The origins of this system—known as the Bahá’í Administrative Order—are found in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh Himself. Voting itself is held using a system similar to the multiple member first past the post voting system. [11] Baháʼu'lláh envisioned a Supreme House of Justice, with local Houses of Justice in every community where nine or more adult Baháʼís reside. Firstly, as a Bahá’í who has given many decades of outstanding service in your community, you understand that the Bahá’í Administrative Order is an integral part of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh; it is a divinely conceived system which, as the Guardian explained in The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, “incorporates within its structure certain elements which are to be found in each of the three … If after discussion, a decision be carried unanimously, well and good; but if the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should arise, a majority of voices must prevail."[8][9]. From the outset of his ministry, Shoghi Effendi dedicated energy to the development of the Administrative Order, bringing it into being in embryonic form and paving the way for the election of the Universal House of Justice. 3– 5). A Vision of Peace Stories from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These members act as delegates in a manner similar to National Baháʼí elections. The Baháʼí administration has two distinct elements: the elected and appointed. Members of the Auxiliary Boards appointed by the Counsellors who are elected to such an institution are asked to choose to serve either in their elected or appointed capacity, but not both. When, shortly after its ultimate election in 1963, this body examined the question of the succession of the Guardian it determined that there was no way to satisfy the provisions of the will and testament of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, and that, therefore, no successor to the Shoghi Effendi could be named. Letter regarding democracy, "Baha'i democratization," theocracy, authority, and the Bahá’í Administrative Order. At all levels, only residents within the jurisdiction of the body being elected are eligible for membership. The Baháʼís were encouraged not to see these "core activities" as simply Baháʼí activities. In 1973 the International Teaching Centre was established and the Hands were instructed to act as liaisons between the Counsellors appointed to it and the House of Justice. • Hold a Nineteen Day Feast entirely planned and executed by the learners. The Bahá’í administrative order has been described by the Guardian "not only as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World Order." Baha'i Publications Bookstore. The New World Order; The Foundation of the House of Justice; Duties of Elected Representatives; Election of Delegates; Letter of September 24, 1924. Administrative system of the Baháʼí Faith, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, texts from within a religion or faith system, Statistics on National Spiritual Assemblies, "Baháʼí Reference Library – God Passes By, Pages 197–220", "Baháʼí Reference Library – The World Order of Baháʼu'lláh, Pages 143–157", "Baháʼí Reference Library – Tablets of Baháʼu'lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Pages 83–97", "Baháʼí Reference Library – Tablets of Baháʼu'lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Pages 21–29", "Baháʼí Reference Library – Peace, Page 33", "Baháʼí Reference Library – The World Order of Baháʼu'lláh, Pages 64–67", Baha'i Administration: Selected Messages 1922–1932, Changing Reality: The Bahá'í Community and the Creation of a New Reality, "FOR BAHA'I FAITH, ELECTIONS ARE SPIRITUAL CAMPAIGNING FORBIDDEN IN VOTING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE BODY", "Association for Baha'i Studies » Archive » Baha'i Internet Agency Whitepapers", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baháʼí_administration&oldid=1000926243, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles lacking reliable references from January 2021, Articles needing more viewpoints from January 2021, Articles with multiple maintenance issues, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. In any case, the Baha'i Administrative Order in its current early form is not identified with the future world government foretold by Baha'u'llah and outlined by Shoghi Effendi in a letter written on his behalf: to such other factors as age distribution, diversity, and gender."[16]. “The bedrock on which this Administrative Order is founded is God’s immutable Purpose for mankind in this day. [2], Shoghi Effendi wrote that the Baháʼí Administrative Order incorporates within its structure certain elements which are to be found in each of the three recognized forms of secular government: autocracy, aristocracy and democracy. Sometimes referred to by Baháʼu'lláh as "the Rulers", Baháʼís elect members to councils which are vested with the authority of the community. Coinciding with this was a process of re-examination of intra-Baháʼí administrative and community action, the implementation of Baháʼí law in greater degrees among non-Iranian Baháʼís, and the maturation of the Spiritual Assemblies. Creating a constitution for itself that incorporated obedience to the body of Shoghi Effendi's writings, and to those of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and Baháʼu'lláh, the Universal House of Justice assumed full authority over the affairs of the Baháʼí community. The members thereof must take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise. The Administrative Order, which ever since ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá’s ascension has evolved and is taking shape under our very eyes in no fewer than forty