Parliamentarians from both Houses, foreign diplomats, media professionals, and representatives from various faith communities and civil society organisations joined members of the Bahá’í community on the Terrace of the House of Commons on 23 April to celebrate the Festival of Riḍván.

Riḍván, which means ‘Paradise’, is the most significant festival for Bahá’ís.  It commemorates the occasion when, in 1863, Bahá’u’lláh, entered into a beautiful garden outside of Baghdad, named the Riḍván Garden, and announced His station as a Manifestation of God.

The reception was hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Friends of the Bahá’ís Group (APPG), which currently comprises 56 parliamentarians.   Louise Ellman MP, the APPG’s Treasurer, opened the event.  After praising the “vibrancy and diversity” of the Bahá’í community in the UK, she pledged that the APPG would continue in its efforts to defend Bahá’ís from religious persecution in Iran.

The National Spiritual Assembly – the governing body of the UK Bahá’í community – took the opportunity to convey its gratitude to the Government and to parliamentarians “for their unstinting and steadfast support and excellent work in defending the human rights of the Bahá’ís and others who are oppressed in Iran”.  Despite an escalation in attacks on Iran’s Bahá’í community over the past year, “they are not dispirited, demoralised or downtrodden”, the National Assembly continued.  “Their response has been to intensify their effort and their commitment to the much-needed renewal of their homeland.  They press on with activities to serve their society.”

Patrick O'Mara delivered a statement on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly

Joy and Renewal

Riḍván is a time of joy and renewal.  In keeping with this theme, the guests were treated to some reflections on the efforts of Bahá’ís in the UK to contribute to the wellbeing of their communities.

Talieh Mann, from Reading, gave an overview of Bahá’í educational processes that are being implemented in villages and neighbourhoods across the country.  She said they are “founded on the belief that spiritual knowledge is the primary source of advancement and that the Words revealed by Bahá’u’lláh are transformative”.  They “seek to establish environments in which true understanding of the nobility of the human spirit is explored and realised.  They seek to enhance the capacity to serve the common weal…”

In her own locality, classes for children have been established with neighbours of various backgrounds which “have the aim of educating them in such a way that their spiritual gems are mined and revealed”.  A touching example was offered of two children, inspired by the class, who comforted each other in a moment of difficulty by reminding themselves of the radiance and joy ‘Abdu’l-Bahá evinced in the face of any hardship.

Talieh also shared a poignant experience from work with a group of young adolescents in her area, who are engaged in the ‘junior youth spiritual empowerment programme’.  Through meaningful discussion, they identified that joy was their motivator for both recreation and service.  Yet they identified guilt as their main reason for study.  The individual working with their group was able to facilitate a discussion on this point.  The youth came to realise that joy is the best motivator for their studies, and that this can, in fact, motivate and guide us in all we do.

How important it is to speak openly with youth, and to help nurture their sense of purpose and perspective on life!

“channel their surging energies and foster their social, intellectual and spiritual capacities”

Olinga Tahzib, a student at Oxford University, spoke of the need to transform our individual and collective lives.  Using the Bahá’í Writings to study such subjects as human nature and life and death, a group of his friends came to understand that religious teachings are, above all, a call to action.  They began visiting families in local neighbourhoods – bridging the gap that so often separates ‘town’ from ‘gown’ – and inviting “youth between 11 and 15 to participate in groups that channel their surging energies and foster their social, intellectual and spiritual capacities”.

Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation calls for the creation of a new world civilization.  At the grassroots level, in communities across the country, efforts are being made to translate Bahá’u’lláh’s vision into reality.  These efforts are in themselves a source great joy, and it was fitting that this joy could be shared with so many friends of the Bahá’í community at the Palace of Westminster during the Festival of Riḍván.

Billboard of Iran's imprisoned Bahá’í leaders outside Big Ben & Houses of Parliament in London

Bahá’í leaders in Iran imprisoned for 10,000 days

The plight of Iran’s seven imprisoned Bahá’í leaders has been capturing the public’s attention in London and 11 other major cities across the world, where a day of action marked the combined total of 10,000 days that the seven have so far spent in prison.

In an initiative coordinated by human rights organization United4Iran, the image of the seven was widely displayed on Sunday 1 April – on mobile billboards, buses, bicycles, a canal boat, and T-shirts.

