1 The Divine Springtime is
fast advancing and all the atoms of the earth are responding to the vibrating
influence of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation. The evidences of this new life are
clearly apparent in the progress of the Cause of God. As we contemplate,
however momentarily, the unfolding pattern of its growth, we can but recognize,
with wonder and gratitude, the irresistible power of that Almighty Hand which
guides its destinies.
2 This progress has accelerated
notably during the Seven Year Plan, witnessed by the achievement of many
important enterprises throughout the Bahá'í world and vital developments at the
heart of the Cause itself. The restoration and opening to pilgrimage of the
southern wing of the House of `Abdu'lláh Páshá; the completion and
occupation of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice; the approval of
detailed plans for the remaining edifices around the arc; the expansion of the
membership and responsibilities of the International Teaching Centre and the
Continental Boards of Counsellors; the establishment of the offices of Social
and Economic Development, and of Public Information; the dedication of the
Mother Temple of the Pacific, and dramatic progress with the building of the
Temple in India; the expansion of the teaching work throughout the world,
resulting in the formation of twenty-three new National Spiritual Assemblies,
nearly 8,000 new Local Spiritual Assemblies, the opening of more than 16,000
new localities and representation within the Bahá'í community of 300 new
tribes; the issuing of 2,196 new publications, 898 of which are editions of the
Holy Text and the enrichment of Bahá'í literature by productions in 114 new
languages; the initiation of 737 new social and economic development projects;
the addition of three radio stations, with three more soon to be
inaugurated---these stand out as conspicuous achievements in a Plan which will
be remembered as having set the seal on the third epoch of the Formative Age.
3 The opening of that Plan
coincided with the recrudescence of savage persecution of the Bahá'í community
in
4 Paralleling these
outstanding events has been a remarkable unfoldment of organic growth in the
maturity of the institutions of the Cause. The development of
capacity and responsibility on their part and the devolution upon them of
continually greater autonomy have been fostered by the encouragement of
ever closer co-operation between the twin arms of the Administrative Order.
This process now takes a large stride forward as the National Spiritual
Assemblies and Counsellors consult together to formulate, for the first time,
the national goals of an international teaching plan. Together they must carry
them out; together they must implement the world objectives of the Six Year
Plan as they apply in each country. This significant development is a befitting
opening to the fourth epoch of the Formative Age and initiates a process which
will undoubtedly characterize that epoch as national communities grow in
strength and influence and are able to diffuse within their own countries the
spirit of love and social unity which is the hallmark of the Cause of God.
5 The goals to be achieved
at the World Centre include publication of a copiously annotated English
translation of the "Kitáb-i-Aqdas" and related texts, education of
the Bahá'í world in the law of the Huqúqu'lláh, pursuit of plans for the
erection of the remaining buildings on the arc, and the broadening of the basis
of the international relations of the Faith.
6 The major world objectives
of the Plan have already been sent to National Spiritual Assemblies and
Continental Boards of Counsellors for their mutual consultation and
implementation.
7 Dear friends, as the world
passes through its darkest hour before the dawn, the Cause of God, shining ever
more brightly, presses forward to that glorious break of day when the Divine
Standard will be unfurled and the Nightingale of Paradise warble its melody.
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice