Hands of the Cause

Hands of the Cause of God (abbreviated as Hands or Hands of the Cause), in the Baha'i Faith, refers to several prominent Baha'is^[1] appointed for life by Baha'u'llah, 'Abdu'l-Baha', and Shoghi Effendi to promote the Baha'i teachings and preserve the unity of the Baha'i community. Each one of the appointees is referred to as a Hand of the Cause. Of the fifty individuals given the title, Baha'u'llah appointed four during his lifetime; 'Abdu'l-Baha' also posthumously designated four individuals as Hands of the Cause; and afterwards, Shoghi Effendi appointed forty-two to this rank over the 36 years of his ministry.^[2] Hands of the Cause played a significant role in propagating the religion and protecting it from schism.^[3]

'Abdu'l-Baha' formally defined the role of these prominent Baha'is, elaborated on their responsibilities, and emphasized their importance. In his Will and Testament, known as Alwah-i-Vasaya, he stated that the responsibility for appointing and guiding the Hands in the future would rest with his successor, Shoghi Effendi. A few weeks before his passing in November 1957, Shoghi Effendi appointed the final group of the Hands, and in a letter to the Baha'is of the world, referred to the Body of the Hands as the Chief Stewards of the Baha'i Faith. This Body of 27 men and women assumed the leadership and guidance of the worldwide Baha'i community for six years following the passing of Shoghi Effendi, until the election of the Universal House of Justice in April 1963. In the administrative structure of the Baha'i Faith, authority is not held by individuals; rather, decisions are made collectively through consultation in Baha'i councils. The supreme governing institution is the Universal House of Justice in the Baha'i faith.^[4]

The temporary administration of the affairs of the faith by the Hands until the formation of the Universal House of Justice was foreseen in the Kitab-i-Aqdas.^[5] After its establishment in April 1963, the Universal House of Justice created the Institution of the Counsellors in 1968, and the appointed Continental Counsellors over time took on the role that the Hands of the Cause were filling.^[3][6] The functions of the Hands were gradually transferred to newly formed institutions of Continental Boards of Counsellors and subsequently the International Teaching Center, whose membership included five Counsellors from around the world and all living Hands of the Cause as permanent members.^[2] The announcement in 1968 also changed the role of the Hands of the Cause, from continental appointments to worldwide. As the Hands of the Cause died, the number of the Counsellors serving at the International Teaching Centre reached nine and took on the functions of the nine Hands of the Cause who worked in the Baháʼí World Centre in the lifetime of Shoghi Effendi until the establishment of the International Teaching Center.

Brief History

In the Baháʼí Faith, the appointment of distinguished individuals with the title of Hands of the Cause of God (Ayádí-yi Amru'lláh) began during the time of Baháʼu'lláh. After Him, His successor ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, who is known as the Center of the Covenant of Baháʼu'lláh, referred to several Baháʼís as Hands of the Cause in one of his books titled Memorials of the Faithful. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá elaborated on the appointment process and duties of the Hands in his Will (Alwáḥ-i-Waṣáyá) and assigned the responsibility of appointing them to the Guardian of the Baha'i faith (*Valí-yi-Amru’lláh*).^[7]

Shoghi Effendi, the successor of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, appointed individuals to the position of *Hands of the Cause of God* during his lifetime. He gradually appointed 42 individuals from various parts of the world to this role. In total, 50 individuals were designated as *Hands of the Cause*: 4 by Baháʼu'lláh, 4 by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, and 42 by Shoghi Effendi, bringing the total of 50 Hands of the Cause in the Baha'i faith.

After the passing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957 and until the establishment of the Universal House of Justice the Hands of the Cause collectively as Custodians, led the worldwide Baháʼí community based on the guidance of Shoghi Effendi, as expressed in his final message to the Baháʼís of the world dated October 2, 1957 just weeks before his sudden passing.^[8] The 27 living Hands continued their activities, focusing on protecting and preserving the Baháʼí community and encouraging the believers to fulfill the goals of Shoghi Effendi’s Ten Year Plan, which ultimately led to the election of the Universal House of Justice in April 1963.^[9]

In a message (November 1964) (MUHJ 44 no. 20.4) the House of Justice announced that since it was no longer possible to appoint Hands of the Cause, the need was the development of new institutions; the CONTINENTAL BOARDS OF COUNSELLORS (1968) and the INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE (1973) to fulfil functions of the Hands of the Cause.^[10]

The Hands, in consultation with the Universal House of Justice, served their purpose for the remainder of their lives.^[11] The last surviving Hand of the Cause, ʻAlí-Muhammad Varqá, died in 2007.

