use of alcohol for common home illness remedies - 21 December 1973

Although it is clear from the teachings that the use of alcohol is permitted if it is prescribed by a physician for treatment purposes, we have not been able to find any instructions which permit its use in the preparation of home remedies for common illnesses. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador, December 21, 1973; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Consent of natural parents by foster children - 11 December 1973

We acknowledge receipt of your letter of November 13, 1973 expressing concern that the provision of the Bahá'í marriage Law requiring consent of living natural parents creates a double standard in your family because you have adopted children as well as your own.

We appreciate your concern and are in sympathy with your worthy aspiration to attain unity in your family group. However, the unity of your family need not be imperilled because your adopted children when ready for marriage must obtain consent of their natural parents. Just as love for one person need not reduce the love one bears to another, so unity with the adoptive parents need not destroy nor reduce the unity a child may have with its natural parents, or vice versa. The characters and attitudes of the individuals concerned will have an effect upon this.

You also state that unless there is a broader concept of the meaning of ‘natural parent’, you feel the law creates disharmony. Perhaps the following extract from a letter written on behalf of the beloved Guardian by his secretary was quoted to you by your National Spiritual Assembly, but we draw your attention to that portion we have underlined because it refers to the special significance of the relationship between children and their natural parents.

Naturally aborted fetus should be buried - 3 December 3 1973

The letter from the Spiritual Assembly of . . . indicates that the miscarriage took place when the mother was approximately four months into her pregnancy, therefore, they could have been assured that they did the right thing in having the fetus buried. Also, it would have been helpful for the Assembly to know that the hospital policy of incinerating a naturally aborted fetus is not in keeping with Bahá'í law which prohibits cremation. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated December 3, 1973, to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Use of non-Assembly member to record Minutes - 20 November 1973

In reply to your letter of November 7th, 1973 there is no objection whatsoever to a non-member of the National Spiritual Assembly typing your Minutes or such other confidential reports. Many National Spiritual Assemblies employ typists in their national offices who are intimately connected with all the work of the National Spiritual Assembly. Of course, the personal employed should enjoy the confidence of the National Spiritual Assembly. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, November 20, 1973; compilations: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

The purpose of Baha’i administration -12 November 1973

We urge you ever to bear in mind that the purpose of Bahá'í administration is primarily to lend strength and directive to the teaching work and to promote the establishment of the Faith. It should never be regarded as an end in itself but purely as a means to canalize and make effective a spiritual vitality generated by the Word of God in the hearts of the believers.

The dedication and zeal with which you promote the Cause of God are highly commendable and we will pray at the Sacred Threshold that the process of expansion and consolidation will be greatly intensified as a result of your efforts. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, November 12, 1973; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Interaction with a believer who has lost his voting rights - 1 November 1973

The degree to which a community should be active or passive towards a believer who is deprived of his voting rights depends upon the circumstances in each individual case. Obviously, it is desirable that such a person should come to see the error of his ways and rectify his condition. In some cases friendly approaches by the Bahá'ís may help to attain this; in other cases the individual may react more favorably if left to his own devices for a time. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter to a National Spiritual Assembly, November 1, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Rendering into simple English quotes from the Writings in English - 7 October 1973

The Universal House of Justice, in response to your letter of 20 April concerning translations into French or Creole using simpler words than the original text, has requested us to send the following three quotations. These make it clear that a quotation in English may be rendered into simple English in order to facilitate its translation into another language or dialect. However, it is not permissible to publish simplifications and paraphrased extracts of Bahá'í Writings as Bahá'í Scripture.

We have noticed a tendency in a number of countries to attempt to translate Bahá'í literature into the current, easy, everyday language of the country. This, however, should not be an overriding consideration. Many of the Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá are in exalted and highly poetic language in the original Persian and Arabic and you will see, for example, that when translating Bahá'u'lláh's Writings into English the beloved Guardian did not use present-day colloquial English but evolved a highly poetic and beautiful style, using numbers of archaic expressions reminiscent of the translations of the Bible.  

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 7 October 1973 to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

When a believer's name can be removed from the membership list - 25 September 1973

Further guidance might be welcome and we share portion of a letter written by the Universal House of Justice to another National Spiritual Assembly on 4 September 1966: '... Whilst it is embarrassing to leave names of inactive believers on a membership list, inactively and lack of attendance at Bahá'í meetings are not the bases for removable names of believers from the membership roster. A name should be removed only when the person clearly states that he no longer believes in Bahá'u'lláh and wishes his name to be removed from Bahá'í membership. If the believer's whereabouts are unknown, his name should still not be removed from membership, but kept in a special list of believers whose addresses are unknown, and who obviously are not counted in determining the allocation of delegates.' 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia, September 25, 1973: Malaysian Bahá'í News, Vol.9, Nos. 2 & 3, June/November 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

“to guide and teach the friends in proper Bahá'í administrative procedures” - throughout the year - 24 September 1973:

The conditions of limited manpower, of difficulties in travelling and of illiteracy among the local people are found in varying degrees in other countries of the world, and we have always and everywhere urged the National Spiritual Assemblies concerned to guide and teach the friends in proper Bahá'í administrative procedures, not only during the weeks immediately preceding local elections but indeed throughout the year, so that the friends would await the advent of Ridván with anticipation and determine to observe and uphold correct principles of Bahá'í administration. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 24 September 1973 to a National Spiritual Assembly; The Compilation of Compilation, Vol. III, Sanctity and Nature of Baha’i Elections)

Termination of year of waiting - 20 September 20 1973

We have your letter . . . asking about the termination of the year of waiting in the event of the remarriage of the non Bahá'í partner following a civil divorce. The need to observe the year of waiting is terminated by the marriage of the non-Bahá'í partner in such cases. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated September 20, 1973, to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Taking “an oath, if required, on any sacred book” - 20 September 20 1973

In reply to your letter of September 12th the Universal House of Justice asked us to refer you to a letter on this subject written on behalf of the beloved Guardian on July 11th, 1956 to your National Spiritual Assembly:

"Regarding taking oaths, there is nothing in the Teachings on this subject. As a Bahá'í is enjoined by Bahá'u'lláh to be truthful, he would express his truthfulness, no matter what the formality of the law in any local place required of him. There can be no objection to Bahá'ís conforming to the requirements of the law court whatsoever they may be in such matters, as in no case would they constitute in any way a denial of their own beliefs as Bahá'ís.”

The above decision makes it clear that Bahá'ís may take an oath, if required, on any sacred book. The Universal House of Justice considers that it may be preferable for them to do so on a Bahá'í book, if possible. 

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

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’)