Letter from the delegates of the 76th National Convention to the Universal House of Justice

Dear beloved Universal House of Justice,

We write to convey our heartfelt devotion as we advance in unison along the course you have illumined for us at the start of the second, greater phase of the Nine Year Plan. The 76th Canadian National Convention was characterized by a heightened level of maturity and focus, anchored by countless experiences of working to build vibrant communities across the country. We were conscious of the intimate relationship between these efforts and the advancing work to construct Canada’s National House of Worship. Our hearts were uplifted by the presence and contributions of our two dear Counsellors, Mr. Ayafor Temengye Ayafor and Dr. Borna Noureddin, and our deliberations were guided by the detailed preparations made by our loving National Spiritual Assembly. We were further enriched by an address from the Board of Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh and the presence of Dr. Firaydoun Javaheri and Mrs. Vida Javaheri, alongside members of the Auxiliary Board and observers visiting from across the country.

Our deliberations were elevated by an expanding consciousness of this moment in history, at the inception of the sixth epoch of the Formative Age. Drawing on your invitation in the Riḍván 2026 letter, we reflected on the conversations we are having with ever-widening circles of friends and neighbours, detailing examples and experiences that illustrate how we are learning to cultivate a way of life patterned on the divine teachings. We were lovingly brought into the confidence of the National Spiritual Assembly as we were prompted to reflect on how we imagine our community: what does it mean to be open to all? Who is the ‘we’ that is acting as a community in this Plan? We grappled with the implications of new realities emerging across the country where broader participation in Bahá’í community life is creating new pathways to enrolment. As people cross the threshold and express their faith through action, this prompts a deeper reflection on how we think about our identity and aspirations.

As our attention turned to the role of our institutions, we tried to view them as tending to an ecosystem of learning. They are striving to gather and disseminate knowledge, anticipate future directions, and furnish the means by which the community will advance. Our vision of the country and the task at hand was enhanced by the presence of maps that were visible throughout the Convention hall, depicting the next frontiers of growth. We were energized by the prospect of cultivating and extending learning processes that connect reservoir clusters with adjoining ones.

Throughout the Convention we heard stories of enkindled souls, drawing on the institute to navigate challenges and instill hope in the face of adversity. We were uplifted by experiences in several corners of the country where countless youth, including many Indigenous friends, have taken steps towards Bahá’u’lláh and are charting new paths of service. Story after story revealed the multitude of ways in which the city of the heart can be opened to Bahá’u’lláh’s message, creating havens to shelter young and old alike from the turmoil of a world in transition.

Prayer and devotion permeated the gathering to elect our National Spiritual Assembly, and every delegate in attendance was stirred by the atmosphere of the room. One hundred and seventy-one ballots were cast in an environment of profound reverence, rendering universal participation in the election. We were fortified by the sacred nature of our collective task, and it reinforced our firm sense of hope when the condition of the world appears perilous.

Our beloved sisters and brothers in the Cradle of the Faith were never far from our hearts and minds. Throughout the Convention, delegates spoke movingly about inspiration drawn from their sacrifice and resilience.

We depart the Convention galvanized by a clarity of purpose and resolve to broaden our vision to encompass the transformation of nations within Canada—swift to act, eager to learn. We wish once more to express the abiding love and deep gratitude each one of us feels for the unceasing love, guidance, and prayers of the Universal House of Justice.

Delegates to the 76th Canadian Bahá’í National Convention