27 March 2003
Dear Baha'i Friend.
Your email message of 4 March 2003 has been received at the
Baha'i World Centre, and we can reply as follows. You state that there are
large-scale demonstrations arising in your community and in communities around
the world, and you inquire about the appropriateness of Baha'is participating
in demonstrations for peace. It is important to keep in mind that while these
activities are generally carried out in the name of peace, such occasions are
motivated by highly political and controversial sentiments at a time of turmoil
and confusion in the world. Not only would it be contrary to the Baha'i
principle of non-involvement in politics for individual believers, or Baha'i
institutions, to become associated with such activities, it could also be
harmful to the interests of the Faith internationally. The point to bear in
mind here is that current demonstrations are not intended to promote peace in
principle but are focused on a specific dispute among governments. As you can
no doubt understand, Baha'i participation in public demonstrations involving
controversial issues would undermine the Faith's essential purpose of promoting
unity in all aspects of human affairs, and your desire to remain focused on the
essential work of the Faith is deeply appreciated.
With loving Baha'i greetings,
Department of the Secretariat
cc: National Assembly of the United States (by email)
(US Baha’i National Administrative website)