What is consultation according to Bahá'ís?
Q: What is consultation according to Bahá'ís?
A: Consultation is a special way of discussing problems and making decisions used by Bahá'ís, which involves praying before discussing, considering all the facts, not preferring one idea over another until all the ideas have been discussed, making a decision at the end everyone supports, voting if everyone cannot agree, and acting as if one agreed with the decision until new facts are known.
Q: How does Bahá'í consultation differ from regular consultation?
A: Bahá'í consultation differs from regular consultation in that everyone prays before discussing, ideas are not preferred until all are discussed, decisions are made with everyone's support, and if necessary, voting is used.
Q: Who uses consultation in Bahá'í communities?
A: Bahá'í elected leaders gather in councils to use consultation to ensure that no one person makes all the decisions. Married couples, parents and children, teachers and students, and Bahá'í communities all use consultation to solve problems.
Q: Do Bahá'ís vote during consultation?
A: Yes, Bahá'ís vote during consultation if everyone cannot agree on a decision.
Q: Can someone disagree with the decision made during consultation?
A: Yes, someone can disagree with the decision, but they should act as if they agreed with it until new facts are known to prevent undermining the decision of the group.
Q: Can Bahá'í communities consult again if new facts are discovered or an idea does not work?
A: Yes, Bahá'í communities can consult again if new facts are discovered, or the idea is tried and does not work as well.
Q: What does the word 'consult' mean?
A: The word 'consult' generally means to talk about something, consider all the facts, and make a decision.
