The Atrocity in America (3)
The Atrocity in America (3) |
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IN THE LIGHT OF THE AWEFUL TRAGEDY IN THE UNITED STATES IT IS APPROPRIATE TO REPRODUCE HERE THE MESSAGE SENT OUT TO THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES BY THEIR OWN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.
September 11, 2001
To the American Bahá'í Community.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
Our hearts are shocked and grief-stricken by the shameless acts of terrorist violence against innocent victims in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Fervently, we are praying for those who died and beseeching God to comfort the hearts of those who have lost loved ones, and to strengthen our nation and its people to meet this challenge with faith, courage, and unity. As you know, the Bahá'í Scriptures proclaim that God has given the United States a spiritual mission to help reshape the world. The Bahá'í
Writings state that America will evolve, through purifying tests and trials to become a land of spiritual distinction and leadership, a champion of justice and unity among all peoples and nations, and powerful servant of the Cause of everlasting peace. The Bahá'í Writings promise that this "signally blest" nation will never be defeated and will triumphantly fulfill its God-ordained mission. The Bahá’í Faith has known crisis since its inception and many Bahá’ís, especially in the cradle of the Faith, have faced brutal attacks with faithfulness and noble resolve. Their model must be our standard. At this moment of unprecedented disaster, we call on all of the followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the United States to come to the aid of your nation in the name of your Faith. The vision of Bahá'u'lláh's Healing Message and the Bahá'í spirit of universal love and assistance are more urgently needed now than ever before. As you proceed to serve and assist your
neighbors and communities, we ask you to bear in mind these words of assurance and guidance from the Bahá'í Writings.
"Let each one of God's loved ones centre his attention on this, to be the Lord's mercy to man; to be the Lord's grace. Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benefit to him. Let him improve the character of each and all, and reorient the minds of men. In this way, the light of divine guidance will shine forth, and the blessings of God will cradle all mankind: for love is light no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest. O friends of God! That the hidden Mystery may stand revealed, and the secret essence of all things may be disclosed, strive ye to banish that darkness for ever and ever."
Our prayers and love are with you always,
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States
Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General