Trustees gather at the Mother Temple of the Antipodes
Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh from across the Pacific gathered in the vicinity of the Mother Temple of the Antipodes in Sydney for four days of orientation and consultation, reflecting on the spiritual, educational, and practical dimensions of this sacred Law as they began a new five-year term of service.
The information below has been shared with Bahá’í Aotearoa by the Regional Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh for Micronesia and Polynesia*.
Members of the three Boards of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh covering Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia, recently gathered at the Mother Temple of the Antipodes, the Bahá'í House of Worship, Syndey Australia, for four days of orientation, sharing, and learning as they commenced a new five-year term of service.
The gathering was led by two members of the International Board of Trustees, Mrs Saloomeh Mohebbaty and Mr Adam Robarts. The International Board oversees the work of a worldwide network of National and Regional Boards*, Trustees, and Representatives. A wide range of themes was explored, including the evolution of the Institution and the vital role of this Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, which “enables each person to express his or her personal sense of devotion to God in a profoundly private act of conscience that promotes the common good” and “directly connects the individual believer with the Central Institution of the Faith.”
Participants reflected on both the spiritual and practical dimensions of the Law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, developed a shared vision, reviewed existing strategies, and considered how educational endeavours can expand systematically to assist a growing number of believers to understand this Law and to cultivate a deep sense of responsibility for its observance in their personal and family lives.
Attention was also given to strengthening engagement with youth and young professionals, whether studying, working, active as professionals or entrepreneurs, single, or starting families. It was noted that a growing understanding and practice of this Law raises spiritual awareness and deepens one’s bond with the Covenant.
Fiscal matters formed an important part of the discussions, with the absolute need for exercising stainless probity in the managing, receipting, and reporting of Ḥuqúqu’lláh contributions being re-emphasised.
Throughout the gathering, Trustees were reminded that “a major element of their duties to be undertaken throughout the world will continue to be the education of believers in the Right of God,” and that such education is to be carried out “in a moderate and patient manner.”
Members of the Regional Board of Trustees for Micronesia and Polynesia, including Mrs Soheyla Bolouri (third from right) of Hamilton, New Zealand. Photographed on the steps of the House of Worship, Sydney.
*The Regional Board of Trustees for Micronesia and Polynesia has an area of jurisdiction comprising American Samoa, the Caroline Islands (Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau), the Chatham Islands, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, the Hawaiian Islands, Kiribati, the Mariana Islands (Guam, Johnston Atoll, the Midway Islands, and Wake Island), the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, the Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Swains Island, Tokelau, Tonga, and Tuvalu.
