Messages from the Universal House of Justice– 1963–1986, The Third Epoch of the Formative Age
Messages from the Universal House of Justice– 1963–1986, The Third Epoch of the Formative Age · The Universal House of Justice · 9,465 words
MESSAGES
FROM THE
Universal House of Justice
1963‒1986
THE THIRD EPOCH
OF THE FORMATIVE AGE
Bahá’í Publishing Trust
Wilmette, Illinois 60091
\
Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois 60091-2844
Copyright © 1996 by the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá’ís of the United States
All rights reserved. Published 1996
ISBN 0-87743-239-2
Printed in the United States of America
99 98 97 96 4 3 2 1
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Messages from the universal house of justice, 1963-1986 : the
third epoch of the formative age / compiled by Geoffry W. Marks.
p. cm.
ISBN 0-87743-239-2
- Bahai Faith. I. Marks, Geoffry W., 1949‒
BP320.M47 1996
297’.93—DC20
96-43430
CIP
\
O
CCASION WORLDWIDE CELEBRATIONS MOST GREAT JUBILEE COMMEMORATING CENTENARY ASCENSION BAHÁ’U’LLÁH THRONE HIS SOVEREIGNTY WITH HEARTS OVERFLOWING GRAT-
ITUDE HIS UNFAILING PROTECTION OVERFLOWING BOUNTIES JOYOUSLY ANNOUNCE FRIENDS EAST WEST ELECTION SUPREME LEGISLATIVE BODY ORDAINED BY HIM IN HIS MOST HOLY BOOK PROMISED BY HIM RECEIVE HIS INFALLIBLE GUIDANCE. MEMBERS FIRST HISTORIC HOUSE JUSTICE DULY ELECTED BY DELEGATES COMPRISING MEMBERS FIFTY-SIX NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES ARE
CHARLES WOLCOTT ‘AL’Í NAKHJAVÁNÍ H BORRAH KAVELIN IAN
SEMPLE LUṬFU’LLÁH HAKÍM DAVID HOFMAN HUGH CHANCE AMOZ
GIBSON HUSHMAND FATHEAZAM. TO JUBILATION ENTIRE BAHÁ’Í
WORLD VICTORIOUS COMPLETION BELOVED GUADIAN’S UNIQUE
CRUSADE NOW ADDED HUMBLE GRATITUDE PROFOUND THANKS-
GIVING FOLLOWERS BAHÁ’U’LLÁH FOR ERECTION UNIVERSAL
HOUSE JUSTICE AUGUST BODY TO WHOM ALL BELIEVERS MUST
TURN WHOSE DESTINY IS TO GUIDE UNFOLDMENT HIS EMBRYONIC
WORLD ORDER THROUGH ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTIONS PRE-
SCRIBED BY BAHÁ’U’LLÁH ELABORATED BY ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ LABORI-
OUSLY ERECTED BY SHOGHI EFFENDI AND ENSURE EARLY DAWN
GOLDEN AGE FAITH WHEN THE WORD OF THE LORD WILL COVER
THE EARTH AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA.
Haifa, 22 April 1963 HANDSFAITH
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Contents
| Foreword | |
|---|---|
| A Note from the Compiler | |
| List of Abbreviations | |
| Epochs of the Heroic Age | |
| Epochs of the Formative Age | |
| The Third Epoch—Significant Milestones, Anniversaries, and Events |
1963‒1964
A Year of Preparation
| 1 | Statement of the Universal House of Justice to the First Bahá’í World Congress | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Message to National Conventions 1963 | |
| 3 | Seat of the Universal House of Justice; New Arrangements for Pilgrims | |
| 4 | Destruction of the ‘Ishqábád Temple | |
| 5 | The Guardianship | |
| 6 | Announcement of the Nine Year Plan | |
| 7 | Request for Prayers for Moroccan Bahá’í Prisoners | |
| 8 | Report on Moroccan Bahá’í Prisoners | |
| 9 | Development of National Bahá’í Funds | |
| 10 | Relationship of Hands of the Cause of God and National Spiritual Assemblies | |
| 11 | Auxiliary Board Members on National Spiritual Assemblies | |
| 12 | Release of Moroccan Bahá’í Prisoners | |
| 13 | The Bahá’í Funds | |
1964‒1973
- The Nine Year Plan*
| 14 | Launching of the Nine Year Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Convention Greetings 1964 | |
| 16 | Guidelines for the Nine Year Plan | |
| 17 | Dedication of the Mother Temple of Europe, Langenhain, Germany | |
| 18 | Teaching the Masses | |
| 19 | Universal Participation 42 | |
| 20 | Development of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God | |
| 21 | Relationship of Hands of the Cause of God and the National Spiritual Assemblies | |
| 22 | Appointment of Five Continental Pioneer Committees | |
| 23 | Election and Infallibility of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 24 | Riḍván Message 1965 | |
| 25 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Leory Ioas | |
| 26 | Purification of the Most Holy Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, The Qublih of the Bahá’í World | |
| 27 | Reasons for Delay in Translating and Publishing the Kitáb-i-Aqdas | |
| 28 | Call for Pioneers | |
| 29 | Observance of Bahá’í Holy Days | |
| 30 | Further Thoughts about Mass Teaching | |
| 31 | Call for Pioneers and Traveling Teachers | |
| 32 | Fiftieth Anniversary of the Revelation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan | |
| 33 | Passing of Jessie Revell, Member of the International Bahá’í Council | |
| 34 | Riḍván Message 1966 | |
| 35 | The Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice | |
| 36 | Pioneering and a Program of Consolidation | |
| 37 | Message to Youth—Three Fields of Service | |
| 38 | Formation of Three More National Spiritual Assemblies | |
| 39 | Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy | |
| 40 | Developments of the Bahá’í World Center | |
| 41 | Commemoration of the Revelation of the Súriy-i-Mulúk | |
| 42 | Riḍván Message 1967 | |
| 43 | Release of a Compilation on Teaching the Massess | |
| 44 | Sesquicentennial of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh | |
| 45 | The Nature and Purpose of Proclamation | |
| 46 | Message to Six Intercontinental Conferences | |
| 47 | Inauguration of the Third Phase of the Nine Year Plan | |
| 48 | Announcement of the Resignation of Dr. Luṭfu’lláh Ḥakím from the Universal House of Justice | |
| 49 | Assumption by the Universal House of Justice of Representation of the Bahá’í International Community at the United Nations | |
| 50 | Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Panama Temple | |
| 51 | Selection of Traveling Teachers | |
| 52 | Extracts on Teaching the Masses | |
| 53 | Plans for Commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh at the First Oceanic Conference, Palermo, Sicily | |
| 54 | Safeguarding the Letters of Shoghi Effendi | |
| 55 | Relationship of Bahá’ís to Politics | |
| 56 | Election of the Universal House of Justice—Riḍván 1968 | |
| 57 | Message to National Conventions 1968 | |
| 58 | Announcement of Decision to Establish Eleven Continental Boards of Counselors | |
| 59 | Establishment of Continental Boards of Counselors | |
| 60 | First Appointments to Continental Boards of Counselors | |
| 61 | Message to First National Youth Conferences In the United States | |
| 62 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Hermann Grossmann | |
| 63 | Message to the First Oceanic Conference, Palermo, Sicily | |
| 64 | Passing of Dr. Luṭfu’lláh Ḥakím, Member of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 65 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Ṭaráẓu’lláh Samandarí | |
| 66 | Results of the Palermo Conference | |
| 67 | Letter to Youth—Pioneering and Education | |
| 68 | Riḍván Message 1969 | |
| 69 | Guidance on Self-Defense | |
| 70 | New Appointments to Continental Boards of Counselors | |
| 71 | Formation of an Additional National Spiritual Assembly during Riḍván 1970 | |
| 72 | Work of Continental Boards of Counselors and Their Auxiliary Board Members | |
| 73 | Appeal to Increase Teaching Efforts amidst Catastrophic Events of the Day | |
| 74 | Acquisition of Property Adjacent to Bahjí | |
| 75 | Comments on the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice | |
| 76 | Release of a Compilation on Bahá’í Funds | |
| 77 | Noninterference in Political Affairs | |
| 78 | Attainment of Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council | |
| 79 | The Spirit of Bahá’í Consulation | |
| 80 | Commemeration of the Centenary of the Martyrdom of Mírzá Mihdí, the Purest Branch | |
| 81 | Riḍván Message 1970 | |
| 82 | Message to Bolivia and Mauritius Conferences—August 1970 | |
| 83 | Call for Pioneers | |
