With regard to the status of women, the important point for
Bahá'ís to remember is that in face of the categorical pronouncements in Bahá'í
Scripture establishing the equality of men and women, the ineligibility of
women for membership of the Universal House of Justice does not constitute
evidence of the superiority of men over women. It must also be borne in mind
that women are not excluded from any other international institution of the
Faith. They are found among the ranks of the Hands of the Cause. They serve as
members of the International Teaching Centre and as Continental Counsellors.
And, there is nothing in the Text to preclude the participation of women in
such future international bodies as the Supreme Tribunal.
- The Universal House
of Justice (From a letter dated 31 May 1988 to a National Spiritual Assembly,
included in a Memorandum from the Research Department of the Universal dated 27
June 1996)
