xxxiii

PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION

/// To All Local Spiritual Assemblies

/// Dear Bahá'í Friends,
/// To assist Local Spiritual Assemblies in their efforts to rise to the
new stage in the exercise of their responsibilities, "Developing
Distinctive Bahá'í Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies" has
been revised and the National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to provide
you with this publication as a ready reference to facilitate your
consultations.

/// Local Spiritual Assemblies have been asked by the Universal House of
Justice to "rise to a new stage in the exercise of their
responsibilities as channels of divine guidance, planners of the
teaching work, developers of human resources, builders of communities,
and loving shepherds of the multitudes." The Supreme Body tells us,
"They can realize these prospects through increasing the ability of
their members to take counsel together in accordance with the principles
of the Faith and to consult with the friends under their jurisdiction,
through fostering the spirit of service, through spontaneously
collaborating with the Continental Counselors and their auxiliaries, and
through cultivating their external relations." Further, the progress in
the evolution of the institutions must be "manifest in the
multiplication of localities in which the functioning of the Spiritual
Assembly enhances the individual believers' capacity to serve the Cause
and fosters unified action."

/// "Developing Distinctive Bahá'í Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual
Assemblies" is a compilation of the Bahá'í writings designed to aid
Local Spiritual Assemblies in applying the principles of Bahá'í
Administration with wisdom and love. In addition to the Writings of the
Central Figures of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of
Justice, the Guidelines offer the current policies and general practices
of the National Spiritual Assembly in administering the affairs of the
American Bahá'í Community.


xxxiv Preface to The Revised Edition

/// In its infallible wisdom, the Universal House of Justice has
explained that "the plan to which we are now committed is set at one of
the most critical times in the life of the planet." The Supreme Body
emphasized that "the need at this exact time is so to intensify our
efforts in building the Bahá'í System that we will attract the
confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh and thus invoke a spiritual atmosphere"
that will stimulate the release of "pent-up forces," bring about
large-scale growth of the Bahá'í community, and "change the direction of
human affairs throughout the planet." 

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES

MARCH 1998

********************

1.1

Chapter 1

THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION 
Ordained by God
The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of Justice be
established wherein shall gather counselors to the number of Baha. . . .
It behoveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to
regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell
on earth. 
	Bahá'u'lláh, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, par. 30

Let no one, while this System is still in its infancy, misconceive its
character, belittle its significance or misrepresent its purpose. The
bedrock on which this Administrative Order is founded is God's immutable
Purpose for mankind in this day. . . . Its consummation [is] the advent
of that golden millennium--the Day when the kingdoms of this world shall
have become the Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of Bahá'u'lláh. 
	Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 156-57

The Uniqueness of the Administrative Order
The world's equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence
of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath
been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous
System--the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed. 
	Bahá'u'lláh, in The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 146

The Spiritual Assemblies to be established in this Age of God, this holy
century, have, it is indisputable, had neither peer nor likeness in the
cycles gone before. For those assemblages that wielded power were based
on the support of mighty leaders of men, while these Assemblies are
based on the support of the Beauty of Abha. The defenders and patrons of
those other assemblages

1.2 

were either a prince, or a king, or a chief priest, or the mass of the
people. But these Spiritual Assemblies have for their defender, their
supporter, their helper, their inspirer, the omnipotent Lord. 
	'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 82

This Administrative Order is fundamentally different from anything that
any Prophet has previously established, inasmuch as Bahá'u'lláh has
Himself revealed its principles, established its institutions, appointed
the person to interpret His Word and conferred the necessary authority
on the body designed to supplement and apply His legislative ordinances.
Therein lies the secret of its strength, its fundamental distinction,
and the guarantee against disintegration and schism. Nowhere in the
sacred scriptures of any of the world's religious systems, nor even in
the writings of the Inaugurator of the Babi Dispensation, do we find any
provisions establishing a covenant or providing for an administrative
order that can compare in scope and authority with those that lie at the
very basis of the Bahá'í Dispensation. 
	Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 145

Pattern for Future Society
Bahá'u'lláh . . . has not only imbued mankind with a new and
regenerating Spirit. He has not merely enunciated certain universal
principles, or propounded a particular philosophy however potent, sound
and universal these may be. In addition to these He, as well as
'Abdu'l-Bahá after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of the past,
clearly and specifically laid down a set of Laws, established definite
institutions, and provided for the essentials of a Divine Economy. These
are destined to be a pattern for future society, a supreme instrument
for the establishment of the Most Great Peace, and the one agency for
the unification of the world, and the proclamation of the reign of
righteousness and justice upon the earth. 
	Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 19

Aided by the Spirit of God
These Spiritual Assemblies are aided by the Spirit of God. Their
defender is 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Over them He spreadeth His wings. What bounty
is there greater than this? These Spiritual Assemblies are shining lamps
and heavenly gardens, from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused
over all regions, and the lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all
created things. From them the spirit of life streameth in every
direction. They, indeed, are the potent sources of the progress of man,
at all times and under all conditions. 
	'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 80

1.3 

Basic Administrative Unit of Bahá'u'lláh's World Order
The divinely ordained institution of the Local Spiritual Assembly
operates at the first levels of human society and is the basic
administrative unit of Bahá'u'lláh's World Order. It is concerned with
individuals and families whom it must constantly encourage to unite in a
distinctive Bahá'í society, vitalized and guarded by the laws,
ordinances and principles of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation. It protects the
Cause of God; it acts as the loving shepherd of the Bahá'í flock. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated Naw-Ruz, 1974, to
the Bahá'ís of the World

Development of Local Spiritual Assemblies
Newly-born Institutions
Local Spiritual Assemblies are at the present newly-born institutions,
struggling for the most part to establish themselves both in the Bahá'í
community and in the world. They are as yet only embryos of the majestic
institutions ordained by Bahá'u'lláh in His writings. . . . 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 30, 1972, to
a National Spiritual Assembly

Not only will the present-day Spiritual Assemblies be styled differently
in the future, but they will be enabled also to add to their present
functions those powers, duties, and prerogatives necessitated by the
recognition of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, not merely as one of the
recognized religious systems of the world, but as the State Religion of
an independent and Sovereign Power. 
	Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 6-7

The Bahá'í administration is only the first shaping of what in future
will come to be the social life and laws of community living. As yet the
believers are only first beginning to grasp and practice it properly. So
we must have patience if at times it seems a little self-conscious and
rigid in its workings. It is because we are learning something very
difficult but very wonderful--how to live together as a community of
Bahá'ís, according to the glorious teachings. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The Local Spiritual
Assembly, p. 28

The Guardian is, doubtless, well aware of the existing imperfections in
the administrative machinery of the Cause, but these, he strongly feels,
should be attributed not to the administrative system itself, but to the
administrators of the Faith, who by reason of their human limitations
and imperfections can never hope to entirely fulfill those ideal
conditions set forth in the Teachings. Much of the

1.4 

existing defects in the present-day activities of the believers,
however, will as the Community develops and gains in experience be
gradually removed, and healthier and more progressive conditions
prevail. And it is towards the realization of this high aim that the
friends should earnestly and unitedly strive. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The National Spiritual
Assembly, p. 34

Assembly Development Related to Entry by Troops
As for the institutions, entry by troops will act upon them as much as
they will act upon it. The evolution of local and national Bahá'í
Assemblies at this time calls for a new state of mind on the part of
their members as well as on the part of those who elect them, for the
Bahá'í community is engaged in an immense historical process that is
entering a critical stage. Bahá'u'lláh has given to the world
institutions to operate in an Order designed to canalize the forces of a
new civilization. Progress toward that glorious realization requires a
great and continuous expansion of the Bahá'í community, so that adequate
scope is provided for the maturation of these institutions. This is a
matter of immediate importance to Bahá'u'lláh's avowed supporters in all
lands.

For such an expansion to be stimulated and accommodated, the Spiritual
Assemblies must rise to a new stage in the exercise of their
responsibilities as channels of divine guidance, planners of the
teaching work, developers of human resources, builders of communities,
and loving shepherds of the multitudes. They can realize these prospects
through increasing the ability of their members to take counsel together
in accordance with the principles of the Faith and to consult with the
friends under their jurisdiction, through fostering the spirit of
service, through spontaneously collaborating with the Continental
Counselors and their auxiliaries, and through cultivating their external
relations. Particularly must the progress in the evolution of the
institutions be manifest in the multiplication of localities in which
the function of the Spiritual Assembly enhances the individual
believer's capacity to serve the Cause and fosters unified action. In
sum, the maturity of the Spiritual Assembly must be measured not only by
the regularity of its meetings and the efficiency of its functioning,
but also by the continuity of the growth of Bahá'í membership, the
effectiveness of the interaction between the Assembly and the members of
its community, the quality of the spiritual and social life of the
community, and the overall sense of vitality of a community in the
process of dynamic, ever-advancing development. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated Ridvan 153, to the
Bahá'ís of the World

1.5 

Strengthening and development of Local Spiritual Assemblies is a vital
objective. . . . Success in this one goal will greatly enrich the
quality of Bahá'í life, will heighten the capacity of the Faith to deal
with entry by troops which is even now taking place and, above all, will
demonstrate the solidarity and ever-growing distinctiveness of the
Bahá'í community, thereby attracting more and more thoughtful souls to
the Faith and offering a refuge to the leaderless and hapless millions
of the spiritually bankrupt, moribund present order. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated Naw-Ruz, 1974, to
the Bahá'ís of the World

The establishment and strong growth of Local Spiritual Assemblies is one
of the most fundamental requirements for the spread of the Message of
Bahá'u'lláh, the development of Bahá'í community life and the emergence
of a transformed society. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated March 6, 1977, to
National Spiritual Assemblies

Salient Objectives
Among the more salient objectives to be attained by the Local Spiritual
Assembly in its process of development to full maturity are to act as a
loving shepherd to the Bahá'í flock, promote unity and concord among the
friends, direct the teaching work, protect the Cause of God, arrange for
Feasts, Anniversaries and regular meetings of the community, familiarize
the Bahá'ís with its plans, invite the community to offer its
recommendations, promote the welfare of youth and children, and
participate, as circumstances permit, in humanitarian activities. In its
relationship to the individual believer, the Assembly should
continuously invite and encourage him to study the Faith, to deliver its
glorious message, to live in accordance with its teachings, to
contribute freely and regularly to the Fund, to participate in community
activities, and to seek refuge in the Assembly for advice and help, when
needed. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 30, 1972, to
a National Spiritual Assembly

THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AND THE BAHA'I COMMUNITY 
Attitude of Assembly Members Unity within the Assembly itself is, of
course, of immediate importance to the wider unity your actions are
intended to foster and sustain. At no time can any member of your
Assembly afford to be unmindful of this basic requirement nor neglect to
work towards upholding it. Of particular relevance is the attitude that
the members adopt towards their membership on that exalted body. There
needs to be a recognition on their part of the Assembly's spiritual
character and a feeling in their hearts of respect for the institution

1.6 

based upon a perception of it as something beyond or apart from
themselves, as a sacred entity whose powers they have the privilege to
engage and canalize by coming together in harmony and acting in
accordance with divinely revealed principles. With such a perspective
the members will be better able to acquire an appropriate posture in
relation to the Assembly itself, to appreciate their role as Trustees of
the Merciful and to counteract any impression that they have assumed
ownership and control of the institution in the manner of major
stockholders of a business enterprise. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a
National Spiritual Assembly

The members of these Assemblies, on their part, must disregard utterly
their own likes and dislikes, their personal interests and inclinations,
and concentrate their minds upon those measures that will conduce to the
welfare and happiness of the Bahá'í Community and promote the common
weal. 
	Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, p. 41

Through their repeated appeals, through their readiness to dispel all
misunderstandings and remove all obstacles, through the example of their
lives, and their unrelaxing vigilance, their high sense of justice,
their humility, consecration and courage, they must demonstrate to those
whom they represent their capacity to play their part in the progress of
the Plan in which they, no less than the rest of the community, are
involved. 
	Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America, p. 12