The billboard image of the Bahá’í leaders was made up of a mosaic of smaller photographs of hundreds of people currently jailed in Iran including journalists, trade unionists, politicians, student and women’s activists, and religious leaders.

“The plight of these seven is representative of the countless Iranian men and women who have been jailed for defending their freedom and human rights,” said Firuzeh Mahmoudi, United4Iran’s director and founder.

“Our message to the seven is this: The world has not forgotten you, and we will continue to fight for your freedom and that of other Iranian prisoners of conscience.”

United4Iran's billboard of imprisoned Bahá’í leaders outside Houses of Parliament

Showing solidarity in London…

Groups of individuals gathered around London’s most famous sites to express their solidarity with those who are unjustly imprisoned in Iran.

The billboard image was driven around key landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey, to raise awareness of Iran’s unfolding human rights tragedy.

A video documenting the event can be viewed here.

Bahá’ís and supporters in front of billboard showing Iran's imprisoned Bahá’í leaders outside Bahá’í Centre in London

…and across the world

In New Delhi, India, around 200 campaigners carrying banners marched across the city in an action that was co-supported by the Trans Asia Alliance and the Asian Center for Human Rights.

The Center’s director Suhas Chakma said, “Iran has failed to respect international human rights standards on fair trial and therefore must release the seven unconditionally.”

In South Africa, buses displaying the image of the seven prisoners followed routes in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria.

A large truck bearing the same image toured Brazil’s federal capital, Brasilia. Brazilian supporters wore T-shirts that spelled out “Libertem Baha’is Irã” (“Free Bahá’ís Iran”).

In Berlin, Germany, the picture of the seven was displayed around the city on special bicycles. The initiative was launched by German Member of Parliament Serkan Tören, who is a Muslim of Turkish origin.

“I urge the Iranian Government to grant the Bahá’í Faith community the right of religious freedom to which Iran has an obligation under international law. I urge the international community to maintain pressure on Iran in order to fulfil its international obligation,” said Mr Tören.

In the Netherlands, the poster of the prisoners travelled by barge on Amsterdam’s canals while mobile billboards also generated interest as they toured Sydney (Australia), Paris (France), Wellington (New Zealand), and Washington D.C. (U.S.A).

Billboard picture of imprisoned Bahá’í leaders is mosaic of Iran's prisoners of conscience

Innocent Bahá’í prisoners

The seven Bahá’í prisoners are Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm. Prior to their arrests in 2008, they were members of an ad-hoc national-level group which attended to the spiritual and social needs of Iran’s Bahá’í community. They are each serving 20-year jail terms handed down after six brief court sessions characterized by a lack of due legal process. The seven categorically denied such charges as espionage, propaganda against the Islamic republic and the establishment of an illegal administration.

“The seven were, and remain, totally innocent of any wrongdoing,” said Bani Dugal, the Bahá’í International Community’s principal representative to the United Nations.

“Ten thousand days of their lives have literally been stolen from them forever – days which they would have dedicated to the service of their fellow countrymen,” she said. “The day is long overdue when these prisoners are freed to be able to make their contribution to the country they love.”

Lunch guests (l to r): Sheena Napier, Rosemarie Mallett, Ravjeet Singh, Chazzan Jeremy Burko, Kiran Bali, Annabel Knight

What is it like to live on £1 per day?

Representatives from seven religions came together at the National Bahá’í Centre on 1 March to share a lunch, costing just 70p per person, in support of the charity challenge “Live Below the Line”.

Nearly one and a half billion people live on this budget every day, not only for food but for all their daily needs.

During the lunch guests from the Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths discussed their perspectives on faith, food, poverty and malaria.

A video of the lunch can be seen here.

Unity in compassion

A striking unity of thought was achieved at the lunch, as those gathered expressed compassion, commitment to working together for the betterment of the world, and a desire to help fellow neighbours at local and global levels.

“When we show compassion to those living in extreme poverty and those suffering from malaria we are showing love towards God,” said Ravjeet Singh, Director of United Sikhs.

Kiran Bali from the Hindu community commented, “Simple sacrifices, such as the responsible and ethical consumption of food and resources will show solidarity to those living in extreme poverty”.

“For Bahá’ís, the concept of a shared spiritual identity empowers us as individuals to serve others with a sense of purpose and oneness,” said Bahá’í community representative Annabel Knight.

