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date	event	locations	tags	see also
1908 31 Aug	"When the tyrannous regime of Sultan ‘Abdu'l-Hamid ended, the gates of ‘Akká were thrown open and ‘Abdu'l-Bahá came forth free upon the fortieth anniversary of His entrance into that neglected and unspeakable place. This was August 31, 1908." [BW2p222; PUP Intro to the 1922 edition page xix] As an indication of the gravity of the threat posed by 'Abdu'l-Hamíd, "when He stood ready to be deported to the most inhospitable regions of Northern Africa," and when even His life was threatened, ‘Abdu'l‑Bahá wrote to Ḥájí Mírzá Táqí Afnán, the cousin of the Báb and chief builder of the ‘Ishqábád Temple, commanding him to arrange for the election of the Universal House of Justice should the threats against the Master materialize." [Message 9 March 1965]	Haifa	Abdul-Baha, Life of; Universal House of Justice, election of
1922 Feb-Mar	Shoghi Effendi called together a group of well-known Bahá'ís to discuss the future development of the Faith and the possible election of the Universal House of Justice. It was the commonly held opinion of the members of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's family, the British officials in Palestine, many believers and indeed Shoghi Effendi himself as evidenced by his letter to Persia dated 16 January, 1922, that the Universal House of Justice would be elected. [BBRSM:120, 126; EJR207; PP247-8] Those invited to attend were: Major Tudor Pole, Ethel Rosenberg and Lady Blomfield from England; Emogene Hoagg (she had been living in Haifa for some time at this point), Laura and Hippolyte Dreyfus-Barney from France, Consul and Alice Schwarz from Germany, Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí of Burma, Roy Wilhelm, Mountfort Mills, Mason Remey, from North America as well as Corinne True and her daughter Katherine. Two well-known Bahá'í teachers from Persia, Avarih and Fazel had been invited to attend but due to complications their arrival was long delayed. [EJR207-8; PP55] In a letter dated the 5th of March, 1922 Shoghi Effendi urged the Bahá'ís to subordinate firmly and definitely all personal likings and local interests to the interests and requirements of the Cause. He called for the establishment of local spiritual assemblies in every locality where the number of adult believers exceeded nine. He also described the tasks and functions of the assemblies saying that they would evolve into the local and national Houses of Justice. [PP248; SBR66] See UD3-9; BA17-25 for the letter.	BWC	Shoghi Effendi, Life of; Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; - Basic timeline, Expanded
1929 summer	Shoghi Effendi made plans to hold an international conference to consider, among other things, how to establish national spiritual assemblies as a prelude to the Universal House of Justice. [PP250] He cancelled the conference when he perceived that the Bahá'ís would find it a source of confusion and misunderstanding. [BBRSM126; PP250]	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice; Spiritual Assemblies
1951 9 Jan	Shoghi Effendi announced the formation of the International Bahá'í Council. [BBD118; BBRSM127; GBF109; MBW7–8; PP252; UD261] Proclaim National Assemblies of East and West weighty epoch-making decision of formation of first International Bahá'í Council, forerunner of supreme administrative institution destined to emerge in fullness of time within precincts beneath shadow of World Spiritual Center of Faith already established in twin cities of 'Akká and Haifa.... The members were: Rúhíyyih Khanum (1951–61) Liaison with Shoghi Effendi; Hand of the Cause of God Charles Mason Remey (1951–61) President; Hand of the Cause Amelia Collins (1951–61) Vice President; Hand of the Cause Leroy Ioas (1952–61) Secretary General; Hand of the Cause Jessie Revell (1951–61) Treasurer Luṭfu'lláh Ḥakím (1951–61) Eastern Assistant Secretary Ethel Revell (1951–61) Western Assistant Secretary Ugo Giachery (1952–61) Member-at-large; Hand of the Cause Ben Weeden (1951–52); Gladys Weeden (1951–52); Sylvia Ioas (1955–61). See UD261 for the significance of the establishment of the International Bahá'í Council. Between 1951 and 1957 Shoghi Effendi directed the members and used the Council to create an image of an international body handling the Bahá'í affairs in Haifa. According to Shoghi Effendi, the Council's responsibilities were to: establish links with the Israeli authorities, and negotiate with them concerning and establishing of a Bahá'í court to deal with personal matters, Shoghi Effendi to complete the superstructure of the Shrine of the Báb as an international Bahá'í secretariat. This body functioned until the election of the Universal House of Justice in 1963. It was a forerunner to the Universal House of Justice. [BBD118] For its functions see MBW7–8. Its seat is the Western Pilgrim House. [BBD178] For the stages of its evolution see CB324.	BWC; Haifa	International Bahai Council; Universal House of Justice; Shoghi Effendi, Life of; Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; Shoghi Effendi, Works of; Pilgrim houses; Pilgrim house, Western
1951. 25 Feb	In a letter from the Guardian addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, concerning its Two Year Plan which immediately preceded the Ten Year Crusade, he made a reference to the election of the Universal House of Justice: On the success of this enterprise, unprecedented in its scope, unique in its character and immense in its spiritual potentialities, must depend the initiation, at a later period in the Formative Age of the Faith, of undertakings embracing within their range all National Assemblies functioning throughout the Bahá'í world—undertakings constituting in themselves a prelude to the launching of worldwide enterprises destined to be embarked upon, in future epochs of that same Age, by the Universal House of Justice, that will symbolize the unity and coordinate and unify the activities of these National Assemblies. [UD261; 9 March 1965]	BWC	Universal House of Justice, election of
1954 27 Nov	Shoghi Effendi described the significance of the world administrative centre of the Faith and the ‘structures, which will serve as the administrative seats of such divinely appointed institutions as the Guardianship, the Hands of the Cause, and the Universal House of Justice' to be ranged along a ‘far-flung arc'. [MBW74]	BWC; Mount Carmel; Haifa	Guardianship; Hands of the Cause; Universal House of Justice, Seat of; Arc (World Centre); - Bahai World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; World Centre; Shoghi Effendi, Life of
1957 Nov-1963 Apr	Interregnum Following the passing of Shoghi Effendi the international administration of the Faith was carried on by the Hands of the Cause of God with the complete agreement and loyalty of the National Spiritual Assemblies and the body of the believers. This was in accordance with the Guardian's designation of the Hands as the "Chief Stewards of Bahá'u'lláh's embryonic World Commonwealth." [Message of 9 March 1965] The beginning of the six year ministry of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land, or ‘Custodians'. [BW16:90; WG45–6] This period is known as the ‘interregnum'. [BBD 120] See BW14:467 for a summary of the work of the Hands of the Cause during this period. The International Bahá'í Council continued to perform its duties at the World Centre under the direction of the Custodians. The appointed Council was replaced by an elected Council at Ridván of 1961. All National Assemblies and Regional National Assemblies participated in the election by postal ballot. [BBD118] See alsoThe Ministry of the Custodians 1957-1963: An Account of the Stewardship of the Hands of the Cause.	Haifa; BWC	Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Custodians; Interregnum; Ministry of The Custodians (book); International Bahai Council; Universal House of Justice; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; Appointed arm; Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Covenant (general)
1959 4 Nov	The Hands of the Cause issued a message from their third Conclave. [MC166–70] The date for the election of the Universal House of Justice was fixed at Ridván 1963. [MC166] They called for the election at Ridván 1961 of 21 national spiritual assemblies in Latin America. [MC167–8] They called for the election at Ridván 1962 of 11 national spiritual assemblies in Europe. [MC168] They called for the election at Ridván 1961 of the International Bahá'í Council by postal ballot of the members of the national and regional spiritual assemblies constituted at Ridván 1960. [MC168] The name of Hand of the Cause Charles Mason Remey was missing from the list of signatories to this letter. [MC170]	Akka	Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Universal House of Justice, Election of; International Bahai Council; Charles Mason Remey; Covenant-breakers
1961 Ridván	The International Bahá'í Council was elected by postal ballot of the members of the national spiritual assemblies. It was to serve a two-year term of office. [BW13:397; MoC282] The members were Jessie Revell (Treasurer), ‘Alí Nakhjavání (President), Lutfu'lláh Hakím, Ethel Revell, Charles Wolcott (Secretary General), Sylvia Ioas (Vice-President), Mildred Mottahedeh, Ian Semple (Assistant Secretary), and Borah Kavelin (Member-at-Large. He continued serving on the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States). [MoC282, 291] See BW13:398 for picture. See also BBD118; BBRSM131; BW16:90; CB324; MoC168, 242. iiiii	Haifa; BWC	International Bahai Council; Universal House of Justice; Jessie Revell; Ali Nakhjavani; Lutfullah Hakim; Ethel Revell; Charles Wolcott; Sylvia Ioas; Mildred Mottahedeh; Ian Semple; H. Borrah Kavelin; Firsts, Other
1961 5 Nov	The Hands of the Cause issued a message from their fifth Conclave. [MoC313–23] They called for the election of the Universal House of Justice at a convention to be held in the Holy Land on the first, second and third days of Ridván 1963. [CB392; MoC321] They asked the electors to leave the Hands free to ‘discharge their duties'. [MoC321] The celebration of the Most Great Jubilee, the Centenary of the Declaration of Bahá'u'lláh, was to be held in London rather than Baghdád, owing to the situation in the Middle East. [MoC322]	Haifa; Baghdad; Iraq; London; United Kingdom	Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves; Bahji; Most Great Jubilee; World congresses; Centenaries; Universal House of Justice, Election of; UHJ
1963 21 Apr	Establishment of the Universal House of Justice The Universal House of Justice was elected for the first time. [BW14:427; MoC424] The election was held at 9:30 in the morning at the home of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, 7 Haparsim Street, Haifa. [BW14:427; MoC425] Ballots were received from all 56 national spiritual assemblies. [BW14:427] 288 members of 51 national spiritual assemblies were present at the election. [BW14:427] For a list of the electors see MoC406–13. For details of the election see BW14:425–9 and MoC20–1. The election marked the end of the Second Epoch during which time the Faith had spread globally. The Third Epoch began.	Haifa; BWC	Universal House of Justice, Election of; Conventions, International; Elections; - Basic timeline, Condensed; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Firsts, Other; Appointed arm; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; Covenant (general); Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; Ages and Epochs; Formative Age
1963 22 Apr	The results of the election of the Universal House of Justice were announced at the close of the morning session of the International Convention: Charles Wolcott, ‘Alí Nakhjavání, H. Borrah Kavelin, Ian Semple, Lutfu'lláh Hakím, David Hofman, Hugh Chance, Amoz Gibson and Hushmand Fatheazam. [BBD231–3; BBRSM131; BW14:425 MoC425; SS50; VVXI-XII] For a picture of the Hands of the Cause of God with the Universal House of Justice see ZK123.	Haifa; BWC	Charles Wolcott; Ali Nakhjavani; H. Borrah Kavelin; Ian Semple; Lutfullah Hakim; David Hofman; Hugh Chance; Amoz Gibson; Hushmand Fatheazam; Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Conventions, International; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Firsts, Other
1963 30 Apr	The members of the Universal House of Justice were presented to the World Congress and the first statement of the House of Justice was read by David Hofman. [BW14:68] For the text of the statement see BW14:431–2 and WG1–3.	London; United Kingdom	David Hofman; Universal House of Justice, Members of; World Congresses
