…when Bahá'ís permit the dark forces of the world to enter
into their own relationships within the Faith they gravely jeopardize its
progress; it is the paramount duty of the believers, the Local Assemblies, and
particularly the National Spiritual Assembly to foster harmony, understanding
and love amongst the friends. All should be ready and willing to set aside
every personal sense of grievance -- justified or unjustified -- for the good
of the Cause, because the people will never embrace it until they see in its
community life mirrored what is so conspicuously lacking in the world: love and
unity.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 13 May 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to
a National Spiritual Assembly; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III,
Issues Concerning Community Functioning)
