The Universal House of Justice | New Compilation Released
The House of Justice recently released this new compilation prepared at the World Centre by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. It contains a number of passages not previously published in English. It is more comprehensive than the previous compilation, and includes material from its own Constitution, and a very useful index.
The compilation includes a great deal of new material to discuss and apply.For example, a letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi states that the House of Justice will enact
"spiritual ordinances which should characterize Baha'i life" (paragraph 31.1)
The House of Justice itself writes,
"... you ask whether it is possible to enact laws within the framework of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh without a thorough and accurate understanding of the meaning of each one of the Writings. In the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, there is no reference to the nature and extent of the information to which the Universal House of Justice should have access when making its decisions. The House of Justice itself determines what information it needs to reach a decision. Before legislating or deciding upon any vital matter, it studies carefully and exhaustively both the Sacred Texts and the writings of Shoghi Effendi on the subject. It also consults the views of experts as needed. The concept of conferred infallibility of the Universal House of Justice does not rest upon the power of authoritative interpretation nor access to perfect knowledge and understanding—it is an unqualified assurance of divine guidance and protection from error as described in the Bahá’í writings." (Paragraph 86.6)
In a letter written by Shoghi Effendi to the friends in the East and translated into English, he writes
"... and the formation of ties between the Bahá’í community and divers scientific, literary, religious and social agencies are, one and all, dependent and conditioned upon the formation and establishment of the Universal House of Justice in the Holy Land in the vicinity of those lofty, resplendent and most exalted precincts. For this Supreme Institution is the wellspring of the actions and undertakings of all the Bahá’ís, and the source of help and assistance for this feeble servant. Through that body will the hopes of the people of Bahá be fulfilled. Through it the pillars of the Faith on this earth will be firmly established and its hidden powers be revealed, its signs shine forth, its banners be unfurled and its light be shed upon all peoples." (Paragraph 33.3)
This compilation is available for download here:
or alternatively, it can be read online here:
And it is also available for purchase in soft cover - in the USA here:
