…the House of Justice advises the Bahá'ís to maintain a
balance between their adherence to the Cause and obedience to its laws on the
one hand, and their role in society on the other. When an individual becomes a
Bahá'í he acquires, as you are aware, a wider loyalty to the Manifestations of
God. Having found this new way of life, he should be careful not to isolate
himself from his family and his people, and he should show respect for his
former religion. The Bahá'ís should, of course, avoid performing any acts which
could be considered as implying their membership in another religion or which
are contrary to Bahá'í principles. There is a clear distinction between
participating in festive and cultural events, as opposed to performing
religious ceremonies and rituals.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 26 May 1982, written on
behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Cultural Diversity in the Age of
Maturity)
