…infallibility in essence is confined to the universal
Manifestations of God, and infallibility as an attribute is conferred upon
sanctified souls. For instance, the Universal House of Justice, if it be
established under the necessary conditions—that is, if it be elected by the
entire community—that House of Justice will be under the protection and
unerring guidance of God. Should that House of Justice decide, either
unanimously or by a majority, upon a matter that is not explicitly recorded in
the Book, that decision and command will be guarded from error. Now, the
members of the House of Justice are not essentially infallible as individuals,
but the body of the House of Justice is under the protection and unerring
guidance of God: This is called conferred infallibility.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table
talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014
revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)
