There is a profound difference between the interpretations
of the Guardian and the elucidations of the House of Justice in exercise of its
function to "deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference,
questions that are obscure and matters that are not expressly recorded in the
Book." The Guardian reveals what the Scripture means; his interpretation
is a statement of truth which cannot be varied. Upon the Universal House of
Justice, in the words of the Guardian, "has been conferred the exclusive
right of legislating on matters not expressly revealed in the Bahá'í
writings." Its pronouncements, which are susceptible of amendment or
abrogation by the House of Justice itself, serve to supplement and apply the
Law of God. Although not invested with the function of interpretation, the
House of Justice is in a position to do everything necessary to establish the
World Order of Bahá'u'lláh on this earth. Unity of doctrine is maintained by
the existence of the authentic texts of Scripture and the voluminous
interpretations of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi together with the absolute
prohibition against anyone propounding "authoritative" or
"inspired" interpretations or usurping the function of Guardian.
Unity of administration is assured by the authority of the Universal House of
Justice.
- The Universal House of Justice
(From a message dated 9 March 1965; Messages from the Universal House of
Justice 1963-1986’)
