Upon the local Assemblies, whose special function and high
privilege is to facilitate the admission of new believers into the community,
and thereby stimulate the infusion of fresh blood into its organic
institutions, a duty no less binding in character devolves. To them I wish
particularly to appeal, at this present hour, when the call of God is being
raised throughout the length and breadth of both continents in the New World,
to desist from insisting too rigidly on the minor observances and beliefs,
which might prove a stumbling block in the way of any sincere applicant, whose
eager desire is to enlist under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. While
conscientiously adhering to the fundamental qualifications already laid down,
the members of each and every Assembly should endeavor, by their patience,
their love, their tact and wisdom to nurse, subsequent to his admission, the
new-comer into Bahá’í maturity, and win him over gradually to the unreserved
acceptance of whatever has been ordained in the teachings.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a message dated 25 November 1937; ‘Messages to America’)
