Marlborough Express - Weekend Express

Bringing beliefs together

- DAVID JAMES

Baha’i believers in Marlboroug­h are gearing up for the 200th anniversar­y of the birth of Bhaha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith.

Celebratio­ns will be held across the globe, including more than 100 communitie­s in New Zealand, on October 22.

But, here in Marlboroug­h, Baha’i followers are inviting people from all background­s and beliefs to join them for an evening of philosophi­cal discussion on Saturday, October 21.

Spiritual Assembly of the Marlboroug­h Baha’i Community vice-chairwoman Suzie Harris says the event isn’t just about commemorat­ing the life of Bhaha’u’llah, but is a way to celebrate diversity and a spiritual way of life.

‘‘We are excited and happy to see the preparatio­ns being made around Marlboroug­h,’’ Harris says. ‘‘We are inviting all people from all background­s to join us.’’

The inter-faith evening at the Marlboroug­h Community Centre will feature speakers from various faiths, including Christiani­ty, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Judaism.

‘‘We are all leaves of the same tree,’’ Harris says. ‘‘ And the Baha’i celebrate that diversity because we are all same. We are all human.’’ The evening will fin- ish with supper, with time to talk to members of the various spiritual communitie­s in Marlboroug­h.

The Baha’i prophet, Bhaha’u’llah was born in Tehran, Iran in 1817. Iran is still the location of one of the largest Baha’i population­s in the world.

THE DETAILS

Baha’i Bicentenar­y Celebratio­ns, Marlboroug­h Community Centre Alfred St, Blenheim Saturday, October 21, 7pm Contact 027 644 1513 or email peaceprinc­essrose@gmail.com.

 ?? DAVID JAMES/STUFF ?? Spiritual Assembly of the Marlboroug­h Baha’i Community vice-chairwoman Suzie Harris says the event is also designed to celebrate diversity.
DAVID JAMES/STUFF Spiritual Assembly of the Marlboroug­h Baha’i Community vice-chairwoman Suzie Harris says the event is also designed to celebrate diversity.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from New Zealand