April 17. On this date in 2000, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the UK announced "the theft of the eagle from the top of the monument to Shoghi Effendi in the New Southgate Cemetery" noting "It is clear that this was not an act of vandalism or of religious desecration, since no other damage was caused and the eagle has been removed altogether from the cemetery."
Theft of the Eagle from the Guardian's Resting Place
To friends who have written about the theft of the eagle from the Guardian's Resting PlaceDearly loved friends
Please forgive this general response to those who have been moved to write to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom about the shocking theft of the eagle from the monument to Shoghi Effendi in the New Southgate Cemetery in London. There are too many for a personal response to each one.
For those who wish to confirm the authenticity of the announcement, the following was posted on the United Kingdom National Assembly's e-mailing list NEWS:
7 April 2000Dear Baha'i friendsIt is with regret that we report the theft of the eagle from the top of the monument to Shoghi Effendi in the New Southgate Cemetery. The theft appears to have happened last night and in removing the eagle the thieves caused the stone globe on which the eagle perched to fall to the ground. Some minor damage has been caused to the marble plinth on which the column stands and to one or two of the flower beds.It is clear that this was not an act of vandalism or of religious desecration, since no other damage was caused and the eagle has been removed altogether from the cemetery.The National Spiritual Assembly has reported the matter to the police, to the cemetery authorities and to the Universal House of Justice. We will continue to monitor the situation and necessary repairs and restitution will be put in hand.
With loving Baha'i greetingsBarney Leith,
Secretary National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the UK
27 Rutland Gate, London, SW7 1PD, UK
The National Spiritual Assembly is in receipt of guidance from the Universal House of Justice about how to make good the damage that was done and about increased security measures.
The Baha'i World Centre is taking responsibility for the replacement of the eagle, should the original not be found. We are deeply grateful to those friends who have offered to contribute to the replacement of the eagle or even to sculpt a new one. However, in caring for the Guardian's Resting Place the National Assembly is acting as an agent for the Universal House of Justice, which has the ultimate responsibility for decisions relating to this Holy Place.
We anxiously await the guidance of the House of Justice.With loving Baha'i greetingsNational Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the UK
Barney Leith, Secretary
©Copyright 2000, National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom
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