There is a profound difference between the interpretations
of the Guardian and the elucidations of the House of Justice in exercise of its
function to “deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference,
questions that are obscure and matters that are not expressly recorded in the
Book.” The Guardian reveals what the Scripture means; his interpretation is a
statement of truth which cannot be varied. Upon the Universal House of Justice,
in the words of the Guardian, “has been conferred the exclusive right of
legislating on matters not expressly revealed in the Bahá’í writings.” Its
pronouncements, which are susceptible of amendment or abrogation by the House
of Justice itself, serve to supplement and apply the Law of God. Although not
invested with the function of interpretation, the House of Justice is in a
position to do everything necessary to establish the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
on this earth. Unity of doctrine is maintained by the existence of the
authentic texts of Scripture and the voluminous interpretations of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, together with the absolute prohibition
against anyone propounding “authoritative” or “inspired”
interpretations or usurping the function of Guardian. Unity of administration
is assured by the authority of the Universal House of Justice.
- The Universal
House of Justice (From a letter dated 9 March 1965; ‘Messages from the
Universal House of Justice 1963-1986)
