BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Glenford E. Mitchell, former member of the Universal House of Justice, passed away on 7 February 2026 in Decatur, Georgia, United States. He was 90 years old.
The Universal House of Justice has sent the following message to all National Spiritual Assemblies.
The passing of Glenford E. Mitchell from this earthly plane robs the Bahá’í world of an illustrious, accomplished, deeply spiritual servant of Bahá’u’lláh. We mourn the loss of our dearly loved former colleague with sorrowful hearts, calling to mind his penetrating powers of insight and uncommon good sense, to which he harnessed his compelling command of language—a combination of rare qualities that answered to so many demands during his membership of the Universal House of Justice. This period, stretching for more than a quarter century, crowned a lifetime of service and followed fourteen years in which he held the office of Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. During his life, his gifts of character, skill, and understanding served him well as a journalist, an author, and an inspirational educator of youth. From an early age, his heart and mind were galvanized by the writings of the beloved Guardian and the vision they encapsulated of a new World Order, founded on justice and operating according to the cardinal principle of the oneness of humanity. To this bright vision enshrined in the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh he dedicated his entire life.
We offer our condolences to his dear wife, Bahia, and his daughter, Tarissa, for their loss, and we assure them of our supplications that his noble soul may receive a joyous welcome in the eternal realm. The friends throughout the world are called upon to hold befitting memorial gatherings in his honour, including in every House of Worship.
The Universal House of Justice