In a letter dated 9 March 1965, the
Universal House of Justice stresses the "profound difference" that
exists between the "interpretations of the Guardian and the elucidations
of the House of Justice in exercise of its function to 'deliberate upon all
problems which have caused difference, questions that are obscure, and matters
that are not expressly recorded in the Book."' (Wellspring of Guidance, p.
52) Among these is the outlining of such steps as are necessary to establish
the World Order of Baha'u'llah on this earth. The elucidations of the Universal
House of Justice stem from its legislative function, while the interpretations
of the Guardian represent the true intent inherent in the Sacred Texts. The
major distinction between the two functions is that legislation with its
resultant outcome of elucidation is susceptible of amendment by the House of
Justice itself, whereas the Guardian's interpretation is a statement of truth
which cannot be varied.
(From a letter dated 25 October 1984 written on behalf
of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
