=================================     
03 Jan 12 UHJ Political Current Events
Universal House of Justice
(c) 2006 Bahá’í World Centre
=================================



Bahá’í World Centre  P.O. Box 155  31 001 Haifa, Israel 
Tel: 972 (4) 835 8358  Fax: 972 (4) 835 8280  Email: secretariat@bwc.org  

  

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE 
DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT  

12 January 2003 
Transmitted electronically 
Dear Bahá’í Friend,  
Your email letter of 8 November 2002 has been received at the Bahá’í World Center and passed to our Department for response. As you are aware, it is not the practice of Bahá’í institutions or individuals to take positions on the political decisions of governments. One of the greatest obstacles to progress is the tendency of Bahá’ís to be drawn into the general attitudes and disputes that surround them. The central importance of the principle of avoidance of politics and controversial matters is that Bahá’ís should not allow themselves to be involved in the disputes of the many conflicting elements of the society around them.  The aim of the Bahá’ís is to reconcile viewpoints, to heal divisions, and to bring about tolerance and mutual respect among men, and this aim is undermined if we allow ourselves to be swept along by the ephemeral passions of others. This does not mean that Bahá’ís cannot collaborate with any non-Bahá’í movement; it does mean that good judgment is required to distinguish those activities and associations which are beneficial and constructive from those which are divisive.  
With loving Bahá’í greetings,  
Department of the Secretariat

