One of the distinctive features of the Bahá’í Administrative
Order, which stands in striking contrast to the administrative systems
associated with past Dispensations, is the responsibility it places upon the
individual believer to participate in its activities. In contrast to the
members of congregations of many other religions whose role is principally that
of being the recipients of instruction and advice from their ecclesiastical
leaders, the followers of Bahá’u’lláh are called upon, in their relationships
within the community, to engage in consultation, to follow closely the affairs
of the Faith in their region, to offer their views and recommendations on all
matters which pertain to the interests of the Faith and its community, and to
elect the Spiritual Assemblies and cooperate wholeheartedly with them. This
active involvement by every Bahá’í in the life of the community provides it
with access to each individual's insight and wisdom and is a source of great
strength to the organic unit.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a message dated 22 June 1989 written on
behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly;
‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001’)
