Messages from the Universal House of Justice– 2001–2022, The Fifth Epoch of the Formative Age
Messages from the Universal House of Justice– 2001–2022, The Fifth Epoch of the Formative Age · The Universal House of Justice · 7,603 words
Messages from the Universal House of Justice
2001–2022
The Fifth Epoch of the Formative Age
CONTENTS
Foreword
Epochs of the Heroic Age
Epochs of the Formative Age
The Fifth Epoch—Significant Milestones, Anniversaries, and Events
2001–2006
The Five Year Plan
1. Riḍván 2001 Riḍván Message 2001
2. 22 May 2001 Opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb
3. 24 May 2001 Message to the Gathering Marking the Completion of the
Projects on Mount Carmel
4. 1 June 2001 Completion of the Projects on Mount Carmel
5. 19 June 2001 Monument over the Resting Place of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih
Khánum
6. 28 June 2001 Canada’s Second Youth Conference in Sherbrooke
7. 29 July 2001 International Financial Collaboration Goals Achieved
8. 5 August 2001 Needs of the International Funds of the Faith
9. 28 August 2001 Appointment of Continental Counsellor
10. 12 November 2001 Crisis in the Bahá’í International Fund
11. 12 November 2001 Establishment of the World Centre Endowment Fund
12. 22 November 2001 Official Position of the Government of Iran towards the Bahá’í
Community
13. 16 December 2001 “Fire in the Pacific” Conference in Honolulu
14. 22 December 2001 Eighth ASEAN Youth Conference in Thailand
15. 2 January 2002 Naw-Rúz
16. 10 January 2002 Call for Pioneers and Travelling Teachers
17. 17 January 2002 Youth Congress in Brazil
18. 30 January 2002 Release of Summary of Achievements
19. 3 February 2002 Registration of Marriages of Expatriate Bahá’ís Married in Iran
20. 10 February 2002 Counties and Territories in Need of Pioneers and Travelling
Teachers
21. 27 February 2002 Martyrdom of Rashid Gulov and Mosadegh Afshin Shokoufeh
22. 19 March 2002 Gathering at the Native American Bahá’í Institute
23. April 2002 Letter to the World’s Religious Leaders
24. 8 April 2002 Publication of The Summons of the Lord of Hosts
25. 15 April 2002 Audiovisual Materials
26. Riḍván 2002 Riḍván Message 2002
27. 26 June 2002 Publication of Gems of Divine Mysteries
28. 31 July 2002 Revision of Document on Ḥuqúqu’lláh
29. 22 August 2002 Emergence of a New Culture
30. 11 November 2002 Release from Service of Two Members of the Universal House of
Justice
31. 17 January 2003 Insights Gained in the Unfoldment of the Five Year Plan
32. 30 January 2003 Postponement of Pilgrimages and Other Visits
33. 27 February 2003 Balloting Instructions for the Ninth International Bahá’í
Convention
34. 4 April 2003 Cancellation of the International Bahá’í Convention
35. Riḍván 2003 Riḍván Message 2003
36. 22 April 2003 Release of “Building Momentum” Video
37. 27 April 2003 Release of “Building Momentum” Document
38. 29 April 2003 Election of the Universal House of Justice
39. 5 May 2003 The Publication “For the Betterment of the World”
40. 11 May 2003 Passing of David Hofman, Former Member of the Universal
House of Justice
41. 13 May 2003 Appointment of the Members of the International Teaching
Centre
42. 12 June 2003 Appointment of the Architect for the Chile Temple
43. 13 June 2003 Appointment of Two Continental Counsellors
44. 13 November 2003 Message to Representatives of European National Bahá’í Youth
Committees
45. 26 November 2003 The Challenge of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s The Secret of Divine
Civilization for Iran Today
46. 27 November 2003 Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan
47. 12 January 2004 Duties of Iranian Bahá’ís Living Outside Iran
48. Riḍván 2004 Riḍván Message 2004
49. 22 April 2004 Passing of Aziz Yazdi, Former Member of the International
Teaching Centre
50. 1 June 2004 The Bahá’í Reference Library Web Site
51. 29 June 2004 Passing of Gloria Faizi
52. 27 October 2004 Passing of Elsie Austin
53. 4 January 2005 The Bahá’í Pilgrimage Web Site
54. 17 January 2005 Release from Service of Two Members of the Universal House of
Justice
55. 20 March 2005 Newly Elected Members of the Universal House of Justice
56. Naw-Rúz 2005 Publication of One Common Faith
57. 24 March 2005 Appointment of Members of the International Teaching Centre
58. 5 April 2005 Revised Edition of “The Bahá’ís” Magazine
59. 14 April 2005 Purchase of the Site for the Temple in Chile
60. 20 April 2005 “The Bahá’ís” Web Site, Bahai.org
61. Riḍván 2005 Riḍván Message 2005
62. 16 June 2005 Creation of the Bahá’í Internet Agency
63. 22 June 2005 Message to the Conference of Arabic-Speaking Believers
64. 8 September 2005 Passing of David Ruhe, Former Member of the Universal House
of Justice
65. 10 September 2005 Centenary Anniversary of the Bahá’í Faith in Germany
66. 30 October 2005 Appointment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
67. 14 November 2005 Further Comment on “Issues Related to the Study of the Bahá’í
Faith”
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68. 20 November 2005 International Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh Assumes Full
Responsibility for the Institution of the Right of God
69. 30 November 2005 Passing of William Hatcher
70. 20 December 2005 Martyrdom of Dhabíḥu’lláh Maḥramí
71. 20 December 2005 Additional Information Related to the Death of Dhabíḥu’lláh
Maḥramí
72. 27 December 2005 The Five Year Plan, 2006–2011
73. 28 December 2005 Curriculum of the Training Institute
74. 31 December 2005 Conference of the Continental Board of Counsellors
75. 9 March 2006 New Stage in the Evolution of the Cause in Egypt
