 July 11, 2016 To the American Bahá’í communityDearly loved Friends, Though we have already transmitted a message to be shared at the Feast of Kalimát, we wish to add these few brief thoughts in the wake of the recent acts of violence in various cities that have awoken profound feelings of distress throughout the country. The National Spiritual Assembly has decided it will address at greater length the condition of our society and our response to it as Bahá’ís. These observations will follow in due course; for the present, we have every confidence the faithful followers of the Blessed Beauty across the land will continue to be one in spirit with their fellow citizens who are praying and striving for a just and peaceful world. We hope that the friends everywhere will, in response to the tragic incidents of the past week, ardently pray for Divine assistance for our country and its people. Let us also take from these events fresh resolve to further the Cause of the One Whose teachings can alone provide humanity with relief from its sufferings. As the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, stated: Let us pray to God that in these days of world-encircling gloom, when the dark forces of nature, of hate, rebellion, anarchy and reaction are threatening the very stability of human society, when the most precious fruits of civilization are undergoing severe and unparalleled tests, we may all realize, more profoundly than ever, that though but a mere handful amidst the seething masses of the world, we are in this day the chosen instruments of God’s grace, that our mission is most urgent and vital to the fate of humanity, and, fortified by these sentiments, arise to achieve God’s holy purpose for mankind. The passage serves as a powerful reminder of our precious and inescapable duty to advance the teaching work―in particular, to contribute our share to achieving the goals of the current Five Year Plan―the outcome of which will be the emergence of communities that will stand out against the increasingly dark backdrop of our times as shining examples of unity. Be assured of our prayers and of our deep and abiding affection for each and every one of you, our beloved co-workers. With loving Bahá’í greetings,
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