evening at which people interested in that subject are invited. The Bahá’ís present, after the lecture, lead the individual discussions over the tea cups in a constructive and universal manner, into the paths of the Faith. If every Bahá’í once a Bahá’í month will invite their friends in for an educational evening, they will find soon the deepest thoughts of each will find expression, and those thoughts always are concerning life and its purpose.

Sixth: A Public Program on Universal Subjects is very beneficial. It is always possible to secure speakers for such meetings: particularly from those who are interested in Universal Peace and International Welfare. Always have a Bahá’í Chairman. Be sure the meetings are attractive, full of the warmth of Bahá’í fellowship, and the alluring spirit of the Cause present. Usually excellent newspaper publicity can be secured. In one center a two months program was arranged, with speakers including College Professors, Ministers, Peace Workers, Bahá’ís, etc. General interest was created, which brought fine publicity in the daily papers. This

“Bahá’ís Constantinople and Adana, numbering about forty, imprisoned, charged subversive motives. Urge induce Turkish minister Washington make immediate representations his government release law-abiding followers (of this) non-political Faith. Advise also National Assembly cable authorities (at) Angora and approach State Department.”

SHOGHI.

(Cablegram)

Haifa, Palestine

January 29, 1933

publicity in turn established interest on the part of a local broadcasting station, which asked for certain of the talks to be broadcast, and other releases.

Seventh: Newspapers and magazines are daily publishing addresses, statements, and articles by leaders of thought, on current problems and their solution. Bahá’í literature dealing with the specific subject can be sent to the individual, usually with very beneficial results. Data sent to a man broadcasting on current topics lead to a discussion of the Cause by him in a subsequent broadcast. The “Goal of a New World Order” usually is an excellent document to send to public spirited men and women. Each Assembly would do well to appoint a special Committee to handle this important, delicate function in the appropriate manner it deserves.

May we reiterate that the Teaching Committee feels itself the servants of the friends in putting into action the new wave of teaching enthusiasm reaching the friends and Assemblies. Therefore if the Committee can be of special assistance in any particular function, we know you will not hesitate to call upon us.

LEROY IOAS, Chairman

BISHOP BROWN, Vice-Chairman

LETTER FROM LIBRARY COMMITTEE[edit]

Dear Co-Workers:

The Library Division of The Publishing Committee is very anxious to stimulate a new activity in the circulation of the Bahá’í Literature, as we believe that this is a very important branch of the Teaching Program. The field is a large one and many people can be reached, who perhaps could not be in any other way.

Our plan is to create a definite demand for the Bahá’í books in the Public and University Libraries, as there is a great urge for the study of Comparative Religions throughout the world today, particularly among University students.

We have sent out a Questionnaire to all the Local Assemblies asking for their cooperation in supplying us with a list of all the Bahá’í Literature now catalogued in their respective Public and University Libraries, and also the heading under which they are listed, for we find that The Bahá’í Cause is classified under several different headings, which we wish to correct.

We wish to take this opportunity to thank the Assemblies for their prompt response to this Questionnaire.

We now would like to suggest that each Local Assembly assume a personal responsibility in creating this demand, by having members frequently going to the Libraries and asking for certain books, books of particular importance such as Bahá’í Scriptures, Some Answered Questions, The Bahá’í Peace Program, The Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Book of Assurance, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, The Bahá’í Revelation, and The Dawn-Breakers.

If the Libraries recognize sufficient demand, they will no doubt put those they have of these particular books out on the open shelves where they can be seen, and if they haven’t them, we are in hopes that they will buy them. Several Assemblies have written us to ask if we could supply Public Libraries with a complete set of Bahá’í books. We are sorry to say that this is impossible, as there is no fund for such an expensive undertaking. We want the demand to force the Libraries to purchase them, and we also would like each Assembly to make some contribution to their Public and University Libraries of one or several of the most important books, including The Dawn-Breakers, if possible.

However, there are a few books which we can supply: The Book of Assurance, due to the new publication of the Kitab-i-Iqan, Volumes II and III of The Bahá’í World, Bahá’í: The Spirit of the Age, and The Bahá’í Revelation, which we will gladly supply upon request, to any Local Assembly for the above purpose.

