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NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW

No. 54 BAHÁ’Í YEAR 129 JUNE 1972

The Nature of the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors

LETTER FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

To the Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies

Beloved Friends,

Recently we have received queries from several sources about the nature of the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and its relationship to the Institution of the Hands of the Cause, and we feel it is timely for us to give further elucidation.

As with so many aspects of the Administrative Order, understanding of this subject will develop and clarify with the passage of time as that Order grows organically in response to the power and guidance of Almighty God and in accordance with the needs of a rapidly developing world-wide community. However, certain aspects are already so clear as to require a proper understanding by the friends.

In the Kitáb-i-‘Ahd (the Book of His Covenant) Bahá’u’lláh wrote "Blessed are the rulers and the learned in Al-Bahá", and referring to this very passage the beloved Guardian wrote on 4 November 1931:

"In this holy cycle the 'learned' are, on the one hand, the Hands of the Cause of God, and, on the other, the teachers and diffusers of His teachings who do not rank as Hands, but who have attained an eminent position in the teaching work. As to the 'rulers' they refer to the members of the Local, National and International Houses of Justice. The duties of each of these souls will be determined in the future." (Translated from the Persian.)

The Hands of the Cause of God, the Counsellors and the members of the Auxiliary Boards fall within the definition of the "learned" given by the beloved Guardian. Thus they are all intimately interrelated and it is not incorrect to refer to the three ranks collectively as one institution.

However, each is also a separate institution in itself. The Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God was brought into existence in the time of Bahá’u’lláh and when the Administrative Order was proclaimed and formally established by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Will, it became an auxiliary institution of the Guardianship. The Auxiliary Boards, in their turn, were brought into being by Shoghi Effendi as an auxiliary institution of the Hands of the Cause.

When, following the passing of Shoghi Effendi, The Universal House of Justice decided that it could not legislate to make possible the appointment of further Hands of the Cause, it became necessary for it to create a new institution, appointed by itself, to extend into the future the functions of protection and propagation vested in the Hands of the Cause and, with that in view, so to develop the Institution of the Hands that it could nurture the new institution and function in close collaboration with it as long as possible. It was also vital so to arrange matters as to make the most effective use of the unique services of the Hands themselves.

The first step in this development was taken in November 1964 when The Universal House of Justice formally related the Institution of the Hands to itself by stating that "Responsibility for decisions on matters of general policy affecting the Institution of the Hands of the Cause, which was formerly exercised by the [Page 2]beloved Guardian, now devolves upon The Universal House of Justice as the supreme and central institution of the Faith to which all must turn." At that time the number of members of the Auxiliary Boards was increased from 72 to 135, and the Hands of the Cause in each continent were called upon to appoint one or more members of their Auxiliary Boards to act in an executive capacity on behalf of and in the name of each Hand, thereby assisting him in carrying out his work.

In June 1968 the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors was brought into being, fulfilling the goal of extending the aforementioned functions of the Hands into the future, and this momentous decision was accompanied by the next step in the development of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause: the continental Hands were to serve henceforth on a world-wide basis and operate individually in direct relationship to The Universal House of Justice; the Hands ceased to be responsible for the direction of the Auxiliary Boards, which became an auxiliary institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors; the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land were given the task of acting as liaison between The Universal House of Justice and the Boards of Counsellors; and the working inter-relationships between the Hands and the Boards of Counsellors were established. Reference was also made to the future establishment by The Universal House of Justice, with the assistance of the Hands residing in the Holy Land, of an international teaching center in the Holy Land.

In July 1969 and at Riḍván 1970 further increases in the numbers of Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members were made.

Other developments in the Institution of the Hands of the Cause and the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors will no doubt take place in future as the international teaching center comes into being and as the work of the Counsellors expands.

We have noted that the Hands, the Counsellors and the Auxiliary Boards are sometimes referred to by the friends as the "appointive arm" of the Administrative Order in contradistinction to The Universal House of Justice and the National and Local Assemblies which constitute the "elective arm." While there is truth in this description as it applies to the method used in the creation of these institutions, the friends should understand that it is not only the fact of appointment that particularly distinguishes the institutions of the Hands, Counsellors and Auxiliary Boards. There are, for instance, many more believers appointed to committees in the "elective arm" than are serving in the so-called "appointive arm". A more striking distinction is that whereas the "rulers" in the Cause function as corporate bodies, the "learned" operate primarily as individuals.

