Rocky Mountain Baha’i

Quotes about Supreme Tribunal and International Baha’i Council

To remedy this condition there must be universal peace. To bring this about, a Supreme Tribunal must be established, representative of all governments and peoples; questions both national and international must be referred thereto, and all must carry out the decrees of this Tribunal. Should any government or people disobey, let the whole world arise against that government or people. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Selections …  `Abdu’l-Baha, Page: 249)

Should differences arise, they shall be amicably and conclusively settled by the Supreme Tribunal, that shall include members from all the governments and peoples of the world. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Will and Testament, Page: 13)

SUPREME TRIBUNAL

“The Supreme Tribunal is an aspect of a world Superstate; the exact nature of its relationship to that state we cannot at present foresee.  Supreme Tribunal is the correct translation; it will be a contributing factor in establishing the Lesser Peace. There is no statement in the teachings indicating that the Lesser Peace will definitely be established by 1957 or 1963.” (Shoghi Effendi:  Directives of the Guardian, Page: 69)

The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Baha’u'llah, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded.  This commonwealth must, as far as we can visualize it, consist of a world legislature, whose members will, as the trustees of the whole of mankind, ultimately control the entire resources of all the component nations, and will enact such laws as shall be required to regulate the life, satisfy the needs and adjust the relationships of all races and peoples.  A world executive, backed by an international Force, will carry out the decisions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted by, this world legislature, and will safeguard the organic unity of the whole commonwealth. A world tribunal will adjudicate and deliver its compulsory and final verdict in all and any disputes that may arise between the various elements constituting this universal system. (Shoghi Effendi:  World Order of Baha’u'llah, Page: 203)

What else could these weighty words signify if they did not point to the inevitable curtailment of unfettered national sovereignty as an indispensable preliminary to the formation of the future Commonwealth of all the nations of the world?  Some form of a world super-state must needs be evolved, in whose favor all the nations of the world will have willingly ceded every claim to make war, certain rights to impose taxation and all rights to maintain armaments, except for purposes of maintaining internal order within their respective dominions.  Such a state will have to include within its orbit an international executive adequate to enforce supreme and unchallengeable authority on every recalcitrant member of the commonwealth; a world parliament whose members shall be elected by the people in their respective countries and whose election shall be confirmed by their respective governments; and a supreme tribunal whose judgment will have a binding effect even in such cases where the parties concerned did not voluntarily agree to submit their case to its consideration.  A world community in which all economic barriers will have been permanently demolished and the interdependence of Capital and Labor definitely recognized; in which the clamor of religious fanaticism and strife will have been forever stilled; in which the flame of racial animosity will have been finally extinguished; in which a single code of international law - the product of the considered judgment of the world’s federated representatives - shall have as its sanction the instant and coercive intervention of the combined forces of the federated units; and finally a world community in which the fury of a capricious and militant nationalism will have been transmuted into an abiding consciousness of world citizenship - such indeed, appears, in its broadest outline, the Order anticipated by Baha’u'llah, an Order that shall come to be regarded as the fairest fruit of a slowly maturing age. (Shoghi Effendi:  World Order of Baha’u'llah, Pages: 40-41)

“A Supreme Tribunal shall be elected by the peoples and Governments of every nation, where members from each country and Government shall assemble in unity.  All disputes shall be brought before this Court, its mission being to prevent war.

“A Supreme Tribunal shall be established by the peoples and Governments of every nation, composed of members elected from each country and Government. The members of this Great Council shall assemble in unity.  All disputes of an international character shall be submitted to this Court, its work being to arrange by arbitration everything which otherwise would be a cause of war.  The mission of this Tribunal would be to prevent war.” (Abdu’l-Baha:  Paris Talks, London, 1961 ed., pp. 132 and 155 — Multiple Authors:  Lights of Guidance, Page: 321)

The world is in greatest need of international peace.  Until it is established, mankind will not attain composure and tranquility.  It is necessary that the nations and governments organize an international tribunal to which all their disputes and differences shall be referred.  The decision of that tribunal shall be final.  Individual controversy will be adjudged by a local tribunal.  International questions will come before the universal tribunal, and so the cause of warfare will be taken away. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Promulgation of Universal Peace*, Page: 301)
In His Epistles He asked the parliaments of the world to send their wisest and best men to an international world conference which should decide all questions between the peoples and establish universal peace.  This would be the highest court of appeal, and the parliament of man so long dreamed of by poets and idealists would be realized.  Its accomplishment would be more far-reaching than the Hague tribunal. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Promulgation of Universal Peace*, Page: 389)

