Read Orignal Document
A Continuing Commitment to the Covenant of Baha’u’llah
and the Spiritual Rights of His Followers
In an important legal submission dated September 14, 2026,
Dr. Neal Chase, whom the Baha’is under the Provisions of the Covenant (BUPC)
recognize as the present Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, has reiterated his
position concerning the Guardianship, the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha,
and the rightful establishment and functioning of the Universal House of
Justice.
The submission, presented before the United States Court of
Appeals, goes beyond procedural matters and highlights several fundamental
principles that Dr. Chase believes are essential to understanding the Covenant
of Baha’u’llah.
1. The Guardianship and the Will and Testament of
‘Abdu’l-Baha
Dr. Chase emphasizes the continuing significance of the Will
and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and the provisions concerning the Guardianship
and succession. He maintains that the Guardianship is an integral institution
of the Baha’i Administrative Order and that the provisions established by
Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha must be respected.
He asserts that his position as the designated successor and
executor derives from these sacred and legal documents.
2. The Authentic Universal House of Justice
A central theme of the submission is Dr. Chase's claim
concerning the identity and constitution of the Universal House of Justice.
He maintains that the Universal House of Justice must be
understood in accordance with the provisions of the Covenant and the authority
established in the sacred texts. He challenges the legitimacy of an
administrative structure that, in his view, does not recognize the continuing
institution of the Guardianship.
For BUPC believers, this raises an important question: Can
the institutions established by Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha be understood
independently of the provisions of their own Covenant?
3. The Spiritual Rights of All Baha’is
Dr. Chase also emphasizes the spiritual inheritance of all
the followers of Baha’u’llah. He describes the people as fellow heirs and
stresses equality, autonomy, participation and cooperation.
His submission envisions a decentralized international
community in which national and local institutions enjoy autonomy while
cooperating internationally.
This vision places particular importance on the dignity and
spiritual rights of every believer, including the freedom to teach, study and
practice religion.
4. The Covenant and Universal Peace
Another significant aspect of the document is its emphasis
on universal peace and the oneness of humanity.
Dr. Chase connects his understanding of Baha’u’llah's
mission with international peace efforts, particularly the 1928 Kellogg-Briand
Pact. He advocates education, peaceful dispute resolution, human dignity and
cooperation among all peoples.
The message is that the spiritual teachings of Baha’u’llah
must translate into practical efforts toward a peaceful and united world.
5. A Continuing Stand for the Provisions of the Covenant
The September 14 submission demonstrates that Dr. Chase
continues to defend his understanding of the Guardianship, the Universal House
of Justice and the spiritual inheritance of Baha’u’llah's followers through the
legal process.
For the Baha’is under the Provisions of the Covenant, these
questions are not merely administrative disagreements. They concern the
importance of preserving the institutions and provisions established in the
sacred Covenant.
The BUPC community in India views the continued articulation
of these principles as an opportunity for believers to revisit the Will and
Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, examine the provisions of the Covenant and deepen
their understanding of the relationship between the Guardianship and the
Universal House of Justice.
Conclusion: Remaining Faithful to the Covenant
The enduring message of this submission is the importance of
the Covenant, the institution of the Guardianship, the spiritual inheritance of
Baha’u’llah's followers and the vision of universal peace.
As BUPC believers, we encourage everyone to study the
original sacred writings, examine the historical and legal arguments presented,
and independently investigate the claims concerning the Covenant.
The future of the Baha’i community must be considered in
the light of the provisions established by Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha, with
the oneness of humanity and universal peace as its guiding aspirations.
