# The National Convention

*Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-18 — 1 clipping.*

---

> Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Abdu'l-Bahá, The National Convention, bahai-library.com.
> ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
> 
> The National Convention
> 
> Abdu'l-Bahá
> 
> Shoghi Effendi
> 
> Universal House of Justice
> 
> Universal House of Justice, Research Department
> 
> , compiler
> 
> published in
> 
> Compilation of Compilations
> 
> Volume 3,  pp. 60-91
> 
> 2000
> 
> Contents:
> 
> From the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
> 
> From the Letters and Writings of Shoghi Effendi
> 
> From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi
> 
> From Letters and a Memorandum Written by the Universal House of Justice
> 
> From Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice
> 
> Index
> 
> Extracts from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
> 
> 1.         And now, concerning the House of Justice which God hath ordained
> as the source of all good and freed from all error, it must be elected by
> universal suffrage, that is, by the believers. Its members must be
> manifestations of the fear of God and daysprings of knowledge and
> understanding, must be steadfast in God's faith and the well-wishers of
> all mankind. By this House is meant the Universal House of Justice, that
> is, in all countries a secondary House of Justice must be instituted, and
> these secondary Houses of Justice must elect the members of the
> Universal one.
> 
> ("Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust,
> 1971), p.
> 14
> )
> 
> 2.         The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the
> members of the assembly. They must be wholly free from estrangement
> and must manifest in themselves the Unity of God, for they are the waves
> of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, the rays of one
> sun, the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one garden. Should harmony
> of thought and absolute unity be non-existent, that gathering shall be
> dispersed and that assembly be brought to naught. The second condition:
> - They must when coming together turn their faces to the Kingdom on
> High and ask aid from the Realm of Glory. They must then proceed with
> the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express
> their views. They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist
> upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one's views
> will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain
> hidden. The honoured members must with all freedom express their own
> thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought
> of another, nay, he must with moderation set forth the truth, and should
> differences of opinion arise a majority of voices must prevail, and all must
> obey and submit to the majority. It is again not permitted that any one of
> the honoured members object to or censure, whether in or out of the
> 
> 21
> 
> meeting, any decision arrived at previously, though that decision be not
> right, for such criticism would prevent any decision from being enforced.
> In short, whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with love and
> purity of motive, its result is light, and should the least trace of
> estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness.
> 
> ('Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), p.
> 22
> )
> 
> Extracts from the Letters and Writings of Shoghi Effendi
> 
> 3.         I am deeply convinced that if the Annual Convention of the friends
> in America, as well as the National Spiritual Assembly, desire to become
> potent instruments for the speedy realization of the Beloved's fondest
> hopes for the future of that country, they should endeavour, first and
> foremost, to exemplify, in an increasing degree, to all Bahá'ís and to the
> world at large, the high ideals of fellowship and service which Bahá'u'lláh
> and the beloved Master have repeatedly set before them. They can claim
> the admiration, the support and, eventually, the allegiance of their
> fellow-countrymen only by their strict regard for the dignity, the welfare,
> and the unity of the Cause of God, by their zeal, their disinterestedness,
> and constancy in the service of mankind, and by demonstrating, through
> their words and deeds, the need and practicability of the lofty principles;
> which the Movement has proclaimed to the world.
> 
> (From a letter dated 26 November 1923 to a National Spiritual Assembly, cf.
> "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p.
> 53
> )
> 
> 4.         Hitherto the National Convention has been primarily called
> together for the consideration of the various circumstances attending the
> election of the National Spiritual Assembly. I feel, however, that in view
> of the expansion and the growing importance of the administrative
> sphere of the Cause, the general sentiments and tendencies prevailing
> among the friends, and the signs of increasing interdependence among
> the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world, the assembled
> accredited representatives of the American believers should exercise not
> only the vital and responsible right of electing the National Assembly, but
> should also fulfil the functions of an enlightened, consultative and
> 
> 22
> 
> co-operative body that will enrich the experience, enhance the prestige,
> support the authority, and assist the deliberations of the National
> Spiritual Assembly. It is my firm conviction that it is the bounden duty, in
> the interests of the Cause we all love and serve, of the members of the
> incoming National Assembly, once elected by the delegates at Convention
> time, to seek and have the utmost regard, individually as well as
> collectively, for the advice, the considered opinion and the true
> sentiments of the assembled delegates. Banishing every vestige of secrecy,
> of undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness, from their midst, they should
> radiantly and abundantly unfold to the eyes of the delegates, by whom
> they are elected, their plans, their hopes, and their cares. They should
> familiarize the delegates with the various matters that will have to be
> considered in the current year, and calmly and conscientiously study and
> weigh the opinions and judgements of the delegates. The newly elected
> National Assembly, during the few days when the Convention is in session
> and after the dispersal of the delegates, should seek ways and means to
> cultivate understanding, facilitate and maintain the exchange of views,
> deepen confidence, and vindicate by every tangible evidence their one
> desire to serve and advance the common weal. Not infrequently, nay
> oftentimes, the most lowly, untutored, and inexperienced among the
> friends will, by the sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent devotion,
> contribute a distinct and memorable share to a highly involved discussion
> in any given assembly. Great must be the regard paid by those whom the
> delegates call upon to serve in high position to this all-important though
> inconspicuous manifestation of the revealing power of sincere and
> earnest devotion.
> 
> The National Spiritual Assembly, however, in view of the
> unavoidable limitations imposed upon the convening of frequent and
> long-standing sessions of the Convention, will have to retain in its hands
> the final decision on all matters that affect the interests of the Cause in
> America, such as the right to decide whether any Local Assembly is
> functioning in accordance with the principles laid down for the conduct
> and the advancement of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer that they will
> utilize their highly responsible position, not only for the wise and efficient
> conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but also for the extension and
> deepening of the spirit of cordiality and whole-hearted and mutual
> 
> 23
> 
> support in their co-operation with the body of their co-workers
> throughout the land.... While the Convention is in session and the
> accredited delegates have already elected from among the believers
> throughout the country the members of the National Spiritual Assembly
> for the current year, it is of infinite value and a supreme necessity that as
> far as possible all matters requiring immediate decision should be fully
> and publicly considered, and an endeavour be made to obtain after
> mature deliberation unanimity in vital decisions. Indeed it has ever been
> the cherished desire of our Master 'Abdu'l-Bahá that the friends in their
> councils, local as well as national, should by their candour, their honesty
> of purpose, their singleness of mind, and the thoroughness of their
> discussions achieve unanimity in all things. Should this in certain cases
> prove impracticable the verdict of the majority should prevail, to which
> decision the minority must under all circumstances gladly, spontaneously
> and continually submit.