When the laws of the Most Holy Book are enforced, contentions and disputes will find a final sentence of absolute justice before a general tribunal of the nations and kingdoms, and the difficulties that appear will be solved.  The five continents of the world will form but one, the numerous nations will become one, the surface of the earth will become one land, and mankind will be a single community. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Some Answered Questions, Page: 64)
“…the institution of a world tribunal for the adjudication of disputes between nations;” (Shoghi Effendi:  God Passes By, Page: 281)

World Tribunal which, as prophesied by that same “Incomparable Branch,” the peoples and nations of the earth must needs unitedly establish. (Shoghi Effendi:  God Passes By, Page: 305)

He exhorted them to peace and international agreement, making it incumbent upon them to establish a board of international arbitration - that from all nations and governments of the world there should be delegates selected for a congress of nations which should constitute a universal arbitral court of justice to settle international disputes. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Promulgation of Universal Peace*, Page: 203)

The world is in greatest need of international peace.  Until it is established, mankind will not attain composure and tranquillity.  It is necessary that the nations and governments organize an international tribunal to which all their disputes and differences shall be referred.  The decision of that tribunal shall be final. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Promulgation of Universal Peace*, Page: 301)

There is no greater or more woeful ordeal in the world of humanity today than impending war.  Therefore, international peace is a crucial necessity.  An arbitral court of justice shall be established by which international disputes are to be settled.  Through this means all possibility of discord and war between the nations will be obviated. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Promulgation of Universal Peace*, Page: 317)

An international tribunal. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Promulgation of Universal Peace*, Page: 440)

He has ordained and established the House of Justice, which is endowed with a political as well as a religious function, the consummate union and blending of church and state.  This institution is under the protecting power of Baha’u'llah Himself.  A universal, or international, House of Justice shall also be organized.  Its rulings shall be in accordance with the commands and teachings of Baha’u'llah, and that which the Universal House of Justice ordains shall be obeyed by all mankind.  This international House of Justice shall be appointed and organized from the Houses of Justice of the whole world, and all the world shall come under its administration. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Promulgation of Universal Peace*, Page: 455)

True civilization will unfurl its banner in the midmost heart of the world whenever a certain number of its distinguished and high-minded sovereigns - the shining exemplars of devotion and determination - shall, for the good and happiness of all mankind, arise, with firm resolve and clear vision, to establish the Cause of Universal Peace.  They must make the Cause of Peace the object of general consultation, and seek by every means in their power to establish a Union of the nations of the world.  They must conclude a binding treaty and establish a covenant, the provisions of which shall be sound, inviolable and definite.  They must proclaim it to all the world and obtain for it the sanction of all the human race.  This supreme and noble undertaking - the real source of the peace and well-being of all the world - should be regarded as sacred by all that dwell on earth. All the forces of humanity must be mobilized to ensure the stability and permanence of this Most Great Covenant. In this all-embracing Pact the limits and frontiers of each and every nation should be clearly fixed, the principles underlying the relations of governments towards one another definitely laid down, and all international agreements and obligations ascertained.  In like manner, the size of the armaments of every government should be strictly limited, for if the preparations for war and the military forces of any nation should be allowed to increase, they will arouse the suspicion of others. The fundamental principle underlying this solemn Pact should be so fixed that if any government later violate any one of its provisions, all the governments on earth should arise to reduce it to utter submission, nay the human race as a whole should resolve, with every power at its disposal, to destroy that government. Should this greatest of all remedies be applied to the sick body of the world, it will assuredly recover from its ills and will remain eternally safe and secure. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Secret of Divine Civilization, Pages: 64-65)

As to the question of disarmament, all nations must disarm at the same time.  It will not do at all, and it is not proposed, that some nations shall lay down their arms while others, their neighbours, remain armed. The peace of the world must be brought about by international agreement.  All nations must agree to disarm simultaneously…

No nation can follow a peace policy while its neighbour remains warlike.  There is no justice in that.  Nobody would dream of suggesting that the peace of the world could be brought about by any such line of action.  It is to be brought about by a general and comprehensive international agreement, and in no other way…

Simultaneous action, he went on, is necessary in any scheme of disarmament.  All the governments of the world must transform their battleships and warcraft into merchant vessels.  But no one nation can by itself start in upon such a policy and it would be folly should one power attempt to do so … it would simply invite destruction….
Are there any signs that the permanent peace of the world will be established in anything like a reasonable period?  Abdu’l-Baha was asked.

