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Home2015April

Month: April 2015

Informative Meetings

Stanford: Educational Excellence in early 20th Century Iran

April 5, 2015

Don’t miss this remarkable event! Where: Stanford Campus in Palo Alto at Jordan Hall, Building 420, Room 40 When: 6:30pm, Thursday April 9th 2015 Who: Dr. Soli Shahvar Topic: “Modernity, the Baha’i Fatih and the […]

Bahá’í World News Service

In conversation: Counsellors on educational initiatives

The latest podcast episode features Counsellors exploring the impact of educational initiatives in Bahá’í communities across the world. [...]

National Bahá’í Conventions: A unique electoral process

The past weeks have seen Bahá’í communities around the globe elect their national governing councils in a spiritual atmosphere that promotes harmony. [...]

#OurStoryIsOne: Campaign to honor women’s sacrifice sees outpouring of support

Bahá’í International Community launches new website and Instagram page for campaign honoring 10 Bahá’í women executed by Iran 40 years ago. [...]

In conversation: Counsellors on the advancement of women

In this episode, Counsellors discuss efforts in communities around the world to foster a culture of equality among women and men. [...]

Italy: Media’s role in fostering social cohesion

The Bahá’ís of Italy brought together some 60 journalists to discuss the role of media in fostering social cohesion in the country. [...]

“Violent acts”: Armed Houthis attack Bahá’í gathering in Yemen, arresting at least 17, in fresh crackdown

Houthi gunmen have staged a violent raid on a peaceful gathering of Bahá’ís in Sanaa, Yemen, detaining and forcibly disappearing at least 17 people. [...]

In conversation: Counsellors on youth and social transformation

Counsellors explore the ways youth engaged in Bahá’í educational initiatives are contributing to social transformation in their communities. [...]

Houses of Worship: Three new Houses of Worship to be established

The Universal House of Justice has called for three new Bahá’í Houses of Worship to be established—a national temple in Canada and local temples in Nepal and Zambia. [...]

BIC Geneva: Campaign honors Bahá’í women executed in Iran 40 years ago and highlights principle of equality

40 years ago, Iran executed 10 Bahá’í women; today, BIC launches #OurStoryIsOne, inviting artistic works to honor them and the principle of equality. [...]

BIC: The Archives of Bahá’í Persecution in Iran

A unique online collection by the Bahá’í International Community makes available more than 10,000 materials on incidents of Bahá’í persecution in Iran. [...]

13th International Convention: Homeward-bound, delegates radiate spirit of unity

The journey of the International Bahá’í Convention delegates culminates with the commemoration of the Festival of Riḍván at the Shrine of Bahá'u'llah in Bahjí. [...]

13th International Convention: Reception with Haifa Mayor infused with unifying spirit of Convention

Distinctive Bahá’í electoral process explored at special reception which brought together dignitaries and Bahá’í delegates attending the International Bahá’í Convention. [...]

13th International Convention: Consultations inspire new hope for humanity’s future

International Bahá’í Convention ends after election of the Universal House of Justice and days of consultations on global efforts toward spiritual and material progress. [...]

“For the Betterment of the World”: Publication sees release of new edition at International Convention

“For the Betterment of the World” casts light on Bahá’í efforts, in collaboration with social actors from all walks of life, to contribute to material and social progress [...]

Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Short film explores journey of construction project

A short documentary about the construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was released today for the occasion of the 13th International Bahá’í Convention. [...]

13th International Convention: Universal House of Justice elected

The results of the election of the nine members of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Bahá’í Faith, have been announced. [...]

“An Expansive Prospect”: New film explores Bahá’í efforts toward social transformation

A film commissioned by the Universal House of Justice looks at the efforts under way in communities striving to release the society-building power of the Bahá'í teachings [...]

13th International Convention: Vote to be held to break tie for 9th place

Following yesterday’s vote to elect the Universal House of Justice, Chief Teller announces tie for 9th place; vote to break the tie will take place later this afternoon. [...]

13th International Convention: Representatives from 176 countries cast ballots to elect Universal House of Justice

Some 1,250 delegates representing 176 countries around the world assemble in a momentous gathering to elect the Universal House of Justice. [...]

