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Institution of the Counsellors:
Message to the Bahá'ís of the World
2001-01-16
Dearly loved Friends,
- As we write you this message, the Conference of the
Continental Counsellors approaches a triumphant conclusion.
- For eight days the Counsellors from all the
continents have consulted on the next phase of the process of entry by
troops. While they were meeting during the first five days, 849 members of
their Auxiliary Boards from 172 countries were arriving at the
Bahá'í World Centre and paying their respects at the Holy
Shrines in anticipation of the moment when they would all come together in a
series of soul-stirring events: ascent of the newly built Terraces on Mount
Carmel; circumambulation of the Shrine of the Báb; procession along
the Arc path for a visit to the International Teaching Centre Building; a
devotional ceremony to mark the occupation by the Teaching Centre of its
permanent seat; and subsequent joint consultations concerning their
indispensable role in the Five Year Plan on which the Bahá'í
world will embark at Ridván 2001.
- The deliberations of the Counsellors themselves
have been the heart of these stupendous activities. Their consultations
have been marked by a combination of sobriety and effervescence that has
refined the character of their discussions and illumined understanding. It
is clear from the confident atmosphere in which they have conferred that
their institution has reached a new stage in its maturation. Even though
they function principally as individuals, the Counsellors across all Boards
have become of one mind. By internalizing and integrating the lessons and
experiences of systematization called for in the Four Year Plan, they have
indeed been transformed into channels of unified thought. We appreciate
that the new height in the evolution of their institution is a reflection,
too, of the measure to which, with their wise and constant advice, the
Spiritual Assemblies and other institutions of the world community have
evolved.
- As the time for the Conference drew near, there
were signs that the Faith had arrived at a point in its development beyond
which a new horizon opens before us. Such intimations were communicated in
our report last Ridván of the change in culture of the
Bahá'í community as training institutes emerged, as the
construction projects on Mount Carmel approached their completion, and as
the internal processes of institutional consolidation and the external
processes towards world unity became more fully synchronized. They were
elaborated in the message we addressed to the
Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors a few days ago. But the
extraordinary dynamics at work throughout the Conference crystallized these
indications into a recognizable reality. With a spirit of exultation we are
moved to announce to you: the Faith of Bahá'u'llah now enters the
fifth epoch of its Formative Age.
- Recognition of this milestone falls within the
patterns established by Shoghi Effendi for marking measures of time in the
history of the Cause; he foresaw among these a succession of epochs
occurring in the Formative Age. It must fill every devoted follower of
Bahá'u'lláh with joy and wonder that His Administrative Order
has reached so important a point at so crucial a time, when so many members
of the institution of the Counsellors are gathered in splendid array at the
World Centre of His Faith. They will return to the far corners of the
earth as torches aflame with the spirit of service. That they will pour
fresh energy into their activities, there can be no doubt. Their efforts
will surely widen the path leading to the success of the Twelve Month Plan,
and through that to the launching at Ridván of the five year
enterprise that will be the first in a series of Plans to be pursued until
the centenary of the Formative Age.
- The Counsellors will leave here anticipating their
early consultations with National Spiritual Assemblies regarding the
operation in their countries of the forthcoming Plan. With the involvement
of their eager auxiliaries, they will assist, too, in quickly moving the
requisite planning process to regional and local areas of the community in
every land.
- In the waning moments of these eventful days, our
hearts are turned in humble gratitude to the Ancient Beauty for the
abundance of the blessings He has bestowed. The very earth of Carmel is
astir with the wonders of His grace as she responds to the redemptive call
He raised in the Tablet bearing her name. His fervent wish expressed
therein resounds in the souls of His lovers throughout the planet: "Oh, how
I long to announce unto every spot on the surface of the earth, and to
carry to each one of its cities, the glad-tidings of this Revelation...."
The friends now gathered amid the splendour at Carmel's heart have heard it
with new ears and have reaffirmed their pledge to respond to this divine
longing. May their exploits in the Name of Bahá scatter more widely
the fragrance of His Revelation, strengthen more firmly the foundation of
His institutions, and embolden more resolutely the activities of His
worldwide community, impelling forward the process by which troop after
troop will enter into the stronghold of the Ark of Salvation.
[SIGNED: The Universal House of Justice]
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