returned from a major convention in Israel.

Bermuda's nine delegates -- Anthony Ball, Evelyn Cann, Shirley Fagundo, Dr.

Fred Ming, June Saltus, Derick Symonds, Wayne Symonds, Mary Walker and Johann Wong -- joined some 1,100 Baha'is around the world between April 29 and May 2 for the eighth International Convention of the Baha'i Faith in Haifa.

The Haifa/Acre area is the administrative and spiritual centre of the worldwide Baha'i community.

The holiest Shrines in the Baha'i world are located in the area and the Universal House of Justice has its Seat in Haifa.

Acre is the resting place of Baha'u'llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, while the Shrine of the Bab, forerunner of Baha'u'llah is located on Mount Carmel in Haifa.

The International Convention is held every five years to elect the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baha'i Faith. The delegates are those elected as members of National Spiritual Assemblies, national governing institutions in the Baha'i Faith.

There are 175 National Spiritual Assemblies worldwide. Bermuda has had a National Assembly since 1981.

Throughout the Baha'i electoral system, the democratic election of the Universal House of Justice takes place by plurality vote without nominations or electioneering.

Each delegate votes for nine names. The nine individuals with the highest number of votes make up the new membership of the Universal House of Justice.

In addition to the election, which was the opening event and focus of the convention, there was consultation on issues facing the Baha'i community.

There was also a review of developments throughout the Baha'i world.

CONVENTION DELEGATES -- Pictured are some of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Bermuda who attended the eighth International Baha'i Convention in Haifa, Israel. Pictured in back row, from left, are Wayne Symonds, Derick Symonds, Dr. Fred Ming, and Shirley Fagundo.

In front row, from left, are Evelyn Cann, Johann Wong, and Mary Walker.