The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'Is of Sutherland Limited is a nonprofit organization that serves as the governing body of the Baha'i community in the Sutherland area of New South Wales, Australia. It is incorporated with the Australian Business Number (ABN) 21000201436RR0001.

Overview

The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'Is of Sutherland Limited is responsible for directing the spiritual and administrative affairs of the local Baha'i community. Its primary functions include coordinating community activities, facilitating meetings, and overseeing the development and growth of the Baha'i community within its jurisdiction. The Assembly acts in accordance with the principles and administrative order of the worldwide Baha'i Faith, fostering community cohesion and engagement with broader society[1][2][4].

Functions and Activities

The Assembly coordinates various programs and initiatives in line with the Baha'i emphasis on community building, social and economic development, and spiritual education. As part of its administrative duties, it organizes regular meetings to consult on community matters and plans activities designed to promote the teachings of the Baha'i Faith. It also serves as a liaison between the local community and higher Baha'i administrative bodies, including the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia[1][2][3][4].

Relation to National and International Baha'i Administration

The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'Is of Sutherland Limited operates under the broader framework of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia. This national body oversees the affairs of the Baha'i community across Australia, guiding their spiritual, social, and administrative development. The National Spiritual Assembly is responsible for electing the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baha'i Faith, and for coordinating activities and policies throughout the country. Within this structure, local assemblies like the Sutherland Assembly administer affairs at the community level, embodying the grassroots organization characteristic of the Baha'i administrative order[3][5].

Legal Status and Recognition

The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'Is of Sutherland Limited is registered as a charity in Australia and adheres to regulations governing nonprofit organizations. It is recognized as part of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia for purposes including inclusion in national schemes and frameworks related to community and religious organizations[1][3].

This Assembly exemplifies the Baha'i principles of consultative decision-making, community service, and administrative order, playing a vital role in nurturing the faith and welfare of Baha'is in the Sutherland region.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/04472f44-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/profile [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/04472f44-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/6111b85c-4700-ee11-8f6d-00224810001d [3] https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/institutions/spiritual-assembly-bahais-sutherland-limited [4] https://www.changepath.com.au/the-spiritual-assembly-of-the-baha-is-of-sutherland-limited [5] https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/essential-relationships/administrative-order/national-spiritual-assembly