In connection with the annual holding of the Baha'i Convention and
Congress, I feel that although such a representative body need not be
convened necessarily every year, yet it is highly desirable, in view of
the unique functions it fulfills in promoting harmony and good-will, in
removing misunderstandings and in enhancing the prestige of the Cause,
that the National Spiritual Assembly should exert itself to gather
together annually the elected representatives of the American believers.
It would in some ways be obviously convenient and eminently desirable
though not absolutely essential, if the National Spiritual Assembly could
arrange that the holding of such a Congress should synchronize with the
time at which the national elections are renewed, and that both events
should take place, if not on the first of Ridvan, at least during the
twelve joyous days of what may be justly regarded as the foremost Baha'i
Festival. Apart from the local elections, which universally are to be
renewed on the 21st day of April, it is entirely left to the discretion of
the National Spiritual Assembly to decide, after having given due
consideration to the above mentioned observations, on whatever time and
place the Baha'i Convention as well as the annual elections are to be
held. Were the National Spiritual Assembly to decide, after mature
deliberations, to omit the holding of the Baha'i Convention and Congress
in a given year, then they could, only in such a case, devise ways and
means to insure that the annual election of the National Spiritual
Assembly should be held by mail, provided it can be conducted with
sufficient thoroughness, efficiency and dispatch. It would also appear to
me unobjectionable to enable and even to require in the last resort such
delegates as cannot possibly undertake the journey to the seat of the
Baha'i Convention to send their votes, for the election of the National
Spiritual Assembly only, by mail to the National Secretary, as in my view
the advantages of such a procedure outweigh the considerations referred to
in your letter. It should, however, be made clear to every elected
delegate--who should be continually reminded--that it is a sacred
responsibility and admittedly preferable to attend if possible in person
the sessions of the Convention, to take an active part in all its
proceedings, and to acquaint his fellow-workers on his return with the
accomplishments, the decisions and the aspirations of the assembled
representatives of the American believers.