National Assembly's message to unit conventions
Twenty-four unit conventions were held throughout Aotearoa on February 11. From the elections associated with these conventions, 57 delegates have been elected to serve the institution of the National Convention. The list of confirmed delegates and more information about the unit conventions, including further photographs, will be shared next week. In the meantime, the National Spiritual Assembly’s message to the unit conventions is for all believers to read, reflect on, and consider its implications for your own lives.
11 February 2023
5 Mulk 180To unit conventions taking place around Aotearoa
Beloved friends, Tēnā koutou katoa
Reports of the summer schools held recently around the country have thrilled the National Spiritual Assembly. They are beautiful examples of being conscious of having an outward orientation, creating a welcoming environment, and building elements of a robust community life regardless of the occasion or the space we are in. Our thanks go out to all who helped create such enriching spaces.
The National Assembly suggests the friends use the unit conventions as an opportunity to reflect on progress that has occurred over the initial two years of the Nine Year Plan, on what has been learned, on what the implications of this are for future actions, on what you see as aspects in community life that will help achieve the goals of the Plan, and on what obstacles may need to be overcome.
These unit conventions give an opportunity to reflect on what we have learned about connecting others to Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity, about building vibrant communities, engaging with educational endeavours, and striving to release the society-building power of the Faith in ever greater measures.
Central to all that we learn in these arenas is the guidance of the Universal House of Justice, which articulates the vision, elaborates the concepts, delineates the major processes, and outlines the broad structures of the Plan. With this understanding, the National Assembly continues to commend Bahá’ís across Aotearoa to continue to study the recent guidance from the House of Justice, especially the letter dated November 28, 2023.
And for all of us who are distressed by the continued suffering in the world, the following passage from the Supreme Body elegantly captures our best response to the pain and suffering we behold:
“Let every one who is awake to the condition of the world, and to the persistent evils that warp the lives of its inhabitants, heed Bahá’u’lláh’s call to selfless and steadfast service—heroism for the present age. What else will rescue the world but the efforts of countless souls who each make the welfare of humanity their principal, their dominating concern?”
The Universal House of Justice, October 2019
With loving Bahá’í greetings and aroha,
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand
Unit Conventions 2024
A few photographs of unit conventions…more to come next week.
Participants of Unit 8 Convention (Mangere North and Mangere South, Auckland)
Friends in Taupo, Ruapehu and South Waikato gathered at the Taupo Womens Club for the Unit 18 Convention.
Unit 7 (Maungakiekie and Owairaka) participants engage in meaningful consultation.
Participants of Unit 11 Convention (Eastern Suburbs of Auckland, Franklin and Papakura)
Participants from Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Manawatu, New Plymouth, Rangitikei, South Taranaki, Stratford, Whanganui gathered for the Unit 17 Convention
Participants of Unit 23 Convention - Dunedin, Ashburton, Clutha, Mackenzie, Timaru, Waitaki, Waimate
In its unit convention letter, the National Assembly also encourages Bahá’ís across Aotearoa to study the recent guidance from the House of Justice, particularly emphasising the significance of the letter dated November 28, 2023 (link below). By embracing this guidance and engaging in meaningful reflection, participants can deepen their understanding and commitment to advancing the collective goals of the community.
Featured image: Unit 6 (Auckland City, Orakei and Waiheke) Convention participants gathered at the Bahá’í Centre in Glen Innes, Auckland.
