 | The text below this notice was generated by a computer, it still needs to be checked for errors and corrected. If you would like to help, view the original document by clicking the PDF scans along the right side of the page. Click the edit button at the top of this page (notepad and pencil icon) or press Alt+Shift+E to begin making changes. When you are done press "Save changes" at the bottom of the page. |
Strengthening the Administrative Institutions
of the Faith in the United States
Horace Holley Hand of the Cause
Talk given at the Fiftieth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States at Wilmette, lll., April 29, 1958.
HEN the Báb declared His mission, there was
temporarily only one true believer in the world. The significance of the Faith to that believer was an overwhelming joy, a passion of self-sacrifice, and an intense yearning to share his experiences with his fellow men.
No question or principle of administration was involved at that point. Now we have seen this condition repeated many -times during the World Crusade, where a gallant pioneer has gone forth to some country or some island and been the solitary Bahá’í in that area. Again, it is a question of joy and faith, of self-sacrifice, of devotion, of intense yearning to share the experience with others. And until others are gathered together, the administration does not apply.
Now we begin and we see the teacher confirming or enrolling new Bahá’ís, one by one, and let us say we have a group of eight gradually evolve. The whole mystery of the world or of Bahá’u’lláh is contained within the experience of those eight souls, because that is the interval of time allotted to us to enter so deeply into the spirit of the Faith that we have true relationship with other Bahá’ís and with our fellow men.
If we do not employ rightly that infinitely precious interval of time, we become part of a community with a spiritual assembly not qualified to deal with that new element possessed by the assembly. That is authority.
Where does the group of nine, or the body of nine, acquire authority? It does not come by its own volition; it is not conferred by the National Spiritual Assembly; it is not a form of legal charter; it is a divine creation; and that which is given as a blessing to the people of pure souls becomes a torment to the people of divided minds and undeveloped personalities. Wherever we find suffering in local communities, that is, suffering through the relationships of
the Bahá’ís, it is because we have turned the divine creation against ourselves instead of using it as a fulfillment of our love, our aspirations, and our union.
We come into the Cause as a physical being, capable of a certain amount of aspiration and idealism; a certain amount of it, not too much, or we wouldn’t be alive. If we attain faith, our universe is transformed. For example, if nine people enter a room which has seating accommodations for only seven or eight, one or two are obliged to stand because, physically, nine persons cannot occupy seven physical chairs, and the people perhaps who knew in advance there were only seven chairs hurried in so they wouldn’t be the one or two left standing. That again, is human nature. But in the spiritual world, these distinctions do not exist, and the spiritual world is here and not some mysterious place we find after death.
The Spiritual Kingdom
The Greeks and the Romans placed their Golden Age in the past, the Christians place it on the other side of the grave, and Bahá’u’lláh places it here. The spiritual Kingdom exists here or it exists nowhere. So the fundamental emphasis we must acquire for strengthening the Bahá’í institutions is not to enroll people but to confirm them. Anybody can memorize a few essential teachings and say, “Yes, I accept the Bab; I accept Bahá’u’lláh; I accept the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in its entirety. I will cooperate wholeheartedly with the Administrative Order.”
That is the catechism. Enrollment is not the significant step. It is sharing the experience of those Bahá’ís who love Bahá’u’lláh, who know that sacrifice is the keenest form of joy and who wish to share their experience. We have too many enrollments—you know who they are—and not enough confirmations. If we assure the quality of the enrollment, plus confirmation, it follows through the experience of the group; the people who tend to be too proud are brought low, because the others have the courage; and the people who are too humble are raised, because the other people have mercy and insight. The people who wish
to dominate are thwarted until they have learned their lesson, and the people who wish to lean and cling to someone else to be dragged forward by them learn to walk by their own efforts. So this infinitely solemn element of authority is given us by Bahá’u’lláh in the institution first of the local spiritual assembly. It is an authority which is not vested in any of the individuals, although it has to express itself through them. It is a leverage given us to establish justice and peace upon the earth and not to make minute hairsplitting decisions about abstract or artificial situations inflicted upon the assemblies by an enrolled but unconfirmed community.
