There can be no question then that Bahá’ís are committed to
efforts toward social transformation. “Much as the friends must guard against
in any way ever seeming to identify themselves or the Cause with any political
party,” Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, cautioned, “they must also guard
against the other extreme of never taking part, with other progressive groups,
in conferences or committees designed to promote some activity in entire accord
with our teachings—such as, for instance, better race relations.” This
involvement in activities for social reform and well-being can in certain
circumstances even extend to taking part in demonstrations. A letter written on
the Guardian’s behalf indicated that he did not see any objection to Bahá’í
students taking part as Bahá’ís in a protest concerning racial prejudice on
campus, since “there was nothing political about it” and “he does not see how
they could remain indifferent when fellow-students were voicing our own Bahá’í
attitude on such a vital issue and one we feel so strongly about.” Thus,
individual Bahá’ís are free to participate in those efforts and activities,
such as peaceful rallies, that uphold constructive aims in consonance with the
Bahá’í teachings, for example, the advancement of women, the promotion of
social justice, the protection of the environment, the elimination of all forms
of discrimination, and the safeguarding of human rights.
In deciding whether it would be appropriate for Bahá’ís to
participate in particular public activities, a crucial distinction should be
drawn between those events that have a partisan political character and those
that do not. A further distinction can be drawn between those activities that
are fully in keeping with the teachings and that can be supported explicitly by
Bahá’í institutions and those where the situation is less clear, in which
Bahá’í institutions should not participate but in which individuals can be
given some latitude to make a personal decision to take part, without in any
way implying that they are representing the Faith directly by their choice. If
a believer harbors any doubt as to the appropriateness of involvement with a
particular event or approach, guidance should be sought from the National
Spiritual Assembly, which is in the best position to evaluate the specific
circumstances and is responsible for making the final determination on such
questions.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 27 April 2017,
written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer;
online Baha’i Reference Library of the Baha’i World Center)
