Did Mason Remey Sign the Document?

 

The Haifan Bahais often cite Mason Remey’s signing of the document that declared no guardian could succeed Shoghi Effendi as evidence against his later proclamation as Guardian. Yet, they conveniently ignore the deeper principles and inner turmoil behind Remey's actions. This argument by the Haifan Bahais serves as a smokescreen for their own actions in establishing a Universal House of Justice devoid of a living Guardian, thereby creating a headless body that defies the very foundation laid by Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha.

 

The Hypocrisy of the Haifan Bahais

The Haifan Bahais have enshrined the idea of a "Universal House of Justice" that operates without a Guardian as its head. This stands in stark contrast to the original teachings that a living Guardian is essential for the faith without whom the world order of Bahaullah would get mutilated. The hypocrisy here is blatant: they accuse Remey of inconsistency while they themselves have strayed far from the scriptures.

 

Mason Remey: Upholding the Principles Despite Reluctance

Remey’s signing of the document did not signify agreement with the abandonment of the guardianship. Rather, it was an act compelled by the principle of collective action within the Baha'i Faith, where dissenters are expected to conform outwardly to the majority's decision to maintain unity. As Brent Mathieu articulates:

"The established Baha'i principle in collective action is that once an assembly reaches a majority decision, all dissenters cease opposition, and accept the decision to maintain unity, even if they believe it in error. Baha'is trust God that eventually the truth will be revealed, and error corrected."  

Refer: Mathieu, “Biography of Charles Mason Remey,” Heart of the Baha’i Faith forum, December 28, 2004.

 

Remey himself made it clear that his signature was given under duress of policy, not out of genuine agreement. He repeatedly expressed his internal opposition to the path being taken by the majority, knowing it would lead the Faith into spiritual peril. In his "Daily Observations," Remey noted:

"I support them — the nobles of the Faith — in whatever the majority stand for, thus I am supporting the face they make before the people, while in my inner thoughts I know that they are on the wrong track entirely and are leading the Faith to destruction."  

Refer: Extracts from the Daily Observations,” p. 68

 

Remey’s compliance was in form, not in substance. He was adhering to a principle meant to preserve unity, even as he foresaw the Haifan Bahais’ betrayal of the Faith's foundational structure by abolishing the guardianship.

 

The Headless "Universal House of Justice

The real issue at hand is not whether Remey signed a document, but the Haifan Bahais’ decision to establish a Universal House of Justice (UHJ) without a living Guardian. This is a blatant violation of the sacred texts, which clearly state that the Universal House of Justice must function under the guidance of a Living Guardian as its head. By eliminating the role of the Guardian, the Haifan Bahais have created a headless institution that claims divine authority while discarding the very mechanism intended to safeguard the Faith from error.

 

In doing so, they have embraced a model of leadership that is fundamentally flawed. A UHJ without a Living Guardian is akin to a ship without a captain, drifting on the tides of personal interpretation and human fallibility. This headless body is not what Baha'u'llah envisioned, nor what 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi painstakingly built.

 

An Invitation to Seek the Truth

The Orthodox Bahais maintain that the Faith must remain true to its divinely appointed structure, which includes the continuation of the guardianship. Mason Remey, despite his reluctance, recognized the dire consequences of abandoning this principle. His later proclamation as Guardian was not an act of defiance but a necessary step to preserve the integrity of the Faith against the Haifan Bahais' deviation.

We urge one and all to research the Orthodox Bahai stance on guardianship as it will uncover the truth about the headless "Universal House of Justice" which the deviated hands had erected.

It is time to recognize that the core teachings of the Faith demand a living Guardian to guide the Universal House of Justice and to lead the Baha'i community in unity and truth. 

In light of this, we extend an invitation to all sincere seekers to learn about the living Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith. The Orthodox Bahá'ís affirm that the lineage of the Guardianship continues unbroken, and today, it rests with Nusratullah Behremand, the fourth and current living Guardian of the Baha’i Faith. Accepting his leadership is vital to maintaining the unity and purity of the Faith. We encourage you to delve deeper into this matter, to explore the teachings, and to seek the truth about the Guardianship's essential role in guiding the Baha'i community toward its destined future.