He is the Guardian of the Cause in the very fullness of that
term, and the appointed interpreter of its teachings, and is guided in his
decisions to do that which protects it and fosters its growth and highest
interests.
He always has the right to step in and countermand the
decisions of a national assembly; if he did not possess this right he would be
absolutely impotent to protect the Faith, just as the N.S.A., if it were
divested of the right to countermand the decisions of a local assembly, would
be incapable of watching over and guiding the national welfare of the Bahá’í
Community.
It very seldom happens—but it nevertheless does happen—that
he feels impelled to change a major (as you put it) decision of an N.S.A.; but
he always unhesitatingly does so when necessary, and the N.S.A. in question
should gladly and unhesitatingly accept this as a measure designed for the good
of the Faith which its elected representatives are so devotedly seeking to
serve.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 13 May 1945 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi;
‘Letters to Australia and New Zealand’)
