Baha'u'llah & the New Era 2006 - J. Esslemont
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Page 116 of  180

Spiritual Assemblies:
Before 'Abdu'l-Baha completed His earthly mission, He had laid a basis for the development of the administrative order established in Baha'u'llah's Writings. To show the high importance to be attributed to the institution of the Spiritual Assembly, 'Abdu'l-Baha in a tablet declared that a certain translation must be approved by the Spiritual Assembly of Cairo before publication, even though He Himself had reviewed and corrected the text (116:1)

By Spiritual Assembly is meant the administrative body of nine persons, elected annually by each local Baha'i community, in which is vested the authority of decision on all matters of mutual action on the part of the community. This designation is temporary, since in future the Spiritual Assemblies will be termed Houses of Justice (116:2)

Unlike the organization of churches, these Baha'i bodies are social rather than ecclesiastical institutions. That is, they apply the law of consultation to all questions and difficulties arising between Baha'is, who are called upon not to carry them to the civil court, and seek to promote unity as well as justice throughout the community. The Spiritual Assembly is in no wise equivalent to the priest or clergy, but is responsible for upholding the teachings, stimulating active service, conducting meetings, maintaining unity, holding Baha'i property in trust for the community, and representing it in its relations to the public and to other Baha'i communities (116:3)

The nature of the Spiritual Assembly, local and national, is described more fully in the section devoted to the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha in the final chapter, but its general functions have been defined by Shoghi Effendi as follows: - (116:4)

The matter of Teaching, its direction, its ways and means, its extension, its consolidation, essential as they are to the interests of the Cause, constitute by no means the only issue which should receive the full attention of these Assemblies. A careful study of Baha'u'llah's and 'Abdu'l-Baha's Tablets will reveal that other duties, no less vital to the interests of the Cause, devolve upon the elected representatives of the friends in every locality (116:5)

It is incumbent upon them to be vigilant and cautious, discreet and watchful, and protect at all times the Temple of the Cause from the dart of the mischief- maker and the onslaught of the enemy (116:6)

They must endeavor to promote amity and concord amongst the friends, efface every lingering trace of distrust, coolness and estrangement from every heart, and secure in its stead an active and whole- hearted cooperation for the service of the Cause (116:7)

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