Appointments

In total, four Hands were named by Baháʼu'lláh, four by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, and forty-two by Shoghi Effendi..

Appointed by Baháʼu'lláh (1863-1892)^[12]

• Adíb (1848–1919)
• Hají Ákhúnd (1842–1910)
• Ibn-i-Asdaq (d.1928)
• Ibn-i-Abhar (d.1917)

These four Hands served as a means of communication between Bahá’u’lláh and the Baháʼís of Iran. After Baháʼu'lláh's passing, they played a crucial role in supporting the succession of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and in maintaining the unity of the Bahá’í community. In 1899, at the instruction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, they established the first Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly in Tehran.^[13]

Appointed posthumously by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (1892-1921)^[12]

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the eldest son and appointed successor of Bahá’u’lláh, guided the four individuals who, after the passing of Bahá'u'lláh, continually and actively followed him in his ministry. These individuals played a prominent role in protecting the Bahá’í Faith against attacks by the supporters of Muhammad-‘Alí, the younger half-brother of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who challenged his authority as the appointed successor of Bahá’u’lláh.^[14]

In the book Tadhkirat al-Wafá (Memorials of the Faithful), ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mentioned four prominent Baha'is who, throughout their lives, devoted themselves to spreading the Bahá’í teachings and promoting its principles and ethics with selflessness, referring to them posthumously as Hands of the Cause of God. These individuals are:

• Muhammad-Ridá (Mullá Muhammad Ábádí Yazdí)
• Nabíl-i-Akbar (Aqa Muhammad-i- Qa'ini) (1829–1892)
• 'Ali-Muhammad Varqá (d. 1896), who, along with his son Rúḥu’lláh, gave his life for the promotion of the Bahá’í teachings.
• Mullá Sádiq Khurasani, also known among the Baha'is as Ismu'lláhu'l-Asdaq (d. 1889)^[15]

Ministry of Shoghi Effendi (1921-1957)

Shoghi Effendi appointed distinguished Baha’is known as "Hands of the Cause of God" in five phases, recognizing their sacrificial and outstanding efforts in promoting and protecting the unity of the Bahá’í Faith through education and the spread of Baha'i Teachings.^[16]

First Phase: Posthumous Appointments^[17]

• John Ebenezer Esslemont (1874–1925) -- Scotland
• Hájí Amín (1831–1928) -- Iran
• Keith Ransom-Kehler (1876–1933) -- USA
• Martha Root (1872–1939) -- USA
• John Henry Hyde Dunn (1855–1941) -- Australia
• Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí (d. 1942) -- Burma (now Myanmar)
• 'Abdu'l-Jalil Bey Sa'd (d. 1942) -- Egypt
• Muhammed Taqiy-i-Isfáhani (d. 1946) -- Egypt
• Roy C. Wilhelm (1875–1951) -- USA
• Louis George Gregory (1874–1951) -- USA

Second Phase: Appointed individually at different times^[17]

Shoghi Effendi appointed the following individuals at various times. (appointment year for each is in brackets)

• Amatu'l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih K͟hánum (1910–2000) [1952] --Baha'i World Center
• Jalál K͟háḍih (1897–1990) [1953] -- Iran
• Paul Edmond Haney (1909–1982) [1954] -- USA
• ʻAlí-Muhammad Varqá (1911–2007) [1955] -- Iran
• Agnes Baldwin Alexander (1875–1971) [1957] -- Hawaii

Third Phase: the First contingent, appointed 24 December 1951^[17]

• Dorothy Beecher Baker (1898–1954) -- USA
• Amelia Engelder Collins (1873–1962) -- USA
• ʻAlí-Akbar Furútan (1905–2003) -- Iran
• Ugo Giachery (1896–1989) -- Italy
• Hermann Grossmann (1899–1968) -- Germany
• Horace Hotchkiss Holley (1887–1960) -- USA
• Leroy C. Ioas (1896–1965) -- USA
• William Sutherland Maxwell (1874–1952) -- Canada
• Taráz'u'lláh Samandarí (1874–1968) -- Iran
• Valíyu'lláh Varqá (1884–1955) -- Iran
• George Townshend (1876–1957) -- Ireland
• Charles Mason Remey (1874–1974) -- USA

