Letter of September 5, 1954
Haifa, Israel,
September 5, 1954.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada
Your loving letter of August 3rd came duly to hand, and the questions which you have raised were presented to our beloved Guardian.
About a year ago, there was some correspondence with your Assembly with regard to the Bahá’ís who are in the virgin territories of the Ten Year Crusade, etc.
The Guardian renews the advice given at that time, that all pioneers in virgin areas, or new Bahá’ís who are confirmed in those virgin areas, are not part of the National Bahá’í Community, and cannot vote in elections.
The virgin areas are separate, administratively, and under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly responsible for their development. The same ruling applies to any Assemblies which might develop in these virgin areas. They do not become part of the National Bahá’í Community.
The Guardian was distressed to learn of the problems which arose concerning the election of the Spiritual Assembly of .... However, the ruling is quite definite, that an Assembly must be elected on the first day of Ridván, April 21st. Regretful as it is, ... must now be considered a Group, until the elections which take place April 21st, 1955.
The beloved Guardian assures you all of his prayers in your behalf. He sends you his loving greetings.
Faithfully yours,
LEROY IOAS,
Assistant Secretary.