1963 7 May	The Universal House of Justice issued its first message to national conventions. [WG4–8] It announced that the body had no officers and that its communications will be signed ‘Universal House of Justice' over an embossed seal. [WG6] It paid tribute to the Hands of the Cause. [WG5] See the message from the Universal House of Justice dated 26 November, 2007 for a list of accomplishments of the Hands of the Cause during the period between the passing of the Guardian and the election of the Universal House of Justice.	BWC	Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; UHJ; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages
1963 16 Jun	The Universal House of Justice announced that it will for the present time, use the Western Pilgrim House at 10 Haparsim Street, Haifa, as its seat and that both the Eastern and Western pilgrims will be housed in the Haifa Pilgrim House. [WG9]	Haifa	Pilgrim houses; Pilgrim House, Western; Pilgrim House, Eastern; Universal House of Justice, Seat of; Pilgrimage
1963 Oct	After the International Conference in London, those members of the newly elected Universal House of Justice who were not already resident in Haifa returned to their homes to make plans to relocate. This was finally completed by October. The Universal House of Justice announced the launch, at Ridván 1964, of the Nine Year Plan. [WG14] As a preliminary step 19 new national spiritual assemblies were to be formed at Ridván 1964. [WG15–17] The next election of the Universal House of Justice will be in spring 1968. [WG17] The Faith had now entered the third epoch of the Formative Age. [WG17]	BWC	Nine Year Plan (1964-1973); Formative Age; Ages and Epochs; Universal House of Justice
1964 Nov	The Universal House of Justice announced that ‘there is no way to appoint, or to legislate to make it possible to appoint, Hands of the Cause of God'. [WG41] For decisions of the Universal House of Justice regarding the development of the institution of the Hands of the Cause of God see WG40–3.	Haifa; BWC	Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Institution; Appointed arm; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline
1966 10 Jun	The Universal House of Justice addressed its first letter to ‘Bahá'í Youth in Every Land'. [BW15:324; WG92–7]	Haifa	Universal House of Justice
1967 21 Feb	The Universal House of Justice established the International Bahá'í Audio-Visual Centre in Victor, New York. William Richter was named the manager. [BW14:91–2] The first assignment of the International Bahá'í Audio-Visual Centre was to arrange for audio-visual coverage of the six Intercontinental conferences that were held the following October. A counterpart of the International Bahá'í Audio-Visual Centre was established at the World Centre throught the creation of an Audio-Visual Department responsible directly to the Universal House of Justice. The first secretary was Juan Cabán.	Victor; New York; United States; BWC	Audio-Visual Centres; Universal House of Justice; William Richter; Juan Caban
1967 Ridván	The Universal House of Justice called upon the Bahá'ís to launch a global campaign proclaiming the message of Bahá'u'lláh to every stratum of society. A special edition of The Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh was to be presented to Heads of State. [BW14:211, Ridván 1967]	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice; Proclamation of Bahaullah (book)
1967 Oct	A special edition of The Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh was published by the Universal House of Justice for presentation to 140 heads of state. [BW14:204–6; CB406] For a picture of the book see BW14:194. For pictures and descriptions of some of the rulers addressed by Bahá'u'lláh see BW14:196–203. For responses from present-day leaders to the book, and pictures, see BW14:207–10.	BWC; Worldwide	Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; Proclamation of Bahaullah (book); Tablets to kings and rulers; Bahaullah, Writings of; Publications; - Basic timeline, Expanded
1968 Ridván	The Universal House of Justice was elected for a second time by delegates from 81 National Spiritual Assemblies. [BW15:557] Dr David Ruhe was elected to replace Dr Hakím, who resigned for reasons of ill health. The members were: Amoz Gibson, 'Ali Nakhjavani, Hushmand Fatheazam, Ian Semple, Charles Wolcott, David Hofman, H. Borrah Kavelin, Hugh Chance and David Ruhe. [VV3] For a description of the second international convention and pictures see BW14:564–8.	Haifa; BWC	Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Conventions, International; Amoz Gibson; Ali Nakhjavani; Hushmand Fatheazam; Ian Semple; Charles Wolcott; David Hofman; H. Borrah Kavelin; Hugh Chance; David Ruhe
1968 21 Jun	The Universal House of Justice established the Continental Boards of Counsellors to continue the functions of the Hands of the Cause in the protection and propagation of the Faith. [BBD58–9, 97; BW15:611–13; BW17:319; MUHJ4–5; WG141, Mess63-86p130, 21 June, 1968, CEBF112] For details of the eleven Boards and their membership see BW15:612 and WG140–4. Among the eleven people named to the Boards in Africa were three native believers: Oloro Epyeru and Kolonario Oule in Uganda, and Seewoosumbur-Jeehiba Appa in Mauritius. For pictures of the Counsellors see BW15:614, 615, 618, 619, 622, 623, 625, 627. For a history of the development of the institutions of the International Teaching Centre and the Continental boards of Counsellors see BW20p673-693.	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice; Counsellors; Hands of the Cause; Appointed arm; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Auxiliary Board Members; Assistants
1968 9 Oct	The Universal House of Justice addressed its second letter to Bahá'í Youth. [BW15:324; WG152–4; 9 October 1968]	BWC	Universal House of Justice; Youth
1971 Aug	The Universal House of Justice erected an obelisk on the site of the future House of Worship of the Holy Land on land that was purchased in 1953 with a gift of $50,000 from Milly Collins. [MBW63, 78-79, BBD 172; BW15:177–8; DH175; MUHJ83–4, SES18-20]	BWC; Mount Carmel; Haifa	Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; Mashriqul-Adhkar (House of Worship); Mashriqul-Adhkar, Haifa; Obelisks; Funds; - Bahai World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; World Centre; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Milly Collins
1971. approx Sep	The Universal House of Justice distributed a memorandum to all National Assemblies to provide clarification to the publishing review policy. The purpose of review is to protect the Faith from misrepresentation and to ensure dignity and accuracy in its presentation. In general the function of a reviewing committee is to say whether the work submitted gives an acceptable presentation of the Cause or not. [National Bahá'í Review Issue 45 September 1971 p2]	BWC	Review (general); Universal House of Justice; Publishing
1972 7 Jun	The Universal House of Justice announced the decision to construct its Seat. [DH172; MUHJ98–9; VV37]	BWC	Universal House of Justice, Seat of
1972 26 Nov	The constitution of the Universal House of Justice was adopted. [BW15:169; BBRSM132, 138; VV14; Message 26 November 1972] For full text of the constitution see BW15:555–64, The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice.	BWC	Universal House of Justice, Constitution of; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; Constitutions (Bahai); - Basic timeline, Expanded
1973 Ridván	The Universal House of Justice was elected for the third time. The conference was attended by 472 National Spiritual Assembly members of the possible 1,017 from the 113 National and Regional Assemblies. Members of 14 Assemblies were prevented from attending for circumstances beyond their control but at least one person attended from the remaining 99 Assemblies. [VV14, SDSC296] The newly elected members of the Universal House of Justice were: 'Alí Nakhjavání, Hushmand Fatheazam, Amoz Gibson, Ian Semple, David Hofman, Charles Wolcott, Borrah Kavelin, David Ruhe, Hugh Chance. [Mess63-86]	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice, Election of; Conventions, International; Elections
1973 5 Jun	The International Teaching Centre was established at the Bahá'í World Centre for the purpose of continuing the work of the Hands of the Cause of God into the future. [BBD118–19; BBRSM132–3; BW16:134, 411–14; BW17:322–5; VV16, CEBF200; Wikipedia] For cable of the Universal House of Justice see BW16:413. Hands of the Cause Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, Paul Haney and Abu'l-Qásim Faizí and Counsellor members Hooper Dunbar, Florence Mayberry and Aziz Yazdí were appointed. [BW16:413] For pictures see BW16:412 and VV16. The duties and the organization of the International Teaching Centre were deliniated in the Message from the Universal House of Justice of June 8th, 1973. See Wikipedia article for the names of the Counsellor members since its inception.	BWC; Haifa	International Teaching Centre; International Teaching Centre, Members of; Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Counsellors; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; Amatul-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum; Ali Akbar Furutan; Paul Haney; Abul-Qasim Faizi; Hooper Dunbar; Florence Mayberry; Aziz Yazdi; Appointed arm; - Basic timeline, Expanded
1973 8 Jun	The Universal House of Justice permitted the Continental Boards of Counsellors to authorize individual Auxiliary Board members to appoint assistants. [BW17:322] Mrs. Zena Sorabjee was appointed Trustee of the new Continental Fund of South Central Asia, while Mr. Hushang Ahdieh and Mr. Mas‘úd Khamsí were appointed the new Trustees of the Continental Funds of Central and East Africa and South America respectively. 8 June, 1973	BWC	Counsellors; Auxiliary Board Members; Assistants; Appointed arm; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Funds, Continental; Funds
1973 18 Sep	Husayn Amánat was appointed architect of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. [BW16:133; DH172; VV37]	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice, Seat of; Hossein Amanat (Husayn Amanat); Architecture; Architects
1973 7 Oct	The Universal House of Justice announced that the number of Auxiliary Board members throughout the world was to be raised to 270, of whom 81 will serve on the Auxiliary Boards for the Protection of the Faith and 189 will serve on the Auxiliary Boards for the Propagation of the Faith. In all there will be 54 Auxiliary Board members in Africa, 81 in the Western Hemisphere, 81 in Asia, 18 in Australasia and 36 in Europe. Each Continental Board of Counsellors was given the discretion to authorize individual Auxiliary Board members to appoint assistants and given broad latitude in this matter. [Message from the Universal House of Justice 7 October, 1973]	BWC	Counsellors; Auxiliary Board Members; Assistants; Appointed arm; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; - Basic timeline, Expanded
1974 7 Feb	The construction of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice was initiated with the acceptance of the design conceived by architect Husayn Amánat. [BW17:73]	BWC	Hossein Amanat (Husayn Amanat); Universal House of Justice, Seat of; Architecture
1975 5 Jun	Excavation of the site of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice began. [BW16:133; BW18:465] See BW16:399–404 for an article on the Seat by architect Husayn Amánat. See BW17:301 for the significance of the seat.	Haifa; BWC	Hossein Amanat (Husayn Amanat); Universal House of Justice, Seat of; Architecture; Architects
1978 Ridván	The Universal House of Justice was elected for the fourth time at the International Convention held in Haifa. [BW17:293] Those elected were: 'Alí Nakhjavání, Hushmand Fatheazam, Amoz Gibson, Ian Semple, David Ruhe, Charles Wolcott, David Hofman, Hugh Chance, Borrah Kavelin, . [Mess63-86p381] . For details of the International Convention and pictures see BW17:293–300.	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice, Election of; Conventions, International; Elections
1978 Ridvan	Delegates to the International Convention attended a ceremony to further dedicate the new building for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. The superstructure of the building was completed at this stage. Chairing the event was Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery with special guest Ethel Revell, former member of the International Bahá'í Council in attendance. A casket containing dust from both Holy Shrines was placed in a niche specially designed for it. Delegates from 123 National/Regional Assemblies attended. [BW17p293-300]	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice, Seat of; Bahaullah, Shrine of; Bab, Shrine of; Boxes containing dust, earth or plaster
1979. 24 Oct	The publication of the compilation Inspiring the Heart by the Universal House of Justice. This compilation was published as a book by the Bahá'í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom in 1981. [Messages63-86p430]	BWC; United Kingdom	Inspiring the Heart (book); Publications; Compilations; Universal House of Justice