Fourth Phase: Second contingent, appointed 29 February 1952^[17]

• Siegfried Schopflocher (1877–1953) -- Canada
• S͟hu'á'u'lláh ʻAláʼí (1889–1984) -- Iran
• Músá Banání (1886–1971) -- Africa
• Clara Dunn (1869–1960) -- Oceania
• D͟hikru'lláh K͟hádim (1904–1986) -- Iran
• Adelbert Mühlschlegel (1897–1980) -- Germany
• Corinne Knight True (1861–1961) -- USA

Fifth Phase: Last contingent, appointed 2 October 1957^[17]

This final group was appointed a few weeks before Shoghi Effendi's passing:

• Hasan Muvaqqar Balyúzí (1908–1980) -- British Isles
• Abu'l-Qásim Faizi (1906–1980) -- Arabian Peninsula
• John Graham Ferraby (1914–1973) -- British Isles
• Harold Collis Featherstone (1913–1990) -- Oceania
• Rahmatu'lláh Muhájir (1923–1979) -- Pacific Ocean
• Enoch Olinga (1926–1979) -- Africa
• John Aldham Robarts (1901–1991) -- South-Western Africa
• William Sears (1911–1992) -- South-Western Africa

Responsibilities

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in His "Will and Testament", outlined both the method of appointment and the primary responsibilities of the Hands of the Cause of God. The Hands were to be appointed by His successor, Shoghi Effendi.

Their two main responsibilities were:

1. Protection of the Baháʼí Faith
   • Guarding the unity of the Bahá’í community
   • Defending the Faith against division, schism, and opposition
2. Propagation of the Baháʼí Teachings
   • Encouraging education and study of the Bahá’í Writings
   • Promoting moral and spiritual leadership
   • Inspiring and guiding the community in teaching efforts^[18][19]

‘Abdu’l-Baha in his "Will and Testament" asks the Hands of the Cause of God to be "ever watchful" and "so soon as they find anyone beginning to oppose and protest against the Guardian of the Cause of God, cast him out from the congregation of the people of Baha and in no wise accept any excuse from him."^[20]

Duties and Functions as an Institution

Further Structure

In 1951, Shoghi Effendi revived the Institution of the Hands of the Cause as a functioning group with no legislative, executive, or judicial authority and was entirely exempt from the priestly function of making authoritative interpretations of the sacred writings of the Faith.^[21] The group was to assist the national spiritual assemblies in meeting their set goals of expansion and consolidation of Baha’i communities in their areas of jurisdiction. Later, their responsibilities expanded to the protection of the Faith from external and internal attacks. By 1957, the original appointed group of twelve had reached twenty-seven. The group included individuals from all continents, plus several members of the first International Council. The continental Hands assisted the Baha'is with a system of transnational coordination and a form of leadership that differed significantly from that of the assemblies. With the sudden passing of Shoghi Effendi, they were to exercise overall headship of the Baha'is during the period between the passing of Shoghi Effendi and the establishment of the Universal House of Justice (1957-63).^[22] During the years 1951–1957, Shoghi Effendi provided further administrative structure and expanded roles for the Hands of the Cause:

1. Continental Coordination
   • A group of resident Hands at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa acted as the liaison between the Guardian and the Continental Hands.
   • All Hands were responsible for building relationships with National Spiritual Assemblies to support their efforts.
2. Support of the Ten-Year Expansion Plan (1953–1963)
   • Hands of the Cause were tasked with assisting in achieving the global goals of the Ten-Year Plan.
   • This included support in pioneering, expansion, consolidation, and protection efforts.
3. Delegation of Authority to Continental Hands of the Cause
   • Continental Hands were given authority to determine:
     • The areas of operation for their appointed Auxiliary Boards
     • Secondary decisions related to the growth and collaboration of teaching efforts
     • Coordination with National Institutions
4. Continental Bahá’í Funds
   • Shoghi Effendi established five Continental Bahá’í Funds, one for each of the continents:
   • Africa, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Europe
   • These funds were supported only by Baháʼís and intended to assist with the execution of the Hands' responsibilities.^[23]

