National Bahá’í Review/Issue 61/Text
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NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW
Insert to the American Bahá’í published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States for Bahá’ís only.
112 Linden Av., Wilmette, Ill. 60091
No. 61 — BAHÁ’Í YEAR 129 — JANUARY 1973
GUIDANCE FOR TODAY’S YOUTH[edit]
Extracts from Letters by The Universal House of Justice
For any person, whether Bahá’í or not, his youthful years are those in which he will make many decisions which will set the course of his life. In these years he is most likely to choose his life’s work, complete his education, begin to earn his own living, marry and start to raise his own family. Most important of all, it is during this period that the mind is most questing and that the spiritual values that will guide the person’s future behavior are adopted. These factors present Bahá’í youth with their greatest opportunities, their greatest challenges, and their greatest tests—opportunities to truly apprehend the Teachings of their Faith and to give them to their contemporaries, challenges to overcome the pressures of the world and to provide leadership for their and succeeding generations, and tests enabling them to exemplify in their lives the high moral standards set forth in the Bahá’í Writings. Indeed the Guardian wrote of the Bahá’í youth that it is they “who can contribute so decisively to the virility, the purity, and the driving force of the life of the Bahá’í community, and upon whom must depend the future orientation of its destiny, and the complete unfoldment of the potentialities with which God has endowed it.”
Those who now are in their teens and twenties are faced with a special challenge and can seize an opportunity that is unique in human history. During the Ten Year Crusade—the ninth part of that majestic process described so vividly by our beloved Guardian—the Community of the Most Great Name spread with the speed of lightning over the major territories and islands of the globe, increased manifoldly its manpower and resources, saw the beginning of the entry of the peoples by troops into the Cause of God, and completed the structure of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Now, firmly established in the world, the Cause, in the opening years of the tenth part of that same process, is perceptibly emerging from the obscurity that has, for the most part, shrouded it since its inception, and is arising to challenge the outworn concepts of a corrupt society and proclaim the solution for the agonizing problems of a disordered humanity. During the lifetime of those who are now young the condition of the world, and the place of the Bahá’í Cause in it, will change immeasurably, for we are entering a highly critical phase in this era of transition.
Three Fields of Service Open to Youth[edit]
Three great fields of service lie open before young Bahá’ís, in which they will simultaneously be remaking the character of human society and preparing themselves for the work that they can undertake later in their lives.
First, the foundation of all their other accomplishments, is their study of the Teachings, the spiritualization of their lives and the forming of their characters in accordance with the standards of Bahá’u’lláh. As the moral standards of the people around us collapse and decay, whether of the centuries-old civilizations of the East, the more recent cultures of Christendom and Islám, or of the rapidly-changing tribal societies of the world, the Bahá’ís must increasingly stand out as pillars of righteousness and forbearance. The life of a Bahá’í will be characterized by truthfulness and decency; he will
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walk uprightly among his fellow-men, dependent upon none save God, yet linked by bonds of love and brotherhood with all mankind; he will be entirely detached from the loose standards, the decadent theories, the frenetic experimentation, the desperation of present-day society, will look upon his neighbors with a bright and friendly face and be a beacon light and a haven for all those who would emulate his strength of character and assurance of soul.
The second field of service, which is linked intimately with the first, is teaching the Faith, particularly to their fellow-youth, among whom are some of the most open and seeking minds in the world. Not yet having acquired all the responsibilities of a family or a long-established home and job, youth can the more easily choose where they will live and study or work. In the world at large young people travel hither and thither seeking amusement, education and experiences. Bahá’í youth, bearing the incomparable treasure of the Word of God for this Day, can harness this mobility into service for mankind and can choose their places of residence, their areas of travel and their types of work with the goal in mind of how they can best serve the Faith.
The third field of service is the preparation by youth for their later years. It is the obligation of a Bahá’í to educate his children; likewise it is the duty of the children to acquire knowledge of the arts and sciences and to learn a trade or a profession whereby they, in turn, can earn their living and support their families. This, for a Bahá’í youth, is in itself a service to God, a service, moreover, which can be combined with teaching the Faith and often with pioneering. The Bahá’í community will need men and women of many skills and qualifications; for, as it grows in size the sphere of its activities in the life of society will increase and diversify. Let Bahá’í youth, therefore, consider the best ways in which they can use and develop their native abilities for the service of mankind and the Cause of God, whether this be as farmers, teachers, doctors, artisans, musicians or any one of the multitude of livelihoods that are open to them.
