Baha’i faith promotes unity and diversity
Race, gender, income don’t matter; it’s all about acceptance
If you accept the racial and socioeconomic background of all people, you’re practicing the Baha’i faith – even if you’re unaware of the religion.
On the weekend, the local chapter of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i unveiled a small garden and bench at Chippawa Park in Welland, dedicated to the youngest independent form of worship in the world – one that was founded in Iran in 1844 and has seen people in Niagara practicing it for about 50 years.
“The main reason for this is to promote unity and diversity, which is very important in the Baha’i faith,” said Momtaz Zadegan, chair of Welland’s assembly.
How many people who consider themselves Baha’i in Welland and across Niagara is unknown, but the turnout at Sunday’s dedication ceremony, also attended by MP Vance Badawey and Mayor Frank Campion, indicates that the spiritual denomination is growing.
Race, gender, income – these things don’t matter. It’s all about acceptance, feels Ann Wolf, treasurer of the active group in Welland.
“People can sit down together and see the humanity in each other,” she said at the park on Thursday next to the five trees and bench it consists of.
Zadegan also said the garden represents the mixture of people that practice Baha’i and that the more species of flowers and trees that are planted – the better it is, rather than just having one growing in the soil.
“We can live in peace and harmony together, this is what the Baha’i faith is trying to do,” said Zadegan.
There are 150 countries where Baha’i is becoming more common.
Started 174 years ago, groups everywhere are raising awareness about their faith ahead of what Zadegan called the ‘Baha’icentennial,’ the 200-year anniversary of the religion.
Baha’u’llah, the founder of the faith, taught that God revealed Himself to humanity through a series of divine messengers, whose teachings guide and educate people, while also providing the basis for the advancement of society.
These messengers include Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb, and Baha’u’llah.
In a modern world where bigotry and racism are very much existent in many regions, Zadegan said now is a crucial time to raise awareness about Baha’i and its messages of acceptance.
“Baha’is believe that overcoming prejudice and intolerance is essential for the well-being and betterment of the world,” he said.