There are certain teachings and exhortations the observance
of which is solely between the individual and God; the non-observance of other
laws and ordinances incurs some form of sanction. Some of these violations
incur punishment for a single offence, while others are punished only after
repeated warnings have failed to remedy the violation. It is not possible to
establish a single rule applicable automatically and invariably. Every case is
different, and there is more than one variable consideration to take into
account, for example, the circumstances of the individual, the degree to which
the good name of the Faith is involved, whether the offence is blatant and
flagrant. Over and over again the beloved Guardian urged Assemblies to be
extremely patient and forbearing in dealing with the friends. He pointed out on
many occasions that removal of administrative rights is the heaviest sanction
which Assemblies may impose at the present time. These considerations apply to
the types of problems you mention in your letter. In all such cases it is for
the Assembly to determine at what point the conduct is blatant and flagrant or
is harmful to the name of the Faith. They must determine whether the believer
has been given sufficient warning before the imposition of sanctions. (The
Universal House of Justice
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 20 February 1977; compilation:
‘Removal of Administrative Rights’, prepared by the Research Department of the
Universal House of Justice, 1993)
