Dear editor:

The current conflict in eastern Europe is indeed troublesome, but within it, I believe, can be found a small glimmer of hope. 

The current negative forces evident in this conflict have brought about positive reactions from so many nations, and are demonstrating beyond any doubt the necessity of the principle of collective security prescribed by Bahá’u’lláh more than a century ago as a means of resolving conflict.  

While the international arrangement envisioned by Him for the full application of this principle is far from having been adopted by the rulers of mankind, a step toward the behaviour outlined for the nations by Him is being taken.  

Foreshadowing the future reorientation of the nations, Bahá’u’lláh wrote: “Be united, O concourse of the sovereigns  of the world.”

He wrote, “for thereby will the tempest of discord be stilled amongst you, and your peoples find rest. Should  any one among you take up arms against another, rise ye all  against him, for this is naught but manifest justice.” 

While it is difficult to imagine any good arising from this current conflict, there is no doubt in my mind that it will hasten the day when humanity as a whole will achieve its  maturity – the next step in its long evolution – through the realization and practice of its essential oneness. 

Lawrence Clarke 
Virgil