The Cause . . . is a divine institution whose responsible administrators
should consider themselves as mere channels whereby God protects and
guides His Faith. The Administration should never be allowed to become a
bone of contention between individuals and groups. It stands above human
personalities and transcends the scope of their limited and inevitably
selfish ideas. Its custodians should continually purge themselves of
every trace of personal desire or interest and become wholly imbued with
the spirit of love, of cooperation and of genuine self-sacrifice. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated August 8, 1933

Only as individual members of Local Spiritual Assemblies deepen
themselves in the fundamental verities of the Faith

1.7 

and in the proper application of the principles governing the operation
of the Assembly will this institution grow and develop toward its full
potential. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated August, 1970, in
The Local Spiritual Assembly, p. 5

For upon the degree to which the members of these Assemblies grasp the
true significance of the divine institution on which they serve, arise
selflessly to fulfill their prescribed and sacred duties, and persevere
in their endeavors, depends to a large extent the healthy growth of the
world-wide community of the Most Great Name, the force of its outward
thrust, and the strength of its supporting roots. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 25, 1975, to
all National Spiritual Assemblies

The Relation of the Assembly with the Bahá'ís There is no task more
urgently necessary than the insurance of perfect harmony and fellowship
among the friends, especially between the local assemblies and
individual believers. The local assemblies should inspire confidence in
the individual believers, and these in their turn should express their
readiness to fully abide by the decisions and directions of the local
assembly: the two must learn to cooperate, and to realize that only
through such a cooperation can the institutions of the Cause effectively
and permanently function. While obedience to the local assembly should
be unqualified and whole-hearted, yet that body should enforce its
directions in such a way as to avoid giving the impression that it is
animated by dictatorial motives. The spirit of the Cause is one of
mutual cooperation, and not that of a dictatorship. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, October 28, 1935, in The Local
Spiritual Assembly, p. 23

The maintenance of a climate of love and unity depends largely upon the
feelings among the individuals composing the community that the Assembly
is a part of themselves, that their cooperative interactions with the
divinely ordained body allow them a fair latitude for initiative and
that the quality of their relationships with both the institution and
their fellow believers encourages a spirit of enterprise invigorated by
an awareness of the revolutionizing purpose of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation,
by a consciousness of the high privilege of their being associated with
efforts to realize that purpose, and by a consequent, ever-present sense
of joy. In such a climate,

1.8 

the community is transformed from being the mere sum of its parts to
assuming a wholly new personality as an entity in which its members
blend without losing their individual uniqueness. . . . 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a
National Spiritual Assembly

Let us also bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of God is not
dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but
the spirit of frank and loving consultation. Nothing short of the spirit
of a true Bahá'í can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and
justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the
individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion, and prudence
on the one hand, and fellowship, candor, and courage on the other.

The duties of those whom the friends have freely and conscientiously
elected as their representatives are no less vital and binding than the
obligations of those who have chosen them. Their function is not to
dictate, but to consult, and consult not only among themselves, but as
much as possible with the friends whom they represent. They must regard
themselves in no other light but that of chosen instruments for a more
efficient and dignified presentation of the Cause of God. They should
never be led to suppose that they are the central ornaments of the body
of the Cause, intrinsically superior to others in capacity or merit, and
sole promoters of its teachings and principles. They should approach
their task with extreme humility, and endeavor, by their
open-mindedness, their high sense of justice and duty, their candor,
their modesty, their entire devotion to the welfare and interests of the
friends, the Cause, and humanity to win, not only the confidence and the
genuine support and respect of those whom they serve, but also their
esteem and real affection. They must, at all times, avoid the spirit of
exclusiveness, the atmosphere of secrecy, free themselves from a
domineering attitude, and banish all forms of prejudice and passion from
their deliberations. They should, within the limits of wise discretion,
take the friends into their confidence, acquaint them with their plans,
share with them their problems and anxieties, and seek their advice and
counsel. 
	Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, pp. 63-64

The temperament of authority in the administration of justice varies
according to the degree of the gravity of each case. Some cases require
that the Assembly take action that is firm or drastic.

1.9 

Even so, Assembly members have always to be mindful that the authority
they wield must in general be expressed with love, humility and a
genuine respect for others. Thus exercised, authority strikes a natural
note and accords with that which is acceptable to spiritually attuned
and fair-minded souls. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a
National Spiritual Assembly

The administrators of the Faith of God must be like unto shepherds.
Their aim should be to dispel all the doubts, misunderstandings and
harmful differences which may arise in the community of the believers.
And this they can adequately achieve provided they are motivated by a
true sense of love for their fellow- brethren coupled with a firm
determination to act with justice in all the cases which are submitted
to them for their consideration. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, March 9, 1934, in The Local
Spiritual Assembly, p. 23

These bodies have the sacred obligation to help, advise, protect and
guide the believers in every way within their power when appealed
to--indeed they were established just for the purpose of keeping order
and unity and obedience to the law of God amongst the believers.

"You should go to them as a child would to its parents. . . ." 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, September 28, 1941, in The
Local Spiritual Assembly, p. 16

The Relation of the Bahá'ís with the Assembly
In order to avoid division and disruption, that the Cause may not fall a
prey to conflicting interpretations, and lose thereby its purity and
pristine vigor, that its affairs may be conducted with efficiency and
promptness, it is necessary that every one should conscientiously take
an active part in the election of these Assemblies, abide by their
decisions, enforce their decree, and cooperate with them whole-heartedly
in their task of stimulating the growth of the Movement throughout all
regions. 
	Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, p. 41

The Guardian believes that a great deal of the difficulties from which
the believers . . . feel themselves to be suffering are caused by their
neither correctly understanding nor putting into practice the
administration. They seem--many of them--to be prone to continually
challenging and criticizing the decisions of their assemblies. If the
Bahá'ís undermine the very leaders who are, however immaturely, seeking
to coordinate Bahá'í activities and administer

1.10 

Bahá'í affairs, if they continually criticize their acts and challenge
or belittle their decisions, they not only prevent any real rapid
progress in the Faith's development from taking place, but they repel
outsiders who quite rightly may ask how we ever expect to unite the
whole world when we are so disunited among ourselves! There is only one
remedy for this: to study the administration, to obey the assemblies,
and each believer seek to perfect his own character as a Bahá'í. We can
never exert the influence over others which we can exert over ourselves.
If we are better, if we show love, patience, and understanding of the
weaknesses of others, if we seek to never criticize but rather
encourage, others will do likewise, and we can really help the Cause
through our example and spiritual strength. The Bahá'ís everywhere, when
the administration is first established, find it very difficult to
adjust themselves. They have to learn to obey, even when the assembly
may be wrong, for the sake of unity. They have to sacrifice their
personalities, to a certain extent, in order that the Community life may
grow and develop as a whole. These things are difficult, but we must
realize that they will lead us to a very much greater, more perfect, way
of life when the Faith is properly established according to the
administration. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, October 26, 1943, in The
National Spiritual Assembly, pp. 34-35

We should respect the National Spiritual Assembly and the Local
Spiritual Assembly because they are institutions founded by Bahá'u'lláh.
It has nothing to do with personality, but is far above it. It will be a
great day when the friends, on and off the assemblies, come to fully
grasp the fact that it is not the individuals on an assembly which are
important, but the assembly as an institution. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, March 13, 1944, in The National
Spiritual Assembly, pp. 18-19

The authority to direct the affairs of the Faith locally, nationally and
internationally, is divinely conferred on elected institutions. However,
the power to accomplish the tasks of the community resides primarily in
the mass of the believers. The authority of the institutions is an
irrevocable necessity for the progress of humanity; its exercise is an
art to be mastered. The power of action in the believers is unlocked at
the level of individual initiative and surges at the level of collective
volition. In its potential, this mass power,

1.11 

this mix of individual potentialities, exists in a malleable form
susceptible to the multiple reactions of individuals to the sundry
influences at work in the world. To realize its highest purpose, this
power needs to express itself through orderly avenues of activity. Even
though individuals may strive to be guided in their actions by their
personal understanding of the Divine Texts, and much can be accomplished
thereby, such actions, untempered by the overall direction provided by
authorized institutions, are incapable of attaining the thrust necessary
for the unencumbered advancement of civilization. Individual initiative
is a pre-eminent aspect of power; it is therefore a major responsibility
of the institutions to safeguard and stimulate it. Similarly, it is
important for individuals to recognize and accept that the institutions
must act as a guiding and moderating influence on the march of
civilization. In this sense, the divine requirement that individuals
obey the decisions of their Assemblies can clearly be seen as being
indispensable to the progress of society. Indeed, individuals must not
be abandoned entirely to their own devices with respect to the welfare
of society as a whole, neither should they be stifled by the assumption
of a dictatorial posture by members of the institution. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a
National Spiritual Assembly

The friends are called upon to give their whole-hearted support and
cooperation to the Local Spiritual Assembly, first by voting for the
membership and then by energetically pursuing its plans and programs, by
turning to it in time of trouble or difficulty, by praying for its
success and taking delight in its rise to influence and honor. This
great prize, this gift of God within each community must be cherished,
nurtured, loved, assisted, obeyed and prayed for. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated Naw-Ruz, 1974, to
the Bahá'ís of the World

Also relevant to effecting unity is the attitude of the friends, whether
serving on any Assembly or not, towards the exercise of authority in the
Bahá'í community. People generally tend to be suspicious of those in
authority. The reason is not difficult to understand, since human
history is replete with examples of the disastrous misuse of authority
and power. A reversal of this tendency is not easily achievable, but the
Bahá'í friends must be freed of suspicion towards their institutions if
the wheels of progress are to turn with

1.12 

uninterrupted speed. A rigorous discipline of thought and action on the
part of both the friends and the National Assembly will succeed in
meeting this challenge; both must live up to their responsibilities in
this regard by recognizing some fundamental realities. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a
National Spiritual Assembly

THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AND ITS RELATION TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS 
The National Spiritual Assembly, Its Authority and Significance The
National Spiritual Assembly shall have exclusive jurisdiction and
authority over all the activities and affairs of the Bahá'í Faith
throughout its area. 
	The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, By-Laws, Article
III, p. 9

All matters arising within a local Bahá'í community which are of purely
local interest and do not affect the national interests of the Cause
shall be under the primary jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly of
that locality, but decision whether a particular matter involves the
interest and welfare of the national Bahá'í body shall rest with the
National Spiritual Assembly. 
	Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá'ís of the United States , 1975, Article VII, Section 8

Whatever functions and powers are not specifically attributed to Local
Spiritual Assemblies in these By-Laws shall be considered vested in the
National Spiritual Assembly, which body is authorized to delegate such
discretionary functions and power as it deems necessary and advisable to
the Local Spiritual Assemblies in its jurisdiction. 
	Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá'ís of the United States , 1975, Article X

I wish to reaffirm in clear and categorical language, the principle
already enunciated upholding the supreme authority of the National
Assembly in all matters that affect the interests of the Faith in that
land. 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. 
	Shoghi Effendi, June 11, 1934, in The National Spiritual Assembly,
p. 12

The Guardian wishes me to again affirm his view that the authority of
the N.S.A. is undivided and unchallengeable in all matters pertaining to
the administration of the Faith . . . and that, therefore, the obedience
of individual Bahá'ís, delegates, groups, and Assemblies to that
authority is imperative, and should be whole-hearted and unqualified. He
is convinced that the unreserved 

1.13 

acceptance and complete application of this vital provision of the
Administration is essential to the maintenance of the highest degree of
unity among the believers, and is indispensable to the effective working
of the administrative machinery of the Faith in every country. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, June 11, 1934, in The National
Spiritual Assembly, p. 28

Its Relation with Regional Bahá'í Councils
The expansion of the Bahá'í community and the growing complexity of the
issues which are facing National Spiritual Assemblies in certain
countries have brought the Cause to a new stage in its development. They
have caused us in recent years to examine various aspects of the balance
between centralization and decentralization. In a few countries we have
authorized the National Spiritual Assemblies to establish State Bahá'í
Councils or Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees. From the
experience gained in the operation of these bodies, and from detailed
examination of the principles set forth by Shoghi Effendi, we have
reached the conclusion that the time has arrived for us to formalize a
new element of Bahá'í administration, between the local and national
levels, comprising institutions of a special kind, to be designated as
"Regional Bahá'í Councils." 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 30, 1997, to
all National Spiritual Assemblies

