The Universal House of Justice

BAHA'IS ELECT UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

HAIFA, Israel, 30 April 2008 (BWNS) -- The results of the election of the nine members of the Universal House of Justice, the governing body of the Baha'i Faith, have been announced.

Delegates to the Tenth International Baha'i Convention cast ballots yesterday for membership in the council that serves as the head of the religion.

Those elected are Farzam Arbab, Kiser Barnes, Peter Khan, Hooper Dunbar, Firaydoun Javaheri, Paul Lample, Payman Mohajer, Shahriar Razavi, and Gustavo Correa.

Members are elected for five-year terms.

The Universal House of Justice has its permanent seat at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel. Membership requires residence in Haifa.

Any Baha'i male age 21 and over is eligible for election. Both women and men are eligible for election or appointment to all other Baha'i institutions.

In His teachings, Baha'u'llah provided for the elected institution of the Universal House of Justice, which gives a continuing source of divine authority to guide the worldwide Baha'i community and to legislate on matters not spelled out in the Baha'i sacred writings.

The delegates that voted in the election are themselves members of national Baha'i governing bodies from around the world. They were chosen in earlier elections in their own countries.

The Baha'i Faith, which has more than 5 million followers, is established in almost every nation.

To view the photos and additional features click here:
http://news.bahai.org/

By the way, I was fortunate to serve as an executive assistant to Mr. Shahriar Razavi, second from the right, during my 2-year service at the International Teaching Center.

The picture below touched me deeply!! Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Cameroon - Kamran Frooghi, David Gillett, and Guebe Francois - 3 of the 8 members who made it to Haifa, humbly and solemnly walking the stage to cast their ballots in the election of the House of Justice.

Uncle Kamran is Sahar's dad and one of my spiritual parents. He has been a pioneer in Cameroon since the year I was born. He is much loved by the friends in Cameroon and is really special. In the picture, he is in full Bamenda traditional regalia. [By the way, his designated name amongst the Bamenda people is Pa Ngwa. Everywhere he goes, he's so much loved that the people give him a tribal name to show that he is one of them.]

Uncle David too is another of my spiritual parents. Has been a pioneer to Cameroon too for just about as long as Uncle Kamran. He did wonders for my English language - made sure I spoke it right.:-) He is very gentle and a wonderful teacher.

Uncle Guebe too is another of my invaluable guardians. I miss them all really much. Sahar, thank you for this picture!