Response to message from our National Convention
THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
Transmitted by email
TO: The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand
DATE: 23 June 2018
MESSAGE:
Our hearts were uplifted upon reading the message from the delegates to your National Convention, and we were particularly pleased to learn of the spiritual atmosphere which permeated that gathering and inspired the deliberations. How delighted we have been to witness the great strides that have been made during the current Five Year Plan. We share the friends’ confidence in the capacity of the community to attain unprecedented heights of achievement in the period immediately ahead. As the believers in New Zealand assiduously labour in pursuit of their God-given mission, they are assured of our supplications at the Sacred Threshold that Bahá’u’lláh may confirm and strengthen them.
The Universal House of Justice
cc: International Teaching Centre, Board of Counsellors in Australasia, Counsellor Taraz Nadarajah
Message from New Zealand Convention 175 B.E.
“Titiro whakamuri kia haere whakamua” – Observe the past to advance to the future Dearly beloved Universal House of Justice,
With a deep sense of love, we wish to convey the sanctified spirit that adorned the 62nd National Convention of the Bahá'ís of Aotearoa. Fifty-three lovers of the Glory of God gathered with reverence to elect the National Spiritual Assembly and to consult on the unfoldment of the Divine Plan. The guidance of our dear Counsellor Dinesh Kumar broadened our vision and encouraged us to look to the example of the intrepid followers of the Báb. From the outset the gathering was imbued with love and a spirit of fellowship, providing the foundation for a truly spiritual consultation exploring the qualities of fearlessness, consecration and detachment.
Empowered by the loving words of the Universal House of Justice conveyed in its recent Riḍván message, moving stories, personal accounts and shared learnings were expressed by the delegates, highlighting the value in young and veteran working together, and the need for all, no matter their circumstance, to arise and contribute to fulfilling the goals of the Plan. Indeed, the higher level of participation of young people in this Convention as delegates, tellers and contributors to devotions is characteristic of the role they are playing in the transformation of our country.
The unveiling of the newly translated film Light to the World and the prayer book Ētahi Karakia Bahá’í in Te Reo Māori marked a milestone in the noble endeavour to advance engagement with tangata whenua, evoking incredible joy amongst all those present.
Fragrances of the Holy Land, uplifting and inspiring, were generously shared by the returning members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
In response to the call of the Universal House of Justice to consider afresh our relationship with the National Fund we are mindful of the need to attain higher levels of coherence in managing our financial affairs in order to enable the teaching work to accelerate to an unprecedented measure.
As we reflect on the triumphs of the first two years of the current Five-Year Plan, we look expectantly towards fulfilling ambitious goals over the remaining three years. And as we strive towards the bicentenary celebration of the Birth of the beloved Herald of this Faith, we leave this Convention with renewed resolve to enhance the devotional character of our communities and increase the level of universal participation.
The Convention would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the Supreme Body for its continued outpouring of loving guidance and supplications at the Sacred Threshold on our behalf.
Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá
The Delegates gathered at the 62nd National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Aotearoa New Zealand 175 B.E.
Source of featured photo: BahaiPictures.com