| 84 | Release of a Compilation on the Local Spiritual Assembly | |
| 85 | Formation of Seven National Spiritual Assemblies during Riḍván 1971 | |
| 86 | Message to Pioneers | |
| 87 | Grave Crisis in Bahá’í International Fund | |
| 88 | Message to Monrovia Conference—January 1971 | |
| 89 | Message to the Oceanic Conference Of the South China Seas, Singapore—January 1971 | |
| 90 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Agnes Alexander | |
| 91 | Participation of the Hands of the Cause of God in First National Conventions | |
| 92 | Formation of Nine Additional National Spiritual Assemblies during Riḍván 1971 | |
| 93 | Warning against the Misuse of Recordings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Voice | |
| 94 | Principles of Bahá’í Publishing | |
| 95 | Call for Deepening on the Significance of the Formative Age | |
| 96 | Riḍván Message 1971 | |
| 97 | Message to the Caribbean Conference—May 1971 | |
| 98 | Message to the South Pacific Oceanic Conference—May 1971 | |
| 99 | Commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | |
| 100 | Message to the North Pacific Oceanic Conference—September 1971 | |
| 101 | Message to the North Atlantic Conference— September 1971 | |
| 102 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Músá Banání | |
| 103 | Spiritual Character of Bahá’í Elections | |
| 104 | Formation of Thirteen New National Spiritual Assemblies during Riḍván 1972 | |
| 105 | World Center Developments—Erection of Obelisk and Extension of Gardens | |
| 106 | Surpassing the Nine Year Goal For the Number of Bahá’í Localities | |
| 107 | Release of a Compilation on Music and Singing | |
| 108 | Dedication of the Mother Temple of Latin America, Panama City, Panama | |
| 109 | Release of a Compilation on Bahá’í Schools and Institutes | |
| 110 | Riḍván Message 1972 | |
| 111 | Elucidation of the Nature of the Continental Boards of Counselors | |
| 112 | Message to Bahá’í Unity Conference, Ganado, Arizona | |
| 113 | Establishment of Local Spiritual Assemblies during the Final Year of the Nine Year Plan | |
| 114 | Release of a Compilation on the National Spiritual Assembly | |
| 115 | Announcement of the Decision to Build the Seat of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 116 | Plan for Commemorating the Centenary of the Revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas | |
| 117 | Ehortation to Blot Out Every Last Trace of Prejudice | |
| 118 | Embryonic Nature of Local Spiritual Assemblies | |
| 119 | Passing of Ishráq-Khávarí, Preeminent Bahá’í Scholar | |
| 120 | Release of a Compilation on Newsletters | |
| 121 | Martyrdom of Three Iranian Bahá’í Students in the Philippine Islands | |
| 122 | Release of a Compilation on Bahá’í Life | |
| 123 | Adoption of the Constitution of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 124 | Activities for the Year Preceding the Global Plan to be Launched Riḍván 1974 | |
| 125 | Announcement of the Completion of the Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas | |
| 126 | Obeying the Law of God in One’s Personal Life | |
| 127 | Purchase of Mazra‘ih Mansion | |
| 128 | Riḍván Message 1973 | |
| 129 | Election of the Universal House of Justice—Riḍván 1973 | |
| 1973–1974 A Year of Preparation | ||
| 130 | Announcement of the Acceptance of the Faith By His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa | |
| 131 | Establishment of the International Teaching Center | |
| 132 | Elucidation of the Duties of the International Teaching Center and Expansion of the Continental Boards of Counselors | |
| 133 | Youth and Bahá’í Standards of Behavior | |
| 134 | Formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Equatorial Guinea | |
| 135 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God John Ferraby | |
| 136 | Appointment of the Architect of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 137 | Expansion and Reinforcement of the Auxiliary Boards | |
| 138 | Request for Actions in Preparation for Launching Five Year Plan at Riḍván 1974 | |
| 139 | Extension of Gardens at Bahjí | |
| 140 | Acceptance of Design for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice |
1974‒1979
- The Five Year Plan*
| 141 | Launching of the Five Year Plan—Naw-Rúz 1974 | |
|---|---|---|
| 142 | Elucidation of Five Year Plan Goals | |
| 143 | Call for Architects for Houses of Worship in India and Western Samoa | |
| 144 | Passing of Covenant-Breaker Charles Mason Remey | |
| 145 | Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Concerning Men and Women | |
| 146 | Memorandum of Establishing and Operating a Bahá’í Publishing Trust | |
| 147 | Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Not Binding in the West | |
| 148 | Revision of the Functions of Continental Pioneer Committees | |
| 149 | The Lesser Peace and “the Calamity” | |
| 150 | Passing of Laura Dreyfus-Barney, Compiler of Some Answered Questions | |
| 151 | Comments of the Bahá’í Attitude toward Material Suffering | |
| 152 | Release of a Compilation on Opposition | |
| 153 | Formation of Five New National Spiritual Assemblies during Riḍván 1975 and Readjustment of the Zones of African Continental Boards of Counselors | |
| 154 | Acquisition of the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá in ‘Akká | |
| 155 | Call for Pioneers | |
| 156 | Acquisition of Land Adjacent to the Guardian’s Resting-Place in London | |
| 157 | The Significance of the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá | |
| 158 | A Plan for International Collaboration in Traveling Teaching | |
| 159 | Riḍván Message 1975 | |
| 160 | Fiftieth Anniversary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States | |
| 161 | Safeguarding the Letters of Shoghi Effendi | |
| 162 | Comments on the Progress of the Five Year Plan | |
| 163 | Representation of the Universal House of Justice by Hands of the Cause of God at International Conferences | |
| 164 | Significance of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 165 | Excavation of the Site of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 166 | Laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas Concernings Men and Women; Membership on the Universal House of Justice |
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| 167 | Release of a Compilation of Prayers and Tablets for Children and Youth | |
|---|---|---|
| 168 | Release of a Compilation on Bahá’í Meetings and the Nineteen Day Feast | |
| 169 | Naw-Rúz Message 1976 | |
| 170 | Appointments to Continental Boards of Counselors and Auxiliary Boards | |
| 171 | Message to the International Teaching Conference, Helsinki, Finland—July 1976 | |
| 172 | Message to the International Teaching Conference, Anchorage, Alaska—July 1976 | |
| 173 | Comments on the Subject of Politics | |
| 174 | Message to the International Teaching Conference, Paris, France—August 1976 | |
| 175 | Release of a Compilation on Bahá’í Education | |
| 176 | Message to the International Teaching Conference, Nairobi, Kenya—September 1976 | |
| 177 | Visit of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II to the Resting-Place of Shoghi Effendi | |
| 178 | Outstanding Achievements in Khurásán, Iran | |
| 179 | Achievement of the Majority of Pioneering Goals at Midpoint of Five Year Plan | |
| 180 | Additional Appointments to Continental Boards of Counsellors | |
| 181 | Message to the International Teaching Conference, Hong Kong—November 1976 | |
| 182 | Grappling with the challenge of Consolidation | |
| 183 | Call for a Vigorous Traveling Teaching Program | |
| 184 | Message to the International Teaching Conference, Auckland, New Zealand—January 1977 | |
| 185 | Message to the International Teaching Conference, Bahia, Brazil—January, 1977 | |
| 186 | Signature of Contract for Erection of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 187 | Message to the International Teaching Conference, Mérida, Mexico—February, 1977 | |
