A process of community development, however, needs to reach
beyond the level of activity and concern itself with those modes of expression
and patterns of thought and behaviour that are to characterize a humanity which
has come of age. In short, it must enter into the realm of culture. Viewed in
this light, social action can become an occasion to raise collective
consciousness of such vital principles as oneness, justice, and the equality of
women and men; to promote an environment distinguished by traits such as
truthfulness, equity, trustworthiness, and generosity; to enhance the ability
of a community to resist the influence of destructive social forces; to
demonstrate the value of cooperation as an organizing principle for activity;
to fortify collective volition; and to infuse practice with insight from the
teachings. For, in the final analysis, many of the questions most central to
the emergence of a prosperous global civilization are to be addressed at the
level of culture.
(From a Statement prepared by the Office of Social and
Economic Development at the Bahá’í World Centre on the subject of social action,
attached to a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to all
National Spiritual Assemblies dated 26 November 2012)
