September 9. On this date in 2006, "an author directly affected by the recent action of the National Spiritual Assembly regarding material marketed by Kalimát Press" addressed an email to the Universal House of Justice. The Universal House of Justice "upholds its decision in the matter" given the National Spiritual Assembly's "disagreeing with Kalimát’s agenda."

 

September 9. On this date in 2006, "an author directly affected by the recent action of the National Spiritual Assembly regarding material marketed by Kalimát Press" addressed an email to the Universal House of Justice. The Universal House of Justice "upholds its decision in the matter" given the National Spiritual Assembly's "disagreeing with Kalimát’s agenda."

24 November 2006

Dear Bahá’í Friend,

Your email letter dated 9 September 2006 has reached the Bahá’í World Centre and the Universal House of Justice has asked us to convey the following reply.

As you are an author directly affected by the recent action of the National Spiritual Assembly regarding material marketed by Kalimát Press, your concern is well appreciated.

The copy you sent to the House of Justice of your email letter addressed to ___ dated 2 November 2006 indicates that you have reconciled yourself to that decision, which was actually initiated by the National Spiritual Assembly itself; and the House of Justice has taken cognizance of your expression therein of loyalty and obedience. Even so, it feels that the main questions you have raised deserve an explanatory response. The reason the National Assembly gave you for having “taken the step of terminating institutional support” of Kalimát Press, as quoted in your letter, succinctly states the case. ... The House of Justice understands that the National Assembly felt there was no choice but to opt for the action it took. Finding that the National Assembly is justified in the conclusion it has reached, the House of Justice upholds its decision in the matter.

Clearly, then, this is not just about a few titles. In reality, nothing has been done against any specific title or author. Bahá’ís are free to purchase and read any titles they choose, whether by Bahá’í or other authors. Kalimát Press’s books are readily available directly from its address or from other distributors. The National Assembly, having no obligation to distribute the books of independent publishers, and disagreeing with Kalimát’s agenda, has simply decided that its agencies will not carry the books of that publisher. You express concern that the Assembly’s action may be used by those who wish to disparage the Faith. The House of Justice is of the opinion that this can be done only if the facts of the matter are distorted.

It is very much to be regretted that well-meaning writers like yourself are caught up in this situation, and the House of Justice sympathizes with you. In your case, the featuring of your work on Alain Locke in a recent issue of World Order, a periodical sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, should indicate to you that your contribution to Bahá’í literature is highly regarded. The predicament in which Kalimát’s behavior has put you and other authors of the good books it publishes will no doubt be overcome with the passage of time. You have only to be wisely patient until it becomes clear what course of action you may follow.

The House of Justice appreciates the spirit in which you wrote to it and will remember you and your family in its supplications at the Holy Threshold.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

cc: National Assembly of the United States