Standard English for Sacred Writings – if needed, accompanied by Simple English - 20 September 1973

Obviously teaching literature and books about the Faith can be written in Simple English. However, we feel that when the Sacred Writings are published the standard English translation should be used, but there would be no objection to printing alongside it the translation into Simple English which should be described as a paraphrase of the Holy Word. Thus, for the people of ... who have difficulty in comprehending standard English, the simple English version would be in the nature of an explanation of the Writings which they could understand. In the case of teaching literature in which quotations from the Writings appear, these could either be paraphrased or a simple English version could be used with the standard version printed as a footnote. This method also provide a means whereby the people of ... could improve their knowledge and understanding of the English language. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 20 September 1973 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Two signatures are required for the withdrawal of funds -26 August 1973

In view of the great responsibility placed upon the shoulders of the members of National Assemblies by those who elect them, we have urged National Assemblies to exercise the greatest care in handling of their National Funds particularly as these funds represent in great part acts of sacrifice on the part of the friends. It is, of course, within your discretion how you delegate the manifold tasks involved in the day-to-day operation of your National Assembly but we earnestly urge you to reconsider the resolutions to which we referred and provide that two signatures be required for the withdrawal of funds, one of which would be that of an office-holder who is a member of your National Assembly. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter from the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, August 26, 1973: included in a compilation prepared by the World Center: "The Need for Care in Handling Bahá'í Funds", sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies on 22 November 1985; Compilation: ‘Baha’i Funds’, prepared by the Baha’i World Center; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Sterilization - 25 July 1973

It is clear from the instructions of the beloved Guardian that sterilization merely for the purpose of preventing the conception of unwanted children is absolutely prohibited in the Faith. When asked about sterilization of the mentally deficient or the physically unfit the Guardian pointed out that there is no reference to this in the Teachings. Neither is there anything in the Teachings about the use of contraceptive methods in order to prevent the transmission through inheritance of undesirable family traits and tendencies. These are, therefore, matters which the Universal House of Justice will have to consider in future. We do not wish to legislate on such matters now, and therefore leave the decision in each case to the individual believers involved.

We have said, however, that there may be circumstances which would justify sterilization, and that those called upon to make decisions in this regard must rely on the best medical advice available (preferably more than one expert should be consulted) and their own consciences. They should also take into account the availability, reliability and reversibility of other methods of contraception. 

_ The Universal House of Justice  (Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 25, 1973, to an individual believer; compilation Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Civil suit for divorce and Baha’i divorce - 18 July 18 1973

It should be pointed out that civil suit for divorce and Bahá'í divorce are two entirely different matters. . . . Recourse to the civil authority is only for the purpose of giving legal sanction to the divorce. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated July 18, 1973; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Youth should avoid “any behaviour which would arouse passions which would tempt them to violate them.” - 9 July 1973

We have received your letter of 19 June 1973 and can sympathize with the problems that Bahá'í youth face when trying to live up to the Bahá'í standards of behavior. It is, perhaps, natural that in the bewildering amoral environment in which Bahá'í youth are growing up they feel the need for specific instructions on which intimacies are permissible and which are not. However, we feel it would be most unwise for any Bahá'í institution to issue detailed instructions about this.

The Bahá'í youth should study the teachings on chastity and, with these in mind, should avoid any behaviour which would arouse passions which would tempt them to violate them. In deciding what acts are permissible to them in the light of these considerations the youth must use their own judgement, following the guidance of their consciences and the advice of their parents.

If Bahá'í youth combine such personal purity with an attitude of uncensorious forbearance towards others they will find that those who may have criticized or even mocked them will come, in time, to respect them. They will, moreover, be laying a firm foundation for future married happiness. 

- The Universal House of justice  (From a letter to a Local Spiritual Assembly, July 9, 1973; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Reading prayers on the radio - 8 July 8 1973

You have asked specifically about reading prayers on the radio. Of course this is permissible, but will be cautious concerning the setting of the prayers, i.e. what kind of materials may be presented before and after the prayers, so that they are assured of that dignity and reverence which they deserve. There may also be considerations of timing (the hours of the day best chosen, Sunday as the customary day of religious observance, etc.), in relation to the customs of the station, of the area, or other. Such recorded disc programs as 'Words for the World' include prayers, of course. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador, July 8, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Death: “a gate-way to a realm immeasurably higher and nobler” - 6 September 1973

In His Tablets Bahá'u'lláh says that were we able to comprehend the felicities that await us in the world to come, death would lose its sting; nay rather we would welcome it as a gate-way to a realm immeasurably higher and nobler than this home of suffering we call our earth. You should therefore think of their blessings and comfort yourself for your momentary separation. In time all of us will join our departed ones and share their joys. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated January 13, 1932, in an unpublished compilation, "Life After Death," enclosed with a letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated September 6, 1973; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Replacement of a delegate - 3 July 1973

