122: MARRIAGE, BAHa'i (RE: CONSENT OF NATURAL PARENTS)

"Our beloved Guardian made it clear that it was the responsibility of the Baha'i body performing the marriage ceremony to confirm without question the fact that the living natural parents of the two individuals who are being married have given their consent to the marriage. It is preferable that this consent be given in writing, but if this is not possible, or inadvisable for some reason, verbal consent in the present of witnesses is sufficient."... "Regarding your question of applying the sanction of suspension of voting rights to people who marry without the consent of parents, this should be done from now on. The laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas are explicit and not open to any ambiguity at all. As long as the parents are alive, the consent must be obtained; it is not conditioned on their relationship to their children. If the whereabouts of the parents is not known legally, in other words, if they are legally dead, then it is not necessary for the children to obtain their consent, obviously. It is not a question of the child not knowing the present whereabouts of the parents, it is a question of a legal thing--if the parents are alive, they must be asked."

123: MARRIAGE OF BAHa'U'LLaH

"It would, however, be very helpful for the friends to know that the question which the above-mentioned missionary has raised in connection with the marriage of Baha'u'llah and the provisions in the Aqdas regarding the inst.i.tution of marriage have been explained by 'Abdu'l-Baha in a Tablet which the Guardian hopes to have translated and published in conjunction with the Aqdas. Moreover, as regards Baha'u'llah's marriage, it should be noted that His three marriages were all contracted before He revealed His Book of Laws, and even before His declaration in Ba_gh_dad, at a time when Baha'i marriage laws had not yet been made known, and the Revelation not yet disclosed."

124: MASONRY, FREE (MEMBERSHIP IN)

"Disapprove membership (in) Freemasonry." "Any Baha'i determined retain membership (in) Freemasonry loses voting rights."

"The directive regarding membership in Freemasonry should be carried out by your a.s.sembly in all areas under your a.s.sembly's jurisdiction."

125: MEDICAL SCIENCE (LEAVING BODIES TO)

"There is nothing in the Teachings against leaving our bodies to Medical Science. The only thing we should stipulate is that we do not wish to be cremated, as it is against Baha'i Law."

"As many people make arrangements to leave their bodies to Medical Science for investigation, he suggests that you inquire, either through some lawyer friend or through some hospital, how you could do this and then make the necessary provision in your will, stipulating that you wish your body to be of service to mankind in death, and that, being a Baha'i, you request that your remains not be cremated and not be taken more than an hour's journey from the place you die."

"The spirit has no more connection with the body after it departs, but as the body was once the temple of the spirit, we Baha'is are taught that it must be treated with respect."

126: MEDITATION

"Through meditation doors of deeper knowledge and inspiration may be opened. Naturally, if one meditates as a Baha'i he is connected with the Source;... Meditation is very important, and the Guardian sees no reason why the friends should not be taught to meditate, but they should guard against superst.i.tions or foolish ideas creeping into it."

127: MEETINGS, BAHa'i

"Regarding your question as to the advisability of holding Baha'i meetings at a time coinciding with church meetings; the Guardian would advise the friends to avoid such a coincidence, as otherwise many church people may feel offended, and this may lead to unnecessary and even harmful misunderstandings and developments which may injure the Cause and affect its prestige in the eyes of the public. The friends should, under all circ.u.mstances, be careful not to arouse unnecessarily any feelings of religious antagonism."

128: MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES, LSA (RESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS)

"...it is only too obvious that unless a member can attend regularly the meetings of his local a.s.sembly, it would be impossible for him to discharge the duties inc.u.mbent upon him, and to fulfill his responsibilities, as a representative of the community. Membership in a Local Spiritual a.s.sembly carries with it, indeed, an obligation and capacity to remain in close touch with local Baha'i activities, and ability to attend regularly the sessions of the a.s.sembly."

129: MEMORIAL OFFERINGS

"He feels sure this offering, expended in memory of your dear ones, will rejoice their spirits, and aid them to progress in the world beyond."

130: MENTAL ILLNESS

"Regarding persons whose condition has not been defined by the civil authorities after medical diagnosis, the a.s.sembly on the spot must investigate every case that arises and, after consultation with experts, deliver its verdict. Such a verdict, however, should, in important cases, be preceded by consultation with the NSA. No doubt, the power of prayer is very great, yet consultation with experts is enjoined by Baha'u'llah.

Should these experts believe that an abnormal case exists, the withholding of voting rights is justified."

131: MILITARY DUTY (STATUS OF BAHa'iS IN RELATION TO)

"No change whatsoever (in) status (of) Baha'is (in) relation (to) active military duty. No compromise (of) spiritual principles (of) Faith possible however tense (the) situation, however aroused public opinion."

132: MILITARY SERVICE