Papua New Guinea Bahá'í Community

Happy Ridván!❤️

Ridván, which means Paradise in Arabic, is the holiest festival in the Bahá’í Faith. It lasts twelve days, from April 21 to May 2 each year, and is also known as the “King of Festivals.” Considered the Most Great Festival in the Bahá’í calendar, Ridván is a time when Bahá’ís around the world gather for prayers, readings, music, and celebrations of unity.

Happy Ridván to all the Bahá’ís around the world! May this sacred festival bring joy, harmony, and renewal to every heart.

“O ye friends of God! Today is the day of union and this age is the age of harmony in the world of existence. Verily, God loveth those who are working in His path in groups, for they are a solid foundation.” — ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá

Day one of the Institutional Meeting | 9 April 2026

Day one of the Institutional Meeting unfolded in an atmosphere of joy and anticipation. The morning began with a cultural guard of honor performed to welcome participants from across the regions of Papua New Guinea, as well as friends from Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands. Members of the Pacific Geo Group of Counsellors, representatives of the Bahá’í International Development Organization, and directors of the International Teaching Centre were likewise received in this spirit of celebration and unity.

This was followed by uplifting devotions at the House of Worship, lovingly organized by the friends from the Solomon Islands, which set a sacred tone for the day. Words of encouragement and guidance from the Counsellors and members of the International Teaching Centre then marked the official opening of the program and the four days of consultation and learning that lay ahead.

Expressions of welcome, cultural dancing, and words of inspiration created a profound sense of warmth and togetherness. The gathering continued in a spirit of love, fellowship, and eagerness to share and learn from one another, embodying the unity that lies at the heart of the Faith.

-Leste

Institutional Meeting | Preparatory Meetings | 8 April 2026

A day before the Institutional Meeting in Port Moresby, two preparatory gatherings were held at the Bahá’í National House of Worship site. In the morning, members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Geo Group of Counsellors, together with directors of the International Teaching Centre and representatives of the Bahá’í International Development Organization, consulted to refine the program for the days ahead. Later, outside the Visitors’ Information Centre, facilitators from across Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands received orientation and guidance on how best to accompany the participants in the breakout sessions of the meeting. This orientation provided clarity for each session, enabling facilitators to help impart to the participants a vision that would translate into planning and action. These consultations reflected unity of purpose and a spirit of devotion, setting a fitting tone for the days of learning and service to follow. The day concluded with devotions at the House of Worship.

-Leste &Worship

All are welcome at the Bahá’í House of Worship — a place of prayer, reflection, and meditation.

The Bahá’ís of Papua New Guinea Inc. hosted a modest gathering ahead of International Women’s Day, to reflect on the role of women in building resilient societies.
Read more:
https://pnghausbung.com/bah-community-hosts-dialogue-ahead-of-international-women-s-day/

March 6th | International Women’s Day | PNG Bahá’í House of Worship

In observance of International Women’s Day, the Bahá’í Community of Papua New Guinea, through its Office of External Affairs, hosted a morning tea on Friday, 6th March.

The theme of the gathering—Justice the Light of Equality: Honouring the Efforts of Women in Building Equal and Resilient Communities, brought together participants from civil society, government, the arts, media, faith-based organisations, and academia.

In a spirit of reflection, participants honoured the courage and resilience of women whose efforts have carried our communities forward, while acknowledging both the progress achieved and the distance yet to be traversed.

This observance provided a space for purposeful and solutions-oriented conversation, inviting each of us to consider the steps we have taken within our own spheres of influence to advance the cause of justice.

We celebrate the progress made, even as we recognise the challenges that remain, and commit ourselves to continue building communities founded on equality.

October 14–16 | Social Action Seminar | Port Moresby

The PNG Bahá’í Community recently hosted the first of its kind Social Action Seminar, bringing together dedicated individuals from across the country to explore how spiritual principles can guide meaningful grassroots development. Over three days, participants from West New Britain, Milne Bay, Western, and Central Provinces gathered to reflect on how communities can respond to their own needs through unity, consultation, and action. From rice farming in Kimbe to the classrooms of Kini and Waligi, the spirit of service and learning was alive and vibrant.