Regional Bahá'í Councils partake of some, but not all, charac- teristics
of Spiritual Assemblies, and thus provide a means of carrying forward
the teaching work and administering related affairs of a rapidly growing
Bahá'í community in a number of situations. Without such an institution,
the development of a national committee structure required to cover the
needs in some countries would run the danger of over-complexity through
adding a further layer of committees under the regional committees, or
the danger of excessive decentralization through conferring too much
autonomy on committees which are characterized by the Guardian as
"bodies that should be regarded in no other light than that of expert
advisers and executive assistants." 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 30, 1997, to
all National Spiritual Assemblies

2.2.1 The members of an elected Regional Bahá'í Council, who shall be
nine in number, are elected from among all the adult believers in the
region by the members of the Local Spiritual

1.14 

Assemblies in that region every year on 23 May, the anniversary of the
Declaration of the Bab according to the Gregorian calendar, or on a
weekend immediately before or after that date. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 30, 1997, to
all National Spiritual Assemblies

Its Relation with Local Spiritual Assemblies Unity is, therefore, the
main key to success. And the best way to insure and consolidate the
organic unity of His Faith is to strengthen the authority of the local
assemblies and to bring them within the full orbit of the National
Assembly's jurisdiction. The National Assembly is the head, and the
local assemblies are these various organs of the body of the Cause. To
insure full cooperation between these various parts is to safeguard the
best interests of the Faith by enabling it to counteract those forces
which threaten to create a breach within the ranks of the faithful. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, September 20, 1933, in The
National Spiritual Assembly, p. 57

It [the Local Spiritual Assembly] shall faithfully and devotedly uphold
the general Bahá'í activities and affairs initiated and sustained by the
National Spiritual Assembly. It shall cooperate wholeheartedly with
other Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout the United States in all
matters declared by the National Spiritual Assembly to be of general
Bahá'í importance and concern. 
	Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly,
pp. 24-25

Just as the individual believers are bound to support and sustain their
spiritual assembly, for the preservation of the unity of the Faith and
the strengthening of its as yet embryonic World Order, so must the local
assemblies obey and sustain their national representatives. The closer
the cooperation between the local and national assemblies, the greater
will be the power and radiance which can and must stream forth from
these institutions to the suffering ranks of humanity. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, July 29, 1942, in The Local
Spiritual Assembly, pp. 27-28

It is obvious that through the consolidation of the foundations of the
Administrative Order on the local level, the national institutions of
the Faith will receive support and strength in the conduct of their
activities. In turn, the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies
should not only oversee the activities of the local communities, but it
has the duty and privilege to coordinate the efforts and to stimulate
and give direction to the spirit of enterprise and initiative

1.15 

of the individual friends. When a proper and balanced relationship is
maintained between these two levels of Bahá'í activity, and a healthy
interaction takes place between them, a foundation is laid for the
community to become "spiritually welded into a unit at once dynamic and
coherent." 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated April 17, 1981, to
all National Spiritual Assemblies

Coordinating National and local interests
Local activities should always be subordinated to those of a national
character and importance. This is intended not to minimize the role of
the local assembly in the administrative order, but to establish and
ensure a sane relationship between that body and the national organism
of the Cause. 
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated May 10, 1934, to
an individual believer

The Institution of the Learned
In the Kitab-i-'Ahdi (the Book of His Covenant) Bahá'u'lláh wrote
"Blessed are the rulers and the learned in Al-Baha," and referring to
this very passage the beloved Guardian wrote on 4 November 1931:

In this holy cycle the "learned" are, on the one hand, the Hands of the
Cause of God, and, on the other, the teachers and diffusers of His
teachings who do not rank as Hands, but who have attained an eminent
position in the teaching work. As to the "rulers" they refer to the
members of the Local, National and International Houses of Justice. The
duties of each of these souls will be determined in the future.
(Translated from the Persian)

The Hands of the Cause of God, the Counselors and the members of the
Auxiliary Boards fall within the definition of the "learned" given by
the beloved Guardian. Thus they are all intimately interrelated and it
is not incorrect to refer to the three ranks collectively as one
institution.

However, each is also a separate institution in itself. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated April 24, 1972, in
Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986, p. 215

As you know, a distinguishing feature of the Administrative Order is the
existence of elected institutions, on the one hand, which function
corporately with vested legislative, executive and judicial powers, and
of appointed, eminent and devoted believers, on the other hand, who
function primarily as individuals for the

1.16 

specific purposes of protecting and propagating the Faith under the
guidance of the Head of the Faith. The two sets of institutions
collaborate in their functions so as to ensure the progress of the
Cause. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a
National Spiritual Assembly

This Administrative Order consists, on the one hand, of a series of
elected councils, universal, secondary and local, in which are vested
legislative, executive and judicial powers over the Bahá'í community
and, on the other, of eminent and devoted believers appointed for the
specific purposes of protecting and propagating the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh
under the guidance of the Head of that Faith. 
	The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, p. 8

Every institution of this Divinely created Order is one more refuge for
a distraught populace; every soul illumined by the light of the sacred
Message is one more link in the oneness of mankind, one more servant
ministering to the needs of an ailing world. Even should the Bahá'í
communities, in the years immediately ahead, be cut off from the World
Center or from one another--as some have already been--the Bahá'ís will
neither halt nor hesitate; they will continue to pursue their
objectives, guided by their Spiritual Assemblies and led by the
Counselors, the members of the Auxiliary Boards and their assistants. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated November 3, 1980,
to the Bahá'ís of the World

The obligations of the Hands of the Cause of God are to diffuse the
Divine Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, to promote learning, to
improve the character of all men and to be, at all times and under all
conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things. They must
manifest the fear of God by their conduct, their manners, their deeds
and their words. 
	'Abdu'l-Bahá, Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, p. 13

The Hands of the Cause of God
The Hands of the Cause of God are one of the most precious assets the
Bahá'í world possesses. Released from administration of the Auxiliary
Boards, they will be able to concentrate their energies on the more
primary responsibilities of general protection and propagation,
"preservation of the spiritual health of the Bahá'í communities" and
"the vitality of the faith" of the Bahá'ís throughout

1.17 

the world. The House of Justice will call upon them to undertake special
missions on its behalf, to represent it on both Bahá'í and other
occasions and to keep it informed of the welfare of the Cause. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated June 24, 1968, in
The Continental Boards of Counselors, pp. 5-6 (See also in this Chapter
the Section entitled "International Teaching Center")

International Teaching Center
The time is indeed propitious for the establishment of the International
Teaching Center, a development which, at one and the same time, brings
to fruition the work of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land
and provides for its extension into the future, links the institution of
the Boards of Counselors even more intimately with that of the Hands of
the Cause of God, and powerfully reinforces the discharge of the rapidly
growing responsibilities of the Universal House of Justice. . . .

The duties now assigned to this nascent institution are:

To coordinate, stimulate and direct the activities of the Continental
Boards of Counselors and to act as liaison between them and the
Universal House of Justice.

To be fully informed of the situation of the Cause in all parts of the
world and to be able, from the background of this knowledge, to make
reports and recommendations to the Universal House of Justice and give
advice to the Continental Boards of Counselors.

To be alert to possibilities, both within and without the Bahá'í
community, for the extension of the teaching work into receptive or
needy areas, and to draw the attention of the Universal House of Justice
and the Continental Boards of Counselors to such possibilities, making
recommendations for action.

To determine and anticipate needs for literature, pioneers and traveling
teachers and to work out teaching plans, both regional and global, for
the approval of the Universal House of Justice.

1.18 

All the Hands of the Cause of God will be members of the International
Teaching Center. Each Hand will be kept regularly informed of the
activities of the Center through reports or copies of its minutes, and
will be able, wherever he may be residing or traveling, to convey
suggestions, recommendations and information to the Center and, whenever
he is in the Holy Land, to take part in the consultations and other
activities of the Center. Letter from the Universal House of Justice,
dated June 8, 1973, in The Continental Boards of Counselors, pp. 46-47

The Continental Boards of Counselors
The Universal House of Justice decided . . . to establish Continental
Boards of Counselors for the protection and propagation of the Faith.
Their duties will include directing the Auxiliary Boards in their
respective areas, consulting and collaborating with National Spiritual
Assemblies, and keeping the Hands of the Cause and the Universal House
of Justice informed concerning the conditions of the Cause in their
areas. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated June 24, 1968, in
Messages from The Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986, p. 131

The Counselors are responsible for stimulating, counseling and assisting
National Spiritual Assemblies, and also work with individuals, groups,
and Local Assemblies. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969,
in Messages from The Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986, p. 151

We are confident that the institution of the Boards of Counselors will
lend its vital support and, through the Counselors' own contacts with
friends, through their Auxiliary Boards and their assistants, will
nourish the roots of each local community, enrich and cultivate the soil
of knowledge of the teachings and irrigate it with the living waters of
love for Bahá'u'lláh. Thus will the saplings grow into mighty trees, and
the trees bear their golden fruit. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 25, 1975, in
The Continental Boards of Counselors, pp. 63-64

The Continental Boards of Counselors and the National Spiritual
Assemblies share in the functions of propagation and protection, but the
Counselors specialize in these functions from a different level and in a
different manner. From a continental vantage point, the Counselors bring
a perspective to their functions which, when offered to a National
Assembly in the form of counsel, advice, recommendations, suggestions,
or commentary, enriches the

1.19 

latter's understanding, acquaints it with a broader experience than its
own, and encourages it to maintain a world-embracing vision.

An aspect of the difference in the manner of functioning of the
Counselors derives from the instructions given in the Will and Testament
of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to the Hands of the Cause of God, the extension into the
future of whose functions of protection and propagation is the
responsibility of the Counselors. As appointees of the Universal House
of Justice, the Counselors assist the Head of the Faith to broaden the
base, foster the strength and ensure the security of the National
Spiritual Assemblies and the institutions and communities under their
jurisdiction. Through their Auxiliary Boards, the Continental Counselors
spread the benefits of their functions to the Local Spiritual Assemblies
and the grassroots of the community. These functions are shaped by their
obligations, in the words of the Will and Testament, "to diffuse the
Divine Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, to promote learning, to
improve the character of all men and to be, at all times and under all
conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things." It can be
seen, then, that through their work in propagating and protecting the
Faith, the Counselors play a major role in knitting and bolstering the
entire fabric of the Bahá'í community. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a
National Spiritual Assembly

The Auxiliary Board Members
The beloved Guardian's message of October 1957 [cited in Messages to the
Bahá'í World, pp. 124-30] clearly indicates that the two Auxiliary
Boards must have distinct but complementary functions. In that message
he charges the Protection Board with "the specific duty of watching over
the security of the Faith" and says that the duty of the Propagation
Board would "henceforth be exclusively concerned with assisting the
prosecution of the Ten- Year Plan" [1953-1963].

Protection Boards

Above all, members of the Protection Boards should concentrate on
deepening the friends' knowledge of the Covenant and increasing their
love and loyalty to it, on clearly and frankly answering, in conformity
with the teachings, whatever questions may trouble any of the believers,
on fostering the spiritual profundity and strength of their faith and
certitude, and on promoting whatever will increase the spirit of loving
unity in Bahá'í communities.