We also wish to call your attention to another important matter. We find that many Libraries have certain books listed under “Bahá’í” heading which should not be catalogued as such [Page 5] as they are not authentic, and in some cases are directly opposed to the Cause. Each Assembly can render a great service by taking steps to correct all such errors. We therefore suggest that your Assembly appoint a representative to take up the matter with the local Librarian in this way: Show the Librarian the complete list of authorized Bahá’í books given on pages 242, 243, 244, 246 and 247 of The Bahá’í World, Volume Three, and appeal to her to give some other listing to any books in her Library not mentioned in The Bahá’í World. For example, a book attacking the Cause by a Christian missionary should logically be listed under Christianity, while a book which may be partly favorable and partly untrue could be listed under the general heading of Religion. The important point is to make the Librarian understand that the Cause is properly organized and that real Bahá’í literature is that which is recognized as such by the official representatives of the Cause. While we do not fear attacks, we think it only fair that people inquiring for Bahá’í books should be given only such as are recognized as accurate.

We trust your Assembly will give this matter due consideration, as the main object in sending out this appeal is to try to stimulate every believer in the country to cooperate with active service in a national effort to spread the Literature, and make known to the world the power which exists in this Message of Bahá’u’lláh’s, through spreading the Creative Word to a people who are in sore need of knowledge and guidance.

Faithfully yours in His Service,

MARTHA WOODSUM, Chairman,

Library Division.

c/o Bahá’í Publishing Committee,

P. O. Box 348,

Grand Central Station,

New York, N. Y.

COMMITTEE ON TRAINING AND TEACHING CHILDREN[edit]

Bulletin No. 1

As this Committee begins its first year’s work, it is mindful of the immediate need for lessons for children’s classes already organized or about to begin. Bulletin No. 1 is addressed to this particular problem. To meet this situation, as well as to lay the foundation for the future, we offer a series of experimental lessons, and have devised the following plan for their distribution and use:

We are sending to each Bahá’í Assembly, free of charge, the first instalment

1933 CONVENTION DATE

On January 28, 1933, the National Spiritual Assembly cabled Shoghi Effendi as follows: “Please advise Convention date whether as usual or later for Chicago Fair.”

This cabled reply was sent by the Guardian on February 2: “Advise June 1st. Beseech entire body American believers by love they bear departed Greatest Holf Leaf not allow slightest interruption progress Temple work, so near her heart, (to) dim (the) splendor (of their) past achievements. Beg them ponder (the) extreme urgency (of my) entreaty.”—SHOGHI.

consisting of six lessons, together with pedagogical suggestions and the list of subjects for the entire course of thirty-six lessons. We wish to ask each local group to take definite responsibility along two lines in order that our work may develop in the spirit of true consultation and cooperation.

First: Will each group desiring the lessons, order the remaining three instalments at the rate of twenty-five cents each or seventy-five cents for the entire set. Early orders will be appreciated.

Second: As each instalment is completed, will the teacher report this or her experience with the lessons already covered? This is of utmost importance to the future usefulness of the work we are developing together. Without this active cooperation at this point the work will lose much of its effectiveness and a more adequate program will be considerably delayed.

We suggest only in the most general way the information we desire so that your reports may be as varied as possible.

To what extent do these experimental lessons meet your needs:

1. as to age?

2. as to sufficiency of material?

3. as to definiteness of material?

4. as to references both from Bahá’í

and outside sources?

5. What changes or additions

would you suggest?

6. Report any experiences or

methods you think would help others.

Please be sure to send answers to the above questions with your order for the second instalment of lessons. CHARLOTTE M. LINFOOT, Secretary. 376 60th Street

Oakland, Calif.

DIAGRAM OF DOME ORNAMENTATION[edit]

Inserted in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS is a diagram showing every unit casting which enters into the ornamental plan designed by Mr. Bourgeois for the Temple dome.

Last month the believers were informed that one diagram would be furnished to each local Spiritual Assembly, but in view of the extreme importance of completing this ornamentation by June 1, a task which requires self-sacrificing effort on the part of each and every American Bahá’í, it was considered advisable to provide a copy of the diagram to all the friends.

It will be noted that each section has been divided into ten casting units instead of nine, as first planned by the Earley Company. The cost of each casting unit will consequently be slightly less than the figure of $270 announced last month.

The purpose of the diagram is to make it possible for the believers to check off the units as fast as they are paid for from contributions actually received. The National Spiritual Assembly will report the progress of Temple construction to all believers once a month in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, and to Spiritual Assemblies more frequently by mail.

