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Bahá'í Administration
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Pages 94-97
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Letter of November 6, 1925.
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To the members of the American National Spiritual Assembly.
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My dear fellow-workers:
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Two recent communications of your able secretary, dated Oct.
14th and 15th, have been received and read with deep gratitude and
pleasure.
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I rejoice to learn of the prompt and well-considered measures
you have undertaken to evolve, in conjunction with all local Assemblies
and groups, a wise and effective plan for the contribution of
America's befitting share in response to the appeal lately addressed
to the American believers regarding the work of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár.
Surely the great company of eager and sympathizing believers
throughout the East will, as they increasingly witness the
evidences of a revival of activity along this line, arise to lend a
helping hand to this vast endeavor. They will not fail to extend
their support in alleviating the burden that is now borne so joyously
and gratefully by their younger brethren in North America. I shall
myself do all in my power to hasten the fruition of your self-sacrificing
labors.
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The sad and sudden crisis that has arisen in connection with the
ownership of Bahá'u'lláh's sacred house in Baghdád has sent a thrill
of indignation and dismay throughout the whole of the Bahá'í
world. Houses that have been occupied by Bahá'u'lláh for well nigh
the whole period of His exile in `Iráq; ordained by Him as the
chosen and sanctified object of Bahá'í pilgrimage in future; magnified
and extolled in countless Tablets and Epistles as the sacred
center "round which shall circle all peoples and kindreds of the
earth"--lie now, due to fierce intrigue and ceaseless fanatical opposition,
at the mercy of the declared enemies of the Cause.
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I have instantly communicated with every Bahá'í center in both
East and West, and urgently requested the faithful followers of the
Faith in every land to protest vehemently against this glaring perversion
of justice, to assert firmly and courteously the spiritual
rights of the Bahá'í Community to the ownership of this venerated
house, to plead for British fairness and justice, and to pledge their
unswerving determination to insure the security of this hallowed
spot.
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Conscious of the fact that this property has been occupied by
Bahá'í authorized representatives for an uninterrupted period of not
less than thirty years, and having successfully won their case at the
Justice of Peace and the Court of First Instance, the Bahá'ís the
world over cannot believe that the high sense of honor and fairness
which inspires the British Administration of `Iráq will ever tolerate
such grave miscarriage of justice. They confidently appeal to the
public opinion of the world for the defense and protection of their
legitimate rights now sorely trampled under the feet of relentless
enemies.
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Widespread and effective publicity along these lines, in well-conceived
and carefully worded terms, is strongly recommended
for it will undoubtedly serve to facilitate the solution of this delicate
and perplexing problem.
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Having exerted ourselves to the utmost of our ability let us rest
assured in the power of the Lord, who keepeth watch over His
house, and who will, no matter how dark present prospects appear,
assure for generations yet unborn His cherished and holy edifice.
I shall acquaint you with every development of the case, and will
advise you as to the measures that should be taken whether we
decide to institute fresh proceedings or to appeal to higher legal
authorities in London.
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In connection with the important step that has been taken for the
eventual inclusion of Green Acre Fellowship within the orbit of the
activities of the American National Spiritual Assembly, I hope and
pray that this new privilege and added responsibility will prove
highly beneficial in its results, both to Green Acre itself and the
general interests of the Cause in America. In a separate communication
addressed to the Chairman of the said Fellowship, our dearly-beloved
and self-sacrificing brother, Mr. W. Randall, I will express
my warm approval of this constructive step, and my ardent hopes
for the quicker unfolding and fuller expansion under the fostering
care of the National Spiritual Assembly, of Green Acre's unique
and sublime mission in life. I shall follow in this connection with
the keenest interest the course of your activities in accordance with
the policy outlined in your letter of October 14th, and feel that the
greatest stress must be laid upon the necessity of exemplifying in a
most liberal and practical manner the driving power hidden in this
Divine Revelation, rather than upon the idle reiteration of a set of
principles, however exalted and unique in their character. May the
National Fund so flourish as to enable its Trustees to undertake
such measures as will eloquently testify to a sorely stricken humanity
the healing power of God's Faith.
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May I remind you regarding the situation in San Francisco that
no two independent Bahá'í centers can possibly be recognized in the
same city, and that the center which bears my name should act in all
matters only with the full consent and approval of the San Francisco
Spiritual Assembly.
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12 |
Concerning the election of alternate members to the National
Spiritual Assembly, I feel that only the nine original members of
the National Spiritual Assembly are entitled to vote, whereas such
alternate members as may be elected should be asked to fill vacancies
only in a consultative capacity and not be entitled to vote. They
should not be regarded as part of the quorum (i.e., five out of the
nine original members) which is necessary for the transaction of
the business of the National Assembly. All secondary matters that
do not affect the principle outlined are left to the discretion of the
National Spiritual Assemblies who will decide according to the
exigencies of their respective circumstances.
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Assuring you of my deep appreciation of your continued efforts,
and of my unceasing prayers on your behalf,
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I am your grateful brother,
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SHOGHI.
Haifa, Palestine,
November 6, 1925.
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