The National Convention
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Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Abdu'l-Bahá, The National Convention, bahai-library.com.
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The National Convention

Abdu'l-Bahá

Shoghi Effendi

Universal House of Justice

Universal House of Justice, Research Department

, compiler

published in

Compilation of Compilations

Volume 3,  pp. 60-91

2000

Contents:

From the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá

From the Letters and Writings of Shoghi Effendi

From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi

From Letters and a Memorandum Written by the Universal House of Justice

From Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice

Index

Extracts from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá

1.         And now, concerning the House of Justice which God hath ordained
as the source of all good and freed from all error, it must be elected by
universal suffrage, that is, by the believers. Its members must be
manifestations of the fear of God and daysprings of knowledge and
understanding, must be steadfast in God's faith and the well-wishers of
all mankind. By this House is meant the Universal House of Justice, that
is, in all countries a secondary House of Justice must be instituted, and
these secondary Houses of Justice must elect the members of the
Universal one.

("Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust,
1971), p.
14
)

2.         The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the
members of the assembly. They must be wholly free from estrangement
and must manifest in themselves the Unity of God, for they are the waves
of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, the rays of one
sun, the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one garden. Should harmony
of thought and absolute unity be non-existent, that gathering shall be
dispersed and that assembly be brought to naught. The second condition:
- They must when coming together turn their faces to the Kingdom on
High and ask aid from the Realm of Glory. They must then proceed with
the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express
their views. They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist
upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one's views
will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain
hidden. The honoured members must with all freedom express their own
thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought
of another, nay, he must with moderation set forth the truth, and should
differences of opinion arise a majority of voices must prevail, and all must
obey and submit to the majority. It is again not permitted that any one of
the honoured members object to or censure, whether in or out of the

21

meeting, any decision arrived at previously, though that decision be not
right, for such criticism would prevent any decision from being enforced.
In short, whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with love and
purity of motive, its result is light, and should the least trace of
estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness.

('Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1980), p.
22
)

Extracts from the Letters and Writings of Shoghi Effendi

3.         I am deeply convinced that if the Annual Convention of the friends
in America, as well as the National Spiritual Assembly, desire to become
potent instruments for the speedy realization of the Beloved's fondest
hopes for the future of that country, they should endeavour, first and
foremost, to exemplify, in an increasing degree, to all Bahá'ís and to the
world at large, the high ideals of fellowship and service which Bahá'u'lláh
and the beloved Master have repeatedly set before them. They can claim
the admiration, the support and, eventually, the allegiance of their
fellow-countrymen only by their strict regard for the dignity, the welfare,
and the unity of the Cause of God, by their zeal, their disinterestedness,
and constancy in the service of mankind, and by demonstrating, through
their words and deeds, the need and practicability of the lofty principles;
which the Movement has proclaimed to the world.

(From a letter dated 26 November 1923 to a National Spiritual Assembly, cf.
"Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p.
53
)

4.         Hitherto the National Convention has been primarily called
together for the consideration of the various circumstances attending the
election of the National Spiritual Assembly. I feel, however, that in view
of the expansion and the growing importance of the administrative
sphere of the Cause, the general sentiments and tendencies prevailing
among the friends, and the signs of increasing interdependence among
the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world, the assembled
accredited representatives of the American believers should exercise not
only the vital and responsible right of electing the National Assembly, but
should also fulfil the functions of an enlightened, consultative and

22

co-operative body that will enrich the experience, enhance the prestige,
support the authority, and assist the deliberations of the National
Spiritual Assembly. It is my firm conviction that it is the bounden duty, in
the interests of the Cause we all love and serve, of the members of the
incoming National Assembly, once elected by the delegates at Convention
time, to seek and have the utmost regard, individually as well as
collectively, for the advice, the considered opinion and the true
sentiments of the assembled delegates. Banishing every vestige of secrecy,
of undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness, from their midst, they should
radiantly and abundantly unfold to the eyes of the delegates, by whom
they are elected, their plans, their hopes, and their cares. They should
familiarize the delegates with the various matters that will have to be
considered in the current year, and calmly and conscientiously study and
weigh the opinions and judgements of the delegates. The newly elected
National Assembly, during the few days when the Convention is in session
and after the dispersal of the delegates, should seek ways and means to
cultivate understanding, facilitate and maintain the exchange of views,
deepen confidence, and vindicate by every tangible evidence their one
desire to serve and advance the common weal. Not infrequently, nay
oftentimes, the most lowly, untutored, and inexperienced among the
friends will, by the sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent devotion,
contribute a distinct and memorable share to a highly involved discussion
in any given assembly. Great must be the regard paid by those whom the
delegates call upon to serve in high position to this all-important though
inconspicuous manifestation of the revealing power of sincere and
earnest devotion.

