Justice a Key Principle for Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the process of healing relationships.  Reconciliation is not merely the act of restoring a relationship; it is a process of healing, forgiveness, and transformation. 

Justice is the spiritual principle that will hasten the process of reconciliation.  Bahá’u’lláh wrote: “No light can compare with the light of justice. The establishment of order in the world and tranquility of nations depend upon it.”

In a speech he gave in Paris in 1911, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá advised that: “The government of the countries should conform to the Divine Law which gives equal justice to all. 

“Know verily that the essence of justice and the source thereof are both embodied in the ordinances prescribed by Him Who is the Manifestation of the Self of God amongst men, if ye be of them that recognize this truth. He doth verily incarnate the highest, the infallible standard of justice unto all creation…Were men to discover the motivating purpose of God’s Revelation, they would assuredly cast away their fears, and, with hearts filled with gratitude, rejoice with exceeding gladness.”  -Bahá’u’lláh

The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, outline a framework for Canada to address injustices of the past and to move forward creating respectful relationships. As individuals we also have a role to play through our daily interactions and conversations and by engaging in discovering the truth, listening to the elders and keeping a watchful eye on how these calls to action are being fulfilled.  

To find out more about the 93 Calls for Action and to learn which ones have been addressed and which ones remained unfulfilled go to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.

“O SON OF SPIRIT! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.” – Bahá’u’lláh