[The Baha'i House of Worship for the USA. In the future, daily life will revolve around a city's House of Worship.]

The Administrative Order, ordained by Baha'u'llah Himself, is the indispensable instrument for the realization of the Baha'i vision. It is both the custodian of the Covenant and the agency that is destined to marshal the talents of the people in a harmonious endeavor to usher in the promised Golden Age, foretold by all the world religions.

The Covenant

Defined as a contract between two parties, a covenant is an instrument that sets up certain conditions to be fulfilled. In religion, there are two kinds of Covenants. God made the Greater Covenant with all of humanity, that is, to send Messengers to educate humanity throughout the ages. Thus God would bless His people as they obeyed the teachings of the Messengers. There is also another Covenant that each of the Messengers makes with His own followers.

Baha'u'llah promised His followers that the Baha'i Faith would remain united, a condition that is unique in all of religious history. Each of the past world religions soon split into schisms, sects, and separate denominations. Baha'is believe that the continuing distinctive world-wide unity of the Baha'i Faith stems from a promise from God to humanity that assures His continuing guidance after the passing of Baha'u'llah. This promise is referred to as the Baha'i Covenant.

The idea of a covenant between man and God is, of course, familiar to the followers of many religions. Many Jews understand that God entered into a covenant with them, promising to guide them as long as they obeyed His laws. Many Christians, too, understand that Jesus entered into a new covenant with His followers.

For Baha'is, the Covenant made by Baha'u'llah is both a renewal of the promise of Divine guidance and a system that ensures its continuance. Specifically, the Baha'i Covenant can be understood to be synonymous with the line of succession described in the Will and Testament of Baha'u'llah. This line goes from Baha'u'llah to His Son, `Abdu'l-Baha, and then from `Abdu'l-Baha to His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, and, in our present time, to the international governing body of the Faith, the Universal House of Justice, which Baha'u'llah said would serve as the embodiment of the Covenant until the next Messenger of God comes, hundreds of years from now.

To be faithful to the Covenant of Baha'u'llah is to be obedient to Him as God's Messenger. This also means to accept the authority of His appointed Successors and to adhere to the arrangements He made for the advancement of His Faith. To break the Covenant is to reject or deliberately attempt to usurp or undermine the authority Baha'u'llah has established, while still claiming to be a Baha'i. Such an action constitutes an attack on the unity which is the Faith's pivotal characteristic. Anyone who persistently engages in such behavior becomes known as a Covenant-breaker and is therefore denied access to the Baha'i community. Such a person can gain readmittance through genuine repentance.

Those very few individuals who break the Covenant frequently do so either through misunderstanding or the promptings of their egos. They seem to be incapable of subordinating their own egos to the line of authority clearly defined in the Baha'i Faith. It is through the misguided activities of the few Covenant-breakers that the solidarity and unity of the Baha'i community throughout the world is regularly put to test and regularly emerges unscathed. There is only one Baha'i Faith in the entire globe, in spite of vast differences in backgrounds of the people of Baha.

Baha'i Administration

Every group, religious or secular, needs a means of conducting its affairs. Traditionally, religions operated through the work of professional clergy who guided the life of the individual as well as that of the religious community. Baha'u'llah has abolished all forms of clergy such as priests, mullahs, rabbis, and ministers. He has, instead, ordained democratically-elected institutions for guiding and coordinating the work of the individual and the Baha'i community.

This Administrative Order is uniquely suited for meeting the demands of the time. All governing bodies of the Faith are elected by secret ballot and with a deep sense of prayerful consideration by the electorate. There is neither electioneering nor does anyone "run for office." Each person votes for the people who, in his or her privately-held opinion, have the best qualifications to serve on the governing body. In a real sense, the office seeks the person, the person does not seek the office. The aim is to elect individuals of sterling qualities, mature experience and firm devotion to the precepts of the Faith.

The Local Spiritual Assembly

The bedrock of the Baha'i Administrative Order is the Local Spiritual Assembly (LSA). In each municipality a body of nine adult believers is annually elected as the governing body of that Baha'i community. The distinctive feature of the LSA is that although elected by the rank and file in its community, it is protected from the often divisive influence of the various interest groups that may exist in any community. All its decisions are to be guided by the principles of the Faith, the best-interest of the locality, as well as the larger community of humanity.

