June 23. On this date in 2009, in the wake of protests subsequent to the June 12 Iranian presidential elections, the Universal House of Justice addressed the Bahá’ís of Iran reminding them that the Bahá'í Faith "strictly prohibits any involvement in partisan political activity by individual Bahá’ís or by Bahá’í institutions."

June 23. On this date in 2009, in the wake of protests subsequent to the June 12 Iranian presidential elections, the Universal House of Justice addressed the Bahá’ís of Iran reminding them that the Bahá'í Faith "strictly prohibits any involvement in partisan political activity by individual Bahá’ís or by Bahá’í institutions."

The Universal House of Justice

23 June 2009

To the Bahá’ís of Iran

Dearly loved Friends,

With hearts grieved by events unfolding in Iran, we address this letter to you, the steadfast

followers of Bahá’u’lláh in that land. To the concern for your safety that has long weighed on us

is now added mounting fear for the safety of millions of Iranian men and women, so many of

them at the pinnacle of their youth, their vast potentialities yearning to be realized. How rapidly

have veils been rent asunder! Cruelty meted out in calculated measures to you and others over

the years has been unleashed in the streets of Iran for all humanity to see. No matter what the

turn of events, we are confident you will adhere firmly to the fundamental principle of our Faith

that strictly prohibits any involvement in partisan political activity by individual Bahá’ís or by

Bahá’í institutions. Yet you cannot remain aloof and insensitive to the suffering of your people.

Decades of hardship have prepared each of you to stand as a beacon of strength in the circle of

your family and friends, your neighbours and acquaintances, radiating hope and compassion to

all those in need. Keep alive in your hearts the feeling of confidence that the future of Iran holds

bright promise, the certitude that the light of knowledge will inevitably dispel the clouds of

ignorance, the conviction that concern for justice will protect the nation from falling prey to

calumny, and the belief that love will ultimately conquer hatred and enmity. You have

demonstrated in the example of your lives that the proper response to oppression is neither to

succumb in resignation nor to take on the characteristics of the oppressor. The victim of

oppression can transcend it through an inner strength that shields the soul from bitterness and

hatred and which sustains consistent, principled action. May the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá resound:

“Iran shall become a focal centre of divine splendours. Her darksome soil will become luminous

and her land will shine resplendent.” You and your compatriots are in our continued prayers.

[signed: The Universal House of Justice]