1981 Jul	An International Chinese Teaching Committee was appointed by the Universal House of Justice. [BW19:76]		Universal House of Justice
1981 26 Nov	The Comunicación Intercambio y Radiodifusión Bahá'í para America Latina y el Caribe (CIRBAL) was established by the Universal House of Justice to promote the development of Bahá'í radio and mass media activities in Latin America. [BW19:59] The special Committee for Service to the Blind, located in the United Kingdom, was a clearing house and production and distribution centre for materials both on tape and in Braille; and CIRBAL (Centro para Intercambio Radiofonico Baha'i de America Latins), among its other functions, serves as a clearing house for tapes, videotapes, script and other materials suitable for use via radio and television. Its mandated area is South and Central America and the Caribbean. [BW18p115, 117]	Peru; Latin America	Bahai radio; Social and economic development; Universal House of Justice; Committee for Service to the Blindness; Disability
1982 14 May	Amoz Gibson, (b. 3 Aug 1918 Washington), a member of the Universal House of Justice from 1963 until 1982, passed away in Haifa. He was buried in the Bahá'í Cemetery in Haifa. [BW18:669; VV52] His diagnose was acute lymphoblastic leukemia. See Bahá'í Chronicles for a brief biography. For his obituary see BW18:665–9. Find a grave. Elected to the Universal House of Justice to replace him was Mr. Glenford Mitchell. He was born in Jamaica and held a Masters degree in journalism from Columbia University. An author, he had worked as a magazine editor and managing editor and taught English and journalism at Howard University. He served as chief executive officer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States from 1968 until his election to the Universal House of Justice. [BWNS208]	BWC	Amoz Gibson; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Glenford Mitchell; BWNS
1982 17 Jul	A seminar on the life of Bahíyyih Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf, was conducted at the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the first gathering held in the building. [BW18:53–4; VV62] For excerpts from the talk by ‘Alí Nakhjavání on this occasion see BW18:59–66.	BWC	Bahiyyih Khanum (Greatest Holy Leaf); Universal House of Justice, Seat of
1983 Jan - Feb c.	The Seat of the Universal House of Justice was completed; the Universal House of Justice officially occupied the building. [BBD204; BW19:23; VV62] For a description and history of the building see BW19:24–6. Marble for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice was quarried from Mount Pentelikon, just north of Athens and was cut and chiseled by Margraf, a firm from Chiampo, Italy formerly known as Industria Marmi Vincentini. [BWNS1223] For pictures see BW18:466–72 and Construction. See video called Ark of Destiny.	BWC; Mount Carmel	Universal House of Justice, Seat of; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; Marble; Architecture; - Bahai World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; World Centre; BWNS; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Margraf
1983 29 Apr - 2 May	The Universal House of Justice was elected for the fifth time at the International Convention held in Haifa. Those elected were: 'Al´Nakhjavání, Hushmand Fatheazam, Ian Semple, David Ruhe, Glenford Mitchell, David Hofman, Borrah Kavelin, Charles Wolcott, and Hugh Chance. [Mess63-86p359] The National Spiritual Assembly of Iran was unable to attend but sent 133 red roses as its gift to its sister Assemblies. [BW18:461] For a report of the Convention see BW18:461–4. See BW18:462, 464 for pictures.	BWC; Haifa; Iran	Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Conventions, International; Gifts; Roses; NSA
1983 23 May	A five year term for the Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre was established by the Universal House of Justice. [Message 19 May, 1983; BW19:27] "... a five-year term for the Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre. Each term will start on 23 May immediately following the International Bahá'í Convention, and the current term will end on 23 May 1988. Should circumstances prevent the Universal House of Justice from making new appointments at the end of any five-year term, the Counsellors will remain in office until such time as new appointments can be made."	BWC	Counsellors; International Teaching Centre, Members of; Appointed arm; Universal House of Justice
1984 3 Jan	The Universal House of Justice addressed a letter to the Bahá'í youth of the world encouraging them to volunteer a period of service to the Bahá'í Faith. [AWH14–17; BW19:297–8, 299, 311–13; VV116]	Haifa	Universal House of Justice; Youth, Year of service; Youth
1984 9 Nov	The Universal House of Justice met with representatives of the Bahá'í International Community and various national spiritual assemblies at the World Centre.	Haifa	Universal House of Justice; Baha’i International Community; National Spiritual Assembly
1985 23 Jan	The plans of the Universal House of Justice for the International Year of Peace were outlined to national spiritual assemblies. [AHW31–4; VV86; Messs63-86p420]	Worldwide	International Year of Peace; Universal House of Justice; Peace
1985 24 Oct	On the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations and in anticipation of the United Nations International Year of Peace, the Universal House of Justice addressed a message "To the Peoples of the World" inviting them to consider that a new social order can be fostered by all peoples' seeing themselves as members of one universal family. This message, The Promise of World Peace was presented to world leaders and countless others during the United Nations International Year of Peace. [BBD174, 187–8; BW19:139, 155; VV59, 86–8, The Promise of World Peace] See BW20p131 for the logistics involved in distributing it throughout the world. Within six months national spiritual assemblies present copies to 167 world leaders, including 140 to leaders of independent countries. [BW19:139, 334–6] For pictures see BW19:337–44. For text see BW19:324–33. See the compilation on Peace compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. See the oral statement from the Bahá'í International Community of the 17th of April 1986 addressed to the NGO committee for the University of Peace. See the Message of the Universal House of Justice dated 18 January 2019 on the subject of world peace.	BWC; Worldwide	United Nations; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; Promise of World Peace (statement); Statements; Publications; Peace; World peace (general); - Basic timeline, Condensed; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Bahai International Community
1986. 1 Jan	The publication of the compilation entitled "Women" by the Universal House of Justice. [Messages63-86p704, Compilation of CompilationsVol 2 p355] Also see a message to an individual from the Universal House of Justice entitled "Women-Their Role in Society and the Establishment of Peace; Membership on the Universal House of Justice". [Messages63-86p707-709]	BWC	Women; Peace; Compilations; Publications; Universal House of Justice, Membership on
1986 3 – 4 Aug	The Honourable Sir Thomas David, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, at his request, consulted with the Universal House of Justice at the Bahá'í World Centre about world peace, ‘the most concrete response to date by a political leader to the Peace Statement'. BINS157:1; VV88] For picture see VV86.	Haifa; BWC; Cook Islands	Prominent visitors; Universal House of Justice
1987 26 Jan	Charles Wolcott (b. September 29, 1906 in Flint, MI) member of the Universal House of Justice, passed away in Haifa. [BINS162:1; VV97] Mr Wolcott passed away on the day he dictated the essay in the Forward of the book The Creative Circle: Art, Literature, and Music in Bahá'í Perspective edited by Michael Fitzgerald and published by Kalimat Press in 1989. [The Creative Circle pgx-xx] See a video tribute entitled In Memory of Charles Wolcott, 1906-1987. Wikipedia. Elected in his stead was Dr. Peter Khan. He was born in Australia, held professorial posts in electrical engineering at universities in the United States and Australia. He served as an Auxiliary Board member, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia, and a Continental Counsellor before being appointed to the International Teaching Centre. [BWNS208]	BWC	Charles Wolcott; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Peter Khan; Universal House of Justice, Members of; BWNS; Auxiliary Board Members
1987. 20 Mar	Dr Peter Khan was elected to the Universal House of Justice. [Mess86-01p18] Dr. Peter Khan, born in Australia, held professorial posts in electrical engineering at universities in the United States and Australia. He served as an Auxiliary Board member, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia, and a Continental Counsellor before being appointed to the International Teaching Centre.	BWC	Universal House of Justice, election of; Peter Khan; Auxiliary Board Members
1987. 17 Nov	The Universal House of Justice announced the retirement of Mr. David Hofman and Mr. Borrah Kavelin. [Mess86-01p43; VV97]	BWC	Universal House of Justice, Members of; David Hofman; H. Borrah Kavelin
1988 Ridván	The Universal House of Justice was elected for the sixth time at the International Convention held in Haifa. Delegates from 148 National/Regional Assemblies participated. [BINS176; VV97] Those elected were: ‘Alí Nakhjavání, Glenford Mitchell, Hushmand Fatheazam, Ian Semple, Peter Khan, David Ruhe, Hugh Chance, Hooper Dunbar, Adib Taherzadeh. [Mess86-01p49] A gift of a large bowl of 120 roses was received from the Bahá'í of Iran. Mr. Hooper Dunbar, born in the United States, was a film actor in Hollywood before moving to Central and South America where he taught arts and English. He is an accomplished painter. He was first elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Nicaragua in 1961. He later served as a Continental Counsellor before being appointed to the International Teaching Centre in 1973. [BWNS208]	BWC; Haifa; Iran	Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Conventions, International; David Hofman; H. Borrah Kavelin; Retirements; Hooper Dunbar; Gifts; Roses; BWNS
1988. 31 May	The Universal House of Justice wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand to comment on a paper titled The Service of Women on the Institutions of the Baha'i Faith presented at the New Zealand Bahai Studies Association Conference in Christchurch earlier that month. The paper raised the possibility that the ineligibility of women for membership on the Universal House of Justice may be a temporary provision subject to change through a process of progressive unfoldment of the divine purpose. [31 May 1988]	Christchurch; New Zealand	Bahai Studies, Associations for; Women; Universal House of Justice, Membership on
1988 18 Dec	H. Borrah Kavelin, (b. 18 March, 1906, Russia), former member of the first House of Justice, passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was buried in Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque. [VV97] A biography. Find a grave	Albuquerque; New Mexico; United States	H. Borrah Kavelin; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Births and deaths; In Memoriam
1988 29 Dec	The Universal House of Justice issued a letter to the Bahá'ís in the United States published as Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. [Mess86-01p60]	BWC; United States	Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Publications; Administration; Administrative Order; Authority; Bahai Faith, Evolutionary nature of; Consultation; Criticism and apologetics; Ethics; Freedom and liberty; Freedom of expression; Human rights; Individualism; Moderation; Review (general); Unity; Western culture
1989 Apr	The Universal House of Justice announced a vast majority of prisoners that had been held by authorities in Irán had been released. [AWH62]	Iran	Universal House of Justice; Persecution, Iran; Persecution, Other; Persecution
1989 25 Jun	The Universal House of Justice said in a message it was timely for the knowledge of the Bahá'í Faith to be disseminated on the mainland of China as quickly as possible. [PH80] Also see [SWvol13no7pg185; VV104]	China	Universal House of Justice
1989 10 Jul	The Universal House of Justice issued statement on literacy. [AWH142-3]		Universal House of Justice; Literacy; Statements
1989 26 Oct	The Universal House of Justice issued statement on the environment. [AWH144]		Universal House of Justice; Environment; Statements; Nature
