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
Concerning the various questions you have raised regarding literature and
translations, he thinks that it is perhaps better to have a proper
introductory pamphlet on the Faith translated into ... and not give any
wide publicity for the time being, than to spend money translating a
lopsided presentation of the Teachings. However, he believes that, with
sufficient effort and good judgment, a pamphlet could be gotten out that
would neither stress too strongly the racial teachings, nor minimise them
too much, and could discreetly be used for teaching purposes in...
He has spoken very strongly to some of the pilgrims here about the
teaching work in that country, and impressed upon them that the whole
object of the pioneers in going forth to Africa, is to teach the coloured
people, and not the white people. This does not mean that they must refuse
to teach the white people, which would be a foolish attitude. It does,
however, mean that they should constantly bear in mind that it is to the
native African that they are now carrying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, in
his own country, and not to people from abroad who have migrated there
permanently or temporarily and are a minority, and many of them, judging
by their acts, a very unsavoury minority.
He hopes that every effort will be made to get out a pamphlet in each of
the languages chosen, or those that you have substituted for a chosen
language. He fully realises that, in many cases, the people who speak the
language are illiterate, and, strictly speaking, do not require a printed
pamphlet in their own tongue. He considers however the psychological
values of having something translated into their own language, the
compliment implicit in it, so to speak, of great importance, sufficient to
offset the time, effort and expense involved.
He would like your committee to convey to all the pioneers, most
particularly the negro ones, the expression of his deep admiration of the
wonderful spirit that animates them, his feeling of affection for them,
and the assurance of his ardent prayers for their success.
Africa is truly awakening and finding herself, and she undoubtedly has a
great message to give, and a great contribution to make to the advancement
of world civilisation. To the degree to which her peoples accept
Bahá’u’lláh, will they be blessed, strengthened and protected.
He hopes that, whilst concentrating on the consolidation of the work under
your jurisdiction, you will give every assistance within your power to the
other National Assemblies who have difficult places to settle. The
Portuguese and Spanish territories seem to be the hardest of all to gain
access to. Any help your committee can give along this line would
certainly be rendering a great service to the Cause.
He deeply appreciates the work you have done, and your committee
achievements, during the past year, and assures each and all of you of his
loving prayers on your behalf....
[From the Guardian:]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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