NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ'ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
536 SHERIDAN ROAD,
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
(847)869-9039
September 11, 2001
To the American Bahá'í Community
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
Our hearts are shocked and grief-stricken by the shameless acts of terrorist
violence against innocent victims in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Fervently, we are praying for those who died and beseeching God to comfort
the hearts of those who have lost loved ones, and to strengthen our nation
and its people to meet this challenge with faith, courage, and unity.
As you know, the Bahá'í Scriptures proclaim that God has given the
United States a spiritual mission to help reshape the world. The
Bahá'í Writings state that America will evolve, through purifying
tests and trials to become a land of spiritual distinction and leadership,
a champion of justice and unity among all peoples and nations, and powerful
servant of the Cause of everlasting peace. The Bahá'í Writings promise
that this "signally blest" nation will never be defeated and will
triumphantly fulfill its God-ordained mission.
The Baha'i Faith has known crisis since its inception and many Baha'is,
especially in the cradle of the Faith, have faced brutal attacks with
faithfulness and noble resolve. Their model must be our standard. At this
moment of unprecedented disaster, we call on all of the followers of
Bahá'u'lláh in the United States to come to the aid of your nation
in the name of your Faith. The vision of Bahá'u'lláh's Healing Message
and the Bahá'í spirit of universal love and assistance are more
urgently needed now than ever before. As you proceed to serve and assist
your neighbors and communities, we ask you to bear in mind these words of
assurance and guidance from the Bahá'í Writings.
"Let each one of God's loved ones center his attention on this, to be the
Lord's mercy to man; to be the Lord's grace. Let him do some good to every
person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benefit to him. Let him
improve the character of each and all, and reorient the minds of men. In
this way, the light of divine guidance will shine forth, and the blessings
of God will cradle all mankind: for love is light no matter in what abode it
dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest. O
friends of God! That the hidden Mystery may stand revealed, and the secret
essence of all things may be disclosed, strive ye to banish that darkness
for ever and ever."
Our prayers and love are with you always,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ'ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General
©Copyright 2001, National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the United States
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