> 
> (From a letter dated 29 January 1925 to a National Spiritual Assembly, cf.
> "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", pp.
> 78
> -
> 80
> )
> 
> 5.         ...I feel that the dominating purpose inspiring the assembled friends,
> delegates and visitors alike, should be a twofold one. The first is a
> challenge to the individual, the second a collective responsibility. The one
> seeks to reinforce the motive power of our spiritual activities, the second
> aims at raising the standard of administrative efficiency so vitally needed
> at this advanced stage of our work. We should first and foremost
> endeavour by every conceivable means to revitalize our precious Cause,
> rudely shaken by the constant vicissitudes attending the outward
> departure of a vigilant and gracious Master. Our next object should be to
> seek to approach, through more intimate association, fuller and more
> frequent consultation, and a closer familiarity with the character, the
> mission, and the teachings of the Cause, that standard of excellence which
> should characterize the co-operative efforts of Bahá'í Communities in
> every land.
> 
> High aims and pure motives, however laudable in themselves, will
> surely not suffice if unsupported by measures that are practicable and
> methods that are sound. Wealth of sentiment, abundance of goodwill and
> effort, will prove of little avail if we should fail to exercise discrimination
> 
> 24
> 
> and restraint and neglect to direct their flow along the most profitable
> channels. The unfettered freedom of the individual should be tempered
> with mutual consultation and sacrifice, and the spirit of initiative and
> enterprise should be reinforced by a deeper realization of the supreme
> necessity for concerted action and a fuller devotion to the common weal.
> 
> It would be impossible at this stage to ignore the indispensability or
> to overestimate the unique significance of the institution of the National
> Spiritual Assembly - the pivot round which revolve the activities of the
> believers throughout the American continent. Supreme is their position,
> grave their responsibilities, manifold and arduous their duties. How great
> the privilege, how delicate the task of the assembled delegates whose
> function it is to elect such national representatives as would by their
> record of service ennoble and enrich the annals of the Cause!
> 
> (From a letter dated 3 June 1925 to a National Convention, cf. "Bahá'í
> Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", pp.
> 87
> -
> 88
> )
> 
> 6.         In connection with the annual holding of the Bahá'í Convention
> and Congress, I feel that although such a representative body need not
> be convened necessarily every year, yet it is highly desirable, in view of the
> unique functions it fulfils in promoting harmony and goodwill, in
> removing misunderstandings and in enhancing the prestige of the Cause,
> that the National Spiritual Assembly should exert itself to gather together
> annually the elected representatives of the American believers.
> 
> ("Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p.
> 91
> )
> 
> 7.         The administrative machinery of the Cause having now sufficiently
> evolved, its aim and object fairly well grasped and understood, and its
> method and working made more familiar to every believer, I feel the time
> is ripe when it should be fully and consciously utilized to further the
> purpose for which it has been created. It should, I strongly feel, be made
> to serve a twofold purpose. On one hand, it should aim at a steady and
> gradual expansion of the Movement along lines that are at once broad,
> sound and universal; and on the other, it should ensure the internal
> consolidation of the work already achieved. It should both provide the
> impulse whereby the dynamic forces latent in the Faith can unfold,
> 
> 25
> 
> crystallize, and shape the lives and conduct of men, and serve as a medium
> for the interchange of thought and the co-ordination of activities among
> the divers elements that constitute the Bahá'í community.
> 
> ("Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p.
> 109
> )
> 
> 8.         I would specifically remind you that in the text of the said By-Laws,
> which to the outside world represents the expression of the aspirations,
> the motives and objects that animate the collective responsibilities of
> Bahá'í Fellowship, due emphasis should not be placed only on the
> concentrated authority, the rights, the privileges and prerogatives
> enjoyed by the elected national representatives of the believers, but that
> special stress be laid also on their responsibilities as willing ministers,
> faithful stewards and loyal trustees to those who have chosen them. Let it
> be made clear to every inquiring reader that among the most outstanding
> and sacred duties incumbent upon those who have been called upon to
> initiate, direct and co-ordinate the affairs of the Cause are those that
> require them to win by every means in their power the confidence and
> affection of those whom it is their privilege to serve. Theirs is the duty to
> investigate and acquaint themselves with the considered views, the
> prevailing sentiments, the personal convictions of those whose welfare it
> is their solemn obligation to promote. Theirs is the duty to purge once
> for all their deliberations and the general conduct of their affairs from
> that air of self-contained aloofness, from the suspicion of secrecy, the
> stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertiveness, in short from every word
> and deed that might savour of partiality, self-centredness and prejudice.
> Theirs is the duty, while retaining the sacred and exclusive right of final
> decision in their hands, to invite discussion, provide information,
> ventilate grievances, welcome advice from even the most humble and
> insignificant member of the Bahá'í Family, expose their motives, set forth
> their plans, justify their actions, revise if necessary their verdict, foster the
> spirit of individual initiative and enterprise, and fortify the sense of
> interdependence and co-partnership, of understanding and mutual
> confidence between them on one hand and all Local Assemblies and
> individual believers on the other,
> 
> (From a letter dated 18 October 1927 to National Spiritual Assembly, cf.
> "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", pp.
