6 January 1993
To the National Spiritual Assemblies of Spanish-speaking countries
Dearly Loved Friends,
The Universal House of Justice has recently had occasion to review the development of Spanish Bahá’í literature and assess its current needs. One of the important issues relates to the translation of authoritative Bahai Texts into the Spanish language. This matter has been the object of a good deal of consideration in conferences and consultations on Spanish Bahá’i publishing in recent years. One recurring recommendation is for the establishment of an international body responsible for the direction and approval of such translation work.
The House of Justice has now decided to appoint an International Panel for Spanish Translations of Bahá’í Literature, to consist, initially, of three competent and experienced believers, namely: Mr. Nabil Perdu of Spain, Mr. Conrad Popp of Chile, and Mrs. Migdalia Diez of Puerto Rico. This group will be responsible for producing authorized Spanish versions of the Bahá’i Writings suitable for all the Spanish- speaking Bahá’is of the world.
The Universal House of Justice will provide guidance to the panel directly and keep the members informed of any corrections and revisions to the authorized English versions of Bahá’i Texts decided upon at the World Centre.
Mr. Perdu is being asked to serve as the coordinating member of this panel, and as its point of reference and central address. He will act in conjunction with his fellow members for the services to be performed. These services will for the most part consist of supervising the preparation and approval of translations and revisions of the Spanish versions of the authoritative texts of the Faith, that is, the works of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as well as the writings of Shoghi Effendi and the messages of the Universal House of Justice. The work of the panel will involve not only its own members but others it may wish to call upon. In the course of its activities it should welcome and consider suggestions, concerns and appeals about its translations and services from various quarters. The panel will in this way serve as a central core for the many friends able to assist in these far-reaching tasks. It should strive to continually raise the quality and accuracy of the translations of Spanish Bahá’í literature.
To unify the translation work and assure a high standard in the renderings, any translations of the authoritative Bahai Texts will require the approval of the panel before publication. National Spiritual Assemblies are invited to correspond directly with the panel in matters related to its services. The panel is to maintain on file, electronically and otherwise, copies of new translations as well as corrections required for new editions of previously published material. These will be made available upon request to the National Assemblies or Publishing Trusts wishing to publish such literature. The panel’s approval will not be required for the translations of other works and pamphlets about the Faith, though its views may be sought. Quotations from the central Bahá’í Texts cited in such secondary works, however, should conform to the current authorized versions of the translations approved by the panel.
It will obviously take time for the panel to assume fully the responsibilities assigned to it and the House of Justice is confident that the National Assemblies will extend their full support and cooperation to these new arrangements.
Correspondence may be addressed to: Mr. Nabil Perdu, Pintor Zabaleta, 24, E-04009 (Los Molinos) Almería, Spain.
With loving Bahá’í greetings.
Department of the Secretariat
(Baha’i Library Online)