Local Baha'is

There has been a Baha'i Community in the Borough of Epsom and Ewell since the early 1960's.

Each year a council of 9 people is elected by secret ballot from among the Baha'is in the community. This is known as the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Epsom and Ewell and is a registered company and charity. In the election every Baha'i in the borough who is over 21 is automatically a candidate. In common with all Baha'i elections, there is no canvassing for votes.

The assembly has the responsibility for looking after the affairs of the Baha'i Faith in the Borough of Epsom and Ewell but it seeks to care for the spiritual needs of the wider community and to collaborate with other people and organisations with common aims.

Just as in Baha'i communities throughout the world, there is a meeting for the whole local community in every 19 day period where the Baha'is pray and then consult together.This meeting is known as the Nineteen Day Feast. Do not be mislead by the word "feast". It is true that we enjoy food and drink together. This is seen as an integral part of the process, but the principal aim is for it to be a spiritual rather than a material feast. The prayer and close association uplifts us and the consultation produces a unified approach to our activities.