> 143
> -
> 44
> )
> 
> 26
> 
> 9.              Having established the structure of their local Assemblies - the base
> of the edifice which the Architect of the Administrative Order of the Faith
> of Bahá'u'lláh had directed them to erect - His disciples, in both the East
> and the West, unhesitatingly embarked on the next and more difficult
> stage of their high enterprise. In countries where the local Bahá'í
> communities had sufficiently advanced in number and in influence
> measures were taken for the initiation of National Assemblies, the pivots
> round which all national undertakings must revolve. Designated by
> 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will as the "Secondary Houses of Justice," they
> constitute the electoral bodies in the formation of the International
> House of Justice, and are empowered to direct, unify, co-ordinate and
> stimulate the activities of individuals as well as local Assemblies within
> their jurisdiction.
> 
> ("God Passes By" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1987), p.
> 332
> )
> 
> 10.               I fear this letter will reach you after the closing of the Convention,
> but I hope that it will serve to assure you of the necessity of adopting for
> future Conventions the essential method of a full, frank and unhampered
> consultation between the National Assembly and the assembled
> delegates. It is the vital duty of the delegates to unburden their hearts,
> state their grievances, disclose their views, and explain their motives. It is
> the duty of the National Assembly to give earnest, prompt and prayerful
> consideration to the views of the delegates, weigh carefully their
> arguments and ponder their considered judgements, before they resort
> to voting and undertake to arrive at a decision according to the dictates
> of their conscience. They should explain their motives and not dictate,
> seek information and invite discussion.
> 
> (Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi appended to a letter dated 13
> April 1927 written on his behalf to a Local Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 11.               ...the annual Convention is not to be regarded as a body entitled to
> exercise functions similar to those which an ordinary parliament
> possesses under a democratic form of government. The Administrative
> Order which lies embedded in the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and which
> the American believers have championed and are now establishing,
> should, under no circumstances, be identified with the principles
> 
> 27
> 
> underlying present-day democracies. Nor is it identical with any purely
> aristocratic or autocratic form of government. The objectionable features
> inherent in each of these political systems are entirely avoided. It blends,
> as no system of human polity has as yet achieved, those salutary truths and
> beneficial elements which constitute the valuable contributions which
> each of these forms of government have made to society in the past.
> Consultation, frank and unfettered, is the bedrock of this unique Order.
> Authority is concentrated in the hands of the elected members of the
> National Assembly. Power and initiative are primarily vested in the entire
> body of the believers acting through their local representatives. To
> generate those forces which must give birth to the body of their national
> administrators, and to confer, freely and fully and at fixed intervals, with
> both the incoming and outgoing National Assemblies, are the twofold
> functions, the supreme responsibility and sole prerogative of the
> delegates assembled in Convention. Nothing short of close and constant
> interaction between these various organs of Bahá'í administration can
> enable it to fulfil its high destiny.
> 
> (Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi appended to a letter dated 18
> November 1933 written on his behalf to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 12.         There can be no conflict of authority, no duality under any form or
> circumstances in any sphere of Bahá'í jurisdiction whether local, national
> or international. The National Assembly, however, although the sole
> interpreter of its
> Declaration of Trust and by-Laws
> , is directly and morally
> responsible if it allows any body or institution within its jurisdiction to
> abuse its privileges or to decline in the exercise of its rights and
> prerogatives. It is the trusted guardian and the mainspring of the
> manifold activities and interests of every national community in the
> Bahá'í world. It constitutes the sole link that binds these communities to
> the International House of Justice - the supreme administrative body in
> the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh.
> 
> (Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi appended to a letter dated 11
> June 1934 written on his behalf to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 28
> 
> Extracts from Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi
> 
> 13.               The Guardian was so glad to share your impressions about the
> Convention. He has already received many reports of a similar nature and
> the opinion which he has come to form is that most of the delegates have
> spent too much time on problems of a purely secondary importance, with
> the result that the meetings were somewhat lacking in spiritual force. The
> friends should always be on their guard lest they consider the
> Administration as an aim in itself and fail to grasp the spiritual and moral
> development which is its purpose to achieve. The Convention meetings
> are not intended to be purely administrative. Their main and essential
> purpose is to enable the assembled delegates and friends to have a deeper
> and broader vision of the Cause through an increase in the spirit of unity
> and of whole-hearted co-operation. Disruptive forces, which are but the
> outcome of human passion and selfishness, should be entirely crushed
> down and should give way to a living and constructive faith which alone
> can ensure the efficiency and the high quality of the work to be achieved.
> It is hoped that future Conventions will be more constructive in their
> spiritual effects and will reflect more adequately the spirit of the Cause.
> 
> (25 July 1933 to an individual believer)
> 
> 14.               ...it is the sacred obligation and the primary function of the National
> Assembly not to restrict, under any circumstances, the freedom of the
> assembled delegates, whose twofold function is to elect their national
> representatives and to submit to them any recommendations they may
> feel inclined to make. The function of the Convention is purely advisory
> and though the advice it gives is not binding in its effects on those on
> whom rests the final decision in purely administrative matters, yet, the
> utmost caution and care should be exercised lest anything should hamper
> the delegates in the full and free exercise of their functions. In
> discharging this sacred function no influence whatever, no pressure from
> any quarter, even though it be from the National Assembly, should under
> any circumstances affect their views or restrict their freedom. The
> delegates must be wholly independent of any administrative agency, must
> approach their task with absolute detachment and must concentrate their
> attention on the most important and pressing issues.
> 
> 29
> 
> Shoghi Effendi has not departed from any established administrative
> principle.... What the Guardian is aiming at is to remind the friends, more
> fully than before, of the two cardinal principles of Bahá'í Administration,
> namely, the supreme and unchallengeable authority of the National
> Spiritual Assembly in national affairs and working within the limits
> imposed by the
> Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
> , and the untrammelled
> freedom of the Convention delegates to advise, deliberate on the actions,
> and appoint the successors of their National Assembly.
> 
> (12 August 1933 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 15.         The Convention, though not supreme, is vested with definite rights
> and prerogatives, and has special exclusive functions which are defined
> and safeguarded by the
> Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
> . It is a
> fundamental principle of the Administration not to restrict, under any
> circumstances, the freedom and privilege of the delegates to express
> freely and fully their ideas, feelings, grievances and recommendations, so
> long as they do not encroach upon the established principles of the
> Administration.