“Interfaith action against global poverty reinforces the dignity of every human being and lends moral and spiritual weight to the struggle to bring justice for those who suffer. In the words of Bahá’u’lláh,’Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other…’”

Live Below the Line

Live Below the Line is a campaign to fight extreme poverty and raise funds and awareness for charities including Malaria No More UK.  It is challenging the British public to generate sponsorship by living from 7 to 11 May 2012 on just £1 a day for all food and drink.

“I think the Live Below the Line campaign is so important because of its experiential dimensions,” said Annabel Knight.

“Hearing or reading about people in different parts of the world surviving on limited funds is not as challenging as actually trying to make ends meet on £1 a day for 5 days.  It is a sobering and very real reminder of what large sections of the world live through every day.  Quite apart from awakening more empathy, Live below the Line is also a great opportunity to share a meaningful project in our local communities and learn how to take action with others.”

Faiths Act Fellows cook and host

Event hosts Usman Nawaz and Charlotte Dando remove the Ritz Hotel Cloche to reveal the Live Below the Line lunch

Participants enjoyed special vegetarian couscous with spinach and spicy mixed beans served with sour cream and cucumber sauces, followed by iced buns and tea.

Event organisers Usman Nawaz, a 22 year old Muslim from Rochdale, and Charlotte Dando, a 27 year old Quaker from London, cooked the lunch

They are two of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation’s 34 Faiths Act Fellows, leading multifaith action in the UK, USA, Canada, India and Sierra Leone.

They are working at Malaria No More UK as part of a year-long Fellowship to help unite people of different faiths in projects that tackle global issues such as malaria.

“We were lent a beautiful silver cloche for our lunch by the Ritz Hotel,” said Charlotte.

“Placing the grand cloche over the humble plate of food was a stark reminder that most of us take pleasures such as food for granted here in the UK.  By taking part in the Live Below the Line challenge we can help to alleviate the suffering of those living on £1 a day for everything, every day.”

Charlotte and Usman Lived Below the Line just a few weeks ago as they prepared to persuade faith communities around the country to take up the official challenge in May and raise funds for Malaria No More UK.

Money raised will help save lives and stop suffering and deaths from malaria in Africa, where malaria is a lead cause of poverty, costing the African economy £8 billion a year.

Tom Brake MP (centre) with NAWO Chair Annette Lawson (left) and youth panel in House of Commons

Tom Brake MP wants to stay in touch with a panel of young people who joined him in the House of Commons on 27 March to discuss the lives of rural women.

Representatives of the National Alliance of Women’s Organisations (NAWO) and other NGOs also took part in the discussion.

Mr Brake, the Liberal Democrats’ equalities spokesperson and a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Friends of the Bahá’ís praised the panel’s balance of practical suggestions and theoretical ideas.

He was particularly taken with the use of consultative decision-making to empower rural women and give them a voice. He noted that this is not a tick-box exercise, but enables the women to play a more active role in improving their lives and the conditions 0f their communities.

Mr Brake was also impressed by the lateral thinking of the young speakers and suggested that it might time for a men’s movement in the UK to enable boys to engage with gender equality issues.

The young speakers had been panellists at this year’s United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. They had previously discussed the empowerment of rural women with UK Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone MP at a seminar at the National Bahá’í Centre in London on 15 March.

Lynne Featherstone MP (centre) with members of the youth panel on rural women

UK Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone MP joined a youth panel and a number of guests on 15 March at the National Bahá’í Centre in London to discuss the empowerment of rural women. The minister and panellists shared insights from their participation in this year’s UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and continued the debate on those issues within the UK.

In a dynamic series of presentations the five youth panellists explored different dimensions of the need to empower rural women around the world. Martha Saunders, European Youth Parliament member from Gloucester, raised important questions about funding.

Kit Powell of the Stroud Youth Council highlighted the need to recognize the importance of working with young people in rural communities.

Rachel Steen, a medical student from Sheffield, presented unique research findings on maternal health issues in Nepal.

Holly Smith, a sixth former from Penzance and a member of the Bahá’í community, challenged currently held ideas about development.

And the only male panellist, Iqan Fadaei – also a member of the Bahá’í community - called for a redefinition of power and its implications on sustainability.

“I was delighted to attend this event and to have the opportunity to hear the views of the youth panellists who spoke at CSW this year and in 2011,” said Lynne Featherstone. “They bring a fresh approach to the huge challenge of empowering rural women across the globe. It is crucial that young women and men such as these panellists are actively engaged in promoting the rights of girls and women at home and abroad.”

