There are certain teachings arid 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.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated
20 February 1977 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an
individual believer; Baha’i Canada Supplement, Edition 1, July 1987)