It will be established in this century, he answered.  It will be universal in the twentieth century.  All nations will be forced into it.

Economic pressure will tell?

Yes:  the nations will be forced to come to peace and to agree to the abolition of war.  The awful burdens of taxation for war purposes will get beyond human endurance…
No, said `Abdu’l-Baha in conclusion, I repeat, no nation can disarm under these circumstances.  Disarmament is surely coming, but it must come, and it will come, by the universal consent of the civilized nations of the earth.  By international agreement they will lay down their arms and the great era of peace will be ushered in.
In this and no other way can peace be established upon the earth. (Extracts from interview with newspaper reporter, quoted in “Abdu’l-Baha in Canada” (Thornhill: Baha’i Canada Publications, 1987), pp. 34-35) (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Peace, Pages: 171-172)

Once the Parliament of Man is established and its constituent parts organized, the governments of the world having entered into a covenant of eternal friendship will have no need of keeping large standing armies and navies.  A few battalions to preserve internal order, and an International Police to keep the highways of the seas clear, are all that will be necessary.  Then these huge sums will be diverted to other more useful channels, pauperism will disappear, knowledge will increase, the victories of Peace will be sung by poets and bards, knowledge will improve the conditions and mankind will be rocked in the cradle of felicity and bliss. Then, whether a government is constitutional or republican, hereditary monarchy or democratic, the rulers will devote their time to the prosperity of their nations, the legislation of just and sane laws and the fostering of closer and more amicable relations with their neighbours - thus will the world of humanity become a mirror reflecting the virtues and attributes of the Kingdom of God.

By a general agreement all the governments of the world must disarm simultaneously…  It will not do if one lays down the arms and the other refuses to do so.  The nations of the world must concur with each other concerning this supremely important subject, thus they may abandon together the deadly weapons of human slaughter.  As long as one nation increases her military and naval budget, another nation will be forced into this crazed competition through her natural and supposed interests….

Now the question of disarmament must be put into practice by all the nations and not only by one or two.  Consequently the advocates of Peace must strive day and night, so that the individuals of every country may become peace-loving, public opinion may gain a strong and permanent footing, and day by day the army of International Peace be increased, complete disarmament be realized and the Flag of Universal Conciliation be waving on the summit of the mountains of the earth. (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Peace, Pages: 172-173)

The election of the International House of Justice and its establishment in the Holy Land, the spiritual and administrative center of the Baha’i world, together with the formation of its auxiliary branches and subsidiary institutions; (Shoghi Effendi:  The Advent of Divine Justice, Page: 14)

Both your Assembly and that of New Zealand have now emerged into your permanent form as pillars of the future International House of Justice. The bones of the skeleton of the World Order are growing strong, but only the teaching work can clothe them with flesh…. (Shoghi Effendi:  Arohanui: Letters to New Zealand, Page: 77)

National Assemblies

Regarding the establishment of “National Assemblies,” it is of vital importance that in every country, where the conditions are favorable and the number of the friends has grown and reached a considerable size, such as America, Great Britain and Germany, that a “National Spiritual Assembly” be immediately established, representative of the friends throughout that country.

Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, unify and coordinate by frequent personal consultations, the manifold activities of the friends as well as the local Assemblies; and by keeping in close and constant touch with the Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct in general the affairs of the Cause in that country.

It serves also another purpose, no less essential than the first, as in the course of time it shall evolve into the National House of Justice (referred to in Abdu’l-Baha’s Will as the “secondary House of Justice”), which according to the explicit text of the Testament will have, in conjunction with the other National Assemblies throughout the Baha’i world, to elect directly the members of the International House of Justice, that Supreme Council that will guide, organize and unify the affairs of the Movement throughout the world.

