You have asked, however, for specific rules of conduct to
govern the relationships of husbands and wives. This the House of Justice does
not wish to do, and it feels that there is already adequate guidance included
in the compilation on this subject. For example the principle that the rights
of each and all in the family unit must be upheld, and the advice that loving
consultation should be the keynote, that all matters should be settled in
harmony and love, and that there are times when the husband and the wife should
defer to the wishes of the other. Exactly under what circumstances such
deference should take place, is a matter for each couple to determine....
- The Universal House of Justice (From
a letter dated 16 May 1982 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice
to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Women)