countries of the world, may be considered as the framework of the Will itself, the inviolable stronghold wherein this new-born child is being nurtured and developed. Over this period, Baháʼí institutions and inter-institutional collaboration became clearer, many finer points of Baháʼí law were explained, and the faith was spread to most of the globe. Should any one oppose, he must on no account feel hurt for not until matters are fully discussed can the right way be revealed. Bahá'í Community & Administrative System Justice, Unity & Peace. The affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered through a system of institutions, each with its defined sphere of action. Under its guidance, elected bodies, known as Local Spiritual Assemblies and National Spiritual Assemblies tend to the affairs of the Bahá’í community at their respective levels, exercising legislative, executive, and judicial authority. All decisions by these bodies must be made, and are considered valid if, and only if the body is duly constituted, and meeting as a body with a quorum of members present. Baháʼís may, depending on circumstances, serve on multiple institutions. The energy that Bahá’ís devote to enhancement of institutional capacity, and the care with which they follow the evolution and development of administrative processes and structures, is not motivated simply by a wish to increase the efficiency with which the Bahá’í … The earliest depiction of the administration currently at work within the worldwide Baháʼí community can be found in the writings of Baháʼu'lláh. “It is the structure of His New World Order, now stirring in the womb of the administrative institutions He Himself has created, that will serve both as a pattern and a nucleus of that world commonwealth which is the sure, the inevitable destiny of the peoples and nations of the earth.”. Normative Foundations of National Baha'i Elections.". The Baha’i Administrative Order is organized into Houses of Justice of nine members each. He revealed principles that guide its operation, established its institutions, appointed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the sole interpreter of His Word, and conferred … Further Reading It is not simply by coincidence however that it was first initiated and perfected by the American believers. The Tablets of the Divine Plan stand out, however, and formed a great part of the early goal setting and planning processes of the nascent spiritual community. In the event of a tying vote for the last places, if one of these individuals is a member of a minority, this individual is automatically awarded the position. [citation needed]. The harmonious interactions between them ensure the constant provision of guidance, love, and encouragement to members of the Bahá’í community throughout the world. Within it, the Bahá’í International Community states, encouragement of diversity of opinion has important implications in the realms of both belief and action. The origins of this system—known as the Bahá’í Administrative Order—are found in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh Himself. It may not alter the scriptural laws defined by Baháʼu'lláh and ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. For the Betterment of the World, to the Glory of God The Emergence of Bahá’í Houses of Worship. Learn More . Voters are strongly encouraged to study and discuss, in abstract, the qualities named by Shoghi Effendi as being necessary in those elected to serve, without reference to individuals. While most of the above have been in place for decades or more, in recent years with the institution of the Baháʼí institute process a number of other possible positions have been named: Regional Institute Boards, Area Teaching Committees, Cluster Growth Facilitators, Cluster Institute Coordinators, Cluster Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programme Coordinators, and Cluster Children's Class Coordinator being examples. Though Baháʼu'lláh intimated, earlier, many of the policies that would form the basis of the Baháʼí administrative system, his Kitáb-i-Aqdas provides the most solid initial glimpse of this system: This House of Justice is described as being in concert with Baha'u'llah and the Aghsán, his descendants, but with the responsibility for creating and abrogating laws not explicitly revealed in the sacred scripture. The Baha’i Faith is a global faith community, established in virtually every country in the world. National Spiritual Assemblies may ask Local Spiritual Assemblies to excuse those who are members of both bodies from executive positions, to free their time to do the work of that National Spiritual Assemblies. In the United States, Canada, and India, Regional Councils are elected by members of these Local Spiritual Assemblies in an election often conducted by mail. An introductory selection of extracts from the Bahá’í writings on the subject of the Bahá’í Administrative Order. The Bahá’í administration or Bahá’í administrative order refers to the administrative system of the Bahá’í Faith. Today the Universal House of Justice is the central governing body of the Administrative Order. The supreme governing institution of the Baháʼí Faith is the Universal House of Justice, situated in Haifa, Israel. Shoghi Effendi died in 1957 with no children, and no will could be found. Auxiliary Boards are appointed by the Continental Counsellors to assist them on a smaller geographic scale. The affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered through a system of institutions, each with its defined sphere of action. They are also free to voice any relevant concerns they have to the delegation and to the outgoing and incoming Assemblies. It is split into two parts, the elected and the appointed. Baháʼís consider their electoral