In a letter written on 14 March 1927 to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Istanbul, the Guardian's Secretary explained, on his behalf, the principle in the Cause of action by majority vote. He pointed out how, in the past, it was certain individuals who "accounted themselves as superior in knowledge and elevated in position" who caused division, and that it was those "who pretended to be the most distinguished of all" who "always proved themselves to be the source of contention". "But praise be to God" he continued, "that the Pen of Glory has done away with the unyielding and dictatorial views of the learned and the wise, dismissed the assertions of individuals as an authoritative criterion, even though they were recognized as the most accomplished and learned among men and ordained that all matters be referred to authorized centers and specified Assemblies. Even so, no Assembly has been invested with the absolute authority to deal with such general matters as affect the interests of nations. Nay rather, He has brought all the Assemblies together under the shadow of one House of Justice, one divinely-appointed Center, so that there would be only one Center and all the rest integrated into a single body revolving around one expressly-designated Pivot, thus making them all proof against schism and division." (Translated from the Persian.)

Having permanently excluded the evils admittedly inherent in the institutions of the "learned" in past dispensations, Bahá’u’lláh has nevertheless embodied in His Administrative Order the beneficent elements which exist in such institutions, [Page 3]

REVIEW

elements which are of fundamental value for the progress of the Cause, as can be gauged from even a cursory reading of the Guardian's Message of 4 June 1957. The existence of institutions of such exalted rank, comprising individuals who play such a vital role, who yet have no legislative, administrative or judicial authority, and are entirely devoid of priestly functions or the right to make authoritative interpretations, is a feature of Bahá’í administration unparallelled in the religions of the past. The newness and uniqueness of this concept make it difficult to grasp; only as the Bahá’í Community grows and the believers are increasingly able to contemplate its administrative structure uninfluenced by concepts from past ages, will the vital interdependence of the "rulers" and "learned" in the Faith be properly understood, and the inestimable value of their interaction be fully recognized.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

—THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE Haifa April 24, 1972

Statement on Pilgrimage

The National Spiritual Assembly recently took action to assist Bahá’ís scheduled for Pilgrimage to the Bahá’í World Center in securing economical and confirmed arrangements in connection with air fares and hotel accommodations.

As a result of a study made by the National Assembly it was decided to ask El Al Israel Airlines to handle such arrangements to assure that Bahá’ís can be included in economical group fares and can be assured of confirmed hotel accommodations. The latter are becoming harder to secure due to the increase in tourist travel to Israel.

El Al will contact all Bahá’ís in the United States who are scheduled for Pilgrimage beginning in October 1972 to advise them of group fares and hotel accommodations. The most economical way to travel to and from Israel is by being included in a group fare arrangement. This El Al will arrange where at all possible for each of the future Pilgrimage dates. To do this it will be necessary for the individual Bahá’í to spend at least fourteen days on the trip—nine of these days being devoted to the actual Pilgrimage to Bahá’í Holy Places.

El Al will handle all arrangements for air travel and for securing hotel accommodations. The typical fourteen-day group trip includes three nights in Jerusalem, nine nights in Haifa, one night in Tel Aviv, all transfers, and one and half days of sightseeing. Other trip arrangements will also be available.

The National Spiritual Assembly has made this arrangement as a service to Bahá’ís going on Pilgrimage. While Bahá’ís are in no way obligated to utilize El Al it is only by such an agreement that the Bahá’ís can be assured of the above arrangements.

ANNUAL REPORTS

Annual Reports were sent in advance to all delegates to the annual National Convention. However, if any of the friends wish copies of these, a request should be written to the National Spiritual Assembly, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091.

Bahá’í Summer Schools—1972

Scholarships Sought

As the fifteen Bahá’í schools across the U.S. announce details of their summer sessions, the National Bahá’í Schools Committee wishes to encourage local Bahá’í communities to establish scholarships, in whole or in part, to subsidize the attendance of individuals who might find school costs beyond their means. Scholarships may be designated by your community for a specific person or turned over to the school committee in your area for use at its discretion. With assistance from local communities it will perhaps be possible for all sincere persons who wish to attend a Bahá’í school to benefit from this enriching experience.

