4 February 2003

          The following guidance given on behalf of the Universal House of Justice  to
          an individual believer has been drawn to the National Assembly's attention.
          We feel that the Friends will benefit from studying it.

                     National Spiritual Assembly of UK
                                               ---------------------------------------------

          THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
          DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT

           12 January 2003

            Transmitted by email:

         Dear Bahá'í Friend,

         Your email letter of 8 November 2002 has been received at the Bahá'í World
         Centre and passed to our Department for response. As you are aware, it is
         not the practice of Bahá'í institutions or individuals to take positions on
         the political decisions of governments. One of the greatest obstacles to
         progress is the tendency of Bahá'ís to be drawn into the general attitudes
         and disputes that surround them. The central importance of the principle of
         avoidance of politics and controversial matters is that Bahá'ís should not
         allow themselves to be involved in the disputes of the many conflicting
         elements of the society around them.

         The aim of the Bahá'ís is to reconcile viewpoints, to heal divisions, and to
         bring about tolerance and mutual respect among men, and this aim is
         undermined if we allow ourselves to be swept along by the ephemeral passions
         of others. This does not mean that Bahá'ís cannot collaborate with any
         non-Bahá'í movement; it does mean that good judgment is required to
         distinguish those activities and associations which are beneficial and
         constructive from those which are divisive.
        Department of the Secretariat