It is expressly recorded in Abdu’l-Baha’s Writings that these National Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the friends; that is, the friends in every country must elect a certain number of delegates, who in their turn will elect from among all the friends in that country the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. In such countries, therefore, as America, Great Britain and Germany, a fixed number of secondary electors must first be decided upon (95 for America, including the Pacific Islands; 95 for Germany; and 19 for Great Britain).  The friends then in every locality where the number of adult declared believers exceeds nine must directly elect its quota of secondary electors assigned to it in direct proportion to its numerical strength.  These secondary electors will then, either through correspondence, or preferably by gathering together, and first deliberating upon the affairs of the Cause throughout their country (as the delegates to the Convention), elect from among all the friends in that country nine who will be the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

This National Spiritual Assembly, which, pending the establishment of the Universal House of Justice, will have to be re-elected once a year, obviously assumes grave responsibilities, for it has to exercise full authority over all the local Assemblies in its province, and will have to direct the activities of the friends, guard vigilantly the Cause of God, and control and supervise the affairs of the Movement in general. (Shoghi Effendi:  Baha’i Administration, Pages: 39-40)

Election of National Assembly

Regarding the method to be adopted for the election of the National Spiritual Assemblies, it is clear that the text of the Beloved’s Testament gives us no indication as to the manner in which these Assemblies are to be elected.  In one of His earliest Tablets, however, addressed to a friend in Persia, the following is expressly recorded: -

“At whatever time all the beloved of God in each country appoint their delegates, and these in turn elect their representatives, and these representatives elect a body, that body shall be regarded as the Supreme Baytu’l-’Adl (Universal House of Justice).”

These words clearly indicate that a three-stage election has been provided by Abdu’l-Baha for the formation of the International House of Justice, and as it is explicitly provided in His Will and Testament that the “Secondary House of Justice (i.e., National Assemblies) must elect the members of the Universal One,” it is obvious that the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies will have to be indirectly elected by the body of the believers in their respective provinces.  In view of these complementary instructions the principle, set forth in my letter of March 12th, 1923, has been established requiring the believers (the beloved of God) in every country to elect a certain number of delegates who, in turn, will elect their national representatives (Secondary House of Justice or National Spiritual Assembly) whose sacred obligation and privilege will be to elect in time God’s Universal House of Justice.
Should the appointing of the delegates be made a part of the functions of local Spiritual Assemblies, who are already elected bodies, the principle of a four-stage election would be introduced which would be at variance with the provisions explicitly laid down in the Master’s Tablet.  On the other hand, were the local Spiritual Assemblies, the number of whose members is strictly confined to nine, to elect directly the members of the National Spiritual Assembly - thus maintaining the principle of a three-stage election - all Baha’i localities, which must necessarily differ in numerical strength, would then have to share equally in the election of the National Spiritual Assembly - a practice which would be contrary to fairness and justice.  Moreover, the central principle guiding for the present the administration of the Cause has been to make the Baha’i National Spiritual Assemblies as independent as possible in the conduct of such affairs as fall within their province, and to lessen the hampering influence of any institution within their jurisdiction that might, whether directly or indirectly, impair their authority and prestige. (Shoghi Effendi:  Baha’i Administration, Pages: 84-85)

The range and character of the problems confronting you, as revealed by the careful perusal of the minutes of your meetings, the steady increase in the number and effectiveness of vigorously functioning Centers in Central and Northern Europe, and the growing significance and complexity of the work that has to be necessarily conducted from the Holy Land, have all served to strengthen the feeling of absolute necessity for the formation in Haifa of some sort of an International Baha’i Secretariat, which both in an advisory and executive capacity will have to aid and assist me in my vast and exacting labors.  I have anxiously considered this important matter in all its bearings during the past few months, and have accordingly requested three well-informed, capable representatives from America, Europe and the East to visit the Holy Land this fall, that we may lay down the foundation of this vitally needed institution.  We shall take counsel together and decide, not only upon the measures that have to be promptly undertaken to meet the pressing demands of the present hour, but upon the wider issues that on one hand will strengthen the ties that should bind the International Center of the Cause with the world at large, and on the other provide for the preliminary steps that will eventually lead to the proper establishment of the First International House of Justice. (Shoghi Effendi:  Baha’i Administration, Pages: 115-116)

As already intimated, I have read and re-read most carefully the final draft of the By-Laws drawn up by that highly-talented, much-loved servant of Baha’u'llah, Mountfort Mills, and feel I have nothing substantial to add to this first and very creditable attempt at codifying the principles of general Baha’i administration. I heartily and unhesitatingly commend it to the earnest perusal of, and its loyal adoption by, every National Baha’i Spiritual Assembly, whether constituted in the East or in the West.  I would ask you particularly to send copies of the text of this document of fundamental importance accompanied by copies of the Declaration of Trust and the text of the Indenture of Trust, to every existing National Spiritual Assembly, with my insistent request to study the provisions, comprehend its implications, and endeavor to incorporate it, to the extent that their own circumstances permit, within the framework of their own national activities.  You can but faintly imagine how comforting a stimulant and how helpful a guide its publication and circulation will be to those patient and toiling workers in Eastern lands, and particularly Persia, who in the midst of uncertainties and almost insuperable obstacles are straining every nerve in order to establish the world order ushered in by Baha’u'llah. You can hardly realize how substantially it will contribute to pave the way for the elaboration of the beginnings of the constitution of the worldwide Baha’i Community that will form the permanent basis upon which the blest and sanctified edifice of the first International House of Justice will securely rest and flourish.

I would specifically remind you that in the text of the said By-Laws which to the outside world represents the expression of the aspirations, the motives and objects that animate the collective responsibilities of Baha’i Fellowship, due emphasis should not be placed only on the concentrated authority, the rights, the privileges and prerogatives enjoyed by the elected national representatives of the believers, but that special stress be laid also on their responsibilities as willing ministers, faithful stewards and loyal trustees to those who have chosen them.  Let it be made clear to every inquiring reader that among the most outstanding and sacred duties incumbent upon those who have been called upon to initiate, direct and coordinate the affairs of the Cause, are those that require them to win by every means in their power the confidence and affection of those whom it is their privilege to serve.  Theirs is the duty to investigate and acquaint themselves with the considered views, the prevailing sentiments, the personal convictions of those whose welfare it is their solemn obligation to promote.  Theirs is the duty to purge once for all their deliberations and the general conduct of their affairs from that air of self-contained aloofness, from the suspicion of secrecy, the stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertiveness, in short, from every word and deed that might savor of partiality, self-centeredness and prejudice.  Theirs is the duty, while retaining the sacred and exclusive right of final decision in their hands, to invite discussion, provide information, ventilate grievances, welcome advice from even the most humble and insignificant members of the Baha’i family, expose their motives, set forth their plans, justify their actions, revise if necessary their verdict, foster the sense of interdependence and co-partnership, of understanding and mutual confidence between them on one hand and all local Assemblies and individual believers on the other. (Shoghi Effendi:  Baha’i Administration, Pages: 142-144)
Touching the point raised in the Secretary’s letter regarding the nature and scope of the Universal Court of Arbitration, this and other similar matters will have to be explained and elucidated by the Universal House of Justice, to which, according to the Master’s explicit instructions, all important and fundamental questions must be referred.  At present the exact implication and full significance of the provisions of the Master’s Will are as yet imperfectly understood, and time will serve to reveal the wisdom and the far-reaching effects of His words. (Shoghi Effendi:  Baha’i Administration, Page: 47)

Acclaim simultaneous inauguration of crusade linking administrative machinery of four national assemblies of East and West within four continents and birth of first International Council at World Center of Faith, twin evidences of resistless unfoldment of embryonic, divinely appointed World Order of Baha’u'llah. [January 17, 1951] (Shoghi Effendi:  Citadel of Faith, Page: 90)

A drastic reduction of national and local budgets; the allocation of substantial sums by all national assemblies; the participation of individuals through sustained and direct donations to the first international and incomparably holy enterprise synchronizing with the birth of the International Baha’i Council at the very heart and center of a world-encircling Faith can alone insure the uninterrupted progress of an undertaking which, coupled with the completion of the Mother Temple of the West, cannot fail to produce tremendous repercussions in the Holy Land, in the North American continent and throughout the world. (Shoghi Effendi:  Citadel of Faith, Pages: 92-93)

Nor will the sacrifices willingly and universally accepted by the followers of the Faith in East and West for the sake of so noble a Cause, so transcendent an enterprise, fail to contribute their share towards the upbuilding of the World Administrative Center of that Faith, and the reinforcement of the ties already linking this Center with the recognized authorities of a state under the jurisdiction of which it is now functioning, ties which the newly formed International Baha’i Council are so assiduously striving to cement. (Shoghi Effendi:  Citadel of Faith, Page: 93)

