...the one vital activity which will enrich the
quality of Bahá'í life is the strengthening of Local Assemblies, for in this
institution, operating at the first level of human society, rests the greatest
opportunity to foster the sound and healthy growth of the Bahá'í community. In
other words, however efficient the National Assembly and its staff may be, and
however diligently the national committees may function, it is only when the
Local Spiritual Assemblies begin to operate vigorously that a firm home base
can be provided from which to carry the Divine Message further afield.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 3 April 1974 to the
National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa; The Compilation of
Compilations vol. II)