| 188 | Release of a Compilation on the Individual and Teaching | |
| 189 | Consolidation of Local Spiritual Assemblies; Formation at Any Time during Riḍván | |
| 190 | Riḍván Message 1977 | |
| 191 | Call for Pioneers | |
| 192 | Commemoration of the Centenary of the Termination of Bahá’u’lláh’s Confinement in ‘Akká | |
| 193 | Murder of an Iranian Homefront Pioneer | |
| 194 | Collaboration between Auxiliary Board Members and National and Regional Teaching Committees | |
| 195 | Reconstruction of Society | |
| 196 | Ceremony for Laying the Foundation Stone of the Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinent | |
| 197 | Message to Women’s Conference, New Delhi | |
| 198 | Appointment of Architects for the Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinents and the Restoration of the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá | |
| 199 | Formation of New and Lapsed Assemblies throughout the Year | |
| 200 | Appointment of New Counselor in Southeastern Asia | |
| 201 | Announcement of Initiation of Broadcasting by First Bahá’í Radio Station | |
| 202 | Message of Greetings to Hemispheric Bahá’í Radio-Television Conference | |
| 203 | Comments of First International Bahá’í Women’s Conference in South America | |
| 204 | Release of a Compilation on Bahá’í Consultation | |
| 205 | Inauguration of Radio Bahá’í Ecuador | |
| 206 | Elucidation of Bahá’í Teachings on Ranks and Stations | |
| 207 | Message to the International Convention—Riḍván 1978 | |
| 208 | Message to the National Conventions—Riḍván 1978 | |
| 209 | Election of the Universal House of Justice—Riḍván 1978 | |
| 210 | Appointment of Architect for House of Worship in Western Samoa | |
| 211 | Love for God and Bahá’u’lláh | |
| 212 | Inclusion of Mother Temple of the West in National Register of Historic Places | |
| 213 | Inauguration of Radio Bahá’í Ecuador | |
| 214 | Directing the Course of One’s Life | |
| 215 | The Grave Peril Facing Bahá’ís and Holy Places in Iran | |
| 216 | Announcement of Decision to Launch a Seven Year Plan | |
| 217 | Bahá’í Scholarship | |
| 218 | Persecution of the Bahá’ís of Iran | |
| 219 | Extension of Permission to Form Local Spiritual Assemblies under Certain Conditions during Riḍván | |
| 220 | Refutation of False Accusations against Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 1979‒1986 * The Seven Year Plan* | ||
| 221 | Launching of the Seven Year Plan—Naw-Rúz 1979 | |
| 222 | Elucidation of Seven Year Plan Goals | |
| 223 | Member of the Universal House of Justice to Address Significant Meetings in North America and Europe | |
| 224 | Living a Chaste and Holy Life | |
| 225 | Seizure of the House of the Báb | |
| 226 | Call for Prayers for the Bahá’ís of Iran | |
| 227 | The Increasing Dangers Facing Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 228 | Advice on Use of Pioneers and Traveling Teachers | |
| 229 | The Setting of Counselors’ Terms of Service | |
| 230 | New Member of International Teaching Center | |
| 231 | Conversion of Iranian National Bahá’í Headquarters into an Islamic University | |
| 232 | Call for Pioneers | |
| 233 | Release of Bahá’í Prisoners in Baghdad | |
| 234 | Effects of Bahá’í Actions on the Situation in Iran | |
| 235 | Demolition of the House of the Báb | |
| 236 | Results of Significant Meetings Addressed by Member of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 237 | Assassination of the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga | |
| 238 | Omission of Bahá’ís as a Recognized Religious Minority from Iranian Constitution | |
| 239 | Refutation of Accusations against Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 240 | Release of a Compilation on Inspiring the Heart | |
| 241 | Demolition of the House of the Báb and Adjacent Bahá’í Properties | |
| 242 | Excavation of Temple Site in Western Samoa | |
| 243 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir | |
| 244 | Release of a Compilation on Divorce | |
| 245 | Passing of Inparaju Chinniah, Continental Counselor | |
| 246 | Message to Iranian Bahá’ís throughout the World | |
| 247 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Hasan M. Balyuzi | |
| 248 | Naw-Rúz Message 1980 | |
| 249 | Release of a Compilation on the Importance of Prayer, Meditation, and the Devotional Attitude | |
| 250 | Contract for Construction of the Indian Temple | |
| 251 | Comments on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas | |
| 252 | Our Attitudes and Actions toward the Impending Catastrophe | |
| 253 | Ominous Increase in Pressures on Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 254 | Execution of Two Members of the Tabríz Spiritual Assembly | |
| 255 | Vigorous Steps Taken in Defense of the Bahá’ís of Iran | |
| 256 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Adelbert Mühlschlegel | |
| 257 | Commencement of Construction of Indian Temple | |
| 258 | Translation of the Long Healing Prayer and the Fire Tablet | |
| 259 | Arrest of National Spiritual Assembly of Iran and Two Auxiliary Board Members | |
| 260 | Another False Accusation against the Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 261 | Martyrdom of Seven Bahá’ís in Yazd | |
| 262 | Defense of the Bahá’ís of Iran in Le Monde | |
| 263 | Worldwide Response to Iranian Persecutions | |
| 264 | Property Acquisitions in the Holy Land | |
| 265 | Passing of Leonora Stirling Armstrong, Spiritual Mother of South America | |
| 266 | Attendance of the Members of a Spiritual Assembly at Its Meetings | |
| 267 | Further Developments of the Continental Boards of Counselors | |
| 268 | Martyrdom of Riḍá Firúzí in Yazd; Uncertainty of Whereabouts of National Assembly Members | |
| 269 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qasim Faizi | |
| 270 | Immolation of Bahá’í Couple in Núk Village | |
| 271 | Message to Counselors’ Convocations in Five Continents | |
| 272 | Relationship between Husband and Wife | |
| 273 | Assassination of Dr. Manúchihr Ḥakím, Chairman of Iranian National Spiritual Assembly | |
| 274 | Events Related to the Execution of Dr. Manúchihr Ḥakím | |
| 275 | Second Phase of the Seven Year Plan | |
| 276 | Return of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears to Africa | |
| 277 | Execution of Two Bahá’ís in Shiraz | |
| 278 | Attendance of Bahá’ís from Rural Areas at International Conferences | |
| 279 | Deployment of Pioneers and Traveling Teachers | |
| 280 | Comments on Aspects of the Seven Year Plan | |
| 281 | Execution of Two Bahá’ís in Shiraz | |
| 282 | Imminent Obliteration of the Site of the House of the Báb | |
| 283 | Establishment of European Branch Office of Bahá’í International Community | |
| 284 | Bahá’í International Fund—Recent Victories and Immediate Challenges | |
| 285 | Execution of Seven Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Hamadan | |
| 286 | Execution of Three Bahá’ís in Tehran | |
| 287 | Execution of Four Bahá’ís in Iran | |
| 288 | Announcement of Representatives to the International Conferences | |
| 289 | Tests of Bahá’í Community Life | |
| 290 | Execution of Two Bahá’ís in Káshmar | |
| 291 | Message to First Women’s Conference, United Kingdom | |
| 292 | Execution of Auxiliary Board Member and Seven Assembly Members in Tabríz; Abduction of Two Teenage Girls | |
| 293 | A New Phase of Persecution in Iran | |
| 294 | Release of a Compilation on the Assistance of God |
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| 295 | Release of a Compilation of Prayers and Passages from the Bahá’í Writings | |
|---|---|---|
| 296 | Execution of Six Bahá’ís in Tehran and Dáryún | |
| 297 | The Worsening Situation in Yazd | |
| 298 | Further Deterioration of the Situation in Iran | |
| 299 | Voice of America Report on Campagn of Arrests against Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 300 | Further Acts of Persecution in Iran | |
| 301 | Grave Developments in Iran | |
| 302 | Call for Pioneers | |
