‘Emanate and elevate hearts’: National governing body sends message of hope to Australian Baha’i community

Dear loved Friends,
 
The recent tragic events in Bondi weigh heavily on every heart. An unfathomable act of violence, directed at a faith community gathered in peaceful celebration, has shaken our sense of safety and attempted to undermine the collective spirit of our society. In the days that have followed, we have also witnessed scenes of extraordinary generosity and compassion across lines of faith, culture and background. 
 
The National Spiritual Assembly has conveyed its deep sorrow and heartfelt solidarity to the Jewish community and has released a public statement expressing these sentiments. On behalf of the Australian Baha’i community, a member of the National Assembly participated, alongside other faith leaders, in lighting a candle at the memorial at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney. National Assembly members, joined by members of the local Baha’i communities, have visited the Bondi memorial to offer prayers and lay a wreath of flowers.
 
This moment calls for a conscious choice, one that reflects our highest values and clear vision for the future. Well-wishers of humanity of every background in our country are grieving and searching for solace and hope. Unity has emerged as a shared longing. At such times, our role as practitioners of peace takes on renewed meaning. The Universal House of Justice reminds us that Baha’is are never mere spectators, and that we are called to be as “leaven” to the world. This is the time to ask ourselves what is needed, to reflect on what we can do in our settings, and to act. 
 
The power of gathering hearts together in prayer remains one of our most effective responses. Wherever people unite in remembrance of God, whether in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, in homes, neighbourhoods or community spaces, ripples of peace will emanate and elevate the hearts. 
 
We can expand our efforts to build havens of peace with those around us, communities that “offer hope in place of despair, unity in place of conflict”. Local Spiritual Assemblies, communities, groups of families and individuals are encouraged to offer comfort and support those affected and to foster unity, mutual understanding, hope and a sense of collective solidarity by bringing people together in a spirit of compassion and shared humanity across all faiths. 
 
As we reach out to embrace new friends and reconnect with old ones, let us draw on the arts in facilitating healing, expressing grief peacefully and strengthening bonds of friendship and cohesion. We particularly encourage our youth to take creative, bold and constructive steps, drawing on their passion and energy for service to humanity. 
 
The Universal House of Justice reminds us that the merit of our contribution to social wellbeing lies in discovering “that precious point of unity where contrasting perspectives overlap”. Empathy, reflection and care are needed, more than ever, in how we engage in discourses, including on social media. What we choose to read, say or amplify can either calm hearts or deepen division. In a world quick to define itself through opposition and conflict, we are invited to contribute to social cohesion, modelling the qualities of fairness, compassion, courage and care for one another. Baha’u’llah urges us: “address yourselves to the promotion of the wellbeing and tranquillity of the children of men . that the dissensions that divide it may . be blotted out”.
 
Looking ahead, the words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha call us forward with urgency to build a country and a world that is rooted in love, mutual respect and the reality that humanity is one:
 
Make haste to love.
Make haste to trust.
Make haste to give.
To guidance come.
 
Come ye for harmony.
To behold the Star of Day.
 
Come here for kindliness, for ease.
Come here for amity and peace.
 
Come and cast down your weapons of wrath, till unity is won.
Come and in the Lord’s true path each one help each one
 
May we all, collectively and in our own spheres, contribute to unity, peace and healing at this difficult time for our country. Please be assured of our prayers in the Mother Temple of the Antipodes, that you and your families may be strengthened, sustained and surrounded by the loving care and protection of the Blessed Beauty.
 
With loving Baha’i greetings,  
 
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE BAHA’IS OF AUSTRALIA INC.