The National Spiritual Assembly, however, in view of the
unavoidable limitations imposed upon the convening of frequent and
long-standing sessions of the Convention, will have to retain in its hands
the final decision on all matters that affect the interests of the Cause in
America, such as the right to decide whether any Local Assembly is
functioning in accordance with the principles laid down for the conduct
and the advancement of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer that they will
utilize their highly responsible position, not only for the wise and efficient
conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but also for the extension and
deepening of the spirit of cordiality and whole-hearted and mutual

23

support in their co-operation with the body of their co-workers
throughout the land.... While the Convention is in session and the
accredited delegates have already elected from among the believers
throughout the country the members of the National Spiritual Assembly
for the current year, it is of infinite value and a supreme necessity that as
far as possible all matters requiring immediate decision should be fully
and publicly considered, and an endeavour be made to obtain after
mature deliberation unanimity in vital decisions. Indeed it has ever been
the cherished desire of our Master 'Abdu'l-Bahá that the friends in their
councils, local as well as national, should by their candour, their honesty
of purpose, their singleness of mind, and the thoroughness of their
discussions achieve unanimity in all things. Should this in certain cases
prove impracticable the verdict of the majority should prevail, to which
decision the minority must under all circumstances gladly, spontaneously
and continually submit.

(From a letter dated 29 January 1925 to a National Spiritual Assembly, cf.
"Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", pp.
78
-
80
)

5.         ...I feel that the dominating purpose inspiring the assembled friends,
delegates and visitors alike, should be a twofold one. The first is a
challenge to the individual, the second a collective responsibility. The one
seeks to reinforce the motive power of our spiritual activities, the second
aims at raising the standard of administrative efficiency so vitally needed
at this advanced stage of our work. We should first and foremost
endeavour by every conceivable means to revitalize our precious Cause,
rudely shaken by the constant vicissitudes attending the outward
departure of a vigilant and gracious Master. Our next object should be to
seek to approach, through more intimate association, fuller and more
frequent consultation, and a closer familiarity with the character, the
mission, and the teachings of the Cause, that standard of excellence which
should characterize the co-operative efforts of Bahá'í Communities in
every land.

High aims and pure motives, however laudable in themselves, will
surely not suffice if unsupported by measures that are practicable and
methods that are sound. Wealth of sentiment, abundance of goodwill and
effort, will prove of little avail if we should fail to exercise discrimination

24

and restraint and neglect to direct their flow along the most profitable
channels. The unfettered freedom of the individual should be tempered
with mutual consultation and sacrifice, and the spirit of initiative and
enterprise should be reinforced by a deeper realization of the supreme
necessity for concerted action and a fuller devotion to the common weal.

It would be impossible at this stage to ignore the indispensability or
to overestimate the unique significance of the institution of the National
Spiritual Assembly - the pivot round which revolve the activities of the
believers throughout the American continent. Supreme is their position,
grave their responsibilities, manifold and arduous their duties. How great
the privilege, how delicate the task of the assembled delegates whose
function it is to elect such national representatives as would by their
record of service ennoble and enrich the annals of the Cause!

(From a letter dated 3 June 1925 to a National Convention, cf. "Bahá'í
Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", pp.
87
-
88
)

6.         In connection with the annual holding of the Bahá'í Convention
and Congress, I feel that although such a representative body need not
be convened necessarily every year, yet it is highly desirable, in view of the
unique functions it fulfils in promoting harmony and goodwill, in
removing misunderstandings and in enhancing the prestige of the Cause,
that the National Spiritual Assembly should exert itself to gather together
annually the elected representatives of the American believers.

("Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p.
91
)

7.         The administrative machinery of the Cause having now sufficiently
evolved, its aim and object fairly well grasped and understood, and its
method and working made more familiar to every believer, I feel the time
is ripe when it should be fully and consciously utilized to further the
purpose for which it has been created. It should, I strongly feel, be made
to serve a twofold purpose. On one hand, it should aim at a steady and
gradual expansion of the Movement along lines that are at once broad,
sound and universal; and on the other, it should ensure the internal
consolidation of the work already achieved. It should both provide the
impulse whereby the dynamic forces latent in the Faith can unfold,

25

crystallize, and shape the lives and conduct of men, and serve as a medium
for the interchange of thought and the co-ordination of activities among
the divers elements that constitute the Bahá'í community.

("Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", p.
109
)

8.         I would specifically remind you that in the text of the said By-Laws,
which to the outside world represents the expression of the aspirations,
the motives and objects that animate the collective responsibilities of
Bahá'í Fellowship, due emphasis should not be placed only on the
concentrated authority, the rights, the privileges and prerogatives
enjoyed by the elected national representatives of the believers, but that
special stress be laid also on their responsibilities as willing ministers,
faithful stewards and loyal trustees to those who have chosen them. Let it
be made clear to every inquiring reader that among the most outstanding
and sacred duties incumbent upon those who have been called upon to
initiate, direct and co-ordinate the affairs of the Cause are those that
require them to win by every means in their power the confidence and
affection of those whom it is their privilege to serve. Theirs is the duty to
investigate and acquaint themselves with the considered views, the
prevailing sentiments, the personal convictions of those whose welfare it
is their solemn obligation to promote. Theirs is the duty to purge once
for all their deliberations and the general conduct of their affairs from
that air of self-contained aloofness, from the suspicion of secrecy, the
stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertiveness, in short from every word
and deed that might savour of partiality, self-centredness and prejudice.
Theirs is the duty, while retaining the sacred and exclusive right of final
decision in their hands, to invite discussion, provide information,
ventilate grievances, welcome advice from even the most humble and
insignificant member of the Bahá'í Family, expose their motives, set forth
their plans, justify their actions, revise if necessary their verdict, foster the
spirit of individual initiative and enterprise, and fortify the sense of
interdependence and co-partnership, of understanding and mutual
confidence between them on one hand and all Local Assemblies and
individual believers on the other,

(From a letter dated 18 October 1927 to National Spiritual Assembly, cf.
"Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932", pp.
143
-
44
)

26

9.              Having established the structure of their local Assemblies - the base
of the edifice which the Architect of the Administrative Order of the Faith
of Bahá'u'lláh had directed them to erect - His disciples, in both the East
and the West, unhesitatingly embarked on the next and more difficult
stage of their high enterprise. In countries where the local Bahá'í
communities had sufficiently advanced in number and in influence
measures were taken for the initiation of National Assemblies, the pivots
round which all national undertakings must revolve. Designated by
'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will as the "Secondary Houses of Justice," they
constitute the electoral bodies in the formation of the International
House of Justice, and are empowered to direct, unify, co-ordinate and
stimulate the activities of individuals as well as local Assemblies within
their jurisdiction.

("God Passes By" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1987), p.
332
)

10.               I fear this letter will reach you after the closing of the Convention,
but I hope that it will serve to assure you of the necessity of adopting for
future Conventions the essential method of a full, frank and unhampered
consultation between the National Assembly and the assembled
delegates. It is the vital duty of the delegates to unburden their hearts,
state their grievances, disclose their views, and explain their motives. It is
the duty of the National Assembly to give earnest, prompt and prayerful
consideration to the views of the delegates, weigh carefully their
arguments and ponder their considered judgements, before they resort
to voting and undertake to arrive at a decision according to the dictates
of their conscience. They should explain their motives and not dictate,
seek information and invite discussion.

(Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi appended to a letter dated 13
April 1927 written on his behalf to a Local Spiritual Assembly)

11.               ...the annual Convention is not to be regarded as a body entitled to
exercise functions similar to those which an ordinary parliament
possesses under a democratic form of government. The Administrative
Order which lies embedded in the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and which
the American believers have championed and are now establishing,
should, under no circumstances, be identified with the principles

27

underlying present-day democracies. Nor is it identical with any purely
aristocratic or autocratic form of government. The objectionable features
inherent in each of these political systems are entirely avoided. It blends,
as no system of human polity has as yet achieved, those salutary truths and
beneficial elements which constitute the valuable contributions which
each of these forms of government have made to society in the past.
Consultation, frank and unfettered, is the bedrock of this unique Order.
Authority is concentrated in the hands of the elected members of the
National Assembly. Power and initiative are primarily vested in the entire
body of the believers acting through their local representatives. To
generate those forces which must give birth to the body of their national
administrators, and to confer, freely and fully and at fixed intervals, with
both the incoming and outgoing National Assemblies, are the twofold
functions, the supreme responsibility and sole prerogative of the
delegates assembled in Convention. Nothing short of close and constant
interaction between these various organs of Bahá'í administration can
enable it to fulfil its high destiny.

(Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi appended to a letter dated 18
November 1933 written on his behalf to a National Spiritual Assembly)

12.         There can be no conflict of authority, no duality under any form or
circumstances in any sphere of Bahá'í jurisdiction whether local, national
or international. The National Assembly, however, although the sole
interpreter of its
Declaration of Trust and by-Laws
, is directly and morally
responsible if it allows any body or institution within its jurisdiction to
abuse its privileges or to decline in the exercise of its rights and
prerogatives. It is the trusted guardian and the mainspring of the
manifold activities and interests of every national community in the
Bahá'í world. It constitutes the sole link that binds these communities to
the International House of Justice - the supreme administrative body in
the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh.

(Postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi appended to a letter dated 11
June 1934 written on his behalf to a National Spiritual Assembly)

28

Extracts from Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi

13.               The Guardian was so glad to share your impressions about the
Convention. He has already received many reports of a similar nature and
the opinion which he has come to form is that most of the delegates have
spent too much time on problems of a purely secondary importance, with
the result that the meetings were somewhat lacking in spiritual force. The
friends should always be on their guard lest they consider the
Administration as an aim in itself and fail to grasp the spiritual and moral
development which is its purpose to achieve. The Convention meetings
are not intended to be purely administrative. Their main and essential
purpose is to enable the assembled delegates and friends to have a deeper
and broader vision of the Cause through an increase in the spirit of unity
and of whole-hearted co-operation. Disruptive forces, which are but the
outcome of human passion and selfishness, should be entirely crushed
down and should give way to a living and constructive faith which alone
can ensure the efficiency and the high quality of the work to be achieved.
It is hoped that future Conventions will be more constructive in their
spiritual effects and will reflect more adequately the spirit of the Cause.

(25 July 1933 to an individual believer)

14.               ...it is the sacred obligation and the primary function of the National
Assembly not to restrict, under any circumstances, the freedom of the
assembled delegates, whose twofold function is to elect their national
representatives and to submit to them any recommendations they may
feel inclined to make. The function of the Convention is purely advisory
and though the advice it gives is not binding in its effects on those on
whom rests the final decision in purely administrative matters, yet, the
utmost caution and care should be exercised lest anything should hamper
the delegates in the full and free exercise of their functions. In
discharging this sacred function no influence whatever, no pressure from
any quarter, even though it be from the National Assembly, should under
any circumstances affect their views or restrict their freedom. The
delegates must be wholly independent of any administrative agency, must
approach their task with absolute detachment and must concentrate their
attention on the most important and pressing issues.

29

Shoghi Effendi has not departed from any established administrative
principle.... What the Guardian is aiming at is to remind the friends, more
fully than before, of the two cardinal principles of Bahá'í Administration,
namely, the supreme and unchallengeable authority of the National
Spiritual Assembly in national affairs and working within the limits
imposed by the
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
, and the untrammelled
freedom of the Convention delegates to advise, deliberate on the actions,
and appoint the successors of their National Assembly.

(12 August 1933 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

15.         The Convention, though not supreme, is vested with definite rights
and prerogatives, and has special exclusive functions which are defined
and safeguarded by the
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
. It is a
fundamental principle of the Administration not to restrict, under any
circumstances, the freedom and privilege of the delegates to express
freely and fully their ideas, feelings, grievances and recommendations, so
long as they do not encroach upon the established principles of the
Administration.

(12 August 1933 to an individual believer)

16.         Concerning the status, rights and prerogatives of the Annual Bahá'í
Convention, the Guardian wishes to make it quite clear to all the believers
that this annual meeting of the delegates is by no means a continuous
consultative body all through the year; that its twofold function of electing
the body of the National Spiritual Assembly, and of offering any
constructive suggestions in regard to the general administration of the
Cause is limited to a definite period; and that consequently the opinion
current among some of the believers that the delegates are to serve as a
consultative body throughout the year is at variance with the
fundamental, though as yet unspecified, principles underlying the
Administration. Shoghi Effendi firmly believes that consultation must be
maintained between the National Spiritual Assembly and the entire body
of the believers, and that such a consultation, when the Convention is not
in session, can best be maintained through the agency of the Local
Assemblies, one of whose essential functions is to act as intermediaries
between the local communities and their national representatives. The

30

main purpose of the Nineteen Day Feasts is to enable individual believers
to offer any suggestion to the Local Assembly, which in its turn will pass
it to the National Spiritual Assembly. The Local Assembly is, therefore,
the proper medium through which local Bahá'í communities can
communicate with the body of the national representatives. The
Convention should be regarded as a temporary gathering, having certain
specific functions to perform during a limited period of time. Its status is
thus limited in time to the Convention sessions, the function of
consultation at all other times being vested in the entire body of the
believers through the Local Spiritual Assemblies.

(18 November 1933 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

17.              Concerning the status of members of the National Spiritual
Assembly at Convention sessions the Guardian feels that the members of
both the incoming and the outgoing Assemblies should be given the full
right to participate in the Convention discussions. Those members of the
National Spiritual Assembly who have been elected delegates will, in
addition to the light of participation, be entitled to vote. The Guardian
wishes thereby to render more effective the deliberations and the
recommendations of the national representatives. He feels that the
exercise of such a right by the members of the National Spiritual Assembly
will enable them to consult more fully with the assembled delegates, to
exchange fully and frankly with them their views, and to consider
collectively the interests, needs and requirements of the Cause, This, he
believes, is one of the primary functions of the Convention.

