The Bahá'í Community

The first Bahá'ís moved into the Ards district in the 1970s and the first local people to become members of the faith did so in 1978. In 1979 the first Spiritual Assembly for the Ards was elected - the local administrative body for the community. In 2000 it became the Spiritual Assembly for the town.

As the Bahá'í Faith has no clergy, or individuals in positions of personal leadership, and all members are involved in its activities, its elected administrative bodies have a key role to play at local, regional, national, and international levels.

There is a vigorous community life involving not just religious observances and administrative meetings but also discussion classes, devotional meetings, study circles, and children's classes open to all.