| 303 | Release of a Compilation on Excellence in All Things | |
| 304 | Inauguration of Radio Bahá’í in Peru | |
| 305 | Demolition of the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Tákur; Seizure of Cemetery in Tehran | |
| 306 | Arrest of Eight Members of the Iranian National Spiritual Assembly | |
| 307 | Execution of Eight Members of the Iranian National Spiritual Assembly | |
| 308 | Proselytizing, Development, and the Covenant | |
| 309 | Iranian Supreme Court’s Denial of Execution of Iranian National Spiritual Assembly Members | |
| 310 | Appeal by Bahá’í International Community to Iranian Leaders | |
| 311 | Secret Execution of Six Members of Tehran Assembly and Hostess | |
| 312 | Using *A Cry from the Heart * to Explain the Tragic Events in Iran | |
| 313 | Plans for Commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Ascension of Bahíyyih Khánum | |
| 314 | Golden Opportunity Offered by Reign of Relentless Terror; Actions Taken to Defend the Bahá’ís of Iran | |
| 315 | Call for a Day of Prayer for the Bahá’ís of Iran; Inviting Sympathetic Organizations and Individuals | |
| 316 | Release of a Compilation on Family Life | |
| 317 | Mounting Cruelties and the Heightened Steadfastness of the Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 318 | Relocation of the Manila Conference | |
| 319 | Transfer of Manila Conference to Canberra, Australia | |
| 320 | Representation of the Universal House of Justice at Lagos Conference by Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts | |
| 321 | Riḍván Message 1982 | |
| 322 | Further Developments of the Situation in Iran | |
| 323 | Six Martyrdoms, More Arrests Resulting from Fresh Outbursts of Persecutions | |
| 324 | Execution of Two Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Urúmíyyih | |
| 325 | Appointment of New Counselor in Asia | |
| 326 | Passing of Amoz Gibson, Member of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 327 | Call for Ballots to Elect One Member of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 328 | Execution of Two Members of the Kháníábád Spiritual Assembly | |
| 329 | Message to the International Conference in Dublin Ireland—2 June 1982 | |
| 330 | Comments on the Station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | |
| 331 | Martyrdom of Four Bahá’ís in Qazvín and Surrounding Areas | |
| 332 | Election of Glenford Mitchell to the Universal House of Justice | |
| 333 | Guidelines Concerning the Registration of Children and Youth | |
| 334 | Commemoration at the World Center of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf and Inauguration of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 335 | Execution of ‘Abbás-‘Alí Ṣádiqípúr in Shiraz | |
| 336 | Elucidation of the Principle of Confidentiality | |
| 337 | Message to the International Conference in Quito, Ecuador—6‒8 August 1982 | |
| 338 | Message to the International Conference in Lagos, Nigeria—19-22 August 1982 | |
| 339 | Execution of ‘Alí Na‘imíyán in Urúmíyyih | |
| 340 | Message to the International Conference in Montreal, Canada—3‒5 September 1982 | |
| 341 | Message to the International Conference in Canberra, Australia—2‒5 September 1982 | |
| 342 | Comments on the First Danish Bahá’í Women’s Conference | |
| 343 | Guidelines for Behavior of Children at Feast | |
| 344 | Intensification of Oppression of Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 345 | Execution of Dr. Ḍíyá’u’lláh Aḥrárí in Shiraz | |
| 346 | Passsing of the Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney | |
| 347 | Imprisonment of More Than Eighty Bahá’ís in Shiraz | |
| 348 | Establishment of First Bahá’í Radio Station in North America | |
| 349 | Torture of Bahá’ís Imprisoned in Shiraz | |
| 350 | Call for Another Day of Prayer | |
| 351 | Execution of Hidáyat Síyávushí in Shiraz | |
| 352 | Prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for Martyred Friends and Relatives | |
| 353 | Release of a Compilation on the Importance of Deepening | |
| 354 | Occupation of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice | |
| 355 | Execution of Three Bahá’ís in Shiraz | |
| 356 | Execution of Mrs. Ṭúba Za’irpúr in Shiraz | |
| 357 | Message to Youth Conferences in Costa Rica and Honduras | |
| 358 | Riḍván Message 1983 | |
| 359 | Election of the Universal House of Justice Riḍván—1983 | |
| 360 | Execution of Two Bahá’ís in Isfahan | |
| 361 | Further Evolution of the International Teaching Center | |
| 362 | Statement by the President of the United States about the Bahá’ís of Iran | |
| 363 | Execution of Six Bahá’ís in Shiraz | |
| 364 | Execution by Hanging of Ten Bahá’í Women in Shiraz | |
| 365 | Message to Youth—Summons to Vindicate Martyred Youth | |
| 366 | Appointment of Continental Counselors | |
| 367 | Execution of Suhayl Húshmand in Shiraz | |
| 368 | Atacks against Two Bahá’í Villagers in Mázindarán; Kidnapping of Two Bahá’ís in Tehran | |
| 369 | Message to the European Youth Conference in Innsbruck | |
| 370 | Continued Harassments and Arrests in Iran | |
| 371 | Formation of Nine New National Spiritual Assemblies at Riḍván | |
| 372 | Intensification of Waves of Arrests in Iran | |
| 373 | Arrest of More Bahá’ís in Iran | |
| 374 | Passing of Sylvia Ioas; Member of the International Bahá’í Council | |
| 375 | Requisites for Spiritual Growth | |
| 376 | Preparations for International Youth Year | |
| 377 | Banning of Bahá’í Administration in Iran | |
| 378 | Open Letter to Iranian Authorities from the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran | |
| 379 | Social and Economic Development— New Field of Bahá’í Service | |
| 380 | Passing of Continental Counselor Raúl Pavón | |
| 381 | Continued Pressure against the Bahá’ís of Iran | |
| 382 | Appointment of Continental Counselors | |
| 383 | Response of Individuals to Persecution of Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 384 | Service in Voluntary Nonsectarian Organizations | |
| 385 | Acute Needs of the International Funds | |
| 386 | Message to Youth—International Youth Year | |
| 387 | Death of Three More Iranian Bahá’ís and Arrest of 250 More | |
| 388 | Passing of Ethel Revell, Member of the International Bahá’í Council | |
| 389 | Message to National Bahá’í Women’s Conference, Kenya | |
| 390 | Persecution of the Bahá’ís in Morocco | |
| 391 | Inaugural Broadcast of Radio Bahá’í Bolivia | |
| 392 | Insidious Turn of Persecution of Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 393 | Execution of Three by Firing Squad | |
| 394 | Riḍván Message 1984 | |
| 395 | Use of Torture to Extract False Confessions from Iranian Bahá’ís | |
| 396 | Summary of the Situation in Iran | |
| 397 | The Development of the Soul and the Reconstruction of Society | |
| 398 | Message to Bahá’í Women’s Conference in Cotonou, Benin | |
| 399 | Execution of Nuṣratu’lláh Vaḥdat in Mashhad | |
| 400 | Execution of Iḥsánu’lláh Kathírí in Tehran | |
| 401 | Results of Bahá’í Women’s Conference in Cotonou, Benin | |
| 402 | Relationship Between Husband and Wife—Further Comments | |
| 403 | Dedication of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Island, Apia, Western Samoa | |
| 404 | Introduction of the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh to the West | |
| 405 | Understanding the Laws of the Faith | |
| 406 | Execution of Manúchihr Rúḥí | |
| 407 | Roles of Parents within the Bahá’í family | |
| 408 | Message to Youth Conference, London, Ontario | |
| 409 | Safeguarding the Letters of Shoghi Effendi | |
| 410 | Call for Pioneers | |
| 411 | Martyrdom of Iranian National Spiritual Assembly Member Shápúr Markazí; Death of Amínu’lláh Qurbánpúr in Prison | |
| 412 | The Universal House of Justice’s Power of Elucidation | |
| 413 | Execution of Member of Disbanded Iranian National Spiritual Assembly and of Bahá’ís from Karaj and Mashhad | |
| 414 | Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í | |
