Regarding Mr. ...: it was with the approval of the Guardian
that his name was removed from the voting list. It is very bad for the Cause to
have a member of the Community, actively, in the public eye, teaching the
Faith, and at the same time showing dishonest characteristics. We cannot
possibly say that because a person also has many virtues, faults as grave as
lying and dishonourable conduct regarding money, can be overlooked! This means
that we tolerate as representatives of our Faith people who flagrantly disobey
its laws and fundamental teachings. This does not mean there is no hope for Mr.
...; let him change his conduct, if he really loves the Cause, and then a way
will be opened for him to again be active. But the change must be real and
obvious; mere protestations will serve no purpose.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated
November 23, 1949, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual
believer; ‘Arohanui: Letter from Shoghi Effendi to New Zealand’)
