...we should, I feel, regard it as an axiom and guiding
principle of Bahá'í administration that in the conduct of every specific Bahá'í
activity, as different from undertakings of a humanitarian, philanthropic, or
charitable character, which may in future be conducted under Bahá'í auspices,
only those who have already identified themselves with the Faith and are
regarded as its avowed and unreserved supporters should be invited to join and
collaborate. For apart from the consideration of embarrassing complications
which the association of non-believers in the financing of institutions of a
strictly Bahá'í character may conceivably engender in the administration of the
Bahá'í community of the future, it should be remembered that these specific
Bahá'í institutions, which should be viewed in the light of Bahá'u'lláh's gifts
bestowed upon the world, can best function and most powerfully exert their
influence in the world only if reared and maintained solely by the support of
those who are fully conscious of, and are unreservedly submissive to, the
claims inherent in the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh. In cases, however, when a
friend or sympathizer of the Faith eagerly insists on a monetary contribution
for the promotion of the Faith, such gifts should be accepted and duly
acknowledged by the elected representatives of the believers with the express
understanding that they would be utilized by them only to reinforce that
section of the Bahá'í Fund exclusively devoted to philanthropic or charitable
purposes. (Shoghi Effendi, from
a letter dated 25 October 1929 to the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada,
published in "Bahá'í Administration”; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Funds and
Contributions)
