The members thereof [of a Spiritual Assembly] must take
counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may
arise. This can be attained when every member expresseth with absolute freedom
his own opinion and setteth forth his argument. Should anyone oppose, he must
on no account feel hurt for not until matters are fully discussed can the right
way be revealed. The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash
of differing opinions. If after discussion, a decision be carried unanimously
well and good; but if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should arise, a
majority of voices must prevail.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Selections from the Writings
of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)