The Basis of All Knowledge[edit]
When studying at school or university Bahá’í youth will often find themselves in the unusual and slightly embarrassing position of having a more profound insight into a subject than their instructors. The Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh throw light on so many aspects of human life and knowledge that a Bahá’í must learn, earlier than most, to weigh the information that is given to him rather than to accept it blindly. A Bahá’í has the advantage of the divine Revelation for this Age, which shines like a searchlight on so many problems that baffle modern thinkers; he must therefore develop the ability to learn everything from those around him, showing proper humility before his teachers, but always relating what he hears to the Bahá’í Teachings, for they will enable him to sort out the gold from the dross of human error.
Functioning in the Bahá’í Community[edit]
Paralleling the growth of his inner life through prayer, meditation, service and study of the Teachings, Bahá’í youth have the opportunity to learn in practice the very functioning of the Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Through taking part in conferences and summer schools as well as Nineteen Day Feasts, and in service on committees, they can develop the wonderful skill of Bahá’í consultation, thus tracing new paths of human corporate action. Consultation is no easy skill to learn, requiring as it does the subjugation of all egotism and unruly passions, the cultivation of frankness and freedom of thought as well as courtesy, openness of mind and wholehearted acquiescence in a majority decision. In this field Bahá’í youth may demonstrate the efficiency, the vigor, the access of unity which arise from true consultation and, by contrast, demonstrate the futility of partisanship, lobbying, debate, secret diplomacy and unilateral action which characterize modern affairs. Youth also take part in the life of the Bahá’í community as a whole and promote a society in which all generations—elderly, middle-aged, youth, children—are fully integrated and make up an organic whole. By refusing to carry over the antagonisms and mistrust between the generations which perplex and bedevil modern society they
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will again demonstrate the healing and life-giving nature of their religion.
(June 10, 1966)
Education and Pioneering[edit]
During the last days of August and the first days of September, when nearly two thousand believers from all over the world gathered in the Holy Land to commemorate the Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s arrival on these sacred shores, we had an opportunity to observe at first hand those qualities of good character, selfless service and determined effort exemplified in the youth who served as volunteer helpers, and we wish to express our gratitude for their loving assistance and for their example.
Many of them offered to pioneer, but one perplexing question recurred: Shall I continue my education, or should I pioneer now? Undoubtedly this same question is in the mind of every young Bahá’í wishing to dedicate his life to the advancement of the Faith. There is no stock answer which applies to all situations; the beloved Guardian gave different answers to different individuals on this question. Obviously circumstances vary with each individual case. Each individual must decide how he can best serve the Cause. In making this decision, it will be helpful to weigh the following factors:
Upon becoming a Bahá’í one’s whole life is, or should become devoted to the progress of the Cause of God, and every talent or faculty he possesses is ultimately committed to this overriding life objective. Within this framework he must consider, among other things, whether by continuing his education now he can be a more effective pioneer later, or alternatively whether the urgent need for pioneers, while possibilities for teaching are still open, outweighs an anticipated increase in effectiveness. This is not an easy decision, since oftentimes the spirit which prompts the pioneering offer is more important than one’s academic attainments.
One’s liability for military service may be a factor in timing the offer of pioneer service.
One may have outstanding obligations to others, including those who may be dependent on one for support.
It may be possible to combine a pioneer project with a continuing educational program. Consideration may also be given to the possibility that a pioneering experience, even though it interrupts the formal educational program, may prove beneficial in the long run in that studies would later be resumed with a more mature outlook.
- The urgency of a particular goal which one is especially qualified to fill and for which there are no other offers.
The fact that the need for pioneers will undoubtedly be with us for many generations to come, and that therefore there will be many calls in future for pioneering service.
The principle of consultation also applies. One may have the obligation to consult others, such as one’s parents, one’s Local and National Assemblies, and the pioneering committees.
Finally, bearing in mind the principle of sacrificial service and the unfailing promises Bahá’u’lláh ordained for those who arise to serve His Cause, one should pray and meditate on what one’s course of action will be. Indeed, it often happens that the answer will be found in no other way.