Propagation Boards

The primary tasks of the Propagation Boards, however, are to direct the
believers' attention to the goals of whatever plans have

1.20 

been placed before them, to stimulate and assist them to promote the
teaching work in the fields of proclamation, expansion, consolidation
and pioneering, to encourage contributions to the funds, and to act as
standard-bearers of the teachers of the Faith, leading them to new
achievements in the diffusion of God's Message to their fellow human
beings. 
Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 10, 1976, to
the International Teaching Center

It is the Spiritual Assemblies who plan and direct the work, but these
plans should be well known to the Counselors and Auxiliary Board
members, because one of the ways in which they can assist the Assemblies
is by urging the believers continually to support the plans of the
Assemblies. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969,
to the Continental Boards of Counselors and National Spiritual
Assemblies, in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986,
p.152

When a Local Spiritual Assembly begins to function properly, it does not
mean it can dispense with the service and work of Auxiliary Board
members and their assistants, who can and should continue to provide
stimulation and inspiration not only generally to the Assembly and local
Bahá'í activities, but to individual believers as well. 
	Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated June 9,
1980, to an individual believer

Above all the Auxiliary Board members should build up a warm and loving
relationship between themselves and the believers in their area so that
the Local Spiritual Assemblies will spontaneously turn to them for
advice and assistance. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969,
to the Continental Boards of Counselors and National Spiritual
Assemblies, in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986 ,
pp.152-153

Their Supporting Role
Authority and direction flow from the Assemblies, whereas the power to
accomplish the tasks resides primarily in the entire body of the
believers. It is the principal task of the Auxiliary Boards to assist in
arousing and releasing this power. This is a vital activity, and if they
are to be able to perform it adequately they must avoid becoming
involved in the work of administration. . . . The Auxiliary Boards
should work closely with the grass roots of the community:

1.21 

the individual believers, groups and Local Spiritual Assemblies,
advising, stimulating and assisting them. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969,
in The Continental Boards of Counselors , pp. 37-38

Relation to Administrative Work
Assemblies sometimes misunderstand what is meant by the statement that
Counselors and Auxiliary Board members are concerned with the teaching
work and not with administration. It is taken to mean that they may not
give advice on administrative matters. This is quite wrong. One of the
things that Counselors and Auxiliary Board members should watch and
report on is the proper working of administrative institutions. The
statement that they do not have anything to do with administration
means, simply, that they do not administer. They do not direct or
organize the teaching work nor do they adjudicate in matters of personal
conflict or personal problems. All these activities fall within the
sphere of responsibility of the Spiritual Assemblies. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 1, 1969,
in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1968-1973 , p. 32

Systematic Visits and Correspondence with Communities
Our beloved Guardian urged Auxiliary Board members to establish contact
with Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups, isolated centers and the
individual believers, and through periodic and systematic visits to
localities as well as by correspondence help in promoting the interests
of the Plan, assist in the efficient and prompt execution of the goals,
watch over the security of the Faith, stimulate and strengthen the
teaching and pioneer work, impress upon the friends the importance of
individual effort, initiative and sacrifice, and encourage them to
participate in Bahá'í activities and be unified under all circumstances.

	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated November 17, 1971

Referring Matters
The question has been raised as to how Local Spiritual Assemblies and
individual believers are to know which matters they should refer to
which Auxiliary Board member. We feel that this will be worked out at
the local level in the light of experience, and that meanwhile the
Assemblies and believers should not concern themselves unduly about it.
They should feel free to refer to either Board, and if the Auxiliary
Board member feels that the matter would better have been referred to
his colleague, he can either himself pass the question on, or suggest
the different approach to the Assembly or believer. This is similar to
the situation, already familiar to Board members, when they have
referred to them a matter which should

1.22 

properly be dealt with by a National Spiritual Assembly or one of its
committees. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 10, 1976,
to the International Teaching Center

Flexibility and Speed in Response
Support Maturation
The flexibility and speed with which the Counselors and their Auxiliary
Board members can respond to a perceived need in the community--such as
a need for encouragement, explanation of plans, deepening in the
Teachings, protection of the Covenant-- are elements of their
functioning which distinguish them from Spiritual Assemblies; this
flexibility enables them to operate as occasions demand, whether it is
in giving counsel at a meeting, or advising an individual in private, or
helping the friends to understand and obey a ruling of the Spiritual
Assembly, or dealing with issues of the Covenant. In such different
modes these officers of the Faith are able to draw attention to relevant
Texts, to impart information, explore situations, and acquaint
themselves with conditions in ways not possible to a Spiritual Assembly
but important to the success of its plans. They are able then to share
with Spiritual Assemblies, as deemed necessary, ideas, analyses,
perceptions, and advice which inevitably enhance the ability of these
Assemblies to serve their communities. They thus assist Assemblies to
mature. Where Local Assemblies are new or weak, Auxiliary Board members
help them to understand their functions, encourage them to organize
their work, and rally the local believers in support of their
Assemblies' initiatives.

Prop and Mainstay of National Spiritual Assembly
Through the various modes of their activities, the Counselors aided by
their Auxiliary Boards spark and buttress the growth and development of
Spiritual Assemblies and local and national communities. With this
perspective, Shoghi Effendi's regarding of the Auxiliary Board members
as "a prop and mainstay to the often overworked and overburdened
National Spiritual Assemblies" becomes clear. The indispensability of
the involvement of Continental Counselors and Auxiliary Board members in
the planning stages of the teaching work and the benefits of acquainting
them with the hopes and concerns of National Spiritual Assemblies and of
seeking their advice are also obvious.

Free to Determine Manner of Support
While the Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards, in addition to the
discharge of their specific responsibilities, will support the
initiatives adopted by a National Spiritual Assembly, the Assembly
should recognize that the Counselors must be free to determine,

1.23 

according to their own best judgment, in what manner that support will
be given. There is a great difference between the functions of national
committees and Auxiliary Board members in this respect. Whereas the
committees may be required by the Assembly to follow particular
procedures, Auxiliary Board members are not similarly bound; yet they
should not act in a manner that undermines the operations of the
National Assembly or its agencies. This does not mean that Auxiliary
Board members may not decide, upon request or not, to participate in the
execution of a particular programme or educational project devised by a
national committee, or even to contribute towards the conceptualization
and fruition of the project. It does mean, however, that their
prerogative to proceed within a wider latitude than that accessible to
the national committee should be respected.

Should not Divert Attention from Adopted Plans
By working at the grassroots of the community, an Auxiliary Board member
is often able to satisfy a need not being met by any national or local
programme, but which if dealt with by the Auxiliary Board member will
better equip the local friends to achieve the established goals of the
community. Such a flexibility on the part of the Auxiliary Board member
in dealing with immediate situations, such a freedom for independent
action, should be taken for granted by all concerned. However, a pattern
of activity on the part of the Auxiliary Board member, or even of a
Counselor, which appears to the National Assembly to be seriously
diverting attention from the adopted plans of the community should
unhesitatingly be made a matter for remedial consultation with the
Counselor. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated May 19, 1994, to a
National Spiritual Assembly

/// (See also Chapter 5, "Protection of the Faith," for further
information on the relation of the Protective Boards to the Local
Spiritual Assembly; and Chapter 7, "Teaching and Consolidation," for
further information on the relation of the Propagation Boards to the
Local Spiritual Assembly)

The Assistants to the Auxiliary Board Members
We have decided to take a further step in the development of the
institution by giving to each Continental Board of Counselors the
discretion to authorize individual Auxiliary Board members to appoint
assistants. . . .

Their aims should be to activate and encourage Local Spiritual

1.24 

Assemblies, to call the attention of Local Spiritual Assembly members to
the importance of holding regular meetings, to encourage local
communities to meet for the Nineteen Day Feasts and Holy Days, to help
deepen their fellow-believers' understanding of the Teachings, and
generally to assist the Auxiliary Board members in the discharge of
their duties. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 7, 1973,
in The Continental Boards of Counselors, p. 54

One of the most potent aids to the consolidation of local communities
and Assemblies and the deepening of the faith of the believers, is the
services of the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants. Here is an
institution of the Faith, reaching into every locality, composed of firm
believers who know the area they have to serve and are familiar with its
problems and potentialities-- an institution expressly designed to
encourage and reinforce the work of the Spiritual Assemblies, to enthuse
the believers, to stimulate them to study the Teachings and apply them
in their lives-- a body of Bahá'ís whose efforts and services will
complement and support the work being done by your committees and by the
Local Assemblies themselves in every sphere of Bahá'í endeavor. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated December 2, 1976,
to a National Spiritual Assembly

Believers Can Serve Both as Assistants and on Administrative
Institutions
Appointment of a believer as a Board member's assistant does not require
the resignation of the appointee from a Spiritual Assembly or a
committee. The House of Justice leans towards "assistants" not retiring
from administrative work, although in consultation with their Spiritual
Assembly it may be quite in order; it would be preferable, however, for
the suggestion to come from the appointee and not from the Spiritual
Assembly. 
	Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated November
10, 1975, to a National Spiritual Assembly

Assistants Who Are Also Members of an Administrative Institution
Assistants who are members of a National Assembly or a national
committee do not function as assistants in relation to that body, and
they have the same duty to observe the confidentiality of its
consultations, and of matters considered by the Assembly to be
confidential, as does any other member. An assistant can, of course, be
a member of a Local Spiritual Assembly, but his task here as an
assistant is to help the Spiritual Assembly to function harmoniously and
efficiently in the discharge of its duties and this will hardly succeed
if he gives the Assembly the feeling that he is

1.25 

reporting privately everything it does to the Auxiliary Board member. He
should, on the contrary, do all he can to foster an atmosphere of warm
and loving collaboration between the Local Assembly and the Board
member. 
	Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated August 2,
1982, to a National Spiritual Assembly

/// (See also Chapter 3, "Organization of the Local Spiritual Assembly,"
for further information on confidentiality)


SUGGESTED READINGS
The Covenant and the Administrative Order


SUGGESTED READINGS

Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas, pp. 217-23

Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá

God Passes By, Shoghi Effendi, pp. 158-329

The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, Shoghi Effendi, pp. 141-57

The Covenant, compiled by the Universal House of Justice

Electing Bahá'í Assemblies, published by the National Spiritual Assembly
of the United States, 1997

The Covenant: Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It,
compiled by the National Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States

A Miracle of Governance: the Local Spiritual Assembly, a video and
workbook deepening program prepared by the Office of Assembly
Development of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the
United States, 1997

March of the Institutions, Eunice Braun

Eternal Covenant, Lowell Johnson

Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh, Adib Taherzadeh

The National Spiritual Assembly 
The National Spiritual Assembly, compiled by the Universal House of
Justice

The Local Spiritual Assembly 
The Local Spiritual Assembly, compiled by the Universal House of Justice



2.1

Chapter 2

THE FORMATION OF THE ASSEMBLY

FORMING THE ASSEMBLY
Obligation to Form
It is of the utmost importance that in accordance with the explicit text
of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, in every locality, be it city
or hamlet, where the number of adult (21 years and above) declared
believers exceeds nine, a local "Spiritual Assembly" be forthwith
established. To it all local matters pertaining to the Cause must be
directly and immediately referred for full consultation and decision.
The importance, nay the absolute necessity of these local Assemblies is
manifest when we realize that in the days to come they will evolve into
the local Houses of Justice. . . .
	Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, p. 37

Shoghi Effendi feels that in any locality where the number of adult
believers reaches nine, a local Assembly should be established. He feels
this to be an obligation rather than a purely voluntary act. Only in
exceptional cases has the National Spiritual Assembly the right to
postpone the formation of an Assembly if it feels that the situation
does not warrant such a formation. This right, however, should be
exercised if the situation absolutely demands it.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Principles of Bahá'í
Administration, p. 46

Historical Perspective
In developing the Administrative Order, the Guardian established the
First Day of Ridvan as the day when all Local Spiritual Assemblies
should be elected. During his own lifetime, this practice was followed
as the number of Local Assemblies steadily grew to over one thousand.

In the subsequent two decades the Faith expanded greatly, especially in
the rural areas of the world, often remote and difficult to reach. In
view of this development, the Universal House of

2.2 

Justice decided in 1977 that, in certain cases, when the local friends
failed to elect their Spiritual Assembly on the First Day of Ridvan,
they could do so on any subsequent Day of the Ridvan festival. This
permission did not apply to all localities, but to those that, in the
judgment of the National Spiritual Assembly, were particularly affected
by such factors as illiteracy, remoteness, and unfamiliarity with
concepts of Bahá'í administration. The House of Justice also gave
permission at the beginning of the Five Year Plan for Assemblies being
formed for the first time to be elected at any point during the year.

Responsibility of Bahá'ís in the Locality
These provisions have enabled the believers in a large number of
localities to receive assistance in electing their Local Spiritual
Assemblies, and much experience has been gained in strengthening Local
Assemblies under diverse conditions in a vast array of cultural
settings. Nevertheless, in principle, the initiative and responsibility
for electing a Local Spiritual Assembly belong primarily to the Bahá'ís
in the locality, and assistance from outside is ultimately fruitful only
if the friends become conscious of this sacred responsibility. As
progress is made in the training of human resources and in the
development of the entire range of Bahá'í community life, the capacity
of the friends to elect their Local Spiritual Assemblies on their own
will certainly grow.

Election Day:
First Day of Ridvan
With these thoughts in mind, we have decided that, beginning at Ridvan
1997, the practice of electing all Local Spiritual Assemblies on the
First Day of Ridvan will be reinstituted. We recognize that the
immediate result my be a reduction in the number of Local Spiritual
Assemblies at Ridvan 1997, but we are confident that subsequent years
will witness a steady increase.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated December 26, 1995,
to the Conference of the Continental Boards of counselors

Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Corporation [the Local Spiritual Assembly] at
which its Trustees shall be elected shall be held on the first day of
Ridvan, being that period between sunset on April 20 and sunset on April
21, at an hour and place to be fixed by the Spiritual Assembly, which
shall give not less than fifteen days' notice of the meeting to all
members of the local Bahá'í community.

Section 1. The Spiritual Assembly shall accept those votes transmitted
to the Assembly before the election by members who by reason of sickness
or other unavoidable reason are unable to be present at the election in
person.

2.3 

Section 2. The election of members to the Spiritual Assembly shall be by
plurality vote [whereby candidates that have obtained the highest number
of votes, regardless of whether they received a majority of the votes
cast, are elected].

Section 3. All voting members of the local Bahá'í community are eligible
for election as members of the Spiritual Assembly.

Section 4. The Spiritual Assembly shall prepare an agenda for the Annual
Meeting in which shall be included reports of the activities of the
Assembly since its election, a financial statement showing all income
and expenditure of its fund, reports of its committees and presentation
of any other matters pertaining to the affairs of the Bahá'í community.
The Assembly, both preceding and following the Annual Election, shall
invite discussion and welcome suggestions from the community in order
that its plans may reflect the community mind and heart.

Section 5. The result of the election shall be reported by the Spiritual
Assembly to the National Spiritual Assembly. 
	Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, and By-Laws of the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States, Article XI,
By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly .



Preparation for the Annual Meeting
/// The Local Spiritual Assembly may wish to begin in early March to
prepare for the Annual Meeting by taking the following steps:

///  * Schedule the Annual Meeting to take place during the period
between sunset on April 20 and sunset on April 21. (An Annual Meeting
held at any other time will invalidate the election.)

///  * Determine the place of the meeting.

///  * Notify all voting members (those twenty-one and over) of the time
and place of the Annual Meeting and provide instructions for absentee
ballots. (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Absentee Ballots")

/// If the Assembly is to be re-formed, fifteen days' notice should be
given. Failure to give at least fifteen days' notice, however, will not
necessarily invalidate the election. (When a Local Spiritual Assembly is
formed for the first time, advance notice should be given; however, no
specific time period is required.)

///  * Appoint tellers (at least two) to count the votes at the
election.

/// (See also in this Chapter, Section titled "Tellers")

2.4 

///  * Instruct the tellers, one of whom should be designated chief
teller.

/// The following steps should be taken at the Annual Meeting before
voting:

///  * Read the qualifications for Assembly membership and procedures
for voting

///  * Provide ballot paper

///  * Update the adult membership list

/// Announce at the meeting all persons who have transferred in or out
of the community since the election notices were sent. A current voting
list may be provided for every adult; or, where this is not feasible,
copies of the adult membership list should be available at the time of
the election.

Agenda
/// The Local Spiritual Assembly sets the agenda for the Annual Meeting.
The following agenda is provided merely as an example of how the
Assembly might wish to organize the meeting:

///  * Opening prayers
///  * Presentation of the Annual Report
///  * Consultation and questions on the Annual Report
///  * Reading of election call
///  * Introduction of tellers and instructions on voting procedure
///  * Final call for absentee ballots
///  * Announcement of persons who have recently transferred in or
///  * out of the community since the election call
///  * Prayer
///  * Voting
///  * Collection of ballots by tellers
///  * Consultation on the development of the community in the
///  * coming year
///  * Tellers' report and acceptance by community
///  * Closing prayer

Annual Report
/// The Annual Report is a summary of the community's goals, concerns,
activities, and progress of the past year. It should also reflect the
nature of the participation of the community in the national and global
plans of the Faith. Incorporated Assemblies may also need to submit this
report to the state to maintain their incorporation. The

2.5 

Annual Report is normally distributed to the community prior to the
election of the Assembly, either at the Annual Meeting or in a mailing
before the Annual Meeting.(For more information, see also Section titled
"Incorporated Assemblies" in this Chapter) 

/// The Local Assembly makes the final determination of what is included
in the Annual Report. The following basic information may be included:

///  * Name and location of the Spiritual Assembly
///  * Date of report
///  * Period covered
///  * Results of the last annual election and any by-elections
///  * Assembly membership and attendance record
///  * Vital statistics:
///    * total membership of the community
///    * makeup of membership--adults, youth, children
///    * enrollments for the year
///    * transfers in and out, withdrawals, deprivations of
///    * administrative rights
///    * marriages, births, deaths
///  * Nineteen Day Feast (percentage of community attendance)
///  * Major local projects and activities, and their progress to date
///  * Part played by the community in national and global plans of the
Faith, including:
///    * extension teaching
///    * pioneers sent out
///    * community support of national activities
///  * Noteworthy developments
///  * Financial record
///    * total contributions received to date
///    * expenditures
///    * percentage of community participating in the Fund

Reports of Committees
/// Committee reports should be submitted to the Assembly well before
the Annual Meeting. The Assembly will need time to review the reports
and to decide what to include in its own general report to the
community. (Or the Assembly may simply add the committee reports as an
addendum to its report.) Altogether, the yearly reports prepared by the
Assembly and its committees constitute the Annual Report of the Local
Spiritual Assembly which must be kept in the permanent files of the
Assembly. A copy of the report should be sent to the National Spiritual
Assembly and may also be shared with the Auxiliary Board member(s)

2.6 

Incorporated Assemblies
/// Incorporated Assemblies may have to meet certain legal requirements
to maintain their corporate status. These requirements vary from state
to state. The Assembly may, for example, be required to have presented
and to have received acceptance of the minutes of the last year's Annual
Meeting. Incorporated Assemblies should make sure that they familiarize
themselves with and adhere to the state requirements.

Tellers
/// The tellers are appointed by the outgoing Spiritual Assembly. Any
Bahá'í, adult or youth, in good standing may serve as teller; however,
the Chief Teller should be an adult. The task includes:

///  * Collecting the ballots
///  * Counting the ballots
///  * Making certain that the ballots are valid
///  * Recording the results
///  * Reporting the results to the election meeting
///    Submitting to the local and National Spiritual Assembly a report
signed by all tellers. This report becomes part of the permanent records
of the community.

/// In addition, the Chief Teller is responsible for organizing the work
of the tellers, announcing the results of the election and any other
relevant information desired by the electors, and ensuring that the
election report is signed by all tellers.

/// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Counting the Ballots";
Chapter 3, Section titled "Service of Children and Youth")



ELECTION PROCESS
The Spirit and Character of Bahá'í Elections
On the election day, the friends must wholeheartedly participate in the
elections, in unity and amity, turning their hearts to God, detached
from all things but Him, seeking His guidance and supplicating His aid
and bounty.
	Shoghi Effendi, translation of letter dated February 27, 1923, to
Persian believers, in "Extracts from the Guardian's Letters on the
Spiritual Character of Bahá'í Elections," p. 1

I feel that reference to personalities before the election would give
rise to misunderstanding and differences. What the friends should do is
to get thoroughly acquainted with one another, to exchange views, to mix
freely and discuss among themselves the requirements and qualifications
for such a membership without reference or application, however
indirect, to particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing
the opinion of others, of canvassing

2.7 

for any particular individual, but should stress the necessity of
getting fully acquainted with the qualifications of membership referred
to in our Beloved's Tablets and of learning more about one another
through direct, personal experience rather than through the reports and
opinions of our friends.
	Shoghi Effendi, Principles of Bahá'í Administration, p. 47

Let us recall His explicit and often-repeated assurances that every
Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and
detachment is, in truth, appointed of God, that its verdict is truly
inspired, that one and all should submit to its decision unreservedly
and with cheerfulness.
	Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, p. 65

The elector . . . is called upon to vote for none but those whom prayer
and reflection have inspired him to uphold. Moreover, the practice of
nomination, so detrimental to the atmosphere of a silent and prayerful
election, is viewed with mistrust, inasmuch as it gives the right . . .
to deny that God-given right of every elector to vote only in favor of
those who he is conscientiously convinced are the most worthy
candidates.
	Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, p. 136

Let them exercise the utmost vigilance so that the elections are carried
out freely, universally and by secret ballot. Any form of intrigue,
deception, collusion and compulsion must be stopped and is forbidden.
	Shoghi Effendi, translation of letter dated March 8, 1932, to
Persian believers, in "Extracts from the Guardian's Letters on the
Spiritual Character of Bahá'í Elections," p. 2

One's vote should be kept confidential. It is not permissible to make
any reference whatsoever to individual names. The friends must avoid the
evil methods and detestable practices of the politicians. They must turn
completely to God, and with a purity of motive, a freedom of spirit and
a sanctity of heart, participate in the elections; otherwise the outcome
will be chaos and confusion, serious difficulties will ensue, mischief
will abound and the confirmation of God will be cut off.
	Shoghi Effendi, translation of letter dated January 16, 1932, to
Persian believers in "Extracts from the Guardian's Letters on the
Spiritual Character of Bahá'í Elections," p. 2

Qualifications for Membership
It is incumbent upon the chosen delegates to consider without the least
trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material
consideration, the names of only those who can best

2.8 

combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless
devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature
experience.
	Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, p. 88

If we but turn our gaze to the high qualifications of the members of
Bahá'í Assemblies . . . we are filled with feelings of unworthiness and
dismay, and would feel truly disheartened but for the comforting thought
that if we rise to play nobly our part every deficiency in our lives
will be more than compensated by the all-conquering spirit of His grace
and power.
	Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, p. 88

In regard to your question about qualifications of delegates and
Assembly members: the qualifications which he outlined are really
applicable to anyone we elect to a Bahá'í office, whatever its nature.
But these are only an indication, they do not mean people who don't
fulfill them cannot be elected to office. We must aim as high as we can.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated October 24, 1947,
to a National Spiritual Assembly, in "Extracts from the Guardian's
Letters on the Spiritual Character of Bahá'í Elections," p. 3

Concerning the qualifications of the members of the spiritual assembly;
there is a distinction of fundamental importance which should be always
remembered in this connection, and this is between the spiritual
assembly as an institution, and the persons who comprise it. These are
by no means supposed to be perfect, nor can they be considered as being
inherently superior to the rest of their fellow-believers. It is
precisely because they are subject to the same human limitations that
characterize the other members of the community that they have to be
elected every year. The existence of elections is a sufficient
indication that assembly members, though forming part of an institution
that is divine and perfect, are nevertheless themselves imperfect. But
this does not necessarily imply that their judgment is defective. For as
'Abdu'l-Bahá has repeatedly emphasized Bahá'í assemblies are under the
guidance and protection of God. The elections, specially when annual,
give the community a good opportunity to remedy any defect or
imperfection from which the assembly may suffer as a result of the
actions of its members. Thus a safe method has been established whereby
the quality of membership in Bahá'í assemblies can be continually raised
and improved. But, as already stated, the institution of the

2.9 

spiritual assembly should under no circumstances be identified with, or
be estimated merely through, the personal qualifications of the members
that compose it.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The Local Spiritual
Assembly, pp. 9-10

Physical Handicaps
In view of the spiritual principles which must guide the elector in
selecting those he feels are best fitted to serve on the Assembly, and
to preserve the unfettered freedom of the voter, a believer should not
be arbitrarily considered ineligible for Assembly membership because of
physical handicaps. The handicapped person, seemingly incapable of
taking part in consultation, may in fact be able to function quite
adequately, provided his fellow Assembly members are determined to find
ways in which they can help him to participate. In the Bahá'í community
for anyone to be elected, a sufficient number of voters must have
prayerfully considered that believer fitted to serve. If the elected
Assembly finds that one of its members is unable to function, the
question of declaring a vacancy may be considered.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated January 15, 1965,
to a National Spiritual Assembly