Mr. McDaniel’s letter in the present issue supplies the important details. Since his letter was prepared, it is possible to report that approximately $3000 additional can be appropriated for Temple work.

BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITIES[edit]

Many plans have been adopted from time to time during recent years to provide some definite channel for the proper expression of the special capacities of Bahá’í youth.

Recently this matter has been brought to the Guardian’s attention by the National Spiritual Assembly, and as the result of this correspondence the Assembly has appointed a Bahá’í Youth Committee.

In announcing this appointment, the Guardian’s advices are shared with the friends. In a letter dated Haifa, Palestine, October 27, 1932, written through his secretary, the Guardian’s views were expressed as follows: “Shoghi Effendi believes that the best solution is to have some reasonable age limit for the actual membership of the body of the organization so that only the young people may take part in the different activities and have no older person usurp the floor or deprive them [Page 6] of their chances to train themselves and express their ideas. At the same time the National Assembly could appoint on the National Committee that is to supervise their work some older and experienced persons who could cooperate with them and guide them in their activities. The National Committee should be composed both of people within the age limit and also older people.”

The Guardian likewise wrote to Mrs. Stuart W. Erench, in reply to a letter written by her after the meeting of the World Council of Youth which was held in Pasadena during August. 1932: “The activities, hopes and ideals of the Bahá’í youth in America, as well as in all other parts of the world, are close and dear to my heart. Upon them rests the supreme and challenging responsibility to promote the interests of the Cause of God in the days to come: to coordinate its worldwide activities, to extend its scope, to safeguard its integrity, to exalt its virtue, and translate its ideals and aims into memorable and abiding achievements. Theirs is a mighty task, at once holy, stupendous and enthralling. May the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh protect, inspire and sustain them in the prosecution of their divinely appointed task.” (Dated October 26, 1932.)

The Bahá’í Youth Committee appointed at the December meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly includes:

Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Chairman, Mrs. Grace Holley and Mrs. Dorothy Baker; Miss Marion Holley, Secretary, Miss Allison McDaniel, Miss Gertrude Gewirtz, Miss Sylvia Paine, Miss Rosemary Gillies, Miss Florence Mattoon, Miss Parvin Bagdadi, Mr. Paul Haney, Mr. James McCormack, Mr. James Stone.

This Committee has been requested to make a study of the range of activities suitable for Bahá’í young people and to recommend plans and programs to be carried out by Bahá’í Youth Committees to be appointed by Local Spiritual Assemblies.

As soon as the Committee makes its report to the National Assembly, the latter body will, after approving it, transmit the report to all Local Assemblies with the request that Local Youth Committees be appointed.

INSTRUCTIONS ON THE RECEPTION OF ORIENTALS[edit]

Statements on this subject have been published from time to time, but the National Assembly feels it advisable to remind the friends of the latest instructions received from the Guardian.

From Minutes of National Spiritual Assembly, April 11 and 12, 1931:—

“The Secretary read a letter from the New York Spiritual Assembly quoting a passage from a letter written that Assembly by our Guardian recently referring to the reception of Orientals in America. This letter was dated March 9, 1931 and the extract is from the Guardian’s own handwriting, as follows:

“‘My dear Co-workers: I wish to add a few lines and remind you of the necessity of refusing to admit to your Assembly, or associate with, any Oriental who does not have proper credentials from a recognized Spiritual Assembly. No excuse whatever is acceptable. I am sure that a few are trying to cause mischief and bring about a split in the ranks of the believers in these days of stress, and the utmost caution should be exercised, lest these mischief-makers succeed in undermining the foundation of the Cause.

Your true brother and well-wisher,

(signed) SHOGHI.’”

From Minutes of National Spiritual Assembly, March 14 and 15, 1931:—

“A cable from Shoghi Effendi to the New York Assembly concerning the reception of Orientals in this country, dated February 7, 1931, a copy of which had been sent this body by the New York Assembly, was read, as follows:

“‘Appeal believers recall Master’s repeated warnings exercise vigilance discrimination reception Orientals otherwise great mischief will result; their credentials behavior should be critically examined.’”