> 
> (12 August 1933 to an individual believer)
> 
> 16.         Concerning the status, rights and prerogatives of the Annual Bahá'í
> Convention, the Guardian wishes to make it quite clear to all the believers
> that this annual meeting of the delegates is by no means a continuous
> consultative body all through the year; that its twofold function of electing
> the body of the National Spiritual Assembly, and of offering any
> constructive suggestions in regard to the general administration of the
> Cause is limited to a definite period; and that consequently the opinion
> current among some of the believers that the delegates are to serve as a
> consultative body throughout the year is at variance with the
> fundamental, though as yet unspecified, principles underlying the
> Administration. Shoghi Effendi firmly believes that consultation must be
> maintained between the National Spiritual Assembly and the entire body
> of the believers, and that such a consultation, when the Convention is not
> in session, can best be maintained through the agency of the Local
> Assemblies, one of whose essential functions is to act as intermediaries
> between the local communities and their national representatives. The
> 
> 30
> 
> main purpose of the Nineteen Day Feasts is to enable individual believers
> to offer any suggestion to the Local Assembly, which in its turn will pass
> it to the National Spiritual Assembly. The Local Assembly is, therefore,
> the proper medium through which local Bahá'í communities can
> communicate with the body of the national representatives. The
> Convention should be regarded as a temporary gathering, having certain
> specific functions to perform during a limited period of time. Its status is
> thus limited in time to the Convention sessions, the function of
> consultation at all other times being vested in the entire body of the
> believers through the Local Spiritual Assemblies.
> 
> (18 November 1933 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 17.              Concerning the status of members of the National Spiritual
> Assembly at Convention sessions the Guardian feels that the members of
> both the incoming and the outgoing Assemblies should be given the full
> right to participate in the Convention discussions. Those members of the
> National Spiritual Assembly who have been elected delegates will, in
> addition to the light of participation, be entitled to vote. The Guardian
> wishes thereby to render more effective the deliberations and the
> recommendations of the national representatives. He feels that the
> exercise of such a right by the members of the National Spiritual Assembly
> will enable them to consult more fully with the assembled delegates, to
> exchange fully and frankly with them their views, and to consider
> collectively the interests, needs and requirements of the Cause, This, he
> believes, is one of the primary functions of the Convention.
> 
> (25 December 1933 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 18.               He is indeed rejoiced to learn that the National Spiritual Assembly
> meeting recently held in San Francisco has been marked with such a
> remarkable success, and that the consultation held with the friends has
> brought forth such good results. This contact between the members of
> the National Assembly and the individual believers is certainly of immense
> value to the Cause, as it serves to promote, more than any other means,
> intelligent co-operation, fellowship and understanding among the
> friends. It is the National Spiritual Assembly's responsibility, therefore, to
> foster by every means in its power this growth, and thus help in further
> 
> 31
> 
> consolidating its authority and prestige in the community. There is
> nothing that can inflict upon it a greater harm than the attitude of
> aloofness, of isolation from the general body of the believers.
> 
> (4 December 1936 to an individual believer)
> 
> 19.             ...he would suggest that during the Nineteen Day Feasts, which
> occasions, as you certainly know, afford the believers the opportunity of
> discussing community affairs and problems, you openly express any
> criticisms or suggestions you wish to offer regarding any Assembly actions
> and decisions. It is indeed the inalienable right of every recognized
> believer to express himself, during all such occasions, on the manner in
> which community affairs in general are conducted, and to offer the
> Assembly any views or recommendations he has on the subject. But in the
> exercise of such right he should refrain from any such remarks or actions
> as would tend to belittle the significance and undermine the authority of
> the Assembly itself, as an institution established by Bahá'u'lláh.
> 
> (8 March 1940 to an individual believer)
> 
> 20.              He is eagerly looking forward to the Convention this year, which he
> hopes will be as animated and successful as the Centennial one of a few
> years ago. There are many tasks that lie ahead, and the consultation and
> mingling of the friends which takes place on these occasions, will lend
> tremendous impetus to the execution of whatever plans are made.
> 
> (22 March 1946 to an individual believer)
> 
> 21.               The agenda of the Convention should be arranged so as to permit
> the greatest possible freedom of expression on the part of the assembled
> delegates. It should not be a meeting monopolized by National Spiritual
> Assembly members and taken up unduly with reports of the National
> Spiritual Assembly work. Great care should be taken in order to get as
> clear and concise a picture of the year's accomplishments, needs and
> events before the delegates as possible, and then full discussion be
> encouraged. The powers and authority invested by Bahá'u'lláh in
> administrative bodies are so great, that, at the annual Convention, when
> the affairs of the Cause come up for discussion on the floor, the greatest
> 
> 32
> 
> care should be exerted to ensure that the delegates can fulfil their
> functions properly in open, and as far as possible, exhaustive discussion.
> 
> (29 October 1949 to an individual believer)
> 
> 22.         He considers the policy of your Assembly of helping delegates from
> distant points to attend the Convention, an excellent one, as the
> attendance of these delegates enables them to carry back a very real
> awareness of the work in hand and the needs of the hour to their local
> Communities.
> 
> (1 March 1951 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> Extracts from Letters and a Memorandum Written by the Universal
> House of Justice
> 
> 23.         ...we agree that it is the task of your Assembly to see that the delegates
> are lovingly made aware of their sacred responsibilities to attend, to
> consult and to vote. Admittedly, it is preferable that the delegates attend
> the sessions of the Convention in person so they may take an active part
> in all of its proceedings and acquaint their fellow-workers on their return
> with an account of the accomplishments, decisions and plans of their
> national community. You should bear in mind, however, that some of the
> delegates may be unable to attend the Convention due to illness and yet
> others for quite legitimate reasons may well find it impossible to
> undertake a journey to the seat of the Bahá'í Convention.
