The handling of this delicate and vital problem regarding
non-participation by Bahá’ís of East and West in political affairs, calls for
the utmost circumspection, tact, patience and vigilance, on the part of those
whose function and privilege it is to guard, promote and administer the
activities of a world-wide, ever-advancing Cause. The misgivings and
apprehensions of individual Bahá’ís should be allayed and eventually completely
dispelled. Any misconception of the sane and genuine patriotism that animates
every Bahá’í heart, if it ever obscures or perplexes the minds of responsible
government officials, should be instantly and courageously dissipated. Any
deliberate misrepresentation by the enemies of the Cause of God of the aims,
the tenets and methods of the administrators of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh should
be vigorously faced and its fallacy pitilessly exposed. The Cause to which we
belong stands on the threshold of an era of unprecedented expansion. Its
problems are many, diverse and challenging. Our methods and ways of approach
must likewise be characterized by unusual sagacity, consummate skill and
wisdom. He will surely never fail us in meeting the needs of a critical hour.
(Shoghi Effendi, March 16, 1933; ‘Messages to America’)
