A collection of chronologically issued answers to some of the questions submitted by individual believers and institutions

6/21/2016

Severing family ties; Adopted children and marriage consent requirements - February 17, 1971

It is clear that the separation of a child from its natural parents is a tragedy that society must do its best to prevent or mitigate. It is also clear that in certain cases the actual separation may be better for the child than to continue living with a parent whose conduct and character make him unworthy of this sacred function, for the Guardian has explicitly stated that the severing of family ties and renunciation of responsibilities between parents and the children is, in certain cases, permissible under the Law of God, but that the Universal House of Justice has to make the law governing such matters.

Whenever the law of the land or the agreement of adoption prohibits future contact between an adopted child and its natural parents, the Bahá'í law does not require the child to seek the consent of those parents to its marriage.

In the situation, however, where contact with the natural parent is permitted, it should be a matter of wise discretion at what stage contact, in cases where it has been broken, should be re- established. Just as love for one person need not reduce the love one bears to another, so unity with the adoptive parents need not destroy or reduce the unity a child has with its natural parents, or vice versa. The characters and attitudes of the individuals concerned will have an effect upon this..." 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 17 February 1971 to an individual believer; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

6/08/2016

Difficulties with in-laws - September 6, 1970

Regarding your other question concerning the strained relationship between you and your mother-in-law and what you can do to alleviate the situation, we feel you should, with the help and consultation of your husband, persevere in your efforts to achieve unity in the family. From your description of the unfriendly attitude your mother-in-law displays toward you it is clear that you will not have an easy task. However, the important thing is that you, as a Baha'i, are aware of 'Abdu'l-Baha's admonition to concentrate on an individual's good qualities and that this approach to your mother-in-law can strengthen you in your resolve to achieve unity. And futhermore, perseverance in prayer will give you the strength to continue your efforts. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a individual believer, September 6, 1970: Compilation: Family Life; Compilation: Lights of Guidance)