A calm and adaptable community perseveres
In a letter to all the friends in Aotearoa on 27 August 2021, the National Spiritual Assembly writes:
Dearly loved brothers and sisters,
Although the country has gone into a phase of heightened alert against the coronavirus, the Bahá’í community is responding with its characteristic confidence and adaptability, which brings much joy to the National Spiritual Assembly. We are seeing a calm “business as usual” approach, albeit with necessary adaptations, which are facilitated by online methods that enable Assemblies to continue meeting and communities to continue holding their gatherings. Dear friends, you are taking the opportunity to demonstrate the sense of purpose described by the Universal House of Justice in May last year:
Far from viewing the present period as simply a hiatus to be endured with patience, [Bahá’í communities] have recognized that the state of the world has made the need to render meaningful service to humanity more urgent. Naturally, the activities undertaken must suit the prevailing conditions, but there should be no doubt that this is a time for noble aims, high resolve, and intense endeavour. As is well known, the activities of the Plan are intended to cultivate a thriving community spirit, through which resilience to mighty challenges is also strengthened. (1)
The House of Justice wrote in the same letter that: “the urgency of attaining higher levels of unity, founded on the incontestable truth of humanity’s oneness, is becoming apparent to larger and larger numbers”. The pandemic reminds us forcefully of the interdependence of the members of society and the importance of working together to prevent the harms of the virus. One of these collective measures is the vaccination campaign currently being rolled out in New Zealand. Whether to be vaccinated is a personal decision but the National Assembly hopes the friends, in considering their decision, will give full attention to the common good. The Supreme Body has advised:
In relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of the various vaccination options that are becoming available and the wisdom of particular public health measures. They should not be concerned merely with their own personal choices and well-being, but in reaching their decisions, they should also consider their social responsibilities and the common good. (2)
Turning to details of functioning under pandemic restrictions, there are a few to note. Under Alert Levels 4 and 3, the Bahá’í Distribution Service is unfortunately unable to supply books. The Regional Institute Boards have a means for provisioning access to institute materials online but tutors need to seek this through their coordinator. Regional Bahá’í Councils are also available to advise on various matters of community functioning. The physical premises of the National Office are closed but most of its functions are operating normally through remote working methods. And of course, the marvellous and indefatigable efforts of the beloved Auxiliary Board members and their assistants continue unabated, under the guidance of beloved Counsellor Tessa Scrine. We give thanks for the technology that enables close connections to be maintained despite physical separations, and hope that those without such means are being assisted.
As we press on together towards the aims of the Plan, reinforced by the spiritual vibrancy of this centennial year, be assured that the National Assembly continually prays for your fortitude and joy under all conditions.
Loving Bahá’í greetings,
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand
Footnotes
(1) Letter of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, 9 May 2020
(2) Letter on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual, 11 February 2021
