The newly elected Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly include, back row, from left, Barbara Talley, Gisu Mohadjer, Ala Rahmi, Shahrzad Rowhani, Kameh Bahrami, Evelyn Pesantez, and, front row, from left, Behrouz Rahmi (treasurer), Guilda Mahmoudi (chair) and Katherine Larson (secretary).
The election of the nine-member Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly took place in Potomac last month. Baha’i elections occur at the local level annually on April 21, at the start of a 12-day festival celebrating the announcement by Baha’u’llah (“Glory of God” - 1817-1892) that he was the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith.
The Local Spiritual Assembly oversees the activities that are at the heart of Baha’i community life, including children’s classes, devotional services, study groups, discussions on issues of global importance, activities for youth and junior youth, and Holy Day celebrations. These activities are open to all Potomac residents.
"Baha'i elections are unique,” said Katherine Larson, the newly elected Secretary of the governing body. "There are no campaigns, nominations or canvassing, and every adult Baha'i can vote for nine individuals whom they think can best serve the community." Qualifications include selfless devotion, a well-trained mind, recognized ability and mature experience.
The Baha’i Faith is an independent, monotheistic world religion. Baha’is believe in unity, equality of all people, the harmony of science and religion, the elimination of severe economic inequality and all prejudices, and that all major religions are derived from and follow the same God.
See www.Bahai.org.