In Western Province, the Kini and Waligi communities are learning how to make education accessible for all children through collective consultation. In Milne Bay’s Daga community, agricultural practices are being shaped by the principle of eliminating extremes of wealth and poverty, ensuring every family can enjoy a balanced meal. In Rigo Central, the villages of Busara, Medene, and Gegofi are exploring spiritual solutions to economic challenges, while in Kimbe’s Morokea community, consultation is guiding efforts to meet local needs with unity and purpose. These stories reflect a growing movement of communities taking ownership of their development, guided by spiritual principles and practical learning.

This seminar was more than just a gathering, it was a space of reflection, encouragement, and empowerment. Participants studied key texts, shared experiences, and strengthened their capacity to serve. From oil-making projects that aim to support mothers, to health awareness campaigns and the building of aid posts, each initiative shared was an attestation to what is possible when communities act with unity, purpose and principle. Together we are all learning to walk a path of service that seeks to be both spiritually grounded and practically impactful, nurturing communities that strive to uphold the wellbeing of all.

Baha'i House of Worship - Visitors Centre · H5CH+739, Port Moresby National Capital District, Papua New Guinea ★★★★★ · Bahá'í house of worship

The Bahá’í Community of Papua New Guinea Reflects on PNGCC’s National Theological Symposium: A Call for Unity, On-going Dialogue, and Shared Nation-Building through Faith
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24 July 2025 | Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | For Immediate Release
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The Bahá’í Community of Papua New Guinea extends its sincerest appreciation to the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC) for the honour of participating in and contributing to the recent National Theological Symposium (14-18th July 2025), held under the theme “Christianity and its Relationship with Other Religions in Nation Building.” We highly commend PNGCC’s visionary leadership in creating such a vital space for inclusive dialogue, reflection, and collective purpose.

Our community is equally grateful to our Government for supporting this landmark initiative. By fostering a spirit of genuine consultation among religious leadership and representation, the symposium demonstrated how faith can play a constructive role in shaping the moral landscape of our country.

As we approach the 50th Independence Anniversary the symposium came at a defining moment in our national life. It invited leadership of faith communities to reflect on the critical and enduring role of religion in nation-building—not as a divisive force, but as a harmonising power promoting collective well-being, mutual-respect and fostering a sense of safety and security through compassion for all.

Alongside our Christian brothers and sisters, Bahá’ís believe that the purpose of religion is to establish concord and unity through love. A true believer of God upholds justice, honours human dignity, and strives in selfless service. Yet, in many parts of the world, religious fervour has been exploited to sow hatred, marginalise communities, and incite conflict. Such perversions of faith are contrary to the teachings of true religion, which call upon the faithful to uphold the sanctity of every fellow human being - themes discussed earnestly at this historic National Theological Symposium.

We must continue to uphold the noble principles enshrined in our National Goals and Directives and in our Constitution: egalitarianism, shared responsibility, striving for collective wellbeing, and a reverent appreciation of the sacredness of life as an undivided whole. These "Papua New Guinean ways" are not just cultural strengths—they are pillars of national unity.

The conversations echoed the understanding that religion, free from prejudice, practiced with humility and focused on selfless service, has the power to uplift communities and provide a moral compass for policy development and governance for the betterment of society. Faith-based institutions have long supported the integral human development of our people—often in the most remote regions—and therefore, are essential partners in nation-building.

As we navigate forward, our country shoulders an important role to grow as an example to the region and as part of the global neighbourhood: where we draw strength from harmonising our extraordinary diversity, we safeguard the freedom of conscience, and we build towards a national identity underpinned by the dignity of shared values and cohesive governance.

In this spirit, we view the National Theological Symposium as a critical foundation—a moment from which continuous constructive consultation and collaboration can flourish. We remain committed to mutually-respectful dialogue with fellow faith-communities and our Government to ensure that religion continues to be a force for unity in diversity, enduring socio-economic development, social justice and promoting peace in our beloved country.

For further information, please contact:

PNG Bahá’í Community Office of External Affairs
Email: [email protected]
W/App: +675 7379 6777
https://media.bahai.org.pg/
https://houseofworship.bahai.org.pg/



PNGCC page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Papua-New-Guinea-Council-of-Churches/61557266005395/

We, the PNG Bahá’í Community, extend our sincerest condolences to our dearly cherished brothers and sisters of the Catholic Community and Christian friends, upon the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

His leadership, compassion, and faith touched countless lives across the globe, inspiring hope and fostering love among all humanity.

We share the Official Letter of Condolence on the Passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis

St. Mary’s Cathedral Port Moresby Catholic Professionals Society of PNG Radio Maria Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Apostolic Nunciature to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands