U.S. Supplement/Issue 33/Text

NSA Gives Facts on Present-Day Covenant-Breaking

Dear Friends:

During the past several weeks, those who are actively supporting the Covenant-breaker Charles Mason Remey, have deliberately sought to destroy the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh by attacking the institutions of His divinely revealed administrative order. Using the tactics of the center of sedition, Mirza Muhammad-‘Ali, that prime mover of mischief who endeavored to hurt ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by falsifying the Holy Text with his own interpolations, these present-day mischief makers cloaking their true intentions by quoting page after page of the Bahá’í Writings have slandered the Hands of the Cause of God, individually and collectively, and are disobeying the admonitions of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi.

There is no need for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to establish the validity of Bahá’u’lláh’s mission, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament, or the institution of the Guardianship so ably administered by Shoghi Effendi for thirtysix years. These are all self-evident. There are not two sides to this question—there is the Cause of God and those who attack it. However, because the poison of Covenant-breaking is virulent and spreads insidiously, the National Assembly wishes to help the friends withstand the enemies of the Cause by presenting the facts concerning the so-called Mason Remey Proclamation and his defection.

Prior to the 1960 National Bahá’í Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly received two reports from individuals who had received Mason Remey’s Proclamation. Not until two days before the Convention, did the National Assembly itself receive from Mason Remey his Proclamation and a covering letter in which he stipulated the conditions under which the Convention was to receive him as the second Guardian, that is, send three ‘representatives to Washington to escort Mr. Remey to Wilmette.

In December of 1957, the National Spiritual Assembly had received two documents from Haifa. One was a photostat of a document dated November 25, 1957 signed by all twenty-six Hands present, including Mason Remey, stating that the Guardian had appointed

no successor, that the body of the Hands had elected nine of their number (in accordance with the Will and Testament of ‘Abclu’l-Bahd—“the Hands of the Cause of God must elect from their own number nine persons that shall at all times be occupied in the important services in the work of the Guardian of the Cause of God”) to act in their behalf as the Custodians of the Bahá’í World Faith. The second was a letter dated December 2, 1957 and signed by the nine elected as Custodians, one of whom was Mason Remey, requesting on advice of the Guardian’s lawyer that our National Spiritual Assembly send a letter which would recognize the nine “as the supreme body in the Cause” and stating “we pledge our full support, faith and allegiance to the body of the Custodians of the Bahá’í World Faith elected by the Hands of the Cause.”

Recalling these documents, we were shocked to receive Mr. Remey’s Proclamation. Moreover, the tenor of his remarks about ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum in an accompanying letter seemed to indicate he might be suffering from hallucinations. Obviously we could not accept his preposterous claim. However, keeping in mind his appointment as a Hand of the Cause by the beloved Guardian, his long years of apparent devotion to the Cause, and his age, we determined this situation was a matter to be resolved by the Chief Stewards, that body of which he was himself a member, and we did not wish to place him in an embarrassing light with the believers. We cabled Haifa assuring the Hands of our prayers and sympathy for this tragic development. They in turn considered the matter an “extraordinary evidence of emotional perturbation” and requested we await statement from Rúḥíyyih Khánum their special representative to the Convention which would be presented to us upon her arrival.

During the pre-convention National Assembly meeting we were deluged with calls from believers who had received the Proclamation. Acting in accordance with the Guardian’s instructions to protect the believers we immediately telegraphed every local Assembly in the United States—“Remey Proclamation unauthorized by Hands in Haifa and repudiated by NSA stop Sad situa [Page 2]2

tion will be resolved by Chief Stewards.” From that moment on, the National Assembly considered Mr. Remey’s condition and station were in the hands of the Chief Stewards. We also believed every wellgrounded Bahá’í would be undisturbed except for feelings of regret that such a tragic development had overcome Mr. Remey.

Some have criticized the National Assembly saying no consultation on the Proclamation was allowed at the National Convention. An unauthorized circular is not properly the business of the National Convention particularly one which seeks to stop the World Crusade, and to instill confusion in the minds of believers. The same critics have protested that the National Assembly has prohibited “independent investigation of truth.” All of the Bahá’í Writings are available to all —which means truth is as available and evident as the noon-day sun. It is presumed that every believer has investigated the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and has found them to be the truth. Upon declaration every believer pledges to obey and uphold the institutions revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the establishment of world order. Among these obligations are—“ . loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sacred Will and Testament; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of Bahá’í administration throughout the world.” Concerning seditious material, let ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words speak: “What deviation can be more glaring than spreading broadcast false and foolish reports touching the Temple of God’s Testament! . . . What deviation can be more complete than falsely accusing the loved ones of God! . . . O ye beloved of the Lord! Strive with all your heart to shield the Cause of God from the onslaught of the insincere, for souls such as these cause the straight to become crooked and all benevolent efforts to produce contrary results . . . ” (From the Will and Testament, pages 6, 7 and 22).

