Bahai Faith -- North America; Shoghi, Effendi, 1897-1957 -- Correspondence
afterward.” “Man is endowed with superior reasoning power and the faculty
of perception”; He further explains, “he is the manifestation of divine
bestowals. Shall racial ideas prevail and obscure the creative purpose of
unity in his kingdom?” “One of the important questions,” He significantly
remarks, “which affect the unity and the solidarity of mankind is the
fellowship and equality of the white and colored races. Between these two
races certain points of agreement and points of distinction exist which
warrant just and mutual consideration. The points of contact are many....
In this country, the United States of America, patriotism is common to
both races; all have equal rights to citizenship, speak one language,
receive the blessings of the same civilization, and follow the precepts of
the same religion. In fact numerous points of partnership and agreement
exist between the two races, whereas the one point of distinction is that
of color. Shall this, the least of all distinctions, be allowed to
separate you as races and individuals?” “This variety in forms and
coloring,” He stresses, “which is manifest in all the kingdoms is
according to creative Wisdom and hath a divine purpose.” “The diversity in
the human family,” He claims, “should be the cause of love and harmony, as
it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of
a perfect chord.” “If you meet,” is His admonition, “those of a different
race and color from yourself, do not mistrust them, and withdraw yourself
into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them
kindness.” “In the world of being,” He testifies, “the meeting is blessed
when the white and colored races meet together with infinite spiritual
love and heavenly harmony. When such meetings are established, and the
participants associate with each other with perfect love, unity and
kindness, the angels of the Kingdom praise them, and the Beauty of
Bahá’u’lláh addresseth them, ‘Blessed are ye! Blessed are ye!’” “When a
gathering of these two races is brought about,” He likewise asserts, “that
assemblage will become the magnet of the Concourse on high, and the
confirmation of the Blessed Beauty will surround it.” “Strive earnestly,”
He again exhorts both races, “and put forth your greatest endeavor toward
the accomplishment of this fellowship and the cementing of this bond of
brotherhood between you. Such an attainment is not possible without will
and effort on the part of each; from one, expressions of gratitude and
appreciation; from the other, kindliness and recognition of equality. Each
one should endeavor to develop and assist the other toward mutual
advancement.... Love and unity will be fostered between you, thereby
bringing about the oneness of mankind. For the accomplishment of unity
between the colored and white will be an assurance of the world’s peace.”
“I hope,” He thus addresses members of the white race, “that ye may cause
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