More than 1,000 representatives of the Baha’i world community gathered in Haifa, Israel, from April 29 to May 2 for a unique global event that was infused with joy, reverence and purpose.
The 11th International Baha’i Convention marked the 50th anniversary of the inaugural convention in 1963 at which the Universal House of Justice – the international governing council of the Baha’i Faith – was first elected.
The convention saw the election of the nine members of the Universal House of Justice for the coming five-year term. In a unique electoral process, all forms of campaigning, electioneering and nominations are strictly avoided. Rather, after prayerful reflection, the assembled delegates silently and privately wrote down the names of nine individuals who they felt would be best able to serve on the institution.
For more than three hours, the representatives then filed across the stage to deposit their votes in a simple wooden box. The following day, the result was announced, and the new membership of the Universal House of Justice received a warm and reverent welcome from the gathering.
Central to the proceedings were consultative sessions during which delegates from more than 150 countries – women and men representative of every background and walk of life – had the opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences and insights as part of a global learning process.
Seven delegates from the Virgin Islands attended the convention. They were: Lynn Berry, Natalie Canoville, Susan Harmer and Cathy Von Gonten from St. Thomas; Alan and Magda Smith from St. John; and George Cannon from St. Croix.