REGISTRATION OF ISOLATED BELIEVERS[edit]

A general letter has recently been issued to all Bahá’ís who have been listed as “isolated believers.” This letter requested all such believers to fill out and return a registration card; thus permitting such believers to record their adherence to the Bahá’í Faith and giving the National Assembly a true and correct mailing list.

Copies of BAHÁ’Í NEWS and other communications will in future be sent only to those isolated believers who register themselves with the National Assembly.

Any isolated believer who fails to receive a registration card is requested to notify the National Office.

ON CORRESPONDENCE WITH INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS[edit]

At the meeting held on November 12 and 13, 1932, the National Spiritual Assembly voted to adopt the policy that general Bahá’í matters must first be presented by individual believers to their Local Spiritual Assembly, and the National Assembly will respond to all such matters presented to it by a Local Assembly, it being understood that communications received from individual believers on personal matters will be answered direct. It was the sense of the meeting that this action should be brought to the attention of all believers in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

The purpose of this vote is to discourage individual believers from undertaking correspondence with the National Assembly on matters related to the Cause in general and not confined to the individual’s personal affairs. In the case of matters concerning the Cause as a whole, if individuals wish to seek information or make suggestions, they are requested to do so through their Local Assembly. In the case of personal affairs, the National Assembly will be happy to carry on correspondence with individual believers to the extent of its capacity.

Let us learn to make fuller use of our facilities for local consultation.

THE ATTITUDE OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ON APPEALS FROM LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES

In order to clarify the important subject of the right of individual members of local Bahá’í communities to make appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly for reconsideration of actions taken by a Local Spiritual Assembly, and to set forth for the information of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada a definite procedure controlling the making of appeals to the National Bahá’í body, the members of the National Spiritual Assembly have adopted the following statement and incorporated it in the minutes of the Meeting held on December 27 and 28, 1932.

1. The By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly contain the following references to the subject of appeals.

Article I. “It shall, in such cases as it considers suitable and necessary, entertain appeals from the decisions of Local Spiritual Assemblies and shall [Page 7] have the right of final decision in all cases where the qualifications of an individual or group for continued voting rights and membership in the Bahá’í body is in question.”

Article VII. Section 6. “The Local Assembly shall pass upon and approve the qualifications of each member of the Bahá’í community before such members shall be admitted to voting membership; but where an individual is dissatisfied with the ruling of the Local Spiritual Assembly upon his Bahá’í qualifications, such individual may appeal from the ruling to the National Assembly, which shall thereupon take jurisdiction of and finally decide the case.”

Article VII. Section 9. “All questions arising between two or more Local Spiritual Assemblies or between members of different Bahá’í communities, shall be submitted in the first instance to the National Assembly, which shall have original and final jurisdiction in all such matters.”

Note: Article VII. Section 9, properly speaking, does not refer to the subject of appeals, since an appeal is from a lower to a higher jurisdiction, and the National Spiritual Assembly is the only Bahá’í body having jurisdiction in cases of an Inter-Assembly character. It is quoted here, however, as an instruction to be noted by believers in their study of the principles of administration.

2. It will be seen from the above quotations that the right of individuals to appeal is subject to the decision of the National Spiritual Assembly whether the appeal is important enough to be considered or of a trivial nature and therefore not to be entertained. This brings out the vital principle that the National Spiritual Assembly is not a passive body compelled to deal with all matters brought to its attention, but has paramount executive and legislative powers in addition to its function as a judicial body.

3. Since with the lapse of time it becomes difficult to bring together all evidence bearing upon a situation or matter, the National Assembly has voted that all appeals must be received within sixty days of the date when the action or decision of the Local Spiritual Assembly has been made known to the believer appealing from that action or decision. The period of sixty days is ample in which individual believers can take steps to safeguard their legitimate rights.

4. The National Spiritual Assembly will entertain only such appeals as are made from decisions of a Local Assembly after the individual believer who makes the appeal has presented his views to the Local Assembly and endeavored sincerely to solve the problem by local consultation. The members of the National Assembly believe that practically every Bahá’í problem can be removed by full and frank consultation on the part of the believers directly concerned. But this does not mean that a dissatisfied believer is to agitate any matter among the members of the local Bahá’í community apart from the Local Spiritual Assembly. The responsibility for decisions is clearly placed upon the Local Spiritual Assemblies and not upon the believers of the community.

5. The National Spiritual Assembly can rightly entertain only those appeals which express dissatisfaction with actions or decisions of a Local Assembly—it cannot be expected to deal with appeals which are an effort to deny the authority and power of the Local Assembly in general. The authority and power duly vested in Local Spiritual Assemblies will always be upheld and defended by the National Assembly. But where a duly elected Local Assembly acts unjustly toward a believer, or acts in such a way as to work some harm upon the Cause, an appeal to the National Assembly is entirely justified after consultation with the Local Assembly has proved fruitless.

6. The National Spiritual Assembly, in entertaining an appeal, will deal only with the believer or believers by whom the appeal has been made. The National Assembly will not recognize any believer’s right to be represented by another believer nor by a non-Bahá’í attorney, advocate or representative. In becoming a voting member of the Bahá’í community, every believer accepts the recognized qualifications for membership, which include full acceptance of the power and authority duly vested in Local and National Assemblies, including the power to remove any name from the voting list if the recognized qualifications for membership are no longer observed. The right of every believer to be a member of the Bahá’í community is conditional upon continued faithfulness to the Cause, and that right is acquired by asserting one’s acceptance of the qualifications for membership, and is not in any way a vested right nor a right that may be permanently claimed without permanence of loyalty and faithfulness to the Cause.

7. Appeals must be made in writing, and on receiving an appeal the National Assembly will request the Local Assembly to furnish an attested copy of its minutes or other records bearing upon the matter in question, including a record of the consultation requested by the appellant. The nature of the appeal will be made known to the Local Assembly, and the Local Assembly be given opportunity to furnish a written explanation of the matter, before the National Assembly decides whether to entertain the appeal. By “attested copy” is meant a copy signed by the Secretary or other Officer of the Local Assembly duly chosen by the Local Assembly to furnish the record.

8. The National Assembly will announce both to the appellant and to the Local Assembly its decision, which decision is binding upon the appellant, the Local Assembly and the local Bahá’í community. In entertaining an appeal, the National Spiritual Assembly will endeavor to raise the problem from the realm of personality to the plane of the Teachings and Principles of Administration, and seek not merely to announce a final decision but also to point out wherever possible the grounds for true understanding and reconciliation on the part of the believers immediately affected by the problem appealed.

9. Unless the National Spiritual Assembly is entertaining an appeal of a strictly personal and private nature, the Local Spiritual Assembly should present the decision of the National Assembly to the entire local Bahá’í community, for the information and guidance of the community.

10. Local Assemblies are requested to give individual believers every opportunity for full and frank discussion of matters which seem to cause dissatisfaction, in order to prevent local problems coming to the point of formal appeal to the National Assembly. Local Assemblies should freely receive appeals for reconsideration of its decisions from members of the local Bahá’í community, and endeavor to turn these into occasions for increasing the spirit of true unity between itself and all members of the community. Believers having a grievance against their Local Spiritual Assembly, or against another believer in the community, have a right to present that grievance privately to the Local Assembly. If the Local Assembly considers a grievance between two or more members of the community, and canot remove that grievance, it should refer the matter to the National Assembly for advice and assistance, after securing the approval of all parties to the grievance that the matter be referred to the National body. Any believer unwilling to have [Page 8] the grievance referred to the National Assembly must accept the decision of the Local Assembly in regard to the grievance. But when the grievance has been referred to the National Assembly with the approval of all the individual believers directly affected, all such believers are bound to accept the decision of the National body. Local Assemblies, like the National Assembly, should deal with believers directly and not through any representative.

11. Individual believers may justifiably appeal to the National Assembly not merely in matters affecting themselves personally but also in larger matters affecting the Cause in their community. For example, if there be real evidence that a Local Assembly has not been properly elected, any Bahá’í in that community may and in fact should join with other local Bahá’ís in making the matter known to the National Assembly. In the same way, if a duly elected Assembly for any reason is unable or unwilling to hold regular meetings and function as a Local Assembly, it is incumbent upon the Bahá’ís of that community to report the matter to the National Assembly. In such case the National Assembly may order a new election.

12. A Local Assembly which finds itself in dispute with another Local Assembly may refer the matter to the National Assembly if the matter can not be settled by the two Local Assemblies in accordance with the Teachings and Principles of the Cause.