And then, one stage higher, we have the National Spiritual Assembly, and there you have the authority and the responsibility to recognize the existence of every local spiritual assembly. If that authority did not exist, nine enemies in a given town could say “We are a Spiritual Assembly,” and announce it to the press and announce it to the people, and then the Cause would be judged by their actions. But they can't get by the National Spiritual Assembly, and that is why it is so important, when the local assembly incorporates, that in their statement of purpose they function in accordance with the principles and under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly, so that they tie in to the larger body and they are not an isolated legal organism, self-sufficient in the eyes of the courts.
The National Assembly Is a Channel
The National Spiritual Assembly itself has a responsibility infinitely transcending its authority. The National Spiritual Assembly has only gradually acquired a little authority and a little influence through obedience to a ‘higher power all these years, the person and the writings of the beloved Guardian. And so your National Spiritual Assembly is the channel through which international plans and objectives are transmitted to the local communities, the groups, and the individual Bahá’ís.
The Guardian accepted the form of Constitution and Bylaws developed by the American believers and made it uniform for all national and local bodies throughout the world, naturally with some deviations here and there because of the local conditions; but fundamentally, if you are a member of a local community in San Francisco, Chicago, or New York, and you go to any city in Europe, Asia, or Africa where there is a Bahá’í community, your status is unchanged. The conditions, the principles, are unchanged.
Functions of the Hands of the Cause
And then, under the Will and Testament, the Guardian some years ago appointed the Hands of the Cause. The Hands are independent of administrative bodies but servants to them. The Hands operate under the directive laid down by the Guardian, and now by the collective body of Hands as transmitted through the nine Custodians; but they are the servants of the Bahá’ís.
Their first obligation was to assist the National Spiritual Assembly in the realization of the completion of the Ten-Year Plan. Then they were given responsibility for the protection of the Faith from violators and enemies, within or without. And then, as you
SEPTEMBER ‘1758
know, the Guardian himself, just a little while before he passed on, constituted them the chief custodians, so that they could qualify under the Will and Testament to appoint a body of nine, as the Will and Testament describes, and be recognized by the Faith.
That is a tremendous thing. Shoghi Effendi held title to all those properties and guarded them, not as a person but as the Guardian. If it had not been for that provision in the Will and Testament that the Hands were to appoint a body of nine, there would have been no one but the State of Israel. No matter how willing it might have been, there would have been no one they could legally transfer the title to, but it was transferred to the nine custodians, and the nine custodians, following the example and the wishes of the Guardian, set up these Israel branches of the various national spiritual assemblies and the titles to the properties are vested in those bodies.
Now you see how tremendous this is, what a vision the Guardian had. Supposing that the State of Israel should be overthrown. I won't say by whom, but suppose. Well, the American Bahá’ís, as citizens, could go over there and say, “Here! we have a vested interest in Israel. We hold title to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí and the surrounding territory.” Canada could go, and India could go.
You see what a foundation is being laid for the Universal House of Justice, which will not only rest upon the existing national spiritual assemblies as Bahá’ís, but will rest upon them as entities with legal interest in Israel. It is impregnable, but it is only impregnable if we stop being enrolled and start being confirmed. That is the strengthening of all the Bahá’ís. When a committee or an assembly, local or national, is operated by people who love the Cause, who have no personal interest about someone else having a brighter idea, or someone being sent on a mission that they wanted to undertake, when they see the Cause from the point of view of the Kingdom, everything is perfect.
Wasn’t it ‘Abdu’l-Bahá who quoted Muhammad and said, “Cast thine eye and see if thou canst see anything that is not perfect?” He didn’t mean the physical world. He meant the world of the Kingdom. And there, friends, if we wish to strengthen our administrative institutions so that they can be the fulcrum upon which the door of justice is opened to the human race, let us find within ourselves the birth of the spirit.
Observance of UN Week Affords Opportunity To Promulgate Teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
The increasing concern of the general public over the current political crisis facing the United States creates for the American Bahá’ís a special opportunity to publicize the teachings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the destiny of America, particularly during the observance of United Nations Week in October when the purpose, activities, strengths, and weaknesses of the United Nations and its agencies will be widely discussed.
Local spiritual assemblies and groups are urged to
make immediate plans for wide distribution of three
particular pieces of Bahá’í literature that will strike
a responsive note in the hearts and minds of individ
[Page 3]
I.l.S. SUPPLEMENT
uals who feel the necessity of a spiritual approach to the world’s great problems. .
