The Unfolding Destiny of the British Bahá'í Community : the Messages from the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith to the Bahá'ís of the British IslesShoghi, Effendi
Religion
The Unfolding Destiny of the British Bahá'í Community : the Messages from the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith to the Bahá'ís of the British Isles
Shoghi, Effendi
Bahai Faith -- Great Britain -- History -- Sources; Shoghi, Effendi, 1897-1957 -- Correspondence
He has no objection to your getting out a book on Bahá’í Procedure similar
to the synopsis you enclosed for his information. He wishes you, however,
to stick to essentials and, as far as possible, avoid—not only in the book
but in your Assembly’s decisions—binding the friends by a lot of procedure
on minor matters which he always urges should be, as much as possible,
dealt with according to each case that comes up. He wishes to keep the
administration of the Cause as flexible as possible and not impede the
work by a codified set of rules.
As to the attitude of the Bahá’ís in the British Isles towards the World
Government Movement: he thinks that as this Movement, so far, seems to be
working for what we believe in, and not for anything we do not subscribe
to, the Bahá’ís should by all means support it, vote for the
representatives to be sent to its constituent Assembly in 1950, and stand
for election if they wish to. However, he feels your Assembly should keep
a careful watch on this Movement, and if it becomes in any way
imperialistic, anti-Russian, or in any other field starts sponsoring
attitudes partizan or political in nature, the believers should be advised
to withdraw their support and help. He does not think your Assembly should
take any initiative in this Movement outside of its jurisdiction, such as
in the Middle East, through asking the friends to send in non-Bahá’í
names, etc.
He does not advise you to try and create more than one Assembly, i.e. the
present one, in the London area.
The work being accomplished in the British Isles is not only a source of
pride to him, but is increasingly being recognised and admired by the
Bahá’í communities throughout the World, and is greatly encouraging them
in their own struggles. For people are prone to thinking that the American
Bahá’ís accomplish so much solely because of the great advantages they
enjoy in their very fortunate country, whereas now the friends, knowing
full well how much England suffered during the war, and is still
suffering, are forced to acknowledge that it is spirit, determination,
faith and devotion which bring victories into being, one after another, in
Britain, and not luxury and leisure. Your achievements are heartening the
friends in many places where their numbers are few, and the obstacles to
be overcome great! In fact the American Bahá’ís who have visited England
feel there is much to be copied at home in your spirit and methods.
He, therefore, urges you all to persevere courageously, knowing what you
are accomplishing is infinitely precious and great. You are witnessing
with your own eyes the fruition of your plans, the nearing of the moment
when your hopes will be fully realised.
He assures you all of his very loving prayers on your behalf, and for the
speedy progress of your work.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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