…as the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh extends in scope and in
influence, and the resources of Bahá'í communities correspondingly multiply, it
will become increasingly desirable to differentiate between such departments of
the Bahá'í treasury as minister to the needs of the world at large, and those
that are specifically designed to promote the direct interests of the Faith
itself. From this apparent divorce between Bahá'í and humanitarian activities
it must not however be inferred that the animating purpose of the Faith of
Bahá'u'lláh stands at variance with the aims and objects of the humanitarian
and philanthropic institutions of the day. Nay, it should be realized by every
judicious promoter of the Faith that at such an early stage in the evolution
and crystallization of the Cause such discriminating and precautionary measures
are inevitable and even necessary if the nascent institutions of the Faith are
to emerge triumphant and unimpaired from the present welter of confused and
often conflicting interests with which they are surrounded.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 25 October 1929 to the Bahá'ís of the United States and
Canada, published in 'Bahá'í Administration'; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Funds and Contributions)
