Three protagonists

Messages from the World Centre often refer to three protagonists in the advancement of civilization: the individual, the community, and institutions. Although inextricably linked, yet these three each have their own role in development, progress and history. The book, "Creating A New Mind", by Paul Lample, is divided into three major sections, treating on the role and development of these three aspects of the Faith.

The individual

See also: Individual Initiative

The individual Bahá'í is (s)he upon whom the very existence of the Bahá'í community rests. Without her/him, no institution would have any purpose, and there would be no community. In many of the passages of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, it is the individual reader/listener who is addressed. It is the individual who has the right and duty to recognise the Manifestation of God for today, and the responsibility to respond to His call. It is the individual who supports the community and the institutions of the Faith.

The Institutions

The term "institution" is used to imply every Bahá'í body which has been called into being in order to undertake specific functions within the Bahá'í community as a whole. In the "Elected Arm", this will include the Universal House of Justice, each National Spiritual Assembly, the Local Spiritual Assembly and other bodies such as Regional Councils and the International Teaching Centre. In the Appointed Arm, this will refer to the Continental Boards of Counsellors, their Auxiliary Boards and Assistants. Written messages frequently refer to the observation that when these two arms of the Faith are working effectively together, more positive results are achieved.

The Community

The term implies, either in a local or a universal application, the totality of those considered Bahá'ís. A Bahá'í community has, in one sense, a separate identity from that of the individuals who comprise it. This is because when the community comes together collectively, e.g. at the Nineteen Day Feast, there will be a certain dynamic resulting from interactions between the members, previous history, the level of deepening or Bahá'í experience, and other factors.

The phrase "community of interest" implies those actively in touch with the Bahá'í community, but not being declared Bahá'ís. The phrase "wider community" is used to convey the entire population of the area within which a specific Bahá'í community may reside.