The Bahá'í Development Fund
Following the announcement of a new world-embracing institution established at the World Centre, the Bahá’í International Development Organisation, in a letter dated 9 November 2018 by the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá'ís of the World, the National Spiritual Assembly conveyed the following to our beloved Supreme Institution:
It was with profound gratitude and joy that the community of the Greatest Name in Aotearoa greeted the announcement of the establishment of “a new world-embracing institution” on the sacred occasion of the Twin Holy Birthdays. The Bahá’í International Development Organisation, signalling “a new stage in the work of social and economic development in the Bahá’í world”, stands as another potent sign of the realisation of the material and spiritual civilisation promised by Bahá’u’lláh.
As a token of our utmost love and gratitude for this development, the National Spiritual Assembly has pledged to contribute NZD 9,000 towards the Bahá'í Development Fund for this year (175 B.E.) and will make the transfer of funds in the near future. The National Assembly also resolved to include the same amount in its draft budget for 176 B.E.
The National Spiritual Assembly is confident that the New Zealand friends will arise to support this new international Fund, recognising its role in fostering “such means as lead to the elevation, the advancement, the education, the protection and the regeneration of the peoples of the earth...”
We offer our sincere prayers for this honourable institution and its dedicated board of directors.
The following response was received from the World Centre:
12 March 2019
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
The Universal House of Justice has received your email letter dated 25 January 2019 (7 Sultan 175) conveying your joy at the establishment of the Bahá'í International Development Organization. Your pledged contribution to the Bahá'í Development Fund is warmly acknowledged.
Be assured of the supplications of the House of Justice in the Holy Shrines that the bestowals and confirmations of the Blessed Perfection may surround your endeavours in the path of service to His Cause.
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
Department of the Secretariat
Featured photo: Seat of the Universal House of Justice (left) and Centre for the Study of the Sacred Texts (right) on the Arc. Source: Bahá'í Media Bank (copyright © Bahá'í International Community)
