News Brief by Tracy Simmons | FāVS News
The Bahá’í Community of Spokane Valley has elected its new Local Spiritual Assembly, the governing body that will oversee local affairs of the faith for the coming year.
The election was held during the annual Festival of Ridvan in April, following the distinctive Bahá’í electoral process that prohibits nominations, campaigning or electioneering. Adult community members participated by secret ballot, selecting nine individuals based on spiritual qualities outlined in Bahá’í writings.
The newly elected assembly members are Mary Doucet, Joseph Urlacher, Laurel Schaffer, Marcia Keene, Jaynee Burks, Mary Beth Bertis, Victor Bertis, David Gregory and Marsha Urlacher.
The newly elected assembly will guide the spiritual and administrative life of the local Bahá’í community, including fostering growth, organizing educational programs and promoting social action initiatives.
The Bahá’í Faith operates without clergy, relying instead on annually elected councils at local, national and international levels. This electoral process emphasizes unity, service and humility among leaders.
For more information about the Bahá’í Faith, visit www.bahai.us.
