Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Procedure, New York: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1937, bahai-library.com.
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BAHA'i PROCEDURE
Instructions from Shoghi Effendi, and Procedures and
Rulings Adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly,
Compiled from the Guardian's Letters, Baha'i News,
and Minutes and Records of the National Assembly, for
the Information of American Baha'is.

Section One
Material Defining the Attitude and Aetion of the Individual Baha'i.

Section Two
Instructions and Proeedures for the Local Spiritual Assembly.

Section Three
The Function and Proeedure of the Annual Convention.

Section Four
Instructions and Procedures for the National Spiritual Assembly.

---:--

Compiled by the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Baha'is of the United States and Canada, 1936-1937.

Note: Additions and Revisions Will be Made in these Sheets from Time to Time,
as Conditions Change. Recommendations are Requested from Spiritual Assem-
blies for the Improvement of this Secondary Administrative material.
Copyright 1937

I I
BAHA'I PUBLISHING COMMITTEE
P. 0. Box 348, Grand Central Annex, New York
1937.
Printed in U.S. A.
BAHA'1 PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 1
QUALIFICATIONS OF A cietyá destined to emerge from the chaotic
conditions that prevail today. When the
BELIEVER Aqdas is published this matter will be fur-
Regarding the very delicate and complex thei: explained and elucidated. What has not
question of ascertaining the qualifications of been formulated in the Aqdas, in addition to
a true believer, I cannot in this connection matters of detail and of secondary import-
emphasize too strongly the supreme neces- ance arising out of the application of the
sity for the exercise of the utmost discretion, laws already formulated by Baha'u'llah, will
caution and tact, whether it be in deciding have to be enacted by the Universal House o:t
for ourselves as to who may be regarded a Justice. This body can supplement but
true believer or in disclosing to the outside never invalidate or modify in the least de-
world such considerations as may serve as gree what has already been formulated by
a basis for such a decision. I would only Baha'u'llah. Nor has the Guardian any
venture to state very briefly and as ade- right whatsoever to lessen the binding effect
quately as present circumstances permit the much less to abrogate the provisions of so
principal factors that must be taken into fundamental and sacred a Book.
consideration before deciding whether a per- Already in Egypt, Persia, India and Iraq,
son may be regarded a true believer or not. Assemblies, both local and national, are
Full recognition of the station of the Fore- availing themselves of the opportunity which
runner, the Author, and the True Exemplar the autonomy granted to Eastern religious
of the Baha'i Cause, as set forth in 'Abdu'l- communities in matters of personal status
Baha's Testament; unreserved acceptance of, has offered them, to press for the recognition
and submission to, whatsoever has been re- by the civil authorities of such Laws of the
vealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast ad- Aqdas which they conscientiously feel they
herence to every clause of our Beloved's must uphold and enforce. They have even,
sacred Will ; and close association with the under certain circumstances, preferred to
spirit as well as the form of the .present day suspend their activities and dissolve their in-
Baha'i administration throughout the world stitutions rather than follow the dictates of
-these I conceive to be the fundamental and those officials who have tried to induce them
primary considerations that must be fairly, to violate what has been expressly ordained
dicreetly and thoughtfully ascertained before by the Author of their Faith.
reaching such a vital decision. Any attempt The Guardian will, when the Aqdas is pub-
at further analysis and elucidation will, I lished, elaborate this fundamental principle
fear, land us in barren discussions and even of our Faith. This brief reference, he feels,
grave controversies that would prove not is adequate for any reference you wish to
only futile but even detrimental to the best make regarding this matter in the News
interests of a growing Cause. I would there- Letter.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
fore strongly urge those who are called upon
to make such a decision to approach this DAILY OBLIGATORY
highly involved and ever-recurring problem PRAYER
with the spirit of humble prayer, and earnest
consultation, and to refrain from drawing The daily obligatory prayers are three in
rigidly the line of demarcation except on such number .. The shortest one consists of a sin-
occasions when the interests of the Cause gle verse which has to be recited once in
absolutely demand it.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. every twenty-four hours and at midday. The
medium (prayer) which begins with the
words : "The Lord is witness that there is
LAWS OF THE AQDAS none other God but He", has to be recited
In view of the importance of such a state- three times a day, in the morning, at noon
ment he feels it his duty to explain that the and in the evening. The long prayer which
Laws revealed by Baha'u'llah in the Aqdas is the most elaborate of the three has to be
are, whenever practicable and not in direct recited once in every twenty-four hours, and
conflict with the Civil Laws of the land, ab- at any time one feels inclined to do so.
solutely binding on every believer or Baha'i The believer is entirely free to choose any
institution whether in the East or in the one of those three prayers, but is under the
West. Certain laws, such as fasting, obli- obligation of reciting either one of them, and
gatory prayers, the consent of the parents in accordance with any specific directions
before marriage, avoidance of alcoholic with which they may be accompanied.
drinks, monogamy, should be regarded by all These daily obligatory prayers, together
believers as universally and vitally applica- with a few other specific ones, such as the
ble at the present time. Others have been Healing Prayer, the Tablet of Ahmad, have
formulated in anticipation of a state of so- been invested by Baha'u'llah with a special
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 2
potency and significance, and should there- justice unto all creation. Were His law to
fore be accepted as such and be recited by be such as to strike terror into the hearts of
the believers with unquestioned faith and all that are in heaven and on earth, that law
confidence, that through them they may enter is naught but manifest justice. The fears
into a much closer communion with God, and agitation which the revelation of this
and identify themselves more fully with His law provoke in men's hearts should indeed
laws and precepts.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. be likened to the cries of the sucking babe
weaned from his mother's milk, if ye be of
THE ORDINANCE OF them that perceive ... ,"
FASTING The fasting period, which lasts nineteen
days starting as a rule from the second of
As regards fasting, it constitutes, togeth- March every year and ending on the twen-
er with the obligatory prayers, the two pil- tieth of the same month, involves complete
lars that sustain the revealed Law of God. abstention from food and drink from sun-
They act as stimulants to the soul, strength- rise till sunset. It is essentially a period of
en, revive and purify it, and thus insure its meditation and prayer, of spiritual recupera-
steady development. tion, during which the believer must strive
The ordinance of fas ting is, as is the case to make the necessary readjustments in his
with these three prayers,* a spiritual and inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate
vital obligation enjoined by Baha'llah upon the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its
every believer who has attained the age of significance and purpose are, therefore, fun-
fifteen. In the Aqdas He thus writes: "We damentally spiritual in character. Fasting is
have commanded you to pray and fast from symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from
the beginning of maturity ; this is ordained selfish and carnal desires.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
by God, your Lord and the Lord of your fore-
fathers. He has exempted from this those THE BAB AND
who are weak from illness or age, as a
bounty from His Presence, and He is the BAHA'U'LLAH IN DRAMAS
Forgiving, the Generous." And in another With reference to your question whether
passage He says: "We have enjoined upon the figures of the Bab and Baha'u'llah should
you fasting during a brief period, and at be made to appear as characters in dramatic
its close have designated for you Naw-Ruz works written by the believers, Shoghi Ef-
as a feast. . . . The traveler, the ailing, fendi's opinion is that such an attempt to
those who are with child or giving suck, are dramatize the Manifestations would be high-
not bound by the fast. . . . Abstain from ly disrespectful, and hence should be avoided
food and drink, from sunrise to sundown, by the friends, even in the case of the Mas-
and beware lest desire deprive you of this ter. Besides it would be practically impos-
grace that is appointedá in the Book." sible to carry out such a -plan faithfully,
Also in the "Questions and Answers" that and in a dignified and befitting manner.-
form an appendix to the Aqdas, Baha'u'llah SH0GHI EFFENDI.
reveals the following: "Verily, I say that
God has appointed a great station for fast-
ing and prayer. But during good health its TRANSLATION OF
benefit is evident, and when one is ill, it is SYMBOL OF THE
not permissible to fulfill them." Concern-
ing the age of maturity, He reveals in the GREATEST NAME
appendix of that same book: "The age of He also wishes me to inform you that
maturity is in the fifteenth year; women and the symbol of the Greatest Name represents
men are alike in this respect." an invocation which can be translated either
Regarding the vital character and im- as "0 Glory of Glories" or "0 Glory of the.
portance of the Divine ordinances and laws, All--Glorious." The word glory used in this
and the necessity of complete obedience to connection is a translation of the Arabic
them by the believers, we thus read in the term "Baba," the name of Baha'u'llah.-
Gleanings, p. 175: "Know verily that the es- SHOGHI EFFENDI.
sence of justice and the source thereof are
both embodied in the ordinance prescribed TRANSLITERATION OF
by Him Who is the Manifestation of the Self
of God amongst men, if ye be of them that PERSIAN BAHA'l TERMS
recognize this truth. He doth verily incar- The friends are reminded of the Guardian's
nate the highest, the infallible standard of wish that in all printed literature of the
Cause, the Persian words and terms be
* The three obligatory daily prayers, any one of
which the believer is free to choose. transliterated according to the correct stand-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 3
ard observed by the Guardian. This standard tual words of the Master things that were
will be found in The Baha'i World, Vol. IV. not authenticated ibyHim.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
-N.S.A.

SYMBOL OF THE STORIES ABOUT
GREATEST NAME 'ABDU'L-BAHA
He would also urge you to attach no im-
The friends will be happy to learn that the portance to the stories told about 'Abdu'l-
use of this Symbol is now legally protected Baha or to those attributed to Him by the
for proper Baha'i use under the trade mark friends. These should be regarded in the
registration recently made by the National same light as the notes and impressions of
Spiritual Assembly through the U. S. Patent visiting pilgrims. They need not be sup-
Office. pressed, but they should not also be given
After careful consideration of the signifi- prominence or official recognition.-SH0GHI
cance of this sacred Symbol, the Assemby EFFENDI.
has voted that its use should be confined to
books and pamphlets containing the words
of Baha'u'llah.-N. S. A. CONCERNING LETTERS
FROM HAIFA
DISTINCTION BETWEEN
I wish to add and say that whatever let-
TABLETS AND TALKS ters are sent in my behalf from Haifa are
Shoghi Effendi has laid down a principle all read and approved by me before mailing.
that the Ba:ha'is should not attribute much There is no exception whatever to this rule.
importance to talks, reported to have been -SHOGHI EFFENDI.
given by the Master, if these have not in
one form or other obtained His sanction. THE GUARDIAN'S LET-
Baha'u'llah has made it clear enough that
only those things that have been revealed in TERS TO INDIVIDUALS
the form of Tablets have a binding power As regards Shoghi Effendi's letters to the
over the friends. Hearsays may be matters individual Baha'is, he is always very careful
of interest but can in no way claim author- not to contradict himself. He has also said
ity. This basic teaching of Baha'u'llah was that whenever he has something of import-
to preserve the Faith from being corrupted ance to say, he invariably communicates it
like Islam which attributes binding author- to the National Spiritual Assemlbly or in his
ity to all the reported sayings of Muham- general letters. His personal letters to in-
mad. dividual friends are only for their personal
This being a basic principle of the Faith benefit and even though he does not want to
we should not confuse Tablets that were ac- forbid their ,publication, he does not wish
tually revealed and mere talks attributed to them to be used too much by the Baha'i
the founders of the Cause. The first have News. Only letters with special significance
absolute binding authority while the latter should be published there.-SH0GHI EFFEN-
can in no way claim our obedience. The DI.
highest th~ng this can achieve is to influence
the activities of the one who has heard the
saying in person. THE GUARDIAN'S RELA-
Those talks of the Master that were later TION TO INDIVIDUAL
reviewed by Him and corrected or in some BELIEVERS
other form considered authentic by Himself,
such as the Some Answered Questions, these As to the important issue you have raised
could be considered as Tablets and there- in this connection regarding the nature and
fore be given the necessary binding power. significance of the ties which must unite in-
All the other talks such as are included in dividual Baha'is with their Guardian, it
Ahmad's diary or the other diaries of pil- should be made clear that such a relation-
grims do not fall under this category and ship, ,though it transcends any relationship
could be considered only as interesting ma- to an Assembly, is by no means intended to
terial to be taken for what they are worth, curtail the authority of the administrative
For this reason Shoghi Effendi has not bodies of the Cause, that it rather serves to
been encouraging the publication of reported strengthen and consolidate the unity of the
sayings that were not authenticated by the Administration. Administrative efficiency
Master Himself. Shoghi Effendi is trying to and order should always ábe accompanied by
prevent the friends from considering as ac- an equal degree of love, of devotion and of
BAHA'f PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 4
spiritual development. Both of them are es- is conditioned upon the full approval of all
sential and to attempt to dissociate one from four parents. Also your statement to the
the other is to deaden the body of the Cause. effect that the principle of the oneness of
In these days, when the Faith is still in its mankind prevents any true Baha'i from re-
infancy, great care must be taken lest mere garding race itself as a bar to union is in
administrative routine stifles the spirit which complete accord with the Teachings of the
must feed the body of the Administration Faith on this point. For both Baha'u'llah
itself. That spirit is its propelling force and 'Abdu'l-Baha never disapproved of the
and the motivating power of its very life. idea of inter-racial marriage, nor discour-
But as already emphasized, both the spirit aged it. The Baha'i Teachings, indeed, by
and the form are essential to the safe and their very nature transcend all limitations
speedy development of the Administration. imposed by race, and as such can and should
To maintain full balance between them is the never be identified with any particular school
main and unique responsibility of the admin- of racial philosophy.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
istrators of the Cause.
It is invariably my purpose and constant BAHA't FUNERAL
effort to uphold and reinforce the adminis-
trative principles of the Faith, and I trust SERVICE
that nothing will be allowed to interfere with Regarding the Baha'i funeral service: it
the proper functioning of these administra- is extremely simple, as it consists only of a
tive bodies.-SHOGHI EFFENDI. congregational prayer to be read before
burial. This prayer will be made available
GUARDIAN REQUESTS to the friends when the Aqdas is translated
BAHA'fS NOT TO OBSERVE and published. In the meantime your N.
S. A. should take great care lest any uniform
HIS BIRTHDAY procedure or ritual in this matter be adopted
I wish to add a few words in person re- or imposed upon the friends. The danger in
garding the commemoration of my birthday this, as in some other cases regarding Baha'i
anniversary. I would earnestly request all worship, is that a definite system of rigid
the believers and Assemblies not to observe, rituals and practices be developed among the
under any circumstances, whether officially believers. The utmost simplicity and flexi-
or privately, my birthday anniversary. I bility should be observed, and a selection
strongly feel that only anniversaries in con- from the Baha'i Sacred Writing would serve
nection with the life of the Bab, Baha'u'llah the puil)<>Seat the present time, provided
and •Abdu'l-Baha should be celebrated by the this selection is not rigidly and uniformly
believers. It will, I am sure, prove conducive adopted on all such occasions.-SHOGHI EF-
to my own spiritual growth and happiness, FENDI.
and would be in the best interests of our
beloved Faith. I trust that you will acquaint
all the believers with this insistent request
THE USE OF RINGSTONES
of mine and I feel sure that they will all AND BURIAL STONES
joyfully respond.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
In regard to the use of ringstones and
CONGREGATIONAL burial stones, the Guardian leaves this mat-
ter at present entirely to the discretion of
PRAYER the believers, and has no objection if your
"Regarding the practice of congregational Assembly provides facilities for their pur-
prayer, the Guardian wishes you to know chase by the friends. When the "Kita'b-i-
that this form of prayer has been enjoined Aqdas" is published the necessary instruc-
by Baha'u'llah only for the dead. In all tions will be given regarding this matter.-
other circumstances there is no obUgation SHOGHI EFFENDI.
whatever imposed upon the believers. When
the Aqdas is published the form of congre- TAXES AND
gational prayer prescribed by Baha'u'llah
will be made clear to all the believers.- SPIRITUAL OFFERINGS
SHOGHI EFFENDI. •
There is a difference betwen taxes and
NATURE OF BAHA'f spiritual offerings. The House of Justice
has certain revenues such as inheritance
MARRIAGE shares, fees and fines. These are the taxes
In regard to your question concerning the which, according to the Aqdas, go directly
nature and character of Baha'i marriage. not to the Guardian but to the House of Jus-
As you have rightly stated, such a marriage tice. According to the Master's Will which
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 5
complements the Aqdas, the Huquq goes business sessions of the Convention held in
only to the Guardian.-SHOGHI EFFENDI. the Foundation Hall. Shoghi Effendi would
urge that choir singing by men, women and
IMPORTANCE OF children be encouraged in the Auditorium
ARCHIVES and that rigidity in the Baha'i service be
The importance of the institution of scrupulously avoided. Táhe more universal
Baha'i Archives is not due only to the many and informal the character of Baha'i wor-
teaching facilities it procures, but is espe- ship in the Temple the better. Images and
cially to be found in the vast amount of his- pictures, with the exception of the Greatest
torical data and information it offers both Name, should be strictly excluded. Prayers
to the present-day administrators of the revealed by Baha'u'llah and the Master as
Cause, and to the Baha'i historians of the well as the sacred writings of the Prophets
future. The institution of Baha'i Archives should be read or chanted as well as hymns
is indeed a most valuable storehouse of in- based upon Baha'i or non-Baha'i sacred
formation regarding all the aspects of the writings.
Faith, administrative as well as doctrinal. CHANTING IN THE
Future generations of believers will be sure-
ly in a better position than we are to truly TEMPLE
and adequately appreciate the many advan- As regards the chanting of Tablets in the
tages and facilities which the institution of Temple, Shoghi Effendi wishes in this con-
the Archives offers to individual 1believers nection to urge the friends to avoid all forms
and also to the community at large. of rigidity and uniformity in matters of
Now that the Cause is rapidly passing worship. There is no objection to the recital
through so many different phases of its evo- or chanting of prayers in the Oriental lan-
lution, is the time for the friends to exert guage, but there is also no obligation what-
their utmost in order to preserve as much soever of adopting such a form of prayer at
as they can of the sacred relics and various any devotional service in the auditorium of
other precious objects that are associated the Temple. It should neither be required
with the lives of the Founders of the Faith, nor prohibited. The important thing that
and particularJy the Tablets They have re- should always be borne in mind is that with
vealed. the exception of certain specific obligatory
Every believer should realize that he has prayers, Baha'u'llah has given us no strict
a definite responsibility to -shoulder in this or special ruling in mattersá of worship,
matter, and to help, to whatever extent he whether in the Temple or elsewhere. Pray-
can, in rendering successful the valuable er is essentially a communion between man
work! which national and local Baha'i Ar- and God, and as such transcends all ritual-
chives committees are so devotedly accom- istic forms and formulae.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
plishing for the Faith in America.-SH0GHI
EFFENDI. DRAMATIC PERFOR-
PRESERVATION OF MANCES IMPROPER FOR
RELICS FOUNDATION HALL
Regarding the preservation of relics asso- Shoghi Effendi feels it to be inadvisable
ciated with áAbdu'l-Baha, the general prin- that the Temple Foundation Hall be used for
ciple should be that any object used by Him dramatic performances. He believes that
in person should be preserved for posterity, only Baha'i meetings, and business sessions
whether in the local or the national archives. of the Convention, can be held in it until
It is the duty and responsibility of the Ba- such time as the erection of a special edifice
ha'i Assemblies to ascertain carefully wheth- for this purpose has been undertaken by the
er such objects are genuine or not, and to American friends.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
exercise the utmost care and caution in the
matter.-SHOGHI EFFENDI. HOW FUNDS ARE TO BE
TEMPLE MEETINGS CONTRIBUTED
As to the character of the meetings in the You asked concerning some plans whereby
Auditorium of the Temple, he feels that they funds could be gathered for the Temple.
should ,be purely devotional in character, Shoghi Effendi believes that the best and
Baha'i addresses and lectures should be noblest method is to have free donations that
strictly excluded. For the present, he feels are made spontaneously and with the sense
that there would be no objection to having of making some sacrifice in f uthering the
Baha'i meetings including addresses and the . Cause. It is with sacrifice that this Temple
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 6
is to be built. This is the truly worthy tivities, local, national and international in
method. This principle therefore excludes scope.-N. S. A.
any method whereby the help of non-Baha'is
is included.-SHOGHI EFFENDI. PROPER METHOD OF
TEST OF FAITH CONSULTATION
He wishes you particularly to impress the Shoghi Effendi firmly believes that consul-
• believers with the necessity of maintaining tation must be maintained between the N.
the flow of their contributions to the Temple, S. A. and the entire body of the ábelievers, and
and also to stress the importance of the in- that such consultation, while the Convention
stitution of the National Baha'i Fund which, is not in session, can best be maintained
in these early days of the administrative de- through the agency of the local Assemblies,
velopment of the Faith, is the indispensable one of whose essential functions is to act as
medium for the growth and expansion of the intermediaries between the local communi-
Movement. Contributions to this fund consti- ties and their national representatives. The
tute, in addition, a practical and effective main pur,pose of the Nineteen Day Feasts is
way whereby every believer can test the to enable individual believers to offer any
measure and character of his faith, and to suggestion to the local Assembly which in its
prove in deeds the intensity of his devotion turn will pass it to the N. S. A. The local
and attachment to the Cause.-SH0GHI EF- Assembly is, therefore, the proper medium
FENDI.
through which local Baha'i communities can
communicate with the body of the national
representatives.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
THE NINETEEN DAY
FEAST THE TRUE CHARACTER
This institution, established by Baha'u' - OF CONSULTATION
llah, has been described by the Guardian as After careful consideration, the National
the foundation of the new World Order. The Spiritual Assembly voted to record the view
National Spiritual Assembly understands first, that anonymous communications are
that it is incumbent upon every believer, un- not in conformity either with the svirit or the
less ill or absent from the city, to attend each letter of the Baha'i Teachings, and secondly,
of these Feasts. that the general distribution of any letter,
In a general letter issued to Local Spiri- whether anonymous or otherwise, by an in-
tual Assemblies áseveral years ago, it was dividual believer to members of the Ameri-
pointed out that the Guardian instructs that can Baha'i communities is an improper
the Nineteen Day Feast be held according to method of Baha'i consultation.-N. S. A.
the following program:á the first part, en-
tirely spiritual in character, is devoted to Haifa, May 18, 1934, (Cablegram) "Urge
readings from Baha'i Sacred Writings; the believers strictly adhere (to) National As-
second part consists of general consultation sembly's instructions regarding anonymous
on the affairs of the Cause, at which time the letters." (signed) Shoghi.
Local Spiritual Assembly reports its activi-
ties to the comm.unity, asks for suggestions
and consultation, and also delivers messages BAHA'l ANNIVERSARIES
received from the Guardian and the National AND NINETEEN-DAY
Assembly. The third part is the material FEASTS
feast and social meeting of all the friends.
Only voting believers are invited to attend The question is frequently raised whether
the Nineteen Day Feasts, but young people Nineteen-Day Feasts and Anniversary Cele-
of less than twenty-one years of age, who brations noted on the Baha'i calendar should
are declared believers, especially when mem- be regarded as occasions limited to believers
bers of a Baha'i family, can also be present. or open to non-Baha'i guests. The matter
These meetings may be regarded as the was referred to Shoghi Effendi by the Na-
very heart of our Baha'i community life. tional Assembly before the Convention, to
When properly conducted, and attended by a have the question answered for us all in such
Baha'i com'munity which fully appreciates a way as to reflect truest wisdom and knowl-
their importance, the Nineteen Day Feasts edge. The Guardian's reply placed the de-
serve to renew and deepen our spirit of cision, for the present at least, in the mem-
faith, increase our capacity for united action, bers of the National Assembly.
remove misunderstandings and keep us After consultation, the Assembly record-
fully informed of all imvortant Baha'i ac- ed its view that Baha'i Feasts and Anni-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 7
versaries should be regarded as opportuni- he will be treated with every courtesy and
ties for spiritual inspiration and fellowship consideration.-N. S. A.
among the believers, and occasions to be
kept sacred for the Cause, but in recording HOW TO PRESENT THE
this attitude did not lay it down as a formal
ruling to bind the American friends. Each MASTER'S WILL TO NEW
local Spiritual Assembly is free to conduct BELIEVERS
these meetings in accordance with its own
conditions and needs. Concerning the best method of presenting
It is evident, of course, that a religious the Master's Will to the newcomers, Shoghi
community needs certain occasions free from Effendi is of the opinion that the N. S. A.
influence by prevailing customs and opinions, should first make some suitable extracts from
when its collective spirit and will may be the Testament, and to send these to all the
confirmed from the one acknowledged source local Assemblies for their use, so that there
of guidance 1:1,nd power. All Baha'is are in may be full unity in circulating the provi-
need of such blessed hours shared with f el- sions of the Will among the new believers.
low believers, for the development of the in- The problem of choosing such excerpts is left
ner life within the community which can sur- entirely to the discretion of the N. S. A. The
vive and serve the Cause only as it becomes main thing, as it appears to the Guardian, is
one in Baha'u'llah. that the full station of the Bab, Baha'u'llah
Appreciating the value of the influence and 'Abdu'l-Baha be clearly explained, and
released upon inquirers permitted to attend that the origin, nature and working of the
such Baha'i gatherings, the National Assem- Administrative Order of the Faith be clearly
bly nevertheless believes that the same effect stated. The full implications of such a recog-
can be gained by occasional meetings of a nition are evidently beyond the comprehen-
combined spiritual and social character, held sion of any new ábeliever. Such a knowledge
in addition to those marked upon the calen- can be acquired gradually, and only when
dar of the Cause.-N. S. A. the essentials of the Faith have been clearly
Concerning the nature of the Nineteen recognized and adequately understood.-
Day Feast. In the Aqdas, Baha'u'llah clearly SH0GHI EFFENDI.
revealed the spiritual and social character of
this institution. Its administrative sig- MEMBERSHIP IN OTHER
nificance, however, has :been stressed by the ORGANIZATIONS
Guardian in direct response .to the growing
needs of the Baha'i community in this form- Formal affiliation with and acceptance of
ative period of the Baha'i era for better membership in organizations whose pro-
training in the principles and practice of grams or policies are not wholly reconcilable
Baha'i administration.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. with the Teachings is of course out of the
question. In the case of the World Fellow-
ship of Faiths, however, Shoghi Effendi sees
THE FEASTS AND no objection if the American National As-
ANNIVERSARIES sembly decides to appoint one or two Baha'i
representatives to address some of the public
The question has been raised whether the meetings held under their auspices. To mere-
statement made in the July, 1930, issue of ly address such •gatherings on one or two oc-
Baha'i News was intended to convey the casions on a subject which is in harmony
fact that the Guardian's instruction to the with the spirit of the Teachings does not
American National Assembly meant that constitute acceptance by the Baha'i speaker
each Local Assembly is free to decide for of the entire program of the Fellowship. We
itself whether non-believers may be áinvited should welcome and seize every opportunity
to the Nineteen-Day Feasts. that presents itself, however modest it may
The answer is that only the Anniversaries, be, to give a wider publicity to the Cause,
not the Nineteen-Day Feasts, have been left to demonstrate its all-inclusiveness and lib-
to the discretion of the believers. If a Local eral attitude, its independence and purity,
Assemjbly feels that the Cause will be served without committing ourselves, whether by
by inviting non-believers to one of the An- word or deed, to programs or policies that
niversary meetings, it is free to do so, even are not in strict conformity with the tenets
though the National Assembly pointed out of the Faith. Shoghi Effendi hopes that this
the ideal in the statement published last ,principle will guide your distinguished As-
July. The Nineteen-Day FeastB, however, sembly in its dealings with various associa-
are for the recognized believers alone. If tions which will increasingly seek, in the
a non-believer be found present, naturally days to come, the support of Baha'i indi-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 8
viduals and Assemblies for the attainment of of the World Order of Baha'u'llah.
their ends.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. This essential principle is made clear when
we turn to Shoghi Effendi's further refer-
CONTACT WITH SOCIAL ence to the subject as published in Baha'i
News for October, 1935-words written by
MOVEMENTS the Guardi,an's own hand.
It is surely very necessary that the In the light of these words, it seems fully
friends should keep in touch with the mod- evident that the way to approach this in-
ern social movements, but their main objec- struction is in realizing the Faith of Baha'u'l-
tive should be to draw more people to the lah as an ever-growing organism 1 destined to
spirit and teachings of the Cause. They become something new and greater than any
should learn from the experience of others of the revealed religions of the past. Whereas
and not permit themselves to go ( off) at a former Faiths inspired hearts and illumined
tangent, and finally be so absorbed in other souls, they eventuated in formal religions
movements as to forget the Cause of God.- with an ecclesiastical organization, creeds,
SHOGHI EFFENDI. ritua:s and churches, while the Faith of
Baha'u'llah, likewise renewing man's spiri-
tual life, will gradually produce the institu-
CONCERNING MEMBER- tions of an ordered society, fulfilling not
SHIP IN NON-BAHA't RE- merely the function of the churches of the
LIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS past but also the function of the civil state.
By this manifestation of the Divine Will in
The instruction written by Shoghi Effendi a higher degree than in former ages, human-
concerning membership in non-Baha'i re- ity will emerge from that immature civiliza-
ligious organizations, published in the July, tion in which church and state are separate
1935 number of Baha'i News, has brought and competitive institutions, and partake of
forth some interesting and important com- a true civilization in which spiritual and so-
munications from local Spiritual Assemblies cial principles are at last reconciled as two
and also from individual believers, to all of aspects of one and the same Truth.
which the National Spiritual Assembly has No Baha'i can read the successive World
given careful and sympathetic attention. Order letters sent us by Shoghi Effendi with-
The National Assembly itself, on receiving out perceiving that the Guardian, for many
that instruction, made it the subject of ex- years, has been preparing us to understand
tensive consultation, feeling exceedingly re- and appreciate this fundamental pur,:poseand
sponsible for its own understanding of the mission of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah.
Guardian's words and anxious to contribute Even when the Master ascended, we were
to the understanding of the friends. for the most part still considering the Baha'i
In October, 1935, the Assembly sent in re- Faith as though it were only the "return of
ply to some of these communications a gen- Christ" and failing to perceive the entirely
eral letter embodying its thoughts on the sub- new and larger elements latent in the Teach-
ject, and a copy of that letter was forwarded ings of Baha'u'llah.
to Shoghi Effendi for his ,approval and com- Thus, in the very first of the World Order
ment. His references to its contents, made letters, written February 27th, 1929, Shoghi
in letters addressed to the National Spiritual Effendi said: "Who, I may ask, when view-
Assembly on Nevember 29 and December 11, ing the international character of the Cause,
1935, are appended to this statement. its far-flung ramifications, the increasing
Now that Shoghi Effendi's approval has complexity of its affairs, the diversity of its
been received, the National Assembly feels adherents, and the state of confusion that
it desirable to publish, for the information assails on every side the infant Faith of God,
of all the American ,believers, the substance can for a moment question the necessity of
of the October letter. some sort of administrative machinery that
While so fundamental an instruction is will insure, amid the storm and stress of a
bound to raise different questions corre- struggling civilization, the unity of the
sponding to the different conditions exist- Faith, the preservation of its identity, and
ing throughout the Baha'i community, the the protection of its interests?"
most important consideration is our collec- Although for five years the Guardian had
tive need to grasp the essential principle un- been setting forth the principles of Baha'i
derlying the new instruction, and our ca- Administration in frequent letters, in 1927
pacity to perceive that the position which he apparently felt it necessary to overcome
the Guardian wishes us to take in regard some doubts here and there as to the valid-
to church membership is a necessary and ity of the institutions the Master bequeathed
inevitable result of the steady development to the Baha'is in His Will and Testament.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 9
The series of World Order letters, however, diverse elements which the Manifestation of
goes far beyond the .point of def ending and God Himself has declared to be irreconcila-
explaining their validity as an essential ele- ble.
ment in the Faith of Baha'u'llah-the Guar- The principle underlying the Guardian's
dian vastly extended the horizon of our un- instruction about membership in non-Baha'i
derstanding by making it clear that the Ad- religious bodies has already been emphasized
ministrative Order, in its full development, by Shoghi Effendi in another connection-
is to be the social structure of the future the instruction about the non-political char-
civilization. acter of the Faith which he incorporated in
Thus, in that same letter quoted above, he his letter entitled "The Golden Age of the
wrote: "Not only will the present-day Spiri- Cause of Baha'u'llah." For example: "I feel
tual Assemblies be styled differently in fu- it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress,
ture, but will be enabled also to add to their now that the time is ripe, the importance of
present functions thos•e powers, duties, and an instruction which, at the present stage of
prerogatives necessitated by the recognition the evolution of our Faith, should be increas-
of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, not merely as one ingly emphasized, irrespective of its appli-
of the recognized religious systems of the cation to the East or to the West. And this
world, but as the State Religion of an inde- principle is no other than that which in-
pendent and Sovereign Power. And as the volves the non-participation by the adher-
Baha'i Faith permeates the masses of the ents of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, whether in
peoples of East and West, and its truth is their individual capacities or collectively as
embraced by the majority of the peoples of a local or national Assemblies, in any form of
number of the Sovereign States of the world, activity that might be interpreted, either di-
will the Universal House of Justice attain rectly or indirectly, as an interference in the .
the plentitude of its power, and exercise, as political affairs of any particular govern-
the supreme organ of the Baha'i Common- ment."
wealth, all the rights, the duties, and re- Again, when the question was raised as to
sponsibilities incumbent upon the world's fu- membership in certain non-Baha'i organiza-
ture super-state." tions not directly religious or political in
This passage stands as the keystone in character, the Guardian replied: "Regarding
the noble structure which Shoghi Effendi has association with the World Fellowship of
raised in his function as interpreter of the Faiths and kindred .Societies, Shoghi Effendi
Teachings of Baha'u'llah. The Master de- wishes to reaffirm and elucidate the general
veloped the Cause to the point where this principle that Baha'i elected representatives
social Teaching, always existent in the Tab- as well as individuals should refrain from
lets of Baha'u'llah, could be explained to the any act or word that would imply a depar-
believers and given its due significance as the ture from the principles, whether spiritual,
fulfilment of Baha'i evolution. As the Guar- social or administrative, established by
dian expressed it: "That Divine Civilization, Baha'u'llah. Formal affiliation with and ac-
the establishment of which is the primary ceptance of membership in organizations
mission of the Baha'i Faith." (World Order whose programs or policies are not wholly
of Baha'u'llah, pages 3 and 4). reconcilable with the Teachings is of course
For us these words mean that a Baha'i is out of the question." (Baha'i News, August,
not merely a member of ,a revealed Religion, 1933.)
he is also a citizen in a World Order even Thus, not once but repeatedly the Guar-
though that Order today is still in its infan- dian has upheld the vital principle underly-
cy and still obscured by the shadows thrown ing every type of relationship between
by the institutions, habits and attitudes de- Baha'is and other organizations, namely,
rived from the past. But since the aim and that the Cause of Baha'u'llah is an ever-
end has been made known, our devotion and growing organism, and as we begin to real-
loyalty must surely express itself, not in ize its universality our responsibility is defi-
clinging to views and thoughts emanating nitely established to cherish and def end that
from the past, but in pressing forward in universality from all compromise, all admix-
response to the needs of the new creation. ture with worldly elements, whether emanat-
That true devotion, which consists in con- ing from our own habits rooted in the past
scious knowledge of the "primary mission," or from the deliberate attacks imposed by
and unified action to assist in bringing about enemies from without.
its complete triumph, recognizes that a It will be noted that in the instruction pub-
Baha'i today must have singleness of mind lished in July, 1935, Baha'i News, the Guar-
as of aim, without the division arising when dian made it clear that the principle in-
we stand with one foot in the Cause and one volved is not new and unexpected, but
foot in the world, attempting to reconcile rather an application of an established prin-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 10
ciple to a new condition. "Concerning mem- divided loyalty the integrity of our Faith
bership in non-Baha'i religious associations, and demonstrate the distinguishing fea-
the Guardian wishes to reemphasize the gen- tures of its divinely appointed institutions."
eral principle already laid down in his com- Nothing could be clearer or more empha-
munications to your Assembly and also to the tic. These words, asserting again the essen-
individual believers that no Baha'i who tial universality of the Cause, likewise re-
wishes to ,be a whole-hearted and sincere up- peat and renew the warning that the organ-
holder of the distinguishing principles of the ized religions, even in America, will become
Cause can accept full membership in any bitterly hostile to the Faith of Baha'u'llah,
non-Baha'i ecclesiastical organization. . . . .denounce and oppose it, and seek its destruc-
For it is only too obvious that in most of its tion in vain effort to maintain their own
fundamental assumptions the Cause of Ba- "outworn creeds" and material power. In-
ha'u'llah is completely at variance with out- formed of this inevitable development, can
worn creeds, ceremonies and institutions .... a Baha'i any longer desire to retain a con-
Iluri:pg the days of the Master the Cause was nection which, however liberal and pleasing
still in a stage that made such an open and it now seems, is a connection with a poten-
sharp dissociation between it and other re- tial foe of the Cause of God? The Guardian's
ligious organizations, and particularly the instruction signifies that the time has come
Muslim Faith, not only inadvisable but prac- when all American believers must become
tically impossible to establish. But since His fully conscious of the implications of such
passing events throughout the Baha'i world, connections, and carry out their loyalty to its
and particularly in Egypt where the Muslim logical conclusion.
religious courts have formally testified to the Shoghi Effendi's latest words are not
independent character of the Faith, have de- merely an approval of the foregoing state-
veloped to a point that have made such an ment, but a most helpful elucidation of some
assertion of the independence of the Cause of the problems which arise when the friends
not only highly desirable but absolutely es- turn to their local Assemblies for specific ad-
sential." vice under various special circumstances.
To turn now to the Guardian's words •pub- "The explanatory statement in connection
lished in October Baha'i News : "The separa- with membership in non-Baha'i religious or-
tion that has set in between the institutions ganizations is admirably conceived, convinc-
of the Baha'i Faith and the Islamic ecclesias- ing and in full conformity with the princi-
tical organizations that oppose it . . . im- ples underlying and implied in the unfolding
poses upon every loyal upholder of the Cause world order of Baha'u'llah." (November 29,
the obligation of refraining from any word 1933.)
or action that might prejudice the position
which our enemies have . . . of their own "The Guardian has carefully read the copy
accord proclaimed and established. This his- of the statement you had recently prepared
toric development, the beginnings of which concerning non-membership in non-Baha'i
could neither be recognized nor even antici- religious organizations, and is pleased to
pated in the years immediately preceding realize that your comments and explanations
'Abdu'l-Baha's passing, may be said to have are in full conformity with his views on the
signalized the Formative Period of our Faith subject. He hopes that your letter will serve
and to have paved the way for the consoli- to clarify this issue in the minds of all the
dation of its administrative order. . . . believers, and to further convince them of its
Though our Cause unreservedly recognizes vital character and importance in the pres-
the Divine origin of all the religions that ent stage of the evolution of the Cause.
preceded it and upholds the spiritual truths " ... In this case*, as also in that of suffer-
which lie at their very core and are common ing believers, the Assemblies, whether local
to them all, its institutions, whether adminis- or national, should act tactfully, patiently
trative, religious or. humanitarian, must if and in a friendly and kindly spirit. Knowing
their distinctive character is to be main- how painful and dapgerous it is for such be-
tained and recognized, be increasingly di- lievers to repudiate their former allegiances
vorced from the outworn creeds, the mean- and friendships, they should try to grad-
ingless ceremonials and man-made institu- ually persuade them of the wisdom and
tions with which these religions are at pres- necessity of such an action, and instead of
ent identified. Our adversaries in the East thrusting upon them a new principle, to
have initiated the struggle. Our future op- make them accept it inwardly, and out of
ponents in the West will, in their turn, arise pure conviction and desire. Too severe and
and carry it a stage further. Ours is the
duty, in anticipation of this inevitable con- * A special case involving an aged believer,
afflicted with illness, for whom severance of church
test, to uphold unequivocally and with un- relations might have been too great a shock.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 11
immediate action in such cases is not only tends the divine law of Peace to governments
fruitless but actually harmful. It alienates and rulers, declaring to them that they are
people instead of winning them to the Cause. called upon to establish Peace and Justice
"The other point concerns the advisability upon earth, and uproot forever the dire ca-
of contributing to a church. In this case also lamity of international war.
the friends must realize that contributions Despite His Revelation, a most agonizing
to a church, especially when not regular, do and excruciating conflict raged in Europe
not necessarily entail affiliation. The be- for four years, and since that war many oth-
lievers can make such offerings, occasionally, er wars and revolutions have dyed the earth,
and provided they are certain that while do- while at present the heaven of human hope
ing so they are not connected as members of is black with the approach of a final world-
any church. There should be no confusion shaking catastrophe.
between the terms affiliation and association. What wonder that faithful Baha'is, abhor-
While affiliation with ecclesiastical organiza- ing and detesting war as insane repudiation
tions is not permissible, association with of divine law, as destroyer of life and ruin
them should not only be tolerated but even of civilization, should now, in these fateful
encouraged. There is no better way to dem- days, ponder how they may save their loved
onstrate the universality of the Cause than ones from the calamity of the battlefield, and
this. Baha'u'llah, indeed, urges His follow- how they may contribute their utmost to any
ers to consort with all religions and nations and every effort aimed at the attainment of
with utmost friendliness and love. This con- universal Peace?
stitutes the very spirit of His message to Conscious of these •heart-stirrings, and
mankind." (December 11, 1935.) mindful of its responsibility toward all
The National Spiritual Assembly trusts American believers, and particularly that
that the subject will receive the attention of radiant youth which would first of all be
local Assemblies and communities, and that sacrificed in the event of a declaration of
in the light of the foregoing explanations war by the government, the National Spiri-
the friends will find unity and agreement in tual Assembly wishes to express it.s view
applying the instruction to whatever situa- upon the matter, in the hope that the result
tions may arise. In teaching n~w believers of its study of the Teachings and of the
let us lay a proper foundation so that their Guardian's explanations will assist in bring-
obedience will be voluntary and assured from ing a unity of opinion and a clarification of
the beginning of their enrollment as Baha'is. thought among the friends.
In our attitude toward the older believers Concerning the duty of Baha'is to their
who are affected by the instructioná let us act government, we have these words, written
with the patience and kindliness the Guar- by Shoghi Effendi on January 1, 1929 (see
dian has urged.-N. S. A. "Baha'i Administration," page 152) : "To all
these (i.e., restrictive measures of the Soviet
regime) the followers of the Faith of Ba-
BAHA'iS AND WAR* ha'u'llah . have with feelings of burning
agony and heroic fortitude unanimously and
One of the chief responsibilities of Baha'is unreservedly submitted, ever mindful of the
in this transitional era is to grasp the prin- guiding principle of Baha'i conduct that in
ciple upon which rests their loyalty to the connection with their administrative activi-
Faith of Baha'u'llah in relation to their duty ties, no matter how greviously interference
toward their civil government. This prob- with them might affect the course of the ex-
lem arises in its most difficult form in con- tension of the Movement, and the suspension
nection with our individual and collective at- of which does not constitute in itself a de-
titude toward war. parture from the principle of loyalty to their
Nothing could be more powerful than the Faith, the considered judgment and authori-
Baha'i teachings on the subject of Peace. tative decrees issued by their responsible rul-
Not only does Baha'u'llah confirm the teach- ers must, if they be faithful to Baha'u'llah's
ings of all former Manifestations which up- and 'Abdu'l-Baha's express injunctions, be
hold amity and fellowship between indi- thoroughly respected and loyally obeyed. In
vidual human beings, and the supremacy of matters, however, that vitally affect the in-
love as the end and aim of mutual inter- tegrity and honor of the Faith of Baha'u'llah,
course and association, but He likewise ex- and are tantamount to a recantation of their
faith and repudiation of their innermost be-
* "The Guardian has carefully read the N. S. A.'s lief, they are convinced, and are unhesitat-
statement on the Baha'i attitude toward war, and ing prepared to vindicate by their life-blood
approves of its circulation among the believers.''-
Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, Haifa, Jan- the sincerity of their conviction, that no
uary 10, 1936. power on earth, neither the arts of the most
BAHA'f PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 12
insidious adversary nor the bloody weapons duly enrolled Baha'is. The only justifiable
of the most tyrannical oppressor, can ever reason for joining this Faith is because one
succeed in extorting fro:m them a word or realizes that it is a divine Cause and is ready
deed that might tend to stifle the voice of and willing to accept whatever may befall
their conscience or tarnish the purity of a believer on the path of devotion. The
their faith." persecutions which have been inflicted upon
In view of the fact that early Christians Baha'is so frequently make it clear that the
were persecuted because they refused to ren- path of devotion is one of sacrifice and not
der military service, the question might be of ease or special privilege.
raised whether the above statement means Another question encountered here and
that the Guardian includes refusal to bear there among believers is what can Baha'i8 do
arms as one of those matters which "vitally to work for Peace? Outside the Cause we
affect the integrity and honor of the Faith see many organizations with peace programs,
... and are tantamount to a recantation of and believers occasionally feel that it is their
their faith and repudiation of their inner- duty to join such movements and thereby
most belief"-a question the more important work for a vital Baha'i principle.
in that the early Christians preferred perse- It is the view of the National Spiritual
cution to military service. Assembly that activity in and for the Cause
The answer to this question is that the itself is the supreme service to world peace.
Guardian instructs us that the obligation to The Baha'i community of the world is the
render military duty áplaced by governments true example of Peace. The Baha'i princi-
upon their citizens is a form of loyalty to ples are the only ones upon which Peace can
one's government which the Baha'i must ac- be established. Therefore, by striving to
cept, but that the believers can, through their enlarge the number of declared believers,
National Assembly, seek exemption from and broadcasting the Teachings of Baha'u'l-
active army duty provided their government lah, we are doing the utmost to rid human-
recognizes the right of members of religious ity of the scourge of war. Of what use to
bodies making peace a matter of conscience spend time and money upon incomplete hu-
to serve in some non-combatant service rath- man programs when we have the universal
er than as part of the armed force. program of the Manifestation of God? The
The National Spiritual Assembly has in- firm union of the Baha'is in active devotion
vestigated carefully this aspect of the situa- to the advancement of their own Faith~this
tion, and has found that, whereas the gov- is our service to Peace, as it is our service to
ernment of the United States did, in the all other human needs-economic justice,
last war, provide exemption from military race amity, religious unity, etc. Let non-
duty on religious grounds, nevertheless this believers agitate for disarmament and cir-
exemption was part of the Statutes bearing culate petitions for this and that pacifist
directly upon that war, and with the cessa- aim-a Baha'i truly alive in this Faith will
tion of hostilities the exemption lapsed. In surely prefer to base his activities upon the
other words, there is today no basis on which foundation laid by Baha'u'llah, waH~the path
any Baha'i may ,be exempted from military which the Master trod all His days, and heed
duty in a possible future conflict. The Na- the appeals which the Guardian has given
tional Assembly, consequently, cannot at us to initiate a new era in the public teach-
present make any petition for exemption of ing of the Message.-N. S. A.
Baha'is from war service, for such petitions
must be filed with reference to some specific
Act or Statute under which exemption can COLLECTIVE ACTION BY
be granted. The Assembly understands that, LEAGUE OF NATIONS
in the event of war, there will be some kind
of provision for exemption enacted, but as He feels that the followers of Baha'u'llah
far as Baha'is are concerned, no steps can are under the obligation of obeying the
be taken until this government declares it- orders of their respective governments when-
self in a state of war. ever these are acting as participants in any
This explanation, it is hoped, will satisfy collective action directed by the League of
those who for some years have been urging N ations.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. (This instruc-
that protection be secured for American tion came in answer to a letter inquiring
Baha'i youth. whether a Canadian believer should feel a
On the other hand it must be pointed out moral obligation to accept military service
that it is no part of our teaching program in the event that, under its obligation to the
to attract young people to the Cause merely League, his government participated with
in order to take advantage of any exemption other governments in military action initiat-
that may later on be officially obtained for ed by the League).
BAHA'I PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 12
insidious adversary nor the bloody weapons duly enrolled Baha'is. The only justifiable
of the most tyrannical oppressor, can ever reason for joining this Faith is because one
succeed in extorting from them a word or realizes that it is a divine Cause and is ready
deed that might tend to stifle the voice of and willing to accept whatever may befall
their conscience or tarnish the purity of a believer on the path of devotion. The
their faith." persecutions which have been inflicted upon
In view of the fact that early Christians Baha'is so frequently make it clear that the
were persecuted because they refused to ren- path of devotion is one of sacrifice and not
der military service, the question might be of ease or special privilege.
raised whether the above statement means Another question encountered here and
that the Guardian includes refusal to bear there among believers is what can Baha'i~ do
arms as one of those matters which "vitally to work for Peace? Outside the Cause we
affect the integrity and honor of the Faith see many organizations with peace programs,
... and are tantamount'to a recantation of and believers occasionally feel that it is their
their faith and repudiation of their inner- duty to join such movements and thereby
most belief"-a: question the more important work for a vital Baha'i principle.
in that the early Christians preferred perse- It is the view of the National Spiritual
cution to military service. Assembly that activity in and for the Cause
The answer to this question is that the itself is the supreme service to world peace.
Guardian instructs us that the obligation to The Baha'i community of the world is the
render military duty áplaced by governments true example of Peace. The Baha'i princi-
upon their citizens is a form of loyalty to ples are the only ones upon which Peace can
one's government which the Baha'i must ac- be established. Therefore, by striving to
cept, but that the believers can, through their enlarge the number of declared believers,
National Assembly, seek exemption from and broadcasting the Teachings of Baha'u'l-
active army duty provided their government lah, we are doing the utmost to rid human-
recognizes the right of members of religious ity of the scourge of war. Of what use to
bodies making peace a matter of conscience spend time and money upon incomplete hu-
to serve in some non-combatant service rath- man programs when we have the universal
er than as part of the armed force. program of the Manifestation of God? The
The National Spiritual Assembly has in- firm union of the Baha'is in active devotion
vestigated carefully this aspect of the situa- to the advancement of their own Faith-this
tion, and has found that, whereas the gov- is our service to Peace, as it is our service to
ernment of the United States did, in the all other human needs-economic justice,
last war, provide exemption from military race amity, religious unity, etc. Let non-
duty on religious grounds, nevertheless this believers agitate for disarmament and cir-
exemption was part of the Statutes bearing culate petitions for this and that pacifist
directly upon that war, and with the cessa- aim-a Baha'i truly alive in this Faith will
tion of hostilities the exemption lapsed. In surely prefer to base his activities upon the
other words, there is today no basis on which foundation laid by Baha'u'llah, walk the path
any Baha'i may •be exempted from military which the Master trod all His days, and heed
duty in a possible future conflict. The Na- the appeals which the Guardian has given
tional Assembly, consequently, cannot at us to initiate a new era in the public teach-
present make any petition for exemption of ing of the Message.-N. S. A.
Baha'is from war service, for such petitions
must be filed with reference to some specific
Act or Statute under which exemption can COLLECTIVE ACTION BY
be granted. The Assembly understands that, • LEAGUE OF NATIONS
in the event of war, there will be some kind
of provision for exemption enacted, but as He feels that the followers of Baha'u'llah
far as Baha'is are concerned, no steps can are under the obligation of obeying the
be taken until this government declares it- orders of their respective governments when-
self in a state of war. ever these are acting as participants in any
This explanation, it is hoped, will satisfy collective action directed by the League of
those who for some years have been urging N ations.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. (This instruc-
that protection be secured for American tion came in answer to a letter inquiring
Baha'i youth. whether a Canadian •believer should feel a
On the other hand it must be pointed out moral obligation to accept military service
that it is no part of our teaching program in the event that, under its obligation to the
to attract young people to the Cause merely League, his government participated with
in order to take advantage of any exemption other governments in military action initiat-
that may later on be officially obtained for ed by the League).
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 14
In a letter dated March 16, 1933, the Guar- PRESERVING THE
dian sent these further details :
"As regards the non-political character of ORGANIC UNITY
the Baha'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi feels that The believers, and particularly those who
there is no contradiction whatsoever between have not had sufficient e~perience in teach-
the Tablet (to Thornton Chase, referred to ing, should be very careful in the way they
above) and the reservations to which he has present the teachings of the Cause. Sincer-
referred. The Master surely never desired ity, devotion and faith are not the sole con-
the friends to use their influence towards the ditions of successful teaching. Tactfulness,
realization and promotion of policies con- extreme caution and wisdom are equally im-
trary to any of the principles of the Faith. portant. We should not be in a hurry when
The friends may vote, if they can do it, with- we announce the message to the public and
out identifying themselves with one party or we should be careful to present the teach-
another. To enter the arena of party ápoli- ings in their entirety and not to alter them
tics is surely detrimental to the best inter- for the sake of others. Allegiance to the
ests of the Faith and will harm the Cause. Faith cannot be partial and half-hearted.
It remains for the individuals to so use their Either we should accept the Cause without
right to vote as to keep aloof from party poli- any qualification whatever, or cease calling
tics, and always bear in mind that they are ourselves Baha'is. The new believers should
voting on the merits of the individual, rather be made to realize that it is not sufficient for
than because he belongs to one party or an- them to accept some aspects of the teachings
other. The matter must be made perfectly and reject those which cannot suit their men-
clear to the individuals, who will be left free tality in order to •become fully recognized
to exercise their discretion and judgment. and active followers of the Faith. In this
But if a certain person does enter into party way all sorts of misunderstandings will van-
politics and labors for the ascendency of one ish and the organic unity of the Cause will
party over another, and continues to do it be preserved.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
against the expressed appeals and warnings
of the Assembly, then the Assembly has the THE VOTING RIGHT
right to refuse him the right to vote in
Baha'i elections."-N. S. A. I feel I must reaffirm the vital importance
and necessity of the right of voting-a sacred
ON CORRESPONDENCE responsibility of which no adult recognized
believer should be deprived, un]ess he is as-
WITH INDIVIDUAL sociated with a community that has not as
BELIEVERS yet been in a position to establish a local
At the meeting held on November 12 and Assembly. This distinguishing right which
13, 1932, the National Spiritual Assembly the believer possesses, however, does not
voted to adopt the policy that general Baha'i carry with it nor does it imply an obligation
matters must first be presented by individual to cast his vote, if he feels that the circum-
believers to their Local Spiritual Assembly, stances under which he lives do not justify
and the National Assembly will respond to or allow him to exercise that right intelli-
all such matters presented to it by a Local gently and with understanding. This is a
Assembly, it being understood that communi- matter which should be left to the individual
cations received from individual believers on to decide himself according to his own con-
personal matters will be answered direct. It science and discretion.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
was the sense of the meeting that this ac-
tion should be brought to the attention of all REGISTRATION OF
believers in Baha'i News.
The purpose of this vote is to discourage ISOLATED BELIEVERS
individual believers from undertaking cor- A general letter has recently been issued
respondence with the National Assembly on to an Baha'is who have been listed as "iso-
matters related to the Cause in general and lated believers." This letter requested all
not confined to the individual's personal af- such believers to fill out and return a regis-
fairs. In the case of matters concerning the tration card; thus permitting such believers
Cause as a whole, if individuals wish to seek to record their adherence to the Baha'i Faith
information or make suggestions, they are and giving the National Assembly a true and
requested to do so through their Local As- correct mailing list.
sembly. In the case of personal affairs, the Copies of Baha'i News and other commu-
National Assembly will be happy to carry nications will in future ibe sent only to those
on correspondence with individual believers isolated believers who register themselves
to the extent of its capacity.-N. S. A. with the National Assembly.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 15
Any isolated believer who fails to receive FIRST APPROACH THE
a registration card is requested to notify the
National Office.-N. S. A. LOCAL, THEN THE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
GROUP CORRESPONDENT To facilitate matters and avoid misunder-
All local groups are requested to elect a standings he prefers to refer you and the
Correspondent once a year, a.nd preferably individual friends to them (the National As-
on April 21. The function of the Corres- sembly). He is sure that you will obtain full
pondent is to receive Baha'i News and other satisfaction by putting the question to them.
general communications intended for all The purpose of the Guardian in this is not
members of the group, and also to serve as to avoid the issue but only to facilitate mat-
link between the group and the Teaching ters and eliminate misunderstandings. In all
Committee, Publishing Committee, etc.- such matters the friends should first ap-
N. S.A. proach the Local, then the National Assem-
bly and only in case they can obtain no sat-
RELATION OF INDIVID- isfaction should they approach the Guardian
on these matters. This way many difficul-
UAL TO COMMUNITY ties will be avoided.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
I fully approve and whole-heartedly and
unreservedly uphold the principle to which
you refer that ,personalities should not be
made centers around which the community TEACHING AND
may revolve but that they should be subordi- ADMINISTRATION
nated under all conditions and however great
their merits to the properly constituted As- Regarding the statement made by the
semblies. You and your co-workers can Guardian in his letter . . . concerning the
never overestimate or overemphasize this fact that believers can serve both as teachers
cardinal principle of Baha'i Administ:r~ation. and administrators. Shoghi Effendi would
-SHOGHI EFFENDI. approve your Assembly making this fact
known to all the friends. For although it is
essential for the believers to maintain always
ASSEMBLIES, NOT INDI- a clear distinction between teaching and ad-
VIDUALS, CONSTITUTE ministrative duties and functions, yet they
should be careful not to be led to think that
THE BEDROCK these two types of Baha'i activity are mu-
Regarding the principle that the .Cause tually exclusive in their nature, and as such
must not be allowed to center around a~y cannot be exercised by one and the same per-
Baha'i personality, the Guardian wishes to son. As a matter of fact, the friends should
make it clear that it was never intended that be encouraged to serve in both the teaching
well qualified individual teachers should not and the administrative fields of Baha'i ser-
receive from local Assemblies every encour- vice. But as there are always some who are
agement and facilities to address the pub- more specially gifted along one of these two
lic. What the Guardian meant was that lines of activity it would seem more desirable
the personality and popularity of such a that they should concentrate their efforts in
speaker should never be allowed to eclipse acquiring the full training for that type of
the authority, or detract from the influence work for which they are best suited by na-
of the body of the elected representatives in ture. Such a specialization has the advan-
every local community. Such an individual tage of saving time, and of leading to. great-
should not only seek the approval, advice and er efficiency, particularly at this early stage
assistance of the body that represents the of our development. The great danger, how-
Cause in his locality, but should strive to ever, lies in that by so doing the friends may
attribute any credit ,he may obtain to the col- tend to develop a sort of class consciousness
lective wisdom and capacity of the Assembly which is fundamentally contrary to ,both the
under whose jurisdiction he performs his spirit and actual teachings of the Faith. . It
services. Assemblies and not individuals is precisely in order to overcome such a dan-
constitute the bedrock on which the Admin- ger that the Guardian thinks it advisable
istration is built. Everything else must be that the friends should be encouraged to
subordinated to, and be made to serve and serve from time to time in both the teaching
advance the best interests of, these elected and the administrative spheres of Baha;i
custodians and promoters of the Laws of work, but only whenever they feel fit to do
Baha'u'llah.-SHOGHI EFFENDI. so.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 16
STATUS OF TRAVELING ly when it is done spontaneously, can cause
no harm to the Cause. Such an action, pro-
TEACHERS vided it is done with care and only when cir-
Concerning the activities of traveling cumstances make it necessary, constitutes no
teachers, the National Assembly has voted to violation of the principle already referred to.
give new emphasis to the administrative The danger in all activities of this nature is
principle under which a traveling teacher is to give the impression that the teaching of
not only subject to the jurisdiction of the lo- the Cause is an institution, depending on the
cal Assembly in each city, but is e:x;pectedto support of paid teachers. Those who will-
be concerned only with teaching activities ingly and with utmost detachment arise to
and not to intervene in local problems un- promote the Cause should, undoubtedly, be
less specifically requested by the local Assein- helped in every way. But they have no claim
bly to assist in some local situation where whatever on the financial help which some
the believer may render good service, under friends may freely choose to extend to them.
the Assembly's direction.-N. S. A. -SHOGHI EFFENDI.

