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1933-06-17 association with the World Fellowship of Faiths
USBN #76 - August 1933 - page 3
"Regarding association with the World Fellowship of Faiths and kindred
Societies, Shoghi Effendi wishes to reaffirm and elucidate the general principle
that Baha'i elected representatives as well as individuals should refrain from any
act or word that would imply a departure from the principles, whether spiritual,
social or administrative, established by Baha'u'llah. Formal affiliation with and
acceptance of membership in organizations whose programs or policies are not
wholly reconcilable with the Teachings is of course out of the question. In the
case of the World Fellowship of Faiths, however, Shoghi Effendi sees no objection
if the American National Assembly decides to appoint one or two Baha'i
representatives to address such gatherings on one or two occasions on a subject
which is in harmony with the spirit of the Teachings does not constitute
acceptance by the Baha'i speaker of the entire program of the Fellowship. We
should welcome and seize every opportunity that presents itself, however modest it
may be, to give a wider publicity to the Cause, to demonstrate its all-
inclusiveness and liberal attitude, its independence and purity, without
committing ourselves, whether by word or by deed, to programs or policies that are
not in strict conformity with the tenets of the Faith. Shoghi Effendi hopes that
this principle will guide your distinguished Assembly in its dealings with various
associations which will increasingly seek, in the days to come, the support of
Baha'i individuals and Assemblies for the attainment of their ends."
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note previous statements about the World Fellowship
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