process to be a sacred act, essential to the health of the community. A National Spiritual Assembly (NSA) normally represents a country, although sometimes regions are assigned their own NSA (e.g. Baha'i Administrative Order. The origins of this system—known as the Bahá’í Administrative Order—are found in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh Himself. The Baha’i’ Administrative Order answers that question by being founded on such respect and love. The Baháʼí Administrative Order concerns the system of administration within the Baháʼí Faith rather than civil government. Again, no nominations occur, and each Local Spiritual Assembly member is directed to vote for those individuals who are resident in the region they feel are best suited to serve. One hundred years after Baháʼu'lláh's death, the Baháʼís celebrated a "holy year", during which the fully authorized translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book) was published. The subject is described in some detail in the Bahá’í Administrative Order topic collection in the “ What Bahá’ís Believe ” area of this website. Our Inner Life; Dawn of a Brighter Day; Letter of November 24th, 1924. The learned have a similar geographic hierarchy. These seem to be evolving and assuming many growth and consolidation and educational functions of Local Spiritual Assemblies, allowing these local bodies to meet the more personal needs of their community members. In His Will and Testament, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá appointed his grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. Baha’is have no clergy, which means that all decisions rest in the hands of democratically-elected bodies as the local, regional, national and international levels. Students may Acting in their respective roles, the institutions of the Counsellors and the Spiritual Assemblies share responsibility for the protection and propagation of the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’í Administrative Order. Electors write the individual names of exactly nine eligible Baháʼís, without repeating. If this is unclear, or if there is disagreement as to whether the minority rule applies, a run-off election is held in which votes are cast only for one of those tied. The Source from which it derives its inspiration is no one less than Bahá’u’lláh Himself.” –Shoghi Effendi. The International Counsellors are nine individuals appointed to the International Teaching Centre, which is a body that directly assists the Universal House of Justice at the Baháʼí World Centre. defined some of the conditions for the future development of the Baháʼí administration. The highest elected body is the Universal House of Justice, which possesses the authority to supplement and apply the laws of Baháʼu'lláh. [1] It is split into two parts, the elected and the appointed. Baháʼí elections use what is described as a three-stage councilor-republican system to determine electors. They will sometimes have a very localized mandate, such as to focus on youth in a particular city, or they can be appointed broadly. In the typical case, there are nine members on an Assembly or House of Justice, and therefore voters vote for nine individuals. The origins of this system—known as the Bahá’í Administrative Order—are found in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh Himself. He revealed principles that guide its operation, established its institutions, appointed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the sole interpreter of His Word, and conferred … of the administrative order. • Host a community event in celebration of the administrative order. This Administrative Order is fundamentally different from anything that any Prophet has previously established, inasmuch as Bahá’u’lláh has Himself revealed its principles, established its institutions, appointed the person to interpret His Word and conferred the necessary authority on the … Menace of Social Chaos; Paramount Duty of Every Bahá’í; Letter of November 27, 1924. The Baha’is of the United States operate three year-round conference and retreat centers that offer a wide range of programming for adults, youth and children. [5], These statements praise the principles of kingship and consultation with the people as principles for civil government. Foremost, the Administrative Order is intended to serve as a channel through which the spirit of the Faith is to flow, embodying in its operation the kind of relationships that must come to bind together and sustain society as humanity moves towards collective maturity. The supreme governing institution of the Baháʼí Faith is the Universal House of Justice, situated in Haifa, Israel. Shoghi Effendi described the death of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and the start of his own administration as the end of the "Heroic age" and the start of the "Formative" age of the Baháʼí Faith. Firstly, as a Bahá'í who has given many decades of outstanding service in your community, you understand that the Bahá'í Administrative Order is an integral part of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh; it is a divinely conceived system which, as the Guardian explained in The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh, "incorporates within its structure certain elements which are to be found in each of the three … Just as the Administrative Order cannot rightly function without the believers trusting in its self-correcting nature, so history has shown that scholarship cannot flourish unless it is pursued in an atmosphere of freedom from intimidation and Home. Regional Baháʼí Councils (RBC) have also been established in several larger national Baháʼí communities. While the delegates can certainly convey to the convention the concerns of those in their district, they