Checks can be made payable to the school committee of your choice and sent to the Registrar of that school. (See list of schools on page 8 of May 1972 issue THE AMERICAN BAHA’I.) [Page 4]

CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELLORS

for the Protection and Propagation of the Bahá’í Faith in North America

JUNE 1972

Lloyd G. Gardner Florence V. Mayberry Edna M. True, Trustee, Continental Fund

Address: P.O. Box 369, Santa Paula, California 93060. Telephone (805) 525-2692

Auxiliary Board Members, North America

PROTECTION BOARD

May 1972

Mr. R. Ted Anderson, Yukon Territory, Canada Yukon Territory, British Columbia (He may call upon Mrs. Opal Conner for aid in B.C. as she resides in Seattle, Wash.), Southern Alberta, Canada

Mr. Howard Brown All Alaska with Mr. Jenabe Caldwell

Mr. Jenabe Caldwell All Alaska with Mr. Howard Brown

Mrs. Margaret Ariel Gallagher Northern California (State Goals Districts North, Central No. 1, Central No. 2), Northern Nevada (to a dividing line immediately north of Tonopah), Utah, Wyoming

Mr. Fred Graham Ontario, Canada

Mrs. Javidukht Khádem Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania

Dr. Peter J. Khan Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota

Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Bermuda

Mrs. Peggy Ross Saskatchewan, Northern Alberta, McKenzie Territory, Keewatin, Canada, Greenland

Mrs. Velma Sherrill Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico

PROPAGATION BOARD

Mrs. Eunice Braun North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida (temporary), United States

Mrs. Opal L. Conner Washington, Oregon, Idaho, United States (and assist in British Columbia, Canada when necessary and possible)

Mr. Angus W. Cowan Manitoba, Canada; Montana, North Dakota, United States

Miss D. Thelma Jackson Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, United States; Bahamas

Mr. Albert James Maryland, Washington D.C., Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, United States

Mr. Anthony F. Lease Southern California (State Goals Districts South 1, 2, 3), Southern Nevada (up to and including Tonopah dividing line), Arizona, United States

Mrs. Jane McCants Currently on leave of absence

Mr. Ted Oliver Quebec, Labrador

Mr. Paul R. Pettit Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, United States

Mrs. Adrienne Reeves Connecticut, United States; Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, related Maritime Islands, Newfoundland, Canada

Miss Thelma Thomas Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, United States [Page 5]

Bahá’í Service For The Blind

The committee Secretary has carried on an increasingly voluminous correspondence in type, braille, and on tapes and cassettes with Bahá’ís, both blind and sighted, and with non-Bahá’ís here in the United States and abroad.

Press-Braille books have been selling more and more rapidly to the point where our stock of some titles has become dangerously low. Because one of the books in the Braille Kit sold out completely, we were forced to discontinue this item last year. Therefore, during the last few weeks the committee has been given funds to order four needed Reprints:— Bahá’í Prayers, Bahá’í Occasional Prayers, Communion with God, and The Hidden Words. The negotiations with the printer took some time and the order has just recently been placed. At the present time we do not know what the exact cost of each of these books will be to the purchasers. But, unfortunately, it seems that the price will have to rise considerably.

Orders of Press-Braille books have been sent to nearly every state in the U. S., to Canada, Alaska and to West Pakistan. A few braille books were given to the friends in Hawaii for use in the Leper Colony.

The circulation of our Lending Library continues to increase. This has necessitated duplicating or acquiring second copies of ten titles. The borrowers are widely scattered in the United States and during the last year two people in Canada have been borrowing from our Library.

The following books have been added to the list of master copies from which duplicates can be made (and a copy of each placed in the library): The Bahá’í Story; the fourth volume of continuing coverage of Messages from The Universal House of Justice; Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh; Commentary on the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, by Shoghi Effendi. Through the efforts of two transcribers, Jane C. McIver and Gertrude Schurgast, we now have four small pamphlets in Contracted German Braille ready for duplication. Names of these pamphlets and the number of pages is available on request.

The following tape-recorded books have been added to our Library of tapes and may be duplicated for buyers: Release The Sun; Portals to Freedom; The Bahá’í Story; God Passes By; Tablets of The Divine Plan; Thief in The Night; Prescription For Living; and The Bahá’í Faith.