Representation of Minorities
Bearing in mind the extreme desirability of having the minority elements
participate and share responsibility in the conduct of Bahá'í activity,
it should be the duty of every Bahá'í community so to arrange its
affairs that in cases where individuals belonging to the diverse
minority elements within it are already qualified and fulfill the
necessary requirements, Bahá'í representative institutions, be they
Assemblies, conventions, conferences, or committees, may have
represented on them as many of these diverse elements, racial or
otherwise, as possible.
	Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 35-36

The Benefits of Electing New Members
Shoghi Effendi has never said that the members of the National Assembly
have to be renewed partially every year. The important thing is that
they should be properly elected. It would be nice if there should be new
members elected, for new blood always adds to the energy of the group
and will keep up their spirit. But this depends entirely upon the will
of the delegates as represented in the result of their voting.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated October 1932

He was very happy to see that changes had been made in membership of the
N.S.A. this year, not from any reasons of

2.10 

personality, but because change itself is good and brings a fresh
outlook into the discussions of any assembly. He was also pleased to see
that these changes involved more younger people being on the N.S.A.;
with the tremendous amount of work which this . . . Plan is going to
involve, this will be a great help to the older members of that body.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The National Spiritual
Assembly, p. 18

Eligibility to Vote or Hold Office
Age
Upon attaining the age of twenty-one years, a Bahá'í is eligible to vote
and to hold elective office.
	By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly, Article V

Members of the Institution of the Learned The exalted rank and specific
functions of the Hands of the Cause of God make it inappropriate for
them to be elected or appointed to administrative institutions, or to be
elected as delegates to national conventions.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated November 1964,
Wellspring of Guidance, p. 42

Auxiliary Board members are eligible to be elected. Therefore, a ballot
should not be invalidated because it contains the name of a member of an
Auxiliary Board. The basic principle involved is that the Board member
himself must decide whether or not to accept his election. As you have
stated in your letter, if the membership in a Bahá'í community drops to
nine, including the Auxiliary Board member resident there, the Auxiliary
Board member may serve temporarily as a member of the Assembly to
preserve its Assembly status.
	The Universal House of Justice, in The Continental Boards of
Counselors, p. 33

All adult Bahá'ís, including members of the Auxiliary Board, are
eligible to vote in elections for delegates or in elections for members
of the Local Spiritual Assembly.
	The Universal House of Justice, in The Continental Boards of
Counselors, p. 34

Believers can serve at the same time both as assistants to Auxiliary
Board members and on administrative institutions.
	The Universal House of Justice, in The Continental Boards of
Counselors, pp. 54-55

Residency Requirements
To count as a member of a local Bahá'í community for the purpose of
forming or maintaining the Local Spiritual Assembly, a believer must be
resident in that area of jurisdiction on the First Day of Ridvan. This
is the principle. What constitutes "residence" is a secondary matter for
each National Spiritual Assembly to decide. . . .

2.11 

It is, moreover, not essential for a person to be physically present to
be a resident. There are many instances of a sailor or salesman who
spends most of his time moving from place to place but who is
indisputably resident in the town where his family lives. All such
matters must be decided by the National Spiritual Assembly in the light
of the circumstances of each case within the general framework of the
definition of "residence" that it adopts.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated September 18,
1985, to a National Spiritual Assembly, in Lights of Guidance , par. 20

Students and Others Who Reside in More Than One Community
For example, it may be that a university student spends some six months
of the year in the town where his university is, and the other half-year
in the home of his parents. In such a case it is normal to permit him to
choose which of the two places is to count as his residence for Bahá'í
purposes; one cannot count as being "resident" in two places at once.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated September 18,
1985, to a National Spiritual Assembly, in Lights of Guidance, par. 20



Moving after Ridvan
/// It is a policy of the National Spiritual Assembly that if a Bahá'í
has made a firm commitment, such as signing a lease or purchase
agreement on a house, he is eligible to vote in that community's
election or be elected to the Assembly of that community provided that
he is able physically to reside in the community within 90 days.

Moving after the Election Calls Have Been Sent
/// There is no minimum amount of time Bahá'ís must be residents of a
community before they can participate in a Bahá'í election. If they move
to a community the day of an election, they may participate in it as
long as the Assembly is convinced that they are making their home in
that community.

Change of Boundaries
/// Bahá'í community membership is often affected by civil boundary
changes, and because of this, those who are eligible to serve during one
year on the Assembly may not be members of the same community the next
year. The National Spiritual Assembly should be notified of all civil
boundary changes. No change in a membership list resulting from civil
boundary changes should be made until the National Spiritual Assembly
approves or acknowledges the changes.

Newly-Enrolled Bahá'ís
/// Unless they are from the Middle East (see following section),
newly-enrolled Bahá'ís are eligible to vote in an election or to be
elected to a Local Spiritual Assembly, regardless of whether they have
received Bahá'í identification cards from the National Spiritual
Assembly.

2.12 

Newly-Transferred Bahá'ís
/// Pending the transfer of their membership into the United States
Bahá'í community from the community of the country in which they were
last residing, Bahá'ís with current credentials from other countries
(not visitors) may be considered eligible to vote or to be elected to an
Assembly. They must submit their credentials (and ask for a return
receipt) to the National Spiritual Assembly and request that their
membership be transferred to the United States Bahá'í community. If,
after 60 days, the Bahá'ís still have not received their United States
Bahá'í credentials, the National Spiritual Assembly should be notified.

/// Bahá'ís without credentials from another country (not visitors) who
have not yet received United States Bahá'í credentials are not eligible
to vote and serve on a Spiritual Assembly until their status has been
verified and their transfer has been completed. They must contact their
former National Spiritual Assembly and ask that their credentials be
sent to the United States National Spiritual Assembly.

Enrollments and Transfers from the Middle East
/// Any person from Persian background, regardless of their immigration
status or length of stay in the U.S., and Middle Easterners may
participate in administrative functions only after their enrollments and
transfers are confirmed by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Bahá'ís with Unknown Adresses
/// If the community membership list includes the names of Bahá'ís whose
mail has been returned, the Assembly should not remove their names from
the community list or voting list unless it has been verified that the
persons no longer live at their last known address.

/// Concerning those persons for whom every effort has been made to
locate them, to no avail, the Assembly should notify the National
Spiritual Assembly (Attn: Management Information Systems office) and ask
that they be removed from the local community's membership list.

/// (See also Chapter 6, "Community Membership")



Special Circumstances
While this teaching work is commendable those who accept Bahá'u'lláh
under these conditions cannot undertake administrative responsibilities,
nor can Local Assemblies be formed in prisons.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated February 9, 1972,
to a National Spiritual Assembly, in Lights of Guidance , par. 25

Prisoners
You are free to accept declarations of faith from inmates of a prison,
but their participation as voting believers can take place only after
they have been discharged from prison. 
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated December 8, 1969,
to a National Spiritual Assembly, in Lights of Guidance , 1994 ed., par.
263

2.13 

Mentally Ill or Senile
/// If a believer is incapable of serving due to mental illness or
senility, the Assembly should write to the National Spiritual Assembly,
recommending that the person be relieved of administrative service.
Until the National Assembly approves the recommendation, the person
should continue to be included on the voting list.

Withdrawals
/// If a person has asked to withdraw from the Faith but the community
has not received notice from the National Spiritual Assembly that the
withdrawal has been officially accepted, the person is still considered
a member of the community, and their name should be included on the
voting list.

/// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Election of a Believer
Who Has Withdrawn")

Reinstatement from Withdrawal
/// A person who has previously withdrawn and wishes to be reinstated to
Bahá'í membership is eligible to vote in an election only after the
reinstatement has been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly. The
Local Spiritual Assembly should send its recommendation to the National
Spiritual Assembly, which will then notify the Local Spiritual Assembly
upon approval of the reinstatement.

///  (See also Chapter 6, Section entitled "Withdrawal from and
Reinstatement of Membership")



Voting
Sacred Responsibility
These local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be elected directly by the
friends, and every declared believer of twenty-one years and above, far
from standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude,
should regard it his sacred duty to take part conscientiously and
diligently in the election, the consolidation and the efficient working
of his own local Assembly.
	Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í Administration, p. 39

I feel I must reaffirm the vital importance and necessity of the right
of voting--a sacred responsibility of which no adult recognized believer
should be deprived, unless he is associated with a community that has
not as yet been in a position to establish a Local Assembly. This
distinguishing right which the believer possesses, however, does not
carry with it nor does it imply an obligation to cast his vote, if he
feels that the circumstances under which he lives do not justify or
allow him to exercise that right intelligently and with understanding.
This is a matter which should be left to the individual to decide
himself according to his own conscience and discretion.
	Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America, pp. 3-4

2.14 

Nine Votes Must Be Cast
Inasmuch as Spiritual Assembly membership, according to the principles
of Bahá'í Administration, has been limited for the present to nine
members, it follows that no electoral vote can be effective unless it is
cast for exactly that number. It is, therefore, the sacred duty of every
Bahá'í elector to cast nine votes, neither more nor less, except under
special circumstances so as to insure that the results of the elections
for the Spiritual Assembly will be effective and on as wide a basis of
representation as possible.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated March 27, 1940, to
a National Spiritual Assembly, Lights of Guidance , par.42

Voting for Oneself
A believer has the right to vote for himself during the election time,
if he conscientiously feels the urge to do so. This does not necessarily
imply that he is ambitious or selfish. For he might conscientiously
believe that his qualifications entitle him to membership in a Bahá'í
administrative body, and he might be right. The essential, however, is
that he should be sincere in his belief, and should act according to the
dictates of his conscience. Moreover, membership in an assembly or
committee is a form of service, and should not be looked upon as a mark
of inherent superiority or a means for self-praise.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Dawn of a New Day, pp. 200-201

Voting Absentee
The same procedure in voting should be followed, namely, the ballot
should be placed and sealed in an unmarked inner envelope and that
envelope placed in an outer envelope marked with the name of the voter.
. . .
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated January 21, 1973,
to all National Spiritual Assemblies



/// Those Bahá'ís who are unable to be present at the election may mail
in their votes or send them with a Bahá'í who will attend the meeting
using the ballot paper and the two envelopes provided. The inner
envelope in which the ballot is enclosed should have no mark which can
identify the voter. The ballot envelope should be sealed and placed in
the second or outer envelope. The outer envelope should have the name
and address of the sender and be marked "ballot." If mailed, the
absentee ballot should be mailed enough in advance to ensure its receipt
prior to the election date.

/// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Preparation for the
Annual Meeting")

/// If a person is unable to fill out a ballot form, he may call a
person designated by the Assembly to accept the ballots (usually the
Chief

2.15 

Teller or the Secretary of the Assembly). The Local Spiritual Assembly
should make some kind of arrangements to accept ballots from those who
cannot speak or write English or who cannot, for whatever reason, fill
out a ballot. (For example, a youth could be designated to fill out the
ballot according to the person's wishes.)

Tie Votes
/// If there is a tie for the ninth member on the Assembly, the
community should re-vote to break the tie. An exception to the rule
occurs when one of the parties represents a minority.



