... 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’)
