In considering the acceptability of the witnesses the Assembly must be satisfied as to their reliability. Pertinent to this is the reply given by Bahá'u'lláh when asked for a definition of the qualifications of those who may be called upon to give testimony or bear witness. His reply was that a witness must be of "good reputation among men," and "the testimony of followers of any faith is acceptable to God."
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated September 2, 1976, to an individual believer; compilation: NSA of USA - Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)
“With reference to the matter of the consent of the parents to a Bahá'í marriage; as this is a vital binding obligation, it is the duty of the Assemblies to ascertain, before giving their sanction, that the consent obtained has been given freely by the parents themselves.”
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in ‘Principles of Bahá'í Administration’)
We must recognize that Bahá'u'lláh established institutions which are the bulwark of His World Order. One of these is the Local Spiritual Assembly which, amongst its other responsibilities, is called upon to administer the laws governing marriage. Although it is not necessary to obtain "permission" to marry from the Assembly, there are certain requirements which must be met before a Bahá'í marriage can take place, such as presentation to and acceptance by the Assembly of consent of all living natural parents and whatever civil documents, if any, are necessary according to local law.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated September 2, 1976, to an individual believer; compilation: NSA of USA - Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)
