38 Local Spiritual Assemblies elected at Riḍván

Thirty-eight Local Spiritual Assemblies were elected during the recent Riḍván period. These Assemblies, established in towns and cities across New Zealand, are foundational to the Bahá’í Administrative Order, serving as pillars of consultation, service and unity.

The significance of the institution of the Local Spiritual Assembly is eloquently described in the following quotations.

“The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of Justice be established wherein shall gather counsellors to the number of Bahá, and should it exceed this number it does not matter. It behoveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth.…It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly…” - Bahá’u’lláh

"These Spiritual Assemblies are aided by the Spirit of God. Their defender is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Over them He spreadeth His wings. What bounty is there greater than this? These Spiritual Assemblies are shining lamps and heavenly gardens, from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused over all regions, and the lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all created things. From them the spirit of life streameth in every direction." - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

“‘Abdu’l-Bahá is constantly engaged in ideal communication with any Spiritual Assembly which is instituted through the divine bounty, and the members of which, in the utmost devotion, turn to the divine Kingdom and are firm in the Covenant. To them he is whole-heartedly attached and with them he is linked by everlasting ties.…” - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

“…It is incumbent upon everyone not to take any step without consulting the Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey with heart and soul its bidding and be submissive unto it, that things may be properly ordered and well arranged.” - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá'

The National Spiritual Assembly is deeply encouraged by the evident spirit of dedication and unity demonstrated by communities across Aotearoa in upholding the election of our beloved Local Spiritual Assemblies, particularly in areas where numbers may be few and the status of an Assembly fragile. In the coming year, these loving institutions will serve as sources of guidance and protection, nurturing the spiritual life of their communities across our land. Through consultation and unified action, and with a humble posture, they work to build harmony and order, contributing to the well-being and spiritual growth of society. In this collective effort, we are reminded that each act of service plays its part in the unfolding of Bahá’u’lláh's vision for humanity.