October 2017 – Bahá’ís of Redwood City

About the Baha'i Faith

Redwood City Council Proclamation for Bicentenary

October 19, 2017

The City Council of Redwood City issued a proclamation in honor of the Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

About the Baha'i Faith

The Life of Bahá’u’lláh and His Upcoming Bicentenary

October 15, 2017

Bahá’ís all over the world are celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Two hundred years after His birth, the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has spread to virtually every […]

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. [...]

Officials and other dignitaries in Holy Land honor ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

'Abdu’l-Bahá’s enduring legacy of service to humanity was honored by officials, diplomats, and faith leaders at a reception held last week in Haifa. [...]

Counsellors’ return marks start of new journey for Bahá’í world

The Counsellors are now departing the Holy Land ready to infuse Bahá’í communities worldwide with the wealth of insights gained over the past days of discussions. [...]

“Glimpses of a Hundred Years of Endeavour”: New film looks at journey of global Bahá’í community

A film commissioned by the Universal House of Justice provides glimpses of the Bahá’í community’s efforts over the past century to contribute to the oneness of humanity. [...]

Counsellors look ahead as conference concludes

Counsellors from across the world spent the past six days consulting about how Bahá’í efforts to foster social transformation can further intensify in the years ahead. [...]

2021 in review: A momentous year

BWNS looks back on a historic year of intense efforts by countless people and communities, including marking the centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing. [...]

Counsellors’ conference begins

Over the coming days, Counsellors from all parts of the world will be consulting on the development of the worldwide Bahá’í community, preparing for the years ahead. [...]

Bahá’í Media Bank: Photo of opening pages of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament published

An image of the opening pages of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament has been published for the first time, coinciding with the period of the centenary of His passing. [...]

Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Plans for marble presented at press conference in Italy

The president of marble company Margraf and architect Hossein Amanat spoke about the complexities of the construction project and fabrication of the marble [...]

BIC New York: UN Calls on Iran to end religious discrimination

The UN General Assembly calls on Iran to observe human rights for all its citizens, including members of the Bahá’í Faith. [...]

Turkey: Mayor of Edirne marks centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing

The centenary was recently honored in Edirne, where Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and a small band of believers lived as exiles for over four years. [...]

Papua New Guinea: Bahá’í Most Holy Book published in Tok Pisin

Bahá’u’lláh’s Kitáb-i-Aqdas has been translated into the most widely spoken language in Papua New Guinea after a decades-long process. [...]

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: Short documentary on centenary commemoration in the Holy Land released

The documentary provides highlights from the spiritually charged centenary gathering recently held at the Bahá’í World Centre. [...]

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: National commemorations honor herald of peace

National Bahá’í communities around the world have been bringing together diverse social actors to explore some of the universal principles embodied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. [...]

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: A look at worldwide commemorations

Centenary gatherings encircled the globe on Saturday, inspiring countless people to consider the implications of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s call for universal peace for their lives. [...]

Houses of Worship: Bahá’í temples become focal points of commemorations

On Saturday, Bahá’í Houses of Worship became focal points of centenary commemorations, bringing diverse people together for profound reflection on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life. [...]

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: Participants energized for return home as gathering concludes

Attendees came together for the closing session of the gathering at the Seat of the Universal House of Justice on Saturday, galvanized by the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. [...]

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: Solemn event sparks profound reflection on exemplary life

Participants gathered in the courtyard of the Haifa Pilgrim House, next to the Shrine of the Báb, to commemorate the centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension. [...]

Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Short documentary on the construction project released

This documentary explores aspects of the design and construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and features interviews with people directly involved in the project. [...]

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: Formal program begins after days of spiritual preparation

The formal program for the centenary began today with a reading of a message by the Universal House of Justice addressed to the gathering. [...]

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: Representatives prepare themselves in spiritual atmosphere

Representatives have been preparing for the centenary, visiting Bahá’í Holy Places associated with the lives of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. [...]

Houses of Worship: Preparations under way for centenary commemorations

Bahá’í Houses of Worship around the world are preparing for the commemoration of the centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing with special programs and exhibitions. [...]

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: Representatives from around the world arrive

Representatives of Bahá’í communities from around the world have been arriving in Haifa for a gathering at the Bahá’í World Centre commemorating the centenary. [...]

Centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing: Remembering His life in the Holy Land

Several events held in Haifa and ‘Akká mark the centenary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land. [...]

“Exemplar”: New film explores ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s profound effect on people past and present

A film commissioned by the Universal House of Justice for the centenary commemoration of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has been released. [...]

Vanuatu: First local Bahá’í temple in the Pacific opens its doors

Saturday’s dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship included Prime Minister Bob Loughman and other government officials, traditional chiefs, and some 3,000 attendees. [...]

Vanuatu: Anticipation builds as temple inauguration draws near

Many people from across Vanuatu arrive in Tanna to assist with preparations for Saturday’s dedication of the first local Bahá’í House of Worship in the Pacific. [...]

COP26: BIC delegation offers principles and proposals for climate action

Representatives of the Bahá’í International Community have been participating in discussions at the COP26 climate summit, exploring the moral dimensions of climate action [...]

Mansion of Mazra‘ih: Conservation work on Holy Place continues apace

The project to preserve the Mansion of Mazra‘ih is now showing significant progress. Most notably, Bahá’u’lláh’s room has now been prepared for visitors. [...]

Bahrain: National gathering on coexistence honors ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

This event brought together Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, representing the king of Bahrain, and other prominent people to reflect on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s call for peace [...]

…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