76. 22 March 2006 Heightened Threat to the Bahá’ís in Iran
77. 20 April 2006 Publication of The Tabernacle of Unity
2006–2011
The Five Year Plan
78. Riḍván 2006 Riḍván Message 2006
79. 15 May 2006 International Financial Collaboration Programme
80. 15 June 2006 The “Bahá’í Media Bank” Web Site
81. 20 July 2006 Passing of Marguerite Sears
82. 17 August 2006 Situation at the Bahá’í World Centre following the Conflict in the
Holy Land
83. 8 December 2006 Passing of Ramnik Shah
84. 21 December 2006 Bahá’ís Prohibited from Obtaining Identification Cards in Egypt
85. 19 February 2007 *Summary of Achievements and Learning *for the Five Year Plan,
2001–2006
86. 9 March 2007 Call for Pioneers
87. 25 March 2007 The Bahá’í Electoral Process
88. Riḍván 2007 Riḍván Message 2007
89. 13 May 2007 Passing of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II
90. 28 June 2007 Release of a Compilation on Ḥuqúqu’lláh
91. 2 July 2007 Passing of Javidukht Khadem
92. 27 July 2007 Message to the National Bahá’í Youth Conference in Islamabad
93. 24 August 2007 Confidential Communication Expelling Bahá’í Students in Iran
94. 9 September 2007 Bahá’í Students Deprived of Higher Education in Iran
95. 23 September 2007 Passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Alí-Muḥammad
Varqá
96. 27 September 2007 Safeguarding the Properties of the Faith
97. 13 November 2007 Release from Service of Two Members of the Universal House of
Justice
98. 26 November 2007 Tribute to the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God
99. 18 February 2008 The Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice
100. 18 February 2008 Revision of the Codification of the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh
101. 30 March 2008 Release of a Revised Compilation on Family Life
102. 7 April 2008 Conferred Infallibility and the Universal House of Justice
103. Riḍván 2008 Riḍván Message 2008
104. Riḍván 2008 Message to the Delegates Attending the Tenth International
Bahá’í Convention
105. 30 April 2008 Election of the Universal House of Justice
106. 12 May 2008 Development of the Bahá’í Holy Places at the World Centre
107. 13 May 2008 Tenth International Bahá’í Convention and the Conference of the
Continental Boards of Counsellors
108. 14 May 2008 Appointment of the Members of the International Teaching
Centre
109. 14 May 2008 Arrest of the Members of the Friends in Iran
110. 19 May 2008 Arrest of the Yárán in Iran
111. 21 May 2008 Defence of the Yárán
112. 3 June 2008 Responding to Oppression with Good Deeds
113. 20 June 2008 Equality of Men and Women in Families and the Community
114. 26 June 2008 Release of Attaining the Dynamics of Growth
115. 21 July 2008 Appointment of Five Continental Counsellors
116. 29 July 2008 Passing of Harriett Wolcott
117. 20 October 2008 Convocation of Forty-One Regional Conferences
118. 22 October 2008 Release of Bahá’ís Arrested in Yemen
119. 31 October 2008 Countering the Slanders and Calumnies against the Faith in Iran
120. 2 November 2008 Appointment of Two Continental Counsellors
121. 14 November 2008 Launch of the “Bahá’í Community News” Web Site
122. 23 December 2008 Political Activity, Social Change and Public Policy
123. 4 January 2009 Three Broad Areas of Action
124. 7 January 2009 Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Bahá’í Faith in Ethiopia
125. 2 February 2009 Passing of Madge Featherstone
126. 5 March 2009 Ending the Services of the Yárán and Khádimín in Iran
127. 6 March 2009 Open Letter to the Prosecutor General in Iran
128. 18 March 2009 Continued Functioning of the Community in Iran
129. 19 March 2009 Appointment of Continental Counsellor
130. 21 March 2009 Naw-Rúz Message 2009
131. Riḍván 2009 Riḍván Message 2009
132. 17 May 2009 The Nineteen Day Feast
133. 19 May 2009 The Role of Consultation and the Nineteen Day Feast in Iran
134. 27 May 2009 Passing of Margaret Ruhe
135. 23 June 2009 Countering Cruelty with Inner Strength and Confidence in Iran’s
Future
136. 16 August 2009 Granting Bahá’ís in Egypt the Right to Possess Identity Cards
137. 4 October 2009 Passing of Eloy Anello
138. 16 October 2009 Appointment of Continental Counsellor
139. 17 November 2009 Receptivity to the Faith within Immigrant Populations
140. 24 November 2009 Distinctive Bahá’í Family Life in Iran
141. 2 December 2009 Release of Arising to Serve: Glimpses from 41 Regional
Conferences
142. 15 December 2009 Progress on Projects on Mount Carmel
143. 1 January 2010 Youth Conference in the United Kingdom
144. 5 January 2010 Release from Service of Two Members of the Universal House of
Justice
145. 7 January 2010 Youth Conference in Australia
146. 15 January 2010 Restrictions on Marrying Relatives
147. 19 January 2010 Considerations Related to Parental Consent for Marriage
148. 22 January 2010 Principles regarding Participation in the Life of Society in Iran
149. 25 January 2010 Disaster Relief Fund
150. 20 March 2010 Newly Elected Members of the Universal House of Justice
151. 30 March 2010 Appointment of Members of the International Teaching Centre
152. 2 April 2010 Economic Life of the Bahá’í Community of Iran
153. Riḍván 2010 Riḍván Message 2010
154. 9 May 2010 Second Anniversary of the Incarceration of the Yárán
155. 11 May 2010 Appointment of Two Continental Counsellors
156. 4 June 2010 Contract Signed for Gilded Tiles for the Shrine of the Báb
157. 1 August 2010 Publication of In Memoriam 1992–1997
158. 8 August 2010 Legal Proceedings Against the Former Members of the Yárán
