In a letter dated 9
March 1965, the Universal House of Justice stresses the "profound
difference" that exists between the "interpretations of the Guardian
and the elucidations of the House of Justice in exercise of its function to
'deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference, questions that are
obscure, and matters that are not expressly recorded in the Book."'
(Wellspring of Guidance, p. 52) Among these is the outlining of such steps as
are necessary to establish the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh on this earth. The
elucidations of the Universal House of Justice stem from its legislative
function, while the interpretations of the Guardian represent the true intent
inherent in the Sacred Texts. The major distinction between the two functions
is that legislation with its resultant outcome of elucidation is susceptible of
amendment by the House of Justice itself, whereas the Guardian's interpretation
is a statement of truth which cannot be varied.
Shoghi Effendi has given categorical assurances that neither the Guardian nor
the Universal House of Justice "can, nor will ever, infringe upon the
sacred and prescribed domain of the other." Therefore, the friends can be
sure that the Universal House of Justice will not engage in interpreting the
Holy Writings. . . . (From a letter dated 25 October 1984 written on behalf of
the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; ‘Messages from the
Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)
