You should also take note of the distinction between the
unity of nations and the Lesser Peace. Shoghi Effendi, in response to questions
from believers, clarified that "unity in the political realm", to
which ‘Abdu'l-Bahá referred in his enunciation of the seven candles of unity,
"is a unity which politically independent and sovereign states achieve
among themselves". As expressed in the passages cited in the enclosed
memorandum, the Lesser Peace will initially be a political unity arrived at by
decision of the various governments of the world. The unity of nations can be
taken as that unity which arises from a recognition among the peoples of the
various nations, that they are members of one common human family.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a
letter dated 19 April 2001 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice
to an individual believer)