In case by reason of a tie vote or votes the full membership of an
elected body is not determined on the first ballot, then one or more
additional ballots shall be taken on the persons tied until all members
are elected.
	The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, Article VI

Q. In the case of a tie between five persons for three vacancies should
the names of the five be read for the delegates' vote? A. Yes.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 29, 1971, to
a National Spiritual Assembly, Lights of Guidance , par. 80

Regarding your question about the breaking of tie votes, a balloting to
break such a tie vote for members of a Spiritual Assembly may be held
after the first day of Ridvan if necessary, but obviously the day of
balloting should not be delayed too long.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 4, 1972, to a
National Spiritual Assembly

In Case of Minority
If any discrimination is at all to be tolerated, it should be a
discrimination not against, but rather in favor of the minority, be it
racial or otherwise. . . . So great and vital is this principle that in
such circumstances, as when an equal number of ballots have been cast in
an election . . . [and] are balanced between the various races, faiths
or nationalities within the community, priority should unhesitatingly be
accorded the party representing the minority, and this for no other
reason except to stimulate and encourage it, and afford it an
opportunity to further the interests of the community. 
	Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 35

There are so many varieties of situations which can occur in respect to
minorities, and in so many different circumstances in different parts of
the world, that it is impossible to lay down a hard and fast rule. The
two guiding principles are the beloved Guardian's

2.16 

statement, which is well known to you, and its concomitant that whenever
there is doubt as to what is a minority or whether all other matters are
equal a re-vote should be taken.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated September 27,
1973, to a National Spiritual Assembly

What is not clearly defined is "majority" and "minority." The Guardian
refers to "various races, faiths or nationalities." Where this is
obvious, e.g., in the United States a white American and a Negro, there
is no problem. In all cases of doubt a re-vote should be held.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated June 30, 1966, to
a National Spiritual Assembly

/// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "Policy of the National
Spiritual Assembly on What Constitutes a Minority")

Policy of the National Spiritual Assembly on What Constitutes a Minority
The definition of a minority in any locality is in the discretion of the
National Spiritual Assembly. It is clear that pioneers from other lands
should not be regarded as belonging to a minority, neither do the
categories quoted by the Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice
namely, "faith, race, class or nation," include sex. The overriding
principle is always that if there is any doubt as to whether the
minority principle should be invoked, then a further ballot should be
taken.
	Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated March 5,
1986, to a National Spiritual Assembly, Lights of Guidance, par. 84

/// Since there are many nationalities represented in the United States,
and in any given community many members could claim justly to belong to
various nationalities, the settling of a tie on the basis of nationality
is unworkable. Therefore, the National Spiritual Assembly has
established that the question of what constitutes a minority for the
purpose of resolving tie votes in Bahá'í elections must be determined
according to race. At this time, the criteria used to determine a racial
minority are those established by the United States government and are
not based upon the racial make-up of the Bahá'í community. For example,
if there is a tie vote between a Caucasian believer and a Hispanic
believer, and the majority of the Bahá'í community consists of Hispanic
believers, the Hispanic believer would be elected to the Local Spiritual
Assembly because Hispanic people are considered a racial minority by the
United States government. Persians are considered a nationality and not
a racial minority.

2.17 

Counting the Ballots
It is for your National Assembly to determine how to properly instruct
the delegates beforehand in the recording of identical names on ballots
and to give the tellers guidelines for handling these questions when
they arise in the counting of the ballots. Thereafter, it is for the
tellers to make the decision and give the results to the Convention or
Assembly. . . .
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 29, 1971, to
a National Spiritual Assembly

As to whether a voter in a Bahá'í election has the right to know how
many votes he may have received in that election even if he was not
elected, it is inappropriate for an individual to raise such a question.
. . .

The procedure which applies in the reporting of the results of a Bahá'í
election is as stated in the letter of 16 December 1965 addressed to
your National Assembly by the Universal House of Justice and is recited
as follows for your ready reference:

Normal Convention procedure would call for a tellers' report announcing
the names of the nine believers elected to the National Spiritual
Assembly plus statistical information as to the balance of the votes
cast. However, if the Convention votes to have the complete report of
the tellers, or any part of it, the Convention is entitled to have the
information which will thereupon be presented by the tellers in
accordance with the vote of the Convention.
	Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated
May 4, 1984, to a National Spiritual Assembly

Invalid Ballots
Under certain conditions an entire ballot may be declared invalid. These
are: (1) More than nine names on ballot paper; (2) Less than nine names
on ballot paper; (3) Duplication of names. Under other conditions,
because of specified irregularities, one or more of the names may be
invalidated but the rest of the ballot would be considered valid. These
irregularities are: (1) A name not identifiable, or illegible; (2) The
name of an ineligible person, such as a youth or person not resident in
the jurisdiction of the voting area, provided of course that each ballot
contains no more or less than nine names and no name has been
duplicated.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 29, 1971, to
a National Spiritual Assembly

Preservation of the Ballots
While it is within the discretion of a National Spiritual Assembly to
determine what to do about preservation of the ballots
2.18 

following the annual election, the House of Justice points out that
should any question concerning the balloting arise during the year
following the election, it would be helpful if the ballots were
available for National Spiritual Assembly scrutiny.
	Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, July 22,
1980, Lights of Guidance, par. 93

Election Results and Recognition
Once Assembly elections are over, the results should be conscientiously
and unquestionably accepted by the entire body of the believers, not
necessarily because they represent the voice of truth or the will of
Bahá'u'lláh, but for the supreme purpose of maintaining unity and
harmony in the Community. Besides, the acceptance of majority vote is
the only effective and practical way of settling deadlocks in elections.
No other solution is indeed possible.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated July 10, 1939, to
an individual believer

Electing Officers
/// (Please see Chapter 3, Section entitled "Electing Officers")

Election with Less Than a Quorum
No quorum is required in the holding of an election for a Local
Spiritual Assembly. This rule also applies in the case of By-elections.
The mere fact that less than nine vote for the members of the Local
Spiritual Assembly does not invalidate the election. As you know, the
National Assembly can always look into the circumstances surrounding a
Local Spiritual Assembly election and use its discretion in determining
whether, considering all circumstances, the existence of the Local
Spiritual Assembly should be recognized.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated April 16, 1969, to
a National Spiritual Assembly



/// There is no prescribed minimum number of persons required at the
annual meeting and the National Spiritual Assembly may, at its
discretion, choose to recognize an Assembly even if only a few persons
vote.

/// In all cases, an Assembly should be formed and the formation papers
submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly describing any unusual or
extenuating circumstances. The National Spiritual Assembly will review
the information and decide whether the election is valid or not. In the
meantime, those elected should begin to carry out the duties and
responsibilities of a Local Spiritual Assembly.

/// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "When to Form")

2.19 

Resignation of Assembly Member
Your Assembly should first have considered whether to accept Miss . .
.'s resignation, and then, if the Assembly had accepted her resignation,
the vacancy should have been filled by a By- election. . . .
	Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, July 6,
1981, Lights of Guidance, par. 88



/// If one of the elected members declines service on the Assembly, the
resignation must be submitted to the newly elected Assembly. (The
resignation cannot be considered by the community at the Annual
Meeting.)

/// The newly elected Spiritual Assembly should consult, seeking the
guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly if necessary, and call for a
By-election if a vacancy is declared. Before the person can be replaced,
all members of the community must be notified of the need for a
By-election.

/// (See also in this Chapter, Section entitled "By-Elections"; and
Chapter 3, Section titled "Resignation")



Election of a Believer Who Has Withdrawn
If, prior to local elections an enrolled believer withdraws from the
Faith and this leads to the removal of his name from Bahá'í membership,
and yet he is subsequently elected to the Local Assembly, such votes as
have been cast in his name are disregarded without invalidating the
remaining votes on the ballots. If, however, the process of withdrawal
has not taken place, that is, the believer refuses on the day of
election to participate and expresses then his desire to withdraw from
the community, and yet he is subsequently elected to the Assembly, since
his withdrawal is generally unknown to the friends, in such a case the
remaining eight elected members should meet, consider the withdrawal,
and if his name has to be removed from Bahá'í membership, a by-election
should be held to fill the vacancy.
	Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated
December 11, 1979, to a National Spiritual Assembly

Reporting Election Information to the National Spiritual Assembly The
result of the election shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly to
the National Spiritual Assembly.
	By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly, Article XI, Section 5



/// Before Ridvan, the National Spiritual Assembly sends election forms
and instructions to Local Spiritual Assemblies. Communities that have
not received the forms should request them from the Management
Information Services department at the Bahá'í National Center.

2.20 

The forms should be completed and returned to the National Assembly
immediately following the election (or joint declaration).

/// Note: It is preferable that Assembly officers be elected and their
names forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly on the election (or
joint declaration) form. However, if it is not possible to elect
officers immediately after the Assembly formation, a temporary secretary
(someone to receive mail and telephone calls) should be appointed and
recorded on the form, and the form sent in immediately. Permanent
officers should be elected and reported as soon as possible on the
"Assembly Officer and Address Change" form.

Formation Report Form Not Received
/// If the Local Spiritual Assembly does not receive the formation
report form by the time of the election, the election results may be
reported in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly. The report
should state whether the Assembly was formed by election or joint
declaration and include the date, the name of the Bahá'í locality, the
names and Bahá'í identification numbers of the Assembly members and the
number of votes each member received. Also included should be the total
number of believers in the community, the number of those voting in
person and by absentee ballot, and the names of the tellers. If Assembly
officers have been elected, these should also be noted.



Joint Declaration
The National Bahá'í Constitution specifies: "When . . . the number of
Bahá'ís in any authorized civil area is exactly nine, these shall on
April 21 of any year, or in successive years, constitute themselves the
Local Spiritual Assembly by joint declaration. Upon the recording of
such declaration by the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly,
said body of nine shall become established with the rights, privileges
and duties of a Local Spiritual Assembly. . . ." It can therefore be
seen that it is the duty of every Bahá'í in such a situation to take
part in the joint declaration. . . .

It should also be noted that although the Constitution specifies that
the joint declaration is to be made on the First Day of Ridvan, it does
not state the manner in which it is to be made. Such subsidiary details
are left to the decision of each National Spiritual Assembly.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated October 12, 1969

When Assembly Is to Be Formed for the First Time
When the Spiritual Assembly is to be formed for the first time (by joint
declaration) and one or more of the adult believers refuses to join in
the declaration, the Spiritual Assembly cannot be formed.


Policy of the National Spiritual Assembly 2.21

The following extract from a letter written on behalf of the Universal
House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium is
pertinent to the treatment of the believer, or believers, who refuse to
take part in the declaration:

It can therefore be seen that it is the duty of every Bahá'í in such a
situation to take part in the joint declaration. If a Bahá'í, however,
refuses to do so he should be helped to realize that he has committed a
grave dereliction of his Bahá'í duty. In this stage of the development
of the Cause a National Spiritual Assembly should not, generally,
deprive a believer of his voting rights for such an offense, but should
lovingly and patiently educate the friends in the importance of their
responsibilities. Amended by the Universal House of Justice in a letter
dated April 5, 1981, to a National Spiritual Assembly

When Assembly Is to Be Re-formed
When a Local Spiritual Assembly is to be re-formed by joint declaration,
the failure or refusal of a believer to take part in the joint
declaration would not be a bar to the re-formation of the Assembly. The
way the declaration is made is within the discretion of the National
Spiritual Assembly to determine, and it may or may not require
signatures.

It is not necessary that all nine members sign the joint declaration
together. One or more may happen to be physically absent on the first
day of Ridvan and in such cases the absent members could sign the
declaration at a later date, or take part in the joint declaration in
such a manner as the National Spiritual Assembly may decide.
	Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated
August 10, 1987, to a National Spiritual Assembly



Policy of the National Spiritual Assembly 
/// If a Local Spiritual Assembly is being formed by joint declaration,
all members should sign the joint declaration form. Those who are
unavailable to sign at the same time as the others may sign their names
earlier or later.

/// If all signatures cannot be obtained or if any difficulties arise,
the Assembly should still form and send the joint declaration form to
the National Spiritual Assembly as soon as possible after Ridvan. The
Local Spiritual Assembly should include a letter explaining any
difficulties and give the reasons for any missing signatures. The joint
declaration should be considered valid unless the community is notified
otherwise by the National Spiritual Assembly.

2.22 

Registration of a Bahá'í Group
/// Bahá'í groups are registered by meeting together to elect a
correspondent and other group officers, if needed, and submitting a
"Bahá'í Group Officers Election Report" form to the Bahá'í National
Center. This form is available from the Management Information Services
department at the Bahá'í National Center. The group will then begin to
receive correspondence from the Bahá'í National Center. Although a group
may elect officers at any time, it is recommended that it hold a new
election each year on the First Day of Ridvan at an annual meeting. All
adult believers should be notified of the election at least 15 days in
advance.

