He feels that the Local Assemblies should be encouraged to
realize that National Committees are constituted to serve their needs, not to
dictate arbitrarily to them, and to unify the work of the Cause which is now
spreading so rapidly in the British Isles. The Committees in question should be
very tactful in dealing with a young Assembly which is beginning to "feel
its oats", as this spirit of independence, if properly handled, can lead
it to be strong and independent rather than weak and always relying on other
bodies to carry it forward! Assemblies, however, should certainly co-operate
with National Committees and not refuse their assistance.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated
5 November 1948 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual
Assembly of the British Isles; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II,
National Spiritual Assembly)