(25 December 1933 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

18.               He is indeed rejoiced to learn that the National Spiritual Assembly
meeting recently held in San Francisco has been marked with such a
remarkable success, and that the consultation held with the friends has
brought forth such good results. This contact between the members of
the National Assembly and the individual believers is certainly of immense
value to the Cause, as it serves to promote, more than any other means,
intelligent co-operation, fellowship and understanding among the
friends. It is the National Spiritual Assembly's responsibility, therefore, to
foster by every means in its power this growth, and thus help in further

31

consolidating its authority and prestige in the community. There is
nothing that can inflict upon it a greater harm than the attitude of
aloofness, of isolation from the general body of the believers.

(4 December 1936 to an individual believer)

19.             ...he would suggest that during the Nineteen Day Feasts, which
occasions, as you certainly know, afford the believers the opportunity of
discussing community affairs and problems, you openly express any
criticisms or suggestions you wish to offer regarding any Assembly actions
and decisions. It is indeed the inalienable right of every recognized
believer to express himself, during all such occasions, on the manner in
which community affairs in general are conducted, and to offer the
Assembly any views or recommendations he has on the subject. But in the
exercise of such right he should refrain from any such remarks or actions
as would tend to belittle the significance and undermine the authority of
the Assembly itself, as an institution established by Bahá'u'lláh.

(8 March 1940 to an individual believer)

20.              He is eagerly looking forward to the Convention this year, which he
hopes will be as animated and successful as the Centennial one of a few
years ago. There are many tasks that lie ahead, and the consultation and
mingling of the friends which takes place on these occasions, will lend
tremendous impetus to the execution of whatever plans are made.

(22 March 1946 to an individual believer)

21.               The agenda of the Convention should be arranged so as to permit
the greatest possible freedom of expression on the part of the assembled
delegates. It should not be a meeting monopolized by National Spiritual
Assembly members and taken up unduly with reports of the National
Spiritual Assembly work. Great care should be taken in order to get as
clear and concise a picture of the year's accomplishments, needs and
events before the delegates as possible, and then full discussion be
encouraged. The powers and authority invested by Bahá'u'lláh in
administrative bodies are so great, that, at the annual Convention, when
the affairs of the Cause come up for discussion on the floor, the greatest

32

care should be exerted to ensure that the delegates can fulfil their
functions properly in open, and as far as possible, exhaustive discussion.

(29 October 1949 to an individual believer)

22.         He considers the policy of your Assembly of helping delegates from
distant points to attend the Convention, an excellent one, as the
attendance of these delegates enables them to carry back a very real
awareness of the work in hand and the needs of the hour to their local
Communities.

(1 March 1951 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

Extracts from Letters and a Memorandum Written by the Universal
House of Justice

23.         ...we agree that it is the task of your Assembly to see that the delegates
are lovingly made aware of their sacred responsibilities to attend, to
consult and to vote. Admittedly, it is preferable that the delegates attend
the sessions of the Convention in person so they may take an active part
in all of its proceedings and acquaint their fellow-workers on their return
with an account of the accomplishments, decisions and plans of their
national community. You should bear in mind, however, that some of the
delegates may be unable to attend the Convention due to illness and yet
others for quite legitimate reasons may well find it impossible to
undertake a journey to the seat of the Bahá'í Convention.

(9 April 1970 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

24.         As the principal purpose of Convention, apart from the election of
the National Spiritual Assembly, is the consultation of the delegates with
the National Spiritual Assembly, as much time as possible should be made
available for the delegates to consult. It is clear that the exigencies of
modern life limit the length which is practicable for a National
Convention but you may wish to consider starting your Convention on
the Friday evening at the latest so that the delegates may gather and deal
with the preliminaries, thus enabling them to begin the full work of the
Convention first thing on the Saturday morning. Naturally, any

33

introductions of subjects or presentation of matters to the Convention
should be kept as brief as possible to allow the greatest amount of time
for consultation and you may therefore find it helpful to provide a
number of reports to the delegates in advance in written form.

(6 July 1971 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

25.               ...the Counsellors might aid the Assembly by pointing out that the
delegates at National Convention should be encouraged to consult upon
the national work of the Cause rather than purely local matters.

