Election of the National Spiritual Assembly
25 April 2020
18 Jalál 177 B.E.
Contents:
– Election of the National Spiritual Assembly
– Work presses on at the site for the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
– Youth move to forefront of grassroots response throughout the US
– Interfaith alliances explore the role of faith communities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
GC-34783
Download as PDF
To all believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to share with you the results of its election, which this year was conducted by post and through electronic voting in light of the current health crisis. All of the 95 delegates participated in the election. Members elected were:
Viv Craig, Annabel Djalili, Barney Leith, Wendi Momen, Patrick O’Mara, Vafa Ram, Darren Smith, Olinga Tahzib, Robert Weinberg.
At its first meeting, the National Assembly had the opportunity to meet with Counsellor Shirin Fozdar-Foroudi and together share prayers, beseeching Bahá’u’lláh’s assistance for the alleviation of the suffering of the peoples of the world and the advancement of the work of the Cause in the final year of the Plan. The Riḍván message of the Universal House of Justice was then studied together. The richness and tenderness of the letter inspired the consultation which explored many of its themes, including the emerging reality of the dangers facing mankind and the remarkable response of the Bahá’í community to the current unprecedented world-embracing crisis. The consultation particularly focussed on the opportunities at the national, cluster, local and neighbourhood level, at this time of rapid change, to contribute to the “constructive themes that are emerging from the discourses opening up”[1] in societies. The deep concern and love of the Universal House of Justice – “the last refuge of a tottering civilisation”[2] – for the plight of humanity and the suffering of everyone affected by the pandemic, moved each and all to their core.
Following this reflection, the National Assembly elected its officers. They are:
Chair: Olinga Tahzib
Secretary: Patrick O’Mara
Treasurer: Darren Smith
Vice-Chair: Annabel Djalili
A special online gathering of the delegates took place this afternoon attended by the Counsellor, the Auxiliary Board members, the members of the four Regional Bahá’í Councils and the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. Following the reading of the Riḍván message, our Counsellor shared inspiring words relating the themes in both the Riḍván and Naw-Rúz messages to our reality in the United Kingdom. The result of the election of the National Spiritual Assembly was announced by the Chief Teller, after which a video message from the National Assembly was shared. Based on the Assembly’s message to all believers of 27 February 2020, the video reviews the present situation and outlines the urgent needs of our community in the final year of the Five Year Plan. The video can be viewed here >. The friends are warmly encouraged to share it with each other and reflect deeply upon the challenges that the National Assembly has presented within it.
Finally, as is usual at this time of year, the “Roll of Honour” of those believers in Bahá’u’lláh who passed away during the past 12 months, was shown. This was followed by a prayer for these precious souls. The Roll of Honour can be viewed here >.
It is hoped that a zoom recording of some of this afternoon’s programme will be made available in due course.
The National Spiritual Assembly is humbled and deeply honoured to serve the community of the United Kingdom. We beseech your prayers to enable it to arise to the challenge of what may be a watershed moment for mankind.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary
References
1 Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 2020 Message to the Bahá’ís of the World
2 Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
Continue reading