It is important to realise that the spirit of Bahá'í
consultation is very different from that current in the decision-making
processes of non-Bahá'í bodies.
The ideal of Bahá'í consultation is to arrive at a unanimous
decision. When this is not possible a vote must be taken. In the words of the
beloved Guardian: "...when they are called upon to arrive at a certain
decision, they should, after dispassionate, anxious and cordial consultation,
turn to God in prayer, and with earnestness and conviction and courage record
their vote and abide by the voice of the majority, which we are told by the
Master to be the voice of truth, never to be challenged, and always to be
whole-heartedly enforced".
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter written by the Universal House
of Justice, 6 March 1970 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada) The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Consultation)