FREEDOM OF THE INDI- CONCERNING INDIVID-
VIDUAL TO EXPRESS HIS UAL TEACHING
OWN VIEWS Concerning individual teaching, Shoghi
As regards the statement of our own views Effendi would urge every Baha'i who feels
and explanations of the teachings : Shoghi the urge to exercise his right of teaching un-
Effendi believes that we should not restrict officially the Cause, to keep in close touch
the liberty of the individual to express his with the Local Spiritual Assembly of the lo-
own views so long as he makes it clear that cality in which he is working. The Local
these views are his own. In fact, such ex- Spiritual Assembly, while reserving for it-
planations are often helpful and are condu- self the right to control such activities on
cive to a better understanding of the teach- the part of individual Baha'is, should do its
ings. God has given man a rational power utmost to encourage such teachers and to
to be used and not killed. put at their disposal whatever facilities they
This does not, however, mean that the ab- would need in such circumstances. Should
solute authority does not remain in the re- any differences arise, the National Spiritual
vealed Words. We should try and keep as Assembly would naturally have to intervene
near to the authority as we can and show and adjust matters.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
that we are faithful to it by quoting from
the Words of Baha'u'llah in establishing our TEACHING THROUGH
points. To discard the authority of the re-
vealed Words is heretic and to suppress com- DRAMA AND ART
pletely individual interpretation of those We have to wait only a few years to see
Words is also bad. We should try to strike how the spirit breathed by Baha'u'llah will
a happy medium between these two ex- find expression in the work of the artists.
tremes.-SHOGHI EFFENDI. What you and some other Baha'is are at-
tempting, are only faint rays that precede
CHIEF DUTY OF EVERY the effulgent light of a glorious morn. We
BAHA't cannot yet estimate the part the Cause is
destined to play in the life of society. We
Concerning the abolition of the institu- have to give it time. The material this spirit
tion of paid national teachers, the Guardian ~as ~o mould is too crude and unworthy, but
wishes to reaffirm his former statements on 1t will at last give way and the Cause of
this matter, and to stress once more that Baha'u'llah will reveal itself in its full splen-
great care be taken to avoid the difficulties dor.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
and the misunderstandings which in former
days had caused so much trouble among the
friends. The main point to be emphasized TEACHING MATERIAL TO
in this connection is that of making the BE APPROVED
teachings of the Cause not the work of a
limited group but the chief duty and respon- All literature, charts and other material
sibility of every Baha'i. This is why -no used in Baha'i teaching should be confined
salaried teachers should any longer exist. to that which has been approved by the Re-
But occasionally to defray the expenses of a viewing Committee or has the recorded sanc-
teaching trip of a certain Baha'i, particular- tion of the N. S. A.-N. S. A.
BAHA'I PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 17
CREDENTIALS FOR volving the Cause with officers of the gov-
ernment. In the case of municipal officials,
TRAVELING TEACHERS contact should be made only through the Lo-
Teachers visiting new areas should always cal Assembly.-N. S. A.
have a proper letter of credentials showing
that the teacher has authority to hold Baha'i SETTLEMENT OF CIVIL
meetings.-N. S. A.
DISPUTES
REFERENCE TO The Guardian wishes to emphasize the im-
POLITICAL FIGURES portance of avoiding reference to civil courts
of cases of dispute between believers, even
The Guardian wishes me to draw the at- in non-Baha'i issues. It is the Assembly's
tention of the friends through you that they function to endeavor to settle amicably such
should be very careful in their public ad- disputes, both in order to safeguard the fair
dresses not to mention any political figures- name and prestige of the Cause, and to ac-
either side with them or denounce them. This quire the necessary experience for foe ex-
is the first thing to bear in mind. Otherwise tension of its functions in the future.-
they will involve the friends in political mat- SHOGHI EFFENDI.
ters, which is infinitely dangerous to the
Cause.-SH0GHI EFFENDI
FORM OF BEQáUEST
The following form has been prepared by
PUBLIC CONTACTS the Legal Committee for the use of believers
To approach such well-1rnown and impor- who plan to include a bequest or legacy in
tant persons is always an extremely delicate their Will. It is recommended that believers
matter, since it requires a good deal of wis- consult an attorney in using this form, to be
dom, courage and ability. But those friends assured that it should be adapted to meet
who really feel the urge to do so, and possess the needs and requirements of the laws of
the necessary qualifications, should cultivate the State in whkh they reside.
such friendships which, if properly done, can I hereby give and devise the sum of
be of an immense benefit to the Cause. In $. . . . . . . . . . . . . . to the National Spiritual
any case, however, the assistance and help Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States
of either the local or the National Assembly and Canada, that is to say, to the several
is not only useful but necessary, if important persons who at the time of my death, and
contacts of this sort are to be fruitful and from time to time thereafter, shall consti-
prom1smg. The principle of consultation, tute the National Spiritual Assembly of the
which constitutes one of the basic l,aws of Baha'is of the United States and Canada ac-
the Administration, should be applied to all cording to the government and regulations
Baha'i activities which affect the collective of said Religious Body as existing at the
interests of the Faith, for it is through co- time of my death and from time to time
operation and continued exchange of thereafter amended, to be used in accord-
thoughts and views that the Cause can best ance with the functions vested in said As-
safeguard and foster its interests. Indi- sembly for the furtherance of the Faith of
vidual initiative, personal ability and re- Baha'u'llah.-N. S. A.
sourcefulness, though indispensable are, un-
less supported and enriched by the oollective DISTINCTION BETWEEN
experience and wisdom of the group, utterly
incapable of achieving such a tremendous PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
task.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. TEACHING
To make this comment clearer it should
be explained that the believer who received The National Assembly makes a distinc-
the Guardian's letter had written a personal tion between public and non-public teach-
letter to a well known scientist, enclosing ing activities, attempting no jurisdiction
Baha'i literature. over non-public teaching activities outside
In connection with the Guardian's empha- the jurisdiction of local Assemblies, but in
sis on consultation, it is reported to the the case of public teaching activities, the
American believers that the National Spirit- National Spiritual Assembly lays down the
ual Assembly has voted that Baha'is should controlling regulations that in any area out-
seek to make contact with Federal and State side the jurisdiction of local Assemblies,
officials only through the Na.tional Assem- teachers are not to hold public Baha'i meet-
bly, and refrain from personal activities in- ings involving the name of the Cause with-
BAHA'I PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 18
out the recognition and approval of the Re- made by the Publishing Committee, that
gional Committee, or of the National Teach- when books are financed by a Baha'i author
ing Committee, depending upon the area of with the idea that the Publishing Committee
jurisdiction, and all such public meetings are shall distribute the book, the author is to
to be held under the sponsorship of the turn over to the Publishing Committee the
proper Teaching Committee.-N. S. A. cost of printing the work, so that the Com-
mittee can supervise the printing. This rul-
USE OF THE TERM ing does not mean that a Baha'i author can-
not publish approved Baha'i literature
"BAHA't" through a recognized general publisher. Its
aim is to prevent confusion between authors
Use of the term "Baha'i" as applied to and the Publishing Committee, and enable
music, painting, poetry and other art forms. the Committee to maintain proper standards
At the present time, there exists no stand- of printing and binding, and assure accuravy
ard by which music, painting, poetry and in the text.-N. S. A.
other art forms can be described as "Baha'i",
as distinguished from other forms of art.
Such art forms may deal with Baha'i sub- APPLICATION OF
jects, but their excellence as art can be ECONOMIC TEACHINGS
judged only by existing standards which can
in no sense of the word be described as With regard to your wish for reorganiz-
"Baha'i". It, therefore, at present seems ing your business along Baha'i lines, Shoghi
wise that music, paintings, poetry and other Effendi deeply appreciates the spirit that has
art products should not be described as Ba- permitted you to make such a suggestion.
ha'i music, Baha'i poetry, etc. Hymns, for But he feels nevertheless that the time has
instance, should not he published as "Baha'i not yet come for any believer to bring about
Hymns", but should, perhaps, be described as such a fundamental change in the economic
"Hymns-for use in Baha'i meetings." structure of our society, however restricted
may be the field for such an experiment. The
It is, of course, desirable that any art economic teachings of the Cause, though well
products which deal with Baha'i subjects and known in their main outline, have not as yet
which are published or exhibited to the gen- been sufficiently elaborated and systematized
eral public, shall not be of so low a standard to allow anyone to make an emct and thor-
of artistic merit as to reflect discredit, or ough application of them even on a restrict-
bring ridicule, upon the Baha'i Cause.-N. ed scale.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
S. A.

TO DISCRIMINATE IN THE GENERAL INTERESTS
USE OF THE TERM TAKE PRECEDENCE
"BAHA't" As to material sacrifices toward the wel-
fare of the Cause, he wishes you to under-
The following ruling has been adopted by stand that the general interests of the Cause
the N. S. A.: That the collective activities of take precedence over the interests of the par-
Baha'is, with which the name Baha'i is asso- ticular individuals. For instance, contribu-
ciated, ought not to be extended to activities tions to the welfare of individuals are second-
of non-Baha'is which cannot be controlled by ary to contributions to the National and Lo-
the believers through their institutions and cal Funds and that of the Temple.-SHOGHI
under the recognized principles of Baha'i ad- EFFENDI.
ministration; and further that the public so-
licitation of funds under Baha'i auspices, ir- THE IMPORTANCE OF
respective of the worthiness of the object,
may give a wrong impression of the nature BAHA't CREDENTIALS
of the Cause. When believers wish to show The N. S. A. regrets to report that one of
a special respect to any non-believer or non- the American believers has been grossly de-
Baha'i organization, they should do so as ceived by a person who represented himself
individuals without involving the name of as having a reference from a Baha'i in an-
the Cause.-N. S. A. other city.
As was pointed out several years ago, such
BOOKS FINANCED BY cases will increase in future, as the Baha'i
THE AUTHOR community grows in strength and resources,
unless the believers uphold the rule that all
Voted to approve the recommendation travelers claiming to be Baha'is must have
BAHA'i PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 19
proper credentials, in writing, from their ment of debts comes before contributions to
local Assembly. Traveling Baha'is not mem- the Cause) for upon this principle does the
bers of a local community, but recorded as foundation of our economic life rest.-
isolated believers, can obtain ,a letter from SHOGHI EFFENDI.
the N. S. A.
Another principle given. us for our protec- CLASSIFICATION OF MA-
tion is that application for financial assist-
ance made in the name of the Cause by indi- TERIALS FOR PRESERV A-
viduals personally unknown can be referred TION IN NATIONAL ANO
to the Spiritual Assembly for consultation
before the assistance is given.--N. S. A. LOCAL BAHA'i ARCHIVES
Note: This dassification has been made
ASSOCIATION WITH in order to clarify the nature of the material
to be preserved in the Archives, w,ith a suit-
ORIENTALS able distinction between that which should
I wish ,to add a few lines and remind you be sent to the National Archives and that
of the necessity of refusing to admit to your which should enter into the Archives estab-
Assembly, or associate with, any Oriental who lished by a local Spiritual Assembly.
does not have proper credentials from a rec- I. Tablets and relics of Baha'u'llah and
the Bab, whether original Tablets or repro-
ognized Spiritual Assembly. No excuse what-
ductions. This material is essentially Na-
ever is acceptable. I am sure that a few
tional in character.
are trying to cause mischief and bring about
II. Tablets and relics of 'Abdu'l-Baha. The
a split in the ranks of the believers in these
Tablets -should be original, signed Tablets, or
days of stress, and the utmost caution should
authentic reproductions such as photostat
be exercised, lest these mischief-makers suc-
ceed in undermining the foundations of the copies. Tablets should be accompanied by
Cause.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. original translation if possible. All original
Tablets should be preserved in the National
Archives. Photostats of Tablets revealed to
CONSULTATION ON the Spiritual Assembly, or to individual be-
PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES lievers, might well be placed in the local
Archives. As regards ,the nature of relics,
He ( Shogh:i Effendi) was very sorry to the Guardian has given the following ex-
learn that you are passing through difficult planation: "The general principle should be
times, but such seems to be the fate of every that any object used by Him in person should
single person on the surface of the earth at be preserved for posterity, whether ,in the
the present time. When such a crisis sweeps local or National Archives. It is the duty
over the world no person should hope to re- and responsibility of the Baha'i Assemblies
main intact. We belong to an organic unit to ascertain carefully whether such objects
and when one part of the organismá suffers are genuine or not, and to exercise the ut-
all the rest of the body will feel its conse- most care and caution in the matter."
quences. This is in fact the reason why III. Letters of Shoghi Effendi. These are
Baha'u'llah calls our attention to the unity of three different classes-those written to
of mankind. But as Baha'is we should not the N. S. A. and the entire American Baha'i
let such hardshiips weaken our hope in the Community; those written to local Assem-
future. Read the last general letter of blies; and those written to individual believ-
Shoghi Effendi ("The Golden Age of the ers. The National Assembly is preserving
Cause of Bahi'u'llah") and see the descrip- the national letters of the Guardian, particu-
tion of the future which he has tried to put larly as they occasionally contain matters
before our eyes. We may be suffering at confidential to that body. The N. S. A. plans
present but that will soon cease and glorious to photostat all the Guardian's letters, at
days will dawn. which time all originals can be gone over
In all such matters as you mention in with a view .to their preservation in the Na-
your letter, Shoghi Effendi wishes the friends tional Archives. Original letters to local As-
to take the Assemblies into their confidence semblies are for the most part not confiden-
and discuss it with them. Being on the spot tial and can be preserved in the National
they can judge better and take into áconsid- Archives, with photostats in the local Ar-
eration all the different aspects of the prob- chives. Letters to individual believers can
lem. We should always trust the Assemblies be sent to the National Archives and photo-
and go to them for advice. Our debts, how- stats obtained for the recipient and for the
ever, should be considered as sacred and take local Archives.
precedence over any other thing (i. e., pay- IV. National events and activities. Such
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 20
events as 'Abdu'l-Baha's American journey, the Faith. It is now, when the Cause is
the founding of the Temple, early historical passing through some of the most difficult
records of Star of the West, Baha'i Publish- stages of its development, that the friends
ing Committee, Green Acre, Geyserville and should equip themselves with the necessary
Louhelen Ranch and other activities of more knowledge of the Administration.-SH0GHI
than local importance constitute an impres- EFFENDI.
sive aspect of Baha'i history, and all original
documents and records should be turned over NOT AN ECONOMIC
to the N. S. A., if not already done, for its
examination and subsequent deposit in the SYSTEM
National Archives. There are practically no technical teach-
V. Local records and activities. Records ings on economics in the Cause, such as
and documents pertaining to such activities banking, the price system, and others. The
are of two classes: the Minutes and corre- Cause is not an economic system, nor can its
spondence of the Spiritual Assembly, which founders be considered as having been tech-
are preserved by the As,sembly itself, and nical economists. The contribution of the
non-administrative material of historical in- Faith to this subject is essentially indirect,
terest and importance, such as programs, as it consists of the application of spiritual
newspaper clippings, Historical Record principles to our present-day economic sys-
Cards, etc. It is recommended that each tem. Baha'u'llah has given us a few basic
Spiritual Assembly also provide a bound principles which should guide future Baha'i
book in which its Archives Committee can economists in establishing such institutions
keep a record of enrollments of new believers as will adjust the economic relationships
and also deaths or removals from the com- of the world.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
munity.
VI. Baha'i publications. A complete file TEMPLE MODELS TO BE
of al,l publications, such as books, pamphlets,
magazines, news letters, etc., of official APPROVED
Baha'i character is being developed in the The following rulings have been adopted
National Archives, and the cooperation of by the Temple Trustees, and are here pub-
the friends is requested ,to make this com- lished with the approval of the National
plete. Out of print Baha'i hooks and •pamph- Spiritual Assembly :-
lets will be appreciated. Any model or reproduction of the Temple
VII. Individual records and papers. Fam- must be submitted to the Temple Trustees,
ilies in possession of the papers belonging to and the Trustees will then determine wheth-
such prominent workers as those named in er the model or reproduction is acceptable,
"America and the Most Great Peace" will ap- and also will determine the conditions under
preciate that such records are part of the which it can be sold. Local Assemblies, or
history of the Cause and might well he turned other Baha'i bodies, or individual believers,
over to the Archives and History Committee. are not to purchase or exhibit any Temple
Other personal records might similarly be model except through the Temple Trustees.
turned over to the local Archives Committee. -N.S.A.
-N. S.A.