(October 9, 1968)
Passing of Well-Known Pioneer and Teacher Mrs. Joy Earl[edit]
Many Bahá’ís both in the United States and in the Far East will be grieved to learn of the passing of Mrs. Joy Earl in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 27, 1972, following several weeks of hospitalization. Although Mrs. Earl had suffered greatly from ill health for many years, she never ceased teaching. Indeed one of her last services was to speak at a gathering in August in Malaysia where she and her husband, Dr. David M. Earl, were on a travel teaching tour. For a number of years when the Faith was only beginning to grow there she pioneered with Dr. Earl in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
In acknowledging news of Mrs. Earl’s passing The Universal House of Justice cabled:
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Local Spiritual Assemblies Achieve Incorporation[edit]
Spiritual Assembly of Rockford, Illinois at time of Incorporation, December 1971. Back row, left to right: Michael H. Mandeville, Ellen Maxcy, Ellen Knox, Thomas D. Mandeville. Front Tow: Terrence Biddle, Donna Mandeville, Mona Kollberg, Kathleen Karlberg, Stig Karlberg.
Spiritual Assembly of Jefferson City, Missouri at its Incorporation, November 27, 1972. Standing, left to right: Harry M. Trickey, Jr., Vonnieta Trickey, Gloria L. Barding, Ronald G. Barding. Seated: Donald H. Ewalt, Jr., Linda Stuckenschneider, Melvin L. Page, Jr., Marcella Kremer, Gary L. Kremer.
Spiritual Assembly of Norman, Oklahoma at its Incorporation, August 16, 1971. Standing, left to right: Fuad Akhtar-Khavari, Otha B. Davenport, Nader Vargha, Franklin Kinder, Mahabat’-allah Ferdowsian. Seated: Margaret Davenport, Mina Izadi, Ramona Teni Allen, Linda Ferdowsian.
Spiritual Assembly of Montclair, New Jersey, at time of Incorporation, September 29, 1972. Standing, left to right: Ida L. Jenkins, Brigitte Junkers, Zeenat Edwards, Douglas Bowerman, Chellamah Chiniah. Sitting: Lavinia Fusco, Hassan Tarafdar, Iris Tarafdar, Frances Edelstein.
Mrs. Joy Earl (Continued)[edit]
GRIEVE PASSING FAITHFUL HANDMAID BAHÁ’U’LLÁH JOY EARL HER EXEMPLARY SERVICE PIONEER FIELD FAR EAST OVER LONG PERIOD AND TEACHING HOMEFRONT GREATLY VALUED. ASSURE DEVOTED HUSBAND PRAYERS HOLY THRESHOLD PROGRESS HER SOUL.
-The Universal House of Justice Haifa, Israel November 30, 1972
REINSTATEMENT[edit]
Mr. James Caruana of West Chester, Pennsylvania has been restored to full membership in the Bahá’í community.
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Assemblies in Jeopardy[edit]
As the following communities have less than nine adult believers, their Local Spiritual Assemblies are in jeopardy of not being reformed next Ridván. Homefront settlers are needed in these localities to maintain these nascent Local Houses of Justice.
NORTHEASTERN REGION[edit]
Norwalk, Connecticut Eastport, Maine Town of Greenburgh, New York Swarthmore, Pennsylvania Westchester, Pennsylvania Hopewell, New Jersey
For information on how you may assist these communities, contact: Northeastern Regional Teaching Committee Mrs. Patricia Rothman, Secretary 12 Carol Drive Rockville, Connecticut 06066 (203) 875-7088 (H) (203) 289-7231 (W)
SOUTHERN REGION[edit]
Knoxville, Tennessee Tallahassee, Florida Jay, Oklahoma Shreveport, Louisiana Deerfield Beach, Florida Hallandale, Florida
For information on how you may assist these communities, contact: Southern Regional Teaching Committee Mr. James Taylor, Secretary 507 W. Fortification Street Jackson, Mississippi 39203 (601) 355-0136
CENTRAL REGION[edit]
Alton, Illinois Carbondale, Illinois Chicago Heights, Illinois Decatur, Illinois Elmhurst, Illinois Zion, Illinois Emporia, Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Battle Creek, Michigan Superior Township, Michigan St. Cloud, Minnesota Fargo, North Dakota Berea, Ohio Brookfield, Wisconsin Delafield, Wisconsin Glendale, Wisconsin Janesville, Wisconsin Shorewood, Wisconsin.