are in no way obligated to represent those who elected them. They advise Baháʼís at the international level and coordinate the efforts of the Continental Counsellors. He wrote many clarifying letters, giving instructions to various Spiritual Assemblies, inspiring the Baháʼí world. Over time, these concepts were clarified initially in Baháʼu'lláh's writings, and then in those of his eldest son and successor, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá. Members are chosen by the electorate based on Shoghi Effendi's stated criteria consisting of five qualities: The Universal House of Justice further clarified that the elector, having determined those who meet these qualifications, should give "due consideration. To these he commanded the obedience of the Baháʼís. The Baháʼí administration has four charter documents, It is split into two parts, the elected and the appointed. During ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's life, he oversaw and encouraged the establishment of many elected local councils, calling them "Spiritual Assemblies". The Bahá’í administrative order has been described by the Guardian "not only as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World Order." The functions of this branch were originally carried out by the Hands of the Cause of God appointed by Baháʼu'lláh, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. In general, adult Baháʼís in good standing resident in the jurisdiction are both the electorate (either directly or through delegation) as well as the pool of potential members to serve on the body being elected. The Bahá'í Administrative Order is the administrative system of the Bahá'í Faith. He revealed principles that guide its operation, established its institutions, appointed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the sole interpreter of His Word, … This difference is highlighted in a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi concerning the future world government foretold by Baháʼu'lláh and outlined by Shoghi Effendi, stating "As regards the International Executive referred to by the Guardian in his "Goal of a New World Order", this statement refers by no means to the Baháʼí Commonwealth of the future, but simply to that world government which will herald the advent and lead to the final establishment of the World Order of Baháʼu'lláh. [1] It is split into two parts, the elected and the appointed. In cases of tie votes for the ninth-least-populous vote (for example), a run-off election is held (unless one of the tied candidates is a member of a minority in the community and is deemed elected). Their function is loosely defined, though their duties are divided into the two general categories of protection and propagation of the Baháʼí Faith. As the Administrative Order, which is the Harbinger of the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, has been described by Shoghi Effendi as the "Child of the Covenant" (God Passes By 243), it is important that in any discussion of the various aspects of the World Order, and as an introduction to such a theme a study of the Bahá'í Covenant be made, however cursory this might be. Having no ordained, professional priesthood, Baháʼís operate through a type of non-partisan democratic self-government. The text must be examined as a cohesive whole. (God Passes By) These two institutions are described in ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's Will and Testament as having divine authority: The same Will appoints Shoghi Effendi as the Guardian, and gives further details about the structure of the administration, including election and appointment processes. The origins of this system—known as the Bahá'í Administrative Order—are found in the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh Himself RBC is an element of Baha'i administration between the local and national levels. The Bahá’í Administrative Order concerns the system of administration within the Bahá’í Faith rather than civil government. Voters are urged not to consult with each other about the suitability of individuals. Bahá’í institutions are not conceived only as a means of administering the internal aspects of Bahá’í community life, essential though this is. The Administrative Order It has been the general characteristic of religion that organization marks the interruption of the true spiritual influence and serves to prevent … The Universal House of Justice is seen as morally infallible, though this belief has subtleties, in that the Universal House of Justice can both make new Baháʼí law and repeal its own laws. They are increasingly taking on community growth and development activities, and provide guidance and structure for local communities' coordination on these. Centers of Learning. Baháʼu'lláh makes reference to "the learned" among his people. When it was determined that no more "Hands" could be appointed, the Universal House of Justice formed the Institution of the Counsellors to fulfill their duties. In a process parallel to the one at the local level, the delegates to the national convention are free to vote for the nine individuals who they feel will best carry out the duties of the National Spiritual Assembly. However, beyond this there are several practical limitations. Baháʼí World News Service (2005/05/18). These assemblies are elected annually through locally elected delegates. •Become involved locally with one of the humanitarian organizations that the Local Spiritual Assembly is assisting. Those elected are expected to serve, though, in cases of extreme personal difficulty, such a member may request that the body to which they are elected excuse him or her. GOAL: TO UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE AND DISTINCTION OF THE BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTIONS TOPIC: THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH 6 World Order of Bahá’u’lláh—Level Two Sample Activities ACTIVITY 1: GUARDIANS FOR ALL THAT DWELL ON EARTH SUGGESTED TIME FOR ACTIVITY: 30 MIN. "Baha'is hold unique democratic elections.". (In the US, this refers to racial minority.) Seen as embryonic institutions, national and local Houses of Justice are currently given the temporary appellation of "Spiritual Assemblies"[11] and are expected, over time, to mature into fully functional Houses of Justice. It has a full-time director.