> 
> (9 April 1970 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 24.         As the principal purpose of Convention, apart from the election of
> the National Spiritual Assembly, is the consultation of the delegates with
> the National Spiritual Assembly, as much time as possible should be made
> available for the delegates to consult. It is clear that the exigencies of
> modern life limit the length which is practicable for a National
> Convention but you may wish to consider starting your Convention on
> the Friday evening at the latest so that the delegates may gather and deal
> with the preliminaries, thus enabling them to begin the full work of the
> Convention first thing on the Saturday morning. Naturally, any
> 
> 33
> 
> introductions of subjects or presentation of matters to the Convention
> should be kept as brief as possible to allow the greatest amount of time
> for consultation and you may therefore find it helpful to provide a
> number of reports to the delegates in advance in written form.
> 
> (6 July 1971 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 25.               ...the Counsellors might aid the Assembly by pointing out that the
> delegates at National Convention should be encouraged to consult upon
> the national work of the Cause rather than purely local matters.
> 
> (29 June 1973 to the Hands of the Cause of God in the Holy Land)
> 
> Extracts from Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal House of
> Justice
> 
> 26.              Regarding the question you raise concerning the "Convention
> Procedures" as set out in the copy of the guidelines provided by the
> National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, this too is a procedure adopted by
> the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, which is free to
> change its provisions as circumstances may necessitate, and these are
> surely not universally binding on all national communities.
> 
> The writings of Shoghi Effendi contain several statements on the
> need to uphold flexibility in matters of secondary importance. For
> example, in a letter to an individual believer, dated March 15, 1948 the
> following comment has been made on Shoghi Effendi's behalf:
> 
> In general the administrative order as laid down in America should
> be followed everywhere. But secondary decisions are left to the
> judgement of each National Assembly, and the American pattern,
> as elaborated in "Bahá'í Procedure", need not be followed
> universally.
> 
> The only procedures that are to be followed universally are those
> laid down in the
> By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly
> or the
> Declaration
> of Trust and By-Laws of a National Assembly
> : all other matters are of
> secondary importance and left to the judgement of each National
> Assembly.
> 
> 34
> 
> (24 May 1982 to an individual believer)
> 
> 27.               As you are aware the principal purpose of a National Convention is
> to give an opportunity to the delegates to consult on the affairs of the
> Faith and to elect the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
> Obviously the National Assembly is primarily interested in the general
> views and reactions of the delegates, and particularly in knowing what are
> the recommendations adopted by those present at the Convention, but
> this does not prohibit the National Assembly, if it so wishes, from having
> a record for its consideration of recommendations which were turned
> down, or individual suggestions from the delegates, which because of the
> shortness of time, or otherwise, could not or did not reach the stage which
> would lead to consideration by the Convention in session.
> 
> It is interesting in this connection to note that although there are
> many differences between Nineteen Day Feasts and National
> Conventions, there are certain similarities. One of these is the fact that a
> relatively large number of believers engage in consultation with the
> principal and ultimate objective of producing joint recommendations for
> consideration by the Spiritual Assembly. However, because of the obvious
> desirability of obtaining maximum benefit from such gatherings, what
> harm is there, if the Assembly so wishes, in requesting that, in addition to
> the approved suggestions, those not approved should also be recorded?
> 
> (26 July 1982 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 28.               The National Spiritual Assembly is present at the Convention as an
> institution, and its members are present as individual participants in the
> consultations. These two facts are not incompatible. All the delegates and
> the members of the National Spiritual Assembly should take part in the
> Convention in the spirit of free, frank, loving Bahá'í consultation. Most
> Bahá'ís perform many different functions in their lives. Very often a
> member of the National Assembly is also a delegate, a member of a Local
> Assembly, a member of one or more committees, and possibly also an
> assistant to an Auxiliary Board member. These multiple functions should
> not prevent him from expressing his views frankly and courteously in any
> consultation.
> 
> 35
> 
> Only the delegates may vote at the National Convention, whether it
> be in the election of the National Spiritual Assembly or in arriving at
> decisions. Some decisions at the Convention can be implemented
> immediately, such as a decision to send a cable of news or greetings to
> the World Centre or to another Bahá'í body, but most are decisions on
> whether or not to make a specific recommendation to the National
> Spiritual Assembly.
> 
> (26 October 1983 to an individual believer)
> 
> 29.         The Universal House of Justice received your letter of ... and has
> asked us to say how favourably impressed it was by your action in
> acquainting the Convention of your Assembly's perception of the status
> and needs of the ... Bahá'í community through an official statement....
> 
> The House of Justice feels that when the National Spiritual Assembly
> takes the delegates into its confidence in this way, and consults thoroughly
> and lovingly on the important matters before the Bahá'í community,
> these consultations and the considered resolutions which are passed by
> vote of the assembled delegates can be of great value to the Assembly in
> its subsequent deliberations throughout the Bahá'í year.
> 
> (24 May 1987 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 30.         The Convention is, of course, free to decide that every suggestion
> made by a delegate be recorded and conveyed to the National Spiritual
> Assembly. Beyond this, the National Assembly members who are present
> are always free to note down for their own interest and further discussion
> any points that are made. It is by no means necessary to have a formal
> consultation and vote on every recommendation. It is important to
> remember, however, that the National Convention is not a conference,
> it is a consultative institution of the Faith; therefore, consultation and
> formal voting on recommendations should not be ruled out altogether.
> There may, for example, be disagreement among the delegates on certain
> proposals put forward, and it would be fruitful for the matter to be
> discussed and voted upon so that the National Spiritual Assembly will
> know the recommendation of the Convention as a whole on those issues.
> 
> 36
> 
> Detailed aspects of Convention procedure which are not defined in
> the National Bahá'í Constitution, being secondary in nature, are within
> the discretion of each National Spiritual Assembly to decide. The House
> of Justice feels that it is generally advisable not to be rigid and to leave it
> to the discretion of the Convention officers, or the Convention itself, to
> decide which recommendations need to be discussed and voted upon and
> which may be recorded without more ado. A distinction should be made
> in the record between recommendations of the entire Convention and
> those which are merely the proposals of individual delegates.
