The twentieth
century has been distinguished by the emergence of the unity of nations, to
which both Shoghi Effendi and the House of Justice have referred in the
enclosed document. This movement, the evidence of which accumulates with each
passing day, stands in sharp contrast to the nationalistic tenor of the
nineteenth century, and is an evidence of the spirit of a new age moving in the
hearts of humankind. Viewed from this perspective, there can be no doubt that
the promise of 'Abdu'l-Baha has been fulfilled, and the unity of nations
securely established in the century now concluded. The further expansion and
strengthening of this consciousness of world solidarity in the years to come
will have their effect in the political realm, and will influence the evolution
towards world government.
(From a letter dated 19 April, 2001 written on behalf
of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
