One of the subtle qualities of the Bahá'í Administrative
Order is the balance between centralization and decentralization. This balance
must be correctly maintained, but different factors enter into the equation,
depending upon the institutions involved. For example, the relationship between
a National or Local Spiritual Assembly and its committees is of a different
nature from that between National and Local Spiritual Assemblies. The former is
a relationship between a central administrative body and "its assisting
organs of executive and legislative action", while the latter is a
relationship between national and local levels of the House of Justice, each of
which is a divinely ordained institution with clearly prescribed jurisdiction,
duties and prerogatives.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated
30 May, 1997)
