…the Five Year Plan [1974-1979] witnessed great progress in
the spiritual development of the friends, the growing maturity and wisdom of
Local and National Assemblies, and in the degree to which Bahá'í communities
embody the distinguishing characteristics of Bahá'í life and attract, by their
unity, their steadfastness, their radiance and good reputation, the interest
and eventual wholehearted support of their fellow citizens. This is the magnet
which will attract the masses to the Cause of God, and the leaven that will
transform human society.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a message dated
Naw-Ruz 1979; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)