There is no doubt about it that the believers in America,
probably unconsciously influenced by the extremely lax morals prevalent and the
flippant attitude towards divorce which seems to be increasingly prevailing, do
not take divorce seriously enough and do not seem to grasp the fact that
although Bahá'u'lláh has permitted it, He has only permitted it as a last
resort and strongly condemns it.
The presence of children, as a factor in divorce, cannot be
ignored, for surely it places an even greater weight of moral responsibility on
the man and wife in considering such a step. Divorce under such circumstances
no longer just concerns them and their desires and feelings but also concerns
the children's entire future and their own attitude towards marriage.
As to whether you and Mr.... should now divorce: this is a
matter which so intimately concerns you both, your children, and your future
that he does not feel he can do more than point out to you what he has stated
above. The decision must rest with you both. (From a letter written on behalf
of Shoghi Effendi to a an individual believer dated 19 December 1947; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Preserving Baha’i Marriages)