1993 16 Feb	A stamp featuring the Seat of the Universal House of Justice was issued by the Philatelic Service of the Israel Postal Authority. [BW92–3:142] For picture see BW92–3:143.	Israel	Stamps; Universal House of Justice, Seat of
1993 29 Apr - 2 May	The seventh Bahá'í International Convention at the World Centre. Those elected to the Universal House of Justice were: Mr. Ali Nakhjavani, Mr. Glenford Mitchell, Mr. Adib Taherzadeh, Mr. Ian Semple, Mr. Peter Khan, Mr. Hushmand Fatheazam, Mr. Hooper Dunbar, Mr. Farzam Arbab and Mr. Douglas Martin. [BINS295, BW93-4p51-58] Hugh Chance and David Ruhe announced their retirement. Mr. Chance had served since 1963 and Dr. Ruhe since 1968. [BINS295, BS93-4p57] For a report of the Convention see BW93–4:51–8. For pictures see BW93–4:52, 53, 54, 57. Dr. Farzam Arbab, born in Iran, obtained his doctorate in physics at the University of California, Berkeley. He was the representative for the Rockefeller Foundation in Colombia (1974 to 1983) and the president of the FUNDAEC development foundation there. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Colombia and a Continental Counsellor before being appointed to the International Teaching Centre. Mr. Douglas Martin, born in Canada, held degrees in business administration and in history, and was an author and editor. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada, serving as its chief executive officer from 1965 to 1985 when he was appointed Director-General of the Office of Public Information at the Bahá'í World Centre. [BWNS208]	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Conventions, International; Ali Nakhjavani; Glenford Mitchell; Adib Taherzadeh; Ian Semple; Peter Khan; Hushmand Fatheazam; Hooper Dunbar; Farzam Arbab; Douglas Martin; Hugh Chance; David Ruhe; BWNS
1993 23 May	The following Counsellors were appointed to the International Teaching Centre for a five-year term: Mr. Kiser Barnes, Mr. Hartmut Grossmann, Mrs. Lauretta King, Mrs. Joan Lincoln, Mr. Shapoor Monadjem, Mr. Donald Rogers, Mr. Fred Schechter, Mrs. Kimiko Schwerin, Mrs. Joy Stevenson. Retiring members were: Mr. Mas'úd Khamsí and Mr. Peter Vuyiya. [From a message from the Universal House of Justice dated the 13th of May, 1993]	BWC	Universal House of Justice; Counsellors; International Teaching Centre, Members of; Kiser Barnes; Hartmut Grossmann; Lauretta King; Joan Lincoln; Shapoor Monadjem; Donald Rogers; Fred Schechter; Kimiko Schwerin; Joy Stevenson; Masud Khamsi; Peter Vuyiya
1993 12 Jun	The Honourable Sir Julius Chan, KBE, Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea consulted with the Universal House of Justice on the future role of his country as an emerging nation and on the destiny of the Pacific region. [BINS297:9; BW93–4:78] For pictures see BINS297:9 and BW93–4:78	Papua New Guinea; Haifa; Pacific	Julius Chan, Sir; Universal House of Justice; Prominent visitors
1996 Ridván (and after)	The International Financial Collaboration programme was established by the Universal House of Justice to allow those national communities which are materially well endowed to assist other communities. Around 40 National Assemblies will be donors. The programme is "... used to meet a variety of needs: the acquisition of land and buildings for national and local Baha'i Centres and for future Temple sites; the construction and renovation of Bahá'í properties, including the repair of buildings that suffered storm or earthquake damage; and the purchase of such items as an electricity generator, an office computer, and a motorcycle." They add further: "[b]eyond that, the bonds of unity between geographically distant national communities have been strengthened and the worldwide solidarity of the believers enhanced." [Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom dated 17 July 2011 quoted in the UK BAHA'I NEWS EMAIL SERVICE dated 11 August 2011] Update:In a message from the National Spiritual Assembly of the UK to all believers in the UK dated 20 January 2024, it was stated that their National Assembly of one of 57 donor National Spiritual Assemblies in this program. [GC-37891]	BWC	Funds; Property; Purchases and exchanges; NSA; Universal House of Justice; Restoration; International Financial Collaboration programme	Find reference and more information
1998. 3 May	The Universal House of Justice announced the election of Mr. Ali Nakhjavani, Mr. Glenford Mitchell, Mr. Adib Taherzadeh, Mr. Ian Semple, Mr. Peter Khan, Mr. Hushmand Fatheazam, Mr. Hooper Dunbar, Mr. Farzam Arbab and Mr. Douglas Martin. The membership remained unchanged from the previous election. [Mess86-01 264.1 p618]	BWC	Universal House of Justice, election of
2000 26 Jan	The passing of Adib Taherzadeh (b.29 April 1921 in Yazd, Iran). He was buried in the Bahá'í Cemetery in Haifa. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles (1960-1971) and was elected the National Spiritual Assembly of Ireland when it formed in 1972. He was appointed as a Counsellor in 1976 and served as a member of the Universal House of Justice between 1988 until his passing. [One Country; BW99-00p211-312] His publications were: Trustees of the Merciful (1972) The Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh Vol.1 (1974) The Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh Vol.2 (1977) The Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh Vol.3 (1983) The Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh Vol.4 (1987) The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh (1992) The Child of the Covenant (2000) Wikipedia Bahaipedia Bahá'í Chronicles.	BWC	Adib Taherzadeh; Universal House of Justice, Members of; In Memoriam
2000 23 Mar	The election of Kiser Barnes to the Universal House of Justice to replace Mr Adib Taherzadeh. [BWNS948] Mr. Kiser Barnes was born in the United States, and held degrees in political science and law. He practiced law and held senior positions in human rights organizations and in labour relations in the United States, before moving to Africa where he held senior academic posts at universities in Benin, Togo and Nigeria. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Benin, an Auxiliary Board member and a Continental Counsellor until appointed to the International Teaching Centre in 1993. [BWNS208]	BWC	Kiser Barnes; Adib Taherzadeh; Universal House of Justice, Members of; BWNS; Auxiliary Board Members; Continental Board of Counsellors
2001 Mar	The publication of Century of Light, a statement by the Universal House of Justice. The purpose of the book is to provide members of the Faith with a perspective on two defining processes that unfolded during the 20th century; on the one hand, the sequence of events that made the unification of humanity the principal feature of modern history and, on the other, the emergence from obscurity of the Cause of God and its Administrative order. It is primarily a resource for Bahá'í study and deepening. It is not a public information publication. [TP777-778] Available online at Bahá'í Library.	BWC	Century of Light (book); Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; Publications; History (general); Bahai history; 20th century; Peace; World order (general); World peace (general); Emergence from obscurity; Historical overviews by Central Figures or BWC
2001 12 Nov	The World Centre Endowment Fund was inaugurated by the Universal House of Justice. "…we have decided to set up the World Centre Endowment Fund, for the preservation, upkeep, and security of the edifices and precincts of the Spiritual and Administrative Centres of the Faith — activities that currently form so large a part of the responsibilities of the Bahá'í International Fund. This decision follows the example of Shoghi Effendi, who during his ministry dedicated the income from lands in the environs of the Jordan Valley for the upkeep of the Holy Shrines." • The Universal House of Justice, 2001 Nov 12, International Endowment Fund	BWC	World Centre Endowment Fund; Funds, International; Funds; Universal House of Justice; Property; Restoration; Endowments
2002 Ridván	The Universal House of Justice issued a letter addressed to the world's religious leaders warning of "the danger posed by "the rising fires of religious prejudice" and called for decisive action against fanaticism and intolerance". [One Country Vol.14 Issue 1] For the text of the letter see To the World's Religious Leaders. Also see One Country Vol.14 Issue 1 for an abridged version. See also BWNS200; BWNS168, BWNS200; BW'02-‘03pg79-98. The essential message was that God is one and all religions are from that same God and that recognition of these truths is a prerequisite that must be at the heart of all religious discourse. Bahá'i institutions throughout the world delivered thousands of copies of this message to influential figures and the major faith communities. Although some were dismissed out of hand, in general the message was warmly welcomed. [One Common Faith p.ii]	BWC	Letter to the Worlds Religious leaders; Religious leaders; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; BWNS; - Basic timeline, Condensed; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Interfaith dialogue; Unity of religion
2003 28 Apr	The retirement of Mr. Ali Nakhjavani and Mr. Hushmand Fatheazam from the Universal House of Justice. Both had served since the inception of the Universal House of Justice in 1963. They are replaced by Mr. Hartmut Grossmann and Dr. Firaydoun Javaheri. [BWNS208]	BWC	Ali Nakhjavani; Hushmand Fatheazam; Retirements; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Hartmut Grossmann; Firaydoun Javaheri; BWNS
2003 29 Apr	The ninth election of the Universal House of Justice by postal ballot by 1,544 electors from 178 countries. Chosen were Hartmut Grossmann and Firaydoun Javaheri to replace retiring members Mr. Nakhjavani, 83, and Mr. Fatheazam, 79 and re-elected were Farzam Arbab, Kiser Barnes, Hooper Dunbar, Peter Khan, Douglas Martin, Glenford Mitchell and Ian Semple. [One Country Vol.15 Issue1, BWNS207] Mr. Grossmann, born in Germany, had academic qualifications in the German and English languages. He served on the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá'ís of Germany (1963 to 1969) and Finland (1977 to 1980). He was a university academic in Finland. Mr. Grossmann was appointed a Continental Counsellor in 1980, advising Bahá'í communities throughout Europe in their growth and development. He had been serving in the International Teaching Centre prior to his election. Dr. Javaheri, who was born in Iran, had a doctorate in agronomy. He lived for 27 years in Africa -- Gambia then Zambia -- where he was Chief Technical Adviser for the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. He served the Bahá'í communities there in the area of social and economic development. He was appointed a Continental Counsellor in 1995 after serving for 19 years as a member of its Auxiliary Board. He, like Mr Grossmann, had been serving in the International Teaching Centre prior to his election. [BWNS208]	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Conventions, International; Firsts, Other; Hartmut Grossmann; Firaydoun Javaheri; Farzam Arbab; Kiser Barnes; Hooper Dunbar; Peter Khan; Douglas Martin; Glenford Mitchell; Ian Semple; Retirements; Ali Nakhjavani; Hushmand Fatheazam; BWNS
2003 9 May	The passing of David Hofman (b.1908 in Poona, India) in Oxford, England. [BW03-04p234-235] He was one of the nine elected members of the Universal House of Justice when that institution came into being in 1963. He presented the first statement from the supreme Baha'i administrative body in April 1963 to the World Congress in London. Twenty-nine years later, in 1992, he delivered the opening address to the second Baha'i World Congress in New York, an event attended by some 30,000 people. He served as a member of the Universal House of Justice for 25 years, until he left in 1988 at the age of 80. [BWNS209, BW'03-‘04pg234, UK Bahá'í Journal] His published works included: Selections from Bahá'í Scriptures (1941) The Renewal of Civilization (1945) God and His Messengers (1953) George Townshend, A Life (1983) A Commentary on the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá (1983) Baha'u'llah, the Prince of Peace: A Portrait (1992)	United Kingdom	David Hofman; Universal House of Justice, Members of; World Congresses; In Memoriam; BWNS
2005 (In the year)	The publication of One Common Faith by the Universal House of Justice. "The statement ‘One Common Faith', prepared under the supervision of the Universal House of Justice, addresses the following fundamental question of the modern world: On one hand the facts of history show clearly that revealed (prophetic) religion has been the primary driving force of the rise of human civilization. On the other hand, the current forms of the respective communities derived from these same religions have now become one of the most divisive and destructive forces of the twenty-first century. How could such a thing have occurred?" [Précis Commentary on ‘One Common Faith' by William S. Hatcher] Unlike the pamphlet written by George Townshend to all Christians under the title "The Old Churches and the New World Faith" in 1949 or the letter to the clergy in 2002, this statement is for "the thoughtful study of the friends". [One Common Faith p.iii-iv]	BWC	One Common Faith (commentary); Interfaith dialogue; Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Unity of religion
2005 21 Mar	The announcement of the retirement of Mr. Ian Semple and Mr. Douglas Martin from the Universal House of Justice. Mr. Semple served since 1963 and Mr. Martin was elected in 1993. [BWNS359] Mr. Ian Semple, born in England, held a Master of Arts degree in the German and French languages and literature from Oxford University. A chartered accountant, he served on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the British Isles. He was an Auxiliary Board member in Europe and was elected to the International Bahá'í Council in 1961. He was first elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1963. Mr. Douglas Martin, born in Canada, held degrees in business administration and in history, and was an author and editor. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada, serving as its chief executive officer from 1965 to 1985 when he was appointed Director-General of the Office of Public Information at the Bahá'í World Centre. He was elected to the Universal House of Justice in 1993. [BWNS208]	BWC	Ian Semple; Douglas Martin; Retirements; Universal House of Justice, Members of; BWNS; Auxiliary Board Members
2005 21 Apr	The election of Dr. Payman Mohajer and Mr. Paul Lample to the vacancies on the Universal House of Justice. They filled the vacancies created by the departure at Naw-Ruz of Mr. Ian Semple and Mr. Douglas Martin, owing to age and the related needs of the Faith. Re-elected were: Firaydoun Javaheri, Hartmut Grossmann, Kiser Barnes, Farzam Arbab, Hooper Dunbar, Peter Khan, and Glenford Mitchell. [BWNS358]	BWC	Payman Mohajer; Paul Lample; Ian Semple; Douglas Martin; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; BWNS
2005 6 Sep	The passing of former Universal House of Justice member David S. Ruhe (b. 3 January, 1913) near Newburg, New York. He served on the Universal House of Justice from 1968 to 1993. [BWNS388] Dr Ruhe will be remembered for his contributions to medicine as well his Bahá'í service. [BW05-06p237-238] Among his Bahá'í publications were: Door of Hope (1983) Robe of LIght (1994)	Newburg; NY; United States	David Ruhe; Universal House of Justice, Members of; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; BWNS
2007. 25 Mar	The Universal House of Justice addressed a message to the Bahá'ís of the World regarding Bahá'í elections.	BWC	Universal House of Justice; elections
2007 21 Nov	The Universal House of Justice responded to a communications from the Bahá'ís attending event of the 2nd of October advising the Friends in Iran to explore contacts with other Iranian individuals and organizations sympathetic to the plight of the Bahá'ís and to continue the effort to secure legal representation for the Bahá'í students. It also encouraged them to convey the gratitude of the Iranian Bahá'ís to the Defenders of Human Rights Centre. [The referenced website is no longer in existence.]	Iran	Universal House of Justice; Persecution, Iran; Persecution, Education; Persecution
2008 23 Apr	The retirement of Universal House of Justice members Mr. Hartmut Grossmann and Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell. Mr. Grossmann had served from 2003 and Mr. Mitchell had first been elected in 1982. [BWNS622]	BWC	Hartmut Grossmann; Glenford Mitchell; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Retirements; BWNS
2008 30 Apr	The election of the Universal House of Justice at the 10th International Bahá'í Convention. It was attended by more than 1,000 delegates from 153 countries. Those elected were Farzam Arbab, (an Iranian-born physicist who specialized in development in Colombia), Kiser Barnes, (an African-American law professor), Peter Khan, (an Australian-born electrical engineer of South Asian descent), Hooper Dunbar, (an accomplished painter and former Hollywood actor who spent many years in Nicaragua), Firaydoun Javaheri, (an agronomist who worked some 27 years in Africa), Paul Lample, (an American educator), Payman Mohajer, (a doctor of homoeopathic medicine and a psychologist), and Gustavo Correa, (a former mathematics professor). [BWNS629, BWNS631, BWNS627, BWNS628, BWNS626, BWNS624]	BWC; Haifa	Conventions, International; Universal House of Justice, Election of; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Farzam Arbab; Kiser Barnes; Peter Khan; Hooper Dunbar; Firaydoun Javaheri; Paul Lample; Payman Mohajer; Shahriar Razavi; Gustavo Correa; BWNS
2009. 24 Nov	In a message the Universal House of Justice called on the Bahá'ís in Iran to active participation in the affairs of Iran, its reconstruction, and in the improvement of its social conditions notwithstanding the current threatening conditions facing them and to collaborate actively with other Iranians who are active in the areas of social development without taking part in any of the many Iranian political groups. The Universal House of Justice asked the Bahá'ís of Iran to search for the foundations of sustainable social and cultural advancement in their consultation at the family and community level, through an emphasis on the role of the family in children's education, through a true understanding of justice and service to mankind. The message included a translation of the compilation on Family Life originally included with an English message from the Universal House of Justice.	Iran	Compilations; Family (general); Social action; Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages
2010 20 Mar	The Universal House of Justice announced the retirement of Mr. Peter Khan (member since 1987) and Mr. Hooper Dunbar (member since 1988). [BWNS763] Stephen Birkland and Stephen Hall were elected to the Universal House of Justice to replace retiring members. [BWNS762 ]	BWC	Peter Khan; Hooper Dunbar; Universal House of Justice, Members of; BWNS
2011 15 Jul	The passing of former Universal House of Justice member Dr. Peter J. Khan (b. 2 November, 1936 in New South Wales) in Brisbane, Australia. He was buried in the Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane. Dr Khan served as a member of the Universal House of Justice from 1987 until April 2010. [BWNS840, BWNS841] See Dr Peter J. Khan Memorial video. See the tribute on Bahá'í Blog. See Wikipedia. See Bahaipedia. Find a grave. He was buried in the Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane.	BWC	Peter Khan; Universal House of Justice; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; BWNS
2011 1 Dec	The passing of former Universal House of Justice member Mr. Ian C. Semple (b. 2 December 1928 in New Barnet, Hertfordshire) in Switzerland. He served as a member of the Universal House of Justice from its inception in 1963 until his retirement in 2005. [BWNS871] See UK Bahá'í Histories. See Bahá'í Blog. Bahaipedia. Some publications by Ian Semple.	Switzerland	Ian Semple; Universal House of Justice, Members of; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; BWNS
2013 29 Apr – 2 May	The 11th International Bahá'í Convention in Haifa and the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Convention in 1963 at which the first Universal House of Justice was elected. Those elected were Paul Lample, Firaydoun Javaheri, Payman Mohajer, Gustavo Correa, Shahriar Razavi, Stephen Birkland, Stephen Hall, Chuungu Malitonga, and Ayman Rouhani. [BWNS950, BWNS951, BWNS953] More than a thousand members of one hundred and fifty seven National Spiritual Assemblies attended, and nearly five hundred more, including those from an additional fourteen countries, participated in the election by mail. [Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the delegates gathered at Bahá'í National Conventions dated 16 May, 2013]	BWC; Haifa	Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Conventions, International; Paul Lample; Firaydoun Javaheri; Payman Mohajer; Gustavo Correa; Shahriar Razavi; Stephen Birkland; Stephen Hall; Chuungu Malitonga; Ayman Rouhani; Anniversaries; BWNS
2013 Nov	The announcement by the Universal House of Justice of the retirement of Dr. Farzam Arbab and Mr. Kiser Barnes. Mr. Arbab was first elected in 1993 and Mr. Barnes was elected in 2000. [BWNS948]	BWC	Farzam Arbab; Kiser Barnes; Retirements; Universal House of Justice, Members of; BWNS
2015. 1 Oct	2015 saw an unprecedented number of refugees to Europe fleeing the conflict in the Middle East, particularly from Syria. In response for their request for guildance, the Universal House of Justice in its message to the National Spiritual Assemblies, defined the principles to assist the Bahá'í communities through the social changes that must need follow such a migration. It stated that the Bahá'í community had insufficient resources at this stage of development for a response at the institutional level however the situation presented an opportunity for some individual believers to become involved to lend humanitarian assistance.	Europe; Syria	The Universal House of Justice; Refugees
2018 22 Apr	The announcement of the retirement of Universal House of Justice members Mr. Gustavo Correa, 70, and Dr. Firaydoun Javaheri, 72. Mr. Correa was from Colombia. He was elected to the House of Justice in 2008. Dr. Javaheri was born in Iran and spent much of his life in Africa—first in The Gambia and subsequently in Zambia. He was elected to the Universal House of Justice in 2003. [BWNS1253]	BWC	Gustavo Correa; Firaydoun Javaheri; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Retirements; BWNS
2018 30 Apr	The announcement of the election of the 12th Universal House of Justice. Those elected were Paul Lample, Chuungu Malitonga, Payman Mohajer, Shahriar Razavi, Stephen Hall, Ayman Rouhani, Stephen Birkland, Juan Francisco Mora, and Praveen Mallik. [BWNS1258] The twelfth International Bahá'í Convention was held from the 29th of April until the 2nd of May. In the election of the Universal House of Justice over 1,300 ballots were cast by representatives of 160 national communities. [BWNS1256, BWNS1257, BWNS1259, BWNS1261] See Vimeo for a short film of the International Convention by Farideh Baki-Nasseri. The film A Widening Embrace was screened at the Convention, enriching the consultations of the delegates. It is a documentary film about the community-building efforts of the Bahá'í world. Many of the themes discussed over the days of the Convention were highlighted in the practical examples presented in the documentary which tells the story of the transformation of communities unfolding throughout the world by featuring the process in 24 communities representing different realities and contexts. The 77-minute film, which was commissioned by the Universal House of Justice, was made available in English, Spanish, French, Russian, Arabic, and Persian. [BWNS1260] .	BWC; Haifa	Paul Lample; Chuungu Malitonga; Payman Mohajer; Shahriar Razavi; Stephen Hall; Ayman Rouhani; Stephen Birkland; Juan Francisco Mora; Praveen Mallik; Universal House of Justice, Election of; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Conventions, International; BWNS; Widening Embrace, A (film); Documentaries; Documentaries, BWC; * Institute process; Social action; Social and economic development; Farideh Baki-Nasseri
2019 18 Jan	On this, the 100th anniversary of the commencement of the Paris Peace Conference, the Universal House of Justice released a message regarding World Peace. See BWNS1368 for a short video entitled 100 years on, remembering ‘Abdu'l-Baha's call for peace in the First Tablet to The Hague. The Central Organization for a Durable Peace in The Hague was one of the preliminary steps taken that lead to the Paris Peace Conference.	BWC; The Hague; Netherlands	Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Paris Peace Conference; International Peace Conferences; Promise of World Peace (statement); Peace; World peace (general)
2020 (In the year)	The publication of The Last Refuge: Fifty Years of the Universal House of Justice by Shahbaz Fatheazam. It was published by ‘Irfán Colloquia.	United States	Universal House of Justice; The Last Refuge