In those instances that a group or an individual may object to a decision of the LSA, opportunity is given to hearing the objection. The LSA, at its discretion, may reverse, modify, or retain its original decision. If the disagreement persists, the individual or group has the right of appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly for review of the matter. If a satisfactory solution is not found, the grievance can be forwarded to the Universal House of Justice where its decision is final and binding.

The Regional Councils

Baha'u'llah explicitly provided for the formation of institutions that society would require to meet its ever-changing and evolving conditions. The authority for bringing about such institutions for the Baha'i Faith rests with the Universal House of Justice. Presently, in some parts of the world, Regional Councils are formed to serve under the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly. They function to promote the work of the Faith within a geographical region.

The National Spiritual Assembly

The Baha'i view that humanity is one family, that the welfare of one community is inextricably intertwined with the welfare of all, requires integration and coordination of efforts in larger geographic segments that include many local communities and regions. The National Spiritual Assembly (NSA) serves this vital role. It assists the local and regional communities in numerous ways to achieve their individual objectives as well as to participate in programs that serve their collective interests.

The NSA is also composed of nine adult Baha'is, elected annually by secret ballot by delegates from the electoral districts in its jurisdiction. A vital function of the NSA is to coordinate the efforts of its country in harmony with that of the Baha'is around the globe, as guided by the Universal House of Justice.

Communication of the NSA with the believers in their jurisdiction is facilitated through letters, videotapes and audiotapes which are presented at the local Nineteen Day Feasts. The NSA's are the source of loving assistance and guidance to the LSA's and the entire national community.

The National Spiritual Assembly is the official representative of the Baha'i Faith in dealing with national governmental institutions and all other national organizations and agencies within its Jurisdiction.

The Universal House of Justice

The crowning Institution ordained by Baha'u'llah is the Universal House of Justice, vested by the Founder of the Faith with the great responsibility and authority essential for orchestrating the efforts of the worldwide Baha'i community toward creating the just and harmonious society promised to humanity by all the Messengers of the past.

The Universal House of Justice is composed of nine adult Baha'is elected by members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the world, again, prayerfully and by secret ballot, for a five-year term. As stated in His Writings, it is under the direct guidance of Baha'u'llah, with the authority to make final decisions on all matters pertaining to the work of the community; to legislate on matters not specifically detailed in the Writings; to amend or rescind its own decisions; to clarify any questions; and, in general, to serve as an infallible guide in all its undertakings.

The Universal House of Justice is in Haifa, Israel, on Mount Carmel, the Mountain of God, in the vicinity of the Baha'i holy places that hold the physical remains of the Bab, Baha'u'llah and `Abdu'l-Baha, who are known as the three Central Figures of the Faith. Empowering the work of the Baha'is throughout the world through its world-embracing agencies, the Universal House of Justice is the indispensable link for the realization of the Baha'is pivotal belief of the oneness of mankind.

The Universal House of Justice, on the one hand, protects and nurtures the distinctive features and autonomy of the local and national communities, and on the other hand, infuses the spirit and guidance that brings to realization the statement of Baha'u'llah, "Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch."

The Institution of the Learned

The judiciary, legislative and executive authorities needed to conduct the affairs of the community are vested exclusively in the institutions of the Local Spiritual Assemblies, the National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice and their duly-authorized agencies.

Baha'is are also provided by Baha'u'llah with another channel of inspiration, guidance and assistance that achieves its objectives through loving consultation. This is the Institution of the Learned which also functions under the authority and guidance of the Universal House of Justice.

Learning, particularly when accompanied by the acquisition and practice of virtue, has a lofty place in the Baha'i Faith. The Institution of the Learned is composed of individual Baha'is who, dedicating their lives to the service of humanity, have made significant efforts in scholarship, and in exemplifying the pattern of Baha'i life envisioned and directed by Baha'u'llah.

The Institution of the Learned was first represented by the Hands of the Cause of God. Fifty outstanding men and women were appointed to that rank over a period of many years by Baha'u'llah, `Abdu'l-Baha' and Shoghi Effendi. Most of these stalwart workers of the Faith are no longer living. The Hands of the Cause of God furthered the Faith through individuals of proven devotion and consecrated spirit.

The Universal House of Justice decided to continue the functions of the Hands of the Cause by creating the Boards of Counsellors to which are appointed outstanding individuals from all over the globe.

Thus the structure of the Institution of the Learned: Members of the International Teaching Centre are Counsellors who serve at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa; the Continental Boards of Counsellors work with National Spiritual Assemblies in each continent; the Auxiliary Board members serve at the regional level, and the assistants to the Auxiliary Board members work with Local Spiritual Assemblies, Baha'i communities, and in special areas of service, such as youth education.

The Baha'i Fund

Only Baha'is may contribute the funds needed to conduct the work of the Faith. Contributions by them are private, voluntary and gladly made as a service to humanity. Funds from individuals and institutions that are not members of the Faith are respectfully declined. Baha'is consider it a privilege to give to the Fund. Also, by not accepting contributions, their work retains its focus and remains above vested parochial interests.

In some parts of the world, governmental agencies ask the Baha'is to administer educational and health services for the local population. Funds given for these purposes are allotted exclusively to the asked-for humanitarian works that serve the entire community and are not drawn upon for the work of the Faith.

Humanitarian Projects

The teachings of the Baha'i Faith provide both the vision and the motive force for vital new approaches for solving the chronic problems of humanity.

Baha'i communities throughout the world launch and operate grassroots programs in education, public health, rural development, peaceful problem-solving, elimination of prejudice and others. What makes the vastly varied Baha'i projects succeed is that the people who are most affected are the ones who participate in the planning and execution of the projects, using the highly productive method of Baha'i consultation. With enlightened attitudes towards education and science, Baha'is do not mistrust proven modern ways, but are open-minded to their advantages.

Also important is the sincere belief that service to others ranks as worship to God. This belief both energizes the effort and prevents self-serving temptations from undermining or reducing the effectiveness of the projects. `Abdu'l-Baha said:

"Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer. A physician ministering to the sick, gently, tenderly, free from prejudice and believing in the solidarity of the human race... is giving praise."

--`Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p.189

The pressing needs of each community are identified and consulted upon by the local people themselves and addressed by their united effort. In much of the developing countries where poverty is endemic, education and public health, among other vital needs, are seriously neglected.

The Baha'i teachings on universal education, personal and public hygiene are an effective means of lifting the population up to a way of life that is more conducive to human dignity. In spite of its relatively limited numbers and material resources, the Baha'i global community is carrying out numerous projects for the betterment of humanity. The Universal House of Justice at the World Centre in Haifa, Israel, diligently channels the human and material resources of the Faith to the National and Local Spiritual Assemblies wherever needed for the implementation of social and economic programs for humanity's pressing needs.

As of this writing, the Baha'i world community operates more than 1,300 local development projects throughout the world. These efforts range from literacy centers to reforestation efforts, from health clinics to environmental research centers. Most of these projects are in the developing world.

A distinctive feature of the Baha'i approach is its holistic nature. Problems are not viewed as piece-meal and in isolation. They are seen as related components of the whole community. For example, the efforts to alleviate poverty cannot be divorced from activities that promote full equality for women. The vast majority of the world's poor are women and children.

In many developing countries, especially in Africa, women farmers grow much of the food. Baha'is believe that efforts to ensure food security in these regions depends largely on improving the status of women. Issues of development and environment are equally dependent on finding solutions to problems of racism, lack of education, and religious strife.

At the pragmatic level, the worldwide network of local, national and international Baha'i governing bodies provides a new model for decentralized, yet coordinated, operations.

The success of Baha'i projects in many parts of the world has not gone unnoticed by those who have been struggling with the same problems for a long time. In a number of communities in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, governmental authorities have requested the Baha'is to operate a variety of local programs because the Baha'is are known for their integrity, resourcefulness and lack of prejudice. The spiritual motive power released by the teachings of Baha'u'llah is an indispensable ingredient for the success of these undertakings.