No Guardian Appointed by Shoghi Effendi

The passing of the beloved Guardian and the realization that he had not and could not name his successor because there was none, combined to plunge the entire Bahá’í world into grief and despair. Those misguided souls who are now propagandizing the American Bahá’í community perhaps have never recovered from the shock. Nevertheless, this should not be used as the reason for attempting to perpetuate a fraud. There is no validity to the claim of Mason Remey and if such attempts were to succeed, the whole future of the Cause would be subverted. The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to share with you the following thoughts.

To say that the Divine law “He doeth what He willeth” can apply to a situation allowing someone not of the holy lineage to become a candidate for Guardian is presumptuous. While earthly kings have established new dynasties, new lines of succession, Shoghi Effendi himself referred to “that hereditary principle which as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has written, has been invariably upheld by the law of God.” (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 148.) All references made by the Guardian concerning his ‘relationship to the Universal House of Justice were couched in terms such as “he who symbolizes the hereditary principle in this Dispensation.” (World

NOVEMBER 1960

Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 153.)

To insinuate that the appointment of Mason Remey as President of the International Council was a “veiled” appointment to the Guardianship comparable to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s allusion to the Guardianship “. . . know verily that this is a well-guarded secret . . .” (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 150), is preposterous. Though‘ kept as a “well-guarded secret,” the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá specifically named Shoghi Effendi as Guardian. No such straight-forward statement, written or otherwise, was made by Shoghi Effendi with reference to Mason Remey. Furthermore, that provision of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will which states that “the Hands of the Cause of God must elect from their own number nine persons . . . and these . . . must give their assent to the choice of the one whom the Guardian of the Cause of God hath chosen as his successor," serves now to protect us from this fraudulent claim.

To put forth that Mason Remey as the appointed President of the International Bahá’í Council is identical with the executive head of the potential Universal House of Justice and is therefore the Guardian, is false reasoning. On that premise the International Bahá’í Council during the first six years of its existence should have had Shoghi Effendi as its President, as he was the Guardian. Mason Remey was its President and Shoghi Effendi was our Guardian, conclusively proving that the office of President of the Council is not synonymous with Guardianship of the Cause of God.

Purpose of International Bahá’í Council

To understand the true purpose of the International Bahá’í Council we must recall the words of Shoghi Effendi setting forth its functions—(1) to “forge link with authorities of newly emerged State,” (2) to assist the Guardian “to discharge responsibilities involved in erection of mighty superstructure of the Báb’s Holy Shrine,” (3) “to conduct negotiations related to matters of personal status with civil authorities.” (Messages to the Bahá’í World, pp. 7-8.) The appointed members of the Council, including Mr. Remey, were given individual tasks by the Guardian. At no time did they as a body initiate any action or activity. They comprised a body of helpers which Shoghi Effendi had been considering since 1926 (see Bahá’í Administration, p. 108, “International Secretariat"), but “held in abeyance over two decades pending creation of divinely-appointed administrative agencies designed by its Author for its effective prosecution.” (Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 19.) In this letter, October 31, 1926, addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, Shoghi Effendi described the “growing significance and complexity of the work” and expressed his “feeling of necessity for the formation in Haifa of some sort of an International Bahá’í Secretariat” to aid and assist him in an advisory and executive capacity. That he was anticipating the International Bahá’í Council is evident in these words “we shall take counsel together and decide . . . upon the wider issues that on one hand will strengthen the ties that should bind the International Center of the Cause with the world at large, and on the other provide for the preliminary steps

[Page 3]U.S. SUPPLEMENT

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that will eventually lead to the proper establishment of the First International House of Justice.”

