Smoking at 19 Day Feasts, LSA and meetings of LSAs and committees - 4 March 1974

In the case of Nineteen Day Feasts or meetings of Assemblies or committees, it is not right that friends who find smoking offensive should be made to endure it in Bahá'í meetings that they are required or expected to attend. If certain individuals feel that they must smoke, then arrangements, such as a break in the meeting, could be made for their convenience. It would, of course, be entirely inappropriate to smoke during the devotional part of a Feast, or at any other devotional gathering. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated March 4, 1974, published in National Bahá'í Review, September 1986; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Smoking –“Bahá'ís must be careful not to go beyond the Teachings in this matter” - 4 March 1974

It is to be hoped that the widespread publicity being given to the evil effects of smoking, both on smokers and on those who have to breathe smoke-laden air, will help to convince everyone of the wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Bahá strongly discouraging Bahá'ís from smoking. However, Bahá'ís must be careful not to go beyond the Teachings in this matter and try to enforce as a law a matter in which Bahá'u'lláh has deemed it wise to allow freedom of decision. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated March 4, 1974, to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

The “true spirit of the teachings on the subject of sex” - 10 February 1974

The pilgrim's note reports the Master as saying: 'Women and men must not embrace each other when not married, or not about to be married. They must not kiss each other... If they wish to greet each other, or comfort each other, they may take each other by the hand.' In a letter to an individual written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi it is said: 'The Master's words to... which you quoted, can certainly be taken as the true spirit of the teachings on the subject of sex. We must strive to achieve this exalted standard.' (October 19, 1947) 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter of the Universal of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, February 10, 1974; (compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

“non-Bahá'ís are not invited to the Nineteen Day Feast” - 4 February 1974

The principle universally applicable is that non-Bahá'ís are not invited to the Nineteen Day Feast. If in Persia it has happened that non-Bahá'ís are present at a Nineteen Day Feast this is an exception and not a rule. It is well understood in Persia that if a non-Bahá'í should inadvertently attend a Nineteen Day Feast he would be treated courteously. However, it is equally important for the friends to understand that they should refrain from inviting non-Bahá'ís to these special gatherings, ordained by Bahá'u'lláh not only for spiritual refreshment and unity, but also for consultation between the Spiritual Assembly and the body of believers on the domestic affairs of the community. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (4 February 1974 written by the Universal House of Justice a Local Spiritual Assembly; compilation: The Compilation of Compilations vol. I)