Covenant-breakers - respect of rights
Letters[edit]
Scrupulously safeguard civil rights of all individuals, no matter a believer or not, an antagonist or not[edit]
"The point that I should like to impress upon their notice is that they should have the most scrupulous regard to safeguarding the legitimate personal and civil rights of all individuals, whatever may be their chosen career or station in life, and irrespective of their racial, religious or ideological backgrounds. It is not permissible in matters related to such rights to make distinctions and discriminations or show preferences. In all transactions and dealings that affect basic human rights, the standard required of the chosen supporters of Bahá'u'lláh -- a standard that must claim their unhesitating and unreserved acceptance, and which they must meticulously and assiduously uphold -- is that they should not make the slightest distinction between friend and stranger, believer and unbeliever, supporter and antagonist."
- (Translation of a letter from Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of Iran, July 1925: courtesy of Research Department of the Universal House of Justice; cited in "The Protection of Diversity in the World Order of Baha'u'llah" at https://www.bahai.org/documents/bic/consultation-protection-diversity ; also mirrored at https://bahai-library.com/bwc_protection_diversity )
Would cut themselves off from God's grace to detract even slightly from civil rights of others, even those estranged or who have recanted their belief[edit]
"...the mere fact of disaffection or estrangement, or recantation of belief can in no way detract from the legitimate civil rights of free citizens or otherwise impinge upon them, even to the extent of the eye of a needle. If the [Bahá'ís] were to act otherwise it would be tantamount to a reversion on their part -- in this century of radiance and light -- to the ways of those of a former age: they would re-ignite in men's breasts the fire of bigotry and intolerance; they would cut themselves off from the glorious bestowals and bounties of this promised Day of God; and they would frustrate the full revelation of God's grace and favour to men in this luminous age."
- (Translation of a letter from Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís of Iran, July 1925: courtesy of Research Department of the Universal House of Justice; cited in "The Protection of Diversity in the World Order of Baha'u'llah" at https://www.bahai.org/documents/bic/consultation-protection-diversity ; also mirrored at https://bahai-library.com/bwc_protection_diversity )
Civil rights of Covenant-breakers must be scrupulously upheld (e.g., debts) and can meet if necessary for formal business[edit]
"Personal relations with Covenant-breakers, however, such as personal contact or entering into correspondence with one is strictly forbidden. In this connection, however, it is important to remember two qualifications:
"First, the civil rights of Covenant-breakers must be scrupulously upheld. For example, if a Bahá'í owes a debt to a person who breaks the Covenant he must be sure that it is repaid and that his obligations are met.
"Secondly, although the believers are required to avoid, if possible, all contact with Covenant-breakers it sometimes happens that contact on business matters cannot be avoided. For example, in one city the head of the rate collection department was a Covenant-breaker. In such situations the believers should restrict their contact with the Covenant-breaker to a purely formal business level and to an absolute minimum."
- (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, October 29, 1974; in Lights of Guidance, no. 611)
Must fulfill any civic obligations toward; believers to be free from religious prejudice and fanaticism[edit]
"You must of course send Avarih (a Covenant-breaker) his title deed through the Qamsar Local Spiritual Assembly, as it is his right. The friends must have full regard for his rights inasmuch as civil rights have no relation whatsoever to the beliefs of individuals. The Bahá'ís must be free and sanctified from religious prejudice and from ignorant fanaticism."
- (From a letter to a Local Spiritual Assembly dated 15 February 1929 -- Translated from the Persian, in Non-Association with Covenant-breakers, no. 6)