PURPOSE OF SUMMER PUBLICATION OF BAHA'I
SCHOOLS COMPILATIONS
The basic purpose of all Baha'i Summer 1. A compilation is subject to review by
Schools, whether in East or West, is to give the Reviewing Committee in the same man-
the believers the opportunity to ,acquaint ner as are other Baha'i works. Every com-
themselves, not only by mere study but pilation must include the latest available
through whole-hearted and active collabora- translation of each excerpt, and the source of
tion in various Baha'i activities, with- the each excerpt must be supplied. If the plan
essentials of the Administration and in this of the booki makes it inconvenient to add the
way enable them to become efficient and able source at the end of each excerpt in the
promoters of the Cause. The teaching of the printed work, the source must be noted in
Administration is, therefore, an indispensa- the manuscript supplied to the Reviewing
ble feature of every Baha'i Summer School Committee.
and its special significance can be better un- 2. The compiler should not conclude any
derstood if we realize the great need of every arrangement with a non-Baha'i publisher
believer today for a more adequate under- until the compilation has been officially ap-
standing of the social principles and laws of proved. If the •compiler intends to print or
BAHA'f PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 21
publish the compilation outside the Cause, surely, be over-estimated. Untold blessings
the proposed arrangement is to be submitted shall no doubt crown every effort directed to
to the National Spiritual Assembly through that end.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
its Publishing Committee for approval.
3. In giving its aipproval for such printing BAHA'f YOUTH AT NINE-
or publication, the National Spiritual Assem-
bly, in consultation with its Reviewing and TEEN DAY FEASTS
Publishing Committee, wiLI consider not With respect to the question of the par-
merely the question of accuracy in the text, ticipation of Baha'i young people in Nine-
but ,also the general question of policy in- teen Day Feasts, the following principle has
volved in allowing Baha'i literature to be been adopted: that the children of believers
published outside the established Baha'i fa- á can attend the Nineteen Day Feasts and
cilities. other intimate gatherings and Baha'i meet-
4. In giving its approval, the National ings, but when they reach the age of sixteen
Spiritual Assembly wiLI in each case here- years, the local Assembly should request
after request the compiler to assign to the from such young people a declaration of their
Baha'i Publishing Committee any copyright interest in the Cause and their intention to
taken out on publication of the book or become voting members when they reach the
pamphlet. Otherwise, the control of Baha'i age of twenty-one; and that other young peo-
literature would pass outside the Cause. ple, not children of Baha'is, can also attend
The purpose of this statement is to assure Nineteen Day Feasts and other Baha'i meet-
proper protection of the interests of the ings after reaching the age of sixteen years
Baha'i Faith, while providing sufficient free- by making a similar declaration to the local
dom of action to individual believers under Assembly.-N. S. A.
all circumstances.-N. S. A.

COOPERATION WITH THE QUESTION OF
BAHA't AUTHORS HUMANITARIAN RELIEF
When a Baha'i author wishes to obtain It has been pointed out by a believer who
orders from Assemblies and believers for a has studied the teachings with unusual care
book published by a non-Baha'i firm, the au- and insight, that in the Baha'i community
thor is to make arrangements satisfactory to when fully developed the practice of "char-
the Publishing Committee; and the Publish- ity" in the narrower meaning of that word
ing Committee, not the author, is to report will be rendered unnecessary. The House of
the matter to the National Spiritual Assem- Justice, from its resources derived not only
bly. from voluntary contributions but also from
The Publishing Committee will cooperate certain specified taxes, will as one of its func-
with a Baha'i author only when rthe Review- tions come to the assistance of every deserv-
.ing Committee has specifically recommended ing believer in distress. That relief will not
the book and not merely approved it, and be as "charity" but as a normal right arising
when the National Spiritual Assembly has from the very nature of a community based
specifically approved and adopted the Re- upon oneness and able, by the application of
viewing Committee's trecommendation.-N. the teachings of Baha'u'llah, to abolish pov-
S. A. erty at its source.
NATIONAL FUND But that era has not yet been established.
The believers today find themselves in a com-
As the activities of the American Baha'i munity whose spiritual laws are known but
community expand, and its worldwide pres- whose material powers and capacities are
tige correspondingly increases, the institu- limited. The result is that conditions arise
tion of the National Fund, the bedrock on which Spiritual Assemblies find themselves
which all other institutions must necessarily apparently powerless to remedy. They are
rest and be established, acquires added im- grieved as they feel themselves torn between
portance, and should be increasingly support- the claims of true compassion and the need
ed ,by the entire body of the believers, both of concentrating their available means upon
in their individual capacities, and through such vital objects as the Temple.
their collective efforts, whether organized as The National Assembly understands that
groups or as local Assemblies. The supply the Guardian has expressed the view that
of funds, in support of the National Treas- under present conditions a local_ Assembly
ury, constitutes, at the present time, the which has before it a case of urgent distress
life~blood of these nascent institutions you should endeavor, first, to have it relieved by
are laboring to erect. Its importance cannot, members of the believer's own family, and
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION ONE, SHEET 22
second, to exercise the rights of all citizens of raising Baha'i funds through commercial
to employ all civil instruments of help and activities carried on either in the name of
assistance. In many instances loving consul- the Cause or making use of Baha'i adminis-
tation will serve to remove certain obstacles trative facilities, the Assembly felt it neces-
which, perhaps unconsciously, have been the sary to record in its Minutes the fact that it
cause of the distress. could not recognize nor approve any such
Most difficult and grievous of all are those commercial undertaking. It was felt inad-
cases which concern believers not members visable to sanction commercial aictivities of
of an organized local community. The Na- a nature tending to divert the interest and
tional Spiritual Assembly does not vote from attention of the friends from the vital spirit-
the National Fund any appropriations for ual objects of the Cause, especially in view
personal relief, for its resources are impera- of the Guardian's standard of sacrifice as the
tively demanded for direct Baha'i purposes basis of our collective success in building the
the fulfilment of which brings us all grad- Temple. Another consideration was the fact
ually nearer the blessed day when the Faith that the amounts which might be donated to
of Baha'u'llah shall prevail, and existing the Baha'i Fund from profits of sales made
causes of suffering be removed. Institutions to believers would at best represent only a
described in the teachings will in the future comparatively small fraction of the money
be maintained in all communities for those spent in the transaction. On the other hand,
who need home and care. the National Assembly encourages all possi-
The subject is one which the National As- ble enterprise on the part of individual be-
sembly brings forward at this time in a ten- lievers in increasing their earnings through
tative form, in the hope that suggestions legitimate business and professional activi-
emanating from local consultation will be ties, for the purpose of contributing more to
made. The spirit of the Cause is such that the Fund.-N. S. A.
some way must and will be found to remedy I feel that only such goods as are owned
a general situation which may become even by believers, whether made by Baha'is or
more serious before it is solved by the de- non-Baha'is, may be sold in the interests of
velopment of the World Order of Baha'u'llah. the Temple or any other Baha'i institution,
There may be individual believers in a posi- thus maintaining the general principle that
tion to offer a home to some believer whose non-believers are not, whether directly or
difficulties are known to the National Assem- indirectly, expected to contribute to the sup..
-bly. Any and all advice and constructive port of institutions that are of a strictly
suggestions will be deeply appreciated.- Baha'i character. As to the manner of the
N. S. A. disposal of Baha'i property for such pur-
poses, and the channel through which the
ásale may be effected, I feel that no rigid rule
ON COMMERCIAL should be imposed. Individual Baha'is are
free to seek the help of private individuals
ARRANGEMENTS FOR or of Spiritual Assemblies to act as inter-
THE CAUSE mediary for such transactions. We should
avoid confusion on one hand and maintain
In view of the fact that the National As- efficiency on the other, and lay no unneces-
sembly had before it several proposals from sary restrictions that would fetter individual
individual believers which involved methods initiative and enterprise.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 1
THE INSTITUTION OF THE cial, regular, and frequent correspondence
with the various Baha'i centers throughout
LOCAL SPIRITUAL the world, report to them their activities,
ASSEMBLY and share the glad-tidings they receive with
all their fellow-workers in the Cause.
And, now, that this all-important Work They must encourage and stimulate by
may suffer no neglect, but rather function every means at their command, through sub-
vigorously and continuously in every part of scription, reports and articles, the develop-
the Baha'i world; ,that the unity of the Cause ment of the various Baha'i magazines, such
of Baha'u'llah may remain secure and in- as the "Star of the West" and the "Magazine
violate, it is of the utmost importance that of the Children of the Kingdom" in the Unit-
in accordance with the explicit text of the ed States of America, the "Baha'i News" of
Kitab-ul-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, in every India, the "Sun of the East" (Khurshid-i
locality, be it city or hamlet, where the num- Khavar) in Turkestan, the "Star of the East"
ber of adult (21 years and above) declared in Japan, the "Sun of Truth" in Germany.
believers exceeds nine, a local "Spiritual As- They must undertake the arrangement of
sembly'' be forthwith established. To it all the regular meetings of the friends, the
local matters pertaining to the Cause must be feasts and the anniversaries, as well as the
directly and immediately referred for full special gatherings designed to serve and pro-
consultation and decision. The importance, mote the social, intellectual and spiritual in-
nay the absolute necessity of these local As- terests of their fellow-men.
semblies is manifest when we realize that in They must supervise in these days when
the days to come they will evolve into the the Cause is still in its infancy all Baha'i
local House of Justice, and at present pro- publications and translations, and provide in
vide the firm foundation on which the struc- general for a dignified and accurate presen-
ture of the Master's Will is to be reared in tation of all Baha'i literature and its dis-
future. tribution to the general public.
The matter of Teaching, its direction, its These rank among the most outstanding
ways and means, its extension, its consolida- obligations of the members of every Spiritual
tion, essential as they are to the interests of Assembly. In whatsoever locality the Cause
the Cause, constitute by no means the only has sufficiently expanded, and in order to in-
issue which should receive the full attention sure efficiency and avoid confusion, each of
of these Assemblies. A careful study of these manifold functions will have to be re-
Baha'u'llah's and 'Abdu'l-Baha's Tablets will f erred to a special Committee, responsible
reveal that other duties, no less vital to the to that Assembly, elected by it from among
interests of the Cause, devolve upon the the friends in that locality, and upon whose
elected representatives of the friends in ev- work the Assembly will have to exercise con-
ery locality. stant and general supervision.
It is incumbent upon them to be vigilant These local Spiritual Assemblies will have
and cautious, discreet and watchful, and pro- to be elected directly by the friends, and ev-
tect at all times the Temple of the Cause ery declared believer of 21 years ,and above,
from the dart of the mischief-maker and the far from standing aloof and assuming an in-
onslaught of the enemy. different or independent attitude, should re-
They must endeavor to promote amity and gard it his sacred duty to take part conscien-
concord amongst the friends, efface every tiously and diligently, in the election, the con-
lingering trace of distrust, coolness and es- solidation and the efficient' working of his
trangement from every heart, and secure in own local Assembly.
its stead an active and whole-hearted co- Pending its establishment, and to insure
operation for the service of the Cause. uniformity throughout the East and through-
They must do their utmost to extend at all out the West, all local Assemblies will have
times the helping hand to the poor, the sick, to ,be re-elected once a year, during the first
the disabled, the orphan, the widow, irrespec- day of Ridvan, and the result of polling, if
tive of color, caste and creed. possible, be declared on that day.
They must promote by every means in In order to avoid division and disruption,
their power the material as well as the spirit- that the Cause may not fall a prey to con-
ual enlightenment of youth, the means for flicting interpretations, and lose thereby its
the education of children, institute, when- purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs may
ever possible, Baha'i educational institutions, be conducted with efficiency and promptness,
organize and supervise ,their work and pro- it is necessary that every one should con-
vide the best means for their progress and scientiously take an active part in the elec-
development. tion of these Assemblies, abide by their deci-
They must make an effort to maintain offi- sion, enforce their decree, and cooperate with
BAHA'1 PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 2
them wholeheartedly in their task of stimu- cient and dignified presentation of the Cause
lating the growth of the Movement through- of God. They should never be led to suppose
out all regions. The members of these As- that they are the central ornaments of the
semblies, on their part, must disregard utter- body of the Cause, intrinsically superior to
ly their own likes and dislikes, their personal others in capacity or merit, and sole pro-
interests and inclinations, and concentrate moters of its teachings and principles. They
their minds upon those measures that will should approach their task with extreme hu-
conduce to the welfare and happiness of the mility, and endeavor, by their open-minded-
Baha'i Community and promote the common ness, their high sense of justice and duty,
weal. their candor, their modesty, their entire de-
The various Assemblies, local and na- votion to the welfare and interests of the
tional, constitute today the bedrock upon the friends, the Cause, and humanity, to win, not
strength of which the Universal House is in only the confidence and the genuine support
future to be firmly established and raised. and respect of those whom they serve, but
Not until these function vigorously áand har- also their esteem and real affection. They
moniously can the hope for the termination must, at all time, avoid the spirit of ex-
of this period of transition be realized. It clusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy,
devolves upon us whose dearest wish is to free themselves from a domineering atti-
see the Cause enter upon that ,promised era tude, and banish all forms of prejudice
of universal recognition and world achieve- and passion trom their deliberations. They
ments, to do all in our power to consolidate should, within the limits of wise discretion,
the foundations of these Assemblies, promot- take the friends into their confidence, ac-
ing at the same time a fuller understanding quaint them with their plans, share with
of their ,purpose and more harmonious co- them their problems and anxieties, and seek
operation for their maintenance and success. their advice and counsel. And, when they
Let us also remember that at the very root are called upon to arrive at a certain deci-
of the Cause lies the principle of the un- sion, they should, after dispassionate, an-
doubted right of the individual to self-ex- xious and cordial consultation, turn to God
pression, his freedom to declare his con- in prayer, and with earnestness and convic-
science and set forth his views. If certain tion and courage record their vote and abide
instructions of the Master are today par- by the voice of the majority, which we are
ticularly emphasized and scrupulously ad- told by our Master to be the voice of truth,
hered to, let us be sure that they are but never to be challenged, and always to be
provisional measures designed to guard and whole-heartedly enforced. To this voice the
protect the Cause in its present state of in- friends must heartily respond, and regard
fancy and growth until the day when this it as the only means that can insure the pro-
tender and precious ,plant shall have suffi- tection and advancement of the Cause.-
ciently grown to be able to withstand the SHOGHI EFFENDI.
unwisdom of its friends and the attacks of
its enemies. THE BASIS OF THE
Let us also bear in mind that the keynote
of the Cause of God is not dictatorial author- COMMUNITY
ity but humble fellowship, not arbitrary We must speak of things that are possible
power, but the spirit of frank and loving con- of performance in this world. There are
sultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a many theories and high ideas on this subject,
true Baha'i can hope to reconcile the prin- but they are not practicable ; consequently
ciples of mercy and justice, of freedom and we must speak of things that are feasible.
submission, of the sanctity of the right of the For example, if some one oppresses, in-
individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, jures, and wrongs another, and the wronged
discretion •and prudence on the one hand, and man retaliates, this is veng,eance, and is
fellowship, candor, and courage on the censurable. . . .
other. But the community has the right of de-
The duties of those whom the friends have fence and of self-protection; moreover, the
freely and conscientiously elected as their community has no hatred nor animosity for
representatives are no less vital and binding the murderer: it imprisons or punishes him
than the obligations of those who have merely for the protection and security of
chosen them. Their function is not to dic- others. It is not for the purpose of taking
tate, but to consult, •and consult not only vengeance upon the murderer, but for the
among themselves, but as much as possible purpose of inflicting a punishment by which
with the friends whom they represent. They the community will be protected ....
must regard themselves in no other light but As forgiveness is one of the attributes of
that of chosen instruments for a more effi- the Merciful One, so also justice is one of the
BAHA'I PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 3
attributes of the Lord. The tent of existence person will act independently and after his
is upheld upon the pillar of justice, and not own judgment, will follow his own desire,
upon forgiveness. The continuance of man- and do harm to the ácause.
kind depends upon justice and not upon for- "The prime requisites for them that take
giveness. So if, at present, the law of par- counsel together are purity of motive, radi-
don were practised in all countries, in a short ance of spirit, detachment from all else save
time the world would be disordered, and the God, attraction to His Divine Fragrance, hu-
foundations of human life would crumble. mility and lowliness amongst His loved ones,
patience and long-suffering in difficulties and
To recapitulate: the constitution of the servitude to His exalted Threshold. Should
communities depends upon justice, not upon they be graciously aided to acquire these at-
forgiveness. Then what Christ meant by tributes, victory from the unseen Kingdom
forgiveness and pardon is not that, when of Baha shall be vouchsafed to them. In
nations attack you, burn your homes, plunder this day, Assemblies of consultation are of
your goods, assault your wives, children, and the greatest importance and a vital neces-
relatives, and violate your honor, you should sity. Obedience unto them is essential and
be submissive in the presence of these tyran- obligatory. The members thereof must take
nical foes, and •allow them to perform all counsel together in such wise that no occa-
their cruelties ,and oppressions. No, the sion for illfeeling or discord may arise. This
words of Christ refer to the conduct of two can be attained when every member ex-
individuals towards each other: if one per- presseth with absolute freedom his own opin-
son assaults another, the injured one should ion and setteth forth his argument. Should
forgive him. But the communities must pro- any one oppose, he must on no account feel
tect the rights of man.-'ABDU'L-BAHA. hurt for not until matters are fully dis-
cussed can the right way be revealed. The
A PROCEDURE FOR THE shining sparkl of truth cometh forth only
after the clash of differing opinions. If,
CONDUCT OF THE LOCAL after discussion, a decision be carried unani-
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY mously, well and good; hut if, the Lord for-
bid, differences of opinion should arise, a
INTRODUCTION majority of voices must prevail. ...
"A perusal of some of the words of Ba- "The first condition is absolute love and
ha'u'llah and áAbdu'l-Baha on the duties and harmony amongst the members of the As-
functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in ev- sembly. They must be wholly free from es-
ery land (later to be designated as the local trangement and must manifest in themselves
Houses of Justice), emphatically reveals the the Unity of God, for they are the waves of
sacredness of their nature, the wide scope of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars
their activity, and the grave responsibility of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the trees
which rests upon them."-SHOGHI EFFENDI, of one orchard, the flowers of one garden.
March 5, 1922. Should harmony of thought and absolute
"The Lord hath ordained that in every city unity be non-exi~tent, that gathering shall
a House of Justice be established wherein be dispersed and that Assembly be brought
shall gather counsellors to the number of to naught. The second condition :-They
Baha .... It hehooveth them to be the trusted must when coming together turn their faces
ones of the Merciful among men and to re- to the Kingdom on High and ask aid from
gard themselves as the guardians appointed the Realm of Glory. They must then proceed
of God for all that dwell on earth. It is in- with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity,
cumbent upon them to take counsel together care and moderation to express their views.
and to have regard for the interests of the They must in every matter search out the
servants of God, for His sake, even as they truth and not insist upon their own opinion,
regard their own interests, and to choose for stubbornness and persistence in one's
that which is meet and seemly. Thus hath views will lead ultimately to discord and
the Lord your God commanded you. Beware wrangling and the truth will remain hidden.
lest ye put away that which is clearly re- The honored members must with all freedom
vealed in His Tablet. Fear God, 0 ye that express their own thoughts, and it is in no
perceive."-BAHA'U'LLAH. wise permissible for one to belittle the
"It is incumbent upon every one not to thought of another, nay, he must with mod-
take any step without consulting the Spirit- eration set forth the truth, and should dif-
ual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey ferences of opinion arise a majority of voices
with heart and soul its bidaing •and he sub- must ,prevail, and all must obey áand submit
missive unto it, that things may ibe properly to the majority. It is again not permitted
ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every that any one of the honored members object
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 4
to or censure, whether in or out of the meet- reservedly and with cheerfulness."-SHOGHI
ing, any decision arrived at previously, EFFENDI,February 23, 1924.
though that decision be not right, for such
criticism would prevent any decision from I. FUNCTIONS OF THE
being enforced. In short, whatsoever thing
is arranged in harmony and with love and LOCAL SPIRITUAL
purity of motive, its result is light, and ASSEMBLY
should the least trace of estrangement ,pre- The various functions of the local Spiritual
vail the result shall be darkness upon dark- Assembly, and its nature as a constitutional
ness .... If this be so regarded, that Assem- body, are duly set forth in Artide VII of the
bly shall be of God, but otherwise it shall lead By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly,
to coolness and alienation that proceed from and are more definitely defined in the By-
the Evil One. Discussions must all be con- Laws of a local Spiritual Assembly approved
fined to spiritual matters that pertain to the by the National Spiritual Assembly and rec-
training of souls, the instruction of children, ommended by the Guardian. Each local
the relief of the poor, the help of the feeble Spiritual Assembly, and all members of the
throughout all classes in the world, kindness local Baha'i community, shall be guided and
to all peoples, the diffusion of the fragrances controlled by the provisions of those By-
of God and the exaltation of His Holy Word. Laws.
Should they endeavor to fulfil these condi-
tions the Grace of the Holy Spirit shall be II. MEETINGS OF THE
vouchsafed unto them, and that Assembly LOCAL SPIRITUAL
shall become the center of the Divine bless- ASSEMBLY
ings, the hosts of Divine confirmation shall
come to their aid and they shall day by day In addition to its observance of the gen-
receive a new effusion of Spirit."-'ABDU'L- eral functions vested in the institution of a
BAHA. Spiritual Assembly, each Spiritual Assembly
has need of a procedure for the conduct of
"The importance, nay the absolute neces- its meetings. The following items represent
sity of these local Assemblies is manifest the outline of the parliamentary rules of pro-
when we realize that in the days to come they cedure which the National Spiritual Assem-
will evolve into the local House of Justice, bly has adopted and recommends to each and
and at present provide the firm foundation every local Spiritual Assembly throughout
on which the structure of the Master's Will the United States and Canada.
is to be reared in future.
"In order to avoid division and disruption, Calling of Meetings
that the Cause may not fall a prey to con-
flicting interpretations, and lose thereby its A meeting of the Spiritual Assembly is
purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs may valid only when it has been duly called, that
,be conducted with efficiency and promptness, is, when each and every member has ábeen
it is necessary that every one (i. e., every informed of the time and place. The gen-
member of the Baha' community) should eral practice is for the Assembly to decide
conscientiously take an active part in the upon some regular time and place for its
election of these Assemblies, abide by their meetings throughout the Baha'i year, and
decision, enforce their decree, and cooperate this decision when recorded in the Minutes
with them whole-heartedly in their task of is sufficient notice to the members. When
stimulating the growth of the Movement the regular schedule cannot be followed, or
throughout all regions. The members of these the need arises for a special meeting, the
Assemblies, on their part, must disregard secretary, on request by the chairman or
utterly their own likes and dislikes, their any three members of the Spiritual Assem-
personal interests and inclinations, and con- bly, should send due notice to all the mem-
centrate their minds upon those measures bers.
that will conduce to the welfare and happi- Order of Business
ness of the Baha'i community and promote Roll call by the Secretary ( or Recording Sec-
the common weal."-SH0GHI EFFENDI, retary).
March 12, 1923. Prayer.
"Let us recall His explicit and often-re- Reading and approval of Minutes of previous
peated assurance that every Assembly elected meeting.
in that rarified atmosphere of selflessness Report of Secretary (or Corresponding Sec-
and detachment is, in truth, atppointed of retary), including ,presentation of letters
God, that its verdict is truly inspired, that received by the Assembly since its last
one and all should submit to its decision un- meeting, and of any and all recommenda-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 5
tions duly adopted by the community at members, whether present or absent from
the last Nineteen Day Feast. the meeting at which the action was taken.
Report of Treasurer. Individual views and opinions must be sub-
Report of Committees. ordinated to the will of the Assembly when a
Unfinished business. decision has been made. A Spiritual Assem-
New business, including conferences with bly is an administrative unit, as it is a spir-
members of the community and with ap- itual unit, and therefore no distinction be-
plicants for enrollment as members of the tween "majority" and "minority" groups or
community. • factions can be recognized. Each member
Closing Prayer. must give undivided loyalty to the institu-
tion to which he or she has been elected.
Conduct of Business Any action taken by the Assembly can be
reconsidered at a later meeting, on motion
A Spiritual Assembly, in maintaining its duly made, seconded and carried. This re-
threefold function of a body given (within consideration, according to the result of the
the limits of its jurisdiction) an executive, consultation, may lead to a revision or the
a legislative and a judicial capacity, is annulment of the prior action. If a major-
charged with responsibility for imitating ac- ity is unwilling to reconsider the prior ac-
tion and making decisions. Its meetings, tion, further discussion of the matter by any
therefore, revolve around various definite member is improper.
matters which require deliberation ,and col- The Assembly has a responsibility in fill-
lective decision, and it is incumbent upon ing a vacancy caused by the inability of any
the members, one and all, to address them- member to attend the meetings. "It is only
selves to the subject under discussion and too obvious that unless a member can attend
not engage in general speeches of an irrele- regularly the meetings of his local Assembly,
vant character. it would be impossible for him to discharge
Every subject or problem ,before an As- the duties incumbent upon him, and to fulfil
sembly is most efficiently handled when the his responsibilities as a representative of
following process is observed: first, ascer- the community. Membership in a local Spir-
tainment and agreement upon the facts; itual Assembly carries with it, indeed, the
second, agreement upon the spiritual or ad- obligation and capacity to remain in close
ministrative Teachings which the question touch with local Baha'i activities, and ability
involves; third, full and frank discussion of to attend regularly the sessions of the As-
the matter, leading up to the offering of a sembly."-SHOGHI EFFENDI, January 27,
resolution; and fourth, voting upon the reso- 1935.
lution. The Spiritual Assembly, as a permanent
A resolution, or motion, is not subject to body, is responsible for maintaining all its
discussion or vote until duly made and sec- records, including Minutes of meetings, cor-
onded. It is pref era:ble to have each reso- respondence and financial records, through-
lution clear and complete in itself, but when out its existence as a Baha'i institution. Each
an amendment is duly made and seconded, officer, therefore, on completing his or her
the Chairman shall call for a vote on the term of office, shall turn over to the Assem-
amendment first áand then on the original bly all records pertaining to the business of
motion. An amendment must be relevant the Assembly.
to, and not contravene, the subject matter
of the motion. III. CONSULTATION WITH
The Chairman, or other •presiding officer,
has the same power and responsibility for THE COMMUNITY
discussion and voting upon motions as other A. The institution of the Nineteen Day Feast
members of the Assembly. provides the recognized and regular occa-
Discussion of any matter before the As- sion for general consultation on the part of
sembly may be terminated by a motion duly the community, and for consultation between
made, seconded and voted calling upon the the Spiritual Assembly and the members of
Chairman to put the matter to a vote or to the community. The conduct of the period
proceed to the next matter on the agenda. of consultation at Nineten Day Feasts is a
The purpose of this procedure is to prevent vital function of each Spiritual Assembly.
any member or members from prolonging From Words of •Abdu'l-Baha, "The Nine-
the discussion beyond the point at which full teen Day Feast was inaugurated by the Bab
opportunity has been given all members to and ratified by Baha'u'llah, in His Holy Book,
express their views. the Aqdas, so that people may gather to-
When the Assembly has taken action upon gether and outwardly show fellowship and
any matter, the action is binding upon all love, that the Divine mysteries may be dis-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 6
closed. The object is concord, that through pected to arrange their personal affairs so
this fellowship hearts may become perfectly as to enable them to observe the Baha'i cal-
united, and reciprocity •and mutual helpful- endar.
ness be established. Because the members
of the world of humanity are unable to ex- Order of Business for the
ist without being banded together, coopera- Consultation Period
tion and helpfulness is the basis of human
society. Without the realization of these The chairman or other appointed repre-
two great principles no great movement is sentative of the Spiritual Assembly presides
pressed forward.'' (London, England, De- during the period of consultation.
cember 29, 1912. Quoted in Baha'i News The Spiritual Assembly reports to the
No. 33.) • community whatever communications have
The Nineteen Day Feast has been de- been received from the Guardian and the
scribed by the Guardian as the foundation of National Spiritual Assembly, and provides
the World Order of Baha'u'llah. It is to be opportunity for general discussion.
conducted according to the following pro- The Assembly likewise reports its own ac-
gram : the first part, entirely spiritual in tivities and plans, including committee ap-
character, is devoted to readings from Baha'i pointments that may have been made since
Sacred Writings; the second part consists of the last Feast, the financial report, arrange-
general consultation on the affairs of the ments made for ,public meetings, and in gen-
Cause. The third part is the material feast eral share with the community all matters
and social meeting of all the believers, and that concern the Faith. These reports are
should maintain the spiritual nature of the to be followed by general consultation.
Feast. , A matter of vital importance at this meet-
Baha'is should regard this Feast as the ing is consideration of national and interna-
very heart of their spiritual activity, their tional :J3aha'i affairs, to strengthen the capac-
participation in the mystery of the Holy Ut- ity of the community to cooperate in promo-
terance, their steadfast unity one with an- tion of the larger Baha'i interests and to
other in a universality raised high above the deepen the understanding of all believers
limitations of race, class, nationality, sect, concerning the relation of the local commu-
and personality, and their privilege of con- nity to the Baha'i World Community.
tributing to the power of the Cause in the Individual Baha'is are to find in the Nine-
realm of collective action. teen Day Feast the channel through which to
make suggestions and recommendations to
Calendar of the Nineteen Day the National Spiritual Assembly. These
recommendations are offered first to the lo-
Feast cal community, and when adopted by the
March 21 July 13 November 23 community come before the local Assembly,
April 9 August 1 December 12 which then may in its discretion forward the
April 28 August 20 December 31 recommendation to the National Spiritual
May 17 September 8 January 19 Assembly accompanied by its own considered
June 5 September 27 February 7 view.
June 24 October 16 March 2 Provision is to be made for reports from
November 4 committees, with discussion of each report.
The Spiritual Assembly is responsible for Finally, the meeting is to be open for sug-
the holding of the Nineteen Day Feast. If gestions and recommendations from indi-
the Baha'i calendar for some adequate rea- vidual believers on any matter affecting the
son cannot be observed, the Assembly may Cause.
arrange to hold a Feast at the nearest pos- The local Baha'i community may adopt
sible date. by majority vote any resolution which it
Only members of the Baha'i community, wishes ácollectively to record as its advice and
and visiting Baha'is from other communities, recommendation to the Spiritual Assembly.
may attend these meetings, but young people Upon each member of the community lies
of less than twenty--0ne years of age, who the obligation to make his or her utmost con-
have studied the Teachings and declared tribution to the consultation, the ideal being
their intention of joining the community on a gathering of Baha'is inspired with one
reaching the age of twenty-one, may also spirit and concentrating upon the one aim to
attend. further the interests of the Faith.
Regular attendance at the Nineteen Day The Secretary of the Assembly records
Feast is incumbent upon every Baha'i, ill- each resolution adopted by the community,
nesás or absence from the city being the only as well as the various suggestions advanced
justification for absence. 'Believers are ex- during the meeting, in order to report these
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 7
to the Spiritual Assembly for its considera- When confronted with evidences of un-
ation. Whatever action the Assembly takes happiness, whether directed against the As-
is to be reported at a later Nineteen Day sembly or against members of the commu-
Feast. nity, the Spiritual Assembly should realize
Matters of a personal nature should be that its relationship to the believers is not
brought to the Spiritual Assembly and not merely that of a formal constitutional body
to the community at the Nineteen Day Feast. but also that of a spiritual institution called
Concerning the attitude with which believers upon to manifest the attributes of courtesy,
should come to these Feasts, the Master has patience and loving insight. Many condi-
said, "You must free yourselves from every- tions are not to be remedied by the exercise
thing that is in your hearts, before you en- of power and authority but rather by a sym-
ter." (Baha'i News Letter of the N. S. A. of pathetic understanding of the sources of the
Germany and Austria, December, 1934.) difficulty in the hearts of the friends. As
B. The annual Meeting on April 21, called 'Abdu'l-Baha has explained, some of the
for the election of the Spiritual Assembly, people are children and must be trained,
provides the occasion for the presentation of some are ignorant and must be educated,
annual reports by the Assembly and by all some are sick and must be healed. Where,
its Committees. however, the problem is not of this order but
The Chairman of the outgoing Assembly represents flagrant disobedience and disloy-
presides at this meeting. alty to the Cause itself, in that case the As-
The Order of Business includes: Reading sembly should consult with the National
of the call of the meeting, reading of ap- Spiritual Assembly concerning the necessity
propriate Baha'i passages bearing upon the for disciplinary action.
subject of the election, appointment of tel- Members of the Baha'i community, for
lers, distribution of ballots, prayers for the their part, should do their utmost by prayer
spiritual guidance of the voters, the election, and meditation to remain always in a posi-
presentation of annual reports, tellers' re- tive and joyous spiritual condition, bearing
port of the election, approval of the tellers' in mind the Tablets which call upon Baha'is
report. to serve the world of humanity and not waste
their precious energies in negative com-
C. The Annual Meeting for the election of plaints.
Convention delegate (or delegates) is like-
wise presided over by the Assembly Chair-
man, and except for the annual reports the IV. BAHA't ANNIVERSA-
Order of Business is similar to that observed RIES, FESTIVALS AND
at the meeting held each April 21. It is pre- DAYS OF FASTING
ferable for the Spiritual Assembly to arrange
a special meeting for the election of dele- The Spiritual Assembly, among its vari-
gates, and not hold this election during the ous duties and responsibilities, will provide
consultation period of a Nineteen Day Feast. for the general observance by the local com-
D. In addition to these occasions for gen- munity of the following Holy Days:
eral consultation, the Spiritual Assembly is Feast of Ridvan (Declaration of Ba-
to give consultation to individual believers ha'u'llah) April 21-May 2, 1863.
whenever requested. Declaration of the Bab, May 23, 1844.
During such consultation with individual Ascension of Baha'u'llah, May 29, 1892.
believers, the Assembly should observe the Martyrdom of the Bab, July 9, 1850.
following principles: the impartiality of each Birth of the Bab, October 20, 1819.
of its members with respect to all matters Birth of Baha'u'llah, November 12, 1817.
under discussion ; the freedom of the indi- Day of the ,Covenant, November 26.
vidual Baha'i to express his views, feelings Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha, November 28,
and recommendations on any matter affect- 1921.
ing the interests of the Cause, the confiden- Period of the Fast, nineteen days begin-
tial character of this consultation, and the ning March 2.
principle that the Spiritual Assembly does Feast of Naw-Ruz (Baha'i New Year)
not adopt any resolution, or make any final March 21.-N. 8. A.
decision, until the party or parties have with-
drawn from the meeting.
Appeals from decisions of a local Spiritual
Assembly are provided for in the By-Laws
and the procedure fully described in a state-
ment published in Baha'i News, February,
1933, and reprinted in this work.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 8
DUTIES AND OBLIGA- of the Baha'i Faith or opposed to its best
interests. It shall, on the other hand, have
TIONS OF A LOCAL the authority and right to appeal from the
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY decision of the National Assembly to the
Guardian of the Faith for review and final
From By-Laws Approved by decision of any matter related to the Faith
in the City of ........ .
the Guardian
Article III-The Spiritual Assembly, in Article IV-The Spiritual Assembly, in
the fulfilment of its obligations and respon- administering this Corporation, shall ever
sibilities under this Corporation, shall have bear in mind the ideals upheld in the Sacred
exclusive jurisdiction and authority over all Writings of the Baha'i Faith respecting the
the local activities and affairs of the Baha'i relationships of a Spiritual Assembly to its
community of •the City of ......... , includ- Baha'i community, respecting the relations
ing paramount authority in the administra- of Baha'is to one another in the community,
tion of this Corporation. It shall be respon- and the relationships of Baha'is to all non-
sible for maintaining the integrity and ac- Baha'is, without prejudice of race, creed,
curacy of all Baha'i teaching, whether writ- class or nationality. The Assembly shall
ten or oral, undertaken throughout the local therefore rubove all recognize its sacred duty
community. It shall make available the pub- to maintain full and complete unity through-
lished literature of the Faith. It shall rep- out the Baha'i community, to relieve and
resent the community in its relations to the comfort the sick and distressed, to assist the
National Spiritual Assembly, in its relation poor and destitute, to protect the orphans,
to the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith, to the crippled and the aged, to educate the chil-
other local Baha'i communities, and to the dren of Baha'is according to the highest re-
general public in the City of ..... ' . . . . It ligious and intellectual standards, to compose
shall be charged with the recognition of all differences and disagreements among mem-
applicants requesting membership in the bers of the community, to promulgate the
local Baha'i community. It shall pass upon principles of Divine Civilization revealed by
the right of any and all members of the com- Baha'u'llah, and to promote in every way pos-
munity whose membership is in question to sible the Baha'i aim of the oneness of man-
retain their status as voting members of the kind. It shall faithfully and devotedly up-
community. It shall call the meetings of the hold the general Baha'i activities and affairs
community, including the Baha'i Anniver- initiated and sustained by the National Spir-
saries and Feasts, the meetings of consulta- itual Assembly. It shall cooperate whole-
tion, the Annual Meeting and the meeting heartedly with other local Spiritual Assem-
for the election of delegates to the Annual blies throughout North America in all mat-
Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly. ters declared by the National Spiritual As-
It shall appoint and supervise all commit- sembly to be of general Baha'i importance
tees of the Baha'i community. It shall col- and concern. It shall rigorously abstain
lect and disburse all funds intended for the from any action or influence, direct or indi-
maintenance of this Corporation. It shall rect, that savors of intervention on the part
have full and complete custody of the head- of a Baha'i body in matters of public poli-
quarters or meeting place of the Baha'i com- tics and civil jurisdiction. It shall encour-
munity. It shall report to the National Spirit- age intercourse between the Baha'i com-
ual Assembly annually, or when requested, munity of the City of . . . . . . . . . . and other
the membership roll of the Baha'i commun- recognized Baha'i communities, issuing let-
ity, for the information and approval of the ters of introduction to Baha'is traveling from
national Baha'i body. The Spiritual Assem- . . . . . . . . . and passing upon letters of intro-
bly, however, shall recognize the authority duction issued by other Baha'i Assemblies.
and right of the National Spiritual Assem- It shall regard its authority as a means of
bly to declare at any time what activities rendering service to Baha'is and non-Baha'is
and affairs of the Baha'i community of the and not as a source of arbitrary power.
City of . . . . . . . . . are national in scope and While retaining the sacred right of final de-
hence subject to the jurisdiction of the na- cision in all matters pertaining to the Ba-
tional Baha'i body. It shall likewise recog- ha'i community, the Spiritual Assembly shall
nize the right of any member of the com- ever seek the advice and consultation of all
munity to appeal to the National Spiritual members of the community, keep the com-
Assembly for review and decision of any munity informed of all its affairs, and invite
matter in which the previous decision of the full and free discussion on the part of the
local Spiritual Assembly is felt by the mem- community of all matters affecting the Faith.
ber to be contrary to the explicit teachings -N.S.A.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 9
THE INSTITUTION OF THE to believe are possessed of certain qualities :
"unquestioned loyalty, selfless devotion, a
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY well trained mind, recognized ability, ma-
ture experience." 1 The efficiency and in-
For a period of more than ten years, a tegrity of a Spiritual Assembly, therefore,
large portion of our collective effort has been depends upon the degree to which, in every
devoted to the task of developing the insti- Baha'i election, the believers conscientiously
tutions described in the Master's Will and meet the Guardian's standard.
Testament and the subject matter of most of The Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
the general communications issued by the afford a procedure controlling to a certain
Guardian of the Faith. extent the methods which should be carried
At our present state of development there out by members of a Spiritual Assembly in
appears to be a need for a more definite and performing their duties at meetings. It is
widespread understanding of the institution clear, for example, that decisions are made
of a Spiritual Assembly as it affects its ?wn by unanimous vote, but unanimity lacking,
members-as it calls for a new and umque by vote of the majority. 'Abdu'l-Baha re-
loyalty on the part of its nine members to vealed a Tablet, quoted by the Guardian 2 in
the Assembly itself. one of his earliest general letters, emphatical-
The National Spiritual Assembly there- ly commanding every member of an Assem-
fore takes the occasion to offer a few re- bly to abide by its decisions. The teachings_
marks on this phase of the subject, in the recognize no minority rights whatsoever
hope that they will clarify this important within the body of an Assembly. Every de-
matter and assist the believers to appreciate cision made by a Spiritual Assem:bly is bind-
the firm basis on which every local and Na- ing upon each and all its members alike,
tional Assembly must rest if it is to fulfil whatever their personal views, prior to the
its responsibility to the Cause. final vote, may have been.
It is necessary to bear in mind the fact Two observations should be made in con-
that the Spiritual Assembly is not a body nection with the process of consultation lead-
created by the believers, even though iby their ing up to the decision. First, that during
votes at elections they determine its member- the consultation it is not merely the right
ship. The institution itself was created by but the sacred duty of each member to ex-
Baha'u'llah. Unlike the institutions set up press his or her opinion fully and freely,
,by a democracy, whose functions and powers for only through a true consensus of opinion
are strictly defined by the people, with a defi- can all aspects of a question be thoroughly
nite reservation of certain rights to the body explored. Secondly, that the termination of
of the citizens-including the right to annul the period of consultation and the taking of
the constitution and adopt an entirely new the vote, is a matter which the majority can
political charter-a Spiritual Assembly rests decide. The right to express one's view fully
upon sanctions higher than that of the vot- and freely does not imply the power to pro-
ing community. Its functions and powers are long the consultation indefinitely and to the
unalterable. The responsibility of its mem- point of stubbornness. The majority can di-
bers is not to the electorate but to the higher rect the chairman to bring the matter to vote
authority resident in the Cause. whenever it is conscientiously felt that all
This general principle has brought into views have been presented and further dis-
being the necessity for a definite loyalty on cussion would be useless repetition or one-
the part of all Assembly members to the in- sided argument. Without this clear right
stitution which collectively they compose. vested in the majority, the capacity of a
They are trustees of its duties, responsibili- Spiritual Assembly to transact the business
ties, rights and powers, and not merely rep- before it would be fatally limited.
resentatives of the community nor of any The opinion is sometimes expressed that
party or faction thereof. In meeting this Spiritual Assemblies are too prone to main-
obligation to the Assembly itself, the mem- tain an attitude of secrecy and aloofness, in
bers can have utmost confidence that they violation of the sacred unity of the Cause.
are rendering the fullest and truest service
to the body of the believers concerned. 1
See "Baha'i Administration," page 79.
It is important to note that upon the Ba- • "If after discussion, a decision be carried unani-
mously, well and good; but if, the Lord forbid,
ha'i electors themselves there rests a special differences of opinion should arise, a majority of
responsibity in relation to the election. Thus, voices must prevail .... It is again not permitted
that any one of the honored members object to or
in describing the functions of Convention censure, whether in or out of the meeting, any de-
delegates, Shoghi Effendi declared that they cision arrived at previously, though that decision
should cast their ballots for none save those be not right, for such criticism would prevent any
decision from being enforced." See "Baha'i Ad-
whom prayer and meditation inspire them ministration," pages 21, 22, 23.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 10
This opinion requires clear analysis, if which Assembly business is t.o be reported
Assemblies are to avoid going from one ex- outside the meeting, are obvious requisites to
treme attitude to the other, in each case fail- the proper functioning of the institution.
ing to attain the true balance. Shoghi Effendi has written that the admin-
What is and must he preserved inviolate istrative order of the Faith is still in a con-
from mere gossip and rumor are the per- dition of infancy.
sonal views expressed by the members on This may be fully recognized and admitted,
any matter before the vote is taken. If any but the condition of infancy is not intended
member of an Assembly leaves a meeting to be perpetual. Great blessings will, we are
and expresses criticism of the attitude ex- assured, be released when the Baha'i institu-
pressed by any other member in the period tions develop t.o the point of internal unity
of full and free consultation, this is destruc- and of harmonious relations to the commun-
tive of the spirit of mutual confidence and ity. The privilege of contributing to the
trust which must ,be maintained by every steady evolution of those institutions which
Assembly, and can but lead to disunity and a are the "pattern and nucleus" of the World
weakening of .its capacity for service to the Order of Baha'u'llah is granted to every be-
Cause. So long as a member who had ex- liever, but more especially to those to whom
pressed one opinion is willing to abide by the have been given positions of responsibility
result of unanimous or majority vote, there and trust. If members of Spiritual Assem-
is no ground of criticism in that his opinion, blies will attain trustworthiness, and exhibit
prior to the vote, was different from that an individual and collective attitude showing
established by the vote. forth both knowledge of the Teachings and
A Spiritual Assembly is an institution and scrupulous obedience to them, the long-await-
not merely nine believers who happen to hold ed and long prayed-for renaissance of public
office. The great obligations and duties laid teaching, and vital growth in the Cause, will
upon that institution are superior to any surely follow, as day follows night.
rights assumed by some of its members. The fact that a Spiritual Assembly is an
Within its sphere of jurisdiction, as the institution independent of the will of the
Guardian has said, a Spiritual Assembly has electoral body does not in any way sanction
undivided authority. the spirit of aloofness and separation from
The difference between secrecy and trust- the community. On the contrary, it means
worthiness is again exemplified when we con- that the Assembly is left entirely free to
sider the important subject of conferences seek divine guidance for all its deliberations
held by a Spiritual Assembly with individual and decisions, and has been given a truly
members of the community. If the believers Providential opportunity to serve the com-
find by experience that they cannot bring munity as a whole. An Assembly, it must
personal matters to an Assembly without be repeated again and again, is not the crea-
having rumor and gossip immediately circu- ture or servant of any limited group or fac-
late throughout the community, such a con- tion. Quite irrespective of how the various
dition is a serious charge for which that As- members of the community might have cast
sembly cannot escape responsibility. As the their ballots for members of the Assembly,
Cause develops, each Assembly will increas- the Assembly once elected has an impartial
ingly be called upon to deal with certain mat- relationship of service to the welfare of the
ters of a personal and confidential nature, Cause in its city or nation. No institution
and the time has surely come when a firm in human history has ever rested upon a
f oundatiori of trustworthiness should be laid. foundation so impregnable to the assaults of
Matters of a general nature coming before ambition, pride, self-interest, envy and mal-
a Spiritual Assembly should ibe reported to ice, whether from without or within.
the community at each Nineteen Day Feast. A Spiritual Assembly, raised above per-
It should be readily possible for an Assembly sonal emotion and touched with a vision of
to determine what matters are confidential, divine justice, becomes an indestructible link
and of the nature of a trust, and what mat- in the chain of peace, economic stability and
ters concern the Cause and are of interest progress which the Supreme Manifestation
and importance to the entire Baha'i com- has forged for the protection of mankind.
munity. When a matter is recorded as con- Much has been offered to, much will be re-
fidential each member should scrupulously quired from, all who are elected to member-
preserve it as such. When a matter is re- ship in such an institution.-N. S. A.
corded otherwise, it should be reported in
the form recorded in the minutes and by
whatever officer is designated to make the
"THE SACRED BASIC PRIN-
report. Fran\ki discussion of these points, and CIPLES OF BAHA'U'LLAH"
full agreement as to the conditions under "/ f thou desirest to be confirmed in the
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 11
service of the Kingdom of God, live in accord others.
with the teachings of Baha'u'llah, and that It is manifest, therefore, that neither one
is: real love for the world of humanity, and of these two great principles is sufficient unto
the utmost kindness for the believers of God. itself but must be comb1ned into an ordered
This real love, like unto the magnetic power, unity, each perfectly supplementary to the
attracts the Divine c.onfirmations."-('AB- other and neither permitted to interpose any
DU'L-BAHA.) rigid barriers to the proper functioning of
We realize the vital im1>0rtance-in these the other.
early days when the concept of the Baha'i In the body of man, which is the true di-
World Order is gradually penetrating into vine example or parallel, the spirit, when in
the thought and knowledge of all types and ideal control of all the lesser parts of the or-
classes of world thinkers-of preserving in- ganism, finds the utmost harmony through-
tact the sacred basic principles of Baha'u'l- out the whole body-each part is in perfect
lah, fortifying them against compromise, and reciprocity with the other parts. The com-
demonstrating to the world that there are mands and impulses of the spirit are obeyed
truly divine remedies for the spiritual and by the body and the body in turn in its ac-
mental diseases of the body politic. Among tions and function identifies and determines
these great principles, two stand out pre- the expression the spiritual impulses shall
eminently at this time as essential to the suc- take. This is divine unity-and this law
cessful establishment of the Baha'i Cause in being universal and found in every created
the West. Each of these two :principles is object in the universe, has full application
supplementary to the other, and the failure to the universal Baha'i organism made up of
or weakening of one can seriously, if not dan- believers everywhere, which has been estab-
gerously, affect the application of the other. lished by the Manifestation of God.
These two principles are like unto the body Therefore, we would emphasize, it be-
and soul itself, neither of which is capable hooves all of us-all Assemblies and all be-
of performing its true function without the lievers generally-if we would render the
ever-present assistance of the other. highest service to the Divine Cause in our
(1) The administrative order (one of the generation, not only to realize but to apply
two principles ref erred to), is the indispensa- in our Baha'i service the most perfect co-
ble instrumentality through which the glor- ordination and unification of these two great
ious spirit of the Baha'i Cause finds expres- principles in every Baha'i contact, whether
sion. This spirit, in turn, is the second prin- in the :processes of consultation or in our mu-
ciple referred to. Should we build up the tual dealings with each other.
administrative world order to a point of ab- (2) áAbdu'l-Baha once said that the
solute perfection but at the same time allow American people because of the system of
it to be hampered or disconnected from the partisan politics developed an individualism
channels within, through which channels the which made it very difficult for them to take
Holy Spirit of the Cause pours forth, we counsel together and abide by the results
would have nothing more than a perfected of that counsel. The interruptions of govern-
body out of touch with and cut off from the mental process through the necessities of
finer promptings of the soul or spirit. If, on elections and destructive criticisms by mem-
the other hand, the influxes and goings forth bers of one party of the other party, had
of the spirit are scattered, diffused and sub- created a condition wherein true consultation
jected wholly to the more or less imperfect was well-nigh unknown. We know that the
guidance and interpretation of individual be- Master's criticism was only too true.
lievers, lacking both the wisdom secured (3) The Baha'i administration is a most
through consultation and also the lights of advanced step forward toward the elimina-
• real unity which shine through cons\lltative tion of this condition. The National Spirit-
action and obedience thereto-a disordered ual Assembly stands squarely behind every
and disorganized activity would be witnessed, essential element of Baha'i administration,
which would but dimly reflect the divine pur- but while no relaxation should be suffered in
pose for this age, which is no less than the the application of the administrative princi-
estaJblishment of the reign of divine love, ples at any time, we deem it to be doubly im-
justice and wisdom in the world, under and portant, in these days when this divine meth-
in conformity to the Divine Law. od of dealing with religious problems is be-
In short, such conditions would create coming rooted in American institutions, that
countless individual interpretations and, in those coordinate elements which have been
the end, multitudinous sects and denomina- so emphasized by our Guardian in connection
tions, such as have been witnessed in the with the administration should be most con-
former religions, each daiming to possess a scientiously applied. We would refer for a
greater truth or guidance than any of the moment to the need of having ever in mind
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 12
the in--dwelling spirit of the administration, must be maintained, which we referred to
which is the real life and purpose of Ba- in the opening paragraphs of this letter, our
ha'u'llah's revelation, and is, in reality, the Guardian on Page 54 tells us-
effulgence of the Holy Spirit, itself. Without "At the very root of the Cause lies the
this Spirit, reflected in every administrative principle of the undoubted right of the indi-
act, the body of the administration becomes vidual to self-expression, his freed om to de-
rigid, opaque and lifeless, for the Sun of Di- clare his conscience and set forth his views."
vine Love finds no responsive mirror upon And again-
which to reflect its life-giving rays. This "Let us also bear in mind that the keynote
Holy Spirit is the greatest bestowal of God of the Cause of God is not dictatorial author-
in this age, and for this, the Founders of the ity but humble fellowship, not arbitrary
Cause, and the martyred believers, endured power, but the spirit of frank and loving con-
countless afflictions at the hands of a world sultation. Nothing short of the spirit of a
that knew not this holy potency. In every true Baha'i can hope to reconcile the prin-
administrative act, this Spirit should illumine ciples of mercy and justice, of freedom and
and warm the believers who are affected. On submission, of the sanctity of the right of
Page 19 of Baha'i Administration, Shoghi the individual and of self-surrender, of vigil-
Effendi says we are expected "to obliterate ance, discretion and prudence on rthe one
as much as possible all traces of censure, of hand, and fellowship, candor and courage
conflicting discussion, of cooling remarks, of on the other."
petty unnecessary observations that impede And as to the duties of elected representa-
the onward march of the Cause, that damp tives, he says, on Page 55-
the zeal of the firm believer and detract from "They should approach their task with ex-
the sublimity of the Baha'i Cause in the eyes treme humility, and endeavor, by their open-
of the inquirer." On page 22, quoting from mindedness, their high sense of justice and
the words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, our Guardian duty, their candor, their modesty, their en-
draws our attention to these words, referring tire devotion to the welfare and interests of
to members of Assemblies- the friends, the Cause, and humanity-to
"They must in every matter search out the win, not only the confidence and the genuine
truth and not insist upon their own opinion, support and respect of those whom they
for stubboo-nness and persistence in one's serve, but also their esteem and real aff ec-
views will lead rultimately to discord and tion. They must, at all times, avoid the spirit
wrangling and the truth will remain hidden. of exclusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy,
The honored members must with all freedom free themselves from a domineering attitude,
express their own thoughts, and it is in no and banish all forms of prejudice and passion
wise permissible for one to belittle the from their deliberations. They should, with-
thought of another. Should the least trace in the limits of wise discretion, take the
of estrangement prevail, the result shall be friends into their confidence, acquaint them
darkness upon darkness." with their plans, share with them their prob-
Again on Page 30, quoting from 'Abdu'l- lems and anxieties, and seek their advice and
Baha, it is stated- counsel."
"lt behooveth the loved ones of God to be We are quoting these several references
enamored of one another and to sacrifice as a reminder and aid to all established As-
themselves for their fellow-workers in the semblies, since various problems are found
Cause. They should yearn towards one an- to a greater or lesser degree in various cen-
other even as the sore athirst yearneth for ters. These injunctions and their observance
the Water of Life, and the lover burneth to constitute the divine remedy as applied to
meet his heart's desire." the internal affairs •Of our administrative
On Page 33, our Guardian says, in speak- processes, and we are assured that their due
ing of .Spir.itual Assemblies- application will open the paths of harmony,
"They must endeavor to promote amity happiness and the successful advance of the
and concord amongst the friends, efface ev- Cause in the western world.
ery lingering trace of distrust, coolness and ( 4) Our Guardian's letters on adminis-
estrangement from every heart, and secure tration are replete with clear and unmistak-
in its stead an active and wholehearted co- able references to the authority and juris-
operation for the service of the Cause." diction which rests in every local Assembly
On Page 36, he warns us against extreme over the affairs of the Cause in its vicinity.
orthodoxy on one hand, and irresponsible Every believer who is a member of a local
freedom on the other, lest these cause it ("the Baha'i community is under a paramount
Cause") to deviate from the Straight Path spiritual duty to cooperate in his or her Ba-
which alone can lead it to success. ha'i activities with the duly expressed deci,.
As bearing upon this delicate balance that sions of a Spiritual Assembly. The para-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 13
mount obligation of every individual believer (6) Any failure of either of the two ,prin-
is to maintain unity. It is the obligation of ciples first alluded to, whether firmness in
a believer in a community to •bring any mat- the administration or a lack of the spirit of
ters of complaint or misunderstanding first Baha'i love, fellowship and happiness in
• to his Local Assembly. The believers on carrying out the measures of the administra-
their part will realize that the law of God tion, can only serve to prolong and confuse
is a just law, and that in this day, it has ex- the solution of such a problem as we have
tended its provisions to every important mat- encountered. The true balance between
ter. Thus, not only is every individual be- these two principles must ;be invariably found
liever entitled to the right of electoral fran- before such a ,problem or, for that matter,
chise in the choice of his local Spiritual As- any other problem can be efficiently and
sembly but also in cases where he feels ag- promptly settled. Otherwise, justice finds
grieved at the decision of a body, a right of defeat, and needless suffering results.
appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly is It is certain that this experience has had
provided. Through these means, ultimate its value in a better understanding of all fac-
justice is assured. The whole fabric of Ba- tors which must be considered in dealing
ha'i administration rests upon the acceptance with the greater problems that will confront
by the friends of the considered decisions of the Cause in the future. It is doubtless too
their Local Assemblies, and this is the very much to expect that any Assembly, whether
essence and root of the law of consultation National or Local, in this early dawn of the
which Baha'u'llah has called us to obey. It establishment of the Baha'i World Order,
follows from this that there can be no such with the added factor of the necessity of edu-
thing as non-cooperation with an elected lo- cating and informing the whole body of be-
cal Assembly inasmuch as such a procedure lievers, could hope to solve complex problems
utterly def eats the central purpose of con- with the utmost simplicity and expedition.
sultation. Any cause or causes, which might (7) It is our ardent hope that from this
otherwise tend to create an attitude of non- hour, the bonds of true union, fellowship and
cooperation on the part of a believer, should an ever-increasing harmony and happiness
be at once placed before the Local Assembly, will be consciously realized in our common
in the spirit of Baha'i frankness and trust- problems, and that the National Spiritual As-
meanwhile preserving full cooperation, and sembly, together with all the local represen-
awaiting the just decision of the Assembly. tative bodies in the west and the great body
Grievances when made a matter of appeal to of believers in every section will, in the
the National Assembly, following an adverse words of our Guardian "form one united
decision of a Local Assembly, should have a front and combat wisely and tactfully every
substantial basis, affecting the welfare of force that might darken the spirit of the
the Cause, and should be frankly and definite- Movement, cause division in its ranks and
ly stated in writing, and sent to the Na- narrow it by dogmatic and sectarian belief."
tional Secretary. Let us take home to our hearts, anew, this
(5) These matters ,now being defined, following picture of reality our Guardian
and assuring you that the National Spiritual has given us, which affirms the presence of
Assembly will defend and safeguard to every God in the Kingdom He is establishing-to
necessary extent these vital requisites of Ba- a world that has labored vainly to reduce
ha'i life-we would point out to Assemblies Him to a mere shadow. Our Guardian
our feeling that one of their essential duties says:-
during periods of confusion and unrest, such "Are we to doubt that the ways of God
as the present, is to win the confidence and are not necessarily the ways of man? Is not
loyalty of every declared believer. We would faith but another word for implicit obedi-
urge you this year* especially to make it ence, whole-hearted allegiance, uncompromis-
your paramount obligation, individually and ing adherence to that which we believe is
collectively, to show an attitude of love, com- the revealed and expressed will of God, how-
passion and of happiness and harmony ever áperplexing it might first appear, how-
toward the beloved of God, without excep- ever at variance with the shadowy views, the
tion. We feel that Baha'i administration in impotent doctrines, the crude theories, the
no sense affords any excuse to confuse the idle imaginings, the fashionable conceptions
element of loyalty to the representative bo- of a transient and troublous age? If we are
dies with irritating discourtesies or an over- to falter or hesitate, if our love for Him
bearing disposition, or a negative, cold and should fail to direct us and keep us within
slighting attitude, under any circumstances, His path, if we desert Divine and emphatic
•on the part of the Assembly itself. principles, what hope can we any more cher-
ish for healing the ills and sicknesses of this
* 1930. world?"
BAHA'1 PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 14
We cannot close this statement without ap- vided by the N. S. A. for that purpose. Those
pealing to all the beloved of God to renew, having more than nine elect the Assembly by
in this critical period of humanity's history, secret ballot, and report the election on the
the altar flame of Divine love in each indi- form issued to all Assemblies prior to April
vidual heart; to cleanse the chamber of the 21.-N. S. A.
soul for His indwelling; to ever remember Regarding the formation of local Assem-
that God is concerned with the redemption blies, the Guardian does not advise any de-
of the wandering and straying sheep, and to parture from the principle that every civil
show forth to all such the wondrous power community should have its own independent
of His Love and Generosity; holding fast Assembly.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
to the divine principles without compromise (In answer to the question whether, in the
or deviation, but making our service a bene- case of a new Assembly, the membership of
diction and a blessing to every inquirer and the community could reside in two or more
needy one, and demonstrating the security adjoining civil communities.)
of our faith by the evidences of happiness,
serenity and the bestowals of the Holy Spir- INCORPORATION OF
it. This is the hour for a new and unprece-
dented delivery of the Great Message. Let. LOCAL ASSEMBLY
us fortify our efforts by now realigning our It is surely very important to give to the
nucleus, rank upon rank, in the bonds of the Local Spiritual Assemblies some legal stand-
Divine Unity, each to each.-N. S. A. ing, for as the Cause progresses and its ad-
herents increase, they will be confronted
OBLIGATION TO FORM A with duties they cannot even imagine at pres-
ent. Not only will they have to make con-
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY tracts for acquiring halls for their meeting
Shoghi Effendi feels that in any locality place, but also they will be obliged to create
where the number of adult believers reaches new institutions to care for their sick, poor
nine, a Local Assembly should be established. and aged people. We hope that before long
He feels this to be an obligation rather than the Bahais will even (be able to) afford to
a purely voluntary act. Only in exceptional have schools that would provide the children
cases has the National Spiritual Assembly the intellectual and spiritual education as
the right to postpone the formation of an prescribed in the writings of Baha'u'llah and
Assembly if it feels that the situation does the Master.
not warrant such a formation. This right, For such duties that will naturally devolve
however, should be exercised if the situation upon the Local Spiritual Assemblies there
absolutely demands it. As to the principle will be an increasing need for a legal stand-
according to which the area of the jurisdic- ing. They will have to be considered as a
tion of a Local Assembly is to be determined, legal person with the power of making ibind-
he feels this to 1be the function of the Na- ing contracts.
tional Spiritual Assembly; whatever princi- In small centers where the friends are
ple they uphold should be fairly applied to still few, the taking of such steps is rather
all localities without any distinction what- premature and may add to the complexity of
ever.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. Baha'i administration.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
For the future, the election of new Spirit- The National Spiritual Assembly has voted
ual Assemblies by members of local groups to publish in Baha'i News the statement that
which contain nine or more recognized be- local Assemblies are advised to engage ex-
lievers is to be conducted in the light of the pert legal assistance in adapting the local
following procedure adopted by the National By-Laws to the Religious Statutes of their
Spiritual Assembly. particular State; and also that meanwhile
"It was moved, seconded and voted to the National Assembly feels it advisable and
adopt and record the following ruling in necessary for all local Assemblies without
order to prevent confusion on the part of new exception to abide by the set of By-Laws
Baha'i communities, that hereafter applica- approved by the Guardian.
tions from Baha'i groups for election of a Local Assemblies are to submit to the Na-
Spiritual Assembly must be made directly to tional Assembly for final approval their plans
the National Assembly not later than Febru- for local incorporation before the legal action
ary first of any year, in order to allow time is consummated.
for this body to discharge its responsibility The Legal Committee of the National
in preparing the group." Spiritual Assembly, in passing upon the suffi-
Groups having exactly nine declared be- ciency of the incorporation papers of a local
lievers establish a Spiritual Assembly by Spiritual Assembly, desires to impress upon
joint declaration, using a special form pro- all local Assemblies contemplating local in-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 15
corporation that a copy of the State statute turn to service, the Assembly should recog-
under which the corporation is being set nize the vacancy and arrange a meeting of
up, should be, in all cases, forwarded to the the community to elect a new member.-_
National Spiritual Assembly with the pro- N. S. A.
posed incorporation papers. He believes that your Assembly was well
Consideration and approval of any local advised in adopting such a ruling. For it
incorporation papers cannot be completed is only too obvious that unless a member can
without such copies of the State law.-N. S. attend regularly the meetings of his local
A. Assembly, it would be impossible for him to
ANNUAL ELECTION discharge the duties incumbent upon him,
Until further notice, the annual meeting and to fulfill his responsibilities, as a repre-
called on April 21 for the election of the sentative of the community. Membership
local Spiritual Assembly is to rbe conducted in a local Spiritual Assembly carries with it,
by the officers of the outgoing Assembly and indeed, an obligation and capacity to remain
not by officers elected by those present at in close touch with local Baha'i activities,
this meeting. and ability to attend regularly the session of
It has also been voted to record the deci- the Assembly.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
sion that in the election of the National and
local Assemblies, when the result of the VOTING LIST
ballot is that eight members are elected but Hereafter the annual voting list furnished
two or more believers are tied for the ninth by local Assemblies to the N. S. A. should be
membership, the second ballot taken to elimi- accompanied by a separate list of all believers
nate the tie vote must be limited to voting transferred to and from each Assembly.
for one of the two or more names who hap- It was moved, seconded and voted to rec-
pen to have received a tie vote for the ninth ord in these Minutes as the consensus of opin-
place. ion of the National Assembly, that the re-
Members of a local community have the moval of voting members by local Assem-
right to the local membership list at local blies should be made conditional upon prior
elections. The list can be prepared alpha- report to and recommendation by this body,
betically, and copies handed out for use only and that the removal of any believer from the
during the period of balloting. voting list does not involve passing upon
When a believer is admitted into member- such person's spiritual status but only af-
ship in a Baha'i community, he thereby re- fects his local relationship to the administra-
ceives all the rights, privileges and duties tive order of the Cause and that in the Guar-
of Baha'i membership, and it is for the Spir- dian alone is vested the right to pass upon
itual Assembly to postpone the admission of an individual's spiritual condition.-N. S. A.
applicants until they have familiarized each
applicant with the members of the commun-
ity. In other words, it is part of the teach- ADMITTANCE OF NEW
ing responsibility of a local Assembly to BELIEVERS
make applicants acquainted with their fellow
believers. Otherwise a new 1believer is un- As regards the admittance of new members
able to use his voting right intelligently.- into the different groups as declared Baha'is,
N. S.A. and the expulsion of any from the commun-
Concerning the institution of new Assem- ity, Shoghi Effendi believes that the Assem-
blies, Shoghi Effendi believes that the pres- blies should not act hurriedly. They should
ent form of the By-laws which considers be wise and most considerate, otherwise they
April 21 as the only date on any year, though can do much harm to the body of the Cause.
it has some disadvantages, yet as a whole is They should see to it that the new-comer is
better than otherwise. One year of experi- truly conversant with the teachings, and
ence will better enable it to participate in when he e~resses his belief in the revelation
the important national (Baha'i) affairs. of Baha'u'llah, knows what he is saying and
Then there will be a sort of uniformity what are the duties he undertakes.
throughout the Baha'i world.-SH0GHI EF- On the other hand when any person is ex-
FENDI. pelled, the Assembly should not act hurried-
ly. There is a great spiritual responsibility
ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TO attached to the act. The Assemblies do not
have only rights against the individuals, they
ATTEND MEETINGS have great duties also. They should act like
When a member or officer of a local Spirit- the good shepherd whom Christ mentions in
ual Assembly cannot function for an indefi- His well-known parable. We also have the
nite period, ai:ld there is no certainty of re- example of the Master before us. The indi-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 16
vidual Baha'is were organic parts of His would only venture to state very briefly and
spiritual being. What befell the least one of as adequately as present circumstances per-
the friends brought deep affliction and sor- mit the principal factors that must be taken
row to him also. If by chance one of them into consideration before deciding whether a
erred he counselled him and increased His person may be regarded as a true believer
love and affection, if the Master saw that or not. Full recognition of the station of the
that friend is still stubbornly refusing to re- Forerunner, the Author, and the True Ex-
form his ways, and that his living among the emplar of the Baha'i Cause, as set forth in
other Baha'is endangered the spiritual life 'Abdu'l-Baha's Testament; unreserved accep-
of the rest, then He would expel him from tance of, and submission to, whatsover has
the group. This should 1bethe attitude of the been revealed by their Pen ; loyal and stead-
Assemblies toward the individuals. 'Thebest fast adherenee to every clause of our Be-
criterion whereby you can measure the spirit- loved's sacred Will; and close association
ual attainment of an Assembly is the extent with the spirit as well as the form of the pre-
its members feel themselves responsible for sent day Baha'i administration throughout
the welfare of the group. And perchance the world-these I conceive to be the funda-
they feel forced to deprive a person from his mental and primary considerations that must
vote it should be only to safeguard the rest be fairly, discreetly and thoughtfully ascer-
and not merely to inflict punishment.- tained before reaching such a vital decision.
SHOGHI EFFENDI. Any attempt at further analysis and elucida-
tion will, I fear, land us in barren discus-
RESIDENTIAL REQUIRE- sions and even grave controversies that
would prove not only futile but even detri-
MENT FOR NEW mental to the best interests of a growing
ASSEMBLIES Cause. I would therefore strongly urge those
who are called upon to make such a decision
When a Spiritual Assembly is dissolved by
to approach this highly involved and ever-
reason of decrease in the membership of the recurring problem with the spirit of humble
community, the same requirements shall prayer, and earnest consultation, and to re-
come into operation before an Assembly can
frain from drawing rigidly the line of de-
again be elected, namely that the community
marcation except on such occasions when
must consist of at least nine members resi-
dent within the civil limits of the city, town the interests of the Cause absolutely demand
or village; that the provision in the By-laws it."
With the adoption of the Declaration of
allowing believers residing in out-lying dis-
Trust, which required some clear definition
tricts to apply for membership in a local Ba-
whereby the National Assembly might estab-
ha'i community pending the formation of an
lish the status of voting members of the local
Assembly in their own locality does not apply
communities, the problem of applying the
at the time when a Baha'i community con-
Guardian's standard became one of the most
venes for the election of a Spiritual Assembly
important duties of a Spiritual Assembly.
for the first time.-N. S. A. That this problem is 1being considered very
seriously is evident from the number of in-
QUALIFICATIONS OF quiries which have come to the National
MEMBERSHIP IN A BAHA't Assembly for specific instructions on method
COMMUNITY and procedure.
It is evident that if the Guardian's stan-
On October 24, 1925, in response to a re- dard is too rigidly applied, a community will
quest for information on how Local Spiritual be choked and stifled, while if it is too
Assemblies should determine the qualifica- loosely applied, the result will be to make
tions of those to be enrolled as voting mem- a Baha'i community lose its distinctive char-
bers of a Baha'i community, the Guardian acter, its spiritual integrity, its very reason
(Baha'i Administration, page 81) gave the for existence.
following explanation : "Regarding the very For some months the members of the Na-
delicate and complex question of ascertaining tional Assembly have given special thought
the qualifications of a true believer, I cannot to this subject, in the hope that it might be
in this connection emphasize too strongly the found possible to lay before all Local As-
supreme necessity for the exercise of the semblies some statement in the form of sug-
utmost discretion, caution and tact, whether gestions and recommendations that will
it ioe in deciding for ourselves as to who may ,prove useful to their members in meeting
be regarded as a true believer or in disclos- what the Guardian has termed a "very deli-
ing to the outside world such considerations cate and complex question." .
as may serve as a basis for such a decision. I •First of all, we feel, should be emphasized
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 17
the fact that the enrollment of new voting sion of new voting members. In reporting
members is the function of a Spiritual As- new members to the National Assembly,
sembly as a whole. Such a matter cannot Local Assembly Secretaries are requested to
be left to one or more members, or be met swbmit, in each case, an extract from the
by passively accepting the endorsement of minutes proving that this procedure has
a teacher, no matter how well-informed and been followed.
loyal the teacher may be. The essence of the matter sems to be that

The act of passing upon the qualifications each Assembly is called upon faithfully to
of one who seeks enrollment surely involves stand as witness that the spirit of the person
consultation, the distinctive attribute of a seeking membership has turned to Baha'u'-
Spiritual Assembly, followed by decision llah and become quickened for life in His
representing unanimous or at least majority Cause. Quality, and not numerical quantity,
vote. The members of an Assembly asstHrle must ever determine the power of a Baha'i
no higher responsibility than in determining community.
the character of their community by con- Therefore we are not a board of examin-
trolling its new growth. In admitting a new ers on the one hand nor a mere committee of
voting member, they recognize and affirm welcome on the other. The qualifications do
his or her right to be eligible to every office not imply that the applicant must please us
in the Cause. Since those elected delegates personally, nor satisfy our human ideas as
to the Convention elect the members of the to whom we would like to associate with in
National Assembly, and since later on the Baha'i service. The qualifications have come
National Assembly will be one of the elec- from the Manifestation Himself: to the de-
toral bodies constituting the International gree that we are ourselves true Baha'is, we
House of Justice (see Article I, By-Laws of can determine who else is likewise a true
the National Spiritual Assembly), the degree Baha'i.
of this responsibility is manifest. The National Assembly has been vested
The question has 1beenraised as to whether with the responsibility of passing upon local
a Spiritual Assembly may not most effec- membership rolls, and thus in cases where a
tively meet this responsibility by having the Local Assemofy has clearly been in error in
applicant sign an application blank which enrolling a member, the mistake can be cor-
sets forth the exact qualifications of mem- rected and the matter transferred to a Baha'i
bership. body not affected by exclusively local condi-
The question has also been raised as to tions.
whether it would not be well to lay down a
Being charged with this ultimate respon-
definite period of time-for example, a year sibility, the National Assembly feels great
___.beforean Assembly can act upon an ap- concern that all the Local Assemblies f unc-
plication after it is received. tion as wisely as possible in carrying out
Both these suggestions are admirable; but their share of the Guardian's instructions.
the National Assembly is not yet prepared to The members of the National Assembly see
adopt any standardized system. The Gau~ no way to establish definite procedures and
is too new and inexperienced to justify such uniform methods for the performance of a
an important step at this time. The chief spiritual task!. It is for each Local Spiritual
requisite is that each Local Assembly shall Assembly to take whatever steps it deems
possess sufficient insight to discriminate be- necessary and advisable in conferring with
tween those who are qualified to serve in the each applicant, ascertaining his or her ac-
Cause and those not qualified to serve. The ceptance of the Bab, Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-
Master has warned us that the time will Baha, the iprovisions of the Master's Testa-
come when hyprocrites will seek to enter ment, and association with the world-wide
the Cause in order to work destruction, con- Baha'i community. Before the application
sequently it is the capacity of the Spiritual can he made, there exists the prior and
Assembly in each case, and not the operation vitally important problem of how inquirers
of any standardized system of enrollment, are taught. Thus, attempting to follow the
which stands as the safeguard against such sequence of all the steps leading to enroll-
invasion. ment of new members, we realize how urgent
One requirement, however, the National it is for Assemblies to assure themselves
Assembly does lay down at this time: that that those serving as Baha'i teachers make
Local Assemblies shall read to applicants the the focal point of all their efforts the prep-
qualifications of voting membership as de- aration of souls forá service in the Baha'i
fined in the By-Laws, and record in their community. It is not enough to promulgate
minutes the full and complete acceptance by the "principles" of the Cause, most of which
each applicant. This appears to be the irre- have already been adopted by the liberal pub-
ducible minimum of procedure in the admis- lic unconscious of their Source-a teaching
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 18
program must include classes in which in- sought to accomplish was to remind local
quirers are brought into full acceptance of Assemblies that they could not. leave this
the Faith. matter to any one or more of their members,
We are dealing with matters of deep mys- or to any teacher, no matter how well in-
tery, as one perceives on reading the follow- formed and loyal the teacher might be. It
ing words which Baha'u'llah uttered in the was therefore stated that "The members of
presence of Nabil (The Dawn-Breakers, an Assembly assume no higher responsibility
page 586) - than in determining the character of their
"Be tlwnkful to God for Jwving enabled community by controlling its new growth
you to recognize His Cause. Whoever has re- ... One requirement, however, the National
ceived this blessing must, prior to his ac- Assembly does lay down at this time: that
ceptance, Jwve performed some deed which, Local Assemblies shall read to applicants
though he himself was unaware of its charac- the qualifications of voting membership as
ter, was ordained by Goádas a means where- defined in the By-Laws, and record in their
by he Jws been guided to find and embrace minutes the full and complete acceptance by
the Truth. As to those who Jwve remained each applicant."
deprived of such a blessing, their acts alone During recent months the National Spir-
Jwve hindered them from recognizing the itual Assembly has been receiving requests
truth of this Revelation. We cherish the for further information on one particular
hope tlwt you, who have attained to this phase of this general question : how best to
light, will exert your utmost to banish the prepare new believers for enrollment as vot-
darkness of superstition and unbelief from ing Baha'is.
the midst of the people. May your deeds The suggestion has been made, in fact,
proclaim your faith and enable you to lead that it would be well if the National Assem-
the erring into the paths of Eternal salva- bly could make a ruling that a certain period
tion."-N. S. A. of time must elapse before any newly en-
Concerning the qualifications required for rolled believer may exercise the voting right.
voting, Shoghi Effendi has laid down the es- It has been felt, with considerable justice,
sential conditions already in his letters, no that even though a new believer may be en-
further restrictions should he added to them. tirely qualified as far as loyalty and knowl-
It is for the Local Assembly to dedde in edge of the teachings is concerned, neverthe-
this matter. They should exercise this right less the wise use of the voting right calls for
with extreme tact and caution and avoid rig- another essential qualification, namely, ac-
idity and formalism. There is no distinction quaintance with the local community and
in this respect between new and old believ- complete assimilation into its spirit and ac-
ers, nor should contributions to the national tivities.
or local funds be made a condition for vot- While recognizing the importance of this
ing.-SHOGHI EFFENDI. view, the National Spiritual Assembly must
point out that it has no sanction or authority
PREPARATION OF NEW BE- whatsoever to establish different classifica-
tions of voting membership. There is only
LIEVERS FOR MEMBER- one class or character of membership in the
SHIP IN THE BAHA'I Baha'i community-full and complete mem-
bership, with no distinction between the vot-
COMMUNITY ing rights of a new and an old and more ex-
In the August, 1932 issue of Baha'i News perienced Baha'i. As soon as a believer is
the National Spiritual Assembly published enrolled, he receives this voting right with-
an important statement entitled, "Qualifi- out the slightest qualification or exception.
cations of Membership in a Baha'i Com- To prepare applicants for the right use
munity." The purpose of that statement, pre- of their membership, consequently, the en-
pared in response to many requests for in- rollment must be deferred until acquaintance
formation made by local Assemblies, was to with the community has been gained. This
emphasize the importance of the vital func- question, it is clear, arises more particularly
tion vested in the local Spiritual Assembly, in the case of the few large Baha'i communi-
of enrolling applicants as voting members of ties than in the case of the smaller ones
the community. where personal acquaintance is readily
Reference to that statement will make it gained merely by attendance at study classes
clear that at that time the need was to and public meetings.
deepen the sense of responsibility felt by all For the larger communities-and in time
Assemblies in applying the Guardian's defi- every Baha'i community will have a large
nite qualifications of Baha'i membership. membership in comparison with its present
What the National Spiritual Assembly voting list-the National Spiritual Assembly
BAHA'i PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 19
now wishes very sincerely and earnestly to sembly, as the National institutions are de-
offer a few constructive suggestions which pendent upon the Guardian and the Univer-
it is hoped each local Assembly will take to sal House of Justice. It is because of this or-
heart for the sake of the highest interests of ganic dependence that the national By-Laws
the beloved Faith. makie enrollment conditional upon final ap-
1. As years of experience have shown, in- proval by the National Spiritual Assembly.
tellectual acceptance of the formal standards 4. In order to assure the entrance of each
of Baha'i faith alone is not sufficient to con- new •believer into the Baha'i community upon
stitute a true believer. A true believer will, the soundest basis possible, it is recom-
in addition, endeavor whole-heartedly to mended that local Assemblies, wherever con-
abide by the results of Baha'i consultation ditions permit, provide a final step for the
as maintained by the institutions of the preparation of applicants already interested
Ca use. A true believer, furthermore, will by home study classes or some teacher's in-
seek to contribute to the unity of the entire dividual instruction. This final step consists
community, and find his own development in in the holding of a special study class under
the growth of the Cause, and not attempt the Assembly's own direct supervision and
to make the community revolve around his control, where the applicants can be trained
own personality, nor himself revolve around in the Administrative principles and their
the human personality of any one believer. knowledge of the basic teachings carefully
This capacity for spiritual association is not reviewed. By this method, the new believers
an additional qualification for membership will experience the wise and impersonal
-it is the real test of the believer's pro- functioning of the institution, and profit also
foundest spiritual faith. All teachers re- by contact with other teachers. Later on,
sponsible for preparing applicants for mem- when local communities are larger and their
bership will do well to emphasize this vital collective undertakings more proficient, per-
point, for the aim of Baha'u'llah's Revela- haps all applicants, before enrollment, will
tion is to establish oneness of spirit and be able to receive this final, supervised in-
unity of action throughout the world. struction. At present, conditions vary so
2. An applicant who is enrolled as voting much among the communities that this sug-
member of a local Baha'i community is gestion must be developed in accordance
thereby given association not merely in that with local circumstances. It would 1be well,
community alone, but by his enrollment be- however, for individual members of each
comes a Baha'i world citizen-a member of local Assembly to feel a more positive respon-
the Baha'i Commonwealth maintained by the sibility in following all local teaching activi-
central institutions of the Guardianship and ties, visiting each class or group as frequently
the Universal House of Justice. If he travels, as possible, in order to have direct knowl-
the enrolled •believer is given credentials edge of this vital aspect of Assembly respon-
which will be recognized and honored by sibility. By consultation it would then be
National and local Spiritual Assemblies with- possible for the Assembly to assist each
out distinction, whether in the East or the group or class conducted by individual teach-
West. How important, therefore, in the ers in planning their subjects so as to lead
preparation of applicants for membership, up to the central study class held by the As-
that they be made eonscious of this supreme sembly itself. Success depends upon the
,privilege, this most vital responsiibility as- unity of the Assembly and the willing co-
sumed by all who voluntarily seek the shade operation of all teachers, old and young, in
of the Divine Tree, who would contribute to striving to enlarge the Baha'i community
the World Order of Baha'u'llah ! This con- year by year.
sideration is likewise a reminder to all of the ' 5. It has been realized by discerning
.present believers, especially those who are Baha'is that one essential aspect of Baha'i
members of local Assemblies, how essential community life, the social aspect, has so far
it is to avoid merely local and personal is- remaining practically undeveloped. As local
sues and situations which might conceal from communities become larger and more experi-
an applicant the true universality of the enced, their Assemblies will be able to ar-
Faith of God. range social meetings and gatherings to sat-
3. The same consideration likewise gives isfy the innate human need of friendly as-
due emphasis to the fact that no local Spiri- sociation, thus supplementing the Nineteen
tual Assembly is to be regarded as an in- Day Feasts and the Anniversaries which at
dependent, self-sufficient Baha'i institution, present are the only recognizeád Baha'i gath-
but rather as one important link in the series erings. The larger local Assemblies might
of institutions which constitute the World even now arrange occasional feasts, in ad-
Order of Baha'u'llah. Local Assemblies are dition to those in the Baha'i calendar, to
dependent upon the National Spiritual As- provide occasions for •informal association
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 20
of believers and also to enable applicants to structions concerning letters written to him
become acquainted with the local community. by local Assemblies and National Commit-
So far, such informal gatherings have been tees were that such letters were to be sent
arranged mostly by individual believers in him through the National Spiritual Assem-
their own homes, which tends to make the bly. The National Assembly is convinced
social aspect of the community too onesided that full respect paid to this principle will
and personal, in distinction to the universal- redound to the spirit of unity and confidence
ity of the formal Baha'i meetings. The Na- throughout the Cause in America. Direct
tional Assembly regrets deeply that Baha'is correspondence with the Guardian on the
are still compelled to develop a social life part of local Assemblies, and on the part of
either outside or on a basis of restricted in- Committees appointed by the N. S. A., in-
timacy within the Cause. But through so- troduces an element of duality into our
cial gatherings arranged by the local Spiri- Baha'i activities which ... the Guardian ex-
tual Assembly, the social life of Baha'is will pressly forbids.-N. S. A.
reinforce and strengthen their spiritual and
ethical lives, and moreover such gatherings SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES
will not only bring the applicants and the AND THE RIGHTS OF THE
older believers together but also demonstrate
the vital fact that Baha'u'llah's Faith, in INDIVIDUAL BELIEVER
the Guardian's own words, inculcates a stan- In our collective haste to establish one of
dard which "incline it to neither East nor the fundamental principles of Baha'i admin-
West, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither rich istration, the authority of Spiritual Assem-
nor poor, neither white nor colored." blies, another important principle, the rights
6. Last but by no means least in impor- of the individual •believer, seems here and
tance is the fact that when new applicants there to be occasionally overlooked.
are enrolled, not merely are they to be ad- To correct this over-emphasis upon auth-
justed to theá Baha'i community, but the ority at the expense of rights, the National
older believers are also to adjust to the new Spiritual Assembly reminds the American
friends. This consideration, in fact, must believers that the Guardian has more than
receive increasing attention as indications once definitely upheld an area of individual
multiply that the era of more rapid growth rights which the authority vested in Spiri-
has ,begun. Courtesy, true Baha'i love and tual Assemblies cannot invade. á While that
the spirit of cooperation are due every new area can not be marked off with finality,
Baha'i, without the slightest tincture of like boundaries on a map, nevertheless by
aloofness, separateness or, on the other hand, careful reflection we can at least grasp the
undue favoritism, from those who have essential principle which must be applied in
longer shared the privilege of adherence to all cases where the exercise of authority
the Faith. upon individual believers is questioned.
The National Spiritual Assembly offers Generally speaking, an Assembly's auth-
these remarks as suggestions deserving of ority extends throughout the realm of col-
thoughtful attention. In no sense are they lective Baha'i activities-the actions under-
put forth as rulings or commands, because taken by the local Baha'i community and
formal legislation can not be carried into those actions which express the Cause in the
the realm of the heart and the conscience. eyes of the public. The question of author-
In essence, this statement is an appeal, an ity can not legitimately be raised in connec-
urgent call for new and higher spiritual at- tion with the holding of Nineteen Day
titudes on the part of all members of the Feasts, public teaching programs, the raising
American Baha'i Community.-N. S. A. of Baha'i Funds, the approval of publicity
The administrative responsibilities of put forth in the name of the Cause, the call-
local Spiritual Assemblies enjoins upon them ing of Baha'i elections and all other similar
to maintain their voting lists in full conf or- matters which concern the local Baha'i body
mity with the qualifications of a voting be- as a whole. Such matters are clearly sub-
liever as defined by the Guardian and this ject to the authority vested in the Spiritual
function does not involve passing upon the Assembly.
spiritual reality of any individual, which There is, however, a realm which is pri-
function is reserved to the Guardian alone. marily personal in character, where the ex-
-N. S. A. ercise of Assemibly authority has sometimes
been exceeded. For example, a .Spiritual As-
CORRESPONDENCE WITH sembly has no authority over any individual
THE GUARDIAN believer's private property, neither his in-
It has been voted that the believers are to come nor his home or business establish-
be reminded that the Guardian's original in- ment. Neither can an Assembly hope to ex-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 21
ercise any useful authority over the efforts consultation. Nothing short of the spirit of
of individual believers to spread the Teach- a true Baha'i can hope to reconcile the prin-
ings by employing the opportunities which ciples of mercy and justice, of freedom and
arise in the course of daily life. These con- submission, of the sancity of the right of the
siderations lead the National Spiritual As- individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance,
sembly to feel that each and every believer discretion and prudence on the one hand,
is free to arrange informal gatherings in his and fellowship, candor, and courage on the
own home, for the promotion of the Cause, other." -N. S. A.
without formal approval or action by the
Spiritual Assembly. If in such cases a be- THE RESIDENTIAL QUALI-
liever feels it desirable to invite another be-
liever to deliver the Message at a home gath- FICATION OF VOTING
ering, the believer's choice of teachers can MEMBERSHIP IN A BAHA't
clearly not be restricted arbitrarily by the
Assembly, for such restriction would invade
COMMUNITY
the privacy of the home. In Baha'i News, January, 1935, the Na-
As a matter of fact, since the element of tional Spiritual Assembly published a state-
personal initiative is an integral and infi- ment entitled "Interpretation of the By-
nitely precious part of the Faith, the Spiri- Law on Residential Qualification of Voting
tual Assembly itself is in duty bound to up- Believers" in which •was expressed the view
hold and protect the rights of individual be- that the requirement of residence as one of
lievers just as it is in duty bound to uphold the qualifications of a voting believer should
and protect any other organic Baha'i teach- be based upon definite proof of capacity to
ing or principle. associate with the Baha'i community.
This is not to sanction a lesser degree of It appears that this interpretation has led
loyalty to the institution of a Spiritual As- to some confusion in a number of local com-
sembly on the part of any individual believer, munities. The National Spiritual Assembly
nor should these remarks be taken to imply has therefore given the subject further con-
that "authority" and "rights" are mutually sideration and now offers the following sup-
exclusive and incompatible realities. Rather plementary statement in clarification of the
is this statement a plea for more mutual con- January publication. This statement is the
sideration, more encouragement of individ- outcome of consultation withá the Guardian
uals ,by Assemblies, more respect for Assem- and has been submitted to and approved by
blies by individuals. The inter-relationship him. It is based upon what he considers "a
of an Assembly and members of the local fundamental principle" of Baha'i Adminis-
Baha'i community can not be mechanical, tration,-that no adult believer may ibe de-
for it is based upon the fundamental princi- prived of "the sacred right of participating
ple of unity which, if it is to be achieved and in Baha'i elections," unless he reside in a
preserved, bids an Assembly deal with all community not itself qualified for such par-
believers in kindness and forebearance, and ticipation or has permanently withdrawn or
bids every individual Baha'i maintain an at- been removed from further association with
titude of true respect for an institution the activities of the Faith.
created by Baha'u'llah Himself, and as such 1. The enrollment of voting members in
not to be judged iby the personalities of those accordance with the By-Laws of the National
called to administer the institution during Spiritual Assembly is a responsibility vested
these difficult days of its infancy. in the Local Spiritual Assembly, but is made
Just as authority and power can be abused, subject to approval by the National Assem-
so can individuals abuse their God-given bly. Otherwise, the matter of an individual's
rights. Thus, while the holding of home voting right does not come before the latter
meetings is a sacred right, there might be an unless on appeal from a decision made by
instance in which a home meeting could re- a Local Assembly.
sult in the raising of personal issues affect- 2. Previous statements •published in Baha'i
ing the Cause in that Community. As the News have sought to clarify the action of
Guardian has declared, "Let us also remem- Local Assemblies in determining the appli-
ber that at the very root of the Cause lies cant's qualifications for voting membership
the principle of the undoubted right of the in a Baha'i community with respect to his
individual to self-expression, his freedom to faith and his acceptance of the Cause in gen-
declare his conscience and set forth his views eral. The question now under discussion
... Let us also bear in mind that the keynote deals exclusively with the matter of resi-
of the Cause of God is not dictatorial auth- dence, and how Local Assemblies are to apply
ority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary the residential qualifications as set forth in
power, but the spirit of frank and loving the By-Laws.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 22
3. The requirement of residential qualifi- ties he considers to be his place of resi-
cations is recorded in Article II, Section (a) dence, and exercise his voting rights in
of the By-Laws, which reads as follows: that city alone. Naturally, he should
"To become a voting member of a Baha'i take part in all other Baha'i activities
community a person shall in whichever place he may be.
a. Be a resident of the locality defined by D. Where a believer claims residence in
the area of jurisdiction of the Local a particular community for the pur-
Spiritual Assembly, as provided by pose of exercising voting rights but is
Article VII, Section 12, of this instru- actually domiciled elsewhere and makes
ment." only occasional visits to the community,
Article VII, Section 12, ref erred to, pro- insufficient to bring him within the pro-
vides: vision of paragraph A above, a question
"The siphere of jurisdiction of a Local of fact arises which the Local Spiri-
Spiritual Assembly, with respect to residen- tual Assembly may find it difficult to
tial qualification of membership and voting decide. In such cases the Local As-
rights of a believer in any Baha'i community, sembly may take counsel with the Na-
shall ,be the locality included within the civil tional Assembly before making a final
limits of the city, town or village; but Baha'is decision.
who reside in adjacent, outlying or suburban E. A Local Spiritual Assembly confronted
districts and can regularly attend the meet- by any other unusual situation involv-
ings of the local Baha'i community, may be ing the question of residence can at any
enrolled on the membership list of the ad- time seek advice from the National
jacent Spiritual Assembly and enjoy full vot- Spiritual Assembly before making a
ing rights pending the establishment of a final decision.
Local Spiritual Assembly in their commu- 5. In connection with the foregoing inter-
nity." pretations, though not involving the specific
4. Under these provisions of the By-Laws, question of residence exclusively, the follow-
residential qualification for voting member- ing point has been brought to the attention
ship in a Baha'i community thus becomes a of the National Spiritual Assembly by the
• question of fact. In order to assist Local Guardian.
Spiritual Assemblies in determining whether a. A believer who has ,been absent for some
an applicant for such membership comes time from the community of which he is
within these requirements in any particular a resident, or a new believer not yet
case, the National Spiritual Assembly offers sufficiently well acquainted with the
the following interpretation of certain spe- local community, is not obliged to vote
cific situations which experience has shown in a Baha'i election when conscienti-
are likely to arise. ously feeling incapable of voting intel-
A. Where a ibeliever lives sufficiently near ligently.
a Baha'i community to take an active It is hoped that these supplementary ex-
share in its activities and there is no planations will remove the misunderstand-
organized Spiritual Assembly in his ings which the January statement appears
own community, he should be enrolled to have caused and may be of assistance to
and continued upon the voting list of Local .Spiritual Assemblies in dealing with
that community until a Spiritual As- this important question of residence.-N.S.A.
sembly is established in his own im- The National Spiritual Assembly calls the
mediate neighborhood. attention of the local Assemblies and believ-
B. Where a believer, actually a resident of ers to the Article in the By-Laws which de-
a particular community, is temporarily fines the area of jurisdiction of the local
absent from his community but hon- Spiritual Assembly, which definition provides
estly regards his residence there as con- that believers living in adjacent and outlying
tinuing and fully intends to return to districts can be enrolled as voting members
and resume his activities in that com- of a local Assembly, pending the establish-
munity, he retains his voting rights in ment of a local Assembly in their own city.
the community without interruption. This By-Law clearly makes it impossible for
He may not, however, during his ab- a ,believer living in a city which has a local
sence vote in any other Baha'i com- Spiritual Assembly to hold membership in
munity. any other Baha'i community. In accordance
C. Where a believer spends practically half with this constitutional provision, the Na-
of the year within the jurisdiction of tional Spiritual Assembly requests local As-
one Baha'i community and the other semblies to adjust their voting list at their
half within the jurisdiction of another early convenience. This general instruction
he must choose which of the two locali- does not in any way mean that believers are
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 23
not free to attend a Baha'i meeting in any dates nor rival platforms and policies. The
city, ,but merely controls their voting rights. sole issue is the spiritual problem consisting
-N.S.A. in the obligation of each believer to uphold
those qualities which the Guardian has
THE CHARACTER OF enumerated in the selected passages quoted
above. If we would meet this obligation faith-
BAHA't ELECTIONS fully, we must eliminate our own personal
"Let us recall His explicit and often-re- likes and dislikes and rise to the station of
peated assurance that every Assembly elected pure and selfless vision.
in that rarified atmosphere of selflessness Such vision, as Shoghi Effendi declares, is
and detachment, is in truth, appointed of inspired by prayer and reflection. The voter's
God, that its verdict is truly inspired, that vision will only be clouded if he permits any
one and all should submit to its decision un- other believer, directly or indirectly, to in-
reservedly and with cheerfulness . . . The fluenáce his choice. If it is contrary to the
elector ... is called upon to vote for none but Baha'i standard for any believer to attempt
those whom prayer and reflection have in- to influence the votes of other believers, it is
spired him to uphold ... Hence it is incum- likewise contrary to that standard for any
bent upon the chosen delegates to consider believer to allow himself to be influenced.
without the least trace of passion and preju- The character of Baha'i elections is such
dice, and irrespective of any material con- that the National Spiritual Assembly feels
sideration, the names of only those who can profoundly that its maintenance depends
best combine the necessary qualities of un- upon the loyal faithfulness of all ,believers in
questioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a the community much more than upon the vig-
well-trained mind, of recognized ability and ilance and authority of the Spiritual Assem-
mature eXiperience ... Nothing short of the bly alone. Methods and practices contrary to
all-encompassing, all-pervading power of His the true Baha'i standard can in any locality
Guidance and Love can enable this newly en- be quickly extirpated if the believer ap-
folded order to gather strength and flourish proached with improper influence and sug-
amid the storm and stress of a turbulent age, gestion will immediately, in every instance,
and in the fulness of time vindicate its high not merely reject such invasion of his spirit-
claim to be universally recognized as the one ual rights and duties but also sternly rebuke
Haven of abiding felicity and peace."- the wrong doer. It is not the few wrong doers
Shoghi Effendi. . here and there who can do injury to the
From time to time the question is placed Cause, but the negative and passive attitude
before the National Spiritual Assembly as to of his or her fellow-believers who fail to as-
what a Local Assembly should do when it has sert the power of the Teachings.
evidence that some believer has attempted A World Order still in its infancy must in-
to exert influence upon other believers in evitably pass through all manner of test and
order to affect their votes in a Baha'i election. eXiperience in order to become mature and
In deliberating upon this important mat- strong, able to detect error and fallacy from
ter, the National Assembly has sought to ar- any and every source and prevent the en-
rive at and define, in the light of the Guar- trance of even the subtlest negative sugges-
dian's instructions, the true Baha'i attitude tion. For this reason the National Spiritual
toward all elections held within the Cause, Assembly believes that whatever evidences
whether they are elections for members of a there may be in any locality at present of un-
Local Spiritual Assemply, of Convention Baha'i electoral practices, the problem in es-
delegates or of members of the National sence is one of educating the believers to un-
Spiritual Assembly. derstand, appreciate and uphold the Guar-
The Guardian's words quoted above, all dian's standard rather than of disciplinary
taken from the volume "Baha'i Administra- action on the part of the Local or National
tion," clearly create the spiritual standard Assembly.
which each and every voting member of a As the Guardian recently advised, it is
Baha'i community must endeavor to attain. only when repeated warnings are unheeded,
Such a standard compels us to leave behind and deliberate disloyalty has become mani-
many practices to which we have become ac- fest, that the extreme measure of expulsion
customed through the influence of the politi- should be undertaken. The test of our collec-
cal society existing throughout the world. tive wisdom now is the capacity to distin-
Thus, the Baha'i Faith contains no parti- guish between deliberate disloyalty and the
san factions corresponding to the political errors that proceed from lack of knowledge,
parties dominating the civil community. The heedlessness or immaturity.
issue before a Baha'i electoral body is never The National Spiritual Assembly will
the obligation to choose between rival candi- never fail to assist with all its power any
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 24
Local Assembly confronted by conditions "The Qualifications of a Voting Believer,"
arising from deliberate disloyalty; but the published a few months ago, the Spiritual
view expressed here is that most misconduct Assembly of the Baha'is of Chicago have re-
surrounding Baha'i elections can be extir- corded in their minutes the acceptance of a
pated entirely by wise action on the part of new believer in such a clear and comprehen-
the believers themselves. sive manner that an excerpt from these min-
The concrete suggestion is however made utes is now published as a model that might
that each Local Spiritual Assembly, immedi- well be followed by other Assemblies.
ately preceding elections, shall remind the "This is to certify that on ... (date), 19 .. ,
friends of the Guardian's words concerning the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is
their spiritual character. Indeed, the impor- of ...... met in consultation with .... who
tance of developing the World Order of Ba- had made application for affiliation with the
ha'u'llah is so vital that the question of . . . . . . Baha'is, and in compliance with sug-
whether a Baha'i should or should not vote gestions made by the National Spiritual As-
in political elections is merely secondary.- sembly, the following procedure was carried
N. S.A. out : The Chairman, ............ , read to
the applicant excerpts from Baha'i Adminis-
REPORTS FROM LOCAL tration, the qualifications for voting member-
ASSEMBLIES ship in a Baha'i Community as outlined in
the By-Laws and excerpts from the Will and
The National Spiritual Assembly requests Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and gave a very
each local Assembly hereafter to send it a interesting and complete explanation of
copy of all important notices covering poli- Baha'i organization.
cies, rules or regulations as well as impor- "It was ascertained that Mr .... had care-
tant announcements having to do with elec- fully studied Baha'i Administration and the
tions and organizations under Baha'i admin- Will of 'A.bdu'l-Baha, as well as much other
istration, which the local Assembly may is- Baha'i literature, and following the above
sue to the Baha'i community from time to procedure acknowledged his understanding
time.-N. S. A. and complete acceptance of the tenets of
Baha'i Faith. It is thereupon the unanimous
TRANSFER OF BELIEVERS vote of those present that Mr .... be accepted
The transfer of believers involved in un- as a voting member of the . . . . . . Baha'i
finished matters proceeding under the local Community."-N. S. A.
Assembly's jurisdiction is to be postponed
pending a report of the circumstances to the RELATION OF THE LOCAL
National Assembly and its approval of the
transfer. TO THE NATIONAL
The ,purpose of the above ruling is to make SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
it possible for a local Spiritual Assembly to
retain jurisdiction of a case until the matter Concerning local Bahai'i news letters, the
is concluded. For example, if an Assembly Guardian strongly feels that they should be
is endeavoring to settle some difference be- primarily devoted to the spread of local news
tween two believers, and knows all the cir- and activities, and should under no circum-
cumstances of the case, but before a decision stances contain any statement implying criti-
is made one of the believers moves to another cism of or even interference with the :policy
city, where the Assembly is naturally unin- of the N. S. A. They may occasionally refer
formed of the ,problem, the believer who to items of a naffonal scope, but this should
moves is not to be given a letter of transfer be done only with the view of assisting and
by his former Assembly until the National not hindering the national body of the Cause
Assembly has opportunity to learn the cir- to carry out effectively its program and de-
cumstances and approve the time when the cisions. There is thus a definite line of de-
transfer can be made-when, in other words, marcation between correspondence initiated
the Assembly in the city where the believer by local and National Assemblies. Local ac-
has taken up his or. her new residence is to tivities should always be subordinated to
exercise jurisdiction over the affairs of that those of a national character and impor-
believer.-N. S. A. •tance. This is intended not to minimize the
role of the local Assembly in the administra-
HOW TO ENROLL NEW tive order, but to establish and insure a sane
relationship between that body and the na-
BELIEVERS tional organism of the Cause.-SH0GHI E~-
Following the outline supplied by the Na- FENDI.
tional Spiritual Assembly in its article on As to the problem which has arisen in con-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 25
nection with the News Letter published and responsible for the accuracy of the teachings
circulated by the .......... Assembly, the as presented by members of its Community
Guardian has already written about it to or by visiting ,believers. This, in a way, cor-
your N. S. A,, expressing the view that under responds to the function of review. More-
no circumstances should any local Assembly over, a Local Spiritual Assembly alone can
be given the right to criticize and much less pass upon the material furnished to the press
oppose, the policy duly adopted and approved on behalf of its Baha'i Community.
by the N. S. A. It is his hope that henceforth What the National Spiritual Assembly had
the 'problem of the relationship between the in mind in adopting a general policy was the
N. S. A. and the local Assemblies in matters more formal publication represented by
of this nature will, in the light of his instruc- pamphlets and books. The question this pol-
tions, be carefully understood by individuals icy attempted to answer is whether a Local
and Assemblies alike.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. Spiritual Assembly can issue Baha'i litera-
Just as the local Baha'i fund must under ture of a general character on its own re-
all circumstances be subordinated to the na- s,ponsibility.
tional fund, so also, every local circular let- The Guardian's instructions in Balui'i Ad-
ter should be considered as subsidiary to the minigtration make it clear that all Baha'i lit-
national report of Baha'i activities in every erature of a general character, that is, aside
country. Such a coordination between local from programs and bulletins, are to be re-
and national efforts is indispensable, not only viewed by a committee of the National Spir-
because of its economic advantages, but es- itual Assembly. This makes it evident that,
sentially due to the fact that upon the appli- as far as the review function is concerned,
cation of the principle underlying this proc- a Local Spiritual Assembly (apart from
ess must inevitably depend the effective local teaching and publicity work) is sub-
working of the entire administrative ma- ject to the general jurisdiction of the Na-
chinery of the Faith. There is order, coor- tional Spiritual Assembly.
<lination and system in the Cause, and not a Still another point to be considered is
jungle of conflicting interests and of contin- whether a Local Spiritual Assembly can pub-
ually clashing wills.-SHOGHI EFFENDI. lish, as a pamphlet or book, any literature
(such as excerpts from the recognized Writ-
REVIEW AND PUBLICA- ings) already approved by the Reviewing
Committee of the National Spiritual As-
TION OF BAHA't LITERA- sembly.
TURE BY LOCAL Here the policy adopted by the National
Spiritual Assembly makes a distinction be-
ASSEMBLIES tween publishing for sale and publishing as
With the development of the Cause, the free literature. According to this policy, the
increased opportunity for teaching arising publishing of Baha'i literature for sale is
.among local Baha'i Communities will from vested solely in the Publishing Committee
time to time bring up the question of whether appointed by the National Spiritual Assem-
a Local Spiritual Assembly has the right to bly, as otherwise it would be impossible to de-
publish Baha'i literature. This question, in velop one well-organized, responsible and effi-
turn, brings up the parallel question of how cient national publishing activity.
far the jurisdiction of a Local Spiritual As- On the other hand, if it is a matter of a
sembly involves the right of review. Local Spiritual Assembly publishing a
In order to anticipate these and similar pamphlet for free distribution, as part of
c(luestions, the National Spiritual Assembly its teaching activity, the National Spiritual
has noted in its minutes a general policy Assembly feels that this is permitted by
which is now brought to the attention of the Baha'i administrative principles, provid'ed
believers. that the material so published has already
By "publication" several different activi- been approved by the National Reviewing
ties are implied. Many Local Spiri~ual As- Committee. To sum up the attitude of the
semblies already issue printed 'programs and National Spiritual Assembly, Local Spiritual
bulletins which contain excerpts from the Assemblies are requested, for the sake of the
literature. In this case no questions arises as well being and orderly progress of the Cause
to the jurisdiction of the local body. Each in the United States and Canada, to observe
Assembly has not only the right but also the this policy. Aside from evidently local mat-
duty and responsibility of presenting its ac- ters, like programs, a Local Spiritual Assem-
tivities to the .Baha'i Community and to the bly has no right of review or publication of
public in the most dignified and effective Baha'i literature except in the one case that
form. it may issue, as free literature, printed leaf-
Similarly, a Local Spiritual Assembly is lets and pamphlets containing material al-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 26
ready, in its entirety, approved by the N~ especially when funds were collected for the
tional Reviewing Committee and subse- Temple. He was very glad to learn of the
quently confirmed by action of the National wonderful spirit that prevailed in those
Spiritual Assembly. The members of the Na- gatherings; for it is only through such a
tional Spiritual Assembly sincerely hope that spirit of devotion and sacrifice that the
this policy will be entirely acceptable to all Cause can prosper and its message embrace
Baha'i Communities, as a just and reason- the whole world. It was also wonderful to
able attitude based upon the Guardian's in- see the interest shown by the public in the
structions.-N. S. A. general gatherings that formed part of the
Convention program.
INSTRUCTION IN WILL Shoghi Effendi hopes that as the Temple
is gradually completed this interest will in-
AND TESTAMENT crease and they will try to share in the
Local Assemblies are directed to instruct spirit that motivates the friends and, accept-
new believers in the meaning of this new ing the Faith of Baha'u'llah, arise to serve
compilation (i. e., the Will and Testament in it and dedicate their life to its spread.
the new edition) and furthermore, that local Such gatherings for collections of funds
Assemblies are to be responsible for provid- are permissible if it is done with a true spirit
ing new believers with copies.-N. S. A. of sacrifice, not when the audience is espe-
cially aroused to a frenzy and mob psychol-
ogy is used tc;>induce them to pay.
TO STUDY REPORTS AND Shoghi Effendi has repeatedly stated that
RECOMMENDATIONS no pressure should be used upon the friends
and psychological pressure falls under that
In transmitting to the National Spiritual category. But there is much difference be-
Assembly reports and recommendations tween such gatherings often used by re-