Spread of the Baha'i Teachings

Shoghi Effendi, although following the instructions in the Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá, continued to define the responsibilities of the Hands of the Cause of God in terms of two main tasks: the spread of the Baháʼí Teachings and safeguarding the unity of the Baháʼí Faith. However, in the first five years of his leadership, the tasks he assigned to the Hands of the Cause were entirely focused on spreading the Baháʼí Faith.^[24] In 1953, Shoghi Effendi unveiled a comprehensive plan known as the *Ten-Year Crusade*, which aimed at spreading the Baháʼí Faith worldwide. The goals included increasing the number of Baháʼí National and Regional Assemblies from 12 countries to 48 countries and the establishment of the Universal House of Justice, the highest decision-making body in the Baháʼí Administration. Shoghi Effendi referred to the Hands of the Cause as the vanguards of this plan.^[25]

In the same year, he asked five Hands of the Cause to represent him at four intercontinental conferences held to launch the plan. After the plan commenced, with each new National or Regional Assembly formed (sixteen new National and Regional Assemblies were established by October 1957), Shoghi Effendi sent one of the Hands of the Cause to represent him at the founding session of that Assembly.^[26] He also instructed the Hands to establish a nine-member body, known as the "Auxiliary Board," for each continent, in order to facilitate the spreading of the Baháʼí Faith. These Auxiliary Boards acted as representatives and assistants to the Hands of the Cause, working alongside the National Assemblies of their respective continents. Additionally, to support the Hands and their Auxiliary Boards, Shoghi Effendi established a fund for each continent and entrusted one of the Hands to oversee it.^[27]

During the Ten-Year Crusade, members of the Auxiliary Boards regularly visited Baháʼí communities and provided guidance and encouragement for the execution of the Ten-Year Crusade's goals. The Hands of the Cause also provided counsel to the National Assemblies.^[28]

Preserving the Unity of the Baha'i Communities

`Abdu'l-Bahá, in the Tablets of his Will and Testament, instructs the Baháʼís and the Hands of the Cause of God to preserve the unity of the Baháʼí community by following the Guardian, who was appointed to manage and guide the Baháʼí communities and, after `Abdu'l-Bahá, is the reference point for the Baháʼí Faith. The goal is to prevent division and discord within the community. In this regard, the Hands of the Cause consistently worked to maintain the integrity and cohesion of the Baháʼí community, taking measures to avoid any form of division or conflict.^[29][30]

Following Shoghi Effendi’s guidance, a few years after the establishment of the *Auxiliary Boards* for the spread of the Baháʼí Faith, new Auxiliary Boards were also formed to help preserve the unity of the Baháʼí community. These Boards assisted the Hands of the Cause in fulfilling this important responsibility in their respective continents.^[31]

Collaboration with the National Assemblies

Shoghi Effendi assigned the responsibility of collaborating with and advising the National Bahá'í Assemblies to the Hands of the Cause in two areas: protecting the community from division and discord, and spreading the Bahá'í Teachings. National Assemblies are nine-member bodies elected by Baháʼís, which manage the affairs of the Bahá'í community at the national or regional level. To facilitate such a collaboration, the appointed assistants to the Hands on different continents, as members of the "Auxiliary Boards," went to work. The first group, formed in 1953, was tasked with spreading the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith, while the second group was established three years later, in 1956, to maintain the unity of the Faith.^[32]

Encouraging Learning and Education

Most of the Hands of the Cause, in addition to their other responsibilities, worked in the field of encouraging learning and education through research, writing, and content creation for the mass media, which was usually accompanied by international travels. Several Hands of the Cause, who were prominent writers before their appointment, continued their services through writing.

