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This letter provides the Baha’i world with the “insights thus far gained” and a clarification of issues based on the experience of the community since the 9 January 2001 message of the Universal House of Justice was received.Indeed the House of Justice is heartened by “the culture of learning that is taking root everywhere” as the believers focus on advancing the process of entry by troops.
The Supreme Body reflects on the learning about the categorisation of clusters. The purpose behind this categorisation is made clear: “To assign a cluster to one or another category is not to make a statement about status. Rather, it is a way of evaluating its capacity for growth, in order that an approach compatible with its evolving development can be adopted.” Two criteria that “seem especially important” in the evaluation of clusters’ devellopment are “the strength of the human resources raised up by the training institute” for the teaching work and “the ability of the institutions to mobilize these resources in the field of service”.
The House of Justice comments on the importance of the sequence of courses, stating that “[t]he rise in activity around the world testifies to the success of these courses in evoking the spirit of enterprise”. It is noted that there is “a growing sense of initiative and resourcefulness throughout the Baha’i world, along with courage and audacity.” The training institute seems to be the source of growth. Devotional meetings begin to flourish “as consciousness of the spiritual dimension of human existence is raised among the believers in an area through institute courses.” Children’s classes are “a natural outgrowth” of training. Both activities have been opened up to the wider community, attracting a growing number of seekers who are usually eager to attend firesides and study circles. Many become Baha’is and from the outset “view their role in the community as that of active participants in a dynamic process of growth”. The training institute has created a way for Baha’is to share the Message with “friends, family, neighbours and co-workers”.
The Supreme Body states that “[t]his outward-looking orientation is one of the finest fruits of the grassoots learning taking place.”
It is clear, then, that “[t]he pattern of activity that is being established in clusters around the globe constitutes a proven means of accelerating expansion and consolidation.” This leads to “thrilling opportunities” for Local Spiritual Assemblies whose challenge, together with the Auxiliary Board members, is “to utilize the energies and talents of the swelling human resources available”. For the House of Justice, it is particularly gratifying to note that [i]n cluster after cluster, the number of those shouldering the responsibilities of expansion and consolidation is steadily increasing.” Moreover, cluster meetings allow for the sharing of experience and insight leading to the setting of short-term goals. As a result, [l]earning in action is becoming the outstanding feature of the emerging mode of operation.”
Leading the way will be those clusters ready to start an intensive programme of growth. The House of Justice concludes with the challenge that [t]he scale of expansion that is to mark the next stage of growth in these clusters calls for an intensity of effort yet to be achieved.”