Baha'is from around the world.

Who are the Baha'is?

Bahá'ís are members of an independent religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh. Originating in Iran over a century ago, the Bahá'í Faith has followers in over 300 countries and territories, from India to Bolivia, from Ireland to Tasmania, from Sweden to Japan.

Bahá'ís believe in the unity of God and accept the divine origin of religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.

Bahá'ís advocate the unity of nations and races, the establishment of universal peace, the equality of the sexes, and the abolition of all forms of prejudice. Drawn from a wide variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, the Bahá'í international community includes the members of over 1,600 tribes and minority groups.

Bahá'ís propose the adoption of an international auxiliary language, the abolition of barriers to international economic and cultural exchange, and the development of institutions that would ensure lasting peace.

Bahá'ís abstain from partisan polities, refuse to assume hostile attitudes or to engage in violence, emphasizing instead the need to spiritualize humanity and to apply moral standards to institutions as well as to individuals.

Bahá'ís believe that this day is the Promised Day spoken of in the Scriptures, that this day is the one in which peace will finally be established in the world, after a period of terrible warfare and suffering. Bahá'ís believe that the chaotic age in which we now live will ultimately give way to an age of peace and justice and an era in which every soul can discover its unique purpose.

Dedicated to the elimination of all forms of prejudice

The oneness of humanity is a spiritual truth now abundantly confirmed by science. Recognition of this truth compels the abandonment of prejudices of race, color, creed, nation and class. The enervating materialism of contemporary American society obscures this essential truth and a pervasive cynicism blinds us to its healing power.

It is entirely human to fail if that which is the most important to people's self-perception is denied them, namely, the dignity which they derive genuine regard by others for their stature as human beings. Absence of this regard and a failure of society as a whole to encourage it causes hopelessness in those discriminated against; and in a state of hopelessness, people lose the coherent moral powers to realize their potential.

The responsibility for the achievement of racial peace and unity rests upon both Black and White Americans. Both must be animated with the spirit of optimism and faith. Neither should assume that the responsibility lies exclusively with the other. But must recognize that there is only one human species.

Deep disappointment over the perception that little progress has occurred in race relations has caused Black and White to retreat to a familiar racial separation. But is it true that no progress has occurred? And were we to retreat into separation, how could we divide our cultural heritage, one from another, into Black and White offerings?

No change will come about without close association, fellowship, and friendship among diverse peoples. Nothing short of genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom and deliberate, persistent, and prayerful effort will blot out this stain. With a century of practice guided by these principles, the Bahá'í community offers its experience to others for their examination.