The Destiny 0)‘ America by Stanwood Cobb, a completely new and attractive work, is designed to gain the respectful attention of thoughtful people to the meaning and purpose of the Bahá’í Faith and America’s special relationship to it. It is an excellent item for presentation to local leaders in civic, humanitarian, and religious affairs.
This booklet is also recommended as the text for a study session for believers, and as subject material for panel discussions in connection with or following local United Nations Day programs, as well as for firesides. The text can be presented by perhaps three individuals whose topics could be: (1) How has America been favored by destiny to play an important role in the establishment of a united world? (2) What is the Divine Plan for America as envisioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? (3) The future of America as portrayed in the Bahá’í Faith.
A copy of the booklet could be presented to each non-Bahá’í present for further study, or to pass along to a friend or acquaintance. The value of this particular publication cannot be over-emphasized at this time.
A Pattern for Future Society by Shoghi Effendi, which presents an inspired picture of the future world commonwealth as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, is an excellent companion piece, as is also Atomic Mandate by Marzieh Gail, who tells how it is possible to live in a way that will make the bomb useless while at the same time giving the Bahá’í message simply and directly.
All three of these publications are available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, 111. For prices, refer to the announcement of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in the May 1958 Bahá’í NEWS and the Bahá’í literature catalog.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Race Amity Day Observed On Larger Scale This Year
The Interracial Teaching Committee, after prayer and many hours of consultation, planned a three-part program for the current year: Teaching the Negro in the South, Negro History Week, and Race Amity Day.
A list of common pitfalls that retard teaching in the South was compiled to aid assemblies and groups to teach different racial groups. Judging from results and comments from the many letters received, there is much evidence that the program content was not only carefully studied, but was creatively used to the advantage of the various communities and groups.
Race Amity Day, held on June 8 this year, was observed on a much larger scale. The committee’s Chart shows that we have heard from almost every state in the Union. This Chart is intended to measure progress, and periodic reports will be publicized.
Picnics were the most popular medium of bringing different racial groups together. Whether these picnics were held on a patio, in a park, a pot-luck supper in a home, or whether it was a book review, a large public meeting, a panel, or an exhibit of dolls that were replicas of famous Negroes, all groups spoke of success. We appreciated reports giving the
3
spread of races and the number of each attending. This will help the committee to adequately measure progress, and especially the increased effort in attracting the Negro during these next few years.
The Race Amity Day poster attracted a great deal of attention. The committee hopes that it will be our official poster for at least the duration of the TenYear Crusade.
One of our emphasized points was circuit teaching on the plan suggested by the American National Teaching Committee. The work was rewarding, as many colleges of the South opened their doors to hear our Message, sometimes in small classes, and sometimes to chapel groups.
A few people have gone pioneering in the South, but not nearly enough. Indications are that more will follow.
In conclusion the Interracial Teaching Committee expresses their thanks for the splendid cooperation of all.
——INTERRACIAL TEACHING COMMITTEE
Demand for Braille Edition of "New Era"
Prompts Publication of Second Printing
The first Braille printing of the Revised Edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, published in October 1957, is out of stock, the Bahá’í Service for the Blind has announced.
A second printing is now being processed, and will be available early in October.
This important book, referred to as long ago as 1925 as a teacher’s handbook, continues to be regarded as “a standard introductory textbook, outlining the history and teachings of the Faith.”
Each copy of the Braille edition consists of three volumes, and is priced at $14.45. Since the second printing is limited to a few copies, requests will be filled in order of receipt.
Send remittance with order to: Bahá’í Service for the Blind; 842 North Hayworth Avenue; Los Angeles 46, Calif.
Virginia's First Interracial Workshop Study Class Held at Charlottesville
Virginia’s first interracial workshop was held in Charlottesville in a Negro church. Three hundred children met for one week under the guidance of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Baptist church.
At the preliminary meeting", Challoner Chute was invited by the minister to address the group, and a short talk on the Bahá’í Faith was given.
Plan Institutes on College Teaching at I2 Universities October 4-5
The Bahá’í College Bureau is planning to sponsor Institutes on College Teaching at colleges throughout the country on October 4-5, 1958. The purpose of these institutes is to stimulate effective teaching of the Bahá’í Faith on college campuses. Participants will include students, faculty and staff members, and
other Bahá’ís interested in teaching among college students.