(29 June 1973 to the Hands of the Cause of God in the Holy Land)

Extracts from Letters Written on Behalf of the Universal House of
Justice

26.              Regarding the question you raise concerning the "Convention
Procedures" as set out in the copy of the guidelines provided by the
National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, this too is a procedure adopted by
the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, which is free to
change its provisions as circumstances may necessitate, and these are
surely not universally binding on all national communities.

The writings of Shoghi Effendi contain several statements on the
need to uphold flexibility in matters of secondary importance. For
example, in a letter to an individual believer, dated March 15, 1948 the
following comment has been made on Shoghi Effendi's behalf:

In general the administrative order as laid down in America should
be followed everywhere. But secondary decisions are left to the
judgement of each National Assembly, and the American pattern,
as elaborated in "Bahá'í Procedure", need not be followed
universally.

The only procedures that are to be followed universally are those
laid down in the
By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly
or the
Declaration
of Trust and By-Laws of a National Assembly
: all other matters are of
secondary importance and left to the judgement of each National
Assembly.

34

(24 May 1982 to an individual believer)

27.               As you are aware the principal purpose of a National Convention is
to give an opportunity to the delegates to consult on the affairs of the
Faith and to elect the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Obviously the National Assembly is primarily interested in the general
views and reactions of the delegates, and particularly in knowing what are
the recommendations adopted by those present at the Convention, but
this does not prohibit the National Assembly, if it so wishes, from having
a record for its consideration of recommendations which were turned
down, or individual suggestions from the delegates, which because of the
shortness of time, or otherwise, could not or did not reach the stage which
would lead to consideration by the Convention in session.

It is interesting in this connection to note that although there are
many differences between Nineteen Day Feasts and National
Conventions, there are certain similarities. One of these is the fact that a
relatively large number of believers engage in consultation with the
principal and ultimate objective of producing joint recommendations for
consideration by the Spiritual Assembly. However, because of the obvious
desirability of obtaining maximum benefit from such gatherings, what
harm is there, if the Assembly so wishes, in requesting that, in addition to
the approved suggestions, those not approved should also be recorded?

(26 July 1982 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

28.               The National Spiritual Assembly is present at the Convention as an
institution, and its members are present as individual participants in the
consultations. These two facts are not incompatible. All the delegates and
the members of the National Spiritual Assembly should take part in the
Convention in the spirit of free, frank, loving Bahá'í consultation. Most
Bahá'ís perform many different functions in their lives. Very often a
member of the National Assembly is also a delegate, a member of a Local
Assembly, a member of one or more committees, and possibly also an
assistant to an Auxiliary Board member. These multiple functions should
not prevent him from expressing his views frankly and courteously in any
consultation.

35

Only the delegates may vote at the National Convention, whether it
be in the election of the National Spiritual Assembly or in arriving at
decisions. Some decisions at the Convention can be implemented
immediately, such as a decision to send a cable of news or greetings to
the World Centre or to another Bahá'í body, but most are decisions on
whether or not to make a specific recommendation to the National
Spiritual Assembly.

(26 October 1983 to an individual believer)

29.         The Universal House of Justice received your letter of ... and has
asked us to say how favourably impressed it was by your action in
acquainting the Convention of your Assembly's perception of the status
and needs of the ... Bahá'í community through an official statement....

The House of Justice feels that when the National Spiritual Assembly
takes the delegates into its confidence in this way, and consults thoroughly
and lovingly on the important matters before the Bahá'í community,
these consultations and the considered resolutions which are passed by
vote of the assembled delegates can be of great value to the Assembly in
its subsequent deliberations throughout the Bahá'í year.

(24 May 1987 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

30.         The Convention is, of course, free to decide that every suggestion
made by a delegate be recorded and conveyed to the National Spiritual
Assembly. Beyond this, the National Assembly members who are present
are always free to note down for their own interest and further discussion
any points that are made. It is by no means necessary to have a formal
consultation and vote on every recommendation. It is important to
remember, however, that the National Convention is not a conference,
it is a consultative institution of the Faith; therefore, consultation and
formal voting on recommendations should not be ruled out altogether.
There may, for example, be disagreement among the delegates on certain
proposals put forward, and it would be fruitful for the matter to be
discussed and voted upon so that the National Spiritual Assembly will
know the recommendation of the Convention as a whole on those issues.

36

Detailed aspects of Convention procedure which are not defined in
the National Bahá'í Constitution, being secondary in nature, are within
the discretion of each National Spiritual Assembly to decide. The House
of Justice feels that it is generally advisable not to be rigid and to leave it
to the discretion of the Convention officers, or the Convention itself, to
decide which recommendations need to be discussed and voted upon and
which may be recorded without more ado. A distinction should be made
in the record between recommendations of the entire Convention and
those which are merely the proposals of individual delegates.

