Bahá’ís and friends in Redwood City participated in an effort for the homeless to bring some comfort to those less fortunate at this time of year.
The effort was launched by Andrea Carranza, a member of the Redwood City Bahá’í community who is also a student at San Francisco State University. “Spending so much time in the city I see so many homeless people …so that’s how this idea originally occurred to me”, Andrea said. Andrea and her mother Julia had previous experience with efforts on behalf of the homeless so they contacted the folks at the local Life Moves Shelter on Maple Street here in Redwood City and the staff there was happy to tell them about the things that their families need most: toiletries, clothing, and food. So Bahá’ís from Redwood City and friends from surrounding areas gathered at the Carranza residence to prepare packages for donation through the Life Moves Shelter. They assembled and customized 50 bags for women and 75 bags for men, along with food and clothing donations.
One of the central principles of the Bahá’í Faith is the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty. Living in a prosperous and highly developed culture like ours it’s easy to forget that significant segments of our population do not share in this prosperity. But in recent years the voices reminding us of the huge share of wealth accumulated by the top 1 percent of the population are becoming louder and louder. The Bahá’í teachings make it clear that a readjustment in the conditions of mankind is coming, that the accumulation of enormous, unwieldy fortunes by a few at the expense of an unfortunate subgroup of the population will not be possible and that there will be a time in the not-too-distant future when destitution and homelessness will be eliminated.
“…Among the results of the manifestation of spiritual forces will be that the human world will adapt itself to a new social form, the justice of God will become manifest throughout human affairs, and human equality will be universally established. The poor will receive a great bestowal, and the rich attain eternal happiness. For although at the present time the rich enjoy the greatest luxury and comfort, they are nevertheless deprived of eternal happiness;
Andrea Carranza, Camelia Yavrom and a staff member from the “Life Moves” homeless shelter stand in front of donated items.
for eternal happiness is contingent upon giving, and the poor are everywhere in the state of abject need. Through the manifestation of God’s great equity the poor of the world will be rewarded and assisted fully, and there will be a readjustment in the economic conditions of mankind so that in the future there will not be the abnormally rich nor the abject poor. The rich will enjoy the privilege of this new economic condition as well as the poor, for owing to certain provisions and restrictions they will not be able to accumulate so much as to be burdened by its management, while the poor will be relieved from the stress of want and misery. The rich will enjoy his palace, and the poor will have his comfortable cottage.”
( – ‘Abdu’l-Bahá …from the Bahá’í Writings)
Discussions explore how recognition of the spiritual nature of human beings can help address the roots of violence and strengthen social cohesion. [...]
Members of Kazakhstan’s Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs discuss how collective exploration of spiritual principles over the years is fostering societal harmony. [...]
The News Service has now integrated the Arabic language into its website, marking a notable enhancement since the News Service was established over two decades ago. [...]
Human prosperity depends as much on social, moral, and relational factors as on technological, material, and financial ones, says the BIC in a new statement. [...]
BIC representatives discuss how spiritual principles and a conception of human nature rooted in the nobility of human beings can guide efforts to foster societal harmony. [...]
The Bahá’í Chair for Studies in Development at Devi Ahilya University explores how spiritual principles can transform economic structures to foster a more caring society. [...]
The 35th volume of this historic series, covering 2006-2021, explores endeavors of people worldwide working to apply spiritual principles toward social progress. [...]
As 2024 comes to an end, the Bahá’í World News Service looks back at glimpses from efforts of the global Bahá’í community to foster a more peaceful world. [...]
Several national Bahá’í communities mark the births of the Báb and Baháʼu’lláh, with gatherings that bring together societal leaders to explore paths toward harmony. [...]
Podcast explores the rich history of the Bahá’í community in Uzbekistan, highlighting its contributions to education, equality of women and men, and social harmony. [...]
At the UN Climate Conference, BIC delegates highlighted how the principles of humanity’s oneness and consultation are essential to addressing environmental challenges. [...]
A native forest project on the grounds of Colombia’s Bahá’í House of Worship demonstrates how spiritual principles can guide environmental conservation. [...]
At a conference in Maradi, over 300 young people explored how Bahá’í educational initiatives can foster patterns of community life that bring about peace. [...]
A symposium at the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi explores how artistic expression, guided by spiritual principles, can contribute to social transformation. [...]
