A year of courage, conviction and confirmation: National Assembly releases annual report

The Baha’i community has witnessed a year “characterised by courage, conviction and confirmations” as the three protagonists of society – the individuals, communities and institutions – have continued to learn what it means to contribute to the welfare of their surroundings. 

Learning from the past year has been showcased in the latest Annual Report, released by the national governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the National Spiritual Assembly, in the lead up to this year’s National Baha’i Convention. 

The report delves into the growth and development of Australia’s community-building efforts over the past year. Showcasing glimpses from across the country, from rural and regional settings through to metropolitan hubs, the report provides real insights from some of the most advanced areas as well as those learning to advance an educational process that embraces larger numbers of friends into the fold. 

Vignettes from selected individuals, communities and institutions help paint a picture of the efforts underway in relation to institutional growth, social transformation, spiritual educational endeavours and administrative affairs. 

As of March 2026, more than 3,000 educational and devotional activities were being sustained nationwide, involving over 18,700 participants, of whom more than 7,500 were not registered Baha’is. These activities included 1,937 devotional gatherings, 376 children’s classes, 170 junior youth groups, and 527 study circles.  

“These activities reflect the efforts of many individuals who, animated by a spirit of service, continue to accompany others in applying the teachings of Baha’u’llah in their lives and communities,” the report reads. 

The report places emphasis on the need to take certain areas to a point of growth, known as the third milestone, where the community-building process is self-sustainable and where the spiritual, material and intellectual needs of the community are being addressed by an expanding pool of individuals. According to the report, there are currently 23 areas, or clusters, which have reached this point. The aim is for this number to reach 51 in the next five years. 

Several strategies were highlighted to achieve this goal, including visiting teams and resources to nearby clusters in need of support. Pioneering – the deployment of individuals both within Australia and internationally – was also mentioned as a key priority. 

Over the past year, the community has been quick to respond to “the rapidly changing conditions in our society”, particularly in light of the Bondi attacks, the growing polarisation in political discourse and the unfolding tensions in Iran. 

“Individuals, communities and institutions were quick to respond to the distress and longing for unity that were so openly expressed by many souls,” the Annual Report reads. 

In contemplating the five years ahead, the National Spiritual Assembly states that the “community can draw courage and confidence from the growing thousands walking alongside us: those who join with us in prayer, who participate in our educational programs, who joyously engage in festivals and other activities of community life, who labour together with us for the betterment of our communities, and who draw insight, ideas and inspiration from our conversations.” 

“The National Assembly lovingly calls upon each one to consider the needs of the Faith, the possibilities offered by our circumstances, and the sacrifices we are willing to make to help release the society-building powers of this Faith in ever-increasing measures.” 

The National Baha’i Convention takes place over three days, allowing delegates to elect the members who will serve on the national governing body of the Faith, the National Spiritual Assembly, for the upcoming year, consult on community affairs, and make recommendations and suggestions to the National Spiritual Assembly. 

Read the full report here.