159. 29 August 2010 Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Departure on His Journey to the
West
160. 29 October 2010 Completion of Work on the Riḍván Garden
161. 1 November 2010 Appointment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
162. 26 November 2010 Commencement of the Excavation Work for the House of
Worship in Chile
163. 7 December 2010 Open Letter to the Head of the Judiciary in Iran
164. 28 December 2010 The Five Year Plan, 2011–2016
165. 1 January 2011 Conference of the Continental Counsellors
166. 10 April 2011 Eliminating Racial Prejudice
167. 12 April 2011 Conclusion of the Restoration Work on the Shrine of the Báb
2011–2016
The Five Year Plan
168. Riḍván 2011 Riḍván Message 2011
169. 23 May 2011 Call for Pioneers
170. 25 May 2011 Assault against the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education
171. 17 June 2011 Denial of Higher Education to Bahá’í Youth in Iran
172. 15 July 2011 Passing of Peter Khan, Former Member of the Universal House
of Justice
173. 17 July 2011 International Financial Collaboration Programme
174. 19 July 2011 Appointment of Member of the International Board of Trustees of
Ḥuqúqu’lláh
175. 29 August 2011 Open Letter to the Minister of Science, Research and Technology
in Iran
176. 14 September 2011** **Passing of Violette Nakhjavání
177. 12 October 2011 Appointment of Continental Counsellor
178. 1 November 2011 Expanded Function of the Office of Correspondence
179. 3 November 2011 Release of* Summary of Achievements and Learning *for the Five
Year Plan, 2006–2011
180. 6 November 2011 The Trial of Bahá’ís Involved with the Bahá’í Institute for Higher
Education in Iran
181. 9 November 2011 Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Dedication of the House of
Worship in India
182. 1 December 2011 Passing of Ian Semple, Former Member of the Universal House
of Justice
183. 12 December 2011 The Courses of the Training Institute
184. 8 February 2012 Recitation of the Tablet of Visitation at Holy Day Observances
185. 16 February 2012 Developments in the Emergence of the Mother Temple of South
America
186. 21 February 2012 Passing of Anneliese Bopp, Former Member of the International
Teaching Centre
187. Riḍván 2012 Riḍván Message 2012
188. 6 May 2012 Review of Online, Self-Published Books
189. 27 June 2012 Contributions to the Temples Fund
190. 7 August 2012 Document Highlighting Effort by the Iranian Government to
Intensify Its Oppression of Bahá’ís in Semnan and Other Cities
191. 5 November 2012 Release from Service of Two Members of the Universal House of
Justice
192. 14 November 2012 Importance of the Junior Youth Empowerment Program
193. 26 November 2012 Release of a Statement on Social Action
194. 8 February 2013 Convocation of 95 Youth Conferences
195. 2 March 2013 Non-involvement in Partisan Politics
196. 7 March 2013 Passing of Mas‘úd Khamsí, Former Member of the International
Teaching Centre
197. 19 April 2013 Adhering to Bahá’í Standards of Morality
198. Riḍván 2013 Riḍván Message 2013
199. 23 April 2013 Upholding Bahá’í Moral Standards
200. 25 April 2013 Message to the Delegates Attending the Eleventh International
Bahá’í Convention
201. 30 April 2013 Election of the Universal House of Justice
202. 30 April 2013 Release of Frontiers of Learning
203. 1 May 2013 Convening of an Additional 19 Youth Conferences
204. 15 May 2013 Appointment of the Members of the International Teaching
Centre
205. 16 May 2013 Sacred Responsibilities of Delegates to National Conventions
206. 16 May 2013 Release of Insights from the Frontiers of Learning
207. 14 June 2013 Appointment of Six Continental Counsellors
208. 27 June 2013 Destruction of the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdad
209. 1 July 2013 Message to the 114 Youth Conferences throughout the World
210. 17 July 2013 History of the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdad
211. 23 July 2013 Collection and Utilization of Statistics
212. 24 July 2013 The Association for Bahá’í Studies
213. 31 July 2013 Passing of Amin Banani
214. 14 August 2013 Passing of Hushmand Fatheazam, Former Member of the
Universal House of Justice
215. 27 August 2013 Martyrdom of ‘Aṭá’u’lláh Riḍvání
216. 26 November 2013 Progress on the Construction of the Continental House of
Worship for South America
217. 5 December 2013 Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Return to the Holy Land
218. 22 December 2013 Women and Membership of the Universal House of Justice
219. 21 January 2014 Promotion of the Equality of Men and Women in Society
220. 29 January 2014 Message to Bahá’í Youth in Iran
221. 8 February 2014 Release of To Serve Humanity
222. 30 March 2014 Universal House of Justice Website
223. Riḍván 2014 Riḍván Message 2014
224. Riḍván 2014 Restoration of the National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt
225. 1 May 2014 Destruction of the Old Bahá’í Cemetery in Shiraz
226. 4 May 2014 Regarding the Restoration of the National Spiritual Assembly of
Egypt
227. 9 May 2014 Homosexuality
228. 6 June 2014 Greetings on the Occasion of the World Cup
229. 10 July 2014 Implementation of the Badí‘ Calendar
230. 1 August 2014 Progress in Raising Up National and Local Houses of Worship
231. 22 August 2014 Appointment of Two Continental Counsellors
232. 1 October 2014 Adversaries’ Efforts to Suppress the Cause
233. 28 October 2014 In Vitro Fertilization
234. 6 November 2014 Posting the Bahá’í Writings on Personal Websites and Blogs
235. 12 November 2014 Purchase of Property Adjacent to the Main Terrace of the Shrine
of the Báb
236. 11 December 2014 Table of Dates for 172–221 B.E.
