Protest is the act of registering one's dissatisfaction with, or opposition to, some policy or state of affairs, often in the hopes of effecting some kind of change. When protest occurs as a result of the action or policy of government, it may be seen as a political action.
Although Bahá’ís are called to avoid identifying themselves or the Cause with political parties or systems, the Guardian warns against "the other extreme of never taking part with other progressive groups, in conferences designed to promote some activity in entire accord" with Bahá’í teachings.[1] Writing about Bahá’í participation in protests and demonstrations, the Universal House of Justice states that:
| “ | ...individual Bahá’ís in every country are, in principle, free to participate in efforts and activities, for instance in peaceful rallies, that aim to further laudable objectives such as the advancement of women, the promotion of social justice, the protection of the environment, the elimination of all forms of discrimination, and the safeguarding of human rights. However, should such activities begin to deviate from their original purpose and assume a partisan character or degenerate into violence, they must of course be avoided. | ” |
| — [22 January 2010 letter] from the Universal House of Justice to an individual.[2] | ||
As an illustration of this principle, while the Guardian raised no objection to the participation of students in protests against racial prejudice, the Universal House of Justice cautioned against involvement in protests against the political system of apartheid, explaining:
| “ | ...as the policy of apartheid derives from racial discrimination, it cannot be accepted by Bahá’ís wherever, and in whatever form, it may be practised. [...] While the friends should, of course, support the principles of the Faith, [...] and may associate with groups and engage in activities which promote these principles, they must scrupulously take care not to become involved in political issues. As stated [...], participation in anti-apartheid demonstrations and protest activities could be construed as involvement in politics, and therefore should be avoided. | ” |
| — August 18, 1985 letter on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly.[3] | ||
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ https://bahai-library.com/uhj_avoidance_politics_disputes
- ↑ "22 January 2010 – To an individual". www.bahai.org. Bahá’í Reference Library. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
- ↑ Helen Bassett Hornby, ed. (1988) [1st pub. 1983]. Lights of Guidance: A Bahá’í Reference File by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and Universal House of Justice New Delhi: Baháí Publishing Trust. No. 1805. ISBN 978-8185091464.
