"Concerning the question of refusal by certain believers to accept
election to an administrative post: The Guardian strongly feels that
criticism, opposition, or confusion do not provide sufficient grounds for
either refusal or resignation. Only cases of physical or mental
incapacity, which, by their very nature, are extremely rare, constitute
valid reasons for such an act. The difficulties and tests involved in the
acceptance of Administrative posts, far from inducing the believers to
dissociate themselves from the work of the Cause, should spur them on to
greater exertions and to a more active participation in the privileged
task of resolving the problems that confront the Baha'i community.
"Only in cases where individual believers, without any valid reason,
deliberately refuse the repeated exhortations, pleas, and warnings
addressed to them by their Assemblies, should action be taken in removing
them from the voting list. This is a measure designed to sustain the
institutions of the Faith at the present time, and to insure that the
abilities and talents of its, as yet, limited number of supporters are
properly consecrated to its service.
"The believers, for the sake of the Cause, now in the period of its
infancy, should accept their duties in a spirit a self-sacrifice, and
should be animated by the desire to uphold the verdict of the electorate,
and to lend their share of assistance however difficult the circumstances,
to the effective administration of the affairs of the Faith.
"The same sanction should apply to those who persistently refuse to
dissociate themselves from political and ecclesiastical activities. This
is a general principle which is being maintained throughout the Baha'i
world..."