For information on how you may assist these communities, contact: Central Regional Teaching Committee Mrs. Jeanette Brayton, Secretary 415 Rice Street Anoka, Minnesota 55303 (612) 421-2326
WESTERN REGION[edit]
Pima County, Arizona Prescott, Arizona Alamosa, Colorado Moscow, Idaho Butte, Montana Lyons County, Nevada Reno Rural Area West, Nevada Carlsbad, New Mexico Marion County North, Oregon. Kitsap County, Washington King County C.D. No. 8, Washington
For information on how you may assist these communities, contact: Western Regional Teaching Committee Mrs. Eleanore Conkling, Secretary 1088 Nixon Avenue Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401 (208) 524-2817
CALIFORNIA REGION[edit]
Alturas
Carmel
Crecenta Canada-Valley
Covina
Daly City
Del Mar
Desert Hot Springs
Los Gatos
Los Gatos-Saratoga-Campbell J.D.
Manteca
Newport Beach
Orange County Central J.D.
Oroville J.D.
Pacific Grove
Pismo Beach
San Carlos
San Leandro
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San Marcos
Santa Maria
South Gate
For information on how you may assist
these communities, contact:
Alabama.
California Regional Teaching Committee
Mrs. Joan Bulkin, Secretary
551 S. Parish Place
Burbank, California 91506
(213) 842-8555
BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES[edit]
ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES[edit]
Alabama Mobile: Miss Gail M. Hulcher, pro-tem, P.O. Box 8026, 36608 New Jerusalem: Mr. Joseph B. Harper, Chairman, Route 4, Box 644, Tuscaloosa 35401
Arizona
- Chinle Chapter: Miss Barbara Badertscher, P.O. Box 694, Chinle 86503.
California Alturas: Mr. H. Davis Wellman, Treas., P.O. Box 802. 96101 Compton: Mrs. Henrietta W. Schneider. P.O. Box 4412, 90224 Palm Springs: Mrs. Gail Polena. P.O. Box 4515, 92262
- Riverside, J.D.: Mrs. Arlene Hussey, 24783 Ramona Inn, Sunnymead, 92388
San Diego North County, J.D. #2: Mrs. Ruth F. Brannan, 2931 Panorama Crest, Escondido 92025 Santa Barbara: Miss Carol Baker, P.O. Box 1327, 93103 Fremont: Mrs. Mary Johnson, 38850 Farwell Dr.,. Apt. 16-C. 94536
Colorado Arvada: Mrs. Joy McClain, 8862 Oberon Rd., 80004 Palisade: Mrs. Ethel F. Rider. 540 W. 8th, Box 332, 81526
Connecticut
- Bridgeport: Mrs. Christine Ivanoff, 50 Fremont St... 06605
Hamden: Mrs. Barbara Mentelos, 509 Hartford. Turnpike, 06517
Delaware New Castle County: Mr. Frank Capro, 3811 Shellpot Dr., Concord Manor. Wilmington 19803
Florida Fort Myers: Mrs. Elah Lau, pro-tem, 1935 Virginia Ave., Apt. 901, 33901 Fort Lauderdale: Miss Barbara Hench, 1856 N.E. 46th St., 33308 Hallandale: Mrs. Miriam Margolis, Treas.. 500 NE 4th Ave., 33009 Riviera Beach: Mrs. Dorothy Underwood, pro-tem. 2701 Ave. E, Apt A, 33404 St. Petersburg: Mrs. Dorothy Stortz, 327 - 50th Ave.. N., 33703 Tallahassee: Mrs. Thelma T. Gorham. Chr.. 424 Gaither Dr., 32304
Georgia Martinez-Evans: Mrs. Jackie Bush, Treas., 205 Maywood Dr., Martinez, 30907
Idaho Pocatello: Miss Sarah Lichtenwanger, 850 W. Clark, 83201
Illinois Normal: Mr. Perry Rock, Treas., 605 Pine, Lot 30. 61761 Park Forest: Mrs. Beverly MacLauchlin, 210 Kra-tiak Rd., 60466 Peoria: Mrs. Caroline Delaney, Asst. Secty., 1113. W. Pembrook Dr., 61614 Urbana: Mrs. Rachel Weller, 412 W. Iowa St., 61801
Kentucky (213) 843-7077 Jefferson County: Mrs. Karen Cummings, pro-tem, 4518 Beechbrook Rd., Louisville 40218
Michigan
- Meridan Twp.: Mr. Tom Henry, 4632 N. Van Atta, Okemos 48864
Saginaw: Miss Kristiann Mannion. 4114 Lamson, 48601
Montana
- Bozeman: Mr. George Galinkin, 1508 S. 5th Ave.. 59715
Nevada Henderson: Mr. Donald F. Buchter, 1030 Center St.. Apt. 1B, 89015 Reno: Mrs. Marilyn C. Dennis, 20 Sutton Way, 89502
New Mexico Albuquerque: Mr. Raymond R. Collins, 823 Fitzgerald Rd., N.W., 87107
New York New York: Mrs. Viola K. Wood, 505 Crown St.. Brooklyn 11213
Oregon Springfield: Mrs. L. Carol Picknell, 1744 "S" St.. 97477
Pennsylvania West Chester: Mrs. Mary Ellen W. Riegel, 746 S. Franklin, Apt. 1-A, 19380
Texas Beaumont: Mrs. Laurie Martin, 2341 Ashley 77702 University Park: Mr. Charles R. Boswell, II, 3412 Granada, Apt. 8, Dallas 75205
Virginia Arlington County: Miss Kay B. Treat. 710 N. Wayne St., Apt. 201. Arlington 22201
Washington Bellingham: Mrs. Connie Cicchiti, P.O. Box 103, 98225 Edmonds: Mrs. Hazel Mori, Chairman, 8917 192nd S.W., 98020 Walla Walla: Mrs. Carolyn Hiatt. 108 N. Bellevue. 99362
Symbols:
- New Assemblies.
- Restored Assemblies
DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE SECRETARIES[edit]
Southern Arizona: Mr. David Langness, Chairman, 243 W. Mahoney, Mesa 85201
Southern Calif. #1: Southern Calif. DTC., P.O. Box 796, Temple City, 91780
Southern Florida: Mr. Maylo Murday, P.O. Box 999. Boca Raton 33432
Southern Louisiana: Mrs. Carolyn Mojgani, 2020 Dante St., New Orleans 70118
Utah: Mrs. Mari Parsons, 815 1st Ave., Apt. 1, Salt Lake City 84103.
Southern West Virginia: Mrs. Norma Jo Morganroth, 1211 Bridge Rd., Apt. B, Charleston 25314
Southern Wisconsin: Mrs. Elinor Kolehouse, Treas.. 17665 Stevens Dr., New Berlin 53151.
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REVIEW[edit]
Prayer is a Personal Obligation[edit]
Prayer is primarily a personal spiritual obligation and it would seem improper for Bahá’í institutions to develop or legislate specific activities in this area of Bahá’í life. The institutions do have the responsibility of calling the attention of the friends to the Writings which urge daily prayer as a spiritual obligation and to those prayers, such as the obligatory prayers and the Tablet of Ahmad, that are invested by Bahá’u’lláh with a special potency and significance. On certain occasions, the institutions make appeals to the friends for prayers in the interest of particular objectives, leaving it to them to respond to the extent to which they are moved. And, of course, the friends are free to agree among themselves as to the saying of certain prayers for reasons that are important to them. But the National Spiritual Assembly is wary of taking any institutional action that may tend toward a system or regimentation in acts of prayer, and feels it would be improper to go beyond the requirements of the Sacred Texts to legislate a nationwide program of specific prayers to be said at specific times under specific circumstances.