Recent construction work at the Shrine of the Báb concludes, enhancing accessibility through new pathways and an expansion of the plaza at this sacred site on Mt. Carmel. [...]
The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland examines how spiritual and moral principles can help overcome barriers to creating a peaceful world. [...]
A group of youth produce a short film about fostering true friendship amidst digital interactions, screened at local cinema to inspire community reflection. [...]
U.S. Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs and Aspen Institute release collaborative essays examining inclusive American narratives through insights of religion. [...]
A new documentary examines how Bahá’í community-building initiatives in Kazakhstan are fostering social progress while drawing from the country’s rich cultural heritage. [...]
Since its dedication in 2016, the Bahá’í Temple in Santiago has welcomed over 2.5 million visitors, fostering a spirit of worship and service to society. [...]
The Universal House of Justice has called for three new Bahá’í temples to be established—two national temples in Brazil and Malawi and a local temple in Cameroon. [...]
Historian Mina Yazdani explores how Iran’s Bahá’í community, despite persecution, has contributed to social progress through education, health, and agriculture. [...]
National discussion explores how the principle of the harmony of science and religion can address societal challenges, offering a path to social betterment. [...]
A new essay explores how individuals, communities, and institutions can contribute to a more sustainable future amid deepening environmental crises. [...]
The central theme of the BIC’s contribution to the Summit of the Future was the need to place humanity’s interdependence at the heart of systems of global governance. [...]
Podcast episode explores the 48th ABS conference, featuring discussions on applying Bahá’í teachings to contemporary issues across diverse academic fields. [...]
New BIC short film features youth from Bahá’í communities worldwide sharing reflections on global interdependence and what the Summit of the Future can represent. [...]
BIC representatives explore the discourse on global governance, highlighting principles of oneness, consultation, and service ahead of UN Summit of the Future. [...]
BIC statement urges embracing humanity’s interdependence as foundation for global governance, challenging world leaders to rethink systems at upcoming UN summit. [...]
Construction at the Shrine of the Báb encompasses several features to enhance accessibility with significant improvements to paths and enhancements to the plaza. [...]
Remaining Bahá’í prisoners released in Sanaa, illuminating a community’s resilience amid persecution and offering hope in their ongoing pursuit of justice and peace. [...]
Over 1,900 participants gathered in Atlanta to correlate the Bahá’í teachings with the contemporary questions pertaining to the wellbeing of humanity. [...]
BIC statement emphasizes the vital role of young people in fostering peaceful societies, calling for a rethinking of how youth are perceived and engaged. [...]
Amid floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, capacities built through Bahá’í community-building efforts were vital to relief efforts and maintaining hope during the crisis. [...]
BIC highlights broad considerations, such as justice in international relations, for fostering more sustainable and equitable food systems in the EU and beyond. [...]
The Bahá’ís of Luxembourg bring together academics and civil society members to explore the role of the community in overcoming the challenges of passivity. [...]
Today marks a year since #OurStoryIsOne was launched, honoring the 10 Bahá’í women who were hanged in Iran 41 years ago, inspiring artistic works on gender equality. [...]
BIC explores new conceptions of leadership and justice at the UN Civil Society Conference, highlighting the need for a shared identity to shape global progress. [...]
Some 4,000 people from across Papua New Guinea gathered in Port Moresby over two days to celebrate the historic opening of the country’s national Bahá’í House of Worship [...]
Architects share their insights into the collaborative efforts behind Papua New Guinea’s soon to be inaugurated Bahá’í temple, which stands for the oneness of humanity. [...]
Youth engaged in Bahá’í community-building activities spearhead a community garden project, nurturing community ties and improving their local environment. [...]
Message of peace resounds as community celebrates opening of restored apartment where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed and gave public presentations during His travels to the West. [...]
Podcast explores two fundamental aspects of a spiritual life, worship and service, bringing together guests to share experiences from a few countries. [...]
Gathering at the House of Worship marks Bahá’í National Assembly’s 100th year and explores efforts over the past century to foster social betterment. [...]
BIC organizes eight events at the UN’s CSW, bringing together over 570 people to explore how institutions can remove barriers to women’s full participation in society. [...]
Human Rights Watch documents the discriminatory laws, policies, and practices used by the Iranian government to violate the human rights of Bahá’ís in the country. [...]
A new statement by the Brussels Office of the Bahá’í International Community explores avenues for nurturing young people’s potential as catalysts for social change. [...]
Radio Bahá’í in Chile launches national archive project, cataloging four decades of recordings of Mapuche cultural expression through arts, storytelling and conversations [...]
Podcast explores efforts of the Association for Bahá’í Studies to enrich the intellectual life of communities through consultative approaches to academic inquiry. [...]
BIC statement to the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women emphasizes self-transformation in institutions that aim to foster more gender-equal societies. [...]
A forum held by the Bahá’ís of Bolivia explores equality in educational opportunities for women, emphasizing the broader goal of weaving this principle throughout society [...]
In this podcast episode, we hear accounts of how prayer and efforts to apply spiritual principles to one’s daily life provide the seeds for social betterment. [...]
Roundtable discussions held by the Bahá’ís of Kazakhstan explore how a conception of human nature rooted in the nobility of human beings can strengthen family life. [...]
More than 150 Iranian human rights advocates, and social and political activists sign public statement condemning new wave of arrests against Bahá’ís. [...]
Counsellor Bhavna Anbarasan shares insights arising from Bahá’í endeavors in villages in the Indian state of Bihar where a culture of equality is taking root. [...]
The Polish translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas has been published in print for the first time, the culmination of a dedicated effort spanning almost three decades. [...]
Prayer gatherings in ‘Akká-Haifa have welcomed all people, irrespective of their cultural or religious backgrounds, in a shared spirit of kindness and fellowship. [...]
As 2023 comes to an end, the Bahá’í World News Service looks back at glimpses from efforts around the global Bahá’í community to contribute to social progress. [...]
Delegates of the Bahá’í International Community at COP28 highlight the need for a broader understanding of progress, encompassing both material and spiritual development. [...]
Westminster gathering marks UK Bahá’í Assembly’s 100th year, emphasizing harmonious and constructive relationships among individuals, the community, and institutions. [...]
Banani International School marks 30 years of inspiring young women not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop their vision for meaningful social contribution. [...]
Technologist Matt Weinberg shares insights on the implications of the principle of the harmony of science and religion for technological progress. [...]
The completed body of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is now visible for the first time; the emerging Shrine stands as symbol of unremitting service to humanity. [...]
A group of youth in Kenya record and distribute programs on local issues through messaging platforms, stimulating vibrant discussions about social progress. [...]
Counsellor Kessia Ruh shares stories about emerging social action initiatives in Papua New Guinea that are giving hope for a more prosperous future. [...]
The gentle call for oneness echoed in the Tanna House of Worship in a gathering of diverse faith communities marking the 2nd anniversary of the temple’s dedication. [...]
A gathering held by the BIC and the Bahá’ís of Sweden draws on insights from Bahá’í community-building efforts that foster social cohesion at the grassroots. [...]
In this podcast episode, we hear how people are learning to apply scientific knowledge together with spiritual principles to the development of their communities. [...]
The News Service has now integrated the Persian language into its website, marking a notable enhancement since the News Service was established over two decades ago. [...]
Participants at ABS conference correlate spiritual principles with diverse fields, uncovering fresh perspectives for addressing contemporary challenges facing humanity. [...]
The Bahá’í Chair for Studies in Development at Devi Ahilya University explores the principles of equality and unity in building a caring society. [...]
In this latest podcast episode, we hear reflections from young people about the role of Bahá’í Houses of Worship in strengthening community life. [...]
The Bahá’í World News Service introduces a new video section featuring all BWNS video productions, including short videos, documentaries, and video podcasts. [...]
A recent gathering on the grounds of the House of Worship in the Democratic Republic of the Congo explored humanity’s relationship with the natural world. [...]
Unique woven exterior of the emerging temple in Papua New Guinea has recently been completed; the pattern is symbolic of unity and coming together of diverse groups. [...]
In this latest podcast episode, we hear perspectives and insights about how Bahá’í Houses of Worship in Kenya and Uganda are enriching community life. [...]
Distinguished publisher, George Ronald, marks 80 years of publishing Bahá’í literature and stimulating the intellectual life of the Bahá’í community. [...]
A new BIC statement offers considerations for fostering a sustainable, equitable global food system, calling for a deep examination of systemic challenges. [...]
Random Quote
The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.