The recognition of the sacred nature of the twin holy Shrines, situated in the plain of Akka and on the slopes of Mount Carmel; the exemption from state and civic taxes, granted to the mansion of Bahji adjoining the Most Holy Shrine, to the twin houses, that of Baha’u'llah in Akka, and Abdu’l-Baha in Haifa, to the twin archives, adjoining the Shrine of the Bab and the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf, and the twin pilgrim houses constructed in the neighborhood of that Shrine, and of the residence of Abdu’l-Baha; the delivery of the mansion of Mazra’ih by the authorities of that same state to the Baha’i Community and its occupation after a lapse of more than fifty years; the setting apart, through government action, of the room occupied by Baha’u'llah in the barracks of Akka, as a place of pilgrimage; the recognition of the Baha’i marriage certificate by the District Commissioner of Haifa; the recognition of the Baha’i holy days, in an official circular published by the Ministry of Education and Culture; the exemption from duty accorded by the Customs Department to all furniture received for Baha’i holy places as well as for all material imported for the construction of the Bab’s Sepulcher, the exemption from taxes similarly extended to all international Baha’i endowments surrounding the holy tomb on Mount Carmel, stretching from the ridge of the mountain to the Templar colony at its foot, as well as to the holdings in the immediate vicinity of the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf and her kinsmen - all these establish, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the high status enjoyed by the international institutions of a world Faith, in the eyes of this newborn state. (Shoghi Effendi:  Citadel of Faith, Page: 94)

At the World Center of the Faith, in response to the urgent call for action, necessitated by the imperative needs of the rising Sepulcher of the Bab, the formation of the Baha’i International Council, and the establishment of the State of Israel, as well as in the continent of Africa, where the appointed, the chief trustees of a divinely conceived, world-encompassing Plan could not well remain unmoved by the sight of the first attempts being made to introduce systematically the Faith of Baha’u'llah and to implant its banner amongst its tribes and races, the American Baha’i Community have assumed responsibilities well exceeding the original duties they had undertaken to discharge. (Shoghi Effendi:  Citadel of Faith, Page: 103)

“…in the support extended to the development of the institutions of the World Center of the Faith; in the role played by its representatives, whether as Hands of the Cause or members of the International Baha’i Council; (Shoghi Effendi:  Citadel of Faith, Page: 112)

STUPENDOUS WORK ACHIEVED BY MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BAHA’I COUNCIL

Particular tribute should, I feel, at this juncture, be paid to the stupendous work achieved, since the launching of the World Crusade, by the representatives of this highly privileged community, in their capacity as members of the International Baha’i Council, in connection with the prosecution of a variety of enterprises embarked upon in recent years, aiming at the expansion and consolidation of the international institutions of the Faith, the enhancement of its prestige, the embellishment of the surroundings of its Shrines, the efficient conduct of its internal affairs, and the forging of fresh links binding it still more closely to the civil authorities in the Holy Land.  The erection of the International Archives in the close neighborhood of the Bab’s holy Sepulcher; the extension of the international Baha’i endowments on the slopes of Mt. Carmel; the formation of several Israel Branches of Baha’i National Spiritual Assemblies; the embellishment of the precincts of the resting-place of both the Bab and Baha’u'llah; the purchase of the site of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkar of the Holy Land; the preparation of the designs for the International Baha’i Archives on Mt. Carmel; and of the Mother Temples of Persia and of Africa; the inauguration of the preliminary steps for the eventual construction of Baha’u'llah’s holy Sepulcher; the measures adopted, with the assistance of various officials of the State of Israel, for the eviction of the covenant-breakers from the immediate precincts of the Shrine of Baha’u'llah and the elimination of any influence they still exercise, after the lapse of over sixty years, in the close vicinity of that Most Holy Spot - in these, as well as in other various subsidiary activities, constantly increasing in number as well as in diversity at the spiritual and administrative center of the Baha’i world, have the members of the little band, assiduously laboring under the shadow of the Holy Shrines, and befittingly representing the American Baha’i Community, conspicuously participated, and through their dedicated services, added fresh luster to the annals of the community to which they belong. (Shoghi Effendi:  Citadel of Faith, Pages: 146-147)

“I wish to reaffirm in clear and categorical language, the principle already enunciated upholding the supreme authority of the National Assembly in all matters that affect the interests of the Faith in that land.  There can be no conflict of authority, no duality under any form or circumstances in any sphere of Baha’i jurisdiction whether local, national or international. (Shoghi Effendi:  Directives of the Guardian, Page: 50)

