From the Table of the National Spiritual Assembly
GC-34029
Download as PDF
Contents
· The progress of the Five Year Plan
· The spiritual health of the community
· Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb
· Office of Public Affairs
· The Afnán Library
· Other topics
Dearly loved Friends,
The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to share with you some of the subjects upon which it has been reflecting at its most recent meetings, including during its much valued consultations with Counsellor Shirin Fozdar-Foroudi.
The progress of the Five Year Plan
Steady progress is being made to win the goals of the Plan. Good news reached the National Assembly’s table from the South West Scotland cluster, and summer projects are under way in some of the other clusters that are striving to pass the second milestone. Many festivals and camps – for families and children, for example – have taken place across the UK with more than 100 participants in one notable example from Northern Ireland who are now striving to double the number of participants at their next festival in a few days’ time. Numerous individuals have also engaged in intensive training in many areas.
The spiritual health of the community
The National Assembly recently again consulted with the Counsellor on the spiritual health of the community – this is part of a regular pattern of consultations on this theme. This entails reflecting upon the principles at the basis of the individual’s spiritual life, and the well-being and healthy functioning of institutions and the community, and understanding how the National Assembly can contribute to this.
Bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb
Receiving news of the plans which the friends are making for the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb is bringing much joy to the National Assembly. Many communities will be screening the new film, Dawn of the Light – commissioned by the Universal House of Justice – which will be a wonderful tool for inspiring conversations about the greatness of this Day.
Office of Public Affairs
The National Assembly holds useful consultations from time to time with the Office of Public Affairs coordinating team. The latest one took place at its June meeting. These meetings assist the Assembly to read the reality of UK society and the discourses that are prevalent within it, and thus consider how the Bahá’í community can make a meaningful contribution in appropriate ways and various places, through the efforts of the Office of Public Affairs.
The Afnán Library
At its most recent meeting, the National Assembly was delighted to welcome the Trustees of the Afnán Library for prayers and reflections in honour of the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb. The life and outstanding services of Hand of the Cause of God Ḥasan Balyúzí – whose personal collection of books and papers forms the basis of the Afnán Library and who was himself a descendent of the Báb’s family – were particularly remembered, with touching reminiscences from his son Robert, and other friends who knew him.
Other topics
Here are a few of the other topics that you may be interested to know the National Assembly has given time to:
- Developing a plan for the management of a permanent residential training centre.
- The next stage of the refurbishment of 17 Royal York Crescent in Bristol where the Master stayed on two occasions.
- Procedures for the registration of Bahá’í youth turning 15.
- The appointment of an executive committee for the new Association for Bahá’í Studies.
- Plans for the landscaping of the area along the perimeter fence at the New Southgate Cemetery.
- The promotion of pilgrimage as an integral aspect of Bahá’í life.
The National Assembly continues to pray at each of its monthly meetings for the entire Bahá’í community, and by name for those who are facing particular tests or challenges. Please also pray for the National Assembly that its efforts may be blessed by the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh.
With our warmest love,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary