Administration and Authority

The Bahá’í Faith’s administration is a unique system created by Bahá’u’lláh and based on principles of consultation and cooperation. After the passing of Bahá’u’lláh, the Faith was led first by His eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and then by His great-grandson, Shoghi Effendi. It has been governed internationally since 1963 by the Universal House of Justice. Spiritual Assemblies direct Bahá’í activities in local and national communities. Appointed advisors—Continental Boards of Counselors and Auxiliary Board members—assist and encourage Assemblies and communities in their development. The links below offer information about the community organization, as well as its history.

Subcategories

Links

The Bahá'í World Centre: Focal Point for a Global Community
Before His passing, Bahá'u'lláh indicated that the world headquarters for the Faith He had founded would be in the Acre/Haifa area in the north of what is now Israel. The region today is home to the spiritual and administrative heart of the Bahá'í Faith ... More >
The Rhythms and Routines of Bahá'í Communities
As a worldwide community, with individuals from more than 2,100 ethnic and tribal groups who reside in more than 230 countries and territories, the Bahá'í Faith is certainly among the most diverse bodies of people on earth. More >
The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh
"So powerful is the light of unity," Bahá'u'lláh declared, "that it can illuminate the whole earth." "We, verily," He further stated, "have come to unite and weld together all that dwell on earth." Bahá'u'lláh made the oneness of humankind the central principle and goal of His Faith. More >
The Unity of Bahá'ís
In order to be effective in promoting world unity the Bahá'í Faith must itself be firmly united. Bahá'í unity has been assured by provisions in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá that establish authoritative guidance on the intent of Bahá'u'lláh's revelation and on the administration of the affairs of the international Bahá'í community. More >