The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Parksville

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Parksville is a Canadian nonprofit organization serving as the local governing body of the Bahá'í community in Parksville, British Columbia. It was established to guide the spiritual and administrative affairs of Bahá'ís in the Parksville area, with a mission to promote individual and collective spiritual transformation within the community.

History and Background

The Bahá'í community in Parksville began to take shape in 1979, reflecting the global Bahá'í Faith's principles of unity and service. The Faith itself, founded in 1844, emphasizes the oneness of humanity, the oneness of God, and the unity of religion. Bahá'ís in Parksville and worldwide share the belief that Bahá’u’lláh is the Messenger of God for this era and that his teachings can transform individual lives as well as revitalize families and communities.

Mission and Activities

The Assembly focuses on fostering spiritual growth and capacity building to better serve humanity. It organizes devotional meetings, study circles, and programs focused on moral education for children and youth. These activities aim to translate Bahá’u’lláh’s spiritual teachings into practical action for the betterment of the local and global community.

Community building efforts include hosting reflection meetings, which provide a forum for residents to discuss communal progress, form shared visions, and plan future actions. The Assembly also supports arts and educational bursaries and participates actively in neighborhood initiatives to promote a peaceful, unified society from the grassroots level.

Governance

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Parksville is elected annually by local Bahá'ís and consists of members who serve as the administrative and spiritual leaders of the community. Its members have included Cecilia Leggett (Chairperson), Rosemary Graham (Vice-Chairperson), Laura Rowe (Secretary), Nahid Eshraghi (Treasurer), Darcee Brown, Lisa Kerwin, Glen Hughes, Genna Hughes, and Navid Eshraghi.

Relationship with Broader Bahá'í Institutions

The Assembly provides financial support to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada, assisting with national programs and contributing to the broader mission of the Bahá'í Faith in Canada.

Registration and Legal Status

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Parksville is registered as a charitable organization in Canada with the business registration number 119256576RR0001. It operates within the legal framework governing Canadian nonprofits and engages in activities that promote spiritual development and community service.

This organization continues to be a vital center for Bahá'í spiritual life and community building in Parksville, reflecting the global Bahá'í commitment to unity, peace, and social progress.