| 415 | Invitation to Participate in the Formulation of the Next Plan | |
| 416 | Execution of Six Bahá’ís in Tehran | |
| 417 | Execution of Dr. Farshád Aṣdaqí after Four Months of Torture; Death of Two Bahá’ís in Tabríz after More Than Two Years’ Imprisonmenst | |
| 418 | Adoption of Another Oppresive Measure by the Iranian Government | |
| 419 | Renewed Call for Support of International Funds | |
| 420 | International Year of Peace | |
| 421 | Execution of Rúḥu’lláh Ḥaṣúrí in Yazd; Confirmation of Death of Rustam Varjávandí in Prison | |
| 422 | Elucidation of the Lesser Peace and the Supreme Tribunal | |
| 423 | Passing of Lloyd Gardner, Continental Counselor | |
| 424 | Execution of Rúḥu’lláh Bahrámsháhí in Yazd and Nuṣratu’lláh Subḥání in Tehran | |
| 425 | Human Suffering and the Reconstruction of Society | |
| 426 | Responsibilities of Youth at the Age of Maturity | |
| 427 | Riḍván Message 1985 | |
| 428 | Message to Youth—Scaling the Heights of Excellence | |
| 429 | Announcement of Completion of a Statement on Peace Addressed to the Peoples of the World | |
| 430 | Release of a Compilation on Ḥuqúqu’lláh | |
| 431 | Message to International Youth Conference, Columbus, Ohio | |
| 432 | Inauguration of Public Information Ofice at the World Center | |
| 433 | Election of Delegates to National Conventions | |
| 434 | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Bahá’í Peace Activities | |
| 435 | Development of Local and National Bahá’í Funds | |
| 436 | Release of a Compilation of Peace | |
| 437 | Execution of Two More Iranian Bahá’ís; Bahá’í Students Pressured | |
| 438 | The Promise of World Peace | |
| 439 | Appointment of Continental Boards of Counselors | |
| 440 | Reinterment of Bahá’u’lláh’s Faithful Half-Brother | |
| 441 | Execution of ‘Azízu’lláh Ashjárí by Firing Squad | |
| 442 | Presentation of Peace Statement to the Secretary-General of the United Nations | |
| 443 | Presentation of Peace Statement to the President of the United States | |
| 444 | Adoption of Resolution in Support of Iranian Bahá’ís by the United Nations General Assembly— Affirmation of Emergence from Obscurity | |
| 445 | Message to Conference of Counselors in the Holy Land | |
| 446 | Release of a Compilation on Women | |
| 447 | Report from Conference in the Holy Land; the Inception of the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age | |
| 448 | Women—Their Role in Society and the Establishment of Peace; Membership on the Universal House of Justice | |
| 449 | Message to National Youth Conference, Adelaide, Australia | |
| 450 | Inaugural Broadcast of Radio Bahá’í Panama | |
| 451 | Epochs of the Formative Age | |
| 452 | Plans for the Dedication of the Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinent, New Delhi | |
| 453 | The Six Year Plan—Major Objectives and Setting National Goals | |
| 454 | Passing of Angus Cowan, Continental Counselor | |
| 455 | Women—Reasons for Exemption from Acts of Worship | |
| 456 | Riḍván Message 1985 | |
| Glossary | ||
| Bibliography | ||
\
Foreword
O
n 21 April 1963, one hundred years after Bahá’u’lláh’s public declaration of His world-redeeming mission, the first International Bahá’í Convention was held on the majestic slopes of Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. The purpose of this momentous gathering was to elect, for the first time, the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing and legislative body of the Bahá’í Faith.
The election of the Universal House of Justice was greeted with great joy by the worldwide Bahá’í community, for it ensured the continuation of divine guidance until the advent of the next Manifestation of God, thereby fulfilling the prophecy that there would come a “Day which shall not be followed by night.”
The continuation of divine guidance—the primary theme of this book—is a unique feature of the Bahá’í Faith. Unlike any of the Manifestations of God Who preceded Him, Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, made a Covenant with His followers to direct and channel the forces released by His Revelation, guaranteeing the continuity of infallible guidance after His death through institutions to which all of His followers must turn. In His will and testament Bahá’u’lláh designated His eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, His successor, the authoritative Interpreter of His writings, and the Center of His Covenant. In His own will and testament ‘Abdu’l-Bahá perpetuated the Covenant through the Administrative Order ordained in Bahá’u’lláh’s writings. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá appointed as His twin successors the institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. He named His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Cause of God and expounder of the Word of God, while giving the Universal House of Justice the role of legislating on matters not explicitly revealed in the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá or dealt with by Shoghi Effendi.
Writing about the Universal House of Justice, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explained that, “Inasmuch as for each day there is a new problem and for every problem an expedient solution, such affairs should be referred to the Ministers of the House of Justice that they may act according to the needs and requirements of the time .... It is incumbent upon all to be obedient unto them.” Moreover, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asserts in His Will and Testament that “Unto the Most Holy Book every one must turn, and all that is not expressly recorded therein must be referred to the Universal House of Justice. That which this body, whether unanimously or by a majority doth carry, that is verily the Truth and the Purpose of God Himself.”
Thus the fundamental purpose of the Universal House of Justice is to ensure the continuity of the divine guidance that flows from the Source of the Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers, and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its teachings. Its origin, its authority, its duties, and its sphere of action are all derived from the writings of Baha'u'llah. His writings, along with those of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and of Shoghi Effendi constitute its bedrock foundation and its binding terms of reference.
Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963‒1986: The Third Epoch of
*the Formative Age *brings together letters, cables, telexes, and electronic mail messages sent to Bahá’í institutions and individuals during a twenty-three-year period that the Universal House of Justice has called the Third Epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith. The Formative Age stands between the Heroic Age (1844‒1921), which is associated with the ministries of the Báb (the Prophet Herald of the Bahá’í Faith), Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Golden Age,
which will witness the dawning of the Most Great Peace, the emergence of a commonwealth of all the nations of the world, and the advent of the Kingdom of God on earth.
The First Epoch of the Formative Age (1921‒44/46) saw the birth of the Bahá’í Administrative Order and the primary stages in the erection of its framework. This epoch was characterized by its focus on forming local and national institutions in all the continents, thereby laying the foundation needed to support future systematic teaching activities. The First Epoch also witnessed the initiation of the first Seven Year Plan (1937‒44), at the direction of Shoghi Effendi, by the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada. This plan, inspired by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan, constituted the Bahá’í community's first systematic teaching campaign and began the initial stage of carrying out ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan in the Western Hemisphere.