> 
> (19 June 1987 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 31.               Particular attention should be given to preparing the delegates to
> the National Convention for their sacred task of casting their ballots. You
> are encouraged to take steps to foster delegate attendance at this vital
> annual event. Those who cannot take part must be encouraged to cast
> their ballots by mail.
> 
> Likewise, consideration may be given to holding special preparatory
> sessions in conjunction with the National Convention to deepen the
> delegates on the purpose and function of the National Convention and
> the sacred character of Bahá'í elections. Attendance at such deepening
> sessions, while highly desirable, should be left to the discretion of the
> delegates. You may wish to hold similar deepening sessions in connection
> with your Unit Conventions, if these have not yet taken place.
> 
> The House of Justice is certain that the Counsellors and their
> Auxiliary Board members stand ready to assist you in every way they can
> to educate the Bahá'ís in these vital matters. It assures you of its fervent
> prayers in the Holy Shrines that you may receive abundant divine
> confirmations in carrying out these elections in the true spirit of our
> beloved Faith.
> 
> (31 January 1989 to selected National Spiritual Assemblies)
> 
> 32.               In connection with the problem you have experienced of certain
> delegates who fail to support the authority of the National Assembly or
> express opinions which are detrimental to its prestige, this is a matter of
> education and deepening. Some National Assemblies have arranged for
> 
> 37
> 
> deepening sessions for delegates prior to and separate from the
> Conventions. It is up to the chairman, when necessary, to keep before the
> Convention the purpose of consultation at the Annual Convention and
> to exercise a certain amount of control over the proceedings, while not
> infringing on the freedom of delegates to take part in discussion and to
> initiate motions. Any delegate may raise any issue for consultation, but it
> is for the Convention to decide whether it wishes to consult on it. As you
> will see from the passage in the National Constitution, it states "...any
> matter pertaining to the Faith introduced by any of the delegates may,
> upon motion and vote, be taken up as part of the deliberation of a
> Convention." [Ed. - Article
> VIII
> , section
> 9
> ]
> 
> (7 July 1991 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 33.         It is highly desirable that the National Assembly publish, for the
> information of the whole community, the recommendations that are
> passed by the Convention and the decisions that the National Assembly
> subsequently makes in relation to them.
> 
> (16 April 1992 to a National Spiritual Assembly)
> 
> 40
> 
> INDEX
> 
> numbers given after each subject refer to the extract(s) in which it appears, not the page numbers.
> 
> A
> 
> B
> 
> C
> 
> D
> 
> E
> 
> F
> 
> G
> 
> H
> 
> I
> J   K
> L
> 
> M
> 
> N
> 
> O
> 
> P
> Q
> R
> 
> S
> 
> T
> 
> U
> 
> V
> 
> W
> X   Y   Z
> 
> A
> 
> 'Abdu'l-Bahá
> 4
> ,
> 9
> 
> Master, the
> 5
> 
> accomplishments
> 21
> 
> actions
> 8
> ,
> 19
> 
> activities
> 
> co-ordination of
> 7
> 
> Administration
> 11
> ,
> 13
> ,
> 16
> 
> administrative
> 12
> ,
> 13
> 
> bodies
> 21
> 
> efficiency
> 5
> 
> fundamental principles of
> 15
> 
> machinery
> 7
> 
> aim
> 7
> 
> twofold purpose
> 7
> 
> order
> 9
> ,
> 11
> ,
> 26
> 
> principle
> 14
> 
> principles of Bahá'í
> 14
> ,
> 15
> 
> sphere
> 4
> 
> advice
> 4
> 
> aim
> 5
> ,
> 7
> 
> Alaska
> 26
> 
> aloofness
> 4
> ,
> 18
> 
> self-contained
> 8
> 
> America
> 3
> ,
> 4
> ,
> 26
> 
> future of
> 3
> 
> aspirations
> 8
> 
> Assemblies
> 
> Local
> 16
> 
> assertiveness
> 
> dictatorial
> 8
> 
> association
> 5
> 
> attitude
> 
> of aloofness
> 18
> 
> of isolation
> 18
> 
> authority
> 8
> ,
> 11
> ,
> 14
> ,
> 18
> 
> conflict of
> 12
> 
> of Assembly
> 19
> 
> of the National Assembly
> 32
> 
> Auxiliary Board
> 28
> ,
> 31
> 
> B
> 
> Bahá'í
> 
> administration
> 11
> ,
> 14
> 
> jurisdiction
> 12
> 
> procedure
> 26
> 
> Bahá'ís
> 
> perform many different functions
> 28
> 
> Bahá'u'lláh
> 9
> ,
> 19
> 
> Dispensation of
> 12
> 
> powers and authority invested by
> 21
> 
> teachings of
> 11
> 
> ballots
> 31
> 
> by mail
> 31
> 
> believers
> 1
> ,
> 4
> ,
> 5
> ,
> 6
> ,
> 8
> ,
> 16
> ,
> 17
> ,
> 19
> ,
> 27
> 
> American
> 5
> ,
