Category Archives: News

Children’s Celebration of the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The Bahá’í children from northeast Ohio organized a celebration of the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to commemorate the centenary of His Ascension. The celebration was held at a local library in the greater Cleveland area. Around 30 people attended — around half were children and youth.

When guests arrived some of the children passed out copies of a talk that Abdu’l-Bahá gave while in Cleveland in 1912. They also passed out chocolate coins to remember how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá always had sweets & coins to give to children.

National Assembly Encourages Teaching Efforts in Honor of Robert Turner

Robert Turner, the first Black American Bahá’í and a soul noted by Shoghi Effendi as a Disciple of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Herald of the Covenant, is being honored on this commemorative year. The unveiling of a permanent memorial to Mr. Turner will complement the activities being held to honor the life of the beloved Master asContinue reading “National Assembly Encourages Teaching Efforts in Honor of Robert Turner”

Young Adults Building Capacity for the Betterment of Society

Discourse and Social Transformation: Achieving Coherence

University Graduate Seminar Announcement – 2022

Register by January 31, 2022

The Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP) is pleased to announce the upcoming offering of its seminar for university graduates and young professionals in North America, to be held at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan from July 3 to 14, 2022, as conditions allow.

Webinar with the Producers of “Luminous Journey” Dec. 5

Solutions to our nation’s ills are essentially spiritual in nature. Join us for an interactive webinar on December 5th at 7:00 PM EST with the producers of the film, Luminous Journey: `Abdu’l-Bahá in America, 1912, as they talk about the Bahá’í Faith and the visit of `Abdu’l-Bahá to many places in the United States — including Cleveland, Ohio.

“Difficult Questions” Addressed by Racial Forum

An audience of more than 50 people participated in a discussion of challenging issues faced by the Bahá’í community. The August 9 Regional Council’s Racial Justice and Unity Forum featured three presenters: Van Gilmer, Sahar Sattarzadeh, and Masud Olufani, in a panel discussion moderated by Gwen Etter-Lewis.

Each presenter selected one of five questions they received ahead of time and shared their personal reflections.

Toledo Race Amity Festival Eases Tensions

“In a time when racial tensions continue to churn across the country, members of the local Bahá’í Faith community are working to foster friendships to bridge the divides,” commented Alexandra Mester in her May 21, 2021 article in Toledo’s The Blade.

More than 30 people attended a Race Amity Festival May 14 at Wildwood Metropark in person, while more attended virtually, she reported. People of varying backgrounds and faiths, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Bahá’í, listened to speakers and participated in group discussions. Activities also included ice-breakers, music and dance performances.

Youth and Peace Building

On June 14, a handful of youth demonstrated the power of devotional meetings to use Bahá’u’lláh’s Words to transform lives and build community.

The gathering on Zoom, attending by more than 50 participants touched hearts, opened minds and awakened souls — through music, visual arts and the power of the Creative Word.

“That was among the more powerful and inspiring presentations I’ve seen/participated in…” wrote Dennis Stafford of Columbus, Ohio.

Pandemic Grows Meditative Devotional

Here is how my meditation class became a devotional meeting for a few Bahá’ís and lots of other interested souls.

The format starts with guided relaxation to achieve a meditative state. Then I recite topical quotations from varied religious traditions, including a generous selection of my favorite Bahá’í Writngs, interspersed with music on my flute.  We end with silent meditation to allow the sacred nature of the Writings to transform our hearts and souls.

Afterwards, some will stay to chat about their reactions to the quotes. This was the time for a lot of teaching by the Bahá’ís in attendance, since so many of the “Community of Interest” admired the beautiful quotes. 

Race Unity Day Becomes Race Unity Week

Update: Detailed schedules added.

Race Amity Day, a tradition started in 1921, will take on special significance this year, given the enormity of the events of the past 12 months.

In Columbus and Dayton Ohio, the Bahá’ís and Interfaith Forums will coordinate a series of in-person gatherings that will also be streamed via Zoom and Facebook Live.

The following weekend, Dr. Eric Dozier will lead a musical reflection on the history and significance of Juneteenth.

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