Well, Baha’i Rants’ prediction that the boycott of Kalimat would not be restricted to the US, where it began, is slowly becoming true:
In fact, I would not at all be surprised to see other NSAs soon following the lead of the US in this decision. In that case, it would confirm my suspicions that it did originate from the House of Justice (and/or the ITC).
Just recently the UK NSA boycotted Kalimat. Not only does this mean that Kalimat is in further danger of closing, but more and more it also seems that this is not an isolated action taken by the NSA of the US. Rather, it was probably a decision taken at the highest level (ITC/UHJ) and delegated down to them:
Below you will find the latest letter from the UK NSA to all local assemblies in their jurisdiction. To make it interesting, the UK letter (in blue) invoking a boycott of Kalimat is contrasted in color with the US NSA letter (in red) :
23 July 2006
December 29, 2005
Dearly loved Friends
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
The National Spiritual Assembly has taken the decision that Baha’i Books UK and its agents will cease to distribute books and other items marketed by Kalimat Press with immediate effect.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of our letter of today’s date addressed to Kalimát Press. We ask you to comply with the decision we have made that all national and local Bahá’í agencies cease to distribute books and other items marketed by this publisher. However, you may continue to sell whatever you may have in stock until your inventories are depleted. Individuals are free, of course, to decide to purchase books from any publisher.
Baha’i Books UK and its agents may continue, however, to sell whatever Kalimat titles remain in stock until their inventories are depleted. Further, individuals are free to decide to purchase books from other suppliers.
Our decision was regretfully reached as a result of increasing concern in recent years that a number of titles handled by Kalimát Press, aside from those which have enriched Bahá’í literature over the years, contain matter inimical to the best interests of our Faith. It is highly inappropriate for Bahá’í institutions, which are obligated to safeguard such interests, to provide channels of distribution for publishers promoting such titles.
The National Assembly’s decision was reached as a result of increasing concern in recent years that a number of titles published by Kalimat Press, aside from those which have enriched Baha’i literature over the years, contain matter inimical to the best interests of the Faith. The National Assembly believes that it would therefore be inappropriate for it, as the institution obligated to safeguard such interests in the United Kingdom, to provide channels of distribution for such material.
With loving Baha’i greetings,
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United Kingdom
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
As you’ve noticed, the two letters are almost identical. Were they simply polished and lightly edited based off a ‘master’ letter out of the ITC?
You make the call.
Related Links:
Karen’s commentary on her blog
Alison’s commentary and podcast on her blog
NSA letter to Kalimat Press (pdf file)
Related posts: