Haifa, March 25th, 1946.
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Your letters, written on behalf of the N.S.A. and dated June 15th, and
16th, July 26th and Sep. 15th, 1945, and Jan. 7th, 1946, together with
their enclosures, have been received, and the beloved Guardian has
instructed me to answer them on his behalf.
He is very pleased to see the progress the Cause is making in Australia
and New Zealand and hopes that the N.S.A. will not only inspire and
encourage the believers in their teaching activities, but will also
constantly impress on them the need for the greatest love and unity to
prevail in their midst; the masses will only really turn to the Faith when
they see that in it true religion is practiced as well as preached!
The recent articles attacking the Cause are a sign that its influence is
sufficiently felt to be feared--a great compliment to the progress you are
making in spreading the message!
Concerning the various points raised in your letters: He noticed, from
your letter of Jan. 7th, that you were planning to hold the annual
Convention in May, and cabled you that it must be held in the Ridvan
period--as are all the other National Baha'i Conventions the world
over,--even though some other date might be more convenient locally.
He feels that the Yerrinbool Summer School should hold longer sessions; in
this respect the friends cannot do better than to pattern themselves on
the American Summer Schools, some of which now hold two or three Summer
sessions, and even a "Winter Session". Although such a large number of
sessions may be premature for Australia at present, the goal should be
kept in mind as you seek to expand your school.
There can be no schism in the Baha'i Faith because the Guardianship is
established on an unassailable foundation, supported by a signed, sealed
document--the Will. Schism can only flourish where there is ambiguity or no
specific proof. The New History Society is like a branch that has no
roots, and will soon dry up and wither. It has not caused, nor can it
cause, a breach among the believers.
He was very happy to see you are now establishing Regional Teaching
Com.'s, and hopes you will concentrate all your resources, and the energy
of the friends, on establishing new Assemblies and groups.
He assures you, one and all, that his loving prayers will be offered for
your guidance and for the success of your important work.
With warm Baha'i greetings,
R. Rabbani.
P.S. He was very pleased to see the article on the Faith in "Truth". The
Cause is certainly getting very good publicity out there!
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The activities initiated by the dearly beloved friends in Australia and
New Zealand, and so diligently promoted by them all are highly
meritorious; and will, no doubt, bear abundant fruit in the days to come.
The utmost effort should be exerted by individuals as well as local
assemblies to increase the number of the active supporters of the Faith
and to enable them to disperse as widely as possible, to multiply the
groups that must sooner or later evolve into assemblies, to achieve
greater publicity for the Faith through the radio and the press, to extend
the range of the activities of the Baha'i Faith, to foster the institution
of the summer-school, and to consolidate and enlarge the scope of the
Haziratu'l-Quds. These are the main objectives that demand the
concentrated attention of the Australian and New Zealand believers during
the months that lie immediately ahead. No sacrifice is too great to ensure
the realisation of these noble aims. All must arise and unitedly endeavour
to carry to a successful conclusion these vital tasks, with which the
immediate destinies of the Faith are so closely linked. That the Beloved
may guide and sustain you in all your undertakings, that He may crown your
assiduous labours with magnificent success is my dearest wish and ardent
prayer.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.