We have your letter of 18th August 1971 concerning the
status of children under the age of 15 years who wish to become Bahá'ís. We
share with you an extract of a letter on the subject written on behalf of the
beloved Guardian by his secretary:
Up to the age of 15 years, children are under the direction
of their parents. At the age of 15, they may declare their Faith as a
conviction, and be registered as Bahá'í youth, whether the parents are Bahá'ís
or not. Children under the age of 15, of Bahá'í parents who wish to attend
meeting and associate with the friends as Bahá'ís may do so. If non-Bahá'í
parents permit a child of less than 15 to attend Bahá'í meetings, and in fact,
to be a Bahá'í, this is likewise permissible. (To the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, dated July 23, 1954)
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 29 August, 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia; compilation: 'Lights of Guidance')