"Let There Be No Mistake"

In closing we wish to share the words of the beloved Guardian contained in his message to the Jubilee Intercontinental Conference held in Wilmette on May 4, 1953:

“Let there be no mistake. The avowed, the primary

aim of this Spiritual Crusade is none other than the

conquest of the citadels of men’s hearts. The theater

of its operations is the entire planet. Its duration a

whole decade . . . its marshall is none other than the Author of the Divine Plan. Its standard-bearers are the Hands of God appointed in every continent of the globe. Its generals are the twelve National Spiritual Assemblies participating in the execution of its design . . . its legions are the rank and file of believers standing behind these same twelve National Assemblies and sharing in the global task.”

With warmest Bahá’í love and greetings to every true believer,

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Eighteen More Persons Lose Membership Because of Covenant-Breaking Activities

The National Spiritual Assembly is grieved to report to the American Bahá’í Community that eighteen more persons have informed the National Assembly that they have pledged themselves to support the claim of Mason Remey, thus placing their spiritual status in jeopardy. As in the case of those listed in the U. S. Supplement 32 (October 1960 Bahá’í News) the following have been removed from Bahá’í membership and the voting rights of the adults revoked:

Mrs. Dorothy M. Barnett, Joplin, Mo.

Dr. Leland Jensen, Joplin, Mo.

Alford Jensen, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Dr. Opal Jensen, Joplin, Mo.

Mrs. Okeyma L. Jensen, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Mrs. Gertrude A. Lee, Joplin, Mo.

Mrs. Mabel S. Peck, Joplin, Mo.

Harold G. Sahliney, Joplin, Mo.

Mrs. Hattie M. Roberts, Joplin, Mo.

Mrs. Estella Cowen, Webb City, Mo.

Mrs. Nora Hogan, Webb City, Mo.

Mrs. Minnie J. Miller, Webb City, Mo.

J. F. Norton, Webb City, Mo.

Mrs. Virinda Norton, Webb City, Mo.

Miss Leonel Jensen (youth), Joplin, Mo.

Miss Sandra L. Jensen (youth), Joplin, Mo.

John F. Norton, Jr. (youth), Webb City, Mo.

Miss Eleanor Petzoldt (youth), Iowa City, Iowa

—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

“Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh" In Fifth Braille Printing

Due to the increasing demand for Braille copies of The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá’í Committee for Service to the Blind has brought out another edition of this book. Copies are available now at $1.50 each.

The friends are also reminded of the valuable collection of Bahá’í books available to blind readers through the facilities of the free lending library maintained by the committee. Books are mailed in special containers and correspondence may be carried out in Braille. The titles in this library are of’ great assistance to the friends who want to deepen themselves in the Teachings.

Assemblies and groups having blind contacts preparing for declaration of faith may borrow such books

Bahá’í State Conventions Sunday. December 4. 1960

See Your Convention Call

as The Will and Testament of ‘Abd.u’l-Bahd and The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh. For further information, please write to: Bahá’í Service for the Blind, 842 North Hayworth Ave., Los Angeles 46, Calif.

America Indian Service Committee Calls for Additional Pioneers

Additional pioneers are urgently needed in Gallup, N.M., where members of an assembly formed last Riḍván are carrying on the important Work of service and teaching among the American Indians through the Bahá’í Indian Center. Gallup is known as the “Indian Capital of the World” because of its large Indian population and its position immediately adjacent to the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni reservations.

Bahá’ís interested in such a unique pioneering opportunity should write immediately to the American Indian Service Committee, Mrs. Nancy Phillips, secretary; 736 Encanto Drive, S.E.; Phoenix, Ariz.

“Childs Way" Available at Reduced Rates

The Child’s Way offers special rates on back issues of the magazine for years 115 and 116: $1.35 per set of six a year (postage included).

The issues during year 115 included a discussion guide for children nine to twelve years of age, relating the seen and unseen worlds, as well as letters and reports from readers, stories, poems, and songs for all ages.

Featured during year 116 was a study guide entitled “What Is Truth?" with an accompanying chart. This chart could be developed from an infinite number of starting points including that of the guide mentioned above. Also during this year there were interviews with teachers, help for teachers and parents of very young children, biographies of the Prophets, a study

[Page 4]WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET Eighth Year: 1960-6|

Annual Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$375,000.00

IIIIIIIIIllIllllIIllIllllIllllIIllllIllIIIII||l|||ll|||ll||ll|||l|||IIIIIIIllIIIllIIIllIllllIIIIIIIIIIllIIIIIIIIIIII||l||||l|||||||||||I||||||l|l||lll|| Total Requirements: May 1

to September 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156,250.00 IllllIIIIIllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIllIII||||II|||||I||I||I|||||l Total Contributions: May 1

to September 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105,300.00 |||||||||||l||||IIIllIllllllllllllllllllllll Requirements for September, 1960 . . . . . . . . . . . 31.25000 lllI|||I||I|IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIl|I|||I|||I|||||||I|||IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII||||I|||||||l|||||IIIIIIFIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Received for September. 1960 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19,500.00

IIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIII Special non-recurring gifts received during

present Bahá’í year (not included above) . . . 30,975.00

——U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

course on prayer and meditation, stories, poems, and quotations.

