Among the more salient objectives to be attained by the
local Spiritual Assembly in its process of development to full maturity are to
act as a loving shepherd to the Bahá'í flock, promote unity and concord among
the friends, direct the teaching work, protect the Cause of God, arrange for
Feasts, Anniversaries and regular meetings of the community, familiarize the
Bahá'ís with its plans, invite the community to offer its recommendations,
promote the welfare of youth and children, and participate, as circumstances
permit, in humanitarian activities. In its relationship to the individual
believer, the Assembly should continuously invite and encourage him to study
the Faith, to deliver its glorious message, to live in accordance with its
teachings, to contribute freely and regularly to the Fund, to participate in
community activities, and to seek refuge in the Assembly for advice and help,
when needed.
- The Universal House of Justice
(From a letter dated July 30, 1972 to the National Spiritual Assembly of
Bolivia, July 30, 1972; compilation: 'Lights of Guidance')
