As you point out, Amnesty International, from its own
viewpoint, is a non- political organization; however, its definition of
"politics" is different from that used in the context of Bahá'í
teachings. In addition, Amnesty International states that it is opposed to the
death penalty in all cases and without reservation, while the law of
Bahá'u'lláh expressed in the Kitab-i-Aqdas is that the death penalty is
applicable for murder and arson under certain circumstances.
Even though it is not appropriate for Bahá'ís to become
members of Amnesty International, its humanitarian aspects make it possible for
Bahá'ís to have friendly relationships with the organization. Thus, Bahá'ís are
encouraged to feel free to collaborate as individuals in certain Amnesty International's
projects, while retaining the right to abstain from participation in actions
which could conflict with Bahá'í principles.
(From a letter February 14, 1993
written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