13th International Convention: Delegates spiritually prepare for sacred responsibility

Delegates have been immersing themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the Bahá’í Holy Places in the ‘Akká/Haifa area, preparing to elect the Universal House of Justice. [...]

13th International Convention: Delegates from across the Bahá’í world arrive in the Holy Land

Some 1,400 delegates representing a cross-section of humanity gather in Haifa for the 13th International Convention to elect the Universal House of Justice. [...]

Bahá’í World Centre: Leaving after many years of service in Holy Land

Two members of the Universal House of Justice, Mr. Stephen Birkland and Mr. Stephen Hall, are leaving after many years of service at the Bahá’í World Centre. [...]

United States: Mayor declares ‘World Peace Week’ in honor of Bahá’í Chair anniversary

Mayor of Athens, Georgia, declares World Peace Week in honor of the Bahá'í Chair for World Peace's 30th anniversary, highlighting unity, justice, and human solidarity. [...]

BIC New York: Exploring the future of work

The New York Office of the Bahá’í International Community recently released a statement exploring how the future of work can meet the needs of humanity. [...]

DRC: House of Worship embraces all

As the two-day dedication ceremony concludes, the Bahá’í world’s first national House of Worship opens its doors to the public. [...]

DRC: First national House of Worship opens its doors

Over 2,000 people from across the Democratic Republic of Congo gathered in Kinshasa today for the dedication of the first national Bahá’í House of Worship in the world. [...]

DRC Temple: Anticipation builds on eve of dedication

Anticipation grows as visitors arrive at DRC temple site for Saturday’s dedication of first-ever national Bahá’í House of Worship. [...]

“A collaborative artistic effort”: Architect reflects on DRC temple project

Architect Heinrich Wolff’s journey in designing the DRC temple emphasizes collaboration, unity, and inspiration from the Bahá’í principle of service to humanity. [...]

Bahai.org: New section on Bahá’í calendar added to site

New Bahai.org section offers an overview of the Bahá’í calendar, significant dates, and a downloadable calendar with Bahá’í dates mapped on Gregorian ones. [...]

Maryland Bahá’í Chair: Marking 30 years of promoting dialogue and peace

The 30th anniversary of the Bahá’í Chair at the University of Maryland provides an opportunity to reflect on long-standing efforts to foster a more harmonious world. [...]

Black History Month: House of Worship fosters oneness

Bahá’í temple in the United States hosts event during Black History Month promoting racial harmony and social cohesion. [...]

BIC New York: Women’s engagement in reimagining digital technologies

A new BIC statement explores the impact of digital technologies on women and the need for much greater inclusion of women in the processes of innovation. [...]

BIC Brussels: Policies alone not sufficient to address racial prejudice

The Bahá’í International Community’s statement calls for a shift in how institutions view human capacity, suggesting grassroots participation in policymaking processes. [...]

Türkiye: Emergency desk created to coordinate relief efforts

The Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly’s emergency desk coordinates relief efforts through informal networks formed among participants of community-building initiatives. [...]

Kazakhstan: The arts can foster social harmony

The Bahá’ís of Kazakhstan explore how the arts can awaken noble sentiments and play an in important part in contributing to social progress. [...]

Brazil: Transcending divisions through a shared identity

A public hearing organized by the Bahá’ís of Brazil explores overcoming divisions of “us” and “them” through a recognition of humanity’s spiritual nature. [...]

BIC Addis Ababa: Video explores the pivotal role of women in promoting peace

BIC Addis Ababa Office releases a video about the role of women in peace building, part of a series exploring the Office’s contributions to the discourse on peace. [...]

Bahá’í World Publication: New articles explore reconciliation, identity, modernity

Three new articles published on the Bahá’í World website explore legacy of colonialism and pursuit of reconciliation; diversity and oneness; and modernity. [...]

Chile temple: Promoting a harmonious relationship with the natural world

The Bahá’í temple, which has been promoting environmental stewardship, was host to a gathering for both public and private sectors to reflect on a conservation project. [...]

BIC Jakarta: Can religion provide insights into technological development?

The Jakarta Office of the Bahá’í International Community explores the role of digital technology in social progress at the 2022 SEAFORB conference in Bali, Indonesia. [...]

