World Congress

From Bahaikipedia

The World Congress or Bahá’í World Congress refers to two gatherings of Bahá’ís from around the world. The first was held in 1963 in London England, attended by some 6,000 people and the second in 1992 in New York City, attended by some 30,000 Bahá’ís.

[edit] 1963: First Bahá’í World Congress

First Bahá’í World Congress at Royal Albert Hall in London, England

Approximately 6,000 Bahá’ís gathered in Royal Albert Hall in London, England for this occasion. It was called to announce and present the election of the first Universal House of Justice, elected by the participation of over 50 National Spiritual Assemblies.

[edit] 1992: Second Bahá’í World Congress

Second Bahá’í World Congress at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City

The Second Bahá’í World Congress from November 23rd -26th, 1992 took place in order to pay homage to the 100th anniversary of the passing of Bahá’u’lláh. 30,000 Bahá’ís from all corners of the globe gathered together in the Jacob Javits Center in New York City for four days of commemoration in the form of music, speeches, artistic performances and social gathering.

The Congress participants represented an extraordinary example of human diversity, with Bahá’ís from over 180 different nations. The program appealed to Baha'is of varying cultural backgrounds, different levels of literacy and familiarity with the official languages of the Congress, and with different expectations and motivations. It is said that the World Congress Program captured the hearts of all its participants.

According to the World Congress Program Committee, the purpose of this World Congress was to "celebrate the Centenary of the inauguration of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh and to proclaim its aims and unifying power."

[edit] The Congress Program

The main sessions of the World Congress took place two hours each day at the Jacob Javits Center. The sessions represented a spiritual journey for each participant:

• The journey began on Day One with the recognition of Baha'u'llah as the Promise of All Ages, and concluded with a tangible demonstration of "the Covenant as the pivotal center of unity for all mankind."
• Day Two celebrated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Center of the Covenant. The program highlighted the world-embracing nature of the Covenant, New York as the City of the Covenant, and an intimate and personal appreciation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
• The Third Day recounted the achievements of the Bahá’í Community assembled beneath the banner of the Covenant.
• Day Four explored humanity's encounter with Bahá’u’lláh as a prelude to the culmination of the Congress, a message from the Universal House of Justice.