In a letter written on 14 March 1927 to the Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Istanbul, the Guardian's Secretary explained, on his
behalf, the principle in the Cause of action by majority vote. He pointed out
how, in the past, it was certain individuals who "accounted themselves as
superior in knowledge and elevated in position" who caused division, and
that it was those "who pretended to be the most distinguished of all"
who "always proved themselves to be the source of contention."
"But praise be to God," he continued, "that the Pen of Glory has
done away with the unyielding and dictatorial views of the learned and the
wise, dismissed the assertions of individuals as an authoritative criterion,
even though they were recognized as the most accomplished and learned among men
and ordained that all matters be referred to authorized centers and specified
assemblies. Even so, no assembly has been invested with the absolute authority
to deal with such general matters as affect the interests of nations. Nay
rather, He has brought all the assemblies together under the shadow of one
House of Justice, one divinely-appointed Center, so that there would be only
one Center and all the rest integrated into a single body, revolving around one
expressly-designated Pivot, thus making them all proof against schism and
division." (Translated from the Persian).
- The Universal House of Justice (From a message dated 24 April 1972; ‘Messages from the Universal House of
Justice 1968-1973’)
