A group made up of members the Bahá’í faith in Bermuda travelled to Israel for the 12th International Bahá’í Convention.

The nine-strong governing body of Bermuda’s National Spiritual Assembly attended the Bahá’í World Centre for the election of the Universal House of Justice — the international governing institution.

A spokesman said: “This convention represented delegates from some 166 countries — the highest number of National Spiritual Assemblies to be present at an International Convention — a cause itself for celebration.”

Established by Bahá’u’lláh in 1863, the Bahá’í Faith teaches the essential worth of all religions, and the unity and equality of all people.

Delegates visited places associated with the central figures of the faith before the start of the conference on April 29. These included the Prison in Akko (Acre), the Most Holy Spot at Bahji where the body of Baha’u’llah is buried, the Shrine of the Bab on Mount Carmel, Haifa and the world administrative centre of the Baha’i world.

The spokesman added: “Now, in the afterglow of an exhilaratingly uplifting experience the Baha’is of Bermuda are preparing for their 38th National Baha’i convention for the election of their nine-member governing council.

“This will take place over the weekend of May 18 to 20 at the Baha’i National Centre. The elections for all national and local Baha’i institutions are held every year during the twelve Days of Ridvan.”