International+Baha'i+Council

History of the International Baha'i Councils
[|//**Formation of First International Baha'i Council**//]

//Proclaim National Assemblies of East and West weighty epoch-making decision of formation of first International Baha'i 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 Akka and Haifa. Fulfillment of prophecies uttered by Founder of Faith and Center of His Covenant culminating in establishment of Jewish State, signalizing birth after lapse of two thousand years of an independent nation in the Holy Land, the swift unfoldment of  undertaking associated with construction of superstructure of the Bab's Sepulcher on Mount Carmel, the present adequate maturity of nine vigorously functioning national administrative institutions throughout Baha'i World, combine to induce me to arrive at this historic decision marking most significant milestone in evolution of Administrative Order of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in course of last thirty years. Nascent Institution now created is invested with threefold function: first, to forge link with authorities of newly emerged State; second, to assist me to discharge responsibilities involved in erection of mighty superstructure of the Bab's Holy Shrine; third, to conduct negotiations related to matters of personal status with civil authorities. //// To these will be added further functions in course of [|evolution of this first embryonic International Institution], marking its development into officially recognized Baha'i Court, its transformation into duly elected body, its efflorescence into Universal House of Justice, //// and its final fruition through erection of manifold auxiliary institutions constituting the World Administrative Center destined to arise and function and remain permanently established in close neighborhood of Twin Holy Shrines. Hail with thankful, joyous heart at long last the constitution of International Council which history will acclaim as the greatest event shedding luster upon second epoch of Formative Age of Baha'i Dispensation potentially unsurpassed by any enterprise undertaken since inception of Administrative Order of Faith on morrow of Abdu'l-Baha's Ascension, ranking second only to glorious immortal events associated with Ministries of the Three Central Figures of Faith in course of First Age of most glorious Dispensation of the five thousand century Baha'i Cycle. Advise publicize announcement through  Committee. // //- Shoghi [[|Cablegram], [|January 9, 1951]] //

[|//Spiritual and Administrative World Center//]

//Announce to friends of East and West the following: furnishing Mazra'ih, completion of restoration of  house of Baha'u'llah in Acre,(1) scene of prolonged afflictions sustained by Founder of Faith, as well as supreme crisis suffered by Abdu'l-Baha at hands of Covenantbreakers. Greatly enhanced international endowments in Holy Land in twin cities of Acre and Haifa, now include twin Holy Shrines situated on plain of Acre and slope of Mount Carmel; twin Mansions of Bahji and Mazra'ih, twin historic Houses inhabited by Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha; twin International Archives adjoining the Bab's Sepulcher and the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf; twin Pilgrim Houses, constructed for Oriental and Occidental pilgrims; twin Gardens of Ridvan and Firdaws, associated with the memory of the Author of the Baha'i Dispensation. // // Greatly welcome assistance of the newly-formed International Council, particularly its [|President, Mason Remey], and its [|Vice-President, Amelia Collins], through contact with authorities designed to spread the fame, consolidate the foundations and widen the scope of influence emanating from the twin  , administrative World Centers permanently fixed in the Holy Land constituting the midmost heart of the entire planet. // //- Shoghi [[|Cablegram], [|March 2, 1951]]// //Second announcement: The enlargement of the International Bahá’í Council. Present  now comprises: [|Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih], chosen liaison between me and the Council. Hands of the Cause, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins, Ugo Giachery, Leroy Ioas, President, Vice-President, member at large, Secretary-General, respectively. Jessie Revell, Ethel Revell, Lotfullah Hakim, Treasurer, Western and Eastern assistant Secretaries.// //—Shoghi [[|Cablegram], [|March 8, 1952]]// [|RESOLUTION OF THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD] //Mansion of Baha'u'llah// //Bahji, 'Akka, Israel// //November 25, 1957// //We the undersigned Hands of the Cause hereby record the following action taken in unanimous agreement:// //1. That the body of nine Hands of the Cause already constituted shall exercise these functions, namely, to correspond with the National Spiritual Assemblies on matters related to the prosecution of the Guardian's Ten Year Plan; to assist the National Assemblies in the solution of administrative problems by citing passages in Baha'i  which clarify the nature of these problems; to act for the protection of the Faith whenever its teachings or institutions or properties are assailed by enemies from within the Baha'i Community or outside its ranks;// //2. That the Council shall represent the Faith in all matters related to the Israeli Government and its courts;// //3. The nine Hands to reinforce the membership of the International Baha'i Council through the addition of the five Hands among the nine Hands not already members of the Council;// //4. That the entire body of the Hands of the Cause, meeting annually or whenever convened by the nine Hands, shall determine when and how the International Baha'i Council shall pass through the successive stages outlined by Shoghi Effendi culminating in the election of the Universal House of Justice;// //5. That the nine Hands serving at the Baha'i World Centre shall maintain correspondence with the Hands stationed in the several continents on all matters related to their work of propagating the Faith and defending it from attack, coordinating and encouraging their efforts;// //6. That the authority to expel violators from the Faith shall be vested in the body of nine Hands, acting on reports and recommendations submitted by Hands from their respective continents.// //7. The Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land may, if necessary, call upon any of the Hands to fill a vacancy temporarily.// //[Signed as follows]// //Ruhiyyih Rabbani Zikrullah Khadem// //Mason Remey A. Q. Faizi;// //Amelia E. Collins Ugo Giachery,// //Leroy C. Ioas, Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel// //Hasan M. Balyuzi Djalal Khazeh// //Horace Holley Hermann Grossmann// //M.B. Musa Banani John Robarts,// //A. Furutan Enoch Olinga,// //Dr. R. Mohajer Ali Mohammad Varqa// //Sh. Alai H. Collis Featherstone// //John Ferraby William Sears// //T. Samandari Paul Haney// //Agnes B. Alexander Clara Dunn// //[Corinne True by affidavit]//

The election for the new International Bahá'í Council was scheduled for Ridvan 1961. The Hands of the Cause declared themselves ineligible for election and requested the Bahá'ís not vote for them since the appointed institutions of the Bahá'í Faith were different in both nature and function from the elected administrative bodies. The election was concluded via postal ballot by all members of National Spiritual Assemblies and regional spiritual assemblies of 1960-61. All adult Bahá'ís were eligible for election except for the Hands of the Cause. The members of the elected Council were: The elected IBC was under the direction and supervision of the Hands of the Cause of God. The Council’s responsibilities included two of the original functions assigned by Shoghi Effendi: In addition to these, the Hands instructed the Council to assist them with:
 * [|Ali Nakhjavani] (1961–63) President
 * Sylvia Ioas (1961–63) Vice President
 * [|Charles Wolcott] (1961–63) Secretary General
 * Jessie Revell (1961–63) Treasurer
 * Ian Semple (1961–63) Assistant Secretary
 * Luṭfu’lláh Ḥakím (1961–63) Eastern Assistant Secretary
 * Ethel Revell (1961–63) Western Assistant Secretary
 * Borrah Kavelin (1961–63) Member-at-large
 * [|Mildred Mottahedeh] (1961–63)
 * to forge links with the [|Israeli] authorities, and
 * to negotiate with them related to matters of personal status.
 * the care of the properties at the World Centre,
 * the establishment of the Universal House of Justice,
 * any other functions they assigned.

**THE BOOK OF REVELATION** **CHAPTER TWENTY ONE** > **Verse 19: "The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every jewel; the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,**  >  **Verse 20: "the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst." **    //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">The "foundations of the wall" are described as precious stones. These stones have a spiritual significance. Each stone symbolizes one of the twelve basic principles of Baha'u'llah's Revelation. Together these principles establish peace in the world and bring about God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. **//    //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the first was jasper" symbolizes the oneness of mankind. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the second sapphire" symbolizes Independent investigation of truth. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the third agate (KJV: chalcedony)" symbolizes the oneness of religion. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the fourth emerald" symbolizes Religion, a source of unity for all mankind. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the fifth onyx (KJV: sardius)" symbolizes the principle that religion and science must agree. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the sixth carnelian (KJV: sardonyx)" symbolizes the equality of men and women. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the seventh chrysolite" symbolizes the removal of all prejudice. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the eighth beryl" symbolizes universal peace. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the ninth topaz" symbolizes universal education. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the tenth chrysoprase" symbolizes the spiritual solution to all economic problems. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the eleventh jacinth" symbolizes one universal language to be taught to all peoples. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the twelfth amethyst" symbolizes The International Tribunal. **//   //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">For more information on these twelve basic principles refer to the book, **//**Paris Talks//, by 'Abdu'l-Baha.//** > **Verse 21: "And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass."** //**<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">"the twelve gates" represent <span class="fw_link_website">twelve individuals. They are seen as "pearls" which symbolize the spiritual station of these individuals. The pearl of great price is the heavenly aura of those who gain this station through their detachment from all things save God. **//

incorporation december 20, 1993
OF INCORPORATORI, Dr. Leland Jensen, N.D., the incorporator of the Second International Baha'i Council appoint the following directors to serve until the respective successors shall be elected and shall qualify, and in addition pursuant to the terms of the by-laws, Joseph Pepe Remey Aghsan is also a director according to the provisions of the CHARTER, the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Baha, page 14. The names and addresses of the officers and initial directors are as follows: ||
 * ||  || MINUTES OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING


 * (1) Wind Jensen, Liaison officer, 4117 Colonial Ln, Missoula, ||
 * || MT 59801 ||
 * (2) Joseph Pepe Remey Aghsan, President, Via Malenchini 6, ||
 * || Florence, Italy 50122 ||
 * (3) Neal Chase, Registered Agent, 328 Stephens Avenue, Missoula ||
 * || MT 59801 ||
 * (4) Jan Cornell, Vice-President, 1830 South Avenue, Missoula MT ||
 * || 59801 ||
 * (5) Member at Large ||
 * (6) Dr. Trevor Stanwick, Secretary-General,328 Stephens Avenue, ||
 * || Missoula, MT 59801 ||
 * (7) Carlotta Geesen, Treasurer, 620 S. 3rd West, Missoula, MT ||
 * || 59801 ||
 * (8) Esther Hall, Assistant Secretary, 1807 Butte Ave, Black ||
 * || Eagle, MT 59414 ||
 * (9) Annie Rubens, Assistant Secretary, 1237 South 2nd West, ||
 * || Missoula MT 59801 ||
 * (10) Jo York, 211 Nancy Lou Dr., Missoula MT 59801 ||
 * (11) Victor Woods, 1647 South 10th, Missoula, Mt, 59801 ||
 * (12) Jerome Hellman, 1014 Palmer, Missoula MT 59801 ||
 * (13) Stacey Jaffe, 4022 South Ave. W. #16, Missoula MT 59801 ||
 * DATED: 12/20, 1993. || [signed]
 * DATED: 12/20, 1993. || [signed]

Dr. Leland Jensen, N.D. ||   || History of the BUPC second IBC In 1991 Dr. Leland Jensen activated a second International Baha'i Council comprised of BUPC members. In 1991 Dr. Leland Jensen appointed the first initial 6 members. Overtime this number grew as <span style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important; text-indent: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;"> people were added and others replaced. The council Executive is the Guardian which is currently disputed within Jensenite circles.

At the time of his death (1996) there were 12 sitting members who had been appointed by Dr. Jensen (Wind Jensen (Liaison Officer), [|Neal Chase], Dave Cornell (Vice-President), Bob Jaffe (Secretary), Carlotta Geesen (Treasurer), Victor Woods, LaVonne Howell, Chris Mullally, RJ Konczyk, Jo York, Reg Moore and Bob Solem (member-at-large)) and there were 8 <span style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; display: inline-block !important; float: none !important; font-weight: bold !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px !important; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important; text-indent: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;"> appointed by him ( Wind Jensen, Bob Solem, Reg Moore nor Dave Cornell had backups appointed ).

In 1999 Vice-President Dave Cornell was removed for covenant-breaking by the sIBC.

In the spring of 2000 Wind Jensen, Jo York and Reg Moore resigned and/or were removed for covenant-breaking by the sIBC due to a disagreement over the question of whether or not the sIBC could appoint someone to replace Dave Cornell. A short time later Bob Jaffe resigned and/or was removed indirectly related to this matter.

Following the World Trade Towers bombing in 2001 the sIBC split up between a majority faction and a minority faction which subsequently endorsed Neal Chase as it's Guardian. The Majority sIBC has not yet voted on approving any Guardian for it's council. The following section is the collected letters of the sIBC as appointed by Dr. Leland Jensen before the split up between majority and minority factions. All letters from post-2001 are those of the majority sIBC still based in Missoula, Montana. The majority sIBC can be mailed at the following address:

Baha'i Second International Baha'i Council Street: 620 South 3rd Street West Missoula, mt 59801-2516 Phone: (406) 541-4411

The minority sIBC which became the Universal House of Justice aligned with Neal Chase as it's head can be reached at [|http://www.uhj.net]

The other Jensenite claimant to the Guardianship, Glenn David Goldman, has not established a sIBC or other organized entity.