The Wolfner Memorial Library for the Blind, St. Louis, Missouri, has for a number of years had a copy of Bahá’u’lláh and The New Era in Braille. In March 1970 they wrote requesting a very large and expensive list of books. After some correspondence, they were happy to receive eight volumes. They now hold the following: Bahá’u’lláh and The New Era, two copies; Renewal of Civilization, two copies; Bahá’í Teachings For A World Faith; The Hidden Words; and Communion with God.

In April 1970, Talking Tapes for the Blind, also of St. Louis, requested and received a taped copy of Christ and Bahá’u’lláh.

In October 1970, The Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. telephoned in an order for the twelve volume duplicated God Passes By for which they paid our full price of $47.85. The Library of Congress now holds a fair sampling of our braille books, including: Bahá’u’lláh and The New Era, Renewal of Civilization, Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith, The Hidden Words, and God Passes By.

We are negotiating to find out the cost of a Revised Edition (to conform to the changes made in the print edition) of Bahá’u’lláh and The New Era. It will be a major undertaking, requiring a great deal of work, patience and money.

Eventually, we hope to accumulate enough funds to publish a new Press-Braille book. Depending upon the amount of money available, it could be one of the following: Gleanings From The Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, or The Divine Art of Living. [Page 6]

IN MEMORIAM

Romauld J. Alberts St. Michaels, North Dakota March 1972

Thomas Baker Clovis, New Mexico Unknown

Nelson K. Barrus Arcadia, California April 23, 1972

Miss B. B. Beautiful Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 4, 1972

Mrs. Irma E. Bonson Chicago, Illinois March 11, 1972

Mrs. Edna E. Boyce. Marshall, Texas Unknown

Barrett William Bunce. Wenatchee, Washington April 23, 1972

Mrs. Blanche Cohee Indianapolis, Indiana April 13, 1972

Thelman Parcelle Cummings Ft. Worth, Texas Unknown

Mrs. Ozie Mae Dixon Perry, Georgia January 13, 1972

Albert E. Dorrida Baltimore, Maryland March 11, 1972

Carl Engler Madison, Wisconsin March 21, 1972

Mrs. Ida Freeman Plymouth, North Carolina March 1, 1972

Mrs. Famous Gibson Fort Valley, Georgia January 1972

Mrs. Rose Hendee Northridge, California March 12, 1972

George Henry Brookhaven, New York August 1971

Luther Johnson Florence, South Carolina Unknown

Mrs. Carolyn O. Kelly Pismo Beach, California May 10, 1972

Mrs. Julia Key Tuskegee, Alabama January 26, 1972

George E. Kornegay Goldsboro, North Carolina Unknown

Richard Lotstein West Covina, California January 16, 1972

Will MacBird Pasadena, California February 25, 1972

Mrs. Esther Morrill Denver, Colorado March 12, 1972

David Nothwang, Jr. Santa Fe, New Mexico March 15, 1972

Carl Pearce Dallas, Texas March 7, 1972

Robert George Rissler Casper, Wyoming April 20, 1972

Mrs. Thelma Rivers. South Windham, Maine April 15, 1972

Harold Rock Goldsboro, North Carolina. April 16, 1972

Johnny Roura Hormigueros, Puerto Rico January 1, 1972

Mrs. Emma Sackman Chicago, Illinois February 19, 1972

Henry Z. Shein East Orange, New Jersey February 24, 1972

Mrs. Leah M. Stratton Los Alamos, New Mexico March 16, 1972

Cecil Taylor Ukiah, California March 15, 1972

Miss Lottie Bell Wilson Grtenville, North Carolina April 6, 1972

Willie Woods Lugoff, South Carolina March 17, 1972

Henry L. Zaret Sacramento, California March 13, 1972

Miss Johanna Zimmerman Memphis, Tennessee March 14, 1972

CALENDAR

Feasts June 5 Núr (Light) June 24 Rahmat (Mercy) July 13 Kalimát (Words)

Special Events June 11 Race Unity Day Suggested topic: "Oneness—Pathway to Peace"

Bahá’í Holy Day on Which Work Should Be Suspended July 9 Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb. (About noon)

National Assembly Meetings August 4-6

Proclaiming The Faith to the Public

On page 7 is a list of Special Event Days for proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the public during 1972-73.

