Among the functions
assigned to the Research Department at the World Centre is that of preparing
statements at the request of the House of Justice. We are to point out that the
statement appearing in the current Bahá'i World Centre Manual in connection
with the duties of this Department includes the following:
"...To prepare commentaries on
various subjects related to the Faith, as requested by the Universal House of
Justice."
These commentaries are
sent to believers, where applicable, as separate statements, such as those on
the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age, or on Bahá'i scholarship, or as
memoranda which are enclosures to letters written on behalf of the House of
Justice....
To preclude any possibility of their being
confused with letters written by the House of Justice, or on its behalf, it is
important that such commentaries be distinctly identified. It is also vital
that the believers understand clearly that these Research Department statements
should be regarded as representing no more than the views of the members of
that Department. While such views are very useful as an aid to resolving
perplexities or gaining an enhanced understanding of the Bahá'i teachings, they
should never be taken to be in the same category as the elucidations and
clarifications provided by the House of Justice in the exercise of its assigned
functions....
(From a letter dated 16 August 1987 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
(From a letter dated 16 August 1987 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
