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03 Mar 27 UHJ Anti-war Demonstration
Universal House of Justice
(c) 2006 Bahá’í World Centre
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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  

27 March 2003 
Transmitted electronically 
Dear Bahá’í Friend,  
Your email message of 4 March 2003 has been received at the Bahá’í World Centre, and we can reply as follows. You state that there are large-scale demonstrations arising in your community and in communities around the world, and you inquire about the appropriateness of Bahá’ís participating in demonstrations for peace. It is important to keep in mind that while these activities are generally carried out in the name of peace, such occasions are motivated by highly political and controversial sentiments at a time of turmoil and confusion in the world. Not only would it be contrary to the Bahá’í principle of non-involvement in politics for individual believers, or Bahá’í institutions, to become associated with such activities, it could also be harmful to the interests of the Faith internationally. The point to bear in mind here is that current demonstrations are not intended to promote peace in principle but are focused on a specific dispute among governments. As you can no doubt understand, Bahá’í participation in public demonstrations involving controversial issues would undermine the Faith's essential purpose of promoting unity in all aspects of human affairs, and your desire to remain focused on the essential work of the Faith is deeply appreciated.  
   
With loving Bahá’í greetings,  
Department of the Secretariat  
cc: National Assembly of the United States (by email)