Every year these special event days are bringing the Faith to the attention of more and more people throughout the nation. The dates are now being listed in special event calendars published by various agencies that serve the news media. For each of these events the National Bahá’í Public Information Office provides, months in advance, suggestions for their observance, sample press releases, radio and television announcements, sample proclamations, and other appropriate information. In the case of United Nations Day and Human Rights Day, the Bahá’í United Nations observer provides guidance. [Page 7]

REVIEW: 1972-1973 SPECIAL EVENTS

For Proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the Public

Date and Event: September 17, 1972 — World Peace Day Theme: "World Peace—The First Priority" Recommended Bahá’í Material:

• Poster Kit

Bahá’í Peace Program Pattern for Future Society Bahá’í World Faith for Modern Man

Date and Event: October 24, 1972 — United Nations Day Theme: "The Promise of World Peace" Recommended Bahá’í Material:

• Poster Kit

Bahá’ís at the United Nations Bahá’í Peace Program United Nations Material

Date and Event: November 12, 1972 — Birth of Bahá’u’lláh Theme: "Bahá’u’lláh — The Divine Peacemaker" Recommended Bahá’í Material:

• Poster Kit

Lord of the New Age Universal and Lasting Peace The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh Bahá’í Peace Program

Date and Event: December 10, 1972 — Human Rights Day Theme: "Justice The Divine Standard for Peace" Recommended Bahá’í Material:

• Poster Kit

Human Rights Are God-Given Rights Man One Family One World One Family United Nations Material

Date and Event: January 21, 1973 — World Religion Day Theme: "World Religion — Basis for World Unity" Recommended Bahá’í Material:

• Poster Kit

The Future of Mankind Pattern for Future Society Bahá’í World Faith for Modern Man

Date and Event: March 21, 1973 — Naw-Rúz Theme: Faith for Freedom Recommended Bahá’í Material: Bahá’í Answers

Date and Event: June 10, 1973 — Race Unity Day Theme: "Mankind Is One" Recommended Bahá’í Material: Man One Family

• Poster Kit

Bahá’í Way of Life for Millions (Ebony Reprint) What Is Race? 'Do-It-Yourself-Poster Kit

Order Literature and Posters from: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. [Page 8]The letter below, sent to all local Treasurers, is important to all believers.

MAY 26, 1972

National Bahá’í Fund

TO ALL LOCAL TREASURERS:

INFORM FRIENDS CONTRIBUTIONS MONTH JAMAL LOWEST IN ALMOST TWO YEARS .. RESERVES NEARLY DEPLETED . . . CONTINUING FULL SUPPORT BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL FUND IN JEOPARDY SITUATION CRITICAL... PRAYERS AND SELFLESS RESPONSE URGENTLY REQUIRED.

DOROTHY W. NELSON TREASURER

1972-1973 Monthly Goal $ 200,000 $ 150,000 $ 100,000 $ 50,000

INCOME:	Jamál (Beauty)	‘Azamat (Grandeur)	Fiscal Year to Date
Regular Contributions	$ 58,761.50	$ 78,581.63	$ 137,343.13
Special Contributions	1,000.00		1,000.00
Total Contributions	$ 59,761.50	$ 78,581.63	$ 138,343.13
Estates		141.54	141.54
Other Income	268.24	643.30	911.54
Total Income	$ 60,029.74	$ 79,366.47	$ 139,396.21
Budget	$ 132,000.00	$ 132,000.00	$ 264,000.00

Every effort should be made by Bahá’í Assemblies, groups and even isolated believers to utilize these days to proclaim the Faith. In many cases just the publicity that goes along with the day will reach many people with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh even if no event is held.

All the events should be sponsored by, announced by, and conducted by Bahá’ís, and their Bahá’í identity is not to be submerged in an interorganizational arrangement; exceptions to this are United Nations Day and Human Rights Day which are officially sponsored by the United Nations and its Associations, and for these, co-sponsorship or cooperation with other local organizations is encouraged where appropriate. As in the past many localities will also use occasions other than those listed to proclaim the Faith in their communities.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Bloomington, Illinois, at the time of incorporation, March 15, 1972. Back row: Patrick Neve, Chairman; Michael Truskey; Sana’u’llah Epsicokhan; Michael Mitchell; Floyd Donley, Treasurer. Front row: Susan Mitchell; Connie Donley, Corresponding Secretary; Victoria Neve, Recording Secretary; Beverly Sand.