However, he feels very strongly that if ... is in the state
your letter would seem to indicate it is certainly conducting its affairs in
the wrong way. This does not mean the Assembly, it means everyone. For where is
Bahá'í love? Where is putting unity and harmony first? Where is the willingness
to sacrifice one's personal feelings and opinions to achieve love and harmony?
What makes the Bahá'ís think that when they sacrifice the spiritual laws the
administrative laws are going to work?
...He urges you to exert your utmost to get the ... Bahá'ís to
put aside such obnoxious terms as "radical",
"conservative", "progressive", "enemies of the
Cause", "squelching the teachings", etc. If they paused for one
moment to think for what purpose the Bab and the Martyrs gave their lives, and
Bahá'u'lláh and the Master accepted so much suffering, they would never let
such definitions and accusations cross their lips when speaking of each other.
As long as the friends quarrel amongst themselves their efforts will not be
blessed for they are disobeying God.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 24 February 1950 written on behalf of
Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) The Compilation of Compilations, vol.
II, Living the Life)
