THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT
1 April 2008
Transmitted by email:
uzbnsa@mail.ru
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Uzbekistan
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
Your email letter of 21 December 2007, providing a report on developments concerning the status and protection of the Faith in Uzbekistan, and your email letters of 19 and 22 February 2008 have been received by the Universal House of Justice, and we have been asked to provide the following response.
The House of Justice was concerned to learn from your letter of 21 December of the number of friends who have been put under pressure by the authorities. It deeply sympathizes with the difficulties they were forced to endure and greatly admires the spirit of courage and steadfastness they demonstrated under these conditions. That the believers have been able to achieve such commendable progress in the fields of expansion and consolidation, despite this situation, brought great joy to the House of Justice. Your own handling of the recent incidents is warmly appreciated, and the House of Justice was relieved to note that you do not feel that there are signs of a systematic campaign of opposition to the Cause. You are encouraged to proceed with your plans to advance the external affairs work of the Bahá’í community in Uzbekistan,
as maintaining cordial relations with officials at various levels, especially regional and national levels, will play a significant role in your efforts to protect the Faith.
As you continue your endeavours for the progress of the Cause in Uzbekistan, you will undoubtedly move forward boldly, but with wisdom and circumspection. There may be some specific areas of the country in which you feel that particular activities arouse the sensibilities of officials, and, in such cases, there may be other means to achieve the anticipated results.
For example, there are many approaches to teaching the Faith directly, and no doubt some of these would be less likely to attract negative attention from authorities than others. Therefore, if necessary in certain localities, you can choose these alternative methods for direct teaching in
making your plans for the expansion phase. Further, you will wish to consult frequently with the friends you have in government circles, seeking their advice and opinions regarding the conduct of the affairs of the Bahá’í community, thereby reassuring them of the transparency of its aims and activities. You should, of course, continue to remain in close contact with Counsellor Ayman Rouhani, relying on his counsel and guidance.
The House of Justice would appreciate your keeping it informed of any developments in this matter and assures you of its prayers at the Sacred Threshold for the protection of the dear friends in your country and for the blessings and confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh to surround your devoted endeavours in His Name.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Department of the Secretariat
cc: International Teaching Centre Board of Counsellors in Asia
Counsellor Ayman Rouhani
Bahá’í World Centre • P.O. Box 155 • 31001 Haifa, Israel
Tel: 972 (4) 835 8358 • Fax: 972 (4) 835 8280 • Email: secretariat@bwc.org
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