10. Crisis in the Bahá’í International Fund

10

Crisis in the Bahá’í International Fund

12 November 2001

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

10.1 Further to the letter dated 5 August 2001 sent to you on our behalf, we find it necessary to advise you that the condition of the Bahá’í International Fund has continued to deteriorate since that time, and has become a source of deep concern.

10.2 A number of actions are being instituted at the Bahá’í World Centre, with the aim of effecting a sharp reduction in expenditures. These include

• deferment of all projects which, though highly desirable, are not of immediate critical importance;

• suspension of functions which can reasonably be held in abeyance for a period without serious detriment to the long-term operation of the World Centre;

• reduction in the number of staff serving at the World Centre;

• increase in the assigned hours of service each week of World Centre staff;

• suspension of the increase in staff allowances that offsets inflation.

10.3 Several other measures are also under consideration to further decrease our expenditures during this period of financial crisis.

10.4 We enclose a letter addressed to all members of the Bahá’í community, informing them of the needs of the Bahá’í International Fund. Kindly arrange for its distribution without delay to the believers in your area.

10.5 We urge you to make a renewed endeavour, with the help of the Counsellors and their Auxiliary Board members, to encourage the friends to intensify their commitment to meeting the vital needs of the World Centre, irrespective of the material circumstances, each according to his or her means.

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10.6 Universal participation in the sacrificial outpouring of resources to which the friends are now called will attract incalculable blessings upon them, and will be a source of renewed vigour for the believers as they persevere in their pursuit of the Five Year Plan.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice