The community of the Bahai faith in Samoa and American Samoa have expressed their condolences following the deaths of 50 people in last Friday's terrorism attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand.

National Spiritual Assembly secretary, Toepo Eliza Hunt, said they were saddened at the loss of many innocent lives in the shooting carnage and they have been offering prayers for the victims.

"A text from our Baha’i Holy Writings says 'O Lord, Unto Thee I repair for refuge, and towards all Thy signs I set my heart. Bestow upon me my portion, O Lord, as Thou pleasest, and cause me to be satisfied with whatsoever Thou hast ordained for me. Thine is the absolute authority to command.

"It is with a deep sense of solidarity throughout the Baha’i Community both in Samoa and American Samoa, we earnestly supplicate, in memory of these honourable souls," she said in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

Toepo said members of the Bahai faith have been summoned to offer prayers – as individuals, community and institutions – and devotional services at the Mother Temple of the Pacific at Tiapapata.

"Beseech thee to free us from the forces of darkness and to be illumined by the light of unity. Another text from our Baha’i Holy Writings said that 'O Thou kind Lord!  Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. May they all live together in perfect harmony." 

 Toepo said the special service – which will be held in memory of the Christchurch massacre – will be held this Sunday.

"The special service in memory of the Christchurch tragedy will be held this Sunday on the 24^th March 2019, at the Bahai House of Worship at 10.00am and everyone is welcomed," she added.