/// In principle, Bahá'í groups regularly meet and consult together
regarding such matters as the observance of Feasts, the development of
children's classes, and the planning of teaching events in much the same
way as Local Spiritual Assemblies. Decisions are carried by majority
vote. Bahá'í groups cannot perform the legislative duties of an
Assembly, however, such as performing Bahá'í marriages or handling cases
involving the violation of Bahá'í laws. Should an issue requiring the
attention of a Local Spiritual Assembly arise, the group should turn to
a nearby Assembly for assistance.

/// The central focus of the Bahá'í group should be toward raising
itself to Assembly status through teaching efforts. It may enlist the
assistance of nearby Spiritual Assemblies, inviting them to adopt their
community as an extension teaching goal, or it may request from the
National Teaching Committee that traveling teachers be sent to assist
with its teaching plans.



By-Elections
Vacancies in the membership of the Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by
election at a special meeting of the local Bahá'í community duly called
for that purpose by the Assembly. In the event that the number of
vacancies exceeds four, making a quorum of the Spiritual Assembly
impossible, the election shall be under the supervision of the National
Spiritual Assembly.
	By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly, Article VIII, Section 2



/// When it is necessary to fill a vacancy on the Assembly, a by-
election should be called. Written notices should be sent to all
eligible adult members in the community at least fifteen days before the
date of the election. The voting list should include the names of all
eligible adult members, including those who may have resigned from the
Assembly. (Although a person may have resigned, he or she is still
considered eligible to serve on the Assembly.)

/// A by-election is held only if there are more than nine adults in the
community. Otherwise, any vacancy is filled automatically as soon as an
adult believer becomes available to serve. Any changes in membership
should be recorded in the minutes. 

/// Results of by-elections should be reported to the National Spiritual

2.23 

Assembly on a "Local Spiritual Assembly Report of By-Election" form
(available from the Management Information Systems office).



Jeopardized Assemblies
He feels that where the dissolution of an Assembly is in question each
case should be treated separately in this sense, that if a member moves
away permanently, leaving less than nine to function, the Spiritual
Assembly should not immediately be dissolved if they, its members, see
an immediate remedy in view; in other words if they are going to confirm
soon, or receive within a reasonable length of time, someone to take the
person's place, they need not give up Assembly status. If they do, for
insurmountable reason, fall below Assembly status, then they can only be
reconstituted on April 21st. Also if certain members temporarily absent
themselves from meetings there is no need to dissolve the Assembly; on
the contrary the reluctant ones should be educated and encouraged to
reassume their spiritual obligations as believers. A Spiritual Assembly
is not based on nine people being available for every single meeting but
on nine resident Bahá'ís doing their best to discharge their duty to the
Spiritual Assembly when they are not prevented by illness or absence or
some legitimate reason for doing so.
	Letter Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated March 31, 1945, to
a National Spiritual Assembly, in Lights of Guidance , par. 22



/// Once elected (or formed by joint declaration), an Assembly continues
to exist until the next annual election or until the National Spiritual
Assembly acts to declare the Assembly dissolved. If the number of adult
Bahá'ís in the community falls below nine, or if conditions arise which
make it impossible for the Local Assembly to function, the facts should
be reported to the National Assembly.

/// Suggested actions which a jeopardized Assembly might take:

///  * Hold a meeting to discuss the status of the community and devise
teaching activities. If the Spiritual Assembly is unable to get a
quorum, the active members should constitute themselves as a teaching
committee and concentrate all their efforts on teaching.

///  * Pray together and be unified.

///  * Concentrate all activities on teaching.

///  * Hold individual firesides. Take individual initiative in
teaching.

///  * Invite speakers from nearby communities to assist with teaching
activities.

2.24 

///  * Request a visit through the Bahá'í National Center of a traveling
teacher.

///  * Invite other Bahá'í communities and youth in the district to
assist with the teaching activities.

///  * Use available media to advertise firesides or public meetings.

///  * Be sure to talk with friends, neighbors, relatives and
associates.

///  * Visit nearby Bahá'í community Feasts to request homefront
pioneers.

///  * Keep the National Teaching Committee, the Auxiliary Board
members, and their assistants informed of the activities.

JURISDICTION
A Bahá'í Locality
/// A Bahá'í locality is the area in which a Bahá'í community is
situated. The boundaries of the Bahá'í locality correspond to the area
of jurisdiction of its Spiritual Assembly. Generally, the boundaries of
Bahá'í localities follow those of the smallest unit of civil
jurisdiction, such as the boundaries of an incorporated city, or,
outside of a city, the boundaries of a township or county. Whenever the
boundaries for a locality are uncertain, boundary clarification and/or
guidelines for establishing boundaries can be requested from the
National Spiritual Assembly.



Bahá'í Boundaries Determined by Civil Boundaries
He wishes me to stress the fact that from now on any group that is
formed must belong to one civil community, as otherwise endless
confusion and misunderstanding would ensue. The limits of each civil
community must be clearly recognized, and no overlapping should be
allowed under any circumstances.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í News, #132, January
1940, p. 4

The Guardian fully realizes that the process of splitting up large
communities into smaller ones, each existing within its own civil units,
has been difficult for the Australian friends. What they do not seem to
fully appreciate is that this has been done in Canada and the United
States as well, and is only in order to organize the assemblies on a
logical basis, and one with a firmer legal foundation. The fact that
this may create more assemblies in the end, and that it sometimes breaks
up existing ones, is only incidental; the important point is to
consolidate the communities on a sound basis, i.e., every assembly
within the limits of the Municipality its members reside in.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Letters from the Guardian to
Australia and New Zealand, p. 83

2.25 

Regarding the formation of local Assemblies, the Guardian does not
advise any departure from the principle that every civil community
should have its own independent Assembly.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í News, #102, August 1936,
p. 2

He realizes that the enforcement of the general rule that an Assembly
must function within civic limits has caused considerable havoc in
Britain, as well as other countries. However, it enables the friends,
through splitting up into smaller communities, to have before their eyes
the appetizing prospect of forming yet another Spiritual Assembly, all
on their own, so to speak. It gives more believers the opportunity to
serve on these Administrative Bodies, challenges the teaching activities
of them all, and stimulates them to fresh efforts in the hope of early
victory.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Unfolding Destiny, p. 381

Annexed Areas
Suburban or unincorporated areas surrounding a central city or town can
only be included in the Local Assembly area of the central entity if
they are annexed by the civil authorities. . . . Letter from the
Universal House of Justice, dated November 29, 1981, to a National
Spiritual Assembly

Area of Jurisdiction
The National Spiritual Assembly shall have exclusive jurisdiction and
authority over all the activities and affairs of the Bahá'í Faith
throughout its area.
	The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, p. 9

Among its more specific duties a Local Spiritual Assembly shall have
full jurisdiction of all Bahá'í activities and affairs within the local
community subject, however, to the exclusive and paramount authority of
the National Spiritual Assembly as defined herein.
	The By-Laws of a National Spiritual Assembly, Article VII, Section
III

Within a municipal area, where the people resident in the area pay taxes
and vote, the Assembly can be elected, and holds jurisdiction. Anyone
living outside of that area is not a member of that Community, and
cannot enjoy the administrative privileges of that Community.
	Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated June 13, 1956

/// (See also Chapter 15, "Application of Bahá'í Law," and/or the
booklet "Establishing Boundaries" for further information on matters
about which the Local Spiritual Assembly has the authority to legislate)

2.26 

SUGGESTED READINGS

Bahá'í Elections, Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal
House of Justice

Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahá'ís of the United States/By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly ,
(c) 1975

Establishing Boundaries booklet, dated July, 1990, prepared by the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States and
available through its Office of Assembly Development



3.1

Chapter 3

ORGANIZATION OF THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

MEANING OF ORGANIZATION
Regarding the relationship of the Cause to the Administration; the
Bahá'í Faith, as the Guardian himself has repeatedly and emphatically
stated, cannot be confined to a mere system of organization, however
elaborate in its features and universal in its scope it may be.
Organization is only a means to the realization of its aims and ideals,
and not an end in itself. To divorce the two, however, would be to
mutilate the Cause itself, as they stand inseparably bound to each
other, in very much the same relationship existing between the soul and
body in the world of human existence.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated April 19, 1939, in Lights
of Guidance, p. 2



MEETINGS AND MEMBERSHIP
Meetings
/// The first meeting of a newly-elected Spiritual Assembly shall be
called by the member who has received the highest number of votes. This
member shall preside until the permanent Chair is chosen. (Please refer
to By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly, Article VIII)

Convening the Assembly
/// If all nine members of the newly-formed Assembly are present at the
annual meeting, the election of officers may take place. If not, a
separate meeting should be held as soon as possible to allow all those
elected to participate.

How Often to Meet
/// After convening, the Assembly establishes a regular schedule of
meetings.



The Spiritual Assembly must decide how often it should meet in order to
properly handle the affairs of the Cause under its jurisdiction. Twice a
week or twice a month is not the point, the point is that it should be
alert and carry on the work adequately.
	Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in Directives from the
Guardian, p. 7

3.2 

Quorum
Five members of the Spiritual Assembly present at a meeting shall
constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of those present and
constituting a quorum shall be sufficient for the conduct of business
except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws and with due regard to the
principle of unity and cordial fellowship involved in the institution of
a Spiritual Assembly.
	By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly, Article VIII, Sec. 1

We have your letter of July 20, 1967 asking for clarification of Article
VIII, Section 1 of the By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly which
appears on page 19 [p. 26, 1975 ed. Bahá'í Publishing Trust, Wilmette,
IL] of the Declaration of Trust.

A majority of the members present and constituting a quorum is
sufficient to carry a motion. Thus, if only five members of the Assembly
are present at a meeting, a majority vote of three is sufficient.

However, Assemblies should take into account the last clause of the
first sentence of Section 1 of Article VIII reading as follows:

. . . and with due regard to the principle of unity and cordial
fellowship involved in the institution of a Spiritual Assembly.

In other words, members of a Spiritual Assembly should not take
advantage of a quorum as an expedient to pass a motion which would
violate the spirit of the above quoted passage.

As your National Assembly has stated, it is desirable that all nine
members of a Local Spiritual Assembly be present at every meeting, and
we hope that you will be able to educate members of Assemblies to assume
their responsibilities in this regard.
	Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated August 6, 1967, to
a National Spiritual Assembly



If the Assembly Is Unable to Get a Quorum
/// When circumstances arise which prevent an Assembly from achieving a
quorum for a length of time, the Assembly may make arrangements to
ensure that the affairs of the community continue to be conducted
without interruption. This can be done by delegating authority to
Assembly members and by specifying the range and limits of their
responsibilities. When it resumes meeting, the Assembly would then
review and ratify any actions taken by those members.



Emergency Committees
It is entirely appropriate to appoint an emergency committee and to
authorize it to take action between National Spiritual Assembly

3.3 

meetings. Your Assembly can also authorize such a committee to deal with
routine matters in the interim between your Assembly meetings. In both
cases full reports of such committee meetings should be made to all
members of the Assembly and all decisions arrived at should be
confirmed, or otherwise, at the next meeting of the National Assembly.

You may decide on the number of the members of the National Assembly to
compose such a committee. However, valid meetings of this committee can
take place only when all its appointed members are duly notified. . . .
Finally, you are advised to have regular meetings of your National
Assembly and not to allow the arrangement for routine and/or emergency
actions to take the place of such meetings.
	Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated June 15,
1977, in Lights of Guidance, p. 70

It is for your Assembly to define the limits placed upon an emergency
committee appointed by you from among your own membership to take action
when absolutely necessary on emergencies which arise between meetings.
Decisions of the committee of course always are subject to the
subsequent approval of the National Assembly as a whole and you should
assure yourselves that you are adequately informed of all its actions
taken in your name.
	Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated July 2,
1971, in Lights of Guidance, p. 171

Temporary Administrative Committees
Your Assembly is empowered to name an administrative committee for the .
. . community. Such a committee should be viewed as being a temporary
expedient for maintaining the life and vigor of the community until such
time as the Local Assembly can be reformed; it i