237. 18 December 2014 Significance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
238. 20 January 2015 New Bahai.org Website
239. 12 March 2015 Revised Translation of Some Answered Questions
240. Riḍván 2015 Riḍván Message 2015
241. 29 April 2015 Dust from the Shrine of the Báb Placed in the Chile Temple
242. 3 July 2015 Translation of the Foreword to Some Answered Questions
243. 6 July 2015 Three Tablets from Days of Remembrance
244. 15 July 2015 Department of Library and Archives
245. 3 September 2015 Passing of Suheil Bushrui
246. 8 September 2015 Observance of the Twin Holy Birthdays
247. 9 October 2015 Promoting the Faith on the Internet
248. 27 October 2015 Appointment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
249. 8 November 2015 Announcement of the Dedication of the Mash̲riqu’l-Adh̲kár in
Chile
250. 29 December 2015 The Five Year Plan, 2016–2021
251. 2 January 2016 Conference of the Continental Counsellors and Conclusion of the
First Century of the Formative Age
252. 1 February 2016 Updates to the Bahai.org Website
253. 17 February 2016 Importance of the Annual Report
254. 21 February 2016 Science and the Sacred Scriptures
255. 26 March 2016 Centenary of the Revelation of the First of the Tablets of the
Divine Plan
256. 26 March 2016 Significance for the Bahá’ís of North America of the Centenary
of the Revelation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan
257. 27 March 2016 In Vitro Fertilization—Additional Considerations
258. 12 April 2016 Birth Control
2016–2021
The Five Year Plan
259. Riḍván 2016 Riḍván Message 2016
260. 25 April 2016 Passing of Joy Stevenson, Former Member of the International
Teaching Centre
261. 18 May 2016 Celebrating the Bicentenaries of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh and the
Birth of the Báb
262. 19 May 2016 Appointment of the International Board of Trustees of
Ḥuqúqu’lláh
263. 23 May 2016 Call for Pioneers
264. 23 May 2016 Selection and Settlement of Pioneers
265. 24 May 2016 Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Not Yet Universally Applied
266. 10 July 2016 International Financial Collaboration Programme
267. 4 August 2016 Delegates to the National Convention
268. 17 August 2016 Development of Local Spiritual Assemblies in Areas of Large-
Scale Growth
269. 24 August 2016 Change of Representative at the Dedication of the Maͯsh̲riqu’l-
Aͯdh̲kár in Chile
270. 5 September 2016 Use of Digital Technology in Publishing Works of Scripture
271. 6 September 2016 Open Letter to the President of Iran
272. 14 October 2016 Dedication of the Mother Temple of South America
273. 25 October 2016 Martyrdom of Farhang Amírí
274. 25 November 2016 Development of the Institution of the Auxiliary Board
275. 10 January 2017 Release of Training Institutes: Attaining a Higher Level of
Functioning
276. 17 January 2017 Publication of Days of Remembrance
277. 29 January 2017 Passing of Fred Schechter, Former Member of the International
Teaching Centre
278. 1 March 2017 Implications of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh for Economic Life
279. 5 March 2017 The International Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh
280. 6 March 2017 Messages to the Bahá’ís of Iran Now on Payamha-Iran Website
281. 19 March 2017 Enhancements to the Bahá’í World News Service
282. 17 April 2017 Release from Service of a Member of the International Teaching
Centre
283. Riḍván 2017 Riḍván Message 2017
284. 27 April 2017 Social Action, Discourse and Non-involvement in Political
Affairs
285. 27 April 2017 Measures to Make Pilgrimage More Accessible
286. 2 May 2017 Preparations for Celebrating the Bicentenary of the Birth of
Bahá’u’lláh
287. 18 May 2017 Passing of Firuz Kazemzadeh
288. 8 August 2017 Passing of Muhammad Afnan
289. 1 September 2017 Dedication of the House of Worship in Cambodia
290. 12 September 2017 Release of a Compilation on the Institution of the Mashriqu’l-
Adhkár
291. 19 September 2017 Release of Light to the World
292. 28 September 2017 Bahai.org to Provide Information about Events during the Twin
Holy Days
293. October 2017 Bicentennial Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
294. 17 October 2017 Significance for Iran of the Bicentenary of the Birth of
Bahá’u’lláh
295. 19 October 2017 Release of* Summary of Achievements and Learning for the *Five
Year Plan, 2011–2016
296. 31 October 2017 Reports from All Continents Regarding the Celebration of the
Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
297. 6 November 2017 Release from Service of Two Members of the Universal House of
Justice
298. 10 November 2017 Passing of Ursula Grossmann
299. 29 November 2017 Climate Change, Public Discourse and Social Action
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300. 17 December 2017 Passing of Hartmut Grossmann, Former Member of the Universal
House of Justice
301. 27 December 2017 Religious Prejudice
302. 25 March 2018 Footnotes to the Notes Section of The Kitáb-i-Aqdas
303. Riḍván 2018 Riḍván Message 2018
304. 25 April 2018 Message to the Delegates Attending the Twelfth International
Bahá’í Convention
305. 30 April 2018 Election of the Universal House of Justice
306. 1 May 2018 Release of A Widening Embrace
307. 3 May 2018 Determining When the Fast Ends and Naw-Rúz is Celebrated
308. 15 May 2018 Appointment of the Members of the International Teaching
Centre
309. 18 May 2018 Conferred Infallibility
310. 1 June 2018 Preparations for the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb
311. 11 June 2018 Passing of Flore Kavelin
312. 14 June 2018 Appointment of Six Continental Counsellors
313. 22 July 2018 Dedication of the First House of Worship in Colombia
314. 24 October 2018 Shining Achievements of the Bahá’í Community in Iran
315. 9 November 2018 Establishment of the Bahá’í International Development
Organization
316. 12 November 2018 Appointment of the Members of the Board of Directors for the
Bahá’í International Development Organization
317. 16 November 2018 Passing of Shapoor Monadjem, Former Member of the
International Teaching Centre
318. 26 November 2018 In Remembrance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
319. 18 January 2019 Humanity’s Progress Towards World Peace
320. 29 January 2019 Review of Bahá’í Literature and Dealing with Questions of
Historical Accuracy
321. 1 February 2019 Youth Conference in Germany
322. 6 February 2019 Publication of The Call of the Divine Beloved
323. 28 February 2019 Release of a Compilation on Prayer and Devotional Life
324. 13 April 2019 Nordic Youth Conference
325. Riḍván 2019 Riḍván Message 2019
326. 28 April 2019 Passing of Donald Rogers, Former Member of the International
Teaching Centre
327. 7 May 2019 Appointment of the Architect for the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
328. 19 May 2019 Appointment of the International Board of Trustees of
Ḥuqúqu’lláh
329. 23 May 2019 The Bahá’í World Website
330. 16 June 2019 Increase of Terms for Boards of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh
331. 21 June 2019 Translation and Dissemination of Dawn of the Light
332. 6 September 2019 Portal on Bahai.org for the Twin Holy Days
333. 13 September 2019 Release of Dawn of the Light
334. 20 September 2019 Design of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
335. October 2019 Bicentennial Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb
336. 11 October 2019 Passing of ‘Alí Nakhjavání, Former Member of the Universal
House of Justice
337. 24 October 2019 Significance for Iran of the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb
338. 8 November 2019 Results of the Worldwide Celebration of the Birth of the Báb
339. 1 December 2019 Non-involvement in Partisan Politics
340. 16 January 2020 Two-Stage Electoral Process for Electing Local Spiritual
Assemblies
341. 12 March 2020 Suspension of Pilgrimage and Brief Visits
342. Naw-Rúz 177 Naw-Rúz 2020 Message
343. Naw-Rúz 177 Naw-Rúz 2020 Message to the Bahá’ís of Iran
344. Riḍván 2020 Riḍván Message 2020
345. 23 April 2020 Service of Women on the Elected and Appointed Institutions
346. 9 May 2020 Global Health Crisis
347. 22 July 2020 Eradication of Prejudice in America
348. 10 August 2020 Release of a Compilation on Social Action
349. 24 September 2020 Passing of Violette Haake, Former Member of the International
Teaching Centre
350. 26 September 2020 Passing of Farzam Arbab, Former Member of the Universal
House of Justice
351. 29 September 2020 Passing of Douglas Martin, Former Member of the Universal
House of Justice
352. 8 October 2020 Extension of the Suspension of Pilgrimage and Brief Visits
353. 29 October 2020 Appointment of Continental Counsellors and Increase in Number
of Continental Counsellors
354. 25 November 2020 The One Year Plan, 2021–2022
355. 6 December 2020 Parental Consent for Marriage
356. 11 January 2021 The Humanitarian Relief Fund
357. 11 February 2021 Making Decisions on Medical Matters When Faced with
Conflicting Information
358. 21 February 2021 Progress on the Construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
359. 28 February 2021 Release of a Compilation on the Universal House of Justice
360. 9 March 2021 Release of Translations of Twenty-Six Prayers Revealed by
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
361. Naw-Rúz 178 Naw-Rúz 2021 Message to the Bahá’ís of Iran
362. 28 March 2021 Appointment of Continental Counsellor
363. 2 April 2021 Completion of the Restoration of the House of ‘Abbúd
2021–2022
The One Year Plan
364. Riḍván 2021 Riḍván Message 2021
365. 21 April 2021 Further Information on Lowering the Voting Age to Eighteen
366. 30 April 2021 Publication of Light of the World
367. 23 May 2021 Dedication of the First House of Worship in Kenya
368. 3 June 2021 45th Edition of Reflections on Growth
369. 18 June 2021 Amendments to the Model By-Laws of Spiritual Assemblies
370. 24 June 2021 Conflict in the Holy Land
371. 8 July 2021 Resumption of Pilgrimage and Brief Visits
372. 15 September 2021 Series of Global Conferences
373. 24 October 2021 Release of Exemplar
374. 29 October 2021 Resumption of Pilgrimage and Brief Visits
375. 8 November 2021 Restoration of the Mansion of Mazra‘ih
376. 13 November 2021 Dedication of the House of Worship in Vanuatu
377. 25 November 2021 Centenary Commemoration of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
378. 27 November 2021 Tribute to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the Centenary of His Passing
379. 1 December 2021 Reflections on Events Marking the Centenary of the Ascension of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
380. 9 December 2021 Passing of Shapour Rassekh
381. 10 December 2021 Participation of Women in Administrative Affairs
382. 12 December 2021 Release of Glimpses of a Hundred Years of Endeavour
383. 17 December 2021 Cancellation of the Conference of the Continental Boards of
Counsellors and Auxiliary Board Members
384. 30 December 2021 The Nine Year Plan
385. 1 January 2022 Materials of the Training Institute
