The basic principle that should always be remembered is that
the N.S.A. cannot be required to reveal to any outsider all the details
concerning its work. It may choose to do so if it wishes, but nobody has the
right to enforce upon it any such action: This is, of course the purely legal
side of the question. But a purely legalistic attitude in matters affecting the
Cause, particularly now that the Faith is still in a state of infancy, is not
only inadequate but fraught with unforeseen dangers and difficulties. The
individuals and assemblies must learn to cooperate and to cooperate
intelligently, if they desire to adequately discharge their duties and
obligations towards the Faith. And no such cooperation is possible without
mutual confidence and trust.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 19 June 1935 written on
behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and
New Zealand)