emanating from the local community, a local ligious bodies, and a true quiet, prayerful
Spiritual Assembly should not be merely a atmosphere when a person is, of his own ac-
passive medium used by believers to bring cord, aroused to make some sacrifice. The
matters to the attention of the N. S. A. but distinction is very delicate, but it is for the
should make its own independent study of Chairman to use his power to see that one
such reports and recommendations and for- desirable form is not corrupted into the
ward them with a statement of its own atti- other. All the activities of the Cause should
tude and comment. Such a procedure will be carried through in a dignified manner.
not only save the National Assembly much Shoghi Effendi is sure that the funds gath-
valuable time, but will also enable local As- ered at the last Convention was not due to
semblies to develop necessary experience and the play of mob psychology but to the prayer-
capacity.-N. S. A. ful attitude of the friends and their desire
to make further sacrifice.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
TO APPROVE RADIO
PROGRAMS CONTACT WITH INTER-
All radio broadcasts of a direct Baha'i ORGANIZATIONAL
character shall be approved by the local As- ACTIVITIES
sembly before delivery.-N. S. A.
A local Assembly may be represented
ANNUAL MEMORIAL through a delegate at an inter-organization
conference, the purpose of which is in full
MEETINGS harmony with the Baha'i teachings and prin-
It has been voted to record the attitude of ciples and the organization of which in no
the N. S. A. that local Assemblies would not way limits the spirit of freedom of the Ba-
be justified in sanctioning annual memorial ha'i delegate or veils the identity of the
meetings to commemorate individual believ- Spiritual Assembly participating.-N. S. A.
ers.-N. S. A.
COLLECTION OF TABLETS
ON COLLECTION OF
Local Spiritual Assemblies are requested
BAHA't FUNDS to announce the following recommendation,
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge and do their utmost to see that it is carried
the recei,pt of your letter dated May 8th, into effect :-that individual believers (and
1932, telling him of some incidents that Assemblies themselves) who have in their
tr~nspired during the Convention this year, possession original Tablets of •Abdu'l-Baha,
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 27
with the necessary original translations, Cause of Baha'u'llah provides spiritual prin-
original letters of Shoghi Effendi, or other ciples and also administrative institutions
sacred records and objects, take steps to have for the preservation of the unity of the be-
them preserved in the Baha'i Archives. The lievers under all conditions. As the mem-
Guardian has said that the collection and bers of the community, one and all, con-
publication of Tablets is one of the most scientiously abide by the Teachings such
important duties of this generation.- disturbances will result in strengthening our
N. S. A. collective capacity and deepening our spirit
of faith, but whenever the Teachings are not
LOCAL ARCHIVES fully applied, ,perisonal grief and perhaps
even injustice may result.
a. Such records as the local Assembly may The members of the Spiritual Assembly
wish to make available bearing upon the lo- feel that it will be helpful to summarize
cal activities, all records of importance in briefly its understanding of the principles
connection with the growth of the Cause lo- which control this important matter of per-
cally. sonal differences between believers.
b. Accurate individual records of all In the first place, the spiritual law of the
members of the local Baha'i community. Cause, which 'Abdu'l-Baha so frequently ex-
c. Relics, photographs, etc., associated plained, is that whenever two Baha'is have
with the experiences of individual Baha'is, any difference, they themselves are in duty
unless gifts of the Master or the Guardian.- bound to try and attain true harmony. The
N. S.A. Master even said that if two believers are
unwilling to be reconciled, both will event-
STATUS OF BAHA'i ually leave the Cause. He did not say that
they would be removed from the Cause by
CENTERS administrative action ; His words meant that
Any public meeting place entirely con- such an offense against divine law would be
trolled by the believers should in its function punished by loss of faith leading eventually
be regarded in the light of a Mashriqu'l- to an abandonment of the Gause by the of-
Adhkar and its accessory activities.-N. f enders.
S. A. The Spiritual Assembly, in the second
place, has a great responsibility in all mat-
PERMANENT LOCAL ters of dispute between believers which are
referred to it for settlement. The Assembly,
ADDRESS. when it receives a complaint from a member
Voted to request local Assemblies which of the community about another believer,
have no permanent headquarters to take a must spare no effort to learn the facts and,
Post Office Box which can be used as a per- when possible, make a decision. It is clear
manent address for Baha'i correspondance, that an Assembly cannot make a decision in
the Box to be made accessible to the duly cases which arise merely from personal an-
elected secretary from year to year.-N. tagonism or unfriendliness, but in such cases
S. A. can only insist that the grief or unhappiness
should not be allowed to become a cause of
CONTACT WITH CIVIL disunity within the community as a whole.
The Assembly also must in these cases point
AUTHORITIES out the Master's interpretation of the spirit-
Individual believers and also local Assem- ual law and urge the two believers concerned
blies can only make contact with Federal and in the dispute to realize the gravity of their
State officials on Baha'i matters through the mutual antagonism.
National Assembly, in accordance with the Some disputes, on the other hand, may
recommendation made by those present on arise from business or other relations be-
September 3, 1933.-N. S. A. tween believers and involve charges of some
definite unfairness or injustice committed by
ON MISUNDERSTANDINGS one believer against another. When such
charges can be proved, it is surely the duty
AND DIFFERENCES BE- of the Assembly to remove the injustice and
TWEEN INDIVIDUAL place the matter upon a proper Baha'i basis.
No doubt all of us still need to be reminded
BELIEVERS of the fact that when a matter has been re-
In every Baha'i community, misunder- f erred to a Spiritual Assembly for decision,
standings and differences between individual the individual believers concerned must await
believers arise from time to time, and the the Assembly's decision and abide by it, un-
BAHA'I PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET 28
less and until that decision is altered on ap- affecting the Cause itself.
peal to the National Spiritual Assembly. But To carry the explanation one step farther:
whether the matter is being handled by the if all the believers concerned in a personal
local or by the National Assembly, none of problem have met with the Assembly, and if
the believers involved in the trouble should the Assembly, after looking into the matter
agitate their case among the friends. Noth- from all sides, makes a decision, the believers
ing so disrupts a Baha'i community as per- are clearly obligated to accept that decision
sonal agitation. The only solution of this and abide by it. An appeal, of course, can
problem is for every faithful believer, when be made to the N. S. A. and eventually to the
approached by another believer with com- Guardian, but whatever the Baha'i authority
plaints and criticisms, to remind that be- which is invoked, a matter ref erred to a
liever of his or her duty to refer the diffi- Baha'i institution for settlement is outside
culty to the Assembly, and not share that be- the realm of personal feeling and individual
liever's personal agitation. conscience. If we do not trust the Baha'i in-
Nine times out of ten, the spirit of calm stitutions created by Baha'u'llah, we do not
and serene faith on the part of other Baha'is have real faith in Baha'u'llah Himself. More-
whom the agitated believer approaches will over, even when an Assembly makes a deci-
allay the feeling of trouble, but when the per- sion in a case of personal dispute, the spirit-
sonal agitation is shared by others, the or- ual law laid upon all Baha'is is still operat-
iginal problem becomes multiplied into an ing, and the believers involved in the prob-
issue which disturbs the whole community. lem should pray for divine compassion and
When a believer brings a problem to the illumination in addition to whatever actions
Assembly, it is not sufficient to make charges they take in relation to administrative pro-
and complaints against another believer,- cedure. We Baha'is live in the spiritual
every charge must be proved before the As- world which Baha'u'llah created in His Reve-
sembly can act. No Spiritual Assembly lation, and we must do our utmost to learn
could possibly allow itself to be a mere pas- and obey its mysterious laws which control
sive instrument for any one believer to use our destiny.
as a weapon against another. The Assembly "Every eye, in this Day, should seek what
has the same duty of justice and considera- will best promote the Cause of God. He, Who
tion toward the one against whom the charg- is the Eternal Truth, beareth me witness!
es are made as toward the one who makes the Nothing whatever can, in this Day, inflict a
charges. greater harm upon this Cause than dissen-
In looking into the problem which has been sion and strife, contention, estrangement and
referred to it, the Assembly must call in for apathy, among the loved ones of God. Flee
consultation all the individual Baha'is who them, through the power of áGod and His
may be involved. However deep the feeling sovereign aid, and strive to knit together the
one believer may have against another, and hearts of men, in His Name, the Unifier, the
no matter what may be the reasons for that All-Knowing, the All-Wise." (Baha'u'llah.)-
feeling, no faithful Baha'i will refuse to meet N. S. A.
with the Spiritual Assembly for such con-
sultation, because it is consultation with the
Assembly itself and not with the believer
ON SLANDER AND
against whom the complaint is made. Should BACKBITING
the one making the complaint refuse to con- One of the most important of all divine
sult with the Assembly, the Assembly in that commandments, specially stressed in the Ba-
case must dismiss the complaint, since one ha'i Teachings, is : "Breathe not the sins of
of the necessary steps leading to eventual others so long as thou art a sinner. Shouldst
justice and unity has been refused by a party thou transgress this command, accursed art
to the dispute ; unless of course the truth of thou and to this I testify." (Hidden Words,
the charges is self-evident. If the Baha'i 27.) Baha'u'llah further warns that: "Back-
who ma:~es the complaint is willing to come biting quencheth the light of the heart and
for consultation, but the other Baha'i-that extinguisheth the life of the soul." (Glean-
is, the one against whom the complaint is ings, p. 265.) In His Will and Testament,
made-refuses the Assembly's invitation, 'Abdu'l-Baha adds: "According to the direct
this refusal would be serious, because on the command of God, we are forbidden to utter
one hand it would create a strong impression slander." The Master further elucidates this
that the believer could not answer the charg- vital subject in a Tablet wherein He states:
es made against him or her, and on the other "How blessed are these aims, especially the
hand it would mean unwillingness to recog- prevention of backbiting. I hope that you
nize the authority of the Assembly to act in may become confirmed therein. Because the
a matter affecting Baha'is and consequently worst human quality and the most great sin
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION TWO, SHEET ~
is backbiting, more especially when it ema- tertain or listen to any complaint based upon
nates from the tongues of the believers of hearsay or rumor, but should, in all cases,
God. If some means were divine (devised?) insist that the complainant or witness speak
so that the doors of backbiting could be shut only of such matters and present such evi-
eternally and each one of the believers of dence as he or she knows to be true, of his
God unseaied his tongue in the praise of the or her own knowledge.
other, then the teachings of His Holiness Ba- 6. In the event that a local Assembly is
ha'u'llah would be spread, the hearts il- unable to stop or prevent the continued dis-
lumined, the spirits glorified and the human cussion or circulation of criticisms and un-
world would attain to overlasting felicity." founded rumors after it has taken juris-
(Tablet to Dr. M. S. C., Washington, D. C. diction of the matter, it is to report such
Translated August 12, 1913.) cases immediately to the National Spiritual
In order to distinguish between legitimate Assembly. The National Spiritual Assem-
reports to a Baha'i administrative body bly, after careful investigation, will take
which may affect the welfare of a Baha'i vigorous action to remove the misunder-
community or an individual member thereof standings and misrepretations that have
and unwarranted rumors, negative and hear- arisen and render full justice to the indi-
say gossip, slander and backbiting, inten- vidual believer or believers concerned.
tionally or thoughtlessly circulated, the Na- The new World Order is and must be held
tional Spiritual Assembly has adopted the sacred and free from this grave defect in
following rule of action for the guidance of human relationships, which not only often
the Baha'i Assemblies and communities un- inflicts unmerited injury and suffering upon
der its jurisdiction. the individual but, more important, destroys
1. In no case should the friends speak1 to the solidarity of the Baha'i community. Whis-
their fellow-believers in the community of pering and backbiting is equivalent to sep-
any matter involving personal dilinquencies, aration among the friends of God, and, in
alleged or actual, of another member of the the final analysis, is the will to harm and to
community, nor permit believers to speak to alienate the hearts.
them of such matters. If a complaint is The National Spiritual Assembly feels as-
warranted, it should be brought directly to sured and confident that all the friends will
the local Assembly for consideration. make every effort to realize in their indivi-
2. A local Assembly should assume juris- dual and community lives a greater love and
diction only when the acts or words of a unity of purpose, and be ever mindful of
member of the Baha'i community are such Baha'u'llah's injunction: "Attribute not. to
as to threaten the integrity of the Cause it- any soul that which thou wouldst not have
self, or to undermine the good name and attributed to thee, and say not that which
reputation of a believer. thou doest not. This is My Command to
3. This rule of action also applies for the thee, do thou observe it." (Hidden Words,
protection of believers, from any discussion 29.)
of their alleged personal shortcomings in Ba- "0 my servants! Deprive not yourselves
ha'i communities other than that in which of the unfading and resplendent Light that
such believers reside. shineth within the Lamp of Divine Glory.
4. All such personal matters are strictly Let the flame of the love of God burn bright-
barred from discussion at the Nineteen Day ly within your radiant hearts. Feed it with
Feasts. the oil of Divine guidance, and protect it
5. In applying the law of Baha'u'llah rela- within the shelter of your constancy. Guard
tive to the bringing of complaints and in- it within the globe of trust and detachment
formation to a local Assembly concerning from all else but God, so that the whisperings
the alleged or actual shortcomings of indi- of the ungodly may not extinguish its light."
vidual believers, the Assembly should not en- (Gleanings, pp. 325-326.)-N. S. A.
BAHA'I PROCEDURE SECTION THREE, SHEET I
THE NATURE AND AIMS from among all the friends in that country
the nine who will be the members of the
OF THE ANNUAL BAHA'I National Spiritual Assembly.
CONVENTION 3. I am deeply convinced that if the An-
nual Convention of the friends in America,
Compiled from the Guardian's as well as the National Spiritual Assembly,
Letters to Conventions, to the desire to become potent instruments for the
speedy realization of the Beloved's fondest
General Body of Believers arid hopes for the future of that country, they
to the National Spiritual should endeavor, first and foremost to ex-
Assembly emplify in an increasing degree, to all Ba-
ha'is and to the world at large the high ideals
1. You stand at this challenging hour in of fellowship and service which Baha'u'llah
the history of the Cause at the threshold of and the beloved Master repeatedly set before
a new era; the functions you are called upon them. They can claim the admiration, the
to discharge are fraught with immense pos- support and eventually the allegiance of their
si;bilities; the responsibilities you shoulder fellow-countrymen only by their strict re-
are grave and momentous, and the eyes of gard for the dignity, the welfare, and the
many people are turned, at this hour, to- unity of the Cause of God, by their zeal, their
wards you, expectant to behold the dawning disinterestedness, and constancy in the ser-
of a Day that shall witness the fulfilment of vice of mankind, and by demonstrating,
His Divine Promise. through their words and deeds, the need and
Forgetful of the past and its vicissitudes, practicability of the lofty principles which
conscious of the need for renewed and com- the Movement has proclaimed to the world.
bined effort, freed from all earthly limita- 4. Again I earnestly appeal to every one
tions and motives, with every lingering trace of you, and renew my only request with all
of ill-feeling forever banished from our the ardor of my conviction, to make, before
hearts, freshly united and determined, let us and during the coming Convention, yet an-
join in deep and silent communion with the other effort, this time more spontaneous and
ever-watchful Spirit of our beloved 'Abdu'l- selfless than before, and endeavor to ap-
Baha, and with humility and earnestness sup- proach your task-the election of your dele-
plicate for the guidance that will enable us gates, as well as your national and local
to fulfil the task which is now committed to representatives-with that purity of spirit
our charge. that can alone obtain our Beloved's most
2. It is expressly recorded in 'Abdu'l- cherished desire. Let us recall His explicit
Baha's Writings that these National Assem- and often-repeated assurance that every As-
blies must be indirectly elected by the sembly elected in that rarified atmosphere
friends; that is, the friends in every country of selflessness and detachment is, in truth,
must elect a certain number of delegates, appointed of God, that its verdict is truly
who in their turn will elect from among all inspired, that one and all should submit to
the friends in that country the members of its decision unreservedly and with cheerful-
the National Spiritual Assembly. In such ness.
countries, therefore, as America, Great Let us first strive to fulfill these conditions,
Britain and Germany, a fixed number of sec- difficult yet essential, in our lives, so that,
ondary electors must first be decided upon contented and assured, we may make of this
(95 for America, including the Pacific Is- new year of activity a year of abundant
lands; 95 for Germany; .and 19 for Great blessings, of unprecedented achievements.
Britain) . The friends then in every locality May this dearest wish be fulfilled !
where the number of adult declared believers 5. Hitherto the National Convention has
exceeds nine* must directly elect its quota of been primarily called together for the con-
secondary electors assigned to it in direct sideration of the various circumstances at-
proportion to its numerical strength. These tending the election of the National Spiritual
secondary electors will then, either through Assembly. I feel, however, that in view of
correspondence, or preferably by gathering the expansion and the growing importance
together, and first deliberating upon the af- of the administrative sphere of the Cause,
fairs of the Cause throughout their country the general sentiments and tendencies pre-
(as the delegates to the Convention), elect vailing among the friends, and the signs of
* The Guardian's first instruction was that a increasing interdependence among the Na-
Spiritual Assembly shou_ld be elected i~ commun!- tional Spiritual Assemblies throughout the
ties having more than nme declared believers; this
instruction was later modified by the statement that world, the assembled accredited representa-
a group of exactly nine believers may constitute tives of the American believers should exer-
themselves a Spiritual Assembly by joint declara-
tion.-EDITOR. cise not only the vital and responsible right
BAHA'f PROCEDURE SECTION THREE, SHEET 2
of electing the National Assembly, but should seating of delegates to the Convention, i. e.,
also fulfill the functions of an enlightened the right to decide upon the validity of the
consultative and cooperative body that will crede.ntials of the delegates at a given Con-
enrich the experience, enhance the prestige, vention, is vested in the outgoing National
support the authority and assist the delibera- Assembly, and the right to decide who has
tions of the National Spiritual Assembly. the voting :privilege is also ultimately placed
It is my firm conviction that it is the bounden in the hands of the National Spiritual As-
duty, in the interest of the Cause we all love sembly, either when a local Spiritual Assem-
and serve, of the members of the incoming bly is for the first time being formed in a
National Assembly, once elected by the dele- given locality, or when differences arise be-
gates at Convention time, to seek and have tween a new applicant and an already estab-
the utmost regard, individually as well as lished local Assembly. While the Convention
collectively, for the advice, the considered is in session and the accredited delegates
opinion and the true sentiments of the as- have already elected from among the believ-
sembled delegates. Banishing every vestige ers throughout the country the members of
of secrecy, of undue reticence, of dictatorial the National Spiritual Assembly for the cur-
aloofness, from their midst, they should ra- rent year, it is of infinite value and a su-
diantly unfold to the eyes of the delegates, preme necessity that as far as possible all
by whom they are elected, their plans, their matters requiring immediate decision should
hopes, and their cares. They should famil- ábe fully and publicly considered, and an en-
iarize the delegates with the various matters deavor be made to obtain after mature de-
that will have to :be considered in the current liberation unanimity in vital decisions. In-
year, and calmly and conscientiously study deed, it has ever been the cherished desire
and weigh the opinions and judgments of the of our Master, •Abdu'l-Baha, that the friends
delegates. The newly elected National As- in their councils, local as well as national,
sembly, during the few days when the Con- should by their candor, their honesty of pur-
vention is in session and after the dispersal pose, their singleness of mind, and the thor-
of the delegates, should seek ways and means oughness of their discussions, achieve unan-
to cultivate understanding, facilitate and imity in all things. Should this in certain
maintain the exchange of views, deepen con- cases prove impracticable the verdict of the
fidence, and vindicate by every tangible evi- majority should prevail, to which decision
dence their oneá desire to serve and advance the minority must, under all circumstances,
the common weal. Not infrequently, nay gladly, spontaneously and continually, sub-
oftentimes, the most lowly, untutored and in- mit.
e~erienced among the friends will, by the Nothing short of the all--encompassing, all-
sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent pervading power of His Guidance and Love
devotion, contribute a distinct and memora- can enable this newly-enfolded order to
ble share to a highly involved discussion in gather strength and flourish amid the storm
any given Assembly. Great must be the re- and stress of a turbulent age, and in the ful-
gard paid by those whom the delegates call ness of time vindicate its high claim to be
upon to serve in high position to this all- universally recognized as the one Haven of
important though inconspicuous manifesta- abiding felicity and peace.
tion of the revealing power of sincere :md 6. Regarding the method to be adopted for
earnest devotion. the election of the National Spiritual Assem-
The National Spiritual Assembly, how- blies, it is clear that the text of the Beloved's
ever, in view of the unavoidable limitations Testament gives us no indication as to the
imposed upon the convening of frequent and manner in which these Assemblies are to
long-standing sessions of the Convention, :be elected. In one of His earliest Tablets,
will have to retain in its hands the final de- however, addressed to a friend in Persia, the
cision on all matters that affect the interests following is expressly recorded :-
of the Cause in America, such as the right "At whatever time all the beloved of God
to decide whether any local Assembly is in each country appoint their delegates, and
functioning in accordance with the principles these in turn elect their representatives, and
laid down for the conduct and the advance- these representatives' elect a body, that body
ment of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer shall be regarded as the Supreme Baytu'l-
that they will utilize their highly responsible Adl (Universal House of Justice)."
position, not only for the wise and efficient These words clearly indicate that a three-
conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but also stage election has been provided by 'Abdu'l-
for the extension and deepening of the spirit Baha for the formation of the International
of cordiality and wholehearted and mutual House of Justice, and as it is explicitly pro-
support in their cooperation with the :body of vided in His Will and Testament that the
their co-workers throughout the land. The "Secondary House of Justice (i. e., National
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION THREE, SHEET 3
Assemblies) must elect the members of the standard of excellence which should charac-
Universal One," it is obvious that the mem- terize the cooperative efforts of Baha'i Com-
bers of the National Spiritual Assemblies munities in every land.
will have to be indirectly elected ,by the body High aims and pure motives, however
of the believers in their respective provinces. laudable in themselves, will surely not suffice
In view of these complementary instructions if unsupported by measures that are prac-
the principle, set forth in my letter of March ticable and methods that are sound. Wealth
12., 1923, has been established requiring the of sentiment, abundance of good-will and ef-
believers (the beloved of God) in every coun- fort, will prove of little avail if we should
try to elect a certain number of delegates fail to exercise discrimination and restraint
who, in turn, will elect their national repre- and neglect to direct their flow along the
sentatives (Secondary House of Justice or most profitable channels. The unfettered
National Spiritual Assembly) whose sacred freedom of the individual should be tempered
obligation and privilege will be to elect in with mutual consultation and sacrifice, and
time God's Universal House of Justice. the spirit of initiative and enterprise should
Should the a,ppointing of the delegates be be reinforced by a deeper realization of the
made a part of the functions of local Spir- supreme necessity for concerted action and
itual Assemblies, who are already elected a fuller devotion to the common weal.
bodies, the principle of a four-stage election It would be impossible at this stage to
would be introduced which would be at var- ignore the indispensability or to over-esti-
iance with the provisions explicitly laid down mate the unique significance of the institu-
in the Master's Tablet. On the other hand, tion of the National Spiritual Assembly-
were the local Spiritual Assemblies, the num- the pivot round which revolve the activities
ber of whose members is strictly confined to of the believers throughout the American
nine, to elect directly the members of the continent. Supreme is their position, grave
National Spiritual Assembly-thus main- their responsibility, manifold and arduous
taining the principle of a three-stage elec- their duties. How great the privilege, how
tion-all Baha'i localities, which must neces- delicate the task of the assembled delegates
sarily differ in numerical strength, would whose function it is to elect such national
then have to share equally in the election of representatives as would by their record of
the National Spiritual Assembly-a prac- service ennoble and enrich the annals of the
tice which would be contrary to fairness and Cause! If we but turn our gaze to the high
justice. Moreover, the central principle qualifications of the members of Baha'i As-
guiding for the present the administration of semblies, as enumerated in 'Abdu'l-Baha's
the Cause has been to make the Baha'i Na- Tablets, we are filled with feelings of un-
tional Spiritual Assemblies as independent worthiness and dismay, and would feel truly
as possible in the conduct of such affairs as disheartened but for the comforting thought
fall within their province, and to lessen the that if we rise to play nobly our part every
hampering influence of any institution with- deficiency in our lives will be more than
in their jurisdiction that might, whether di- compensated by the all-conquering spirit of
rectly or indirectly, impair their authority His grace and power. Hence it is incumbent
and prestige. upon the chosen delegates to consider with-
7. And now regarding this forthcoming out the least trace of passion and prejudice,
Convention, I feel that the dominating pur- and irrespective of any material considera-
pose inspiring the assembled friends, dele- tion, the names of only those who can best
gates and visitors alike, should be a twofold combine the necessary qualities of unques-
one. The first is a challenge to the individual, tioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-
the second a collective responsibility. The trained mind, of recognized ability and ma-
one seeks to reinforce the motive power of ture experience.
our spiritual activities, the second aims at 8. In connection with the annual holding
raising the standard of administrative effi- of the Baha'i Convention and Congress, I
ciency so vitally needed at this advanced feel that although such a representative body
stage of our work. We should first and fore- need not be convened necessarily every year,
most endeavor by every means to revitalize yet it is highly desirable, in view of the
our precious Cause, rudely shaken by the unique functions it fulfills in promoting har-
constant vicissitudes attending the outward mony and good-will, in removing misunder-
departure of a vigilant and gracious Master. standings and in enhancing the prestige of
Our next object should be to seek to ap- the Cause, that the National Spiritual As-
proach, through more intimate association, sembly should exert itself to gather together
fuller and more frequent consultation, and annually the elected representatives of the
a closer familiarity with the character, the American believers. It would in some ways
mission and the teachings of the Cause, that be obviously convenient and eminently de-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION THREE, SHEET 4
sirable though not absolutely essential, if the settled and uniform procedure for the elec-
National Spiritual Assembly could arrange tion of the Assemblies of the East and the
that the holding of such a Congress should West, leaving them free to pursue their own
synchronize with the time at which the na- methods of procedure which in most cases
tional elections are renewed, and that both had been instituted and practised during the
events should take place, if not on the first last two decades of the life of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
of Ridvan, at least during the twelve joyous The general practice ,prevailing throughout
days of what may be justly regarded as the the East is the one based upon the principle
foremost Baha'i Festival. Apart from the of plurality rather than absolute majority,
local elections which universally are to be whereby those candidates that have obtained
renewed on the 21st day of April, it is en- the highest number of votes, irrespective of
tirely lef,t to the discretion of the National the fact whether they command an absolute
Spiritual Assembly to decide, after hav- majority of the votes cast or not, are auto-
ing given due consideration to the above matically and definitely elected. It has been
mentioned observations, on whatever time felt, with no little justification, that this me-
and place the Baha'i Convention as well thod, admittedly disadvantageous in its dis-
as the annual elections are to be held. regard of the principle that requires that
Were the National Spiritual Assembly to each elected member must secure a majority
decide, after mature deliberation, to omit of the votes cast, does away on the other
the holding of the Baha'i Convention and hand with the more serious disadvantage of
Congress in a given year, then they could, restricting the freedom of the elector who,
only in such a case, devise ways and means unhampered and unconstrained by electoral
to insure that the annual election of the necessities, is called upon to vote for none but
National Spiritual Assembly should be those whom prayer and reflection have in-
held by mail, provided it can be conducted spired him to uphold. Moreover, the prac-
with sufficient thoroughness, efficiency and tice of nomination, so detrimental to the at-
dispatch. It should, however, be made clear mosphere of a silent and prayerful election,
to evecy elected delegate-who should be is viewed with mistrust inasmuch as it gives
continually reminded-that it is a sacred re- the right to the majority of a body that, in
sponsi,bility and admittedly preferable to at- itself under the present circumstances, often
tend if possible in person the sessions of the constitutes a minority of all the elected dele-
Convention, to take an active part in all its gates, to deny that God-given right of every
proceedings, and to acquaint his fellow- elector to vote only in favor of those who he
workers on his return with the accomplish- is conscientiously convinced are the most
ments, the decisions and the aspirations of worthy candidates. Should this simple sys-
the assembled representatives of the Ameri- tem be provisionally adopted, it would safe-
can believers. It would also appear to me guard the spiritual principle of the imfet-
unobjectionable to enable and even to require tered freedom of the voter, who will thus
in the last resort such delegates as cannot preserve intact the sanctity of the choice he
possibly undertake the journey to the seat first made. It would avoid the inconvenience
of the Baha'i Convention to send their votes, of securing advance nominations from ab-
for the election of the National Spiritual As- sent delegates and the impracticality of as-
sembly only, by mail to the National Secre- sociating them with the assembled electors
tary, as in my view the advantages of such in the subsequent ballots that are often re-
a ,procedure outweigh the considerations re- quired to meet the exigencies of majority
f erred to in your letter. vote.
9. In connection with the best and most I would recommend these observations to
,practical methods of procedure to be adopted your earnest consideration, and whatever de-
for the election of Baha'i Spiritual Assem- cision you arrive at, all local Assemblies and
blies, I feel that in view of the fact that defi- individual believers, I am certain, will up-
nite and detailed regulations defining the hold, for their spiritual privilege is not only
manner and character of Baha'i elections to consult. freely and frequently with the
have neither been expressly revealed by National Spiritual Assembly, but to uphold
Baha'u'llah nor laid down in the Will and as well with confidence and cheerfulness
Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha, it devolves upon whatever is the considered verdict of their
the members of the Universal House of Jus- national representatives.
tice to formulate and apply such system of 10. The Guardian wishes the N. S. A. to re-
laws as would be in conformity with the es- mind, and make it quite clear to, the be-
sentials and requisites expressly recorded by lievers in that land that the supreme body
the Author and Interpreter of the Faith for in the United States and Canada, whose priv.,.
the conduct of Baha'i administration. I have ilege and function is to lay down, amend and
consequently refrained from establishing a abrogate the administrative principles of the
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION THREE, SHEET 5
Faith with the approval of the Guardian, is on a gathering which is primarily intended
not the Convention, however representative for the accredited delegates of the Baha'i
it may be, but the N. S. A. On the other communities. Bearing this restriction in
hand, it is the sacred obligation and the pri- mind, it is the duty of the N. S. A. to devise
mary function of the National Assembly not ways and means which would enable them to
to restrict under any circumstances, the free- obtain valuable suggestions, not only from
dom of the assembled delegates, whose two- the total number of the elected delegates,
fold function is to elect their national repre- but from as large a body of their fellow-
sentatives and to submit to them any recom- workers as is humanly possible.
mendations they may feel inclined to make. Shoghi Effendi has not departed from any
The function of the Convention is purely ad- established Administrative principle. He
visory and though the advice it gives is not feels he has neither ácurtailed the legislative
binding in its effect on those on whom rest authority of the N. S. A. nor invested the
the final decision in purely administrative Convention with undue powers enabling it
matters, yet, the utmost caution and care to rival or supersede those whom it has to
should be exercised álest anything should elect. What the Guardian is aiming at is to
hamper the delegates in the full and free ex- remind the friends, more fully than before,
ercise of their function. In discharging this of the two cardinal principles of Baha'i Ad-
sacred function no influence whatever, no ministration, namely, the supreme and un-
pressure from any quarter, even though it challengable authority of the N. S. A. in na-
be from the National Assembly, should tional affairs working within the limits im-
under any circumstances affect their views posed by the Declaration of Trust and By-
or restrict their freedom. The delegates Laws, and the untrammelled freedom of the
must be wholly independent of any adminis- Convention delegates to advise, deliberate on
trative agency, must approach. their task the actions, and appoint the successors of
with absolute detachment and must concen- their National Assembly. The Guardian is
trate their attention on the most important confident that you will elucidate and give
and pressing issues. the widest publicity to these already estab-
The Guardian believes that the right to lished principles, upon which the progress,
elect the chairman and the secretary of the the unity and welfare of Baha'i administra-
Convention should be vested in the as- tive institutions must ultimately depend.
sembled delegates, lest any objection be The utmost care and vigilance should be
raised that the members of the outgoing Na- exercised lest any fresh misunderstandings
tional Assembly are seeking to direct the arise regarding these fundamental issues.
course of the discussion in a manner that The root principle of Baha'i Administration
would be conducive to their own personal is unreservedly maintained. No departure
interests. The National Assembly, however, from its established tenets is contemplated.
must at all times vigilantly uphold, defend, The undisputed authority of America's su-
justify and enforce the provisions of the Dec- preme Baha'i administrative :body has been
laration of Trust and By-Laws which are reaffirmed, while on the other hand, the un-
binding on the Convention no less than on trammelled freedom of individual believers
themselves. The N. S. A. has the right to lay and delegates to exercise their functions has
down, enforce and interpret the National been once again reaffirmed and strengthened.
Constitution of the Baha'is in that land. It On the continuous and harmonious coopera-
cannot, if it wishes to remain faithful to tion of the two leading Baha'i institutions in
that Constitution, lay down any regulations, America, the growth and success of the ad-
however secondary in character, that would ministration bequeathed by 'Abdu'l-Baha
in the least hamper the unrestricted liberty must ultimately depend. May next year's
of the delegates to advise and elect those Convention witness the triumph of these
whom they feel best combine the necessary basic principles.
qualifications for membership of so exalted 11. Concerning the status, rights and pre-
a body. rogatives of the Annual Baha'i Convention,
Non-delegates, however, according to the the Guardian wishes to make it quite clear
Guardian's considered opinion, should not be to all the believers that this annual meeting
given the right to intervene directly during of the delegates is by no means a continuous
the sessions of the Convention. Only through consultative body all through the year; that
an accredited delegate they should be given its twofold function of electing the body of
indirectly the chance to voice their senti- the National Spiritual Assembly, and of of-
ments and to participate in the deliberations fering any constructive suggestions in re-
of the Convention. Much confusion and com- gard to the general administration of the
plications must inevitably result in the days Cause is limited to a definite period; and that
to come, if such a restriction be not imposed consequently the opinion current among
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION THREE, SHEET 6
some of the believers that the delegates are preme responsibility and sole prerogative of
to serve as a consultative body throughout the delegates assembled in Convention.
the year is at variance with the fundamental, . Nothing short of close and constant inter-
though as yet unspecified, principles under- action between these various organs of
lying the Administration.. Shoghi Effendi Baha'i administration can enable it to fulfill
firmly believes that consultation must be its high destiny.
maintained between the N. S. A. and the en- 13. Concerning the status of members of
tire body of the believers, and that such con- the N. S. A. at Convention sessions, the
sultation, while the Convention is not in ses- Guardian feels that the members both of the
sion, can best be maintained through the incoming and the outgoing Assemblies
agency of the local Assemblies, one of whose should be given the .full right to participate
essential functions is to act as intermediaries in the Convention discussions. Those mem-
between the local communities and their na- bers of the N. S. A. who have been elected
tional representatives. The main purpose of delegates will, in addition to the right of par-
the Nineteen Day Feasts is to enable indi- ticipation, be entitled to vote. The Guardian
vidual believers to offer any suggestion to wishes thereby to render more effective the
the local Assembly which in its turn will deliberations and the recommendations of
pass it to the N. S. A. The local Assembly is, the national representatives. He feels that •
therefore, the -proper medium through which the exercise of such a right by the members
local Baha'i communities can communicate of the N. S. A. will enable them to consult
with the body of the national representatives. more fully with the assembled delegates, to
The Convention should be regarded as a tem- exchange fully and frankly with them their
porary gathering, having certain specific views, and io consider collectively the inter-
functions to perform, during a limited period ests, needs and requirements of the Cause.
of time. Its status is thus limited in time to This he believes is one of the primary f unc-
the Convention sessions, the function of con- tions of the Convention.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
sultation at all other times being vested in
the entire body of the believers through the THE ANNUAL BAHA'I
local Spiritual Assemblies. CONVENTION
12. I wish to affirm without the least hesi-
tation or ambiguity, that the annual conven- 1. The Annual Baha'i Convention has two
tion is not to be regarded as a body entitled unique functions to fulfill, discussion of cur-
to exercise functions similar to those which rent Baha'i matters and the election of the
an ordinary parliament possesses under a National Spiritual Assembly. The discussion
democratic form of government. The admin- should be free and untrammeled, the election
istrative order which lies embedded in the carried on in that spirit of prayer and med-
Teaching of Baha'u'llah, and which the itation in which alone every delegate can
American believers have championed and are render obedience to the Guardian's expressed
now esta;blishing, should, under no circum- wish. After the Convention is convened by
stances, be identified with the principles un- the Chairman of the National Spiritual As-
derlying present-day democracies. Nor is it sembly, and after the roll call is read by the
identical with any purely aristocratic or auto- Secretary of the Assembly, the Convention
cratic form of government. The objectionable proceeds to the election of its chairman and
features inherent in each of these ipolitcal secretary by secret ballot and without ad-
systems are entirely avoided. It blends, as no vance nomination, according to the standard
system of human polity has as yet achieved, set for all Baha'i elections.
those salutary truths.and beneficial elements 2. Non-delegates may not participate in
which constitute the valuable contributions Convention discussion. All members of the
which each of these forms of government National Spiritual Assembly may partici-
