May 19, 2003

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom

Mr Hofman with Counsellor Agnes Ghaznavi in De Poort in 1989

DEAR BAHÁ’Í FRIENDS,
The news of the passing to the Abhá Kingdom of Mr David Hofman, distinguished champion of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, has caused a profound sense of loss to so many hearts.

With unremitting energy and devotion Mr Hofman spent decades in unbroken service to the Cause of God, in the teaching, administrative and literary fields. His intense love for Bahá’u’lláh, his rock-like staunchness in the Covenant, his keen insights rooted in the revealed Word, and his indomitable faith won the esteem and instant affection of all those who met him. Mr Hofman’s enthusiasm was irrepressible, a condition which his galvanising sense of drama enabled him readily to communicate to others, stirring and enriching those who would hear him. Today all these qualities are recalled with immense admiration as we reflect on a life intimately intertwined with European Bahá’í history.

In the years following his retirement from 25 years of service as a member of the Universal House of Justice, Mr Hofman threw himself into the teaching work, coursing through the world with a joyful vitality and singlemindedness unmatched by many who were a fraction of his age. To the very last days of his earthly life, his spirit remained indefatigable as he delivered the message, his passion resolutely focused on the promotion of the interests of the Faith he loved with all his being.

Our sympathies and condolences are extended first to his dear family, but beyond, to the entire European Bahá’í community which has lost a treasured and valiant co-worker. We have offered fervent supplications to the Blessed Beauty for the progress of his soul and cherish the hope that the luminous record of a consecrated life will inspire new generations to rise up in his stead.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Shahriar Razavi