There is no provision in the National Bahá'í Constitution for replacement of a delegates and this is, therefore, a matter left to the decision of each National Spiritual Assembly. In general, one of the following procedures is followed. If a delegate dies or becomes unable to serve before Convention, the believers polling the next highest number of votes may replace him, or another election may be held. If a delegate ceases to be able to serve after the Convention and there is need for a by-election to the National Spiritual Assembly, you may decide whether or not the delegate should be replaced, and if so, how. In the event of an elected delegate removing to another place, either before or after Convention, you may decide whether to replace him or allow him to continue as an elected delegate. Whatever procedure is adopted should be uniformly followed in all such cases. 

- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, July 3, 1973; compilations: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

How a Baha’i may help his needy fellow-believer though the Spiritual Assembly - 9 April 1973

In our dealings with the believers, however, apart from the need to give priority to the needs of the Faith, one has to bear in mind, as you point out in your letter, such considerations as wisdom as well as the importance of avoiding actions that may jeopardize our cordial relationships with the believers. If the individual believer is unable personally and prayerfully to resolve such a problem, he should, as each case may indicate, either himself refer to the Spiritual Assembly for guidance, or refer the believers to that institution. A Bahá'í who wishes to help his needy fellow-believer may do so by extending his assistance either personally, or impersonally through the Spiritual Assembly if he feels that this method will provide the means to objectively assess the real needs involved, or will maintain and preserve better relationship between him and the believer concerned.

This is just one more reason why we should endeavor to support, strengthen the foundations, and foster the development of Local Spiritual Assemblies so that they may become rallying points of the friends and the true shepherds of the Divine flock. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, April 9, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Labor Strikes - 4 April 1973

As to participation in strikes, when one of the believers who was employed in a factory as supervisor to labourers and who felt that a strike was likely at the factory asked the Guardian what the Bahá'í attitude should be if a strike were called, the Guardian's secretary in a letter dated June 30th 1937 wrote on his behalf:

"With regard to your question concerning the Bahá'í attitude towards labour problems; these cannot assuredly be solved, 'Abdu'l-Bahá tells us, through the sheer force of physical violence. Non-cooperation too, even though not accompanied by acts of violence, is ineffective. The conflict between labour and capital can best be solved through the peaceful and constructive methods of cooperation and of consultation.

"The Bahá'ís, therefore, are advised to avoid, as much as they can, getting mixed in labour strikes and trouble, and particularly to desist from all acts of physical violence which indeed run counter to the very spirit of the Cause. The Faith of Bahá'u'lláh stands for peace, harmony, and cooperation between the individuals and nations of the world." 

-The Universal House of Justice  (From letter on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Luxembourg, April 4, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Experiments in teaching & deepening methods

At this stage in the development of the Faith there are many new experiments taking place in the teaching field and also in the work of consolidation. It is obvious that not all these experiments will meet with success. Many have great merit while others may have little or none. However, in the present period of transition and rapid growth of the Cause we must seek diligently for the merit of every method devised to teach and deepen the masses. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter dated March 22, 1973 to an individual believer, in an unpublished compilation prepared by the International Teaching Center; compilation Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Options open to a believer when facing with a problem 19 March 1973

Your letter of 14 February 1973 enquiring about the uses of Bahá'í consultation has been received. This is, of course, a matter in which rigidity should be avoided.

When a believer has a problem concerning which he must make a decision, he has several courses open to him. If it is a matter that affects the interests of the Faith he should consult with the appropriate Assembly or committee, but individuals have many problems which are purely personal and there is no obligation upon them to take such problems to the institutions of the Faith; indeed, when the needs of the teaching work are of such urgency it is better if the friends will not burden their assemblies with personal problems that they can solve by themselves.

A Bahá'í who has a problem may wish to make his own decision upon it after prayer and after weighing all the aspects of it in his own mind; he may prefer to seek the council of individual friends or of professional counsellors such as his doctor or lawyer so that he can consider such advice when making his decision; or in a case where several people are involved, such as a family situation, he may want to gather together those who are affected so that they may arrive at a collective decision. There is also no objection whatever to a Bahá'í asking a group of people to consult together on a problem facing him.

Contributing to charity – as individuals and as Spiritual Assembly - 19 March 1973

First there is the principle that any believer may sell personal services or property to anyone and do with the proceeds as he wishes, including giving any or all of them to Bahá'í purposes. Thus if a Bahá'í concert artist gives a concert to which admission is charged, he is free, if he so wishes, to give the money so earned to the Fund or to any charity of his choice. In giving the concert, however, he should not represent to non-Bahá'ís that the concert is for the benefit of the Bahá'í Fund or is given on behalf of Bahá'ís for a charity, which brings us to the second principle: that it is improper for Bahá'ís to solicit funds from non-Bahá'ís in the name of the Faith for any purpose. If a non-Bahá'í insists on making a monetary contribution it may be accepted with the express understanding that it will be used only for charitable or philanthropic purposes, but such contributions should be discouraged, not encouraged.