The Document establishing that Order, the Charter of a future world civilization, which may be regarded in some of its features as supplementary to no less weighty a Book than the Kitab-i-Aqdas; signed and sealed by Abdu’l-Baha; entirely written with His own hand; its first section composed during one of the darkest periods of His incarceration in the prison-fortress of Akka, proclaims, categorically and unequivocally, the fundamental beliefs of the followers of the Faith of Baha’u'llah; reveals, in unmistakable language, the twofold character of the Mission of the Bab; discloses the full station of the Author of the Baha’i Revelation; asserts that “all others are servants unto Him and do His bidding”; stresses the importance of the Kitab-i-Aqdas; establishes the institution of the Guardianship as a hereditary office and outlines its essential functions; provides the measures for the election of the International House of Justice, defines its scope and sets forth its relationship to that Institution; prescribes the obligations, and emphasizes the responsibilities, of the Hands of the Cause of God; and extolls the virtues of the indestructible Covenant established by Baha’u'llah.  That Document, furthermore, lauds the courage and constancy of the supporters of Baha’u'llah’s Covenant; (Shoghi Effendi:  God Passes By, Page: 328)

The text of this national constitution comprises a Declaration of Trust, whose articles set forth the character and objects of the national Baha’i community, establish the functions, designate the central office, and describe the official seal, of the body of its elected representatives, as well as a set of by-laws which define the status, the mode of election, the powers and duties of both local and national Assemblies, describe the relation of the National Assembly to the International House of Justice as well as to local Assemblies and individual believers, outline the rights and obligations of the National Convention and its relation to the National Assembly, disclose the character of Baha’i elections, and lay down the requirements of voting membership in all Baha’i communities.

The framing of these constitutions, both local and national, identical to all intents and purposes in their provisions, provided the necessary foundation for the legal incorporation of these administrative institutions in accordance with civil statutes controlling religious or commercial bodies.  Giving these Assemblies a legal standing, this incorporation greatly consolidated their power and enlarged their capacity, (Shoghi Effendi:  God Passes By, Page: 335)

The establishment of a Baha’i Court in the Holy Land, preliminary to the emergence of the Universal House of Justice. (Shoghi Effendi:  Messages to the Baha’i World, Page: 42)

“….the transformation of the International Baha’i Council into an international Baha’i court; (Shoghi Effendi:  Messages to the Baha’i World, Page: 152)

It must be explained, however, that in the Muslim countries of the Near and Middle East, with the exception of Turkey which has lately abolished all ecclesiastical courts under its rule, every recognized religious community has, in matters of personal status such as marriage, divorce and inheritance, its own ecclesiastical court, totally independent of the civil and criminal tribunals, there being in such instances no civil code promulgated by the government and embracing all the different religious communities.  Hitherto regarded as a sect of Islam, the Baha’is of Egypt, who for the most part are of Muslim origin, and unable therefore to refer for purposes of marriage and divorce to the recognized religious tribunals of any other denomination, find themselves in consequence in a delicate and anomalous position.  They have naturally resolved to refer their case to the Egyptian Government, and have prepared for this purpose a petition to be addressed to the head of the Egyptian Cabinet.  In this document they have set forth the motives compelling them to seek recognition from their rulers, have asserted their readiness and their qualifications to exercise the functions of an independent Baha’i court, have assured them of their implicit obedience and loyalty to the State, and of their abstinence from interference in the politics of their country.  They have also decided to accompany the text of their petition with a copy of the judgment of the Court, with selections from Baha’i writings, and with the document that sets forth the principles of their national constitution which, with few exceptions, is identical with the Declaration and By-laws promulgated by your Assembly.

I have insisted that the provisions of their constitution should, in all its details, conform to the text of the Declaration of Trust and By-laws which you have established, endeavoring thereby to preserve the uniformity which I feel is essential in all Baha’i National Constitutions. I would like, therefore, in this connection to request of you what I have already intimated to them, that whatever amendments you may decide to introduce in the text of the Declaration and By-laws should be duly communicated to me, that I may take the necessary steps for the introduction of similar changes in the text of all other National Baha’I Constitutions. (Shoghi Effendi:  World Order of Baha’u'llah, Pages: 10-11)

Other examples are [of the principles of Baha’u'llah’s Revelation are]:… the institution of the Supreme Court of Arbitration (`Abdu’l-Baha:  Japan Will Turn Ablaze*, Page: 36)