The heart of a Bahá’í cannot but be
distressed when contemplating the desperate state of global affairs. The
friends must remember, however, that the conflicts, injustices, and suffering
they observe are symptoms of the disintegration of the old world order.
Ultimately, political affairs must be reordered and the lesser peace
established, for humanity is a single entity and the best interests of any part
are inextricably bound up with the best interests of the whole. Yet, so long as
particular nations, peoples, and political factions pursue their own interests,
whether by political, economic, or military means and often at the expense of
others, the great challenges facing humanity will remain insoluble. While each
side portrays its position in terms of what is just and right, using whatever
means available to gain public favor — especially the media and global forums —
Bahá’ís must be careful not to be drawn into such arguments, for they are the
well-wishers of all peoples and nations. “Let them refrain from associating
themselves, whether by word or by deed, with the political pursuits of their
respective nations, with the policies of their governments and the schemes and
programs of parties and factions”, Shoghi Effendi stated. “In such
controversies they should assign no blame, take no side, further no design, and
identify themselves with no system prejudicial to the best interests of that
world-wide Fellowship which it is their aim to guard and foster.”
- The Universal House of Justice (From a
letter dated 13 January 2015 written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to an individual believer)