Sexual morality -14 March 1973

Bahá'í teachings on sexual morality center on marriage and the family as the bedrock of the whole structure of human society and are designed to protect and strengthen that divine institution. Thus Bahá'í Law restricts permissible sexual intercourse to that between a man and the woman to whom he is married.

Thus, it should not be so much a matter of whether a practicing homosexual can be a Bahá'í as whether, having become a Bahá'í, the homosexual can overcome his problem through knowledge of the teachings and reliance on Bahá'u'lláh. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From to an individual believer, March 14, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

LSA meeting with new believers - 28 February 1973

We have noted that you have advised that Local Spiritual Assemblies to meet new believers at the time of their enrollment in the Faith. While it would be desirable for new believers to become acquainted with the elected members of their community, this should not be a requirement for acceptance of the new believer in the community.

It is entirely within the discretion of your National Assembly to set up proper procedures of enrolling believers in accordance with the requirements of the areas under your jurisdiction, bearing in mind that where there are local Assemblies it would be preferable to enroll new believers in their area of jurisdiction through the local Assembly. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Extracts from letters written by the Universal House of Justice on this subject cited in a letter to an individual believer, dated February 28, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Birth control - 27 February 1973

To use birth control in order to have no children at all thwarts the purpose of marriage. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated February 27, 1973; compilation Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Huququ’llah – “obedience to this Law is a matter of conscience” - 26 February 1973

…The devoted believer who is privileged to pay "the Right of God", far from seeking excuses for evading this spiritual obligation, will do his utmost to meet it. On the other hand, inasmuch as obedience to this Law is a matter of conscience, and payment of Huqúqu'lláh is a voluntary act, it would not be seemly to go beyond informing the Persian friends of their spiritual obligation, and leaving to them to decide what they wish to do about it.

The same principle applies to those friends who spend lavishly on their families, who purchase or build residences and furnish them far in excess of their needs, and rationalize these expenditures in their desire to avoid payment of Huqúqu'lláh. Likewise those friends who marry non-Persians and reside in Europe or other countries should not be pressed, but informed and left to decide for themselves.

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 26 February 1973; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Huququ’llah)

“although divorce is permitted in Bahá'í Law, it is nevertheless condemned” - 15 February 1973

It is, of course, important for the friends to realize that although divorce is permitted in Bahá'í Law, it is nevertheless condemned, and great efforts should be made to avoid it. It is always the hope that, during the year of patience, affection between the couple will recur and that divorce will not be necessary. Therefore, although normal social relationship between each of the partners and members of both sexes is permissible, it is quite contrary to the spirit of the teachings for either party to be courting a new partner during the year of waiting. This should be made clear to the couple and they should be exhorted to conduct themselves as Bahá'ís. However, this is not an area in which the Assembly should resort to sanctions if either or both of the pair disregard this principle. Naturally, if one of the parties conducts himself or herself in a way that is blatantly or flagrantly immoral the matter should be handled as any other similar case would be, but from your cables we understand that this is not the situation in the case at present before you. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter to a National Spiritual Assembly, February 15, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Bahá'í psychologists will “make great strides in the development” of the science of psychology - 6 February 1973

You are already a qualified practitioner in your field, and no doubt you give advice on the basis of what you have learned from study and experience – a whole fabric of concepts about the human mind, its growth, development and proper functioning, which you have learned and evolved without reference to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Now, as a Bahá'í, you know that what Bahá'u'lláh teaches about the purpose of human life, the nature of the human being and the proper conduct of human lives, is divinely revealed and therefore true. However, it will inevitably take time for you not only to study the Bahá'í teachings so that you clearly understand them, but also to work out how they modify your professional concepts. This is, of course, not an unusual predicament for a scientist. How often in the course of research is a factor discovered which requires a revolution in thinking over a wide field of human endeavour. You must be guided in each case by your own professional knowledge and judgement as illuminated by your growing knowledge of the Bahá'í teachings; undoubtedly you will find that your own understanding of the human problems dealt with in your work will change and develop and you will see new and improved ways of helping the people who come to you. Psychology is still a very young and inexact science, and as the years go by Bahá'í psychologists, who know from the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh the true pattern of human life, will be able to make great strides in the development of this science, and will help profoundly in the alleviation of human suffering. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a message dated 6 February 1973, published in "Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1968-1973" (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1976)