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Letter of 28 May 1954
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Dear Bahá'í Friends:
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The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you
concerning an action recently taken by your National
Assembly, as published in your January-February Bahá'í
News, that non-Bahá'ís may attend 19-Day Feasts if "the
earnestness of their interest in the Faith" is vouched for by a
declared believer.
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3 |
The Guardian wishes me to direct your attention to the
fact that none of the institutions of the Faith nor its cardinal
principles may be changed under any circumstances.
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The 19-Day Feast is an institution of the Cause, first
established by the Báb, later confirmed by Bahá'u'lláh, and
now made a prominent part of the administrative order of
the Faith. These 19-Day Feasts are for the Bahá'ís, and the
Bahá'ís exclusively, and no variation from this principle is
permitted.
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Thus the Guardian feels you should rescind the action
taken by your Assembly in opening the Feasts to "near
Bahá'ís", as it is not consistent with the spirit of the
administrative order for non-Bahá'ís or near Bahá'ís to
attend the 19-Day Feasts, particularly the administrative
portion of the Feast.
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6 |
The Guardian realizes the spirit which animated you in
making the suggested proposal, in order that the teaching
work might go forward more aggressively; but he feels in
the long run it would be detrimental to the Faith, and
therefore should be rescinded as indicated above.
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7 |
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings....
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