... The process of educating people of different customs and
backgrounds must be done with the greatest patience and understanding, and
rules and regulations not imposed upon them, except where a rock-bottom
essential is in question. He feels sure that your Assembly is capable of
carrying on its work in this spirit, and of fanning the hearts to flame through
the fire of the love of God, rather than putting out the first sparks with
buckets-full of administrative information and regulations.
- Shoghi
Effendi (From a letter written on behalf
of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa,
July 9, 1957; ‘compilation: Lights of Guidance’)
