The twentieth century has been distinguished by the emergence
of the unity of nations, to which both Shoghi Effendi and the House of Justice
have referred in the enclosed document. This movement, the evidence of which
accumulates with each passing day, stands in sharp contrast to the
nationalistic tenor of the nineteenth century, and is an evidence of the spirit
of a new age moving in the hearts of humankind. Viewed from this perspective,
there can be no doubt that the promise of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá has been fulfilled, and
the unity of nations securely established in the century now concluded. The
further expansion and strengthening of this consciousness of world solidarity
in the years to come will have their effect in the political realm, and will
influence the evolution towards world government.
It should not be imagined that the processes now moving in
the world will be free from challenge or difficulty. There may well be
set-backs, and conflicts may erupt periodically, as humanity proceeds towards
the emergence and consolidation of the Lesser Peace, giving rise in due course
to the establishment of the Most Great Peace.
- 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)
