Read: 1-23-03 Political Non-Involvement


POLITICAL NON-INVOLVEMENT


BAHA'I WORLD CENTER


12 January 2003

Transmitted by email:


Dear Baha'i Friend,


Your email letter of 8 November 2002 has been received at the Baha'i

World Center and passed to our Department for response. As you are

aware, it is not the practice of Baha'i institutions or individuals to take

positions on the political decisions of governments. One of the greatest

obstacles to progress is the tendency of Baha'is 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

Baha'is should not allow themselves to be involved in the disputes of the

many conflicting elements of the society around them.


The aim of the Baha'is 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 Baha'is cannot collaborate

with any non-Baha'i 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 Baha'i greetings,

DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT

Holy-Writings.com v2.7 (213613) © 2005 - 2021 Emanuel V. Towfigh & Peter Hoerster | Imprint | Change Interface Language: DE EN