By: Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae
The Governor General Grand, Chief Sir Bob Dadae, today (May 25) officially opened the 50th Baha’i National Convention in Lae, witnessed by almost 200 Baha’is.
This is an annual event, which the members of the faith elected from across the country gather to elect the nine members of their National Spiritual Assembly and consult on their community building activities in the country.
These include Spiritual Education Programs for Children and Youth.
Rodney Hancock, a New Zealander, who introduced the Faith to Papua New Guinea in 1954, was also present to witness the program.
Mr Hancock was 38-years old when he witnessed the first Baha’i National Convention here in Lae in 1968. He came to PNG in July 1954 from New Zealand to establish a Baha’i Community. The pioneer has attended 49 of the Faith’s national conventions.
For the first time in decades, a Political Head of the State actively participated in launching a Baha’i National Convention.
The Governor General also unveiled the miniature model of the Baha’i National House of Worship that will be constructed in Port Moresby soon and will be used by all religions.
He said the weaving design is common throughout PNG and symbolizes unity; the core principle of the Baha’i Faith.
Secretary of the PNG Baha’i National Spiritual Assembly, Confucius Ikoirere thanked the Governor General and Lady Hannah for being part of the celebration today.
He said the delegates will soon elect the nine new assembly members and consult on their community building activities in the country.
These activities include spiritual education programs for children, youth and adults.
