September 11, 2001

To the American Bahá'í Community

Dear Bahá'í Friends,

Our hearts are shocked and grief-stricken by the shameless acts of terrorist
violence against innocent victims in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Fervently, we are praying for those who died and beseeching God to comfort
the hearts of those who have lost loved ones, and to strengthen our nation
and its people to meet this challenge with faith, courage, and unity.

As you know, the Bahá'í Scriptures proclaim that God has given the United
States a spiritual mission to help reshape the world. The Bahá'í Writings
state that America will evolve, through purifying tests and trials to become
a land of spiritual distinction and leadership, a champion of justice and
unity among all peoples and nations, and powerful servant of the Cause of
everlasting peace. The Bahá'í Writings promise that this "signally blest"
nation will never be defeated and will triumphantly fulfill its God-ordained
mission.

The Baha'i Faith has known crisis since its inception and many Baha'is,
especially in the cradle of the Faith, have faced brutal attacks with
faithfulness and noble resolve. Their model must be our standard. At this
moment of unprecedented disaster, we call on all of the followers of
Bahá'u'lláh in the United States to come to the aid of your nation in the
name of your Faith. The vision of Bahá'u'lláh's Healing Message and the Bahá
'í spirit of universal love and assistance are more urgently needed now than
ever before. As you proceed to serve and assist your neighbors and
communities, we ask you to bear in mind these words of assurance and
guidance from the Bahá'í Writings. "Let each one of God's loved ones center
his attention on this, to be the Lord's mercy to man; to be the Lord's
grace. Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be
of some benefit to him. Let him improve the character of each and all, and
reorient the minds of men. In this way, the light of divine guidance will
shine forth, and the blessings of God will cradle all mankind: for love is
light no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter
where it may make its nest. O friends of God! That the hidden Mystery may
stand revealed, and the secret essence of all things may be disclosed,
strive ye to banish that darkness for ever and ever."

Our prayers and love are with you always,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF
THE BAHÁ'ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General