For example, Horace Holley, who had been a prolific writer for many years, when appointed to the rank of Hand of the Cause, authored a series of articles titled "Religion for Mankind" along with several pamphlets and books about the Bahá'í Faith.^[33] George Townshend, who had been a high-ranking Christian clergy and prolific writer, wrote books such as "The Heart of the Gospel"^[34] and "Christ and Bahá'u'lláh" after he was appointed Hand of the Cause.^[35] John Ferraby wrote a widely-read book introducing the Bahá'í Faith, titled "All Things Made New: A Comprehensive Account of the Bahá'í Faith."^[36] Hermann Grossmann, who had been writing about the Bahá'í Faith since the 1920s, produced additional works on the subject in German, including the books "What is the Bahá'í Faith?" and "Who is a Bahá'í and What is the Bahá'í Community?" He also translated works of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá into German.^[37] Ruhiyyih Khanum, the wife of Shoghi Effendi, who had written a popular book titled "A Prescription for Living" in 1950^[38], after her appointment to the rank of Hand of the Cause, authored several other books, including a biography of Shoghi Effendi titled "The Priceless Pearl"^[39] and a poetry book.^[40] She also produced two long documentaries about her travels in South America and the Bahá'í shrines in the cities of Haifa and Akká.^[41] Hasan Balyuzi, who could no longer travel after 1963 due to health issues, focused on research and scholarly work until he died in 1980, producing important scholarly works on the lives and missions of key Bahá'í figures.^[42] Abul-Qasim Faizi wrote numerous books and articles and translated works between English and Persian, such as the book "The Priceless Pearl", which he translated into Persian. He also wrote a book, Milly, about the life of Hand of the Cause Amelia Collins.^[43] Ugo Giachery, in addition to his various travels to meet Bahá'í communities, authored a book titled "Shoghi Effendi: Recollections".^[44] Ali-Akbar Furutan produced a significant body of scholarly work on the education and upbringing of children in Persian, which was translated into English and other languages, including "Mothers, Fathers, and Children", "A Practical Guide to Parenting", "The Path of Raising Young Children", and "Scientific Essays”.^[45] William Sears produced a television program series on the Bahá'í Faith and organized lectures and presentations on the subject. He also wrote a series of popular books about the Bahá'í Faith, including "Thief in the Night", "The Wine of Astonishment", "God Loves Laughter", and "A Cry from the Heart: Bahá'ís of Iran".^[46]

Rank of the Hands of the Cause

In the Bahá'í Faith, the Hands of the Cause of God are regarded as individuals who have been appointed to this high station because of their role in preserving unity and promoting the Bahá'í Faith through self-sacrifice and humility. Abdu'l-Bahá, in describing the Hands of the Cause, says that they are those who dedicated themselves to the dissemination of the Bahá'í teachings, severed all ties with anything other than God, lived a life of piety, and ignited the hearts of God's servants with the fire of divine love.^[47] He also mentions that their purity and spirituality have made an impact on the hearts of people, drawing them toward good character, righteous intentions, and justice.^[48] However, the Hands of the Cause should not be confused with the clergy, as Bahá'u'lláh abolished the institution of the clergy in the Bahá'í Faith. Instead, the administration of local, national, and international Bahá'í affairs is entrusted to elected and appointed Bahá'ís in consultative councils, who make decisions based on the principles outlined in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá.^[49] The role of the Hands of the Cause is seen as one of spiritual guidance and service, but without the formal clerical authority. The Hands of the Cause are also referred to by Shoghi Effendi as the Chief Stewards of Baháʼu'lláh's embryonic World Commonwealth.^[50]

Management of the Baha'i World

A few weeks before his passing, Shoghi Effendi sent a message (October 1957) to the Bahá’í world in which he referred to the Hands of the Cause of God as the "Chief Stewards of the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh."^[51] Based on this message, they assumed temporary leadership of the global Bahá’í community until the formation of the Universal House of Justice, for a period of six years (from 1957 to 1963), and continued to fulfill their duties in advancing the Bahá’í Faith and carrying out the directives of Shoghi Effendi in his absence.^[52] The temporary administration of affairs by the Hands of the Cause until the formation of the Universal House of Justice is mentioned in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.^[53][54]

Three interrelated factors resolved the crisis that the Bahá’í world faced with the sudden passing of Shoghi Effendi: 1.) From Shoghi Effendi’s statements, it was evident that he envisioned the conditions for the election of the Universal House of Justice to be ready after the successful completion of the Ten-Year Crusade. 2.) The Bahá’í community received its essential guidance from Shoghi Effendi’s detailed plan, which included the particulars he had in mind. 3.) Finally, in one of his final messages to the Bahá’í world, Shoghi Effendi referred to the Hands of the Cause of God as the "Chief Stewards of the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh"^[55] and requested that they work closely with National Spiritual Assemblies of various countries to ensure the success of the plan and the preservation of unity within the Bahá’í Faith.^[56]

Custodians

During the period between the death of Shoghi Effendi and the election of the Universal House of Justice the Hands of the Cause held a convocation from which they constituted a body of nine from among their number to serve in the Holy Land and to act as Custodians of the Baháʼí Faith, a body which functioned without officers and with a quorum of five, whose duties included taking care of Baháʼí World Center properties and other assets; corresponding with and advising National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies; acting on behalf of the Baháʼí Faith for its protection; and maintaining close contact with the rest of the Hands, who would henceforth devote their time to the successful completion of the goals of the Ten Year Crusade. The Hands of the Cause maintained the number of Custodians, replacing those who died or were unable, for health or personal reasons, to remain at the Baháʼí World Center permanently.

