…although Bahá’ís believe that the Teachings and Order of
Bahá’u’lláh are the solution to the current problems of mankind, they abstain
completely from ever attempting to put them into effect through political
action. Only if people voluntarily accept them and submit themselves freely to
this Order will it be implemented in the world. Bahá’ís should never attempt to
impose their belief on anyone. Bahá’u’lláh has given certain teachings which
Bahá’ís believe to be true; they offer these teachings to the rest of mankind.
Whosoever accepts them is a Bahá’í, but everyone is free to reject them. No one
is ever compelled to become a Bahá’í, nor is anyone compelled to remain a
Bahá’í. If one has accepted the Bahá’í Faith and later concludes that one has made
a mistake, one is free to withdraw, and no stigma is attached to such an
action. In all such things Bahá’ís uphold Bahá’u’lláh’s principle of
independent investigation of truth. - The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 1 May 1991, written on
behalf of the Universal House of Justice to two individual believers; Online
Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)