Students at these schools have been asked to organize insitutes: West Virginia State College, Institute, W. Va.; Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.; University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.; University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.; Ohio University, Athens, Ohio; Texas Christian University, Forth Worth, Texas; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Tulane University, New Orleans, La.; Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.; Pomona College, Claremont, Calif.; University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N. Mex. ; and University of Buffalo, Buffalo, N.Y.
Plan to attend the institute in your area. For further information write the Bahá’í College Bureau, P.O. Box 956, Stanford, Calif.
Bahá’í Publishing Trusf
Trustees of the Merciful. Prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. for use only in the U.S. Bahá’í community. Planned for community study and consultation on the station, responsibilities, and duties of the Local Spiritual Assembly. 9x6, grey paper cover; 28 pp. Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$ .35
The Bahá’í Group. Prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. for use only in the U.S. Bahá’í community for group study on the purpose and operation of the Bahá’í Group. 9x6, grey paper
cover; 20 pp. Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$ .25 WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET Sixth Year: 1958-59 Annual Budget: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$450,000.00 Total Requirements: May 1 to July 31 . . . . ..$ll2,500.00 Total Contributions: May 1 to July 31 . . . . . .. 65,000.00 —NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
SEPTEMBER 1958
Out of Stock
All Things Made New. By John Ferraby. The Macmillian Publishing Company edition handled by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust has been sold and no more are presently available. It is not known at present whether or not copies will be available again, but if so, it will be announced in Bahá’í NEWS. No orders will be recorded for future shipment since there is no certainty of a supply. Minimum Mail Order, $1.00 Available from BAHA’T PUBLISHING TRUST 110 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois
Marriages
Cleveland, Ohio: Miss Betty Jean Dent to Mr. Coleman A. Lewis on June 5, 1958
In Memoriam
Mrs. Gretchen F. Pool Helena, Montana Feb. 10, 1958
Mrs. Cora Moore Atlanta, Georgia June 20, 1953
Mrs. Elizabeth Mickulecky Racine, Wisconsin June 27, 1958
Dr. Sadie P. Delany Tuskege, Alabama May 4, 1958
Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson Marietta, Ohio March 10, 1958
Mr. Albert Christiansen Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 14, 1958
Mrs. Fritzi Shaver Switzerland July 27, 1958
Mr. Walter Bohanan Kenosha, Wisconsin June 8, 1958
Mrs. Bessie Barnett Peoria, Illinois July 1, 1958
Mr. Chester B. Curtis Brattleboro, Vermont June 22, 1958
Miss Neva Bentley Los Angeles, Calif. June 26. 1958
BAHA'| DIRECTORY CHANGES
ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Southern California
South Gate: Miss Bertha Faulconer, 86151/é Cypress Ave. Iowa
Davenport: Mrs. Mary Tomanio, 823 Warren St. Michigan
Detroit: Mr. Samuel Clark, Chairman, 12951 Stahelin, Z. 23
Muskegon: Mrs. Katherine Schott, 1685 Roberts St. (To
correct spelling of name.)
South Dakota
Sioux Falls: Mrs. Jean Herting, 410 South Dakota Ave. Tennessee
Nashville: Mrs. Erma Hayden, Chairman, 1804 Hermosa St. Virginia
Arlington: Mrs. Lucille M. Bridget, 1622 N. McKinley Rd.
ADDRESS CHANGES
Arizona
Tempe: Miss Helena Somerhalder, 1110 Butte Ave. Northern California
Fresno J. D.: Miss Valerie Joyce, 320 S. Chestnut St. Z. 2 Southern California
Riverside: Mrs. Patricia Lilly, 5447 Arlington Ave.
COMMITTEES
Area Youth Committee—Northwestern States
Mr. Ross Lindstroe, chairman Miss Lou Dene Maag, secretary, 4 McCain Rd., Apt. 4, Astoria, Ore.
RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEES
Area Teaching Committee—North Central States Miss Audrey Boynton
American Indian Service Miss Alicia N. Ward
CORRECTIONS IN DIRECTORY PRINTING
Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee
Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, secretary, 73 College Road West, Princeton, N.J. Area Teaching Committee—North Central States Mr. Haskell Drymon