—National Spiritual Assembly
Mr. Byron D. Barding Jefferson City, Mo. November 10, 1972
Mr. Robert Boatwright Florence, S.C. October 1972
Mr. A. M. Brigham Irving, Tex. November 11, 1972
Mrs. Sallie Denmark Florence, S.C. October 1972
Mr. James Dickey Lake City, S.C. October 1972
Mrs. Marie Fitz Oakland, Calif. Summer 1972
Mr. Johnny Gary Florence, S.C. October 1972
BAHÁ’Í CALENDAR[edit]
Feasts January 19 Sultán (Sovereignty) February 7 Mulk (Dominion) March 2 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) March 21 Bahá (Splendor)
Special Days February 26 to March 1 Ayyam-i-Há (Intercalary Days) March 2 Beginning of Fast, which continues for nineteen days
Bahá’í Holy Day March 21 Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year) A day on which work should be suspended
National Spiritual Assembly Meetings January 12-14 February 16-18
Special Events January 21 World Religion Day Suggested Theme: "World Religion—Basis for World Unity" March 21 Naw-Rúz Note: Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í New Year, is an occasion for hospitality and rejoicing, and is separate from the Nineteen Day Feast of the same date. See U.S. Supplement, No. 108, March 1967.
Election of The Universal House of Justice April 29–May 1
U. S. National Convention May 17–20
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Mrs. Bessie Ioas Springfield, N.J. December 1, 1972
Mrs. Olive Kaley Topeka, Kan. 1971
Mr. Ed Key Tuskegee, Ala. 1972
Mrs. Nina B. Matthisen Fort Myers, Fla. November 9, 1972
Mrs. Beatrice Murray Fremont, Calif. October 12, 1972
Mrs. Isabelle McGowan Rockville, Md. December 6, 1972
Mr. Harvey Nied Tacoma, Wash. November 27, 1972
Miss Genie Slease Atlanta, Ga. October 1, 1972
Mr. J. E. Thomas Florence, S.C. October 1972
Mr. Samuel Thompson Florence, S.C. October 1972
Mrs. Jessie Trippe Chicago, Ill. November 16, 1972
Mr. Abe Williams Blythe, Ga. March 11, 1972
Mrs. Ree Wilson Kingstree, S.C. October 1972
Mr. Myron D. Winters
Los Angeles, Calif.
November 18, 1972
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National Bahá’í Fund[edit]
ASSEMBLIES GOAL BY RIDVÁN 1973 MAGHJA National Bahá’í Fund Total Number of Assemblies Contributing nojie $ 200,000- Total Youth and Adult Contributions 433 431 432 432 461 453 May 322 351 400 416 394 $ 100,000 $ 50.000 Azamat $ 150,000 1972-1973 MONTHLY GOAL Rahmat Kalimat zzat Qudrat
Beginning with this issue of the NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW we will publish a companion to the usual Fund chart. The new chart (above) shows the total number of Local Spiritual Assemblies that contributed to the National Bahá’í Fund each Bahá’í month. By means of this new chart we hope to inspire the friends with that conscious understanding that is the necessary condition for enabling God's Faith to continue to grow. As a realistic goal, the Office of the Treasurer feels we could have 550 Assemblies contributing regularly by Ridván, 1973.
INCOME:
- Regular Contributions: $ 64,223.88
- Special Contributions: 15,117.94
- Total Contributions: $ 79,341.82
- Estates: 41,038.92
- Other Income: 159.56
- Total Income: $ 120,540.30
- Fiscal Year To Date: $ 1,136,752.78
- Budget: $ 132,000.00 (Monthly) / $ 1,584,000.00 (Yearly)
Contributions may be addressed to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue; Wilmette, III. 60091
The letter below was sent to all local Bahá’í Communities and Groups to be read at the Feast of Sharaf, December 31:
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
On the Day of the Covenant, November 26, 1972, The Universal House of Justice, exercising its God-given authority, adopted and signed its Constitution. By this act it consolidated the basis for organizing the world's civilization for at least the next thousand years. Today we can only faintly perceive the monumental significance of this act; a more complete understanding must await the passage of time.
Undoubtedly one of the developments that has made it possible for the Supreme Institution to take such a momentous step at this time is the tremendous expansion of the Cause of God that is occurring as one of the prime goals of the Nine Year Plan. The expansion itself is largely the fruit of the sacrificial and loving contributions of the American Bahá’ís to our National Fund and through this Fund to various developments in the Bahá’í world.
The Constitution of the Supreme House of Justice is a base for further growth. It will reinforce the significance and potency of our future contributions for the cause of world order and, more important, will enhance the influence and power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh until God has assumed His rightful throne in the hearts of men.
Yours with warmest Bahá’í love,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Dorothy W. Nelson Treasurer