The Bahá’í Community of Richmond has much to celebrate this week.
This historic year marks both the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith, and the 50th anniversary of the spiritual assembly of the Bahá’ís of Richmond.
“Our community joins millions of other Baha’is around the world — in more than 100,000 places virtually every country and territory — to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Baha’u’llah,” said Susan Mottahedeh, spiritual assembly secretary.
“We are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the formation of the first spiritual assembly of the Baha’is of Richmond.”
The Baha’i faith has no clergy, explained Mottahedeh, and is guided by elected institutions at the local, national and international level.
At the local level, the affairs of the Bahá’í community are administered by the local spiritual assembly, which consists of nine members elected annually by secret ballot.
Bahá’ís over the age of 21 are eligible to vote and be voted for. There is no prepared ballot — or any other system of nominations — and the entire process is free of any trace of electioneering, canvassing, or propaganda.
The first spiritual assembly of the Bahá’ís of Richmond was formed 50 years ago in 1967.
Its members included Jessie Hall (Coun. Harold Steves’ aunt), who was elected secretary.
As with all other elected Bahá’í institutions, the assembly functions as a body and makes decisions through a process of consultation.
“I was very proud of my aunt,” said Steves. Referring to the Baha’i faith, he said, “I find it a very interesting perspective on life. It’s more encompassing than other religions.”
The responsibilities of the local spiritual assembly include promoting the spiritual education of children and young people, strengthening the spiritual and social fabric of Bahá’í community life, assessing and utilizing the community’s resources, and ensuring that the energies and talents of community members contribute towards progress.
It is also responsible for organizing the Nineteen Day Feast, which is the cornerstone of Bahá’í community life.
During the feast, the friends living in a particular locality or neighborhood gather to pray and consult together, give suggestions to the local spiritual assembly and receive information from it.
Today, the Bahá’í Community of Richmond has more than 100 members who, along with their friends and neighbours, are engaged in community-building activities.