The Second Epoch of the Formative Age (1946‒63) witnessed the further development and maturation of the Administrative Order and the execution of a series of teaching plans that carried the Faith beyond the confines of the Western Hemisphere and Europe. Its two most distinguishing characteristics were the rise and steady consolidation of the World Center of the Faith in Haifa, including the appointment of the Hands of the Cause of God, the introduction of the Auxiliary Boards, and the establishment of the International Bahá’í Council, and the simultaneous and often spontaneous prosecution of Bahá’í national plans in both the East and the West. Shoghi Effendi now used the internally consolidated and administratively experienced National Spiritual Assemblies to launch the Ten Year World Crusade (1953‒63) in which he summoned the twelve existing National Spiritual Assemblies to participate in one concentrated, united effort to spread the Faith more widely throughout the world. This enterprise resulted in the opening of 131 countries to the Faith, the formation of forty-four National Spiritual Assemblies, and a vast increase in the ethnic diversity of the Bahá’í community.
However, the victorious completion of the Ten Year World Crusade came with a heavy price. In 1957, midway through the Crusade, Shoghi Effendi died unexpectedly of a heart attack. The Bahá’ís were devastated. Not only were they deprived of their Guardian, but they were also deprived of their source of divine guidance. The Guardianship was a hereditary office, and
Shoghi Effendi had left no heir.
How would the unity of the Faith be preserved? How could the conflict and contention that has divided other religions be prevented? Clearly, unless the Bahá’í Faith could safeguard its unity, it could never hope to unify a sorely divided world. Into this chasm of doubt and despair stepped the Hands of the Cause of God, whom Shoghi Effendi had appointed and to whom he had referred as the “Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic World Commonwealth who have been invested by the unerring Pen of the Center of His Covenant with the dual function of guarding over the security, and of insuring the propagation, of His Father's Faith.” Through their heroic stewardship they guided the community along the course Shoghi Effendi had set. By the end of the nearly six-year interregnum they had not only preserved the unity of the Faith but also inspired a surge of sacrificial service leading to the Ten Year Crusade's victorious conclusion and crowning achievement, the culminating event of the Second Epoch—the election of the Universal House of Justice.
The Universal House of Justice proclaimed in a letter dated October 1963 that the Third Epoch of the Formative Age had begun. Outlining what would become the distinctive characteristics of the new epoch, it said the Bahá’í Faith “must now grow rapidly in size, increase its spiritual cohesion and executive ability, develop its institutions and extend its influence into all strata of society.” Moreover,
its members, must, by constant study of the life-giving Word, and by dedicated service, deepen in spiritual understanding and show to the world a mature, responsible, fundamentally assured and happy way of life, far removed from the passions, prejudices and distractions of present day society.
The Third Epoch called the Bahá’ís of the world to a yet more mature level of functioning that would be consistent with expected vast increases in the community's size and diversity, its emergence as a model to humankind, and the extension of its influence in the world at large.
The nature of individual and community maturity for which the Universal House of Justice called is evident as one reads the book. Through the release of translations and compilations of Bahá’í writings and through a voluminous correspondence in which perplexing questions about various personal and social problems are discussed, the Universal House of Justice guides individuals and communities in their efforts to live a Bahá’í life. Matters of spiritual growth, sexual morality, relations between husband and wife, family life, prejudice, politics, possession of firearms, ranks and stations in the Faith, the tests of Bahá’í community life, and the suffering of humanity are a few of the topics of individual and community life that are addressed. Numerous accounts of the vicious persecution of the Iranian Bahá’ís and of their efforts and the efforts of the Bahá’í communities around the world to help them testify to the spiritual and administrative maturation of the worldwide Bahá’í community.
The increasing maturity of the worldwide Bahá’í community is further evidenced as the Universal House of Justice guides the Bahá’í community to progressively more mature levels of functioning through three major world teaching plans conducted during the Third Epoch of the Formative Age: the Nine Year Plan (1964‒73), the Five Year Plan (1974‒79), and the Seven Year Plan (1979‒86). Among the results and achievements won during these three plans are the Faith's gradual emergence from obscurity, its assumption by the Universal House of Justice of the role of a promoter of world peace, the initiation of activities intended to foster social and economic development, the establishment of the Continental Boards of Counselors and the International Teaching Center, the introduction of assistants to the Auxiliary Boards, and one of the crowning events of the Third Epoch—the construction and occupation of the seat of the Universal House of Justice at the World Center of the Faith.
The publication of Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963‒1986:
*The Third Epoch of the Formative Age *comes ten years after the inauguration of the Fourth Epoch. Although the Bahá’í Faith is well into this new stage of development, and new patterns of growth and change are evident, yet the study of the messages contained in this volume yields a treasure of insight, knowledge, and understanding of the principles guiding the unfoldment of
the Bahá’í Faith and the efforts of individuals and communities as they strive to adopt the pattern of life prescribed by Bahá’u’lláh. Moreover, the inclusion of virtually evety major message of the Third Epoch enables one to survey significant developments in the organic growth of the Bahá’í world community, to follow its increasing maturity and acquisition of new powers and capacities, to perceive a continuity in its development, and to detect patterns in the interplay between the forces of light and darkness, between crisis and victory. Individuals, communities, and institutions will find the book an important aid in making decisions as they apply themselves to meeting current challenges and will derive continual inspiration and encouragement from
the majestic pronouncements, authoritative elucidations, and ennobling, luminous, and loving counsels of the Universal House of Justice. The messages themselves are sufficient proof that the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh is unbroken, that the channel of divine guidance remains open, and that “the Day which shall not be followed by night” has at last dawned upon the world.
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá’ís of the United States
\
A Note from the Compiler
*Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963‒1986: The Third Epoch of the Formative Age brings under one cover 456 letters, cables, telexes, and electronic mail messages from the Universal House of Justice to Bahá’í institutions, to Bahá’ís gathered at special events, to individuals, or—in one case—to the *peoples of the world.
A volume long overdue, it enlarges upon and replaces two earlier compilations of messages: *Wellspring of Guidance: Messages, 1963‒1968, *published in 1969, and *Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1968‒1973, *published in 1976. In preparing the new volume several factors were considered. First was the need to make available the messages contained in the first two compilations and to add thirty-six messages from the 1963 through 1973 period that
had not been included. Second was the need to publish messages received after 1973. Thus it was decided to publish a new volume that would encompass and expand upon the first two books.
The time frame of the new volume became clear in January 1986 when the Universal House of Justice announced the closing of the Third Epoch (1963‒1986) and the inception of the Fourth Epoch, signaled by new developments in the maturation of the institutions of the Faith. Hence Messages *from the Universal House of Justice, 1963‒1986 *enables the reader to survey the full sweep of the Third Epoch, beginning with the first message issued by the Universal House of Justice after its establishment in 1963 and ending with the annual Riḍván message of 1986. The messages record the progress of the Faith through the Nine, Five, and Seven Year Plans, chronicling extraordinary advances in proclamation, expansion, and consolidation. They reach a climax in the last two years of the Seven Year Plan with the Faith’s emergence from obscurity, the release of a statement on peace addressed to the peoples of the world, and the inception of the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age. These and countless other achievements stand in marked contrast to the contemporaneous persecution of the Bahá’ís of Iran, throwing into sharp relief the interplay between crisis and victory. The dynamic interaction between these two forces is a chief characteristic of the unfoldment of the Bahá’í Faith and a prominent theme in this volume.
*Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963‒1986 *includes numerous features that have been introduced for the reader’s convenience. A table of epochs of the Heroic and Formative Ages of the Bahá’í Faith and a list of significant milestones, anniversaries, and events in the Third Epoch offer a brief overview of recent Bahá’í history. Each message has been given a heading and assigned a number, and the paragraphs or other divisions of text within the messages have been numbered to facilitate reference. An extensive index is included, its locators corresponding to the numbering system used in the text. Subheadings have been added to many longer messages; spellings have been Americanized; and, for consistency, dates have been given in a day-month-year format. Addressees, salutations, and complimentary closings have been retained, except for a few cases in which confidentiality required their omission. Because the compilation of messages covers almost a quarter of a century, footnotes have been added to explain historical details, allusions, technical terms, sources of most quotations, cross references to other messages on the same topic, and references to further details in the glossary or in other books. To help keep the notes as brief as possible, the titles of many Bahá’í books were abbreviated. A list of abbreviations and the titles they stand for appears at the front of the book. A glossary has been included to give background information and define technical Bahá’í terms. A bibliography provides information about books and compilations referred to in the text and footnotes.
