The 74th Bahá’í National Convention

With great joy, delegates gathered to elect the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada, to take stock of the year’s achievements as well as consult on the requirements and challenges of the next one.

Delegates from across Canada gathered from 25-28 April at the Toronto Bahá’í Centre to elect the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada and consult on the progress of the community two years into the current Nine Year Plan. The atmosphere revived the spirits of those present, energizing the delegates throughout the hours and days of consultation.

The delegates were joined by members of the Continental Board of Counsellors, Mr. Ayafor Temengye Ayafor and Dr. Borna Noureddin, whose comments served to frame the consultation, as they illuminated concepts such as the oneness of humanity, creating conditions for youth to “soar,”[1] and the expansive vision of the Nine Year Plan, which requires deep knowledge and experience of its “methods and instruments.”[2]

They also shared uplifting stories of how individuals, communities and institutions are advancing in their efforts to “release the society building power of the Faith in ever greater measures”—many from a recent conference of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America and their Auxiliary Board members. These accounts beckon new horizons for the peoples of Canada, who have been so recently gifted with the task of erecting a National House of Worship.

The Board of Trustees of Huququ’lláh in Canada was also represented and delivered a letter to the Convention that spoke to the individual and collective impact of obedience to this Law. Others in attendance included special guests Dr. Firaydoun Javaheri and Mrs. Vida Javaheri, and Auxiliary Board members.

The delegates consulted on the Ridván message, which was a source of joy and fresh insights. A delegate from Quebec commented “What a gift this message is. It is meant for all of our friends…” A delegate from Saskatchewan also noted the openness of the letter, saying, “It addresses each one of us.”

The call from this year’s Ridván message, that “All must surge, but the youth must soar” was a prominent strand throughout the Convention as the delegates discussed how communities can create conditions for youth to arise to teach and live coherent lives. The delegates also shared stories of how increasing numbers of families are seeing themselves as expanding nuclei, offering the “methods and instruments of the Plan” to their friends, family and neighbours learning to take charge of their spiritual and material progress. This often requires those who initiated the process to detach themselves from notions of how things should be, relinquishing any perceived sense of control.

The movement of populations was also an area of reflection, as experience working with specific populations is growing in Canada. The expanding capacity of young mothers contributing to the community-building work was also a clear refrain. Additionally, several delegates noted that spaces for inter-institutional collaboration have assisted with the dissemination of learning and created a vision around how clusters can advance from milestone two to three.

Those present at the Convention also had an opportunity to watch two films regarding Canada’s emerging Bahá’í House of Worship: one which explores the Temple as a haven for quiet contemplation and prayer, and the other which explores the natural surroundings of the future Temple and describes how the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith are intertwined with environmental stewardship.[3] They also revisited segments of the film An Expansive Prospect commissioned by the Universal House of Justice.

The material needs at the national level were also highlighted during the Convention. Due to the growing requirements of the Plan, The National Assembly made the decision to draw on its reserve funds—funds that are set aside for times of deficit—this year. This is not so much due to a decrease in contributions as an increase in need. It was also reported that the funds for the central edifice of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár have already been raised or pledged—a significant achievement. There were allotted times before and during Convention for the delegates to visit the Temple Site and Bahá’í National Centre.

It is clear from the Ridván message that “There must be a sustained, rapid rise in the number of those committing their time, their energy, their concentration to the success of this work.” The Treasurer of the National Assembly also brought attention to the needs of the Deputization Fund, for which the National Assembly set a goal of one million dollars for the coming year. Contributing to this Fund is distinct from the other Funds of the Faith as it is connected to our spiritual duty to teach and can be used to support those dedicating significant time to the training institute, such as coordinators.

The universal participation of delegates was noteworthy; a high percentage of delegates spoke during the consultation. Songs filled the hall, poems were shared, and a spirit of devotion kindled the hearts. The rarefied atmosphere of the election itself, which was conducted in a spirit of reverence and humility, was a reminder to all present of the haven that the institutions of our Faith provide. Counsellors and National Assembly members spoke of their love for one another, expressed through cooperation and unwavering support.

The following individuals were elected to serve as members of the National Spiritual Assembly for the coming year:  Mehran Anvari, Alex Arjomand, Jordan Bighorn, Zelalem Bimrew Kasse, Nabet Fani, Hoda Farahmandpour, Judy Filson, Ciprian Jauca and Karen McKye.

A record number of observers—a large proportion of whom were youth—were also in attendance. Many other friends served as volunteers or interpreters throughout the Convention.

The National Assembly’s closing comments spoke of its confidence in the Canadian Bahá’í community: “Our own inescapable conclusion must be that what we rejoice in this year may be but a minor victory at this time next year: as individuals, communities, institutions we will all see more, know more, and be capable of more. Next year, we will speak together of how the more that was needed was given, how though worthiness and capacity were lacking, God bestowed them on hearts that were ready to receive them.”

[1] The Ridván 2024 message states that “All must surge, but the youth must soar.”

[2] From the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World, Ridván 2024.

[3] These films can be viewed at the following website: https://temple.bahai.ca/en/films/

 

Photos were taken by Núr Elmasri and Eugene Pace with contributions from Louis Brunet and Noura Baghaie.