| >> Back to Shoghi Effend: Uncompiled Letters |
USBN #103 October 1936 p1
"The Guardian has read with keenest interest the new statement adopted by the NSA concerning teaching and wishes me to assure you, and through you all your distinguished fellow-members, of his most genuine appreciation of the steps that your Assembly is taking for the expansion of the teaching work throughout America. He is praying for your success from the innermost depths of his heart. . . .
"Regarding the preservation of relics associated with 'Abdu'1-Bahá, the general principle should be that any object used by Him in person should be preserved for posterity, whether in the local or the national archives. It is the duty and responsibility of the Baha'i Assemblies to ascertain carefully whether such objects are genuine or not, and to exercise the utmost care and caution in this matter.
"In connection with the meeting of the N. S. A. at Nashville, the Guardian feels strongly that such a meeting should he held, as it would greatly encourage the believers in that center. The holding of public meetings in that city should be avoided only in case it would lead to grave and very serious results. Slight local criticisms and unpopularity should not act as deterrant. The issue should be met squarely and courageously, and an effort should be made to attract at first the most cultured element among the colored, and through them establish contact with the white and the masses. Such individuals and groups, whether white or colored, who are relatively tree from racial prejudice, should be approached, separately if necessary, and an endeavor should be made to bring them together eventually, not only on formal occasions and for specific purposes, but in intimate social gatherings, in private homes as well as in formally recognized Baha'i centers.
"The summer schools provide a splendid setting and environment to which the best element among the colored race should be specially attracted. Through such association prejudice can be gradually eradicated, and 'Abdu’l-Bahá's ardent wish fully realized,
"The Guardian finds it impossible to overestimate the importance and urgency of this sacred duty that confronts both the local and the national Assemblies."—
Then this statement ·in the Guardian's hand: [USBN #108 June 1937, p11]
"I am eagerly awaiting the news of the progress of the activities initiated to promote the teaching work within, and beyond the confines of the American continent. The American believers, if they wish to carry out, in the spirit and the letter, the parting wishes of their beloved Master, must intensify their teaching work a thousandfold and extend its ramifications beyond the confines of their native land and as far as the most distant outposts of their far-flung Faith. The Tablets of the Divine Plan invest your Assembly with unique and grave responsibilities and confer upon it privileges which your sister Assemblies might well envy and admire. The present opportunity is unutterably precious. It may not recur again. Undaunted by the perils and the uncertainties of the present hour, the American believers must press on and prosecute in its entirety the task which now confronts them. I pray for their success from the depths.of my heart."
[to the USNSA July 28. 1936]
|
|
