…the projects of social and economic development now to be
undertaken are a natural stage of the growth of the Bahá'í community and are
needed by the community itself, although they will, of course, benefit a much
wider segment of society. The Bahá'í world is in no position, financially or
from the point of view of manpower, to launch undertakings for the economic and
social development of populations in areas where there are but few believers.
The greatest need of all peoples is for the Faith itself, so that they may know
the destiny towards which they as individuals and as members of society must
strive, and will learn from the teachings those virtues and methods which will
enable them to work together in harmony, forbearance and trustworthiness. (From a letter dated 8
May 1984, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National
Spiritual Assembly; compilation ‘Agriculture and Rural Life’, prepared by the
Research Department of the Universal House of Justice)