(19 June 1987 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

31.               Particular attention should be given to preparing the delegates to
the National Convention for their sacred task of casting their ballots. You
are encouraged to take steps to foster delegate attendance at this vital
annual event. Those who cannot take part must be encouraged to cast
their ballots by mail.

Likewise, consideration may be given to holding special preparatory
sessions in conjunction with the National Convention to deepen the
delegates on the purpose and function of the National Convention and
the sacred character of Bahá'í elections. Attendance at such deepening
sessions, while highly desirable, should be left to the discretion of the
delegates. You may wish to hold similar deepening sessions in connection
with your Unit Conventions, if these have not yet taken place.

The House of Justice is certain that the Counsellors and their
Auxiliary Board members stand ready to assist you in every way they can
to educate the Bahá'ís in these vital matters. It assures you of its fervent
prayers in the Holy Shrines that you may receive abundant divine
confirmations in carrying out these elections in the true spirit of our
beloved Faith.

(31 January 1989 to selected National Spiritual Assemblies)

32.               In connection with the problem you have experienced of certain
delegates who fail to support the authority of the National Assembly or
express opinions which are detrimental to its prestige, this is a matter of
education and deepening. Some National Assemblies have arranged for

37

deepening sessions for delegates prior to and separate from the
Conventions. It is up to the chairman, when necessary, to keep before the
Convention the purpose of consultation at the Annual Convention and
to exercise a certain amount of control over the proceedings, while not
infringing on the freedom of delegates to take part in discussion and to
initiate motions. Any delegate may raise any issue for consultation, but it
is for the Convention to decide whether it wishes to consult on it. As you
will see from the passage in the National Constitution, it states "...any
matter pertaining to the Faith introduced by any of the delegates may,
upon motion and vote, be taken up as part of the deliberation of a
Convention." [Ed. - Article
VIII
, section
9
]

(7 July 1991 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

33.         It is highly desirable that the National Assembly publish, for the
information of the whole community, the recommendations that are
passed by the Convention and the decisions that the National Assembly
subsequently makes in relation to them.

(16 April 1992 to a National Spiritual Assembly)

40

INDEX

numbers given after each subject refer to the extract(s) in which it appears, not the page numbers.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I
J   K
L

