HAIFA, Israel — In a letter dispatched to all National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice announced its approval of requests by two of its members, Mr Douglas Martin and Mr Ian Semple, for permission to relinquish their membership on the Body owing to considerations of age and the related needs of the Faith.

They will continue to serve on the House of Justice until a by-election to replace them is completed. The results of the by-election will be announced at Naw-Ruz (21 March 2005).