ith
the perseverance, the devotion and the achievements of the Australian and
New Zealand friends; and he is proud of their spirit, and feels sure that
they will accomplish their goals.

He was very happy to hear that Mr. Marques has obtained permission to
remain in Timor. His background makes him a very important pioneer for
that area; and he is happy that your Assembly was able to make it possible
for him to remain.

The matter of the areas under the jurisdiction of a local Spiritual
Assembly is one which the National Assembly must study, and apply the
principles laid down by the Guardian; namely, that within a municipal
area, where the people resident in the area pay taxes and vote, the
Assembly can be elected, and holds jurisdiction. Anyone living outside of
that area is not a member of that Community, and cannot enjoy the
administrative privileges of that Community. Although this will affect
your Assembly roll, it will place the work of the Faith on a much sounder
basis, and increase the number of Centers where Baha'is reside throughout
Australia, which is an important phase of the work in any case. It will
challenge the friends to work harder to create new Assemblies and make up
for those dissolved; and he feels sure that in the near future the Baha'is
will be very proud of the results they have achieved through this change.

He is delighted to hear that the New Zealand friends are so eagerly
carrying on their work in preparation for their National Assembly next
year. Their coming of age, so to speak, will be a source of pride to all
their fellow National Assemblies, and they will form a welcome addition to
the pillars which must ultimately sustain the International House of
Justice.

Regarding the question of capital punishment, provision is made for it in
the Aqdas, but this is not the time to go into details. When the Aqdas is
promulgated and the House of Justice comes into being will be the time to
go into these matters in greater detail. For the present they should be
given no publicity.

Assuring you all of his loving prayers for the success of the work you are
doing.

With warmest greetings,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

My heart overflows with gratitude, and my admiration is heightened, as I
contemplate the range and quality of the achievements of the devoted and
valiant adherents of the Faith in the Antipodes, who have in recent years
so greatly embellished t