It must be realized that people who are mostly illiterate
cannot have the benefit of reading for themselves the written word and of
deriving directly from it the spiritual sustenance they need for the enrichment
of their Bahá'í lives. They become dependent, therefore, to a large extent on
their contacts with visiting teachers. The spiritual calibre or moral quality
of these teachers assumes, therefore, great importance. The National Spiritual
Assembly or the Teaching Committees responsible for the selection of these
teachers should bear in mind that their choice must depend, not only on the
knowledge or grasp of the teachings on the part of the teachers, but primarily
upon their pure spirit and their true love for the Cause, and their capacity to
convey that spirit and love to others.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a
message dated 26 October 1967 to National Spiritual Assemblies engaged in mass
teaching; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)