2022 Year in Review: The start of a new journey

The News Service revisits 2022, a unique year that laid foundations for the global Bahá’í community’s efforts to contribute to social betterment in the coming decade [...]

The arts: Vancouver youth embrace power of music to awaken high aspirations

Young people participating in Bahá’í community-building activities are exploring how music can inspire high aspirations and actions for the betterment of society. [...]

Austria: ‘Language Café’ bridges divides

An initiative of the Bahá’ís of Vienna that offers German language classes for newly arrived families has also enabled diverse people to overcome prejudices. [...]

Bahrain: National forums highlight religion’s pivotal role in social progress

The Bahá’ís of Bahrain explore how spiritual principles such as unity in diversity and the relationship between prayer and service are essential to social progress. [...]

Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Work begins on ‘Akká Visitors’ Centre

Work has now begun on the ‘Akká Visitors’ Centre, which will welcome pilgrims and visitors to the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Riḍván Garden. [...]

An Unbelievable Injustice: Mahvash Sabet and Fariba Kamalabadi sentenced to a second decade in prison in Iran

Amid increasingly violent and repressive actions by Iran’s authorities against their own citizens, two Bahá’í women have been sentenced to a second 10-year imprisonment. [...]

Short film: “A Library for All Who Seek Knowledge”

A short documentary looks at the Afnan Library and its outstanding collection of over 12,000 items covering the Bahá’í Faith and other broadly related subjects. [...]

Zambia: Group of villages awaken to possibilities for raising local educational system

Consultations about Bahá’í educational programs cast light on the growing capacity in Katuyola to address complex challenges associated with the education of young people [...]

“Calls for justice met with violence”: BIC delivers statement at special session of Human Rights Council on Iran

Simin Fahandej, a BIC representative, delivers a statement at 35th special session of the UN Human Rights Council on the deteriorating situation of human rights in Iran. [...]

COP27: Consensus on guiding principles essential to climate action, says BIC

The BIC delegation at the COP27 climate summit participated in numerous discussions, highlighting the need for humanity to recast its relationship with the natural world. [...]

BIC New York: Short film about coral reef restoration project screened at COP27

A film produced by the BIC explores a Bahá’í social action initiative in Tanna, Vanuatu, to revitalize and protect a local coral reef ecosystem. [...]

Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Base layer of west berm nearing completion

Construction work continues on the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, with work on the concrete base layer of the west berm nearly completed. [...]

Food Security: Agricultural resilience depends on education of young farmers, says BIC

The Geneva Office of the BIC explores insights from Bahá’í endeavors that engage young farmers in rural areas through participatory action-research programs. [...]

Austria: Play explores Táhirih’s connection with pioneer of women’s movement

A play staged by the Bahá’ís of Austria explores the connection between Táhirih, a Bahá’í heroine, and Marianne Hainisch, founder of Austria’s women’s movement. [...]

Kazakhstan: Social progress depends on commitment to spiritual principles

Religion has a central role to play in establishing peace, say Bahá’í delegates at the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. [...]

BIC New York: Exploring the concept of shared identity during UN General Assembly High-Level Week

The New York Office of the Bahá’í International Community hosted a series of events, exploring the need for a shared identity based on the principle of oneness. [...]

“Love for all humanity”: Contributing to the discourse on racial unity in the Netherlands

The Dutch Bahá’í Office of External Affairs reflects on insights from its experiences in contributing to a discourse on racial unity, exploring the principle of oneness. [...]

BIC Brussels: Exploring agricultural policies in light of the oneness of humanity

The Bahá’í International Community has released a statement exploring the implications of the principle of the oneness of humanity for improving global food security. [...]

United Arab Emirates: Examining religion’s role in fostering peace

The Bahá’ís of the UAE explore insights from experiences in promoting a new kind of dialogue about the constructive role of religion in contemporary society. [...]

Papua New Guinea: Rising temple inspires public participation in weaving project

The emerging Bahá’í House of Worship in PNG—which represents the union of worship and service—is inspiring local residents to assist with the construction of that temple. [...]

