Recall feelings of profound thankfulness and joy at chain of recent
historic events heralding long anticipated rise and establishment of the
World Administrative Center of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in Holy Land
regarded as third most momentous epoch-making development since inception
of the Formative Age on morrow of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Ascension.
Quarter century constituting opening epoch this age signalized
successively by erection consolidation over period no less than sixteen
years of local, national institutions of Baha'i Administrative Order in
five continents of globe in conformity with provisions of the Will of the
Center of Covenant, and initiation of first Seven Year Plan by American
Baha'i Community marking inauguration first epoch in execution of
'Abdu'l-Baha's Divine Plan unavoidably held in abeyance over two decades
pending creation of divinely-appointed administrative agencies designed by
its Author for its effective prosecution.
Opening years of the second epoch of the Formative Age now witnessing at
long last commencement of third vast majestic fate-laden process following
two above-mentioned developments destined through gradual emergence of the
manifold institutions in World Center of the Faith as crown of the
administrative structure of Baha'u'llah's embryonic World Order. Gigantic
process now set in motion opening decade second Baha'i Century
synchronizing with, deriving notable impetus through, birth of sovereign
State, Holy Land, greatly accelerated through series of swiftly succeeding
events originated in World Center of Faith.
First, inauguration most holy worldwide enterprise unprecedented in annals
of the Faith, construction in heart of Mount Carmel superstructure of the
Bab's Sepulcher. Second, creation of International Baha'i Council in
precincts Holy Shrine, forerunner of International House of Justice,
supreme legislative organ of nascent, divinely-conceived, world-encircling
Baha'i Administrative Order. Third, acquisition, restoration and
embellishment of historic sites associated with incarceration of
Baha'u'llah, 'Abdu'l-Baha, recognition their sacred character, exemption
from taxes by newly formed State, accessibility to appreciative general
public. Fourth, initiation of formal negotiation with central municipal
authorities of same State with twofold purpose: preserve for posterity
immediate directly threatened neighborhood Most Holy Tomb of the Founder
of the Faith on outskirts of Akka, and acquire extensive, sorely needed
properties in vicinity of Bab's Sepulcher destined serve as site of future
edifices envisaged by 'Abdu'l-Baha to house auxiliary agencies revolving
around twin institutions of Guardianship and House of Justice. Fifth,
preparation of design of future Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar on Mount Carmel,
outstanding indispensable feature unfoldment rising World Administrative
Order. Sixth, forthcoming convocation of four conferences embracing eleven
National Assemblies in all continents of globe marking inauguration beyond
limits of World Center of the Faith of intercontinental stage of Baha'i
activity, precursor final step summoning assemblage representative
communities all sovereign states, chief dependencies, islands, entire
planet.
Hour now ripe to take long inevitably deferred step in conformity with
provisions of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Testament in conjunction with six
above-mentioned steps through appointment of first contingent of Hands of
Cause of God, twelve in number, equally allocated Holy Land, Asiatic,
American, European continents. Initial step now taken regarded as
preparatory full development of institution provided in 'Abdu'l-Baha's
Will, paralleled preliminary measure formation International Council
destined to culminate in emergence of Universal House of Justice. Nascent
institution forging fresh links binding rising World Center of Faith to
consolidating World Community of followers of Most Great Name, paving way
to adoption supplementary measures calculated reinforce foundations
structure of the Baha'i Administrative Order.
Nominated Hands comprise, Holy Land, Sutherland Maxwell, Mason Remey,
Amelia Collins, President, Vice-President, International Baha'i Council;
cradle Faith, Valiyu'llah Varqa, Tarazu'llah Samandari, 'Ali-Akbar
Furutan; American continent, Horace Holley, Dorothy Baker, Leroy Ioas;
European continent, George Townshend, Hermann Grossmann, Ugo Giachery.
Nine elevated to rank of Hand in three continents outside Holy Land
advised remain present posts and continue discharge vital administrative,
teaching duties pending assignment of specific functions as need arises.
Urge all nine attend as my representatives all four forthcoming
intercontinental conferences as well as discharge whatever
responsibilities incumbent upon them at that time as elected
representatives of national Baha'i communities.
Communicate text of announcement to all National Assemblies.
--Shoghi
[Cablegram, December 24, 1951]