ld, another evidence that humanity can
live as one global society, equal to whatever challenges its coming of age
may entail. If the Baha'i experience can contribute in whatever measure to
reinforcing hope in the unity of the human race, we are happy to offer it
as a model for study.

In contemplating the supreme importance of the task now challenging the
entire world, we bow our heads in humility before the awesome majesty of
the divine Creator, Who out of His infinite love has created all humanity
from the same stock; exalted the gem-like reality of man; honoured it with
intellect and wisdom, nobility and immortality; and conferred upon man the
"unique distinction and capacity to know Him and to love Him", a capacity
that "must needs be regarded as the generating impulse and the primary
purpose underlying the whole of creation."

We hold firmly the conviction that all human beings have been created "to
carry forward an ever-advancing civilization"; that "to act like the
beasts of the field is unworthy of man"; that the virtues that befit human
dignity are trustworthiness, forbearance, mercy, compassion and
loving-kindness towards all peoples. We reaffirm the belief that the
"potentialities inherent in the station of man, the full measure of his
destiny on earth, the innate excellence of his reality, must all be
manifested in this promised Day of God." These are the motivations for our
unshakeable faith that unity and peace are the attainable goal towards
which humanity is striving.

At this writing, the expectant voices of Baha'is can be heard despite the
persecution they still endure in the land in which their Faith was born.
By their example of steadfast hope, they bear witness to the belief that
the imminent realization of this age-old dream of peace is now, by virtue
of the transforming effects of Baha'u'llah's revelation, invested with the
force of divine authority. Thus we convey to you not only a vision in
words: we summon the power of deeds of faith and sacrifice; we convey the
anxious plea of our co-religionists everywhere for peace and unity. We
join with all who are the victims of aggression, all who yearn for an end
to conflict and contention, all whose devotion to principles of peace and
world order promotes the ennobling purposes for which humanity was called
into being by an all-loving Creator.

In the earnestness of our desire to impart to you the fervour of our hope
and the depth of our confidence,