The Formation of the International Baha'i Council
FORMATION OF INTERNATIONAL BAHA'I COUNCIL The Baha'i World, Vol. 12, pp. 40-41 “In January, 1951, the Guardian made known to the National Spiritual Assemblies of East and West his “ weighty epoch-making decision ” to form the first International Baha'i Council, as a forerunner of the Universal House of Justice “destined to emerge in the fullness of time” at the International Center of the Faith, “the midmost heart of the entire planet.” He referred to the International Council as an “embryonic International Institution,” stating that it will evolve into an officially recognized Baha'i Court, be transformed into a “duly elected body” and reach its efflorescence finally as the Universal House of Justice . He outlined its threefold functions: (1) to forge a link with authorities of the newly emerged State of Israel, (2) to assist the Guardian in th...