Baha'i Faith Annual National Convention Ends in Freetown

Concord Times (Freetown)

May 1, 2001

Posted to the web May 1, 2001

Members of the Baha'i Faith over the weekend elected a new National Spiritual Assembly or NSA at their 25th Annual Convention which was held at the National Centre, Signal Hill Road, Freetown.

Over 30 delegates attended the convention from places like Pujehun, Bo, Mile 91, Moyamba, Waterloo and Freetown. Among the nine members elected to administer the Faith in the country for one year are; Wundu Passay -Chairman, Unisa A. Tarawallie, Vice Chairman and Anthony M. Sesay as Treasurer. Sulaiman Momodu and Mohamed S. Adams were re-elected Corresponding and Recording Secretary respectively.

Other members elected are; Brima Kamara, Elma kamara, Henry M. Sandy and Maurice F.M. Bindi. There are no clergy in the Bahai Faith. Before the elections, Auxiliary Board Members Nominous Kargbo and Osman S. Ibrahim admonished delegates to elect people of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, a well trained mind, of recognized ability and matured experience. He cautioned the delegates against electioneering, the least trance of passion and prejudice and to vote for those whom prayer and reflection have inspired to uphold.

A representative of the Continental Board of Counsellors, Dr. Amrullah Khelgathi congratulated the new NSA and encouraged them to work in the interest of peace and unity. Dr. Khelgathi informed delegates from a message from the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel, the Administrative and Spiritual Headquarters of the Faith about the holding of a major event in Israel in May on the completion of the project on Mount Carmel which involved the construction of building and Terraces.

He said steps have been taken to connect the Baha'i World to the proceedings through live transmission to the world wide web and by satellite. He said the Israel Postal Authority is to release a commemorative stamp for the occasion.

The Mayor of Haifa, Amram Mitzan recently said that the Gardens, and Terraces of the Bahai Faith offer, "unforgettably stunning Panorama" for the "appreciation for all beauty lovers". A member of the Faith, Osman Ibrahim Said that Bahai Faith is an independent religion with a worldwide population of over five(5) million people.

The Prophet Founder of the Faith Baha'u'llah meaning the Glory of God said that the 'earth is one country and mankind its citizens'. The convention ended in a very loving atmosphere with the singing of songs prayers for peace to return to Sierra Leone.