have made to society in the past. Consulta- pate in the discussion, but only those mem-
tion, frank and unfettered, is the bedrock bers who have been elected delegates may
of this unique order. Authority is concen- vote on any matter brought up for vote dur-
trated in the hands of the elected members ing the proceedings.
of the National Assembly. Power and ini- 3. The outgoing National Spiritual Assem-
tiative are primarily vested in the entire bly is responsible for rendering reports of
body of the believers acting through their its own activities and of those carried on by
local representatives. To generate those its committees during the past year. The an-
forces which must give birth to the body of nual election is to be held at a point midway
their national administrators, and to confer, during the Convention sessions, so that the
freely and fully and at fixed intervals, with incoming Assembly may consult with the
both the incoming and outgoing national As- delegates.
semblies, are the twofold functions, the su- The Convention is free to discuss any
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION .THREE, SHEET 7
Baha'i matter, in addition to those treated effort to assure the constitutional freedom
in the annual reports. The Convention is re- of the Convention to fulfill its high mission.
sponsible for making its own rules of pro- The path of true freedom lies in knowing and
cedure controlling discussion; for example, obeying the general ,principles given to all
concerning any limitations the delegates may Baha'is for the proper conduct of their col-
find it necessary to impose upon the time al- lective affairs. While the entire world
lotted to or claimed by any one delegate. The plunges forward to destruction, it is the re-
National Assembly will maintain the rights sponsibility of the National Spiritual Assem-
of the delegates to confer freely and fully, bly to uphold that Order on which .peace and
free from any restricted pressure, in the ex- security solely depends.-N. S. A.
ercise of their function.
5. The Convention as an organic body is Your statement on the Convention is ad-
limited to -the actual Convention period. It mirable. The Guardian fully endorses it and
has no function to discharge after the close wishes you to send as promptly as you can
of the sessions except that of electing a mem- a copy of it to the Persian N. S. A. for their
ber or members to fill any vacancy that instruction and guidance.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
might arise in the membership of the Na-
tional Spiritual Assembly during the year. A PROCEDURE FOR THE
6. The Convention while in session has no
independent legislative, executive or judicial CONDUCT OF THE AN-
function. Aside from its action in electing NUAL BAHA'i CONVEN-
the National Spiritual Assembly, its discus-
sions do not represent actions but recom- TION
mendations which shall, according to the INTRODUCTION
Guardian's instructions, be given conscienti-
ous consideration by the National Assembly. The Guardian's references to the Annual
7. The National Spiritual Assembly is the Convention have been compiled and pub-
supreme Baha'i administrative body within lished in two issues of Baha'i News-Nov-
the American Baha'i community, and ,its ember, 1933 and February, 1934. *
jurisdiction continues without interruption
during the Convention period as during the I. THE ANNUAL BAHA'i
remainder of the year, and independently of
the individuals composing its membership. CONVENTION
Any matter requiring action of legislative, A summary of the constitutional basis of
executive or judicial nature, whether arising the Convention has been made by the Na-
during the Convention period or at any other tional Spiritual Assembly and approved by
time, is to be referred to the National Spir- the Guardian. It was published in Baha'i
itual Assembly. The National Assembly is News for April, 1935. Special reference is
responsible for upholding the administrative made to the seven numbered paragraphs in
principles applying to the holding of the An- that summary.**
nual Convention as it is for upholding all
other administrative principles. If, there- II. CONVENTION CALL
fore, a Convention departs from the ,princi-
ples laid down for Conventions by the Guar- The National Spiritual Assembly deter-
dian, and exceeds the limitations of function mines the date, duration and place of the
conferred upon it, in that case, and in that Annual Convention and provides for such
case alone, the National Spiritual Assembly meetings in connection with the Convention
can and must intervene. It is the National as it may feel are desirable.
Spiritual Assembly, and not the Convention,
which is authorized to decide when and why III. CONVENTION
such intervention is required.
8. The National Spiritual Assembly feels PROCEDURE
that it owes a real duty to the delegates, and The Twenty-sixth Annual Convention,
to the entire body of believers, in presenting held in 1934, voted a recommendation calling
any and all facts that may be required in upon the National Spiritual Assembly to sup-
order to clarify matters discussed at the ply a parliamentary procedure for the con-
Convention. There can be no true Baha'i duct of the Annual Convention, and the pre-
consultation at this important meeting if sent material has been prepared to meet the
any incomplete or erroneous view should pre- need indicated by that recommendation.
vail.
9. The National Assembly in adopting and * This compilation has likewise been reproduced
in the present work.
issuing this statement, does so in the sincere ** See previous pages in the present work.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION THREE, SHEET 8
Order of Business order. The parliamentary procedure here
set forth for the Convention is based upon
Prayer and devotional readings, provided the procedure already adopted for meetings
by the outgoing National Spiritual Assem- of local Assemblies and communities. It ac-
bly. cordingly extends to sessions of the Annual
Opening of Convention by Presiding Offi- Convention the same procedure under which
cer of the National Spiritual Assembly. the delegates, in their other Baha'i activi-
Roll call of delegates by the Secretary of ties, are accustomed to conduct discussion
the National Spiritual Assembly. and consultation.
Election by secret ballot of Convention
Chairman and Secretary. The Convention The purpose of consultation at the Annual
Officers are to be elected by the assembled Convention is threefold: to arrive at full
delegates from among the entire number of and complete knowledge of the current con-
delegates who are present at the Convention. ditions, problems and possibilities of the
Annual Report of National Spiritual As- Faith in America; to give to the incoming
sembly. National Assembly the :benefit of the col-
Annual Financial Report of National lective wisdom, águidance and constructive
Spiritual Assembly. suggestions of the assembled delegates; and
Convention message to the Guardian of to contribute to the unity, in spirit and in ac-
the Faith. tion, of the entire American Baha'i com-
Annual Committee Reports: these areá to m unity.
be considered as part of the Report of the The freedom of each and every delegate
National Spiritual Assembly. They are to take part in discussion and to initiate mo-
whenever possible published in Baha'i News tions is untrammeled save as the undue ac-
in advance of the Convention date, for the tivity of one delegate might hamper the
information of the delegates. rights of the other delegates. Any necessary
Subjects for Consultation. Any delegate limitation to be placed upon individual dis-
may, before the Convention convenes, rec- cussion shall be determined by the Chair-
ommend to the National Assembly such top- man in the absence of any specific motion
ics as he deems of sufficient importance to be duly voted by the delegates themselves.
included in the Convention agenda; and the It shall be the duty of the Chairman to
National Spiritual Assembly, from the list encourage general consultation and make
of topics received from delegates, and also possible the active participation of the great-
suggested by its own knowledge and e:x;peri- est possible number of delegates.
ence, is to prepare an agenda or order of The Chairman has the same power and re-
business as its recommendation to the Con- sponsibility for discussion and voting upon
vention. motions as other delegates. Members of the
This agenda may include, as part of the outgoing and incoming National Assembly
National Assembly's Annual Report, the pre- who are not delegates may participate in the
sentation of special subjects by well quali- consultation but not vote.
fied members, committee representatives or
non-Baha'i experts whose exposition is ne- A resolution, or motion, is not subject to
cessary or desirable for the information of discussion or vote until duly made and sec-
the delegates. onded. It is preferable to have each resolu-
On motion duly made, seconded and voted, tion clear and complete in itself, but when an
any such subject may be omitted, and also amendment is duly made and seconded, the
on motion duly made, seconded and voted, Chairman shall call for a vote on the amend-
any other subject may be proposed for spe- ment first and then on the motion. An
cial consultation. amendment must be relevant to, and not con-
Annual election. The election of members travene, the subject matter of the motion.
of the National Spiritual Assembly is to take The Chairman shall call for votes by oral
place approximately midway during the Con- expression of ayes and nays, but where the
vention sessions, so as to enable the dele- result of the vote is doubtful by a show of
gates to consult with both the outgoing and hands or a rising vote. A majority vote de-
incoming Assemblies, in accordance with the termines.
Guardian's expressed desire. Discussion of any matter may be termin-
ated by motion duly made, seconded and
voted, calling upon the Chairman to bring
Conduct of Business the matter to an immediate vote or proceed
Every deliberate body, to fulfill its func- to other business.
tions, must conduct its deliberations in ac- The transactions of the Convention shall
cordance with some established rules of be recorded by the Secretary, and when cer-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION THREE, SHEET 9
tified by the Convention officers shall ,be IV. THE CONVENTION
given to the National Spiritual Assembly.
RECORD
The permanent record of each successive
Annual Convention shall consist of the fol-
Annual Election lowing:- ( l) Convention Call as issued by
the National Spiritual Assembly, including
The electors in the Annual Election shall list of Participating Baha'i áCommunities;
consist of those delegates included in the (2) list of accredited delegates; (3) Annual
Roll Call prepared by the National Spiritual Reports of the National Spiritual Assembly
Assembly. and of its Committees; ( 4) Messages sent to
Ballots and tellers' report forms shall be and received from the Guardian; (5) Reso-
provided by the National Assembly. lutions and other transactions of the assem-
The election shall be conducted by the Con- bled delegates; (6) The result of the Annual
vention, but delegates unable to attend the Election.-N. S. A.
Convention shall have the right to vote by
mail.
The Chairman shall appoint three tellers,
NO REFERENCE TO
chosen from among the assembled delegates. PERSONALITIES
The electoral method shall be as follows : I feel that reference to personalities be-
1. The Convention Secretary shall call the fore the election would give rise to misunder-
roll of delegates, whereupon each delegate, standing and differences. What the friends
in turn, shall place his or her ballot in a bal- should do is to get thoroughly acquainted
lot box ; and as the names are called ballots with one another, to exchange views, to mix
received by mail shall be placed in the bal- freely and discuss among themselves the re-
lot box by the Secretary of the National As- quirements and qualifications for such a
sembly. membership without reference or applica-
2. The ballot ,box shall then be handed to tion, however indirect, to partieular indi-
the tellers, who shall retire from the Con- viduals. We should refrain from influencing
vention Hall to determine the result of the the opinion of others, of canvassing for any
election. particular individual, but should stress the
3. The result of the election is to be re- necessity of getting fully acquainted with
ported by the tellers, and the tellers' report the qualifications of membership referred to
is to be approved by the Convention. in our Beloved's Tablets and of learning
4. The ballots, together with the tellers' more a:bout one another through direct, per-
report, certified by all the tellers, are to be sonal experience rather than through the re-
given the National Spiritual Assembly for ports and opinions of our f riends.-SHOGHI
preservation. EFFENDI.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 1
THE INSTITUTION OF THE sideration and d~ision of the local Assembly,
or whether it should fall under its own prov-
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ince and be regarded as a matter which
ASSEMBLY ought to receive its special attention. The
National Spiritual Assembly will also decide
Regarding the establishment of "National upon such matters which in its opinion
Assemblies," it is of vital importance that . should be referred to the Holy Land for con-
in every country, where the conditions are sultation and decision.
favorable and the number of friends has With these Assemblies, local as well as
grown and reached a considerable size, such national, harmoniously, vigorously, and effi-
as America, Great Britain and Germany, ciently functioning throughout the Baha'i
that a "National Spiritual Assembly" be im- world, the only means for the establishment
meidately established, representative of the of the Supreme House of Justice will have
friends throughout that country. been secured. And when this Supreme Body
Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, will have been properly established, it will
unify and coordinate by frequent personal have to consider afresh the whole situation,
consultations, the manifold activities of the and lay down the principle which shall di-
friends as well as the local Assemblies; and rect, so long as it deems advisable, the affairs
by keeping in close and constant touch with of the Cause.
the Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct The need for the centralization of auth-
in general the affairs of the Cause in that ority in the National Spiritual Assembly,
Country. and the concentration of power in the vari-
It serves also another purpose, no less es- ous local Assemblies, is made manifest when
sential than the first, as in the course of we reflect that the Cause of Baha'u'llah is
time it shall evolve into the National House still in its age of tender growth and in a
of Justice (referred to in •Abdu'l-Baha's stage of transition ; when we remember that
Will as the "secondary House of Justice"), the full implications and the exact signifi-
which according to the explicit text of the cance of the Master's world-wide instruc-
Testament will have, in conjunction with the tions, as laid down in His Will, are as yet
other National Assemblies throughout the not fully grasped, and the whole Movement
Baha'i world, to elect directly the members has not sufficiently crystallized in the eyes
of the International House of Justice, that of the world.
Supreme Council that will guide, organize It is primarily upon the elected members
and unify the affairs of the Movement of the National Spiritual Asemblies through-
throughout the world. out the Baha'i world that this highly impor-
This National Spiritual Assembly, which, tant duty devolves, as in their hands the di-
pending the establishment of the Universal rection and management of all spiritual
House of Justice, will have to be re-elected Baha'i activities have been placed and cen-
once a year, obviously assumes grave respon- tralized, and as they constitute in the eyes
sibilities, for it has to exercise full authority of the people of their country the supreme
over all the local Assemblies in its province, body in that land that officially represents,
and will have to direct the activities of the promotes and safeguards the various inter-
friends, guard vigilantly the Cause of God, ests of the Cause, it is my fervent prayer
and control and supervise the affairs of the and my most cherished desire, that the un-
Movement in general. failing guidance of Baha'u'llah and the bless-
Vital issues, affecting the interests of the ings of our beloved Master will enable them
Cause in that country such as the matter of to set a high and true example to all other
translation and publication, the Mashriqu'l- Baha'i institutions and local Assemblies, and
Adh~ar, the Teaching Work, and other sim- will show them what absolute harmony, ma-
ilar matters that stand distinct from strictly ture deliberation and whole-hearted coopera-
local affairs, must be under the full jurisdic- tion can achieve.
tion of the National Assembly. Should such a representative and respon-
It will have to refer each of these ques- sible body fail to realize this fundamental
tions, even as the local Assemblies, to a spe- requisite for all successful achievement, the
cial Committee, to be elected by the mem- whole structure is sure to crumble, and the
bers of the National Spiritual Assembly, Great Plan of the Future, as unfolded by the
from among all the friends in that country, Master's Will and Testament, will be rudely
which will bear to it the same relation as the disturbed and grievously delayed.
local committees bear to their respective The Guardian wishes me to again affirm
local Assemblies. his view that the authority of the N. S. A.
With it, too, rests the decision whether a is undivided and unchallengeable in all mat-
certain point at issue is strictly local in its ters pertaining to the administration of the
nature, and should be reserved for the con- Faith throughout the United States and
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 2
Canada, and that, therefore, the obedience LEGAL CONSTITUTION OF
of individual Baha'is, delegates, groups and
Assemblies to that authority is imperative, NATIONAL AND LOCAL
and should be wholehearted and unqualified. ASSEMBLIES
He is convinced that the unreserved accep-
tance and complete application of this vital In this connection he wishes me to inform
provision of the Administration is essential you that at his repeated directions the Na-
to the maintenance of the highest degree of tional Assemblies of Egypt, 'Iraq and Persia
unity amongst the believers, and is indis- are adopting the exact text of your Assem-
pensable to the effective working of the ad- bly's Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, as
ministrative machinery of the Faith in every well as the local By-Laws, and are taking the
country. necessary steps for incorporating their As-
I wish to reaffirm in clear and categori- semblies as duly recognized bodies em-
cal language, the principle already enun- powered to administer the national and local
ciated upholding the supreme authority of affairs of the Faith in their respective coun-
the National Assembly in all matters that tries. The Indian N. S. A., as well as the
affect the interests of the Faith in that Bombay Spiritual Asembly, have already set
land. There can be no conflict of author- the example in this respeet, both in the mat-
ity, no duality under any form or circum- ter of incorporation, and in the adoption of
stances in any sphere of Baha'i jurisdic- the text of the constitµtions of the American
tion whether local, national or international. Baha'i Assemblies.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
The National Assembly, however, although
the sole interpreter of its Declaration of CHANGES IN
Trust and By-Laws, is directly and moral-
ly responsible if it allows any body or in- MEMBERSHIP
stitution within its jurisdiction to a;buse Shoghi Effendi has never said that the
its privileges or to decline in the exercise of members of the National Assembly have to
its rights and privileges. It is the trusted be renewed partially every year. The impor-
guardian and the mainspring of the manifold tant thing is that they should be properly
activities and interests of every national elected. It would be nice if there should be
community in the Baha'i world. It consti- new members elected, for new blood always
tutes the sole link that binds these communi- adds to the energy of the group and will keep
ties to the International House of Justice, up their spirit. But this depends entirely
the supreme administrative body in the Dis- upon the will of the delegates as represented
pensation of Baha'u'llah. in the result of their voting.-SHOGHI EF-
Anything whatsoever affecting the inter- FENDI.
ests of the Cause and in which the National
Assembly as a body is involved should, if
regarded as unsatisfactory by local Assem- THE NATIONAL BAHA't
blies and individual believers, be immedi- FUND
ately referred to the National Assembly it-
self. Neither the general body of the believ- And as the progress and extension of
ers, nor any local Assembly, nor even the spiritual activities is dependent and con-
delegates to the Annual áConvention, should ditioned upon material means, it is of abso-
be regarded as having any authority to en- lute necessity that immediately after the es-
tertain appeals against the decision of the tablishment of local as well as national Spir-
National Assembly. Should the matter be re- itual Assemblies, a Baha'i Fund be estab-
ferred to the Guardian it will be his duty to lished, to be placed under the exclusive con-
consider it with the utmost care and to de- trol of the Spiritual Assembly. All donations
cide whether the issues involved justify him and contributions should be offered the
to consider it in person, or to leave it entirely Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express
to the discretion of the National Assembly. purpose of promoting the interests of the
This administrative prindple which the Cause, throughout that locality or country.
Guardian is now restating and emphasizing It is the sacred obligation of every consci-
is so clear, so comprehensive and simple that entious and faithful servant of Baha'u'llah
no misunderstanding as to its application, he who desires to see His Cause advance, to con-
feels, can :possibly arise. There are no excep- tribute freely and generously for the increase
tions whatever to this rule, and the Guardian of that Fund. The members of the Spiritual
would deprecate any attempt to elaborate or Assembly will at their own diseretion ex-
dwell any further upon this fundamental pend it to promote the Teaching Campaign,
and clearly-enunciated principle.-SHOGHI to help the needy, to establish educational
EFFENDI. Baha'i institutions, to extend in every way
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 3
possible their sphere of service. I cherish stitution of the National Baha'i Fund which,
the hope that all the friends, realizing the in these early days of the administrative de-
necessity of this measure, will bestir them- velopment of the Faith, is the indispensable
selves and contribute, however modestly at medium for the growth and expansion of the
first, towards the speedy establishment and Movement. Contributions to this fund con-
the increase of that Fund.-Baha'i Admin- stitute, in addition, a practical and effective
istration, pp. 36-37. way whereby every believer can test the
We must be like the fountain or spring measure and character of his faith, and to
that is continually emptying itself of all that prove in deeds the intensity of his devotion
it has and is continually being refilled from and attachment to the Cause. -Baha'i News,
an invisible source. To be continually giving November, 1934.
out for the good of our fellows undeterred As the activities of the American Baha'i
by the fear of poverty and reliant on the community e~nd, and its worldwide pres-
unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth tige correspondingly increases, the institu-
and all good-this is the secret of right liv- tion of the National Fund, the bedrock on
ing.-Baha'i News, September, 1926. which all other institutions must necessarily
With regard to the Baha'i Fund, recently rest and be established, acquires added im-
established amongst the friends, I trust that portance, and should be increasingly sup-
the matter now stands clear to everyone ported by the entire body of the believers,
throughout the country. As I have previ- both in their individual capacities, and
ously intimated, although individual friends through their collective efforts, whether or-
and local Assemblies are absolutely free to ganized as groups or as local Assemblies.
specify the object and ,purpose of their dona- The supply of funds, in support of the Na-
tions to the National Spiritual Assembly, tional Treasury, constitutes, at the pi'esent
yet, in my opinion, I regard it of the utmost time, the life-blood of these nascent institu-
vital importance that individuals, as well as tions you are laboring to erect. Its impor-
local Assemblies, throughout the land should, tance cannot, surely, be over-estimated. Un-
in view of the paramount importance of Na- told blessings shall no doubt crown every
tional Teaching and as an evidence of their effort directed to that end.-Baha'i News,
absolute confidence in their national repre- October, 1935.--SHOGHI EFFENDI.
sentatives, endeavor, however small at first,
to contribute freely towards the upkeep and ANONYMOUS CONTRIBU-
the increase of the National Baha'i Fund, TIONS TO THE NATIONAL
so that the members of the National Assem-
bly may at their full discretion expend it for FUND
whatever they deem urgent and necessary. In view of the Guardian's instruction that
-Baha'i Administration, p. 47. contributions are not to be accepted from
In connection with the institution of the non-Baha'is for the Temple and other or-
National Fund and the budgetary system set ganic work of the Cause, but be used for
forth in the Minutes of the National Spir- humanitarian purposes, a difficulty is created
itual Assembly, I feel urged to remind you for the N. S. A. whenever the Treasurer re-
of the necessity of ever ábearing in mind the ceives a contribution from an unknown
cardinal principle that all contributions to source. Unless it knows the actual donor, the
the Fund are to be purely and strictly vol- Assembly is compelled to regard anonymous
untary in character. It should be made clear contributions as coming from a non-Baha'i.
and evident to every one that any form of Such contributions have recently been ap-
compulsion, however slight and indirect, plied to the Publishing Committee for m.ak-
strikes at the very root of the principle un- . ing gift subscriptions of World Order to
derlying the formation of the Fund ever Public Liibraries and institutions of general
since its inception. While appeals of a gen- welfare.-N. S. A.
eral character, carefully worded and moving
and dignified in tone are welcome under all COMMITTEES OF THE
circumstances, it should be left entirely to NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
the discretion of every conscientious believer Large issues in such spiritual activities
to decide upon the nature, the amount, and that affect the Cause in general in that land,
purpose of his or her contribution for the such as the management of the "Star of the
propagation of the Cause.-Baha'i Admin- West" and any periodical which the National
istration, ,p. 92. Body may decide to be a Baha'i organ, the
He wishes you particularly to impress the matter of publication, of reprinting Baha'i
believers with the necessity of maintaining literature and its distribution among the var-
the flow of their contributions to. the Temple, ious Assemblies, the means whereby the
and also to stress the importance of the in- teaching campaign may be stimulated and
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 4
maintained, the work of the Mashriqu'l- calling, the functions which it is theirs to dis-
Adhkar, the racial question in relation to the charge. They should, within the limits im-
Cause, the matter of receiving Orientals and posed upon them by present-day circum-
association with them, the care and main- stances, endeavor to maintain the balance in
tenance of the precious film exhibiting a such a manner that the evils of over-cen-
phase of the Master's sojourn in the United tralization which clog, confuse and in the
States of America as ,well as the original long run depreciate the value of the Baha'i
matrix and the records of His voice, and services rendered shall on one hand be en-
various other national spiritual activities, tirely avoided, and on the other the perils
far from being under the exclusive juris- of utter decentralization with the consequent
diction of any local Assembly or group of lapse of governing authority from the hands
friends, must each be minutely and fully di- of the national representatives of the believ-
rected by a special board, elected by the Na- ers definitely averted. The absorption of the
tional Body, constituted as a committee petty details of Baha'i administration by the
thereof, responsible to it and upon which the personnel of the National Spiritual Assem-
National Body shall exercise constant and bly is manifestly injurious to efficiency and
general supervision.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. an expert discharge of Baha'i duties, whil_st
the granting of undue discretion to bodies
REPORTS OF ACTIVITIES that should be regarded in no other light
I shall always await from the members of than that of expert advisers and executive
the National Spiritual Assembly, collective, assistants would jeopardize the very vital
official and comprehensive reports on their and pervading powers that are the sacred
manifold activities, sent to me at frequent prerogatives of bodies that in time will evolve
intervals, and bearing upon the inner and into Baha'i National Houses of Justice. I
outward currents of the Movement, the re- am fully aware of the strain and sacrifice
lations of Assemblies to one another, and the which a loyal adherence to such an essential
general standing and the various aspects of principle of Baha'i administration-a prin-
the progress of the Cause throughout the ciple that will at once ennoble and dis-
land. I would welcome more specific reports tinguish the Baha'i methods of administra-
sent to me by the various committees of the tion from the prevailing systems of the
National Spiritual Assembly, enclosed in the world-demands from the national repre-
National Assembly's letter, and approved by sentatives of the believers at this early stage
all its members.-SH0GHI EFFENDI. of our evolution. Yet I feel I cannot refrain
from stressing the broad lines along which
RELATIONS OF COM-á the affairs of the Cause should be increas-
ingly conducted, the knowledge of which is
MITTEES TO ASSEMBLY so essential at this formative period of Baha'i
Touching the recent decision of the Na- administrative institutions.-SH0GHI EF-
tional Spiritual Assembly to place as much FENDI.
as possible of the current details of the work The focal point of effort on the part of the
in the hands of its national committees, I National Spiritual Assembly is to encourage
feel I should point out that this raises a fun- greater initiative and activity among all lo-
damental issue of paramount importance, as cal Baha'i communities.
it involves a unique ,prindple in the adminis- In the ,gradual application of this princi-
tration of the Cause, governing the relations ple, the Assembly has found it desirable to
that should be maintained between the cen- make a distinction between the special ser-
tral administrative body and its assisting vices rendered by each National Committee
organs of executive and legislative action. and the general problem of making these ser-
As it has been observed already, the role of vices available throughout the body of the
these committees set up by the National Spir- Cause.
itual Assembly, the renewal, the membership It has therefore been voted to record the
and functions of which should be reconsid- fact that the function of each Committee is
ered separately each year by the incoming of an advisory rather than of an adminis-
National Assembly, is chiefly to make thor- trative character. The results of Committee
ough and expert study of the issue entrusted consultation are to be referred to the Na-
to their charge, advise by their reports, and tional Spiritual Assembly for approval, and
assist in the execution of the decisions which then (as far as possible) after approval, is-
in vital matters are to be exclusively and sued to the friends in Baha'i News. Thus
directly rendered by the National Assembly. will be established one definite, responsible
The utmost vigilance, the most strenuous channel of communication representing the
exertion is required by them if they wish to National Assembly and its committees as
fulfill as befits their high and responsible one spiritual unit and organism.
BAHA'I PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 5
The National Spiritual Assembly assumes sation of Baha'u'llah."
responsibility for applying Committee rec- "The rise and establishment of this Ad-
ommendations and plans to the conditions of ministrative Order-the shell that shields
local community life, and also for meeting and enshrines so precious a gem--constitutes
any administrative problems that may arise the hall-mark of this second and formative
therefrom. Each Committee is requested to age of the Baha'i era. It will come to be
submit, as far as possible its recommenda- regarded, as it recedes farther and farther
tions and suggestions in a form adapted to from our eyes, as the chief agency empow-
publication in Baha'i News for the inf orma- ered to usher in the concluding phase, the
tion and encouragement of all believers. consummation of this glorious Dispensa-
In explaining this general principle, the tion."
National Assembly is conscious of the fact Here the Guardian makes it clear that the
that the National Committees are entrusted fundamental aim of the Cause at this stage
with different types of activity. For example, is to establish the Order which will (page 52
the three Summer School Committees not of the same communication) "assert its
only make áprograms but carry them out in claim and demonstrate its capacity to be
classes, while the Publishing Committee regarded not only as the nucleus but the
has its own continuous and direct contact very pattern of the New World Order des-
with communities and individual believers tined to embrace in the fulness of time the
through the sale of the literature. The es- whole of ,mankind." Whiat the Guardian
sential principle, however, is clear, and the feels it necessary for Baha'is to realize and
members of the Assembly believe that as appreciate is that this Faith is a reality in
time goes on the result will be a tremendous no wise merely repeating and duplicating the
concentration of our collective spiritual and Revelations of the past. "It should be noted
material resources for the development of ( page 53) in this connection that this Ad-
the Cause along the lines laid down by the ministrative Order is fundamentally differ-
Guardian.-N. S. A. ent from anything that any Prophet has
previously established, inasmuch as Baha'u'l-
THE UNITY OF THE lah has Himself revealed its principles, es-
tablished its institutions, appointed the per-
BAHA'I COMMUNITY son to interpret His Word and conferred the
As we gather our energies in order to necessary authority on the body designed to
strive for a full measure of success in Tem- supplement and apply His legislative ordi-
ple construction and other national Baha'i nances .... Nowhere in the sacred scriptures
activities, it is highly important to under- of any of the world's religious systems, nor
stand clearly the new attitudes and princi- even in the writings of the Inaugurator of
ples of action which Shoghi Effendi has es- the Ba.bi Dispensation, do we find any pro-
tablished in the communications describing visions establishing a covenant or providing
the World Order of Baha'u'llah. for an administrative order that can com-
Let us begin with these words found on pare in scope and authority with those that
page 12 of "America and the Most Great lie at the very basis of the Baha'i Dispen-
Peace" ;-"The remaining ten years (1923- sation."
1933) , distinguished throughout by further Thus it is clear that any believer who
internal development, as well as by a notable might seek to understand his relation to the
expansion of the international activities of a Baha'i Faith by reproducing the attitudes
growing community, witnessed the comple- and principles controlling the early and most
tion of the superstructure of the Mashriqu'l- faithful Christians, would fail to base his
Adhkar-the Administration's mighty bul- faith and practice upon the new foundation.
wark, the symbol of its strength and the sign What we have given us today is not only the
of its future glory." spiritual Revelation for the renewal of the
This description of the Temple as the inner life but also the social Revelation for
"bulwark" of the Administrative Order car- the attainment of citizenship in the world
ries a profound significance. It can only community.
mean that it is imperative for us to carry A vivid light is thrown upon the si•gnific-
the construction forward to the first resting ance of the Administrative Order by this
place-the external decoration of the entire reference which the Guardian made on page
dome unit, including the clerestory section- 21 of the "America and the Most Great
in order to create a means of protecting the Peace" :-"In a world writhing with pain
Faith from the dire onslaughts it is destined and declining into chaos this community-
to suffer in these coming years. the vanguard of the liberating fore$ of
With that quotation let us consider an- Baha'u'llah-succeeded in the years follow-
other excerpt from page 64 of "The Dispen- ing 'Abdu'l-Baha's passing in raising high
BAHA'1 PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 6
above the institutions established by its sis- to bless all workers fully active and con-
ter communities in East and West what may scious of their mission. It is no longer suffi-
well constitute the chief pillar of that fu- cient for any Baha'i to say that he "accepts"
ture House of Justice-a House which pos- the authority of his local Assembly. This
terity will regard as the last refuge of a passive attitude must be transformed into
tottering civilization." a devoted and sincere effort to assist in car-
How different an institution the House of rying out every activity and plan which the
Justice is from any church or other re- local Assembly adopts. The word "author-
ligious organization in the past! It is this ity" perhaps blinds us to the deeper reality,
element of responsibility for the preserva- that the Spiritual Assembly is the instru-
tion and welfare of humanity itself that ment through which the divine blessings flow
makes membership in the Baha'i Faith so to every member of the community from the
much more than the passive acceptance of higher source. There is a world of differ-
any articles of creed or than any subjective ence between mere willingness not to disobey
happiness that might arise from the prac- and a heartfelt and passionate yearning to
tise of personal mysticism. "Alone of all the help with all our force the Spiritual Assem-
Revelations gone before it," the Guardian bly in all its capacity to serve the Cause.
declared on page 54 of "The Dispensation of The Holy Spirit pE;)rmeatesthe universe, but
Baha'u'llah," "this Faith has, through the ex- it blesses ,with its mysterious forces only
plicit directions, the repeated warnings, the those who are inwardly and outwardly part
authenticated safeguards incorporated and of the oneness which Baha'u'llah has created
elaborated in its teachings, succeeded in rais- in this Day. To transmute passive accept-
ing a structure which the bewildered follow- ance into active and dynamic loyalty of ac-
ers of bankrupt and broken creeds might well tion is the supreme issue confronting every
approach and critically examine, and seek, member of the American Baha'i community.
ere it is too late, the invulnerable security Similarly, the local Assembly and its com-
of its world-embracing shelter." munity, to be fully and completely Baha'i,
In the light of these explanations, every must not simply "accept the authority of
devoted believer might well inquire, how can the National Spiritual Assembly" and re-
the individual Baha'i, conscious of his own frain from infringing that authority-the
weaknesses' and limitations, reach out to re- local community must make the general
ceive some portion of that Bounty which the plans and activities of the National Assem-
Supreme Manifestation has brought to the bly its first and most vital concern. Only
world? in so doing does it stand in the station of
An indication of the true answer is given receiving the spiritual reinforcements reach-
in the Will and Testament, in those passages ing humanity through the Guardian. A lo-
which establish the Guardianship and in- cal Baha'i community is not an independent
augurate, under his direction, the House of body chartered to maintain activities en-
Justice established by Baha'u'llah. "They tirely distinct from those in other local com-
(members of the House of Justice), and not munities, but every local community is part
the body of those who either directly or in- of one larger body administered by the Na-
directly elect them, have thus been made the tional Spiritual Assembly, which in turn
recipients of the divine guidance which is at possesses no independence but on the con-
once the lif e~blood and ultimate safeguard trary is engaged in carrying out the Guar-
of this Revelation." (Dispensation, page dian's instructions and advices.
61). Let us recall Shoghi Effendi's words con-
Just as the power of the Holy Spirit in- cerning the relation of local to National
spired those who endeavored faithfully to Spiritual Assembly reported on page 13 of
carry out the Master's instructions in His Baha'i News, June, 1934: "However, in view
day, and was withdrawn from those who of the principle that local activities should
sought to worship Baha'u'llah without recog- always be subordinated to the national in-
nition of the Center of the Covenant, so now terests, needs and requirements of the Faith
the confirming spirit is with those who cen- ... " etc. And "Just as all local institutions,
ter their lives upon the Guardian's general whether administrative or otherwise, must
instructions, and find it possible to unite a under! all circumstances lbe considered as
spiritual attitude with the outer task of de- subsidiary to national organizations, so also
veloping the World Order already, though local circular letters should be viewed as
so weak and immature, living in the Baha'i secondary in importance compared to the
administrative institutions. national organ of Baha'i activities. This
What is vitally needed at this time is for principle, however, should not be interpreted
us all to receive the new and more potent as being detrimental to the local interests
impetus that pours forth from the Guardian of the Baha'i community, but as an essen-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 7
tial, nay indispensable means whereby the tracting the confirmation of the Holy Spirit
administrative system of the Cause can work upon the services of every loyal believer,
with efficiency and order." And, "Just as the without distinction of geographical nearness
local Baha'i fund must under all circum- or remoteness from the physical edifice.
stances be subordinated to the national fund. Now we are called upon to complete that
. . . Such a coordination between local and portion of the task which represents the per-
national efforts is indispensable, not only fect crown of the Temple-the external dec-
due to its economic advantages, but essen- oration of the dome unit. This task can only
tially due to the fact that upon the applica- be completed if we become one organic na-
tion of the ,principle underlying this process tional Baha'i community, imbued with one
must inevitably depend the effective working aim and inspired by one spirit. Therefore let
of the entire administrative machinery of us consider afresh the relations of the local
the Faith. There is order, coordination and community to the central national body, that
system in the Cause, and not a jungle of con- the many small lakes may become one great
flicting interests and of continually clashing sea, every drop of which moves under the
wills .... Local activities should always be one same impulse. Such a degree of unity
subordinated to those of a national charac- will overcome our separate weaknesses and
ter and importance. This is intended not to limitations, and the effect will be one of ir-
minimize the role of the local Assembly in resistible, forward-moving power. Many
the administrative order, but to establish and urgent are the demands upon the Na-
and insure a sane relationship between that tional Assembly to contribute to the vrotec-
body and the national organism of the tion of the Faith in other countries, and these
Cause." demands will increase during the years to
Since the Guardian has given emphasis to come. By meeting the Guardian's standard
this matter, we may be certain that it repre- of achievement now, our united capacity for
sents an important step to be taken in our service to Baha'u'llaáh will forge a mighty
collective attitude toward the Faith of Ba- .instrument for the Guardian's use in estab-
ha'u'llah. Therefore the friends are urged lishing World Order.
to study carefully the Guardian's list of the "The National Assembly is the trusted
objectives and aims which the National As- guardian and the mainspring of the mani-
sembly is to adopt at this time, because with- áfold activities and interests of every na-
out a truly united and active national com- tional community in the Baha'i world. It
munity the Assembly can have no power to constitutes the sole link that binds the com-
carry out such important and difficult tasks. munities to the International House of Jus-
It is in the development of the National tice, the supreme administrative body in the
Fund that the local communities can render Dispensation of Baha'u'llah."-N. S. A.
the most direct assistance at this time. For
as we complete the dome unit ,we create the OBLIGATION TO ENFORCE
"mi ghty bulwark" of the administrative or-