> 6
> 
> 39
> 
> individual
> 18
> 
> By-Laws
> 8
> 
> of a Local Spiritual Assembly
> 26
> 
> C
> 
> cable
> 28
> 
> Cause, the
> 17
> 
> administrative sphere of
> 4
> 
> affairs of
> 21
> 
> character of
> 5
> 
> interests of
> 4
> 
> mission of
> 5
> 
> national work of
> 25
> 
> revitalize
> 5
> 
> spirit of
> 13
> 
> teachings of
> 5
> 
> unity of
> 3
> 
> value to
> 18
> 
> challenge
> 
> to the individual
> 5
> 
> Communities
> 
> Bahá'í
> 7
> 
> co-operative efforts of
> 5
> 
> conduct
> 
> of men
> 7
> 
> consolidation
> 
> internal
> 7
> 
> consultation
> 5
> ,
> 10
> ,
> 11
> ,
> 16
> ,
> 18
> ,
> 20
> ,
> 27
> ,
> 28
> ,
> 30
> 
> and sacrifice
> 5
> 
> need to uphold flexibility
> 26
> 
> purpose of
> 32
> 
> refrain from
> 19
> 
> Convention
> 
> advisory
> 14
> 
> agenda
> 21
> 
> Annual
> 3
> ,
> 11
> 
> status
> 16
> 
> Bahá'í
> 5
> 
> chairman
> 32
> 
> consultative body
> 16
> 
> consultative institution
> 30
> 
> discussions
> 17
> 
> essential method
> 10
> 
> freedom of
> 14
> 
> functions
> 6
> ,
> 14
> ,
> 15
> ,
> 16
> ,
> 17
> 
> introduction of subjects
> 24
> 
> meetings
> 13
> 
> National
> 4
> ,
> 24
> ,
> 25
> ,
> 27
> 
> National Spiritual Assembly is present as an institution
> 28
> 
> not a conference
> 30
> 
> not a continuous consultative body
> 16
> 
> not purely administrative
> 13
> 
> not supreme
> 15
> 
> officers
> 30
> 
> presentation of matters
> 24
> 
> procedure
> 30
> 
> Procedures
> 26
> 
> purpose
> 13
> ,
> 24
> ,
> 27
> 
> recommendation of
> 30
> 
> rights and prerogatives
> 15
> ,
> 16
> 
> suggestions
> 27
> 
> temporary gathering
> 16
> 
> time for consultation
> 24
> 
> 40
> 
> Counsellors
> 25
> ,
> 31
> 
> courtesy
> 2
> 
> criticism
> 2
> 
> D
> 
> decision
> 2
> ,
> 10
> 
> decisions
> 28
> 
> secondary
> 26
> 
> Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
> 12
> ,
> 15
> ,
> 26
> 
> sole interpreter
> 12
> 
> deeds
> 3
> 
> deepening
> 32
> 
> delegates
> 4
> ,
> 21
> ,
> 25
> 
> assembled
> 4
> 
> task of
> 5
> 
> attendance
> 22
> ,
> 23
> ,
> 31
> 
> deepen
> 31
> 
> detachment
> 14
> 
> disagreement among
> 30
> 
> duty of
> 10
> 
> freedom
> 14
> ,
> 21
> ,
> 32
> 
> functions
> 11
> ,
> 14
> ,
> 21
> 
> helping
> 22
> 
> illness
> 23
> 
> initiate motions
> 32
> 
> preparation
> 31
> 
> prerogative
> 11
> 
> privilege of
> 15
> 
> resolutions
> 29
> 
> responsiblity
> 11
> 
> responsibilities
> 23
> 
> suggestion
> 30
> 
> vote
> 28
> ,
> 30
> 
> deliberation
> 
> mature
> 4
> 
> democracies
> 11
> 
> destiny
> 11
> 
> devotion
> 2
> ,
> 4
> 
> dignity
> 2
> 
> discord
> 2
> 
> discrimination
> 5
> 
> Disruptive forces
> 13
> 
> duty
> 4
> ,
> 8
> ,
> 10
> 
> duties
> 8
> 
> E
> 
> efficiency
> 13
> 
> elect
> 27
> 
> members of the National Spiritual Assembly
> 27
> 
> elections
> 31
> 
> sacred character
> 31
> 
> estrangement
> 2
> 
> excellence
> 
> standard of
> 5
> 
> exchange
> 17
> 
> of views
> 4
> 
> exemplify
> 
> high ideals
> 3
> 
> expansion
> 4
> 
> of the Movement
> 7
> 
> 41
> 
> F
> 
> faith
> 
> constructive
> 13
> 
> fellowship
> 8
> ,
> 18
> 
> force
> 
> spiritual
> 13
> 
> forces
> 
> disruptive
> 13
> 
> dynamic
> 7
> 
> freedom
> 5
> ,
> 15
> 
> of Convention
> 14
> 
> of expression
> 21
> 
> G
> 
> Glory, Realm of
> 2
> 
> God
> 1
> 
> Cause of
> 3
> 
> unity of
> 2
> 
> goodwill
> 5
> 
> government
> 
> democratic form of
> 11
> 
> aristocratic or autocratic form of
> 11
> 
> H
> 
> harmony
> 2
> 
> of thought
> 2
> 
> House of Justice
> 1
> ,
> 30
> 
> secondary
> 1
> ,
> 9
> 
> International
> 9
> ,
> 13
> 
> I
> 
> individual
> 
> believers
> 18
> 
> delegates
> 30
> 
> suggestions
> 27
> 
> unfettered freedom of
> 5
> 
> information
> 10
> 
> initiative
> 11
> 
> interdependence
> 4
> 
> sense of
> 8
> 
> L
> 
> love
> 2
> 
> M
> 
> majority
> 2
> 
> of voices
> 2
> 
> submit to
> 2
> 
> verdict of
> 4
> 
> methods
> 
> sound
> 5
> 
> minority
> 4
> 
> moderation
> 2
> 
> moral development
> 13
> 
> motives
> 5
> ,
> 8
> ,
> 10
> 
> Movement
> 3
> 
> expansion of the
> 7
> 
> N
> 
> National Assembly
> 10
> ,
> 12
> ,
> 14
> 
> authority of
> 32
> 
> decisions of
> 33
> 
> duty of
> 10
> 
> function
> 14
> 
> interested in
> 27
> 
> judgement
> 26
> 
> mainspring of manifold activities
> 12
> 
> 42
> 
> members of
> 11
> ,
> 18
> ,
> 30
> 
> members of the incoming
> 4
> ,
> 17
> 
> morally responsible
> 12
> 
> obligation of
> 12
> 
> publish
> 33
> 
> reports of
> 21
> 
> responsibility of
> 18
> 
