larly affecting has been the obvious sincerity of many recipients'
distress over the failure of religious institutions to assist humanity in
dealing with challenges whose essential nature is spiritual and moral.
Discussions have turned readily to the need for fundamental change in the
way the believing masses of humankind relate to one another, and in a
significant number of instances, those receiving the letter have been
moved to reproduce and distribute it to other clerics in their respective
traditions. We feel hopeful that our initiative may serve as a catalyst
opening the way to new understanding of religion's purpose.

However rapidly or slowly this change occurs, the concern of Baha'is must
be with their own responsibility in the matter. The task of ensuring that
His message is engaged by people everywhere is one that Baha'u'llah has
laid primarily on the shoulders of those who have recognized Him. This, of
course, has been the work that the Baha'i community has been pursuing
throughout the history of the Faith, but the accelerating breakdown in
social order calls out desperately for the religious spirit to be freed
from the shackles that have so far prevented it from bringing to bear the
healing influence of which it is capable.

If they are to respond to the need, Baha'is must draw on a deep
understanding of the process by which humanity's spiritual life evolves.
Baha'u'llah's writings provide insights that can help to elevate
discussion of religious issues above sectarian and transient
considerations. The responsibility to avail oneself of this spiritual
resource is inseparable from the gift of faith itself. "Religious
fanaticism and hatred", Baha'u'llah warns, "are a world-devouring fire,
whose violence none can quench. The Hand of Divine power can, alone,
deliver mankind from this desolating affliction...." Far from feeling
unsupported in their efforts to respond, Baha'is will come increasingly to
appreciate that the Cause they serve represents the arrowhead of an
awakening taking place among people everywhere, regardless of religious
background and indeed among many with no religious leaning.

Reflection on the challenge has prompted us to commission the commentary
that follows. _One Common Faith,_ prepared under our supervision, reviews
relevant passages from both the writings of Baha'u'llah and the scriptures
of other faiths against the background of the contemporary crisis. We
commend it to the thoughtf