This great law [consent
of parents for marriage] He has laid down to strengthen the social
fabric, to knit closer the ties of the home, to place a certain gratitude and
respect in the hearts of children for those who have given them life and sent
their souls out on the eternal journey towards their Creator. We Bahá'ís must
realize that in present-day society the exact opposite process is taking place:
young people care less and less for their parents' wishes, divorce is
considered a natural right, and obtained on the flimsiest and most
unwarrantable and shabby pretexts. People separated from each other, especially
if one of them has had full custody of the children, are only too willing to
belittle the importance of the partner in marriage also responsible as a parent
for bringing those children into this world. The Bahá'ís must, through rigid
adherence to the Bahá'í laws and teachings, combat these corrosive forces which
are so rapidly destroying home life and the beauty of family relationships, and
tearing down the moral structure of society.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 25 October
1947, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of
the United States; compilation: ‘Consent of Parents to Marriage’, prepared by
the Research Department)
