Delegates from across Australia reflect on common purpose in lead up to National Convention

Delegates from regions and cities across Australia have gathered at Sydney’s Baha’i House of Worship in the lead up to this weekend’s National Baha’i Convention, finding joy, upliftment and calm in the “gift” that is the spiritual preparation day. 

The special program, held the day before the Convention begins, provides delegates with the chance to spiritually prepare themselves for the sacred task of electing the governing body for the Australian Baha’i community – the National Spiritual Assembly.  

This year’s program was attended by one of the Counsellors from the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia. Delegates studied a letter written from the Universal House of Justice in 2013 following the International Convention explaining the role of the delegates and highlighting the sacred task of electing the National Spiritual Assembly and the important task of consulting on matters related to the development of the community. 

“Another task that emerged was to go back to the communities and to take with them the spirit of Convention in order to elevate the community,” said one delegate. 

The program of events also featured a special devotional service at the Baha’i House of Worship as well as the chance to view the First Nations Baha’i art exhibition at the visitor information centre, exploring the Baha’i Faith from an Australian Aboriginal perspective.  

Delegates also had time to pray and meditate in their own time, fortify bonds of friendship, and take solace in the Temple surrounds.

One delegate remarked that the day was given to the delegates as a gift, providing them with “time to reflect and pray and really switch their hearts and minds towards what their spiritual obligation is” at the Convention. 

“Irrespective of how many times you’re a delegate, [it’s important] to find a bridge between the flurry and busyness of life and [the] spiritual obligation that only a handful of people are invited to take part in. 

“What it represents is a turning in. It starts us off on a common ground before we go to Convention that helps temper and shape our comments and our contributions.” 

Another delegate remarked that the spiritual preparation day provided the chance to have conversations with other delegates, meet new people, and make a “conscious effort” to learn about one another’s realities. 

Another said exploring the guidance from the Universal House of Justice was a beneficial refresher, while another said the best part was hearing from delegates who had attended the National Baha’i Convention previously and were able to shed insights about their experiences. 

“I think that’s an invaluable opportunity for the first-year delegates – to ask questions and get more of an idea about what to expect.” 

The National Baha’i Convention will take place over three days, allowing the delegates to consult on community affairs, make recommendations and suggestions to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Australia, and elect the members who will serve on the institution for the upcoming year.  

The Baha’i election process gives each delegate freedom to vote confidentially for those of his or her own choosing among all the adults of the national community. It is a democratic process that is sacred and dignified, free from nomination or campaigning.

The Baha’i world has now entered into the fourth year of the Nine Year Plan – nearing the end of the Plan’s first phase that will end at Ridvan in 2026. The second phase will last from 2026 to 2031.