A process of
community development, however, needs to reach beyond the level of activity and
concern itself with those modes of expression and patterns of thought and
behaviour that are to characterize a humanity which has come of age. In short,
it must enter into the realm of culture. Viewed in this light, social action
can become an occasion to raise collective consciousness of such vital
principles as oneness, justice, and the equality of women and men; to promote
an environment distinguished by traits such as truthfulness, equity,
trustworthiness, and generosity; to enhance the ability of a community to
resist the influence of destructive social forces; to demonstrate the value of
cooperation as an organizing principle for activity; to fortify collective
volition; and to infuse practice with insight from the teachings. For, in the
final analysis, many of the questions most central to the emergence of a
prosperous global civilization are to be addressed at the level of culture.
(From a Statement prepared by the Office of Social and Economic Development at
the Bahá’í World Centre on the subject of social action, attached to a letter
written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual
Assemblies dated 26 November 2012)
