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
Now that the African work has entered upon an entirely new phase, indeed
the work all over the world, the position your Assembly held as the more
or less co-ordinating body for the work in Africa has been changed.
However, the closest co-operation will be necessary between all the
National Assemblies concerned with the Africa teaching work, if the Plan
is to go ahead swiftly; and exchange of information, especially as regards
pioneer possibilities and posts, is essential, in order to get the
believers out to the goal countries during this year, which is the
Guardian’s ardent hope, and to which he attaches the greatest possible
importance. There is no objection to British pioneers going into the
territories of other Assemblies, or believers under other jurisdiction
being used by your Assembly. The most important thing is to open up the
virgin countries; and of course whoever works in a country under the
jurisdiction of a specific Assembly, no matter where their origin may have
been, would be under the orders of that Assembly.
As he has cabled, he considers that, at this stage in the development of
the Faith in Africa, it is not necessary for so many people to congregate
in one centre, such as Kampala, when there is such a tremendous need in
neighbouring territories for pioneers, whether native or European.
He considers that the formation of a school at this time is premature. It
would involve us in heavy responsibilities which for the sake of public
opinion would have to be discharged efficiently and in an exemplary
manner, and he does not consider that we have the resources or the
facilities at present to embark on such a project. There is no reason why
the subject cannot be reconsidered at a future date.
He considers that the attitude of your Assembly regarding police service
which might be required of the Bahá’ís in Kenya at this time is correct,
and that it is not war, so far. As it seems that ... situation with his
employer, for the present at least, prevented him from having to do police
duty, the subject does not arise for the moment. He does not think that
any general rule can be laid down in such matters. Events must be watched,
and, when situations such as these arise, fresh consultation with him will
be necessary....
As he has already informed you, and the National Spiritual Assembly of
America as well, there is no objection to your receiving co-operation from
them and financial assistance which they might be able to give you in
publishing some of the literature in the African languages.
He thinks your Assembly’s decision regarding spiritual healing being
demonstrated at a Bahá’í meeting was quite sound. We should try not to
have the Faith identified with such things in the eyes of the public,
officially. What the believers do privately, which in no way contravenes
the Teachings, is their own affair.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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