Over the past two years the editors have advanced the idea that a way of teaching which is new and vital is inherent in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This idea has developed from consultation in the National Bahá’í Child Education Committee (recently divided into the Chiid’s Way Editorial Committee and the Temple Children’s School Committee). In the past this idea has been referred to as “The Bahá’í Philosophy of Education” and a statement on it was featured in the first issue of the current year (#69).

This year, 117, there is special help for those seeking materials in the Readers’ Service column, where secular books for children are reviewed and spiritual themes and Bahá’í quotations are provided for clarification. Also, a study course is being printed on the life of Christ which should be welcome to those teaching junior youth or older groups. The subscription rate for

NOVEMBER 1960

the current year remains $2.00 per set of six.

Please take advantage of the special rates on past issues and bring your files up to date. Send checks to: The Chiid’s Way, Box 245, Wilmette, 111.

Lancaster Removed from Goal List

All members of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, group have defected and are supporting the claims of Mason Remey; therefore, Lancaster cannot be considered a goal city and has been removed from the list of “preferred goals."

Marriages

Boise, Idaho: Miss Micky Louise Simmons to Shamsheddin Afnan on August 27, 1960

Issaquah, Wash.: Mrs. Kathryn Hollenbeck to Norman K. Hollenbeck on August 6. 1960

In Memoriam

Mrs. Elizabeth Kamens Kerrville, Texas Sept. 24, 1959

Mrs. Alma Kluge Lakeland, Fla. August 11, 1960

Mrs. Margaret B. McDaniel Waterford, Va. Sept. 7, 1960

Miss Jacquelynne Miller Los Angeles, Calif. Sept. 23, 1960

Dr. John T. H. Parrish Reinbeck, Iowa August 10, 1960

Mrs. Mayme S. Carter Laramie, Wyo. August 15, 1960

Fred Dennis Ferguson, Mo. Sept. 15. 1960

Mrs. Bessie Helz Shorewood, Wis. Sept. 7. 1960

Mrs. Dundee Rae Himes Huntsville, Ala. Sept. 9, 1960

Mrs. Hazel T. Holt Nashville, Tenn. Sept. 25, 1960

Mrs. Clara B. Hoover Fresno J. D., Calif. Sept. 10, 1960

BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Arizona Navajo Reservation Dist. #18: Mrs. Lynn Claus, Box 184, Ft. Defiance (new secretary) Northern California Fair Oaks Judicial Dist: (New secretary to be reported) San Jose: Miss Helena J. Somerhalder, 4850 Hamilton Ave.. Apt. 4 (new address) Southern California Glendale: Mrs. Garnette Whitefield, 210 Spencer St., Z2 (new address) Pomona: Miss Lois Sokup, 1131 E. Pasadena St. (new secretary) Whittier Judicial Dist.: Mrs. Anne Gordon, 6226 S. Redman Ave., Whittier (new secretary) Florida Sarasota: Miss Vera Moorhead, 602-46th St. (to correct secretary's name) Southern Illinois Quincy: (New secretary to be reported) Missouri Joplin: Mrs. Jennie Dix, 1820 Moffett (new secretary) Springfield: (New secretary to be reported) New Jersey Hackensack: William de Forge, chairman, 424 Anderson St.

Utah Salt Lake County: George S. Larimer, 1601 Emigration Canyon. Salt Lake City (new secretary)

ADDITIONS TO COMMITTEES

Temple Worship Mrs. Mary F. Zargarpur Rouhalah Zargarpur Temple Childi-en’s School Mrs. Patricia de Boucher Bahá’í College Bureau Mrs. Jerry McCurdy Mrs. Isobel Horton Mrs. Eileen Fenske

RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEES

Temple Worship Mrs. Lorana Kerfoot

Temple Children’s School Miss Gwili Posey

Area Teaching Committee—Central Atlantic States Mrs. Frances Coley

Area Teaching Committee—Tennessee Valley States Mrs. Judith Hatcher William Hatcher