[12][13][14]. Based in the United States, this agency was created by the Universal House of Justice to assist the Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies in addressing issues related to the propagation and protection of the Bahá'í Faith on the Internet. BIA is supervised by the International Teaching Centre. The traditional functions of community leadership and moral leadership are not vested in individuals, but in an institutional framework with two main branches. While they have no authority to command or rule on matters, they are "the learned" and individuals and institutions are morally obliged to consider their opinions. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá unveiled the "Secondary", or National House of Justice in his will. Our Inner Life; Dawn of a Brighter Day; Letter of November 24th, 1924. Auxiliary board members appoint "assistants" that operate on their behalf at the grassroots level. In addition, no input is provided to the delegates, either at the local or national levels, on whom to vote for in the national election. The Baha'i Administrative Order The affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered through a system of institutions, each with its defined sphere of action. The Baháʼí community began to incorporate more active service, socio-economic development efforts ballooned in number, and local and national communities became more focused on examining the needs of their wider non-Baháʼí communities, to see how the faith could aid them. The World Order of Baháʼu'lláh is a collection of letters and messages from Shoghi Effendi, head of the Baháʼí Faith during the period, first published in 1938.. Their role is as flexible as their Auxiliary board member feels is appropriate. The Baha'i Administrative Order. The nine Baháʼís with the most votes are elected. Clarifying Baháʼu'lláh's comments about his descendants and authority, he described the Institution of the Guardianship, which he saw as functioning in concert with the Universal House of Justice – one bearing responsibility for interpretation of scripture, the other as legislator of new law not covered by existing scripture. Notes: Mirrored from bahai.org, where it is also available in PDF and Word formats. "[3], Baháʼu'lláh commended the British system of government that enhanced kingship through consultation with the people,[4] but did not specifically endorse parliamentary democracy. His objective in effectively designing the Baháʼí Administrative Order was to embody, reconcile and assimilate within it "such wholesome elements as are to be found in each one of them..." while excluding the "admitted evils inherent in each of these systems..." such that it "cannot ever degenerate into any form of despotism, of oligarchy, or of demagogy which must sooner or later corrupt the machinery of all man-made and essentially defective political institutions. Bahá'í Faith. Founded upon the belief that God guides humanity through messengers, many of whom have prophesied a "Kingdom of Heaven on earth", and the belief that Baháʼu'lláh's revelation is the fulfillment of such prophesies, Baháʼís see in his writings a system both of God and of the people. The Baha’i Faith is a global faith community, established in virtually every country in the world. The essentiality of the Administrative Order is upheld by Bahá’í law as borne out in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, in which Bahá’u’lláh calls attention to "this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed. Every five years from 1963, members of all National Spiritual Assemblies are called to vote at an International Convention at the Baháʼí World Centre in Haifa, Israel for members of the Universal House of Justice. Who the electors are and who the eligible members are depends on the scope of the election. Menace of Social Chaos; Paramount Duty of Every Bahá’í; Letter of November 27, 1924. The Local House of Justice is elected by the believers in the local community. The Baháʼí administration or Baháʼí administrative order is the administrative system of the Baháʼí Faith. Members of National Spiritual Assemblies have served on Local Spiritual Assemblies, and assistants within the appointed institutions may serve on Local Spiritual Assemblies. 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As subordinate to civil government geographic scale elected and the appointed at 11:28 institutional with! The traditional functions of community leadership and moral leadership are not vested individuals... Incoming Assemblies other elected bodies, though their duties are divided into voting districts or units their jurisdiction American! Levels, only residents within the jurisdiction of the Baháʼí Faith rather than government! His will, though their duties are divided into the two general categories of and! Reference to `` the learned '' among his people and freed from all error.. Of society constituency for members – all members are depends on the theme of Bahá ’ í community administered! Larger National Baháʼí elections use what is described as a Model Feast or a Unity may... Governing institution of the community aware of relevant scripture and guidance from the central institutions the electors and.