…the quality of aristocracy (rule by the best) as it appears
in the Faith is in sharp contrast to what is generally understood by this term.
Free from electioneering or such external pressures as those coming from
economic power or manipulation of the press, the believers seek to elect for
membership on their governing institutions those persons whom they regard as
best qualified for such office. The elected members are then responsible to God
and to their consciences, rather than to those who elect them.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter
dated 19 July 2000 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer)
