Fostering relationships with civic leaders over breakfast and prayers 

Members from Cockburn’s local Baha’i governing body, the Local Spiritual Assembly, have taken the initiative to engage with civic leaders in an effort to strengthen connections and enhance understanding. 

Inspired by recent guidance from the Universal House of Justice, the Local Assembly invited members of the Cockburn council for a breakfast and prayer session. The Assembly is mindful of the guidance to foster the capacity of Baha’i institutions at all levels “with particular attention to the establishment and development of Local Assemblies and to enhancing their engagement with the wider society and its leaders”.¹ 

The morning was attended by the mayor, deputy mayor, local member of parliament as well as the principal of the local high school and manager of the local community centre. All guests received the book ‘For the Betterment of the World’ on departure.

Local Spiritual Assembly member Sima Torabi said it was hoped such gatherings became regular practice as opposed to a “one-off event”. 

“After welcoming the guests, a prayer for unity was recited which was followed by breakfast and socialising. Quite a few who attended asked about the Baha’i Faith and how its administration works,” Sima said. 

“One council member enjoyed the prayer for unity so much that he asked for a copy of the prayer which led to being given a copy of the book ‘Pearls of Wisdom’. 

“Cockburn Local Assembly hopes that gatherings such as this … help release the society-building power of the Faith in ever-increasing measures.” 

1. Universal House of Justice, Message dated 28 November 2023[↩]