We have received your letter of 12 December 1973 concerning
the problem of...who says that it is very difficult for him to keep his job as
a teacher in a public school without being registered as a number of one of the
political parties now in the government.
A similar question has arisen in some other countries,
particularly in Africa where the one-party system is in use. Although we
understand that there is more than one political party in your country, we
think it would be helpful to you to have a summary of the instructions we have
given to African Assemblies, and this is enclosed.
We suggest that ...'s case might offer your Assembly an
opportunity to seek an appointment with the proper government official to
explain the Bahá'í position on non-interference in political affairs, as well
as on obedience and loyalty to government. Your approach should be to seek
advice on what can be done in ...'s situation and in similar cases to avoid
identification with party politics while at the same time showing the utmost
loyalty to the government. Certainly this would afford your Assembly yet
another opportunity to proclaim the Faith and its principles and seek the
respect and understanding of the officials.
- The Universal House of justice (From a letter of the Universal
House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia, December 28,
1973; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)
1. The beloved Guardian repeatedly emphasized the principle of refusing to join any political party. In 'The Advent of Divine Justice' in speaking of the rectitude of conductor which must manifest itself in the Bahá'í community, he said: 'It must characterize the attitude of every loyal believer towards non-acceptance of political posts, non-identification with political parties, non-participation on political controversies, and non-membership in political organizations...
1. The beloved Guardian repeatedly emphasized the principle of refusing to join any political party. In 'The Advent of Divine Justice' in speaking of the rectitude of conductor which must manifest itself in the Bahá'í community, he said: 'It must characterize the attitude of every loyal believer towards non-acceptance of political posts, non-identification with political parties, non-participation on political controversies, and non-membership in political organizations...
2. a. If the National Spiritual Assembly is satisfied that
membership in the party is not compulsory according to the law of the land, but
is promoted merely by persuasion, the Bahá'ís should refrain from joining the
party, whatever the personal sacrifices may be.
b. If, however, it is ascertained by the National Spiritual
Assembly, that the law requires every citizen to belong to the party, Bahá'ís
may pay money equivalent to the dues involved, without accepting membership of
the party. There is no objection to their carrying receipts indicating that the
contribution has been made.
c. If alternative 2b. is not possible, Bahá'ís have no
choice but to accept membership, without becoming active in the party, such as
holding offices. (From a Summary of Instructions of the Universal House of
Justice attached to the above cited letter to Bolivia, December 28, 1973;
compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)