The idea of a group of nine elected from among the Hands of the Cause to stay at the Baha'i World Centre was referred to in the Will and Testament of ʻA,bdu'l-Bahá, one of the defining documents of Baháʼí administration. This body of nine was given the duty to validate any appointments made as Guardian.

"The Hands of the Cause of God must elect from their own number nine persons that shall at all times be occupied in the important services in the work of the Guardian of the Cause of God. The election of these nine must be carried either unanimously or by majority from the company of the Hands of the Cause of God, and these, whether unanimously or by a majority vote, must give their assent to the choice of the one whom the Guardian of the Cause of God hath chosen as his successor."^[57]

Ministry (1957–1963)

In 1957, after the unexpected death of Shoghi Effendi while he was traveling in Britain, the living Hands of the Cause gathered in Haifa and elected nine members who would retain the leadership of the religion until the Universal House of Justice was elected in 1963.

In a statement released by the complete body of the Hands of the Cause, they wrote:

We, the undersigned:

in our capacity as Hands of the Cause of God duly nominated and appointed by the Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith, His Eminence the late Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, assembled this 25 November 1957 at the Baháʼí World Centre and constituting the supreme body of the Baháʼí World Community

DO HEREBY UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVE AND PROCLAIM AS FOLLOWS:

WHEREAS THE Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith, His Eminence the late Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, died in London (England) on 4 November 1957, without having appointed his successor;

AND WHEREAS it is now fallen upon us as Chief Stewards of the Baháʼí World Faith to preserve the unity, the security and the development of the Baháʼí World Community and all its institutions;

AND WHEREAS in accordance with the Will and Testament of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá) "the Hands of the Cause of God must elect from their own number nine persons that shall at all times be occupied in the important services in the work of the Guardian of the Cause of God";

We nominate and appoint from our own number to act on our behalf as the Custodians of the Baháʼí World Faith

Ruhiyyih Rabbani

Charles Mason Remey

Amelia E. Collins

Leroy C. Ioas

Hasan Balyuzi

ʻAlí-Akbar Furútan

Jalal Khazeh

Paul E. Haney

Adelbert Muhlschlegel

to exercise -- subject to such directions and decisions as may be given from time to time by us as the Chief Stewards of the Baháʼí World Faith -- all such functions, rights and powers in succession to the Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith, His Eminence the late Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, as are necessary to serve the interests of the Baháʼí World Faith, and this until such time as the Universal House of Justice, upon being duly established and elected in conformity with the Sacred Writings of Baháʼu'lláh and the Will and Testament of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, may otherwise determine.^[58]

In 1959 Mason Remey and Hasan Balyuzi found that they could no longer serve in a permanent capacity as Custodian of the Faith at the Baháʼí World Centre, and thus John Ferraby and Horace Holley were selected to replace them as Custodians. Then in 1960 after the death of Horace Holley, William Sears was elected to replace him and serve as a Custodian.^{[citation needed]}

Closing of their office

Extract from Bahai texts

The Custodians called for the election of the Universal House of Justice at the close of the Ten Year Crusade in 1963 and excluded themselves from being electable to that institution.^[59]

Upon the election of the Universal House of Justice the Custodians closed their office and turned to that newly elected body. They announced:

"WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, DULY NOMINATED AND APPOINTED AS CUSTODIANS OF THE BAHAʼI WORLD FAITH BY THE DECLARATION OF THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD MADE AT BAHJI ON NOVEMBER 25TH, 1957... do now declare that the Universal House of Justice was so established and elected by action of the International Baháʼí Convention held at Haifa on April 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 1963 and we hereby release all the said functions, rights and powers which were conferred upon us under the said Declaration of November 25th, 1957 as determined by the Universal House of Justice in its communication of June 7th, 1963, and we declare that all the said functions, rights and powers now devolve rightfully and in full accordance with the Sacred Writings of the Baháʼí Faith upon the Universal House of Justice. We make this statement for the full body of the Hands of the Cause of God in accordance with the powers conferred upon us by the Declaration of November 25th, 1957, and the office of Custodians of the Baháʼí World Faith has thus ceased to exist."^[60]

See also

• Apostles of Baháʼu'lláh
• Disciples of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá
• Institution of the Counsellors
• Letters of the Living