Bahá’í studies: “Reading groups” enrich annual ABS conference

The annual ABS conference was enriched this year by insights from a growing number of reading groups exploring questions in various fields in light of Bahá’í principles. [...]

A seamless experience: Charting the future of the educational journey in Zambia

After decades of effort, Bahá’í institutions in Zambia gathered recently to take an expansive view of their educational initiatives, planning for the future [...]

BIC Addis Ababa: Addressing the disproportionate impact of climate crisis on women

The BIC explores the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, emphasizing the principle of equality of women and men as essential to addressing climate issues. [...]

Three weeks in Iran: 200 incidents of Baháʼís being targeted as international community roundly condemns “sweeping crackdown”

Government officials and international media outlets have rushed to the defense of the Bahá’ís of Iran, provoked by an escalating crackdown on the community. [...]

Bahá’í World News Service: Russian-language BWNS launches

The Bahá’í World News Service is now available in Russian, joining the English and three other language-versions of the site. [...]

Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Construction project moves forward as cleaning ends

Construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá continues to advance following the fire caused by an accident in April. The cleaning is set to be completed in the coming days. [...]

Bahá’í World Publication: New article examines the pursuit of social justice

The latest article on The Bahá’í World website explores fundamental Bahá’í principles, correlating them with prevailing conceptions and with movements for social justice. [...]

Houses of Worship: Intricate exterior design of DRC temple comes into view

The emerging Bahá’í House of Worship is inspiring many conversations about service to society—the theme of a newly launched online video series on the temple. [...]

Update: 6 Bahá’í homes destroyed and 20 hectares of land confiscated by Iranian government agents

Government agents sealed off the village of Roushankouh, demolishing Bahá’í homes and confiscating their lands, escalating the persecution of the Bahá’ís of Iran. [...]

Breaking: Shocking demolition of homes and land grabs signals intensifying persecution of Iran’s Baháʼís

In a cruel escalation, up to 200 Iranian government agents have sealed off the village of Roushankouh, where a large number of Baháʼís live, demolishing their homes. [...]

“Senseless cruelty”: Fresh wave of arrests and raids across Iran as Bahá’ís absurdly accused of “colonialism”

The Iranian government issues appalling statement of hate propaganda against country’s Bahá’ís, as it raids 52 homes and businesses, arrests or imprisons 13 individuals. [...]

United Kingdom: How sensationalist journalism obscures view of reality

Experienced journalists sat with the UK Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs to explore how news reporting can promote understanding and dialogue. [...]

Egypt: Short film on Bahá’í community highlights efforts for coexistence

A documentary produced by a news organization in Egypt highlights the history of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and their efforts to contribute to the progress of their society. [...]

BIC New York: 44 Iranian Bahá'ís arrested, arraigned, or jailed as leading human rights figure says situation is “getting worse”

The Iranian government’s systematic campaign to persecute Iran’s Bahá’ís accelerated again with the arrest, court hearing, or imprisonment of more Bahá’ís. [...]

BIC Geneva: Tackling hate speech at nexus of tech, government, and civil society

A BIC forum at the RightsCon summit explored the collaboration that is needed across the tech sector, government, and civil society to address online hate speech [...]

Global Conferences: Worldwide conferences have inspired hope, say societal leaders

Officials and other leaders are expressing appreciation for how the conferences have infused communities with a heightened consciousness of humanity’s oneness. [...]

Azerbaijan: Bahá’í principle of unity inspires national conference on coexistence

The first national conference on coexistence in Azerbaijan was inspired by discussions about the Bahá’í principle of unity in diversity just days before to the event. [...]

BIC New York: Recasting humanity’s relationship with natural world

Released on the occasion of Stockholm+50, the BIC explores root causes of escalating environmental breakdown and highlights principles and proposals for action. [...]

Tunisia: TV interview explores constructive role of religion in society

A representative of Bahá’ís of Tunisia draws on the experience of the Bahá’ís of that country to explore the concept of religion as a force for social progress. [...]

“Family a seedbed for change”: Fostering a new culture of equality in India

The Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs of India shares insights and ideas relevant to the national discourse on the equality of women and men. [...]

“We are all one family”: Religious leaders highlight moral education as foundation for peace

Religious leaders and government officials gather to discuss collective efforts toward fostering peace, amity, and concord. [...]

