“courting a new partner during the year of waiting” - 6 March 1974

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 relationships between each of the partners and members of both sexes are 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 if necessary 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. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated March 6, 1974; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Local and National Spiritual Assemblies can “prohibit smoking in meetings held under their auspices” - 4 March 1974

Believers have also raised the question about smoking during Bahá'í meetings. It is entirely within the authority of Local and National Spiritual Assemblies to prohibit smoking in meetings held under their auspices. An Assembly may well feel that it does not wish to raise an additional barrier to seekers by prohibiting smoking at public meetings . . . and firesides in case it is offensive to some seekers. 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 which 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, to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)       

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)

Factors LSA needs to consider when planning to acquire center - 28 January 1974

The . . . Assembly will also need expert advice as to the condition of any building they consider, the cost of rehabilitation, alterations, improvements and furnishings that would be in keeping with their new home. All these factors will bear on the total commitment they will have to undertake and their ability to meet it financially. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated January 28, 1974 to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

What to do when joining a political party is a requirement of employment - 28 December 1973

We have received your letter of 12 December 1973 concerning the problem of...who says that it is very difficult for him to keep his job as a teacher in a public school without being registered as a number of one of the political parties now in the government.

A similar question has arisen in some other countries, particularly in Africa where the one-party system is in use. Although we understand that there is more than one political party in your country, we think it would be helpful to you to have a summary of the instructions we have given to African Assemblies, and this is enclosed.

We suggest that ...'s case might offer your Assembly an opportunity to seek an appointment with the proper government official to explain the Bahá'í position on non-interference in political affairs, as well as on obedience and loyalty to government. Your approach should be to seek advice on what can be done in ...'s situation and in similar cases to avoid identification with party politics while at the same time showing the utmost loyalty to the government. Certainly this would afford your Assembly yet another opportunity to proclaim the Faith and its principles and seek the respect and understanding of the officials. 

- The Universal House of justice  (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia, December 28, 1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

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’)