It may help the friends to understand this relationship if
they are aware of some of the processes that the Universal House of Justice
follows when legislating. First, of course, it observes the greatest care in
studying the Sacred Texts and the interpretations of the Guardian as well as
considering the views of all the members. After long consultation the process
of drafting a pronouncement is put into effect. During this process the whole
matter may well be reconsidered. As a result of such reconsideration the final
judgement may be significantly different from the conclusion earlier favoured,
or possibly it may be decided not to legislate at all on that subject at that
time...."
- The Universal House of Justice (From letter of the Universal House of Justice to an individual
believer, December 7, 1969: Messages from the Universal House of Justice,
1968-1973; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)