Catholic Church
History of the Early Church[edit]
"...There is certainly an element of truth at the basis of the organization of the Christian Church. For instance, the primacy of Peter and his right to succession after Jesus have been established by the latter, though only orally and not in an explicit and definite language. The real reason why Christ did not make some explicit statement regarding His succession is not known, and cannot be known. For how can we, poor humans, claim to unravel the mysteries of God's mind and purpose, and to grasp the inscrutable dispensations of His providence. The utmost we can do is to give some explanations, but these must necessarily fail to give the fundamental reason to the problem we seek to solve."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 28, 1936, in Lights of Guidance, no. 542)
Bahá'ís Should Not Attack the Church[edit]
"The Guardian agrees with you that the Bahá'ís should be very careful not to criticize or rather attack the church. As we believe the church of Rome to be the inheritor, so to speak, of Christ's teachings, the direct line, however perverted by men's doctrines, it certainly does not befit us to show antagonism towards it. We know it is out-dated. Tact is required!"
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 22, 1950, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1398)
