It is very unfortunate that some of the believers do not
seem to grasp the fact that the administrative order, the Local and National
Assemblies, are the pattern for the future, however inadequate they may
sometimes seem. We must obey and support these bodies, for this is the Bahá'í
law. Until we learn to do this we cannot make real progress. Those friends who
believe that the N.S.A. is doing wrong in some matters are, unconsciously,
implying the Guardian does not know what is going on, which is not true. He
watches very carefully over the various National Assemblies, and never
hesitates to intervene when he considers it necessary. To undermine confidence
in the National Body disrupts the Faith, confuses and alienates the friends,
and prevents the thing the Master desired above all else, that the Bahá'ís be
as one spirit in many bodies, united and loving.
The Bahá'ís are far from perfect, as individuals or when
they serve on elected bodies, but the system of Bahá'u'lláh is perfect and
gradually the believers will mature and the system will work better. The
watchful eye of the Guardian prevents any serious errors, and the believers
should know this and co-operate with their Assemblies fully.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter
dated 1 November 1950 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual
believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, National Spiritual
Assembly)
