Extract from a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
The obligatory prayers are binding inasmuch as they are conducive to humility and submissiveness, to setting one’s face towards God and expressing devotion to Him. Through such prayer man holdeth communion with God, seeketh to draw near unto Him, converseth with the true Beloved of his heart, and attaineth spiritual stations.
As for Green Acre, if this become a centre for the Bahá’ís—with attendance granted to other groups—the divine call will reach all who wish to hearken unto it. If on the other hand it become a focal centre and rallying point for a host of empty-headed enthusiasts, each purveying his own fantastic creed, they will take up everyone’s time to no purpose propounding this or that outlandish notion.... Certainly we shall not deny access to members of other religions, but at the same time we have no wish that Green Acre should become a breeding ground for superstitions. Indeed, our ardent hope is that the cry of the Kingdom may be raised in that spot, and that the Bahá’í character of the school may become sufficiently evident for it to attract the notice of other groups.