HAIFA, Israel — Anneliese Bopp, former Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre, passed away on 20 February at Bad Brückenau in Northern Bavaria, Germany. She was 90 years old.

The Universal House of Justice sent the following message to all National Spiritual Assemblies on 21 February.

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We are deeply saddened at the passing of dearly loved Anneliese Bopp, tireless promoter of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. Born to a family closely connected with the earliest stirrings of the Cause in Germany, she was a steadfast handmaiden of the Blessed Beauty whose efforts over so many years did much to advance His Faith on the European continent. Among her innumerable contributions was an intimate involvement in the construction of the Mother Temple in Europe, completed while she served as Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany. In 1970 she was appointed to the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe; nine years later she was called to serve as a Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre, in which capacity she laboured, until 1988, with exemplary devotion. Even in her life's twilight, Anneliese attentively followed developments in the Faith and vital matters pertaining to the progress of humankind. We remember with profound admiration her indomitable spirit, her clarity of thought, her disarming candour; we grieve the loss of one of the Faith's champions.

To her family, and to all who loved her, we extend our sympathy, assuring them of our heartfelt prayers in the Holy Shrines for her soul's joyful passage into the eternal realms. We advise the holding of befitting memorial gatherings in her honour by the friends everywhere, including in all Houses of Worship.

The Universal House of Justice