No changes have been made to the texts of the messages without explicit permission from the Universal House of Justice. Extracts from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu'l-Bahá that are quoted in the messages have been checked against authenticated sources and authorized translations and have been updated accordingly where appropriate. Noticeable changes in the translations of such extracts are footnoted. The dates of certain cables may differ slightly from those of the same cables published elsewhere because cables of general interest that were addressed to a specific National Spiritual Assembly were usually conveyed to other National Spiritual Assemblies by mail a few days later. In such cases the date of the original cable is used.
Occasionally the reader will encounter references to enclosures or attachments, such as compilations and lists of pioneer assignments given to National Spiritual Assemblies. Such enclosures have been omitted because of space limitations. Most of the compilations have already been published, and, wherever possible, a reference to the published work is given. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the Universal House of Justice for its assistance in making available many messages that were previously unpublished and particularly for its direction in all phases of the production of this volume. Thanks are due to Ivor Stoakley, Diane Taherzadeh, and Lewis Walker for their assistance with footnotes and glossary entries; to
John Walbridge for helpful comments on the glossary; to Dr. Manuchehr Derakhshani
for assistance with Persian and Arabic transliterations; to Dr. Betty Fisher and Terry J. Cassiday of the Baha'i Publishing Trust whose insights, scholarship, hard work, and close attention to detail have been invaluable; and to my wife, Amy, for her unwavering encouragement and support. We hope this book will prove to be a useful and convenient source of guidance and
inspiration for both individuals and institutions the world over as they strive to serve the Cause of Baha'u'llah and carry the healing balm of His teachings to all** **humanity.
Geoffry W. Marks
\
\
List of Abbreviations
| ABL | ‘Abdul-Bahá in London |
|---|---|
| ADJ | *The Advent of Divine Justice, *1990 ed. |
| BA | Bahá’í Administration |
| BN | Bahá’í News |
| BNE | Bahá’u'lláh and the New Era |
| BP | *Bahá’í Prayers, *1991 U.S. ed. |
| BW 9 | The Bahá’í World, Volume IX |
| BW 13 | The Bahá’í World, Volume XIII |
| BW 14 | The Bahá’í World, Volume XIV |
| BW 15 | The Bahá’í World, Volume XV |
| BW 16 | The Bahá’í World, Volume XVI |
| BW 17 | The Bahá’í World, Volume XVII |
| BW 18 | The Bahá’í World, Volume XVIII |
| BW 19 | The Bahá’í World, Volume XIX |
| CC | The Compilation of Compilations |
| CF | Citadel of Faith |
| CUHJ | Constitution of the Universal House of Justice |
| DB | The Dawn-Breakers |
| DND | Dawn of a New Day |
| ESW | Epistle to the Son of the Wolf |
| FSTS | From Strength to Strength |
| GPB | God Passes By |
| GWB | Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u'lláh |
| KA | The Kitáb-i-Aqdas |
| KI | The Kitáb -i-lqán |
| LFG | Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand |
| LG | Lights of Guidance |
| MA | Messages to America |
| MBW | Messages to the Bahá’í World |
| MC | Messages to Canada |
| MF | Memorials of the Faithful |
| PB | *The Proclamation of Bahá’u'lláh * |
| PDIC | *The Promised Day Is Come, *1996 ed. |
| PM | Prayers and Meditations |
| PP | The Priceless Pearl |
| PT | Paris Talks |
| PUP | *The Promulgation of Universal Peace, *1982 ed. |
| SAQ | *Some Answered Questions, *1984 ed. |
| SBS | Selections from Bahá’í Scriptures |
| SC | A Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas |
| SDC | The Secret of Divine Civilization |
| SWAB | Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdul-Bahá |
| TANA | Tablets of Abdul-Baha Abbas |
|---|---|
| TB | Tablets of Bahá’u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas |
| TDP | *Tablets of the Divine Plan, *1992 ed. |
| TN | A Traveler's Narrative |
| UD | Unfolding Destiny |
| WOB | The World Order of Bahá’u'lláh |
| WT | Will and Testament of ‘Abdul-Bahá |
\
Epochs of the Heroic Age1
1844-1853
The First Epoch
The Bábí Dispensation
1853-1892
The Second Epoch
The Ministry of Bahá’u’lláh
1892-1921
The Third Epoch
The Ministry of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Epochs of the Formative Age22** **
1921‒1944/46
The First Epoch
1921‒1936 Period of Preparation
1937‒1944 The first Seven Year Plan of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada
1944‒1946 Consolidation of victories
1946‒1963
The Second Epoch
1946‒1953 The second Seven Year Plan of the Baha'is of the United States and plans of varying duration pursued by nine other regional and national Bahá’í communities (Canada; Central America and South America; Australia and New Zealand; India, Pakistan, and Burma; the British Isles; Germany and Austria; Persia; Egypt; Iraq)33
1953‒1963 The Ten Year World Crusade
1963‒1986
The Third Epoch
1963‒1964 Year of Preparation
1964‒1973 Nine Year Plan
1973‒1974 Year of Preparation
1974‒1979 Five Year Plan
1979‒1986 Seven Year Plan
1986-
The Fourth Epoch
1986‒1992 Six Year Plan
1992‒1993 Holy Year Commemorating the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and the Inauguration of His Covenant
1993‒1996 Three Year Plan
1996‒2000 Four Year Plan
The Third Epoch
Significant Milestones, Anniversaries, and Events
Milestones
| Riḍván 1963 | First election of the Universal House of Justice |
|---|---|
| April 28-May 2 1963 | First Bahá’í World Congress commemorating Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration of His mission and the victorious consummation of the Ten Year World Crusade |
| Riḍván 1964 | Inauguration of the Third Epoch with the launching of the Nine Year Plan |
| Riḍván 1973 | End of the Nine Year Plan |
| Naw-Rúz 1974 | Beginning of the Five Year Plan |
| Riḍván 1979 | End of the Five Year Plan Beginning of the Seven Year Plan |
| January 1986 | Inauguration of the Fourth Epoch |
| Riḍván 1986 | End of the Seven Year Plan Beginning of the Six Year Plan |
Significant Anniversaries
| 26 March 1966 | Fiftieth anniversary of the revelation of the first Tablets of the Divine Plan |
|---|---|
| April 1963 | Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s public declaration of His Mission |
| September/ October 1967 | Celebration of the centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s proclamation to the Kings |
| 27 September 1967 | Celebration of the centenary of the revelation of the Súriy-i-Mulúk |
| 12 November 1967 | Sesquicentennial of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh |
| 31 August 1968 | Centenary of the arrival of Bahá’u’lláh in the Holy Land |
| 23 June 1968 | Centenary of the passing of Mirza Mihdí, the Purest Branch |
| 28 November 1971 | Fiftieth anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá |
| 1973 | Centenary of the revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas |
| June 1977 | Centenary of the termination of Bahá’u’lláh’s confinement in ‘Akká |
| July 1982 | Fiftieth anniversary of the passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf |
| 4 November 1982 | Twenty-fifth anniversary of the passing of Shoghi Effendi |
Significant Events
| Riḍván 1963 | Convening of 1st International Bahá’í Convention, Haifa, and election of the Universal House of Justice |
|---|---|
| Riḍván 1964 | Launching of the Nine Year Plan |
| July 1964 | Dedication of the Mother Temple of Europe, Langenhain, near Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
| November 1964 | Purification of the Most Holy Tomb |
| October 1967 | Opening of a period of proclamation inaugurated by the presentation by the Universal House of Justice to 140 heads of state of a special edition of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh Commemoration of the centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s proclamation to the kings with the holding of six intercontinental conferences in Panama City, Panama; Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.; Sydney, Australia; Kampala, Uganda; Frankfurt am Main, Germany; and New Delhi, India Assumption by the Universal House of Justice of representation of the Bahá’í International Community at the United Nations |
| October 1967 | Laying of the foundation stone of the Mother Temple of Latin America, Panama City, Panama |
| February 1968 | Embracing of the Faith by His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa |
| Riḍván 1968 | Convening of the 2nd International Bahá’í Convention, Haifa, and election of the Universal House of Justice |
| June 1968 | Establishment of the Continental Boards of Counselors |
| August 1968 | Commemoration of the centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s arrival in the Holy Land with the holding of First Oceanic Conference, Palermo, Sicily |
| February 1970 | Bahá’í International Community's attainment of consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council |
| August 1970‒ September 1971 | Holding of eight oceanic and continental conferences in La Paz, Bolivia; Rose Hill, Mauritius; Monrovia, Liberia; Djakarta, Indonesia; Suva, Fiji; Kingston, Jamaica; Sapporo, Japan; Reykjavik, Iceland |
| April 28‒May 2 1972 | Dedication of the Mother Temple of Latin America, Panama City, Panama |
| June 1972 | Announcement of the decision to build the Seat of the Universal House of Justice |
| September 1972 | Murder of three Iranian Bahá’í students in the Philippine Islands |
| November 1972 | Adoption of the Constitution of the Universal House of Justice |
| March 1973 | Purchase of the Mazra‘ih Mansion |
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| Riḍván 1973 | Convening of the 3rd International Bahá’í Convention, Haifa, and election of the Universal House of Justice Publication of A Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas |
|---|---|
| May 1973 | Announcement of the embracing of the Bahá’í Faith by His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa |
| June 1973 | Establishment of the International Teaching Center |
| February 1974 | Acceptance of the design for the seat of the Universal House of Justice |
| Riḍván 1974 | Launching of the Five Year Plan |
| January 1975 | Acquisition of the House of ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá in ‘Akká |
| April 1975 | Excavation of the site of the seat of the Universal House of Justice |
| July 1976‒ January 1977 | Holding of eight international teaching conferences in Helsinki, Finland; Anchorage, Alaska; Paris, France; Nairobi, Kenya; Hong Kong; Auckland, New Zealand; Bahia, Brazil; and Merida, Mexico. |
| September 1976 | Visit of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II to the resting-place of Shoghi Effendi in London, England |
| May 1977 | Murder of Rúḥu'lláh Taymúr’í-Muqaddam, an Iranian homefront pioneer, in his home by fanatics |
| October 1977 | Laying of foundation stone for Mother Temple of Indian subcontinent, New Delhi, India |
| December 1977 | Initiation of broadcasting by the first Bahá’í radio station, Otavalo, Ecuador |
| Riḍván 1978 | Convening of the 4th International Bahá’í Convention, Haifa, and election of the Universal House of Justice |
| August 1978 | Inauguration of Radio Bahá’í Ecuador |
| December 1978‒ January 1979 | Intensification of the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran |
| January 1979 | Laying of the foundation stone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands |
| Naw-Rúz 1979 | Launching of the Seven Year Plan |
| June 1979 | Fixing of Counselors’ term of service at five years |
| June‒July 1979 | Numerous appeals made by Local Spiritual Assemblies around the world to Ayatollah Khomeini, asking him to stop the persecution of the Bahá’ís of Iran |
| June‒August 1979 | Addresses by H. Borrah Kavelin, representative of the Universal House of Justice, at a series of significant meetings in North America and Europe about the importance of redeeming the Iranian Bahá’ís sacrifices through service to the Faith |
| September 1979 | Demolition of the House of the Báb in Shiraz |
| November 1979 | Arrest of a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iran |
| December 1979 | Commencement of excavation of the site of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands, Apia, Western Samoa |
| July 1980 | Commencement of construction of Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinent, New Delhi, India |
| August 1980 | Arrest of all nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran and two Auxiliary Board members |
| November 1980 | Appointment of a new contingent of Continental Counselors to a five-year term of service |
| January 1981 | Execution of chairman of National Spiritual Assembly of Iran |
| May 1981 | Establishment of a European Branch Office of the Bahá’í International Community |
| August 1981 | Increase in the severity of the persecution of the Bahá’ís of Iran |
| November 1981 | Arrest of six members of National Spiritual Assembly of Iran Inauguration of Radio Bahá’í Peru |
| December 1981 | Demolition of the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Tákur Arrest and execution of eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran |
| May-September 1982 | Holding of five international conferences in Lagos, Nigeria; Montreal, Canada; Quito, Ecuador; Dublin, Ireland; and Canberra, Australia |
| July 1982 | By-election to replace one member of the Universal House of Justice |
| December 1982 | Establishment of first Bahá’í radio station in North America |
| January 1983 | Occupation by the Universal House of Justice of its permanent seat |
| April 1983 | Opening of the House of ‘Abdu'lláh Páshá to pilgrims |
| Riḍván 1983 | Convening of the 5th International Bahá’í Convention, Haifa, and election of the Universal House of Justice |
| May 1983 | Increase in the responsibilities of the International Teaching Center Public defense of the Bahá’ís of Iran by the President of the United States |
| June 1983 | Execution of seventeen Bahá’ís in Shiraz, including ten women Call for the youth of the world to vindicate the martyred youth of Shiraz |
| August 1983 | Banning of Bahá’í administration in Iran |
| September 1983 | Sending of an open letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran to the authorities responding to the false charges made against the Bahá’í community |
| October 1983 | Call for Bahá’í involvement in social and economic development activities |
| April 1984 | Attempt to achieve false confessions from the Bahá’ís of Iran by use of torture Inauguration of Radio Bahá’í Bolivia |
| August 1984 | Dedication of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands, Apia, Western Samoa |
| July 1985 | Release of compilation on the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh Establishment of Public Information Office at the Bahá’í World Center |
| October 1985 | Release by the Universal House of Justice of a statement on peace addressed to the peoples of the world Appointment of a new and expanded contingent of members of the Continental Boards of Counselors |
| November 1985 | Presentation of the peace statement to the Secretary General of the United Nations |
| December 1985 | Emergence of the Bahá’í Faith from obscurity signaled by adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly supporting the Iranian Bahá’í community |
| December 1985‒ January 1986 | Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors in the Holy Land with Hands of the Cause of God, members of the Universal House of Justice, and the International Teaching Center |
| January 1986 | Announcement of the beginning of the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age by the Universal House of Justice in a letter to the Bahá’ís of the world Inauguration of Radio Bahá’í Panama |
| January 1986 | Setting of date for dedication of Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinent, New Delhi, India Invitation from the Universal House of Justice to National Spiritual Assemblies and Continental Counselors to consult about national goals within the framework of the major objectives of the Six Year Plan set by the Universal House of Justice |
| Riḍván 1986 | Review by the Universal House of Justice of achievements of the Seven Year Plan, comments on the Faith’s emergence from obscurity and the maturation of the institutions of the Cause and announcement of World Center goals of publishing an English translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, education of the Bahá’ís about the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, planning for the completion of the remaining buildings on the Arc, and broadening the basis of the international relations of the Faith Launching of the Six Year Plan |
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MESSAGES
FROM THE
Universal House of Justice
1963-1986
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1963–1964
A Year of Preparation
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