Glenford E. Mitchell: ‘illustrious, accomplished, deeply spiritual servant of Baha’u’llah’ passes away aged 90
The Baha’i community has been called to host befitting memorial gatherings in honour of former Universal House of Justice member Glenford E. Mitchell following his passing on 7 February 2026 in Decatur, Georgia, United States. He was 90 years old.
A memorial service was held at the Sydney Baha’i House of Worship on Sunday 22 February commemorating his life.
The international governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the Universal House of Justice, released a message to the world following his passing stating that the Baha’i world had been robbed of an “illustrious, accomplished, deeply spiritual servant of Baha’u’llah”.
“We mourn the loss of our dearly loved former colleague with sorrowful hearts, calling to mind his penetrating powers of insight and uncommon good sense, to which he harnessed his compelling command of language—a combination of rare qualities that answered to so many demands during his membership of the Universal House of Justice.”
Glenford Mitchell served as a member of the Universal House of Justice for more than 25 years, following 14 years of service as secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.
“During his life, his gifts of character, skill, and understanding served him well as a journalist, an author, and an inspirational educator of youth,” the message read.
“From an early age, his heart and mind were galvanized by the writings of the beloved Guardian and the vision they encapsulated of a new World Order, founded on justice and operating according to the cardinal principle of the oneness of humanity.”
Read the message in its entirety below:
TO: All National Spiritual Assemblies
The Universal House of Justice
DATE: 8 February 2026
The passing of Glenford E. Mitchell from this earthly plane robs the Baha’i world of an illustrious, accomplished, deeply spiritual servant of Baha’u’llah. We mourn the loss of our dearly loved former colleague with sorrowful hearts, calling to mind his penetrating powers of insight and uncommon good sense, to which he harnessed his compelling command of language—a combination of rare qualities that answered to so many demands during his membership of the Universal House of Justice. This period, stretching for more than a quarter century, crowned a lifetime of service and followed fourteen years in which he held the office of Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. During his life, his gifts of character, skill, and understanding served him well as a journalist, an author, and an inspirational educator of youth. From an early age, his heart and mind were galvanized by the writings of the beloved Guardian and the vision they encapsulated of a new World Order, founded on justice and operating according to the cardinal principle of the oneness of humanity. To this bright vision enshrined in the Revelation of Baha’u’llah he dedicated his entire life.
We offer our condolences to his dear wife, Bahia, and his daughter, Tarissa, for their loss, and we assure them of our supplications that his noble soul may receive a joyous welcome in the eternal realm. The friends throughout the world are called upon to hold befitting memorial
gatherings in his honour, including in every House of Worship.
Thanks for reading.
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The Universal House of Justice
The Universal House of Justice is the international governing council of the Baha’i Faith. Ordained by Baha’u’llah in His book of laws, the Kitab-i-Aqdas, it is a nine-member body elected every five years by the entire membership of all national Baha’i assemblies.
Published in February, 2026, in Baha'i Institutions > News & Announcements
Available online at: horizons.bahai.org.au/bahai-institutions/glenford-e-mitchell-illustrious-accomplished-deeply-spiritual-servant-of-bahaullah-passes-away-aged-90/
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