386. 3 January 2022 Message to the Auxiliary Board Members
387. 4 January 2022 Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
388. 9 February 2022 International Financial Collaboration Programme
389. 20 February 2022 Age and Membership on Bahá’í Institutions
390. Naw-Rúz 179 Naw-Rúz 2022 Message to the Bahá’ís of Iran
391. 1 April 2022 Response of Bahá’ís to the Situation in Ukraine
392. 8 April 2022 Development Concerning the Construction of the Shrine of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
393. 14 April 2022 Update on the Construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
394. 15 April 2022 Institutional Meeting for Eastern Europe
2022–2031
The Nine Year Plan
395. Riḍván 2022 Riḍván Message 2022
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Foreword
The messages in this volume chronicle the development of the Bahá’í Faith over the course of two eventful decades—years of critical importance both for the fortunes of humanity and for the worldwide Bahá’í community. To read them is to be deeply struck by the evidences of a community whose “heightened awareness” from the outset of this period “of the value of process, the necessity of planning and the virtue of systematic action,” would serve as the foundation for rapidly accelerating growth as the period reached its victorious conclusion. Just as significantly, we witness a community increasingly conscious of the infinite spiritual resources at its disposal and of the manner in which to develop and deploy them for the betterment of human society. Though still constituting but a very small proportion of humanity, in the maturation of its institutions, the development of its community life, and the steady increase of its human resources—all advancing together in an organic and increasingly coherent manner—one could discern, as these years came to a close, a pattern of impressive action emerging, portending immense consequence for the future.
Most notable are the range and depth of the messages contained herein, but also striking is their overall coherence with each other. Addressing themes related to the life of the individual believer, the dynamics of the Bahá’í community, the operation of the institutions of the Faith at every level, and the collective interaction of all three with each other and with society, a world-transforming vision is presented in its totality. Further, these messages depict an array of outstanding advancements in the development of the Faith as the result of the ongoing efforts of the Bahá’ís, taking place in seeming counterpoint to a series of crises, including greatly intensified persecution of the believers in Iran and in a few other countries, and the confiscation and destruction of the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdad.
Among the significant advancements described are the establishment of new National Spiritual Assemblies in various parts of the world, the publication of translations of the Writings of the Faith, the establishment of new Maͯsh̲riqu’l-Aͯdh̲kárs in various places, and, at the Bahá’í World Center, the establishment of the Bahá’í International Development Organization. In these years the Universal House of Justice also continued to fulfill its responsibility to contribute to the forces of integration at work in the world at large. Whether in the form of its own direct statements, such as the Letter to the World’s Religious Leaders, or in such publications as For the Betterment of the World, a remarkable example was set of how to relate the teachings of the Faith to a world in desperate need of a new framework through which to understand and act upon the imperatives of the age. In its messages on the occasions of the 200th anniversaries of the births of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, and for the 100th anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the House of Justice led the way in inviting humanity to work together with the Bahá’ís for the creation of a truly just and prosperous society. These messages were complemented by a range of others, directing attention to such matters as the advancement of women, the processes leading to the achievement of peace, the elimination of racial prejudice, the creation of a just economic system, the relationship of science and religion, the foundations for social action, the profound environmental challenge and the crisis precipitated by the global pandemic, among a number of others.
Among the most soul-stirring features of this compilation are the letters addressed to the believers in Iran, who during these years experienced a wave of greatly intensified persecution orchestrated by a government whose ultimate goal was, and still remains, the eradication of the Bahá’í community from the land of its birth. In these letters, the House of Justice showers upon these steadfast souls touching expressions of love, appreciation, and confidence. The messages also clearly portray the Bahá’ís of Iran not merely as passive victims of oppression, but rather as true lovers of their native country and active protagonists of its betterment. They also describe how the Bahá’ís pursue their vision of social change, using means that are unifying and inclusive and devoid of partisanship, subversion, and self-aggrandizement. These letters have served as a balm to the sorely tried community of Bahá’ís in that country, as well as a source of inspiration and edification for their brothers and sisters in every corner of the globe.
