Among the functions assigned to the Research Department at
the World Centre is that of preparing statements at the request of the House of
Justice. We are to point out that the statement appearing in the current Bahá'i
World Centre Manual in connection with the duties of this Department includes
the following:
"...To prepare commentaries on various subjects related
to the Faith, as requested by the Universal House of Justice."
These commentaries are sent to believers, where applicable,
as separate statements, such as those on the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age,
or on Bahá'i scholarship, or as memoranda which are enclosures to letters
written on behalf of the House of Justice....
To preclude any possibility of their being confused with
letters written by the House of Justice, or on its behalf, it is important that
such commentaries be distinctly identified. It is also vital that the believers
understand clearly that these Research Department statements should be regarded
as representing no more than the views of the members of that Department. While
such views are very useful as an aid to resolving perplexities or gaining an
enhanced understanding of the Bahá'i teachings, they should never be taken to
be in the same category as the elucidations and clarifications provided by the
House of Justice in the exercise of its assigned functions....
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 16 August 1987 written on behalf of the
Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)