With regard to the status of women, the important point for
Bahá'ís to remember is that in the face of the categorical pronouncements in
Bahá'í Scripture establishing the equality of men and women, the ineligibility
of women for membership on the Universal House of Justice does not constitute
evidence of the superiority of men over women. It must also be borne in mind
that women are not excluded from any other international institution of the
Faith. They are found among the ranks of the Hands of the Cause. They serve as
members of the International Teaching Center and as Continental Counsellors.
And, there is nothing in the text to preclude the participation of women in
such future international bodies as the Supreme Tribunal.
- The
Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated May 31, 1988)
