Dearest Friends,
The Bahá’í Council for Northern Ireland hosted a regional conference on 1st April 2001. The venue was the Somme Heritage Centre, Newtownards - quite a poignant venue - as this centre has an exhibition about one early Bahá’í, the late George Hackney, who was a veteran of the Battle of the Somme.
The purpose of the conference was twofold, firstly for the Northern Ireland community to socialise with each other and meet the Council and, secondly, to share plans and ideas together for the advancement of our beloved Faith.
The Mayor of Ards, did us the honour of welcoming the Bah'is of Northern Ireland to the district. He then opened the Conference, entitled "Over the bridge – hand in hand into the Future."
A wonderful message of love and encouragement was received from our own National Assembly; similarly an encouraging message from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Republic of Ireland was also read (see this issue).The Council then read its own message to the community describing the significance of the hour and encouraging the friends to arise and serve as never before.
Friends gathered at the conference had the privilege of listening to our Counsellor, Mr Shahriar Razavi, who talked inspirationally about his recent visit to the World Centre for the opening of the Seat of the International Teaching Centre and about recent statements from the Universal House of Justice. Also attending the Conference were Auxiliary Board Members, Ann O'Sullivan and Denis Coyle. A special audio-visual presentation had been commissioned for the event. The presentation showed recent developments at the World Centre and placed these developments in the context of messages from the Universal House of Justice. A vision statement was presented to the friends stating some of the things we plan to achieve over the next few years - an exciting challenge for us all - particularly in the light of the imminent boundary changes that will come into operation this Rídvan. The subject of boundary changes provoked many questions and much discussion. The Council was encouraged by the mature consultation that took place. We all felt that an important process had begun. The Council is deeply grateful to all who contributed in making the day such a success.
With loving greetings,
Bahá’í Council for Northern Ireland
Message to the 1st April Conference from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom.
The National Spiritual Assembly sends its warmest greetings to the Friends gathered at the conference. We have a high opinion of the Bahá'á community in Northern Ireland and their Council and are sure that, with the inspiration and guidance of Counsellor Shahriar Razavi, they will have an enjoyable and successful day. The river of history is flowing at an ever increasing rate, and all parts of the world face new challenges, Northern Ireland included. These challenges are one expression of the opportunities which face Bahá'ís in the promotion and development of their Faith. They are accompanied by increasing public recognition of the importance of the Bahá'i Faith and what it has to offer and a growing receptivity to its teachings.
At the start of this, a new epoch in our development, and a new Plan, we must all scrutinise our lives and the efforts we are making, and ask ourselves whether we are giving to Bahá'u'lláh what He asks of us at this time.
The Bahá'i Community in Northern Ireland has a unique history and one of which it can rightly be proud. It is interesting that this year, the start of both a new epoch in and a new Plan, also marks the hundredth anniversary of the birth of the first Irish person to become a Bahá'i, and that this person was a Belfast man.
Let the community be inspired by the example of Dr. Frederick D'Evelyn, whose services to the Faith, though rendered far from these shores, still stand out in the annals of the early Western Bahá’í community.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings,
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom.
To The Friends Gathered at the Regional Meeting "Over the Bridge Hand in Hand into the Future"
Dearest Friends,
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the Republic of Ireland sends loving greetings to all of you gathered at this significant conference, which is also blessed by the presence of representatives of the Learned Arm of the Faith. As we stand at the threshold of an historic new epoch in the development of our Faith, the prospect before us can only lift our hearts. Armed with the guidance of the Supreme Body and protected within the sanctuary of the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh, our path forward is clear, though challenging. With the whole-hearted response of the individual, the Institutions, and the community to this guidance, there is no doubt that we can, north and south, move forward to achieve the shining vision of our beloved Hand of the Cause George Townshend, who foresaw a glorious spiritual future for both parts of the island.
We look with admiration at the achievements of the devoted and steadfast Bahá'í community of Northern Ireland and regard with gratitude the loving support that we have received from you over the years. This community has been both heartened and inspired by you.
Please be assured as always of the love and prayers of the National Spiritual
Assembly for the members and work of the Northern Ireland Bahá'í community.
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
Caroline Smith. [Secretary]