der, and as we develop and safeguard the ad- LAWS OF FAITH
ministrative order we contribute to the With regard to the closing of the Tarbiat
World Order upon which the life of human- Schools: the school authorities have, in en-
ity itself depends. forcing the observance of Baha'i anniver-
There is no intention in this statement to saries, acted on the advice and direction of
minimize the importance of local Baha'i ac- the Guardian. These Schools, being inde-
tivities. The teaching programs now being pendent and official Baha'i institutions, could
carried out by many Spiritual Assemblies not very well ignore, much less violate the
are truly notable and are producing an in- express provisions and laws of the Aqdas.
crease in the active membership of the Faith. Had they any connection with government
The major purpose of the National Spiritual institutions, or had their ownership and con-
Assembly, in fact, consists in reinforcing in trol been shared by non-Baha'is, the situa-
every possible way the capacity of the local tion would have been different. This distinc-
Assemblies to serve the Cause. But the fact tion between institutions that are under full
remains that the twigs cannot prosper if the or partial Baha'i control is of a fundamental
branch upon which they depend is deprived importance. Institutions that are entirely
of any portion of its allotted strength. managed by Baha'is are, for reasons that
Through the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, in its spirit- are only too obvious, under the obligation of
ual mystery and its outward and visible enforcing all the laws and ordinances of the
glory, our combined efforts have in the past Faith, especially those whose observance
few years multipled a hundred fold the pow- constitutes a matter of conscience. There is
er of every teacher to convey the divine Mes- no reason, no justification whatever, that
sage. The Temple has created a magnet at- they should act otherwise, and any restric-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 8
tion which the ,government may impose upon and not what we conjecture from their writ-
them in this connection would necessarily ings. There is great difference between
constitute a violation of the individual's sounding aá great general principle and find-
right to freedom in matters of religious be- ing its application to actual prevailing con-
lief. The situation is different when an in- ditions.
stitution is run partly by Baha'is, or is com- Secondly, the Cause is not financially in a
pletely owned by the government. In this position to launch itself in such undertakings
case the believers, while anxious to observe at present. Such plans need great financial
all ,prescribed Baha'i Feasts and Anniver- backing to be worked out in a permanent
saries, should also take into consideration form. In time, Shoghi Effendi hopes all these
the rights and interests of their non-Baha'i things will come to pass. For the present
partners and associates, and not to force we have to consolidate our basic institutions
these to stop worlcing when they are under and spread the teachings and spirit of the
no moral or religious obligation to do so.- Faith among the public.-SH0GHI EFFENDI.
SH0GHI EFFENDI.
QUALIFICATIONS OF
FUTURE TEMPLE TEACHERS
CONTRACTS Whenever local Assemblies desire the ser-
He also wishes me to express his approval vices of any Baha'i teacher not under its own
of your suggestion that as soon as the orna- jurisdiction the Assembly shall apply for a
mentation work of the clerestory section of teacher through the National Teaching Com-
the Temple is completed no new contract he mittee, and the National Teaching Com-
signed for the next unit unless the entire sum mittee in providing teachers on such requests
required for the contract has already been is to a,pply the following standard of quali-
collected. Economic conditions, both within fications : Full knowledge of the teachings,
and without the Cause, are nowadays too including the World Order letters of the
unstable to allow us to undertake any exten- Guardian; full loyalty to the administrative
sive scheme before insuring its uninterrupted order of the Cause; sincerity and severance
and successful áprosecution.-SH0GHI EF- from all local situations and problems.-
FENDI. N. S. A.