> sole interpreter of its Declaration of Trust and by-laws
> 12
> 
> National Assemblies
> 9
> 
> empowered to direct, unify, co-ordinate, and, stimulate the activities of
> 
> individuals as well as local Assemblies within their Jurisdiction
> 9
> 
> National
> 
> communities
> 26
> 
> representatives
> 8
> 
> conduct
> 8
> 
> duties
> 8
> 
> prerogatives
> 8
> 
> privileges
> 8
> 
> National Spiritual Assembly
> 3
> ,
> 16
> ,
> 18
> ,
> 21
> ,
> 28
> ,
> 30
> 
> authority of the
> 14
> 
> election of
> 4
> ,
> 16
> 
> limitations
> 4
> 
> limits
> 14
> 
> members of
> 17
> ,28
> 
> right of participation
> 17
> ,
> 28
> 
> elect
> 27
> 
> recommendation to
> 28
> 
> takes delegates into its confidence
> 29
> 
> unique significance of the institution
> 5
> 
> National Spiritual Assemblies
> 
> interpependence
> 4
> 
> Nineteen Day Feasts
> 19
> 
> purpose
> 16
> 
> similarities
> 27
> 
> O
> 
> obligation
> 
> sacred
> 14
> 
> opinion
> 2
> 
> considered
> 4
> 
> differences of
> 2
> 
> P
> 
> parliament
> 11
> 
> partiality
> 8
> 
> passion
> 13
> 
> persistence
> 2
> 
> plans
> 2
> ,
> 20
> 
> political systems
> 11
> 
> power
> 5
> , ll
> 
> prejudice
> 8
> 
> preparatory sessions
> 31
> 
> principles
> 3
> 
> procedure
> 26
> 
> Bahá'í
> 26
> 
> purity of motive
> 2
> 
> purpose
> 13
> 
> honesty of
> 4
> 
> dominating
> 5
> 
> R
> 
> recommendations
> 15
> ,
> 17
> ,
> 27
> ,
> 30
> 
> highly desirable to publish
> 33
> 
> 43
> 
> need to be discussed SO
> 
> voted upon
> 30
> 
> Representatives
> 6
> ,
> 8
> 
> assist the deliberations of the National Spiritual Assembly
> 4
> 
> national
> 16
> ,
> 17
> 
> of the American believers
> 4
> 
> recommendations of
> 17
> 
> responsibilities
> 8
> 
> right of electing National Assembly
> 4
> 
> support the authority of the National Spiritual Assembly
> 4
> 
> responsibility
> 
> collective
> 5
> 
> restraint
> 5
> 
> reticence
> 4
> 
> right
> 
> of final decision
> 8
> 
> inalienable
> 19
> 
> rights
> 8
> ,
> 12
> 
> S
> 
> secrecy
> 4
> 
> suspicion of
> 8
> 
> self-centredness
> 8
> 
> selfishness
> 13
> 
> sentiment
> 5
> 
> service
> 3
> 
> of mankind
> 3
> 
> record of
> 5
> 
> Shoghi Effendi
> 14
> ,
> 16
> 
> writings of
> 26
> 
> society
> 11
> 
> spirit
> 
> of free, frank, loving Bahá'í consultation
> 28
> 
> of initiative and enterprise
> 5
> ,
> 8
> 
> of the Cause
> 13
> 
> spiritual
> 13
> 
> activities
> 5
> 
> effects
> 13
> 
> force
> 13
> 
> structure of their local Assemblies
> 9
> 
> stubbornness
> 2
> 
> T
> 
> thought
> 2
> 
> interchange of
> 7
> 
> true sentiments
> 4
> 
> truth
> 2
> 
> U
> 
> understanding
> 4
> 
> Unit Conventions
> 31
> 
> unity
> 2
> 
> of God
> 2
> 
> Universal House of Justice
> 29
> 
> Universal suffrage
> 1
> 
> V
> 
> visitors
> 5
> 
> voting
> 
> before
> 10
> 
> only delegates
> 28
> 
> W
> 
> World Centre
> 28
> 
> 44
> 
> METADATA
> 
> Views
> 
> 32366 views since posted 2004-05-23; last edit 2022-03-02 00:16
> UTC
> ;
> 
> previous at
> archive.org
> ...
> /compilation_national_convention
> ;
> URLs changed in 2010, see
> archive.org
> ...
> /bahai-library.org
> 
> Language
> 
> English
> 
> Permission
> 
> © BIC, public sharing permitted. See sources
> 1
> ,
> 2
> , and
> 3
> .
> 
> History
> 
> Scanned 2004-05-22 by Brett Zamir;  Formatted 2004-05-23 by Brett Zamir;  Proofread 2010-08 by Romane Takkenberg.
> 
> Share
> 
> Shortlink:
> 
> bahai-library.com/2463
> 
> Citation
> :
> 
> ris/2463
> 
> select Collection:
> 
> Archives
> 
> Articles
> 
> Articles-unpublished
> 
> Audio
> 
> Bibliographies
> 
> BIC
> 
> Biographies
> 
> Books
> 
> Chronologies
> 
> Compilations
> 
> Compilations-NSA
> 
> Compilations-personal
> 
> Documents
> 
> East-asia
> 
> Encyclopedia
> 
> Essays
> 
> Etc
> 
> Excerpts
> 
> Fiction
> 
> Glossaries
> 
> Guardian
> 
> Histories
> 
> Introductory
> 
> Letters
> 
> Maps
> 
> Music
> 
> Newspapers
> 
> NSA-documents
> 
> NSA-letters
> 
> Personal
> 
> Pilgrims
> 
> Poetry
> 
> Presentations
> 
> Resources
> 
> Reviews
> 
> Scripts
> 
> Software
> 
> Statistics
> 
> Study
> 
> Talks
> 
> Theses
> 
> Transcripts
> 
> Translations
> 
> UHJ-documents
> 
> UHJ-letters
> 
> Video
> 
> Visual
> 
> Writings
> 
> home
> 
> sitemap
> 
> series
> 
> chronology
> 
> search
> :
> 
> author
> 
> title
> 
> date
> 
> tags
> 
> adv. search
> 
> languages
> 
> inventory
> 
> bibliography
> 
> abbreviations
> 
> links
> 
> about
> 
> contact
> 
> RSS
> 
> new
>
> — *The National Convention (Used by permission of the curator)*