In contrast to these patterns bred by traditional
antagonisms, the Bahá’í system is based upon the ideals of unity, harmony,
justice, diversity and forbearance in the building of a divinely conceived
administrative structure through a process of mutual learning and discovery. As
already noted, the element of power-seeking is entirely absent. All members of
a Bahá’í community, no matter what position they may temporarily occupy in the
administrative structure, are expected to regard themselves as involved in a
learning process, as they strive to understand and implement the laws and
principles of the Faith. As part of this process, the Assemblies are encouraged
to continually share their hopes and cares and the news of developments with
the members of the community and to seek their views and support. There are, of
course, matters such as the personal problems of a believer which he (or she)
brings to his Assembly for advice, the amounts of the contributions of
individual believers to the Fund, and so forth, in relation to which the
Assembly must observe strict confidentiality.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 18 July 2000
written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