“Radiating peace and hope”: Bahá’í temple in Panama marks 50th anniversary

Government officials and leaders of diverse faith communities reflect on the unifying role of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Panama over the past fifty years. [...]

BIC: Promoting principle of oneness in African-European partnership

The Brussels and Addis Ababa Offices of the BIC release joint statement to EU leaders, calling for recognition of the principle of oneness in AE-EU partnership. [...]

Global Conferences: Grassroots gatherings imbue communities with sense of common purpose

Gatherings in diverse settings inspire consultations about fostering vibrant communities based on the Baháʼí Faith’s vision of a peaceful world [...]

Global Conferences: The arts promote peace, inspire service to society

As the wave of global conferences continues, artistic works emerging from these gatherings are expressing the longing to seek harmony and to serve society. [...]

Indore Bahá’í Chair: Principles requisite for climate action

The Indore Bahá’í Chair explores the principles needed to bring humanity into greater balance with the natural world. [...]

Global Conferences: Youth provide a hopeful outlook for the future

As a wave of conferences continues to sweep across the world, young people in particular are stepping to the fore and intensifying their efforts toward building unity. [...]

BIC New York: Forum highlights women’s critical role in climate action

The BIC brought together member state representatives, UN agencies, and civil society to explore how women are uniquely situated to lead responses to the climate crisis. [...]

Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Emerging Shrine a symbol of peace and service to humanity

As work on the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá presses on, Bahá’ís are remembering His call for universal peace, especially today, on Naw-Rúz, a day of spiritual renewal. [...]

Global Conferences: Striving for the greater good of humanity

As the wave of global conferences moves across the world, more people are awakening to the possibilities for fostering unity and serving their society. [...]

Global conferences: Fostering a culture of peace, contributing to social betterment

A wave of conferences across the globe is bringing together the well-wishers of humanity to consult on how they can promote unity and address the needs of their societies [...]

BIC: Re-envisioning the future of work

The New York Office of the BIC has been exploring new conceptions of work, centered around the principles of unity, justice, collaboration, and consultation. [...]

“United in our diversity”: Tunisian faith communities sign coexistence pact

Leaders of Tunisia’s faith communities have signed a “National Pact for Coexistence,” expressing their commitment to building a more peaceful society. [...]

BIC New York: Equality of women and men necessary for response to climate crises

A new BIC statement explores how the principle of gender equality will need to be woven into processes of governance for effective responses to the climate crisis. [...]

Chile House of Worship: How to foster prosperous cities

Civil society leaders and representatives of the Bahá’ís of Chile explore spiritual principles that can guide the development of cities for the well-being of all. [...]

United Kingdom: New podcast explores relationship between religion and media

A newly launched podcast by the Bahá’ís of the UK invites journalists to profound discussions on how the media can play a constructive role in society. [...]

Bahá’í World Publication: New article highlights efforts for racial justice in US

The latest article published on The Bahá’í World website examines the American Bahá’í community’s efforts to counter racism. [...]

DRC: Superstructure of temple nears completion

Work on the Bahá’í temple for the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached a new stage as the steel superstructure for the 26-meter-high dome nears completion. [...]

Spirit of service inspires immediate response to floods in Malaysia

The spirit of service fostered through Bahá’í community-building activities in Malaysia was channeled toward relief efforts after disastrous flooding in December. [...]

“This homeland shelters all”: Bahá’ís mark 100 year history in Tunisia

On the centenary of the Tunisian Bahá’í community’s establishment, some 50 social actors explored coexistence and the issue of violence in contemporary society. [...]

Random Quote

…if the religions investigate reality and seek the essential truth of their own foundations, they will agree and no difference will be found. But inasmuch as religions are submerged in dogmatic imitations, forsaking the original foundations, and as imitations differ widely, therefore, the religions are divergent and antagonistic. These imitations may be likened to clouds which obscure the sunrise; but reality is the sun. If the clouds disperse, the Sun of Reality shines upon all, and no difference of vision will exist. The religions will then agree, for fundamentally they are the same.

— Abdu’l-Baha

Bahá’í Community

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