Our Aotearoa Bahá’í community has done well recently in expressing spiritual themes through the arts. Some of these have featured on the website of the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb, and in a recent report from Bahá’í World News Service on artists giving service during the pandemic.
The National Office is not yet opening its doors (except by arrangement) but book sales from the BDS website have resumed. Find out more details in this article.
In the week from 11-17 May, Race Unity Speech Award semi-finalists and finalists are set to share their insights and demonstrate their eloquence to an appreciative online audience.
Delegates met online to hear the outcome of the National Spiritual Assembly election in which they had cast their votes online, and to hear stirring words of encouragement from Counsellor Tessa Scrine.
Some notable anniversaries this year serve to remind us how precious are our Local Spiritual Assemblies and how wonderful are the sacrifices of the friends in supporting them.
How can we be positive and effective in our social media conversations? A brief compilation and relevant questions offer help with reflecting on themes and approaches.
Officers of the National Spiritual Assembly were elected at the first meeting of the National Assembly.
Results are announced here of the election of the National Spiritual Assembly for 177 B.E., and the National Assembly requests the prayers of the friends as it enters its new term of service.
Work progresses on the site for the Shrine, while health precautions are maintained, and the “elegant geometry” of the design is becoming visible on the ground.
The Universal House of Justice writes to the Baha’is of the world: “The comfort we take at seeing the resilience of the Bahá’í world manifest itself in action is tempered by our sadness at the consequences of the pandemic for humanity.”
The National Spiritual Assembly shares encouragement and information, including news of inspiring summer school talks just released on video.
The Most Great Festival is upon us, three days of which are non-work holy days. The beloved Guardian of the Cause shares the Words of Bahá’u’lláh, extolling the significance of this Festival.
Here is information on changes that have had to be introduced — affecting Ridván elections, Annual Meetings, enrolments, weddings, and funerals.
Bahá’ís in a Slovenian village have been part of efforts to prepare for and mitigate the effects of coronavirus pandemic.
Having adapted quickly to new realities brought on by the pandemic crisis, the friends in Aotearoa are well placed to strengthen community-building efforts in the challenging days ahead.
“… an apprehensive world has been coming to terms with a rapidly evolving health crisis affecting the people in many countries, the consequences of which for society cannot yet be estimated with any certainty.”
Practical and spiritual measures to be implemented as we face unprecedented times.
Living a coherent life means one’s spiritual and material existence are in harmony - how does this relate to giving to the Fund?
As a community, how should we respond to the coronavirus crisis? A sound perspective comes from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom in a recent letter to the believers in that country.
Bahá’u’lláh writes: “Know thou that religion is as heaven; and fasting and obligatory prayer are its sun and its moon.” Here are some resources to help in observing the Fast and benefiting from its potent energies.