2020. 25 Sep	The passing of former Universal House of Justice member Farzam Arbab (b. 1941 in Tehran) in San Diego where he had been living. He completed an undergraduate degree at Amherst College, Massachusetts in 1964 and obtained a doctorate in physics at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1968 before settling in Colombia as a pioneer. From 1970 until 1980 he served as the Chairman for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Colombia. In 1980 he was appointed to the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Faith in the Americas, on which he served for eight years. In 1988, he was named to the Bahá'í International Teaching Centre and was a member of that body until 1993, when he was first elected to the Universal House of Justice. He served until his retirement in 2013. He served as president of Fundacion para la Aplicacion de las Ciencias (FUNDAEC), a nongovernmental development agency in Colombia, from 1974 to 1988, and continued to serve on its board of directors until the end of his life. [BWNS1453; Bahaipedia] Documents by Dr Arbab. Scientific documents by Dr Arbab.	San Diego; United States	In Memoriam; Farzam Arbab; Universal House of Justice, Members of
2020. 28 Sep	The passing of former Universal House of Justice member James Douglas Martin (b. 24 February 1927 in Chatham, Ontario) in Toronto. [CBNS] See Memorial for Douglas Martin -Online Commemoration. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada from 1960 to 1985 and served the last twenty years as the general secretary. In 1985. He was appointed director-general of the Bahá'í International Community's Office of Public Information at the World Centre. He served in that capacity until 1993 when he was elected to the Universal House of Justice. He retired from the House of Justice in 2005 due to considerations of age and related needs of the Faith. [BWNS1455] In 1984 he co-authored the introductory text,The Bahai Faith: The Emerging Global Religion with his friend William S Hatcher. His essay, The Missionary as Historian: William Miller and the Bahá'í Faith was a review of William McElwee Miller's book The Bahá'í Faith: Its History and Teachings. His series of talks entitled Historical Consciousness and the Divine Plan was packaged as a compact disc and has been made available on Bahá'í Library. His paper Persecution of the Bahá'ís of Iran 1844-1984 published in Bahá'í Studies in 1984 is available in PDF. His article Humanity's Coming Encounter with Baha'u'llah was published in American Bahá'í in 1992. In 1998 his article Bahá'í Faith was published in Canadian Encyclopedia. The Mission of the Bab: Retrospective 1844-1944 as published in Bahá'í World. [BW23p193] iiiii	Toronto; Canada; Chatham; Ontario	Douglas Martin; In Memoriam; Universal House of Justice, Members of
2022. 1 Nov	The Universal House of Justice addressed the Followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a message dated 1 November 2022, relating to the Nine Year Plan (2022-2031), ethnic and cultural diversity, the human family's crisis of identity, prejudice, Africa, and economic injustice. The letter starts with the statement, "Your country is blessed with remarkable ethnic and cultural diversity." (para 2). Indeed, there are about 250 ethnic groups in the DRC and 240 identified languages, four of which have been chosen as official regional languages with French being the common language of Instruction, business, national administration and external relations. More than half the population live in a rural setting and just less than half of the population is under the age of 15 years. [Britannica] More information about the Faith in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be found in Bahaipedia and Bahá'í Media.	Congo, Democratic Republic of	Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages
2022. 8 Nov	In a message addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies the Universal House of Justice advised that Mr. Stephen Birkland and Mr. Stephen Hall have requested permission to relinquish their membership on the Universal House of Justice in accordance with Article V.2.(c) of its Constitution. They will continue to serve on the institution until the date of the completion of the election of the Universal House of Justice at the Thirteenth International Bahá'í Convention to be held at Riḍván 2023. [letter from the NSA of Canada S123870 8 November 2022; BWNS1655]	BWC	Universal House of Justice, members of; Stephen Birkland; Stephen Hall
2023. 24 Apr - 2 May	The 13th International Bahá'í Convention was held at the Bahá'í World Centre. To prepare for their duty in electing the Universal House of Justice, delegates immersed themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the Bahá'í Holy Places in Akka and Haifa including the construction site of the Shrine of 'Abdu'l-Baha. At the start of the Convention, the Bahá'ís in Iran, who for several decades have been prevented from forming Bahá'í institutions and therefore electing representatives, were remembered by the participants, and their absence was poignantly marked by a beautiful arrangement of 95 red roses. Some 1,250 delegates came from 176 countries across the world to attend the International Convention which ran from the 29th of April to the 2nd of May. On the first day of their arrival the delegates visited the Holy Places in Haifa and in Akka [BWNS1656] On Saturday, the 29th of April, the 12th day of Ridván, 1590 votes were counted on behalf of the assembled and absent delegates. There was a tie for the 9th place and the assembled delegates voted on Sunday to decided between the two men. On the 1st of May it was announced that Chuungu Malitonga, Paul Lample, Juan Francisco Mora, Ayman Rouhani, Payman Mohajer, Shahriar Razavi, Praveen Mallik, Andrej Donoval, and Albert Nshisu Nsunga were elected. [BWNS1656; BWNS1657; BWNS1658; BWNS1659] See two photo albums posted by Hungarian delegate and photographer Edit Kalman called Precious Souls and Special days.	BWC	Conventions, International; Universal House of Justice, election of; Universal House of Justice, members of
2023 Ridván	The release of the Ridván Message. by the Universal House of Justice. They called for the establishment of a local Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in Kanchanpur, Nepal, and in Mwinilunga, Zambia. A national House of Worship is to be raised up in Toronto, Canada, in the vicinity of the long-established National Bahá'í Centre. [BWNS 1669]	BWC; Toronto; Canada; Kanchanpur; Nepal; Mwinilunga; Zambia	Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Mashriqu’l-Adhkar; Mashriqul-Adhkar, local; Mashriqul-Adhkar, National; Mashriqul-Adhkar, Toronto; Mashriqul-Adhkar, Nepal; Mashriqul-Adhkar, Zambia
2023. 28 Nov	On 28 November 2023 the Universal House of Justice, in a Message addressed to the Bahá'ís of the World, published a review of the previous 100 years of the Formative Age. It bears a similarity to the Lawḥ-i-Qarn (Tablet of the Centennial) that Shoghi Effendi sent to the Bahá'ís of Iran to commemorate the Centenary of the Faith in 1944.	BWC	Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Reflections on the First Century of the Formative Age (letter); Historical overviews by Central Figures or BWC

from the chronology of Canada

date	event	locations	tags	see also
2020. 28 Sep	The passing of former Universal House of Justice member James Douglas Martin (b. 24 February 1927 in Chatham, Ontario) in Toronto. [CBNS] He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada from 1960 to 1985 and served the last twenty years as the general secretary. In 1985. He was appointed director-general of the Bahá'í International Community's Office of Public Information at the World Centre. He served in that capacity until 1993 when he was elected to the Universal House of Justice. He retired from the House of Justice in 2005 due to considerations of age and related needs of the Faith. [BWNS1455] In 1984 he co-authored the introductory text,The Bahai Faith: The Emerging Global Religion with his friend William S Hatcher. His essay, The Missionary as Historian: William Miller and the Bahá'í Faith was a review of William McElwee Miller's book The Bahá'í Faith: Its History and Teachings. His series of talks entitled Historical Consciousness and the Divine Plan was packaged as a compact disc and has been made available on Bahá'í Library. His paper Persecution of the Bahá'ís of Iran 1844-1984 published in Bahá'í Studies in 1984 is available in PDF. His article Humanity's Coming Encounter with Baha'u'llah was published in American Bahá'í in 1992. In 1998 his article Bahá'í Faith was published in Canadian Encyclopedia. The Mission of the Bab: Retrospective 1844-1944 as published in Bahá'í World. [BW23p193] Bahá'í Canada 30 Sepember2020. iiiii	Toronto; Canada; Chatham; Ontario	Douglas Martin; In Memoriam; Universal House of Justice, Members of

from the main catalogue

'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablet on the Functioning of the Universal House of Justice: A Provisional Translation and Commentary, by Moojan Momen, in Lights of Irfan, Volume 8 (2007). A translation of and commentary on a tablet by Abdu'l-Bahá on the functioning and powers of the Universal House of Justice, and a lengthy critique of an earlier translation by Juan Cole. [about]
Address to the International Convention, by William Sears (1983). Speaking at the first International Convention in the newly completed Seat of the Universal House of Justice (1983). [about]
Algunas Reflexiones Sobre el Ministerio de la Casa Universal de Justicia, by Ali Nakhjavani (2009). [about]
Amoz Everett Gibson: The First Black Member of the Universal House of Justice, by Richard Francis (1998). Biography of a prominent black Bahá'í teacher and former member of the Universal House of Justice. [about]
"And universal peace — in what Book is this written?": How and Why 'Abdu'l-Bahá Identified "New" and Distinctive Bahá'í Principles, by Christopher Buck (2022-09). Reflections on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's answer to the question "What has Bahá’u’lláh brought that we have not heard before?" [about]
Audio Versions of Letters from the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (1963-2020). A compilation of publicly available messages by the Universal House of Justice in audio form. [about]
Authenticity of Texts, by Universal House of Justice (1996-10-22). Status of texts of Abdu'l-Bahá's talks, of the books Bahá'í World Faith and Foundations of World Unity, of letters from the Universal House of Justice versus its Secretariat, and of letters from the Guardian. [about]
Authority and Centrality of the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice, in Lights of Irfan, Volume 13 (2012). Issues inspired by Udo Schaefer's writings about limitations on infallibility and the House's spheres of jurisdiction. [about]
Authority of the Institutions According to the Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Bahá, The: A Text Analysis, by Gerald C. Keil (2017). Abdu'l-Bahá's Will and Testament is the indispensable starting point for understanding the Bahá'í Administrative Order, and the competencies and areas of responsibility of the various institutions. The text must be examined as a cohesive whole. [about]
Authorization of Translations and the Authority of Publications from the Research Department, by Universal House of Justice (1994-12-15). On the process by which new translations are authorized; the authority of translations by the Guardian; and the authority of publications of the Research Department. [about]
Autoridades religiosas del mundo, A las, by Universal House of Justice (2002-04). Spanish translation of "Letter to the World's Religious Leaders, April 2002." [about]
Bahá'í Conventions, by Moojan Momen, in Encyclopaedia Iranica, Volume 3 (1989). Brief article, short enough to qualify as "fair use." [about]
Bahá'í Faith and the Equality, Rights, and Advancement of Women, The: A Survey of Principles, Praxis, and Discourse, by Wendi Momen, in Religions, 14:4 (2023). Equality of women and men; education, advancement, and rights of women and girls; their application within the Bahá’í community; Bahá'í individual and institutional efforts to influence the international discourse on women. Link to article (offsite). [about]
Baha'i Glossary, A, by Neil McMillan and Brian Didier (2016). A glossary of Bahá'í principles and concepts, as derived from hundreds of messages of the Universal House of Justice. [about]
Bahá'í Shrines, by John Walbridge, in Encyclopaedia Iranica, Volume 3 (1989). [about]
Bahá'í World, The: Volume 18 (1979-1983), in Bahá'í World (1986). Periodic volumes that survey the global activities and major achievements of the Faith. [about]
Bahá'ís Têm Nova Direcção Mundial, by Antonio Marujo, in Jornal Publico (2003-05-08). Article on the Election of the Universal House of Justice, published in a Portuguese newspaper. [about]
"Book of Names" Mentioned in the Tablet of Carmel, The, by Bahá'u'lláh and Shoghi Effendi (2003-03-23). Letter from the House and a compilation explaining "People of Bahá" and the line in the Lawh-i-Karmil "Ere long will God sail His Ark upon thee, and will manifest the people of Bahá who have been mentioned in the Book of Names." [about]
