It is not uniformity which we should seek in the formation
of any national or local assembly. For the bedrock of the Baha’i administrative
order is the principle of unity in diversity, which has been so strongly and so
repeatedly emphasized in the writings of the Cause. Differences which are not
fundamental and contrary to the basic teachings of the Cause should be
maintained, while the underlying unity of the administrative order should be at
any cost preserved and insured. Unity, both of purpose and of means is, indeed,
indispensable to the safe and speedy working of every Assembly, whether local
or national.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 2 January 1934 written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi; ‘Dawn of a New Day’)
