Hawaii’s Bahá’ís Elect 60th National Spiritual Assembly

Hawaii’s Bahá’ís gathered at their national headquarters in Nu’uanu Valley in Honolulu, May 27-28, 2023 to elect the 60th National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands. The nine-member governing body for the Hawai`i Bahá’í community was first elected in 1964. 

“Bahá’í communities throughout the world have a unique approach to governance,” said U’ileiuluwehi Pimental from Hawai`i Island, who was re-elected to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly. “We do not have clergy.  Local Bahá’í communities are administered by elected councils of nine members, called Local Spiritual Assemblies. National Spiritual Assemblies are elected to serve the community at the national level. We do not have nominations or engage in electioneering. After prayer and reflection, electors vote for any adult Bahá’í in their jurisdiction who they feel is best suited to serve in this capacity.  At our annual National Convention, we see how effective a non-partisan approach to elections can be.”

The Bahá’í Faith, which originated in Persia (now called Iran) in 1844, was first introduced to Hawaii in 1901. Bahá’ís now live throughout the islands. There are currently 19 elected Local Spiritual Assemblies in Hawai`i. 

“Thirty-four delegates elected by members of local communities across the islands gathered at our National Convention to elect the National Spiritual Assembly and consult about ways in which Bahá’ís can contribute to the betterment of communities across Hawai`i,” said Pimental.  “Bahá’ís throughout the world are developing an educational process that aims to build the capacity of children, youth, and adults to help build vibrant communities. Much of our consultation was focused on how to enhance that process.” 

A highlight of the convention was the report from members of the National Spiritual Assembly who earlier this month returned from Haifa, Israel, where they were delegates to the 13th International Bahá’í National Convention (held every five years).  In most countries, Bahá’ís are free to practice their religion. Upon their return to Honolulu, the nine Hawai`i delegates were shocked to hear that a similar national convention, held in Yemen, was raided by Houthi gunman, who detained and forcibly kidnapped at least 17 people. The 13th International Convention also remembered the plight of the Bahá’ís in Iran, where Bahá’í assemblies have been banned for the last 40 years, and where many Bahá’ís have been imprisoned or killed, simply because of their religious beliefs.

“Throughout the world and in Hawaii, Bahá’ís are especially focused on the empowerment of children and junior youth, aged 12-14,” said Yvane Fifita, a delegate from Oahu. “We have found that our spiritual education programs are providing insights and skills that enable children and junior youth to develop their own capacities and their ability to be of service to others.”

The delegates shared experiences in their localities and ideas about how to accelerate their community building efforts. 

“Our efforts to expand this process are in their early stages in Hawaii,” said Chelsea Trevino, a delegate from Lanai. “Watching the newly released video—An Expansive Prospect—about the transformation of communities where the educational process is more advanced was inspiring. Like the other delegates, I look forward to sharing insights from the convention in my home community.”

National Spiritual Assembly members include:

From Hawaiʻi Island– Hawaiʻi Island cluster

Uʻileiuluwehi Pimental, Robert Losey, Melina Rajei 

From Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Maui – Nā Pili Moku cluster

Curtis Jamison – Wailuku, Maui

Nicholas Okamoto – Makawao, Maui

From O`ahu – O‘ahu cluster 

Frank Hernandez – Wahiawa, `Oahu

Antonio Puga – Waianae, `Oahu

Mollie Sperry – Honolulu, `Oahu

Clara Whippy – Honolulu, `Oahu

National Spiritual Assembly members include: From Hawaiʻi Island– Hawaiʻi Island cluster Uʻileiuluwehi Pimental, Robert Losey, Melina Rajei  From Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Maui – Nā Pili Moku cluster Curtis Jamison – Wailuku, Maui Nicholas Okamoto – Makawao, Maui From O`ahu - O‘ahu cluster  Frank Hernandez – Wahiawa, `Oahu Antonio Puga – Waianae, `Oahu Mollie Sperry – Honolulu, `Oahu Clara Whippy – Honolulu, `Oahu

 (Not pictured was Mrs. Clara Whippy)

For more information contact Mollie Sperry of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands, at (808) 595-3314, (National Spiritual Assemblysecretary@hawaii.rr.com), or Ed Young,  Hawai`i Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, at (808) 223-6343, (opa.hawaiibahai@gmail.com).

References:

1)  13th International Convention: Representatives from 176 countries cast ballots to elect Universal House of Justice | BWNS (bahai.org)

2)  13th International Convention: Homeward-bound, delegates radiate spirit of unity | BWNS (bahai.org)

3)  “Violent acts”: Armed Houthis attack Bahá’í gathering in Yemen, arresting at least 17, in fresh crackdown | BWNS (bahai.org)

4)  “An Expansive Prospect”: New film explores Bahá’í efforts toward social transformation | BWNS (bahai.org) 

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