‘Our efforts are needed now’: Counsellor’s remarks set the scene at National Baha’i Convention

Member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia, Vahid Saberi, has given his opening remarks at this year’s National Baha’i Convention, delving into this year’s Ridvan message and providing key insights to spur on the delegates’ consultation.  

Speaking to each paragraph from the message, Dr Saberi reflected that, as noted by the Universal House of Justice, the Ridvan message sets the stage for the discussions at the National Convention by highlighting the current progress of the Baha’i world and the work that lies ahead. 

He used the analogy of the Baha’is as “builders”, translating the principles of Baha’u’llah into reality and creating “havens of refuge and islands of solace for humanity”.

Dr Saberi spoke about how the first paragraph of the message highlighted the vision offered by the Baha’i Faith – a vision that is “inspiring, practical, constructive and inclusive. Every human being on the planet is part of it and is a contributor”. 

He spoke about how the Baha’is are builders of havens of refuge, havens where “otherness is removed” and “we are all one”.  

Highlighting the work being done the country-over in groups of families, Dr Saberi noted that “these communities that have no boundaries – in these communities, otherness is removed. This is a remarkable notion and concept of a community. A concept that is at odds with where the world is going.  

“Our Baha’i identity does not set us apart from others and Baha’u’llah and what He has brought. It is a gift we offer to everyone. And we see everyone as a protagonist for transformation. 

“No religion has ever created this. In a world where religion has become the trigger and source of otherness and polarisation, this is unique and special. And we need to build an education system. This new and unique education system is essential as how we live our lives, and the kind of society we aspire to live in, are directly related to how we are educated.”

He also reflected on sections in the Ridvan message which touched on progress being made in social action and engagement with civic leaders, people of influence and government agencies. 

“Our relationship is different in a way that expresses that we are truly well-wishers of our government,” he said.  

He closed his remarks by delving into the final paragraph of the Ridvan message, and spoke about some of the “symptoms of travail” impacting the world, particularly those touched on by the Guardian when he states that:  

He noted that “Amidst all this chaos, we maintain our optimism. We know why this is happening and what the outcome will be.” 

“The crisis the world is facing is readying for a significant transformation and change. It also readies people to hear the lofty principles of the Revelation of Baha’u’llah and what it can offer. But the question is, how are we readying ourselves for this?” 

“A lot depends on us. And time is passing. Our efforts are needed now.”  

As the Universal House of Justice says:  

Dr Saberi said the National Convention was a “vital institution of the Cause”, connecting every single community in the country to the National Spiritual Assembly as well as to the Universal House of Justice, and just as importantly connecting the conversations taking place in each community to the National Spiritual Assembly.