[|//**To **the faithful Bahá'ís** under the Guardianship throughout the world.**//]

[| //**Through Hand of the Cause, **Marilyn Meyer,** Secretary,**//]

[| //**National Bahá'í Council' of the United States.**//]

[| //**__PROCLAMATION__**//] [|//**22 September 2006**//] //** It gives me great pleasure on the occasion of 88th birthday to proclaim the appointment of [|the Third International Bahá’í Council]—the embryonic Universal House of Justice—with the membership listed below. In this appointment, those believers, who have displayed an exemplary fidelity to the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh and the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, during the many years since the passing of Shoghi Effendi, in their faithful, steadfast and devoted support of and exemplary service to the living Guardian of the Cause of God, may now be assured that I have clearly identified my successor and thereby provided, following the termination of my ministry, for the continuance of the Guardianship in strict compliance with the terms of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. **//   //** Unlike the action taken by the first and second Guardians of the Faith, who did not assume the Presidency of the International Bahá’í Councils appointed by them, I shall assume the Presidency of the third International Bahá’í Council as an actively functioning administrative body that can function, as such, thanks particularly to the facility of the internet, without its members being assembled in one location. **//   //** I am taking the opportunity provided in the appointment of this third International Bahá’í Council to identify my appointed successor. His identity is found in the one whom I have designated below as the single Vice President of the Council who will succeed to the Presidency, and thereby the Guardianship, upon my passing, or prior thereto, in the event of any incapacitation in the future that may preclude my being able to continue functioning as the Guardian of the Faith, either as determined and announced by myself or, if unable to make such a determination, as may be announced by my successor on the basis of a decision rendered by competent medical authority. **//   //** As the future event of a catastrophic nature prophesied by Bahá’u’lláh may seriously affect the membership of the Council, as shown below, it should be understood that, if the Vice President named below should not survive such an event, succession to the Guardianship will be inherited, in turn, by the surviving member of the Council, in the order named below: **// >>
 * // [|President], [|Joel Bray Marangella] //
 * ** Vice President, [|Nosrat’u’llah Bahremand] **
 * Secretary General, Franklin Schlatter
 * ** Assistant Secretary, [| David Maxwell] **
 * ** Assistant Secretary, Daniel Havner **
 * ** [|Assistant Secretary], [|Y.H. Taylor] **
 * ** Treasurer: [|Jeffrey Goldberg] **
 * ** Member: [|Ross Campbell] **
 * ** Member: Joel Jani Marangella **

//** I also take this opportunity to announce with great pleasure the elevation of the following faithful believers to the rank of [|Hand of the Cause of God]: **// >>
 * [|**Nosrat’u’llah Bahremand**]


 * ** Ross Campbell **
 * ** Jeffrey Goldberg **
 * ** David Maxwell **
 * ** Y.H. Taylor **

//** Future declarations submitted by believers enrolling in the Orthodox Bahá’í Faith who reside in countries and other localities that are not under the administrative jurisdiction of one of the Provisional National Bahá’í Councils or Mother Bahá’í Councils will be submitted to the International Bahá’í Council for acceptance, acknowledgement and matter of record. The Secretary General of the Council will upon receipt of this proclamation publish his email and mailing address. **//

//** Copies of future issues of the Bahá’í newsletter, Star of the Covenant, published by the Provisional National Bahá’í Council of the United States, will be sent by that Council to the Secretary General of the International Bahá’í Council for translation by the appropriate Assistant Secretary of all or a part thereof, as determined desirable by the Secretary General, and subsequent distribution to the faithful believers residing in those countries and localities outside of the United States. **//

//** The Treasurer of the Council will establish an account under the name of "International Bahá’í Fund" to which contributions may be made by the faithful friends to cover such expenses as the cost of mailing newsletters and other material. **//

//** The Secretary of the International Bahá’í Council, Hand of the Cause, Frank Schlatter, will henceforth prepare the annual Ridván letter previously prepared by myself, recounting, for the information of the faithful friends, significant achievements that have taken place during the past Bahá’í Year. To enable him to do this, Provisional National Bahá’í Councils and Mother Bahá’í Councils are enjoined to periodically inform the International Bahá’í Council of significant developments that have taken place in their countries so that the Secretary General of the Council may be able to include a summary of same in this Ridván letter. **//

[|//****Joel Bray Marangella.****//]

//**[|Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith]**//

//** [|22 September 2006] **//