The same spirit of loving encouragement, together with elucidation of fundamental principles and their practical applications, infuses all of these letters, whether addressed to individuals, national communities, or to the entire world. The result is the continuing progress of a community more focused and more persistent in pursuit of its aims, and poised to exercise an ever greater impact upon the life of society. In no arena was this more apparent than in the prosecution of four consecutive teachings plans, each of five years’ duration, followed by a one-year plan. In these plans, the Bahá’í community dramatically built its capacity to advance along three broad areas of endeavor—expansion and consolidation, social action, and engagement in the discourse of society—and doing so in a systematic manner characterized by an attitude of experimentation and learning. All of this was propelled chiefly by the institute process, in which the application of the Word of God in the life of society is expressed in increasingly complex acts of service as knowledge accrues and growth advances. It is a system of social change, with spiritual and material aspects, involving ever-increasing contingents of active participants, and in which all peoples of the world are welcomed and seen as both contributors and beneficiaries. While focused on learning and capacity building at the grassroots, the Universal House of Justice also stimulated the accelerated evolution of a system capable of disseminating knowledge whereby insights obtained in any part of the world could be shared and applied to the benefit of the entire global community. The continuing maturation of this system is in and of itself an accomplishment with far-reaching consequences.
By the year 2022 the Bahá’í community had evolved into one that was more confident, more outward looking, more conscious of its mission, and had developed a more profound grasp of the principles upon which its future growth would be based. There can be little question that these letters demonstrate the potentialities of a religious movement that is unique in the annals of history: a community protected and guided through the power of a Covenant; undaunted and indivisible in the face of tests; mystic at its heart; scientific in method; united in vision; infinitely diverse in expression; tested and matured by a century and a half of unparalleled experience; increasingly manifesting the transformative powers latent in the Word of God for today; keenly aware of the trials that humanity must face before it realizes its destiny, and yet serenely confident of ultimate victory.
The National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá’ís of the United States
December 2023
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Epochs of the Heroic Age
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
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Epochs of the Formative Age
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 Bahá’ís 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)
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
1986–2001
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
2000–2001 Twelve Month Plan
2001–2022
The Fifth Epoch
2001–2006 Five Year Plan
2006–2011 Five Year Plan
2011–2016 Five Year Plan
2016–2021 Five Year Plan
2021–2022 One Year Plan**
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The Fifth Epoch
Significant Milestones, Anniversaries, and Events
Milestones
Riḍván 2001 Beginning of the Five Year Plan
Riḍván 2006 End of the Five Year Plan
Beginning of the next Five Year Plan
Riḍván 2011 End of the Five Year Plan
Beginning of the next Five Year Plan
Riḍván 2016 End of the Five Year Plan
Beginning of the next Five Year Plan
Riḍván 2021 End of the Five Year Plan
Beginning of the One Year Plan
Riḍván 2022 End of the One Year Plan
Beginning of the Nine Year Plan
Significant Anniversaries
March 2009 Centenary Anniversary of the interment of the remains of the Báb
August 2010 Centenary Anniversary of the departure of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on His journey to the West
December 2013 Centenary Anniversary of the return of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Holy Land
2016–2017 Centenary Anniversary of the revelation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan
October 2017 Bicentenary Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
October 2019 Bicentenary Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb
November 2021 Centenary Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and of the inauguration of the Formative Age
“Period of Special Potency”
2016–2021 Opened with the centenary of the revelation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan and closed with the Centenary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which marked the conclusion of the first century of the Formative Age and the start of the second
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Significant Events
Riḍván 2001 Beginning of the Five Year Plan
May 2001 Dedication of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb
Completion of the projects on Mount Carmel
June 2001 Monument placed over the resting place of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum
November 2001 Establishment of the World Centre Endowment Fund
February 2002 Martyrdom of two Bahá’ís in Tajikistan
April 2002 Release of the letter to the world’s religious leaders
Publication of The Summons of the Lord of Hosts
June 2002 Publication of Gems of Divine Mysteries
April 2003 Cancellation of the Ninth International Bahá’í Convention
Riḍván 2003 Election of the Universal House of Justice
Completion of restoration work on the Cell of Bahá’u’lláh in the prison at ‘Akká
May 2003 Appointment of the members of the International Teaching Centre
June 2004 Launch of the Bahá’í Reference Library website
March 2005 By-election to replace two members of the Universal House of Justice
Naw-Rúz 2005 Release of One Common Faith
Riḍván 2005 Establishment of the International Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh
June 2005 Creation of the Bahá’í Internet Agency
October 2005 Appointment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
December 2005 Martyrdom of a Bahá’í in Iran
Conference of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Holy Land
Release of the message regarding the Five Year Plan, 2006–2011
Junior youth groups formed through programmes implemented by their training institutes identified as a fourth core activity
Books of the Ruhi Institute designated as constituting the main sequence of courses for institutes worldwide
April 2006 Publication of The Tabernacle of Unity
Riḍván 2006 Beginning of the Five Year Plan
June 2006 Launch of the Bahá’í Media Bank website
March 2007 Message on the Bahá’í electoral process
May 2007 Passing of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II
June 2007 Release of a compilation on Ḥuqúqu’lláh
August 2007 Release of a confidential communication issued by the Central Security Office in Iran expelling Bahá’í university students
September 2007 Passing of Dr. ‘Alí-Muḥammad Varqá, the last remaining Hand of the Cause of God
November 2007 Message paying tribute to the Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God
February 2008 Revision of the Codification of the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh
March 2008 Release of a revised compilation on family life
Riḍván 2008 Convening of the Tenth International Bahá’í Convention and the election of
the Universal House of Justice
