Directives of Guardian - Shoghi Effendi
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Page 44 of  87

117 MARRIAGE, BAHA'I
"In regard to your question concerning the nature and character of Baha'i marriage. As you have rightly stated, such a Marriage is conditioned upon the full approval of all four parents. Also your statement to the effect that the principle of the oneness of mankind prevents any true Baha'i from regarding race itself as a bar to union is in complete accord with the Teachings of the Faith on this point. For both Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l- Baha never disapproved of the idea of interracial marriage, nor discouraged it. The Baha'i Teachings, indeed, by their very nature transcend all limitations imposed by race, and as such can and should never be identified with any particular school of racial philosophy." (44:1)

118 MARRIAGE, BAHA'I (Consent of Parents-- duty of Assembly to ascertain validity)
"With reference to the matter of the consent of the parents to a Baha'i marriage: As this is a vital binding obligation, it is the duty of the Assemblies to ascertain, before giving their sanction, that the consent obtained has been given freely by the parents themselves." (44:2)

119 MARRIAGE-- (Consent of Parents-- Non- Baha'i Participants)
"Regarding the question whether it is necessary to obtain the consent of the parents of a non- Baha'i participant in a marriage with a Baha'i; as Baha'u'llah has stated that the consent of the parents of both parties is required in order to promote unity and avoid friction, and as the Aqdas does not specify any exceptions to this rule, the Guardian feels that under all circumstances the consent of the parents of both parties is required." (44:3)

120 MARRIAGE TO NON- BAHA'I
"The general principle in regard to the marriage of a Baha'i to a non- Baha'i is as follows: (44:4)

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