In conclusion, the members of the National Spiritual Assembly would emphasize the vital fact that in the Bahá’í Faith, all rights are balanced by the obligation to maintain true unity among the followers of Bahá’u’lláh. But “Justice is loved above all,” and this statement on appeals has been prepared in order to make it possible for every believer to obtain the fullest measure of justice in relation to his Local Assembly and to his fellow Bahá’ís.

BAHA’I NEWS[edit]

London

At the end of September the Bahá’í centre was moved from Walmar House to 19, Grosvenor Place, S.W.1.

Here we have a large room for meetings and also a small one opening out of it which is very useful. These rooms are on the third floor and the windows look out over the trees of Buckingham Palace Gardens, so there is plenty of light and fresh air. By this move we have obtained a most suitable centre at slightly less cost, but even this has only been achieved by sacrifice and generous help from friends abroad. It will need continued effort and unshakable faith to keep this Bahá’í Home during these troubled times, but we believe that God will help us as He has up to now.

Since our last Letter was circulated, we have had many visitors. Miss Anny Grünzweig who was brought up in the Bahá’í Cause in Stuttgart and now lives at Beirut in Syria and is in frequent communication with Haifa.

Miss Julia Goldman from Honolulu is now in England and we have been very much pleased to welcome her at our meetings, at which she has spoken several times.

Other visitors who have been with us are: Dr. N. P. Nigan, Mr. A. C. Chakiavartti and Miss A. Allen.

The Bahá’í Room is open daily from 1 to 5 (except Saturdays and Sundays) for consultation and reading. A well stocked Library of Bahá’í writings is available.

A “Youth Group” has recently been formed among the London Bahá’ís, and it is exceedingly promising for it is full of enthusiasm and fire.

They have their meetings every Friday night at 8 o’clock, tea is served at 10, but they often do not separate till 10:30, so great is their interest.

The energetic committee composed of Mr. and Mrs. Alisade, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Balyuzi, Mr. Dekkan, Mr. Dear, Miss Phillips and Mr. Aziz Yazdi, and the two Misses le Gray, seem to have hit on a most successful plan for keeping up this interest and including everyone in its activities, for though at the first meeting there were only 6, ever since the numbers have run to 19 or 20, with the young men and the girls in about equal proportions.

Mr. Aziz Yazdi from Egypt, and the young Persian men students here in London at present, help the meeting a good deal.

One week the “Youth Group” has half-an-hour’s address given by one of its members, a reading from the Bahá’í writings, and questions and discussions. The following Friday every member present has to speak for 5 minutes on a given subject. This is a most excellent way of overcoming their self-consciousness and nervousness, and learning to put their ideas in order and express them.

Tihrán

At the Eastern Women’s Congress held in Teheran recently, Rouhangueez Khanum Fat’h A’zam, representing the Bahá’í women, delivered an inspiring address, the gist of which we are delighted to report herewith to our many friends throughout the world. After mentioning the spiritual power and the astute wisdom and knowledge of the famous Persian heroine Qurrat’ul’ ’Ayn, the speaker called attention to the fact that this great emancipator of women reached the height of glory as a result of her becoming inspired by the life-giving Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Since her martyrdom, many Persian women have followed in her path and endeavored to demonstrate their equality to men. In the Bahá’í religion the teachings on the equality of men and women are numerous. The Spiritual Assemblies whether local or national, do their best to promote social, educational and spiritual organizations to help in the development of men, women and children, giving them all equal opportunities, and as a matter of fact attaching more importance to the education of girls as the latter are going to be the mothers of the future generation. That is why the Bahá’ís emphasize the progress of women. The “Tarbiat School for Girls” in Teheran was established when there were no other girls’ schools in that city. In the district of Yazd, there are eleven Bahá’í schools, seven of which are for girls and four for boys. In His Western tours, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mentioned frequently that men and women should enjoy equal rights and privileges, equal education and opportunities. “Humanity is like a bird with two wings,” said He, the one is male, the other female.” The Bahá’í woman does not interfere in politics, nor does she uphold any revolutionary methods for her progress and development which are greatly facilitated by the fact that the Bahá’í men, in obedience to the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, hold themselves responsible and are very desirous and willing to grant woman her freedom and consider her equal to them in obtaining her rights and privileges. This the reason why the endeavours of Bahá’í men and women have led to united action in an atmosphere free from any disturbance or agitation, thus winning the approval of the Persian nation and Government.