May 2008 Appointment of the members of the International Teaching Centre
Arrest of the Yárán
Announcement of developments at the Bahá’í World Centre, including the acquisition of property at Bahjí, beautification of the environs of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, restoration of the Riḍván Garden, restoration and development of the International Archives Building, and renovation of the Shrine of the Báb
October 2008 Call for 41 regional conferences worldwide
Release of Bahá’í prisoners in Yemen after several months of incarceration
March 2009 Services of the Yárán and Khádimín in Iran brought to an end
Sending of an open letter from the Bahá’í International Community to the Prosecutor General of Iran
January 2010 Establishment of the Disaster Relief Fund, later named the Humanitarian Relief Fund
March 2010 By-election to replace two members of the Universal House of Justice
April 2010 Five Year Plan goal of 1,500 clusters with an intensive program of growth fulfilled
October 2010 Completion of the restoration work on the Riḍván Garden
November 2010 Appointment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
Commencement of the excavation work for the House of Worship in Chile
December 2010 Sending of an open letter from the Bahá’í International Community to the head of the judiciary in Iran
Conference of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Holy Land
Release of the message regarding the Five Year Plan, 2011–2016
April 2011 Completion of the restoration of the Shrine of the Báb and other projects at the World Centre
Riḍván 2011 Beginning of the Five Year Plan
May 2011 Assault against the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education in Iran
August 2011 Sending of an open letter from the Bahá’í International Community to the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology in Iran
Riḍván 2012 Announcement of the construction of two national and five local Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs
November 2012 Release of a statement on social action prepared by the Office of Social and Economic Development
February 2013 Call for 95 youth conferences, later to become 114
March 2013 Message to the Bahá’ís of Iran on non-involvement in partisan politics
Riḍván 2013 Convening of the Eleventh International Bahá’í Convention and the election of the Universal House of Justice
May 2013 Appointment of the members of the International Teaching Centre
June 2013 Destruction of the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdad
August 2013 Martyrdom of a Bahá’í in Iran
May 2014 Destruction of the old Bahá’í cemetery in Shiraz
July 2014 Universal implementation of the Badí‘ calendar
November 2014 Acquisition of property adjacent to the Shrine of the Báb
January 2015 Release of a new version of the Bahai.org website
March 2015 Publication of a revised translation of Some Answered Questions
October 2015 Appointment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors
December 2015 Conference of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Holy Land
Release of the message regarding the Five Year Plan, 2016–2021
Riḍván 2016 Beginning of the Five Year Plan
Number of programmes of growth established surpasses 5,000
May 2016 Appointment of the International Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh
September 2016 Sending of an open letter from the Bahá’í International Community to the President of Iran
October 2016 Dedication of the House of Worship in Santiago, Chile
Martyrdom of a Bahá’í in Iran
November 2016 Number of Auxiliary Board members increased to 1,134
January 2017 Publication of Days of Remembrance
March 2017 Message on the implications of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh for economic life
Announcement of the use of the Payamha website for the release of messages of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of Iran
April 2017 Adoption of measures to make pilgrimage more accessible
September 2017 Dedication of the House of Worship in Battambang, Cambodia
Release of a compilation on the Institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
October 2017 Holding of worldwide celebrations of the bicentennial Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh and release of a message marking the occasion
Riḍván 2018 Twelfth International Bahá’í Convention and the election of the Universal House of Justice\
May 2018 Appointment of the members of the International Teaching Centre
July 2018 Dedication of the House of Worship in Norte del Cauca, Colombia
November 2018 Establishment of the Bahá’í International Development Organization
January 2019 Message concerning humanity’s progress towards world peace
February 2019 Publication of The Call of the Divine Beloved
Release of a compilation on prayer and devotional life
Riḍván 2019 Announcement of the construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
500 clusters reach the third milestone along the continuum of growth
May 2019 Appointment of the International Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh
Establishment of* *a website for the publication The Bahá’í World
September 2019 Announcement of the design of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
October 2019 Holding of worldwide celebrations of the bicentennial Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb and release of a message marking the occasion
January 2020 Introduction of a two-stage electoral process for selected Local Spiritual Assemblies
March 2020 Suspension of pilgrimage and brief visits to the Holy Land due to the coronavirus pandemic
August 2020 Release of a compilation on social action
October 2020 Appointment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and increase in the number of Continental Counsellors to ninety
November 2020 Message concerning the One Year Plan
February 2021 Release of a compilation on the Universal House of Justice
March 2021 Release of English translations of twenty-six prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
April 2021 Completion of restoration work on the House of ‘Abbúd
Riḍván 2021 Beginning of the One Year Plan
Announcement of the conclusion of the second epoch of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the beginning of the third epoch
1,000 clusters reach the third milestone, surpassing expectations at the outset of the Five Year Plan in 2016, and the number of clusters with intensive programmes of growth more than doubles and stands at approximately 4,000
Voting age in Bahá’í elections lowered to eighteen
Publication of Light of the World
May 2021 Dedication of the House of Worship in Matunda Soy, Kenya
October 2021 Announcement of the resumption of pilgrimage and brief visits in January 2022 and December 2021, respectively
November 2021 Completion of the restoration work on the Mansion of Mazra‘ih
Dedication of the House of Worship in Tanna, Vanuatu
Gathering in the Holy Land to mark the centenary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and release of a message paying tribute to Him
December 2021 Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors in the Holy Land
Message concerning the Nine Year Plan
January 2022 Message concerning the raising of capacity to develop materials and branch courses by training institutes
Series of global conferences launching the Nine Year Plan begins
Riḍván 2022 Beginning of the Nine Year Plan
Announcement of the conclusion of the fifth epoch of the Formative Age and the beginning of the sixth epoch
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