Message regarding development of the Bahá’í National Centre property

4 February 2023 / 17 Sovereignty 179

All Local Spiritual Assemblies and
Registered Groups

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Recently, the National Spiritual Assembly submitted to the City of Markham a request to re-zone the lands surrounding the Bahá’í National Centre in a manner that will allow the redesign of the National Centre, as well as the eventual construction of a House of Worship on the property.  Part of the process required the posting of a development sign on the property, and a number of visiting friends who have seen the sign have inquired about it, wondering whether Canada has been selected to build a national Temple.  We are writing to clarify that we have not been chosen yet as one of the countries to build a Temple and, as you know, concrete steps in that direction will only be taken at the bidding of the Universal House of Justice.  Be assured that when the time comes, it will be announced to the community with the greatest joy.  In the meantime, every effort to extend to our friends and neighbours the experience of collective prayer, and the service it inspires, brings us closer to that day.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Karen McKye, Secretary