2-In the Holy writings the word used is the “SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY” but because this word has been used by Covenant breakers the Sans Guardian organisation so to differentiate ourselves from the fraud organisation we are using “LOCAL BAHAI COUNCIL”.)
Establishment and Station of Local Bahai Council (LBC)…The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of Justice be established wherein shall gather counsellors to the number of Bahá, and should it exceed this number it does not matter. It behoveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth.… (Bahá’u’lláh, cited in a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration: Selected Messages 1922–1932 [rev. ed.]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá is constantly engaged in ideal communication with any Spiritual Assembly which is instituted through the divine bounty, and the members of which, in the utmost devotion, turn to the divine Kingdom and are firm in the Covenant. To them he is whole-heartedly attached and with them he is linked by everlasting ties.… (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, [rev. ed.] (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1982, 2009 printing), no. 46.1) [3]
These Spiritual Assemblies are aided by the Spirit of God. Their defender is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Over them He spreadeth His Wings. What bounty is there greater than this? These Spiritual Assemblies are shining lamps and heavenly gardens, from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused over all regions, and the lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all created things. From them the spirit of life streameth in every direction. They, indeed, are the potent sources of the progress of man, at all times and under all conditions. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, cited in Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, [rev. ed.] (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1987, 2012 printing), p. 526. Also published in Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, no. 38.5) [4]
Qualifications and Election of Members of LBC
These local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be elected directly by the friends, and every declared believer of 21 years and above, far from standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude, should regard it his sacred duty to take part, conscientiously and diligently, in the election, the consolidation, and the efficient working of his own local Assembly. (From a letter dated 12 March 1923 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’ís of America, Australasia, France, Germany, British Isles, Italy, Japan, and Switzerland, published in Bahá’í Administration: Selected Messages 1922– 1932, p. 39) [12]
…the elector … is called upon to vote for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to uphold. …the practice of nomination, so detrimental to the atmosphere of a silent and prayerful election, is viewed with mistrust inasmuch as it gives the right to the majority of a body that, in itself, under the present circumstances, often constitutes a minority of all the elected delegates, to deny that God-given right of every elector to vote only in favour of those whom he is conscientiously convinced are the most worthy candidates.… (From a letter dated 27 May 1927 written by Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration: Selected Messages 1922–1932, p. 136) [13]
Duties and Functions of the Local Baha’i Council
It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly. Thus hath the Lord your God … commanded you. Beware lest ye put away that which is clearly revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, O ye that perceive! (Bahá’u’lláh, cited in a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration: Selected Messages 1922–1932, p. 21) [14]
The teaching of the Cause of God should be considered with a view to what, in the particular conditions of each time and age, is most conducive to its advancement and, similarly, other matters; whatever is then decided upon should be carried into effect. Care, however, should be taken lest aught be implemented contrary to that which hath been sent down in the divine verses in this Revelation of imperishable glory. For whatsoever the one true God— exalted be His glory!—hath prescribed unto His servants, the same is to their best advantage. He, verily, is kinder to you than ye are to yourselves; He, verily, is the All-Knowing, the All Informed.
The prime requisites for them that take counsel together are purity of motive, radiance of spirit, detachment from all else save God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, humility and lowliness amongst His loved ones, patience and long-suffering in difficulties and servitude to His exalted Threshold. Should they be graciously aided to acquire these attributes, victory from the unseen Kingdom of Bahá shall be vouchsafed to them. In this day, assemblies of consultation are of the greatest importance and a vital necessity. Obedience unto them is essential and obligatory. The members thereof must take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise. This can be attained when every member expresseth with absolute freedom his own opinion and setteth forth his argument. Should any one oppose, he must on no account feel hurt for not until matters are fully discussed can the right way be revealed. The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions. 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. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, cited in a letter dated 5 March 1922 written by Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration: Selected Messages 1922–1932, pp. 21–22. Also published in Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, nos. 43.1 and 44.1) [16]
Prospects of the Future
It should, I strongly feel, be made to serve a twofold purpose. On one hand, it should aim at a steady and gradual expansion of the Movement along lines that are at once broad, sound and universal; and on the other, it should ensure the internal consolidation of the work already achieved.… (From a letter dated 11 May 1926 written by Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, published in Bahá’í Administration: Selected Messages 1922–1932, p. 109) [50]
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