Carta Sobre Relaciones entre AEN, Comunidad e Individuo, by Universal House of Justice (1994-05-19). [about]
Challenging the Authority of the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (1997-06-03). Does the Universal House of Justice have the authority to make authoritative interpretations? Does anyone has the right to challenge the authority or actions of the Universal House of Justice? [about]
Comments on "Infallible Institutions?" by Udo Shaefer and "Response" by Peter Terry, by Wm. Keith Bookwalter (2020/2023). Thoughts on infallibility of the Universal House of Justice through a case study of predictions regarding the "unity of nations" and the Lesser Peace by the year 2000. [about]
Concerns raised about the absence of a Guardian to succeed Shoghi Effendi, by Universal House of Justice (1998-01-06). On the lack of a Guardian to succeed Shoghi Effendi, the possibility of a member of his family expressing contrition and being admitted into the community, and the functions of Guardianship in his absence. [about]
Constitucion de la Casa Universal de Justicia, La, by Universal House of Justice (1972). Spanish translation of Constitution of the Universal House of Justice. [about]
Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (1972-11-26). [about]
Convention for the Election of the UHJ, and Completion of the Seat of the UHJ (1983), by Universal House of Justice, in Bahá'í World, Vol. 18 (1979-1983) (1986). Two documents from Bahá'í World 18 part four section one, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: The Universal House of Justice: Fifth Int'l Convention for the Election of the UHJ, and Completion of Construction of the Seat of the UHJ. [about]
Course on Bahá'í Symbolism, by Ernesto Fernandez (2013-07). Symbolic forms in the Writings and Bahá'í architectural systems, and their analogues in universal religious symbolism. Includes Spanish translation, "Curso de simbología bahá ́í." [about]
Cultural Reconciliation in Canada - questions, by Universal House of Justice (2001). Reply from the House of Justice to a request for a reexamination of the assumptions on which its letter to Canada of 5 September 1999 was based. [about]
Dialogue on Infallibility: A response to Udo Schaefer's 'Infallible Institutions?', by Peter Terry (2006). An extended review of the themes first published in Schaefer's Making the Crooked Straight, presented in the form of a dialogue. Part of this paper was delivered at the Association for Bahá’í Studies conference in 2006. [about]
Dr. David S. Ruhe: Kansas Author, by Duane L. Herrmann (2003). Biography written for the Kansas Authors Club. [about]
Droits et libertés individuels, by Universal House of Justice (2023). Translation of the letter "Individual Rights and Freedoms" by the Universal House of Justice (1988 Dec. 29): a commentary about individual rights and responsibilities in the Bahá’í Faith and its relevance with the present concepts on freedom of speech. [about]
Election and Infallibility of the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice, in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986: The Third Epoch of the Formative Age (1996). Answers to three questions: Why were steps taken to elect a Universal House of Justice with the foreknowledge that there would be no Guardian? Was the time ripe for such an action? Could not the International Bahá'í Council have carried on the work? [about]
Elegibilidad de las Mujeres en la Casa Universal de Justicia, by Universal House of Justice (1988-05-31). [about]
Epistolary Style of Shoghi Effendi, The, by Ann Boyles, in Journal of Bahá'í Studies, 31:4 (2022-09). The purposes of this paper are to investigate the new style of the epistle and the roots of its development, and demonstrate that elements of the form have been modified to accommodate the vision of Shoghi Effendi, architect of Bahá'u'lláh's World Order. [about]
Fact and Fiction: Interrelationships between History and Imagination, by Bahiyyih Nakhjavani, in Journal of Bahá'í Studies, 10:3-4 (2000). On the tension between "fact" and "fiction," between objective history and our relative and subjective stories, between art as the representation of reality and faith based on the Word of God. We inherited a responsibility to resolve this tension. [about]
Father and the Maiden, The: The Abrahamic Patriarchate and the Divine Feminine, by Mark A. Foster (1999). While the outward structure of the Bahá'í Faith may be patriarchal, the spirit of the age is expressed in the divine feminine. [about]
Five Year Plan, The: 2006-2011: Messages of the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (2006/2011). Five Ridvan messages, one message to the Counsellors, and three other letters. [about]
Five Year Plan, The: 2011-2016: Messages of the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (2011-04). Two Ridvan messages, one letter to the Counsellors, and two shorter letters. [about]
Flow of Divine Authority, by Brent Poirier, in Deepen, 3.4:9 (1996 Winter). Scriptural authority for the Universal House of Justice to function infallibly without the presence of a living Guardian. [about]
Framework for Action: 2006-2016, Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice and Supplementary Material, by Universal House of Justice (2017). 58 letters from the House; "Social Action," by the Office of Social and Economic Development; "Insights from the Frontiers of Learning" and "Training Institutes: Attaining a Higher Level of Functioning," prepared by the International Teaching Centre. [about]
Function of Interpretation, The, by Universal House of Justice (1982/1984). Two letters: difference between the authoritative interpretation of Abdu'l-Bahá and the Guardian vs. the divinely inspired legislation of the House of Justice, and the qualitative difference between interpretation and elucidations of the House of Justice. [about]
Goddess Religion, Ancient, by Universal House of Justice (1992-02-23). Ancient goddess religions and the role of the feminine in theology. [about]
Guardianship and the House of Justice, by Sen McGlinn (1997). The Context of The Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh; the distinction and separation of the Guardianship and the Houses of Justice; distinctions between the Guardian and the Exemplar; the inseparability of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. [about]
Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice, in Lights of Irfan, Volume 11 (2010). [about]
Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, The, by Universal House of Justice (1966-05-27). Passages from a letter on the relationship between the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, the timing of the election of the House, the lack of a will by or a successor to the Guardian, and the House's ability to function on its own. [about]
Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice, The, by Ian C. Semple, in Lights of Irfan, Volume 9 (2008). Reflections on the Guardianship and Universal House of Justice by a former House member. Includes an interesting Q&A on topics including women on the House, Shoghi Effendi's personality, infallibility, Bahá'í scholarship, fundamentalism, etc. [about]
Guardianship, The Universal House of Justice, and Infallibility, by Universal House of Justice, in Lights of Irfan, Volume 10 (2009). The House is infallible even without the Guardian, because that the Guardian's chief function was interpretation and not legislation. [about]
Hartmut Grossmann, Remarks of, Concerning the Timing of the Lesser Peace (2012-10-22). Responding to a talk given by an ex-member of the UHJ, this letter explains: statements of ex-members of the House are personal opinions only; and while we don't know the exact date of the Lesser Peace, the Guardian assures us that it will come. [about]
Historical Analysis of Critical Transformations in the Evolution of the Bahá'í World Faith, An, by Vernon Elvin Johnson (1974). Detailed study of major changes in the Faith's history, opposition to such changes, and their resulting tensions and resolutions. [about]
Hofman, David (1997/2003). Two short articles about Hofman, one from 1997 and one on his death in 2003. [about]
How Individuals Can Improve Their Understanding of the Bahá'í Teachings, by Universal House of Justice (1994-08-01). On the inability of the finite human mind to fully grasp the import of the Teachings, and how individuals can improve their understandings, even while steeped in a climate of thinking which influences and biases their reading of scientific evidence. [about]
In Memoriam: Hushmand Fatheazam (1924-2013), by Shahbaz Fatheazam, in Lights of Irfan, 15 (2014). Born into a prominent Iranian Bahá'í family, he pioneered to India where he was later elected to the National Spiritual Assembly, serving as its secretary until 1963, when he was elected to the Universal House of Justice, serving on that body until 2003. [about]
In the Days of the Guardian, by Leroy Ioas (1958-10-31). Includes the well-known comments by Shoghi Effendi about his reactions to being appointed Guardian. [about]
Individual Rights and Freedoms, by Universal House of Justice (1988-12-29). An important and often-quoted letter about rights and freedom of expression in the Bahá'í community, as contrasted with those in American civil society. [about]
Infallibility of the Guardianship and of the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (1977-08-22). Distinction between the interpretive spheres of the Guardian versus the Universal House of Justice. [about]
Infallibility of the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice, in Lights of Irfan, Volume 11 (2010). [about]
Infallibility of the Universal House of Justice, The, by Shahin Vafai, in The Essence of the Covenant: Features, History, and Implications (2005). Short essay on the infallibility of the Universal House of Justice with extensive quotations. [about]
Infallibility, Omniscience, and the Decision-making Role of the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (1996-06-14). On the difference between infallibility and omniscience and whether the Universal House of Justice could reach a wrong decision, [about]
Infallible Institutions?, by Udo Schaefer, in Reason and Revelation: Studies in the Babi and Bahá'í Religions, 13 (2002). Historical and Bahá'í interpretations of infallibility. [about]
Inseparability and Complementarity of the Book and the Universal House of Justice, The, by Sana Rezai (2018-11). Direct references the House of Justice makes to the words of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, as illustrated through the 26 November 2018 message. [about]
International Bahá'í Council, by Duane L. Herrmann, in Bahá'í News (1990-03). History of the formation of the IBC. [about]
Interpretation and the Guardianship, by Ian C. Semple, in Lights of Irfan, 6 (2005-05). Two versions of a talk presented at a seminar in Haifa, 1984, on differences between personal interpretation, authoritative interpretation, divinely guided legislation, and the role of the Guardian as interpreter [about]
Japan Will Turn Ablaze!, by Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi (1992). Tablets of `Abdu'l-Bahá, letters of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, and historical notes about Japan. [about]
La Constitution do la Maison Universelle de Justice, by Universal House of Justice (2022). La Constitution fut signée dans la Ville de Haïfa le quatrième jour du mois de Qawl de la cent-vingt-neuvième année de l'Ère bahá'íe. [about]
Last Refuge, The: Fifty Years of the Universal House of Justice, by Shahbaz Fatheazam (2015). History of the House by the son of 40-year member Houshmand Fatheazam, an eye-witness to its development; organizational structure of Bahá'í polity and its vision of politics; connections between institutions and culture; personal recollections. [about]
Legacy of Verse 42 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, The, by Gerald C. Keil (2021). Explores the circumstances under which a reading of Verse 42 which indicates that the line of Aghsan might end prior to the establishment of the Universal House of Justice came to predominate. Includes a memorandum from the Research Department. [about]
Letter to Corinne True re Women on the House of Justice, by Abdu'l-Bahá (1909-07-29). Translation by Amín Faríd of a short letter stating that "men and women are equal in all rights save in the Universal House of Justice; for the Chairman and the members of the House of Justice are men according to the Text of the Book." [about]
Letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States, May 19 1994, by Universal House of Justice (1994-05-19). A lengthy response inspired by the US community's 1994 "Vision in Action" initiative, addressing the slowness of the growth of the Faith in America and the impact of negative trends in American society on the nation's Bahá'í community. [about]
