Haifa, July 22nd, 1947.
Dear Baha'i Brother:
The letters from the N.S.A. (some written by the former Secretary) dated
Sep. 2nd, 1946, Feb. 10th, March 9th, April 27th (two of this date), June
13th and July 10th have been received, as well as their enclosures, and
the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.
He is very anxious that your Assembly should devote its energies and
resources to prosecuting the teaching work and stimulating and encouraging
the believers to devote their thoughts and time to it. This is really the
solution to all the small problems and differences of opinion that arise
in Australia. It is the sacred duty of the believers to teach, and one of
the reasons for so painstakingly building up Assemblies is for them to
promulgate the Cause of God, and not to lose their time in discussing
details, settling disputes which should not have arisen between Baha'is,
and generally losing themselves in personalities.
He urges your Assembly to try and create as many local assemblies as
possible; large suburbs, if outside the city limits and possessing their
own administration should--if 9 Baha'is reside in them, form separate
assemblies. This may at first seem to weaken the larger communities; but
it will also challenge all concerned to renew their labours to expand the
local communities and increase their numbers.
Enclosed is a letter to Mr. Featherstone in connection with his letter
sent to the Guardian by your Assembly.
Regarding Mr. ...'s appeal: the Guardian feels the best course of action
in this matter is to ask both of the believers concerned to forgive and
forget the entire matter.
He does not want the friends to form the habit of taking up a kind of
Baha'i litigation against each other. Their duties to humanity are too
sacred and urgent in these days, when the Cause is struggling to spread
and assert its independence, for them to spend their precious time, and
his precious time, in this way. Ask them, therefore, to unite, forget the
past, and serve as never before.
His loving prayers are offered for you and the other members of the
Assembly, for your guidance and success.
With warm greetings,
R. Rabbani.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The Plan, on which the National elected representatives of the Baha'i
communities of Australia and New Zealand have spontaneously embarked marks
a turning-point, of great spiritual significance, in the evolution of the
Faith in those far-off lands, and is an evidence of the truly remarkable
spirit that animates them as well as the communities they represent. I
welcome this mighty step they have taken with joy, pride and gratitude,
and have hastened to transmit to them my contribution as a token of my
keen appreciation of their high endeavours, of my confidence in their
ability, and of my admiration for their zeal and noble determination in
the service of the Faith. The attention of the members of both communities
must henceforth be focused on the Plan, its progress, its requirements,
its significance and immediate objectives. All must participate without
exception without reserve, without delay. The Administrative Order which
they have laboured to establish must henceforth, through its organs and
agencies be utilized for the promotion of this vital purpose, this supreme
end. For no other purpose was it created. That it may serve this end, that
the Plan may speedily develop and yield its destined fruit and demonstrate
through its consummation the worthiness, the capacity and high-mindedness
of the organized body of the followers of Baha'u'llah in those distant
lands are the objects of my fervent and constant prayers at the Holy
Shrines.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.