Re: Scope of the House of Justice

[Smaneck]

In a message dated 1/27/2005 1:51:20 A.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: "I believe the Secretariat is composed not of a pool of typists, but comprises the personal assistants of each House member, as well as some other staff members."   Dear Brent,   That is what I observed in Haifa. If Shirley is out there somewhere she can confirm this. As you know, she served in this capacity for a number of years.   " But I don't think that the fact that a letter is signed by a member of the Secretariat is an indication that the decision or guidance embodied in that letter, is not the product of consultation by the entire body of the House of Justice; it may well have been the product of consultation by all nine members."   My understanding is that they may not have consulted on the precise letter they are answering. In some case the Secretariat draws up a response based on letters written previously. Then five House members initial it. Still, the 'guidance embodied' in the letter, as you put it had been consulted on by the House at some time or another.   "I'm not sure how the House decides when one of its members will sign a letter, and when one of the staff will.  Maybe the House just doesn't want to have one of its members have to sign all those letters, so it is just a matter of convenience." I think it has more to do with the significance of the letter in question. The House signs documents that are of more general and long-lasting significance. "For example on page 6 of the Constitution, quoted from WOB 153, the Guardian states that the House is divinely guided whether it is making legislative, administrative, or judicial decisions. "   What passage from the World Order of Baha'u'llah are you referring to Brent? Can you post it here?   warmest, Susan   __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:archive@mail-archive.com To unsubscribe, send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, use subscribe bahai-st in the message body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: Mail - mailto:bahai-st@list.jccc.edu Web - http://list.jccc.edu/read/?forum=bahai-st News - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st Public - http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/bahai-st@list.jccc.net New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/bahai-st@list.jccc.edu