FUNCTION OF REVIEWING ATTACKS FROM FORMER
COMMITTEE BELIEVERS
The functions of the Reviewing and Edi- As a principle the Guardian wishes the
torial Committees have been combined in N. S. A. to disregard such futile attacks
one committee, which is to carry out the fol- which those who have dissociated themselves
lowing general áprocedure: - from the Administration feel inclined to di-
1. Determine whether a manuscript con- rect against it. This is a rule which applies
forms to the Baha'i teachings. not only to a few individuals but to all those
2. Determine whether the manuscript con- who reject the Administrative Order after
forms to adequate standards of literary style having identified themselves with the Faith.
and taste. -SHOGHI EFFENDI.
3. Determine whether the manuscript
meets a real need in the Cause.-N. S. A. PUBLISHING ACTIVITIES
1. The Publishing Committee from this
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES date is to be regarded as a producer and dis-
As regards the activities of the economic tributor of Baha'i literature on a wholesale
committee of the National Assembly; Shoghi as distinguished from a retail basis ; retail
Effendi fully sympathizes with the desire of sales being more economically handled
some of the members to see the committee throug:h local Baha'i libraries, general book
find ways and means to put into practice sellers and other sales agencies.
the economic teachings of the Cause, as ex- 2. Literature intended for free distribu-
plained in some of the recorded writings and tion shall be, in the first instance, recom-
sayings of Baha'u'llah and the Master. But mended by the Teaching Committee, \and
he believes that the time is not yet ripe for upon approval and appropriation by the
such activities. First we have to study the N. S. A. printed by the Publishing Commit-
economic teachings in the light of modern tee. Appropriations for or apportionments
problems more thoroughly so that we may of free literature from editions of works al-
advocate what the Founders of the Faith say ready in áhand or already authorized to be
BAHA'f PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 9
printed will be made by the N. S. A. as oc- d. Individual records and relics of any
casion arises. form only when touched by ( directly associ-
3. On the larger standard books, recom- ated with) the Bab, Baha'u'llah, the Master,
mendations for reprints or new issues of the Guardian, or the N. S. A.
single books may be made by the Publish- The cooperation of local corresponding
ing Committee to the N. S. A. and are sub- secretaries is requested in the collecting and
ject to the approval of that body prior to any forwarding of material which should be pre-
undertaking or contract being made for served in the National Archives. The atten-
printing. tion and active interest of the friends should
4. The Publishing Committee before print- be encouraged in both local and National
ing any new book or pamphlet, or reprinting Archives through consultation in Spiritual
any existing book or pamphlet, shall obtain Assemblies and at Nineteen-Day Feasts.-
from this body a specific and final resolution N. S.A.
authorizing its publication, which resolution
shall include the record of its adequate and STATUS OF REGIONAL
proper review by the Reviewing Committee
of this body, and after such authorization COMMITTEES
has been obtained, no changes nor modifica- In order to prevent confusion between the
tions shall be made in the text or general functions of the National and Regional Com-
make-up of any book or pamphlet. mittees, it is recorded that each Regional
5. Whenever the National Assembly orders Committee is to be responsible for all deci-
a ápublication, such as "America's Spiritual sions involving action, and need not consult
Mission" or "The Unfoldment of World Civ- the National Teaching Committee with ref-
ilization" for free distribution to believers, erence to activities within the region. It is
it shall pay the cost in cash; whenever the also recorded that the Regional Committees
National Assembly votes a literature budget have no administrative authority over local
to any Committee, it shall likewise pay the Assemblies but are to assist the local Assem-
Publishing Committee the value of such blies in every possible way and also make
budgets in cash; and whenever the National possible a coordination of Inter-Assembly
Assembly finances a book like "The Baha'i activity.-N. S. A.
World" which the Publishing Committee
cannot at present undertake, each of such
works shall be handled like "The Dawn- YOUTH ACTIVI1''IES
Breakers", namely, as a separate item, with There are two important points which
the cash income from sales either paid back Shoghi Effendi would like you always to em-
to the National Assembly or put into a spe- phasize. In the first place he would strongly
cial fund of the Publishing Committee for urge you to cooperate, heart and soul, with
the financing of future books.-N. S. A. all the various Assemblies, groups and com-
mittees throughout the Baha'i world, to ask
for their assistance and help for the success-
NATIONAL ARCHIVES ful discharge of your duties and obligations,
a. The "Real Baha'i Archives," i. e., the and in this way to try to build up an active
writings of the Founders of the Cause. These and ready mind among the Baha'i youth
would include any original writings of the throughout the world. In other words, you
Bab and Baha'u'llah that may come into the should not confine your áactivities to the na-
possession of the National Archives; also, tional sphere but you should strive to create
photostatic copies and authoritative illumin- under the supervision of your N. S. A. an in-
ated copies of Their original writings. Under ternational body of active young Baha'i men
this heading may also be classed the Tablets and women who, conscious of their manifold
of 'Abdu'l-Baha addressed to American As- and sacred responsibilities, will unanimous-
semblies and believers, and the letters of the ly arise to spread the Holy Word. The sec-
Guardian to National and local Assemblies ond :point which the Guardian wishes you to
and to individual believers. stress •and to keep always in mind is the
b. Such National Spiritual Assembly rec- necessity for every loyal and active member
ords as from time to time may be turned over of your committee to fully concentrate on
by that body, and copies of all National Ba- the thorough study and understanding of the
ha'i publications. spiritual and administrative principles of
c. Records, objects, and iphotographs of the Faith, as a necessary step for active and
particular national interest, as those deal- fruitful teaching. You should first equip
ing with the Temple, the work of national yourself with the necessary amount of
and international teachers, and The Baha'i knowledge about the Cause, and then, and
World. only then, try to teach.-SHOGHI EFFENDI.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 10
RESPONSIBILITY OF its decisions. It however permits action to
be taken by majority vote when a quorum
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL exists in any duly called meeting. It has re-
ASSEMBLY corded its obligation to obtain the views and
record the ḥOtes of absent members on all
The institution of National Spiritual As- matters of vital importance, in order to have
semblies has been established in the Baha'i final decision in such matters made by a ma-
teachings for the fulfilment of a number of jority of the entire membership and not by a
important functions. These functions are majority of a quorum.
described in the Declaration of Trust and The right of a majority to carry a decision
By-laws which, after approval by the Guar- is derived from Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and
dian, became the controlling instrument for from the same source is derived the obliga-
the affairs of the Cause in the United States tion of the minority to accept and obey the
and Canada. will of the majority. No distinction between
As set forth in that instrument, the Na- majority and minority votes or views is rec-
tional Spiritual Assembly is a body having ognized after final decision has been made.
a continuous and uninterrupted existence From time to time the Assembly has taken
and possessing paramount authority within cognizance of the fact that this principle has
the physical area of its jurisdiction, the ex- not fully been observed, when informed that
ercise of this authority being expressly sub- some member has expressed dissatisfaction
ject to the higher authority of the Guardian to other believers with actions duly taken at
and also of the Universal House of Justice various meetings. The minutes of the meet-
when that body comes into existence. ing held on November 12 and 13, 1932, for
A summary of the duties and responsibili- example, contain the following statement:
ties of the Assembly reveals how vitally im- "It was the sense of the meeting that mat-
portant it is for its own members to have ters presented at meetings of this body do
full mutual understanding and agreement of not become actions of the Assembly until a
and loyalty to their individual and collective unanimous or majority vote has been cast
rights and obligations as trustees under the after which they are actions of all the mem-
Declaration of Trust. bers and, therefore, it would destroy the
1. The Assembly has final power over the spiritual ,power of the National Assembly to
voting right and Baha'i membership of discriminate between the individual atti-
every believer in the United States and tudes on any question after the question is
Canada. settled, or to make public any record of at-
2. The Assembly recognizes the existence titudes held before the vote is takien. In
or non-existence of every local Spirit- order to maintain the true character of the
ual Asembly. institution of the National Spiritual Assem-
3. The Assembly can take jurisdiction of bly no member is áauthorized to discuss out-
any matter affecting two or more be- side of the meeting the individual opinions
lievers or two or more local Assemblies. of any of the members. There should be no
4. The Assembly makes final decision on discussion about the activities of the Na-
all plans and suggestions advanced by tional Spiritual Assembly except its actions
individual believers, local communities, as recorded in votes."
local Assemblies and Convention dele- In practice, full liberty has ,been given
gates. each member to express his views and ad-
5. The Assembly administers the collec- vance his opinion during the period of dis-
tive funds of the Cause in the United cussion preceding the casting of votes, even
States and Canada. , to the extent of encroachment upon the
6. The Assembly legislates when ,proce- rights of other members.
dures and detailed laws are necessary. The Master, in a Tablet quoted by Shoghi
7. The Assembly is executive as well as Effendi on ipage 21 of "Baha'i Administra-
legislative and judicial in ácharacter. tion", referred to the subject of Assembly
8. The Assembly represents the believers decisions as follows: "The members ... must
and local Spiritual Assemblies in re- take counsel together in such wise that no
lation to the Guardian, and the Guar- occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise.
dian in relation to the believers and This can be attained when every member ex-
focal Assemblies. presseth with absolute fredom his own opin-
9. The Assembly is the American electoral ion and setteth forth his argument. Should
body for the election of the Universal any one oppose, he must on no account feel
House of Justice. hurt for not until matte:rs are fully discussed
In discharging these several functions, the can the right way be revealed. The shining
Assembly seeks the ideal of unanimity in all spark of truth cometh forth only after the
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 11
clash of differing opinions. If after discus-
sion, a decision ibe carried unanimously, well
ASSEMBLY
and good; but if, the Lord forbid, differences CONSULTATION
of opinion should arise, a majority of voices It is recorded that the followi;ng statement
must prevail." was drawn up and :presented and unani-
Experience has made it clear that the As- mously adopted :
sembly can not fulfill any of its duties and 1. Consultation as defined by the Master
responsibilities with more than partial suc- in a passage quoted by the Guardian
cess, and above all can not set an example on page 21 of "Baha'i Administration"
of unity to the body of believers, so long as means the discussion and frank expres-
any member expresses dissatisfaction and sion of opinion by Assembly members
objection to its decisions in conversation personally present at a meeting. Con-
with other believers, and so long as any mem- sultation does not mean the exchange of
ber by word or attitude conveys directly or views through correspondence.
indirectly, a spirit of criticism of the As- 2. An Assembly meeting is defined in
sembly or its individual members. The high- Article VI of the By-Laws as follows:
est obligation of every member of the As- "Five members of the National Assem-
sembly is to the institution of the National bly present at a meeting shall consti-
Spiritual Assembly itself. No member can tute a quorum, and a majority vote of
justifiably assert any higher loyalty, whether those present and constituting a quo-
to his local Assembly, his local Community rum shall be sufficient for the conduct of
or to personal friends among the believers. business, except as otherwise provided
It is the understanding of the members now in these By-Laws, and with due regard
in office that the Cause of Baha'u'llah, unlike to the principle of unity and cordial
political democracies, does not make its fellowship involved in the institution of
elected representatives mere agents of their a Spiritual Assembly."
electors, and unlike ápolitical aristocracies 3. Actions taken by the Assembly at a
contains no institutions of special privilege meeting in conformity with the provi-
whose members' personal or class interests sions of this By-Law are equally bind-
are made ends unto themselves, while unlike ing upon all Assembly members,
reHgious heirarchies the Cause of Baha'u'l- whether present or absent from the
lah recognizes no persons or institutions or meeting at which the actions are taken.
offices possessing authority to establish 4. Any member may ask for reconsidera-
dogma, claim spiritual rights over others or tion of any Assembly action by request-
otherwise change and nullify any part of ing the Secretary to add this as one of
His Revelation. The National Spiritual As- the subjects on the Agenda of a later
sembly exists in order to uphold the Cause, meeting. The action questioned, how-
promote its interests and safeguard the unity ever, stands as an Assembly action un-
of the entire American Baha'i community. til changed by vote at a meeting. The
In order to render this service, its attention Master enjoins upon all members of
is directed to the Baha'i teachings and to the Local and National Assemblies the
instructions received from the Guardian, and solemn obligation to abandon personal
its responsibility cannot ábe limited by the views after decisions .have been made.
wishes and views of any believer or group -N.S.A.
of believers. 5. There is no immunity from responsibil-
The National Spiritual Assembly, having ity for any member of the National
attained definite understanding of the na- Assembly at any time from the collec-
ture of the institution, records its conviction tive actions of this body.
that the fundamental principle of unity, 6. Matters presented at meetings of this
manifested in full and complete loyalty on body do not become actions of the As-
the part of its members to the results of de- sembly until a unanimous or majority
cisions made by unanimous or majority vote, vote has been cast, after which they are
must be upheld at all costs by every person actions of all the members and, there-
holding office as member of this Baha'i fore, it would destroy the spiritual
body. power of the National Assembly to dis-
In any case of internal controversy affect- criminate between the individual atti-
ing the membership of the National Assem- tudes on any question after the ques-
bly which cannot be remedied by full and tion is settled, or to make public any
frank consultation of all the members, the record of attitudes held before the vote
matter shall be reported to the Guardian and is taken. In order to maintain the true
his advice sought before final action is taken. character of the institution of the Na:.
-N.S.A. tional Spiritual Assembly no member
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 12
is authorized to discuss outside of the may be published for the use of the As-
meeting the individual opinions of any sembly, its Committees, and of the
of the members. There should be no Local Spiritual Assemblies.
discussion about the activities of the 7. The first meeting shall also act to di-
National Spiritual Assembly except its rect the Treasurer to secure the Annual
actions as recorded in votes. Financial Reports of the Trustees and
present these Reports to the Assembly
INTERNAL PROCEDURE for its early consideration.
8. The first meeting shall also take steps
( Compiled from Minutes) toward the preparation of an Annual
I. International Activities Budget to be adopted for the guidance
of the Assembly in its financial affairs.
This body shall refrain from action on 9. The first meeting shall also direct the
matters having an international Baha'i Secretary to submit as soon as conven-
scope until after consultation with the Guar- ient a full and complete list of all Com-
dian. mittees appointed by the outgoing As-
sembly, with the date or dates of ex-
2. Publication of Guardian's piration of their respective appoint-
Letters ments, for the information of the As-
sembly in making its committee ap-
All communications from the Guardian in- pointments.
tended for the believers should be issued as 10. The first meeting shall also act to adopt
quickly as possible for general distribution. a National Office for the conduct of af- .
fairs of the Assembly and the mainten-
3. Calendar of Annual Actions ance of its files and records.
1. Notice of first meeting. Immediately 11. The date and ,place of the next Annual
following the election, the member re- meeting shall be selected at a meeting
ceiving the nighest number of votes held at such time during the Assembly's
shall give notice of the first meeting to term of office as shall permit the Sec-
the other eight members, by telegraph retary to observe the following sched-
or telephone if necessary. Members un- ule of actions :-
able to attend the meeting shall have
opportunity to cast votes for the election A. Four and one half months prior to
of Officers by telegra:ph or telephone. the Annual Meeting, an Application
In the event that a tie vote makes a sec- for Participation in the Annual Con-
ballot necessary, the vote cast by the vention to be issued to all Local
absent members in the first ballot shall .Spiritual Assemblies, this applica-
be counted by the teller in the second tion to be returned within thirty
ballot. days, to furnish the Assembly with
2. The principal business to be taken up the data necessary for assigning the
at the ,first meeting following the An- 95 delegates to local Baha'i com-
nual Election shall be the election of m unities by proportionate repre-
officers. sentation.
3. The first meeting shall also act to B. Notice of the Annual Meeting to be
notify the Trustees of the names of the issued at least sixty days prior to
Trustees who have been elected. the Convention date. This Notice
4. T.he first meeting shall also act to se- to include the following matters:
cure all Assembly records in the pos- One, time and iplace of the Conven-
session of officers and members of the tion; Two, request that Local As-
outgoing Assembly.á semblies call a meeting for the elec-
5. The first meeting shall also act to audit tion of delegates: Three, list of Par-
the Annual Financial Report and as ticipating Communities, with num-
soon as convenient to issue copies ber of delegates assigned to each;
thereof to the Guardian and to Local Four, a Certificate of Election to be
Spiritual Assemblies. filled out by each Assembly.
6. The first meeting shall also act to di- C. As soon as possible after April 1, a
rect the Secretary to secure a full and blank ballot, a copy of the Conven-
complete result of the election of Local tion Agenda, and information about
Spiritual Assemblies held on the pre- voting to be sent each delegate.
vious twenty-firs.t day of April and re- D. Preparation of Annual Report, in-
port that result to the Assembly for its cluding Annual Reports by Commit-
early consideration, that a Directory tees, in time to be published and dis-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 13
tributed to delegates in advance of made by simply referring to the number of
the Convention. the item in the weekly letters, and these
E. Appointment of Convention Com- weekly -letters are to take the place of the
mittees. agenda hitherto issued before each meeting.
F. Preparation of Convention Agenda,
the principal item of which is the 8. Recording of Votes
election of the National Spiritual
Assembly. Voted that future records of all votes
12. The Assembly shall direct the Secre- passed by the Assembly, whether majority
tary by April first, to issue to Local or unanimous, should be simply e::,cpressedas
Spiritual Assemblies and groups a Cer- voted, without other qualifications or details
tificate of Election of Local Spiritual of the vote.
Assemblies, with the request that this
Certificate be returned as soon as pos- 9. Acceptance of Declaration
sible after the election. of Trust
13. Temple, Green Acre, Malden, Wilhelm
and Bosch Trustees to file Certificate of In connection with the approval of new
election with County Clerk. local Assemblies the Secretary was instructed
to submit in each case a blank form to be
filled out by the local community, formally
4. Distribution of Baha'i News recording their acceptance of the Declara-
The Secretary was directed to make it tion of Trust and By-laws as the legal struc-
clear that the distribution of Baha'i News ture of the Baha'i Cause in the United States
should be confined to declared and recog- and Canada.
nized believers.
10. Report of Individual
5. Pilgrims' Notes Attendance
N. S. A. will not in the future áask for the
authentication of any pilgrims' notes nor The question of whether individual atten-
cooperate in their distribution but ref er ex- dance of members of the National Assembly
clusively to the Guardian's general communi- should be reported to the Convention was
cations to this body and the American be- discussed and it was the sense of the meet-
lievers for its source of information and ing that while the National Assembly is re-
guide of action. sponsible for its collective actions, it is not
responsible for making reports of the ac-
tions of its individual members.
6. Form of Minutes
Each letter, document, or other item com- 11. Correspondence with
ing before the Assembly and requiring
action is to be listed and described in Individuals
weekly reports from the Secretary, and The Secretary requested advice and in-
these items when considered at meetings struction in dealing with letters to this body
are to carry the descriptive number given by individual believers who object to or
them in the weekly reports without other complain about matters of National Baha'i
description or identification. The weekly policy. After consideration it was moved,
reports therefore are to be considered seconded and voted to instruct the Secretary
as part of the Minutes. Any numbered fo these cases to inform such individuals
items listed in the reports but not ref erred that the N. S. A. has adopted the ,policy that
to in the Minutes represent either unfinished these general Baha'i matters must be first
business or subjects not requiring action but d.iscussed with their own local Spiritual As-
merely mentioned in the reports for pur- sembly al!_dthe National Assembly will re-
poses of record. spond to all such matters presented through
the local Assembly; it being understood that
7. Weekly Reports communications from individual believers on
personal matters are to be answered direct.
Voted to direct the Secretary to issue to
each member a weeldy letter including a ,brief 12. Consultation with Believers
financial statement and a report of current
correspondence and other matters before the Voted to record the following -procedure
Assembly, these weekly letters to refer to in connection with consultation between the
these items in numbered sequence, so that Assembly and Committees and individual be'-
reference to any item in the Minutes can be lievers: the committee representative, or in-
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 14
dividual believer, is to report as fully as land and buildings.
possible, and the Chairman is to represent Voted to empower and authorize the
the Assembly in aslcing any necessary ques- Treasurer to sell on behalf of the National
tions. Members of the Assembly desiring to Spiritual Assembly for the benefit of the Na-
ask further questions are to ref er them to tional Baha'i Fund any and all such stocks,
the Chairman and not to the group or indi- bonds and other securities as from time to
vidual present for consultation. time are sent him as contributions to said
fund.
13. Office of Treasurer A monthly report to be embodied in the
Minutes, based upon the Annual Budget and
The Treasurer of this :body shall observe recording all sums paid out under each
the following procedure in making payment budget item. A -list of checks issued by the
of funds from any fund or funds held in the Treasurer during the month. Total contri-
name of the National Spiritual Assembly: butions received since the last meeting and
1. All appropriations included in the An- from the beginning of the fiscal year. A
nual Budget duly adopted by the Assembly calendar of fixed amounts ,payable during
are payable when due by the Treasurer with- the fiscal year, with due dates, including
out further authority or specific action on sums payable by the Temple and all other
the part of the Assembly. Trustees; insurance premiums, wages, per-
2. All extra-budget appropriations duly sonal expense accounts, interests on loans
voted by the Assembly are payable when due and mortgages, taxes, etc. Specific request
by the Treasurer without further authority for vote on all appropriations needed during
or specific action on the part of the Assem- the current month not already voted under
bly, unless in voting the appropriation the the Annual Budget.
Assembly specifically made it payable by the In case of any contribution of funds from
Treasurer after approval by some other interested friends who are not members of a
member, committee, agent or representative, local Baha'i community, such contributions
in which case the Treasurer is bound to se- can be accepted with the understanding that
cure the specifiedá approval 1before making they will be used for the purpose of comfort-
any payment on such appropriation. ing and aiding people in distress or for other
3. After e:,ramining the budget adopted by social welfare work, in accordance with the
this body, the Treasurer may request the As- Guardian's letter of Oct. 25, 1929.
sembly to include provision for approval be- Voted to direct the Treasurer to pay only
fore payment of any item or items in the actual traveling expenses of Assembly mem-
budget which in the Treasurer's judgment bers in connection with their attendance at
cannot efficiently be passed upon by the meetings, and other expenses of Assembly
Treasurer alone. members are only to be paid by special vote
In all business arrangements entered into of the National Assembly.
by the N. S. A., where salary or other form Henceforth if any believer offers to fi-
of financial allowance is involved over an ex- nance an activity which has been approved
tended period of time, the Assembly shall but which cannot be financed directly from
make the agreement in writing and for a the National Fund, the National Assembly
term not exceeding one year, and also that shall accept such an offer without permitting
expense accounts contingent upon the hold- any change in the conditions under which
ing of office come to an end with the e~pir- the activity in question should be carried on
ation of the term of said office. in accordance with the principles and me-
After consideration of the advantage on thods of Baha'i administration; and that the
the one hand of allowing believers to express believer shall turn such a donation over to
their devotion by gifts of jewelry and other the National Fund and not pay the e~enses
merchandise, and of the disadvantage on the direct, so that the responsibility shall rest
other hand of assuming responsibility for upon the National Assembly.
the sale of such articles, for which the Na- All payments under contract and all con-
tional Assembly has no facilities other than tractual relations shall be under the direct
the individual believers who make such dona- control of the N. S. A. and not of any com-
tions, it was moved, seconded and voted to mittee and all contracts incurred by this
direct the Treasurer to accept as contribu- body shall ibe made with forms quoting
tions to the National Fund only donations Article 2, Sections 1 and 2 of the Declaration
made in currency or marketable securities of Trust~ It is understood that this latter
and to ref er to the National Assembly for provision will not apply in cases where this
specific action in each case, all proposals for body had voted a definite appropriation to a
donations to be made in the form of real committee for an itemized budget duly re-
estate, whether land or buildings alone or corded in these Minutes.
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 15
14. Holding of Real Estate PALESTINE BRANCH OF
In cases of gifts of land in the future to AMERICAN NATIONAL
the Cause, separate Indentures shall be made ASSEMBLY
in each case.
It would int.erest you to know that the
American National Spiritual Assembly,
15. Application for Leases Palestine Branch, has been incorporated ac-
Applications from Baha'is for lease of land cording to the law in Palestine, not as a
for building sites on property controlled by foreign corporation or a charitable trust,
Baha'i Trustees will he acted on in the order but as a "religious society" enjoying all the
received. The form of lease to ,be _given will privileges attaching to recognized religious
provide for the following factors: Term of institutions in the Holy Land. Shoghi Ef-
lease, use of site and annual rental; mini- fendi hopes to transfer to the name of your
mum and maximum amounts to be spent for Assembly additional plots of land in the vic-
construction ; provision of wat.er and light; inity of the shrine of Baha'u'llah at Akka
a fee for reservation of sites with a time and of the Bab at-Mount Carmel as soon as
limit; maintenance of Baha'i control over the he obtains the necessary authorization from
ownership and occupancy of homes, with a the authorities, inasmuch as the right of
predetermined method of valuation in the holding real estate by religious institutions
event that a cottage is sold or comes under is strictly limited according to Palestinian
the management of the Trust.ees through a law. This step which he has taken, which has
property owner's repudiation of the Faith. necessitat.ed many months of careful and
delicate negotiations with both the local and
central authorities, our Guardian feels will
16. Tax Exemption on Donations constitute the prelude to the eventual forma-
tion and recognition, by the Palestine Gov-
A lett.er was presented from the U. S. ernment, of a properly constituted Int.erna-
Treasury Department, dated December first, tional Baha'i Assembly, functioning as an in-
1927, recognizing the National Assembly as dependent religious body in the Holy Land.
a duly organized religious body qualified to -SHOGHI EFFENDI.
receive donations and ,bequests and granting
the usual tax exemption to donations re-
ceived ,by the Treasurer of this •body.
ON APPEALS FROM LOCAL
17. Changing Date of Meetings SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES
• When the date of the Meeting has been re- In order to clarify the important subject
corded in the Minutes, no individual mem- of the right of individual members of local
ber shall request, between Meetings, to have Baha'i communities to make appeal to the
the dat.e altered, but every member shall be National Spiritual Assembly for reconsider-
in duty bound to report to the Chairman not ation of actions taken by a Local Spiritual
later than ten days ibefore the Meeting if he Assembly, and to set forth for the informa-
or she is unable to att.end; and in the event tion of the Baha'is of the United States and
that such reports indicat.e that a quorum Canada a definite procedure controlling the
cannot be obtained for the date already fixed, making of appeals to the National Baha'i
the Chairman shall determine the dat.e when body, the members of the National Spiritual
the Meeting is to be called. Assembly have adopted the following state-
ment and incorporat.ed it in the minutes of
the Meeting held on December 27 and 28,
18. Correspondencein Matters 1932.
Already Clarified 1. The By-Laws of the National Spiritual
Assembly contain the following references
Letters addressed to the National Assem- to the subject of appeals.
bly on matters which the Assembly has al- Article I. "It shall, in such cases as it con-
ready _decided by specific vote or on which siders suitable and necessary, entertain ap-
a clear precedent exists in the Assembly peals from the decisions of Local Spiritual
records, may be answered by the Secretary Assemblies and shall have the right of final
without further Assembly action. In such decision in all cases w,here the qualifications
cases the Secretary is to cite the source in of an individual or group for continued vot-
conveying the Assembly's view on the mat- ing rig:hts and membership in the Baha'i
t.er. body are in question."
BAHA'I PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 16
Article VII. Section 6. "The Local As- does not mean that a dissatisfied believer is
sembly shall pass upon and approve the to agitate any matter among the members of
qualifications of each member of the Baha'i the local Baha'i community apart from the
community before such members ,shall be Local Spiritual Assembly. The responsi•bil-
admitted to voting membership; but where ity for decisions is clearly placed upon the
an individual is dissatisfied with the ruling Local Spiritual Assemblies and not upon the
of the Local Spiritual Assembly upon his believers of the community.
Baha'i qualifications, such individual may 5. The National Spiritual Assembly can
appeal from the ruling to the National As- rightfully entertain only those appeals which
sembly, which shall thereupon take jurisdic- express dissatisfaction with actions or de-
tion of and finally decide the case." cisions of a Local Assembly-it cannot be
Article VII. Section 9. "All questions expected to deal with appeals which are an
arising between two or more Local Spiritual effort to deny the authority and power of
Assemblies or between members of differ- the Local Assembly in general. The author-
ent Baha'i communities, shall be submitted ity and power duly vested in Local Spiritual
in the first instance to the National Assem- Assemblies will always be upheld and de-
bly, which shall have original •and final jur- f ended by the National Assembly. But
isdiction in all such matters." where a duly elected Local Assembly acts
Note: Article VII. Section 9, properly unjustly toward a believer, or acts in such a
speaking, does not refer to the subject of way as to work some harm upon the Cause,
appeals, since an appeal is from a lower to an appeal to the National Assembly is en-
a hig,her jurisdiction, and the National Spir- tirely justified after consultation with the
itual Assembly is the only Baha'i body hav- Local Assembly has proved fruitless.
ing jurisdiction in cases of an Inter-Assem-
bly character. It is quoted here, however, as 6. The National Spiritual Assembly, in
an instruction to ,be noted by believers in entertaining an appeal, will deal only with
their study of the principles of administra- the believer or believers by whom the appeal
tion. has been made. The National Assembly will
2. It will be seen from the above quota- not recognize any believer's right to be rep-
tions that the right of individuals to appeal resented by another believer nor by a non-
is subject to the decision of the National Baha'i attorney, advocate or representative.
Spiritual Assembly whether the appeal is In becoming a voting member of the Baha'i
important enough to be considered or of a community, every believer accepts the recog-
trivial nature and therefore not to be enter- :rtized qualifications for membership, which
tained. This brings out the vital principle include full acceptance of the power and au-
that the National Spiritual Assembly is not thority duly vested in Local and National
a -passive body compelled to deal with all Assemblies, including the power to remove
matters brought to its attention, but has any name from the voting list if the recog-
paramount executive and legislative powers nized qualifications for membership are no
in addition to its function as a judicial body. longer observed. The right of every believer
3. Since with the lapse of time it becomes to be a member of the Baha'i community is
difficult to bring together all evidence bear- conditional upon continued fáaithfulness to
ing upon a situation or matter, the National the Cause, and that right is acquired ,by as-
Assembly has voted that all appeals must be serting one's acceptance of the qualifications
received within sixty days of the date when for membership, and is not in any way a
the action or decision of the Local Spiritual vested rig.ht nor a right that may be perma-
Assembly has been made known to the be- nently claimed without permanence of loy-
liever appealing from that action or deci- alty and faithfulness to the Cause.
sion. The period of sixty days is ample in 7. Appeals must •be made in writing, and
which individual believers can take steps to on receiving an appeal the National Assem-
safeguard their legitimate rights. bly will request the Local Assembly to fur-
4. The National Spiritual Assembly will nish an attested copy of its Minutes or other
entertain only such appeals as are made records bearing upon the matter in question,
from decisions of a Local Assembly after including a record of the consultation re-
the individual believer who makes the appeal quested by the appellant. The nature of the
has presented his views to the Local Assem- appeal will be made known to the Local As-
bly and endeavored sincerely to solve the sembly, and the Local Assembly be given
problem by local consultation. The members opportunity to furnish a written explanation
of the National Assembly believe that prac- of the matter, before the National Assembly
tically every Baha'i problem can be removed decides whether to entertain the appeal. By
by full and frank consultation on the part of ••attested copy" is meant a copy signed by the
the believers directly concerned. But this Secretary or other Officer of the Local As-
BAHA'l PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 17
sembly duly chosen by the Local Assembly in matters affecting themselves personally
to furnish the record. but also in larger matters affecting the Cause
8. The National Assembly will announce in their community. For example, if there
both to the appellant and to the Local As- be real evidence that a Local Assembly has
sembly its decision, which decision is bind- not been properly elected, any Baha'i in that
ing upon the appellant, the Local Assembly community may and in fact should join with
and the local Baha'i community. In enter- other local Baha'is in making the matter
taining an appeal, the National Spiritual known to the National Assembly. In the
Assembly will endeavor to raise the problem same way, if a duly elected Assembly for any
from the realm of personality to the plane reason is unable or unwilling to hold regu-
of the Teachings and Principles of Adminis- lar meetings and function as a Local As-
tration, and seek not merely to announce a sembly, it is incumbent upon the Baha'is
final decision but also to point out wherever of that community to report the matter to
possible the grounds for true understanding the National Assembly. In such case the Na-
and reconciliation on the part of the believ- tional Assembly may order a new election.
ers immediately affected by the problem ap- 12. A Local Assembly which finds itself
pealed. in dispute with another Local Assembly may
9. Unless the National Spiritual Assembly refer the matter to the National Assembly
is entertaining an appeal of a strictly per- if the matter can not be settled by the two
sonal and private nature, the Local Spiritual Local Assemblies in accordance with the
Assembly should present the decision of the Teachings and Princi,ples of the Cause.
National Assembly to the entire local Baha'i In conclusion, the members of the Nation-
community, for the information and guid- al Spiritual Assembly would emphasize the
ance of the community. vital fact that in the Baha'i Faith, all rights
10. Local Assemblies are requested to give are hala:hced by the obligation to maintain
individual believers every opportunity for true unity among the followers of Baha'u'l-
full and frank discussion of matters which lah. But "Justice is loved above all," and
seem to cause dissatisfaction, in order to this statement on appeals has been prepared
prevent local problems coming to the point in order to make it possible for every be-
of formal appeal to the National Assembly. liever to obtain the fullest measure of jus-
Local Assemblies should freely receive ap- tice in relation to his Local Assembly and to
peals for reconsideration of its decisions his fellow Baha'is.-N. S. •A.
from members of the local Baha'i com-
munity, and endeavor to turn these into oc-
casions for increasing the spirit of true unity PROCEDURE FOR CON-
between itself and all members of the com-
munity. Believers having a grievance DUCT OF JURIDICAL
against their Local Spiritual Assembly, or SESSIONS
against another ,believer in the community,
have a right to present that grievance pri- WHEREAS, the National Spiritual Assem-
vately to the Local Assembly. If the Local bly, by virtue of its stated powers and re-
Assembly considers a grievance between two sponsibilities, is from time to time required
or more members of the community, and to exercise the jurisdiction of a court in de-
cannot remove that grievance, it should re- termining matters of fact and of Baha'i
f er the matter to the National Assemblyáfor principle arising from actions, misunder-
advice and assistance, after securing the ap- standings áand disputes among the Baha'is
proval of all parties to the grievance that of the United States and Canada, and
the matter be referred to the National body. WHEREAS, the National Spiritual Assem-
Any believer unwilling to have the grievance bly is a Baha'i institution in process of de-
referred to the National Assembly must ac- velopment toward the status of a House of
cept the decision of the Local Assembly in Justice, which status is charged with juris-
regard to the grievi.ance.But when the griev- diction of all manner of personal and com-
ance has been referred to the National As- munity matters under the standard of divine
sembly with the approval of all the individ- Justice established in the teachings of the
ual ábelievers directly affected, all such be- Baha'i Faith, therefore be it
lievers are bound to accept the decision of RESOLVED, that the National Spiritual
the National body. Loeal Assemblies, like Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States
the National Assembly, should deal with be- and Canada, seeking to fulfill its duties and
lievers directly and not through any repre- responsibilities in the promotion of that Jus-
sentative. tice among ábelievers, shall henceforth ob-
11. Individual believers may justifiably serve the following procedure when exer-
appeal to the National Assembly not merely cising jurisdiction over disputes:
BAHA't PROCEDURE SECTION FOUR, SHEET 18
1. Each case requiring judicial action by case, both :before and after determina-
the Assembly shall 1be divided into tion of a final decision, shall be confined
three successive and distinct stages, to such reports and comments as are
viz.; duly agreed upon by the Assembly and
fully recorded in its Minutes.
A. The determination of all relevant 3. In arriving at its final decision, the As-
facts. sembly shall endeavor faithfully to rise
B. The determination of what princi- above a 11 personal considerations,
ple or principles in the Baha'i teach- either of undue love and affection for
ings apply to said facts. or undue prejudice against any of the
C. The determination of a final deci- persons likely to be a~ected by that
sion of the case based upon (1) a final decision ; shall consider dispas-
written record of facts duly ac- sionately the facts and principles at is-
cepted by the Assembly and (2) a sue and not the persons, and shall
written analysis of the fundamental strive in its decision of all disputes to
principles involved, likewise duly manifest the reality of Baha'u'llah's
accepted by the Assembly. teaching that "Justice is loved above
2. Any and all report or comment on the all."-N. S. A.
BAHA't PROCEDURE INDEX, SHEET 1
'Abdu'l-Baha, stories about, I-3; Will and Testa- Assembly, National Spiritual, Continued
ment, I-7; instruction in Will and Testa- unique significance of, III-2 •
ment of, II-26 qu:3-li~cations of members of: III-3;
Anniversaries_., I-6; calendar of, II-6; and Feasts prm~1ple of plurality vote, III-4;
I-7 ' considered verdict to be upheld, III-4;
the supreme body, III-4-5;
Aqdas, Laws of, I-1 must uphold and enforce constitution III-5;
Archives, importance of, I-5; preservation of two cardinal principles, III-5 • '
relics, I-5; classification of material for I- undisputed authority reaff~ed III-5 •
19; collection of Tablets, II-26; l~cal consultation with believers thr~ugh Io~al As-
Archives, II-27 semblies, III-.:6;
main purpose of Nineteen Day Feasts, III-6;
Assembly, Spiritual, local, relation to individual
status of members at Convention III-6 •
teacher, I-15; establishment of, IV-1; ' '
institution of (functions and duties), II-1; purpose of, IV-1;
procedure for conduct of, II-3-4-5-6-7; to be annually re-elected, IV-1;
duties and obligations of, II-8; to exercise full authority, IV-1;
institution of, II-9; to appoint committees, IV-1 •
obligation to establish, II-14; decides what issues are national IV-1 •
incorporation of, II-14;
to evolve into National House of Justic~ IV-1 •
annual election of, II-15; to elect members of International Ho~se of
institution of new Assemblies, II-15; Justice, IV-1;
members to attend meetings, II-15;
centralization of authority in, IV-1;
voting list, II-15; result if requisite is not realized IV-1 •
residential requirements for new Assemblies,
obedience of individual Bahli'is, d~legates,
II-16; groups and Assemblies to, IV-1-2 •
enrollment of believers by, II-16; no conflict of authority, no duality, iV-2;
rights of individual believers, II-20; morally responsible for abuse of power by any
reports from, II-24; body or institution, IV-2;
how to enroll new believers, II-24;
sole link with International House of Justice
relation of to National Spiritual Assembly, II- IV-2; '
24; disputes concerning to be referred to National
review and publication by, II-25;
Assembly, IV-2;
instruction in Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-
no institution can entertain appeals against,
Baha by, II-26; IV-2;
to study reports and recommendations, II-26; changes in membership of, IV-2;
to approve radio programs, II-26;
:esponsibility of, IV-10-11;
not to sanction annual memorial meetings II- mternal procedure, IV-12-13-14-15;
26; '
calendar of annual actions, IV-12;
collection of Tablets by, II-26; attendance of individual members not to be re-
representation at inter-organization confer-
ported, IV-13;
ences, II-26; correspondence with individuals, IV-13;
permanent address of, II-27; consultation with believers, IV-13 •
contact with civil authorites, II-27; Palestine Branch of, IV-15; '
settlement of disputes, II-27; procedure for appeals from decisions of local
prevention of slander, II-29; Assemblies, IV-15-16-17;
agency for consultation with National Assem-
procedure for conduct of juridical sessions,
bly, III-6; IV-17-18.
concentration of power in, IV-1;
legal constitution of, IV-2; Bab, in dramas, 1-2
obedience of to National Assembly imperative, Baha'i News, distribution of, IV-13
IV-2; Baha'u'llah, in dramas, 1-2; basic principles of,
to establish a Fund, IV-2 ; II-10; laws to be enforced, IV-7
national activities not under jurisdiction of Believer, Qualifications of, 1-1;
IV4; ' voting right of, I-14;
consultation, IV-11-12; registration of isolated believer, 1-14;
procedure on appeals from decisions of, IV-15- first approach local, then National Assembly,
16-17. I-15;
Assembly, National Spiritual, correspondence relation to community, I-15;
with individual believers, I-14; relation to Assembly, 1-15;
contact with civil authorities, I-17; consultation on personal difficulties I-19;
institution of, II-9; admittance of new believer • II-15 á'
relation of local Assembly to, II-24; preparation of, for member~hip, 1i-1s •
election of, IIl-1-2; rights of, II-20; '
independence of, III-2; transfer of, II-24;
BAHA'l PROCEDURE INDEX, SHEET 2
Believer, Continued Convention, Continued
contact with civil authorities, II-27; status of National Assembly members at Con-
misunderstandings and differences between, II- vention, lll-6;
27. summary of Convention functions, 111-6-7;
Bequest, form of, 1-17 procedure for conduct of, 111-7-8-9;
Business, among believers, 1-22 Convention call, IIl-7;
order of business, Ill-8;
By-Laws, of local Spiritual Assembly, II-8 conduct of business, Ill-8-9;
Centers, status of, II-27 annual election, IIl-9;
Civil authority, relations to, voting, 1-13; no al- Convention record, IIl-9;
lusion to political leaders, 1-17; contact with delegates to obey authority of National Assem-
only through N.S.A., 1-17 bly, lV-1-2;
Community, basis of, II-2; consultation with, II- Disputes, settlement of civil, 1-17; between be-
5; II-7; voting list, 11-15; qualifications of lievers, 11-27; slander and backbiting, II-28
membership in, II-16; preparation of be- Elections, character of, II-23; 111-9
lievers for membership in, II-18; residential Fasting, Ordinance of, 1-2
qualifications of voting membership in, 11-21;
Feasts, 1-7; •
unity of, IV-o-6-7
Anniversaries, 1-6;
Compilations, publication of, 1-20 calendar of, II-6.
Consultation, proper method of, 1-6; character Fund (local and national), taxes and spiritual
of, 1-6; on personal difficulties, 1-19; Assem- offerings, 1-4;
bly consultation, IV-11-12; Assembly con- how funds are to be contributed, 1-5;
sultation with individuals, IV-13 test of faith, 1-6; IV-3;
Convention, number of delegates fixed, IIl-1; importance of, 1-21;
pJ:'.oportionate assignment of, IIl-1; on collection of, II-26;
delegates to elect National Spiritual Assem- under exclusive control of Assembly, lV-2;
bly, III-1; unlabelled donations to National Fund, lV-3;
Convention and National Spiritual Assembly contributions to be voluntary, IV-3;
to exemplify high ideals, III-1; importance of National Fund, IV-3;
Guardian's appeal to, III-1; anonymous contributions to, lV-3;
rightly elected Assembly appointed of God, donations to National Fund tax exempt, IV-15.
111-1; Funeral service, Baha'i, 1-4; use of burial stones,
delegates to fulfill functions of consultative and 1-4
co-operative body, IIl-2; Greatest Name, translation of symbol of, 1-2;
incoming Assembly to seek advice, 111-2; legally protected, 1-3
National Assembly retains final decision, IIl-2;
consultation on matters requiring immediate Groups, correspondent, 1-15
decision, IIl-2; Guardian, letters of, 1-3; letters to individuals,
unanimity desired, majority decision prevails, l-3; relation to individual believers, 1-3;
111-2; birthday not to be observed, 1-4; correspond-
election of delegates, IIl-2; ence with, II-20; publication of letters, lV-12
central principle of administration, 111-2; Leases, application for, lV-15
two-fold purpose, IIl-3; Marriage, nature of, 1-4
privilege and task of delegates, lll-3; Memorial meetings, annual, II-26
qualifications of Assembly members, 111-3; National Committees, national activities to be re-
to be annual, III-3; ferred to, IV-3-4; reports of, lV-4; relation
to be held during Ridvan period, IIl-4; of to National Assembly, lV-4-5; Reviewing
time and place to be decided by National As- Committee, IV-8; Publishing Committee, IV-
sembly, IIl-4; 8-9; Archives Committee, lV-9; Regional
if necessary Convention can be omitted, Ill-4; committees, lV-9; Youth Committee, IV-9
duty to attend, 111-4;
absent delegates to vote by mail, Ill-4; Nineteen Day Feast, 1-6; calendar of, II-6; An-
freedom of elector, IIl-4-5; niversaries, 1-7; youth at, 1-21; personal
Convention not the supreme body, Ill-4-5; matters barred from, II-29; main purpose of,
function is advisory, 111-5; 111-6; conduct of, II-5-6-7.
delegates independent, IIl-5; Non-political character, 1-13
election of Convention officers, 111-5; Organizations (non-Baha'i), membership in, 1-7;
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws binding contact with, 1-8; membership in, religious,
upon Convention, 111-5; 1-8; contact with, 11-26.
non-delegates not to intervene, lll-5; Orientals, association with, 1-19
two cardinal principles, IIl-5; Pilgrim's notes, not to be given prominence or
not a continuous body, 111-5; official recognition, 1-3; National Assembly
not a body with parliamentary functions, Ill-6; will not have them authenticated nor co-
two-fold function of Convention, IIl-6; operate in their distribution, IV-13.
BAHA'I PROCEDURE INDEX, SHEET 3
Prayer, Daily Obligatory, I-1; congregational, Teaching, Continued
I-4. status of traveling teacher, I-16;
Publishing, of compilations, I-20; co-operation individual freedom, I-16;
with authors, I-21; review and publication duty of every Baha'i, I-16;
by local Assembly, II-25. individual teaching, I-16;
Radio Programs, II-26 through drama and art, I-16;
Real estate, holding of, IV-15 material to be approved, I-16;
credentials for traveling teacher, I-17;
Relief, question of, I-21 approach to important persons, I-17;
Ringstones, use of, I-4 distinction between public and private, I-17;
Slander and backbiting, see Disputes not an economic system, I-20.
Summer Schools, purpose of, I-20; leases of Temple meetings, I-5; chanting in, I-5; dramatic
property at, IV-15. performances in, I-5; models to be approved,
Tablets, and talks, distinction between, I-3. I-20; future contracts, IV-8.
Tax exemption, on donations to National Fund, Transliteration of Persian terms, I-2
IV-15. War, Baha'is and, I-11; action by League of Na-
Teaching, care in presenting, I-14; tions, I-12.
Organic Unity, I-14; Youth, activities, IV-9; attendance at Nineteen
and administration, I-15; Day Feast, I-21.

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