Letter to the World's Religious Leaders, by Universal House of Justice (2002-04). On historic challenges that leaders of religion must respond to, if spiritual leadership is to have meaning in the new global society. [about]
Letters Written on Behalf of the Guardian, by Universal House of Justice, in Lights of Irfan, Volume 8 (2007). Three questions: Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi; Status of Research Department Memoranda; Bahá'í Writings Based in Fact? Includes clarification on the authenticity of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's published talks. [about]
Library and Archival Resources at the Bahá'í World Centre, by William P. Collins, in Bahá'í Studies Bulletin, 3:4 (1985:12). Overview of the nature of the Bahá'í World Centre; historical resources at the BWC; Centre for the Study of the Holy Texts; access to BWC resources; classification schemes. [about]
Lights of Guidance: A Bahá'í Reference File, by Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá (1988). The classic Bahá'í reference book. This is its first online edition. [about]
Lists of Articles, by Brent Poirier (2009-2019). Lists of 126 articles at the author's six blog websites. [about]
Members of the Universal House of Justice 1963-2023 and Hands of the Cause: Timeline (2003/2023). List of names and dates of all who served on the House of Justice or as Hands. [about]
Message on World Peace, by Universal House of Justice (2019-01-18). Letter about important steps the world made towards world peace, and the current situation, in relation to the activities the Bahá'ís are involved with. [about]
Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1986-2001, by Universal House of Justice (2009). Messages from the fourth epoch of the Formative Age. [about]
Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986: Third Epoch of the Formative Age, by Universal House of Justice (1996). [about]
Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-86, by Universal House of Justice (1996). [about]
Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1968-1973, by Universal House of Justice (1976). [about]
Ministry of the Custodians: An Account of the Stewardship of the Hands of the Cause 1957-1963, by Universal House of Justice and Ruhiyyih (Mary Maxwell) Khanum (1992). Account of the stewardship of the Hands of the Cause of God from 1957-63, from the passing of Shoghi Effendi to the election of the House, riding the waves of crisis to the moment of victory — the fulfillment of prophecy. [about]
Monogamy, Sexual Equality, Marital Equality, and the Supreme Tribunal, by Universal House of Justice (1996-06-27). Questions about monogamy, the Supreme Tribunal, and the Bahá'í concept of equality of the sexes in light of some Bahá'í laws and history which appear to undermine it [about]
Non-Involvement in Partisan Politics, by Universal House of Justice (2013-03-02). Lengthy letter to the Bahá'ís of Iran, and copied to all NSAs, about how Bahá'ís can contribute to global civilization-building partly through the community's own growth and development, and through non-political involvement in society at large. [about]
On the Calamitous State of World Affairs and the Material Sustainability of Communities, by Universal House of Justice (2020-12-03). On concerns about the affairs of the world and catastrophic events, and whether the global Bahá’í community should undertake projects to address the material sustainability of communities. [about]
One Common Faith, by Universal House of Justice (2005). Review of relevant passages from both the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and the scriptures of other faiths against the background of contemporary crises. [about]
Primary Source Texts Related to the Covenant, by Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá (2021-11). Collection of some essential writings central to understanding the Bahá'í Covenant. [about]
Primary Source Texts, Access to, by Universal House of Justice and Susan Maneck (1998-12-30). One scholar's query why the Bahá'í World Centre's copies of primary sources in Bábí and Bahá'í history are not available for study, followed by the House's response. [about]
Promise of World Peace, by Universal House of Justice (1985-10). A document distributed to many politicians and prominent individuals since its writing in 1985, it was the first official public statement made by the Universal House of Justice since its inception in 1963. [about]
Publishing Letters from the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (2005-02-07). Permission must be sought from the House before publishing any of their letters. [about]
Recognition of the Next Manifestation by the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (1997-06-06). Бахаулла говорит, что следующее Богоявление тоже столкнётся с преследованиями, но восторжествует над Своими гонителями. [about]
Recognition of the Next Manifestation of God, by Universal House of Justice (1997-06-06). On concerns that a future Universal House of Justice might not recognize the next Manifestation of God. [about]
Reflections on the First Century of the Formative Age, by Universal House of Justice (2023-11-28). Overview of the Faith's developments and activities during the previous century, including the Guardianship, global expansion, community building and development, participation in societal discourse, and construction of the Bahá'í World Centre. [about]
Role of the Universal House of Justice: Interpretation and Elucidation, by Universal House of Justice (1998-08-27). On the regarding the role of the Universal House of Justice and its "interpretative function." [about]
Ruhe, David S. (1914-2005), by National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States (2005-09-06). A letter from the NSA, followed by a biography from Bahá'í World News Service. [about]
Seed of Creation: A philosophical approach towards the status of Universal House of Justice in respect to Baha'i concept of creation, by Ahmad Aniss (1998). A philosophical approach towards the status of Universal House of Justice in respect to Bahá'í concept of creation. [about]
Selected Communications Concerning the North East Asia Area including Japan, by Universal House of Justice (1994). Compilation of letters from, or on behalf of, the Universal House of Justice, in both English and Japanese. [about]
Self-Defense, the Ungodly, Infallibility, and Sexual Violence and Abuse, by Universal House of Justice (2004-09-06). Answers to a number of questions, with extracts from four letters of the House, on self-defense, the ungodly, infallibility, sexual violence, and abuse. [about]
Semple, Ian (1963-2005): A Personal Appreciation, by Jack McLean (2011-12-04). Brief personal recollections of a scholar and member of the Universal House of Justice. [about]
Semple, Ian Chalmers: In Memoriam, by Anonymous and Universal House of Justice, in Lights of Irfan, 13 (2012). Biography of long-serving member of the Universal House of Justice and frequent contributor to scholarly publications and conferences. [about]
Statistics on Members of the Universal House of Justice, in The Last Refuge: Fifty Years of the Universal House of Justice (2015). 2-page chart showing the nationality, years served, and membership changes of the Universal House of Justice, 1963-2015. [about]
Textual Context and Literary Criticism: A Case Study based on a Letter from Shoghi Effendi, by Gerald C. Keil, in Lights of Irfan, Volume 11 (2010). The importance of systematic analysis of the written word prior to the process of exegesis to achieve clarity from the very start; textual questions; a specific example. [about]
Thoughts on the Ministry of the Universal House of Justice, Some, by Ali Nakhjavani, in Lights of Irfan (2009). The position and responsibilities of the Universal House of Justice, particularly in the absence of a Guardian. [about]
Towards World Order, by Ali Nakhjavani (2004/2007). Transcripts of six talks given at a week-long course on the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, sponsored by the NSA of Italy. Document includes compilation and outline. [about]
Turning Point: Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice and Supplementary Material 1996—2006, by Universal House of Justice (2006). Forty-three letters, plans, and documents covering the Four-Year Plan of 1996-2000. [about]
Universal House of Justice and the Principles of Jurisprudence, by Abdu'l-Bahá (2001-04). Authorized translation of an excerpt of a tablet on "the wisdom of referring certain important laws to the House of Justice." [about]
Universal House of Justice Letter Dated 28 November 2023, The: A Study Guide (2023-12-08). In-depth exploration of the document "Reflections on the First Century of the Formative Age." Includes the letter and study questions by paragraph. [about]
Universal House of Justice Letter Dated 28 November 2023, The: A Study Guide (2024-01). Study guide of the document "Reflections on the First Century of the Formative Age." Includes the letter, an outline and study questions and answers by paragraph. [about]
Universal House of Justice's Power of Elucidation, The, by Universal House of Justice, in Messages from the Universal House of Justice: 1963-1986, The Third Epoch of the Formative Age (1996). Clarification about the qualitative difference between the Guardian's prerogative of interpretation and the power of elucidation of the Universal House of Justice. [about]
Universal House of Justice, Establishment of, by Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá, in Compilation of Compilations, Volume 1 (1991). [about]
Universal House of Justice, The, by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice (2021-02). Compilation about the "Universal House of Justice" from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, 'Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, and from the constitution and letters of the Universal House of Justice. [about]
Universal House of Justice: Significance, Origin, Authority, and Election, The, by Shahin Vafai, in The Essence of the Covenant: Features, History, and Implications (2005). [about]
Universality of the Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, The, by Bijan Samali, in The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Studies from the First National Conference on the Holy Book, vol. 1 (1996). The laws of the Aqdas focus on the individual; are applicable to everyone; facilitate the realisation of the oneness of human race; ensure the equality of the sexes; are adaptable to cultural diversities; and call for the elimination of all prejudices. [about]
Wellspring of Guidance: Messages of the Universal House of Justice 1963-68, by Universal House of Justice, First Revised Edition (1969). Collection of letters from the first years after the creation of the Universal House of Justice. [about]
Why There are No Women in the Universal House of Justice, by Vladimir Chupin (2011). Upon learning that it is forbidden to elect women to the Universal House of Justice, many people become puzzled, given the Faith's strong emphasis on the equality of the sexes. This essay offers some perspectives. [about]
Wider Horizon: Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice 1983-1992, by Universal House of Justice (1992-09). [about]
Women and Wisdom in Scripture, by Baharieh Rouhani Ma'ani, in Lights of Irfan, 16 (2015). Treatment of women in religion; influence of Bahá'í teachings in raising awareness about the plight of women and transforming attitudes across the globe; role of linguistic biases in degrading their status; role of wisdom in achieving gender equality. [about]
Women on the House of Justice; meaning of "Umumi", by Universal House of Justice (1997-03-30). Clarifies that 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in a tablet to Corinne True, indeed refers to the Universal House of Justice when affirming that membership is confined to men only. Includes a portion of Corinne True's original query to 'Abdu'l-Bahá. [about]
Women on the Universal House of Justice, by Universal House of Justice (1988-05-31). Response to a paper presented at a Bahá'í Studies conference which raised the possibility that women could one day be eligible for membership on the Universal House of Justice. [about]
World Order, Evolution Towards: Notes on recent secondary literature, compilation, and two memoranda from the Bahá'í World Centre, by Universal House of Justice, in Online Journal of Bahá'í Studies, 1 (1990/1995/2007). Two letters, "Request for Materials about the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh" and "World Government and the Universal House of Justice," and compilation "Extracts from Letters Written by and on Behalf of the House of Justice on Evolution Towards World Order." [about]

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