The emergence from obscurity, which has been so marked a
feature of the Cause of God during the first five years of the Seven Year Plan,
has been attended by changes, both external and internal, affecting the Baha'i
world community. Externally, there are
signs of a crystallization of a public image of the Cause -- largely
uninformed, however friendly -- while internally growing maturity and
confidence are indicated by increased administrative ability, a desire for
Baha'i communities to render service to the larger body of mankind and a
deepening understanding of the relevance of the divine Message to modern
problems. Both these aspects of change must be taken into consideration as we
enter the third and final phase of the Seven Year Plan.
The year just closing has been overshadowed by the continued
persecution of the friends in Iran. They have been forced to disband their
administrative structure, they have been harassed, dispossessed, dismissed from
employment, made homeless and their children are refused education. Some six
hundred men, women and children are now in prison, some denied any contact with
their friends and relatives, some subjected to torture and all under pressure
to recant their faith. Their heroic and
exemplary steadfastness has been the mainspring in bringing the Cause out of
obscurity, and it is the consolation of their hearts that their suffering
results in unprecedented advances in teaching and proclaiming the divine
Message to a world so desperately in need of its healing power. For this they
embrace the final service of martyrdom. Our obligation is crystal clear. We
cannot fail them now. Sacrificial action
in teaching and promoting the Cause of God must follow every new instance of
publicity arising from their persecution. Let this be our message to them of
love and spiritual union.