M

N

O

P
Q
R

S

T

U

V

W
X   Y   Z

A

'Abdu'l-Bahá
4
,
9

Master, the
5

accomplishments
21

actions
8
,
19

activities

co-ordination of
7

Administration
11
,
13
,
16

administrative
12
,
13

bodies
21

efficiency
5

fundamental principles of
15

machinery
7

aim
7

twofold purpose
7

order
9
,
11
,
26

principle
14

principles of Bahá'í
14
,
15

sphere
4

advice
4

aim
5
,
7

Alaska
26

aloofness
4
,
18

self-contained
8

America
3
,
4
,
26

future of
3

aspirations
8

Assemblies

Local
16

assertiveness

dictatorial
8

association
5

attitude

of aloofness
18

of isolation
18

authority
8
,
11
,
14
,
18

conflict of
12

of Assembly
19

of the National Assembly
32

Auxiliary Board
28
,
31

B

Bahá'í

administration
11
,
14

jurisdiction
12

procedure
26

Bahá'ís

perform many different functions
28

Bahá'u'lláh
9
,
19

Dispensation of
12

powers and authority invested by
21

teachings of
11

ballots
31

by mail
31

believers
1
,
4
,
5
,
6
,
8
,
16
,
17
,
19
,
27

American
5
,
6

39

individual
18

By-Laws
8

of a Local Spiritual Assembly
26

C

cable
28

Cause, the
17

administrative sphere of
4

affairs of
21

character of
5

interests of
4

mission of
5

national work of
25

revitalize
5

spirit of
13

teachings of
5

unity of
3

value to
18

challenge

to the individual
5

Communities

Bahá'í
7

co-operative efforts of
5

conduct

of men
7

consolidation

internal
7

consultation
5
,
10
,
11
,
16
,
18
,
20
,
27
,
28
,
30

and sacrifice
5

need to uphold flexibility
26

purpose of
32

refrain from
19

Convention

advisory
14

agenda
21

Annual
3
,
11

status
16

Bahá'í
5

chairman
32

consultative body
16

consultative institution
30

discussions
17

essential method
10

freedom of
14

functions
6
,
14
,
15
,
16
,
17

introduction of subjects
24

meetings
13

National
4
,
24
,
25
,
27

National Spiritual Assembly is present as an institution
28

not a conference
30

not a continuous consultative body
16

not purely administrative
13

not supreme
15

officers
30

presentation of matters
24

procedure
30

Procedures
26

purpose
13
,
24
,
27

recommendation of
30

rights and prerogatives
15
,
16

suggestions
27

temporary gathering
16

time for consultation
24

40

Counsellors
25
,
31

courtesy
2

criticism
2

D

decision
2
,
10

decisions
28

secondary
26

Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
12
,
15
,
26

sole interpreter
12

deeds
3

deepening
32

delegates
4
,
21
,
25

assembled
4

task of
5

attendance
22
,
23
,
31

deepen
31

detachment
14

disagreement among
30

duty of
10

freedom
14
,
21
,
32

functions
11
,
14
,
21

helping
22

illness
23

initiate motions
32

preparation
31

prerogative
11

privilege of
15

resolutions
29

responsiblity
11

responsibilities
23

suggestion
30

vote
28
,
30

deliberation

mature
4

democracies
11

destiny
11

devotion
2
,
4

dignity
2

discord
2

discrimination
5

Disruptive forces
13

duty
4
,
8
,
10

duties
8

E

efficiency
13

elect
27

members of the National Spiritual Assembly
27

elections
31

sacred character
31

estrangement
2

excellence

standard of
5

exchange
17

of views
4

exemplify

high ideals
3

expansion
4

of the Movement
7

41

F

faith

constructive
13

fellowship
8
,
18

force

spiritual
13

forces

disruptive
13

dynamic
7

freedom
5
,
15

of Convention
14

of expression
21

G

Glory, Realm of
2

God
1

Cause of
3

unity of
2

goodwill
5

government

democratic form of
11

aristocratic or autocratic form of
11

H

harmony
2

of thought
2

House of Justice
1
,
30

secondary
1
,
9

International
9
,
13

I

individual

believers
18

delegates
30

suggestions
27

unfettered freedom of
5

information
10

initiative
11

interdependence
4

sense of
8

L

love
2

M

majority
2

of voices
2

submit to
2

verdict of
4

methods

sound
5

minority
4

moderation
2

moral development
13

motives
5
,
8
,
10

Movement
3

expansion of the
7

N

National Assembly
10
,
12
,
14

authority of
32

decisions of
33

duty of
10

function
14

interested in
27

judgement
26

mainspring of manifold activities
12

42

members of
11
,
18
,
30

members of the incoming
4
,
17

morally responsible
12

obligation of
12

publish
33

reports of
21

responsibility of
18

sole interpreter of its Declaration of Trust and by-laws
12

National Assemblies
9

empowered to direct, unify, co-ordinate, and, stimulate the activities of

individuals as well as local Assemblies within their Jurisdiction
9

National

communities
26

representatives
8

conduct
8

duties
8

prerogatives
8

privileges
8

National Spiritual Assembly
3
,
16
,
18
,
21
,
28
,
30

authority of the
14

election of
4
,
16

limitations
4

limits
14

members of
17
,28

right of participation
17
,
28

elect
27

recommendation to
28

takes delegates into its confidence
29

unique significance of the institution
5

National Spiritual Assemblies

interpependence
4

Nineteen Day Feasts
19

purpose
16

similarities
27

O

obligation

sacred
14

opinion
2

considered
4

differences of
2

P

parliament
11

partiality
8

passion
13

persistence
2

plans
2
,
20

political systems
11

power
5
, ll

prejudice
8

preparatory sessions
31

principles
3

procedure
26

Bahá'í
26

purity of motive
2

purpose
13

honesty of
4

dominating
5

R

recommendations
15
,
17
,
27
,
30

highly desirable to publish
33

43

need to be discussed SO

voted upon
30

Representatives
6
,
8

assist the deliberations of the National Spiritual Assembly
4

national
16
,
17

of the American believers
4

recommendations of
17

responsibilities
8

right of electing National Assembly
4

support the authority of the National Spiritual Assembly
4

responsibility

collective
5

restraint
5

reticence
4

right

of final decision
8

inalienable
19

rights
8
,
12

S

secrecy
4

suspicion of
8

self-centredness
8

selfishness
13

sentiment
5

service
3

of mankind
3

record of
5

Shoghi Effendi
14
,
16

writings of
26

society
11

spirit

of free, frank, loving Bahá'í consultation
28

of initiative and enterprise
5
,
8

of the Cause
13

spiritual
13

activities
5

effects
13

force
13

structure of their local Assemblies
9

stubbornness
2

T

thought
2

interchange of
7

true sentiments
4

truth
2

U

understanding
4

Unit Conventions
31

unity
2

of God
2

Universal House of Justice
29

Universal suffrage
1

V

visitors
5

voting

before
10

only delegates
28

W

World Centre
28

44

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