“What is unusual about this event is that not only are all the panellists young, but many of them presented at the UN when they were only 16,” commented Iqan Fadaei

The occasion was supported by the UK Bahá’í community and the National Alliance of Women’s Organisations.

The event coincided with the Bahá’í festival of Ayyám-i-Há, and was tied to its theme of charity, gift-giving and hospitality.

A Year of Serviceis a programme in which each of the major faith communities undertake a number of projects throughout the year in connection with particular holy or festive periods. People from other faiths or none are invited to come together to participate in each project with a view to improving their local neighbourhoods. It is co-ordinated by the Department for Communities and Local Government and Laura Marks from Mitzvah Day, in collaboration with Interfaith Network UK, the Faith-based Regeneration Network, the Coexist Foundation, Business in the Community, the Church of England, and representatives from various religious communities.

Speaking ahead of the launch event, Mr Pickles said, “A Year of Service is a wonderful celebration of the practical contribution that faith groups make to enrich their neighbourhoods and improve the lives of those around them. We would be poorer by far without their contribution…”

A Year of Service is a wonderful celebration of the practical contribution that faith groups make to enrich their neighbourhoods and improve the lives of those around them.

At the launch, religion’s vital role in society was repeatedly emphasised. “Faith communities have so much to offer our sorely-tried society”, said Dr Kishan Manocha, a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the UK.  ”Sadly, many in our society are unaware of the unique power that religious faith represents, of its ability to reach to the roots of motivation … Faith should be a source of joy, of bringing people together in common purpose.  We hope that [the] launch will give vivid expression to these special fruits of faith and inspire us all in our efforts to improve our neighbourhoods.”

Following a Bahá’í prayer for the success of the initiative, comedian and actor Omid Djalili joined a number of children in leading the activities. Well over a hundred gifts, including clothes and toiletries donated by the guests themselves – were wrapped. Some of the wrapping paper was created by local youth who were moved to contribute to the initiative. Those attending were also able to express their artistic side in decorating around a hundred cupcakes.

To be of service in itself is also a source of profound joy.

Addressing the whole gathering, Mr Djalili observed that “the desire to serve – to alleviate suffering and bring happiness to others – is an inherent part of what it is to be human. To be of service in itself is also a source of profound joy.”

We look forward to working further with Bahá’ís and others to help build a better world.

“The launch at the Bahá’í Centre got A Year of Service off to a flying start,” said Arup Ganguly, a participant from the Hindu social action organisation Sewa Day.  ”There was a real spirit of fellowship, as people from all backgrounds were able to collaborate in doing something both purposeful and fun. We look forward to working further with Bahá’ís and others to help build a better world.”

Later that evening, the gifts and cakes were taken to St Dionis Church in Parsons Green. St Dionis is one of a number of churches that provide facilities for homeless people as part of West London Churches Homeless Concern.  Representatives from the Bahá’í community were joined by Communities Minister Andrew Stunnell and Warwick Hawkins from the Department for Communities and Local Government to offer the gifts and cakes to around fifty homeless people at St Dionis.

LONDON — Representatives of the United Kingdom Baha’i community joined members of eight other religions at a special gathering to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

At a reception held at Lambeth Palace – official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury – Baha’is, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and Zoroastrians discussed their beliefs with the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and showed them treasured objects from the various faiths.

Highlighting the ongoing centenary commemorations of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s travels to Egypt and the West, the Baha’i community displayed a robe that He had worn. Baha’i representative, Shirin Fozdar-Foroudi, described the simple robe as a reminder of the spirit of ‘Abdu’l-Baha whose life of service was an example to all.

The exhibit also included a framed calligraphic rendering of words from ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s first ever public speech, delivered on 10 September 1911 at London’s City Temple:

The gift of God to this enlightened age is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and of the fundamental oneness of religion.

The Queen listened and carefully followed the text as the words were read by Dr. Fozdar-Foroudi.

The Baha’i delegation also consisted of Patrick O’Mara – Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United Kingdom, Nasrin O’Kane from Northern Ireland and Liam Stephens from the Isle of Skye.

“The Queen spoke to us of how widespread the Baha’i community appears to be,” said Dr. Fozdar-Foroudi.

“We also took the opportunity to thank her and the Duke of Edinburgh for the services that they have rendered over the past 60 years in promoting the principles of unity, equality and justice among the diverse peoples of the Commonwealth,” she said.

The reception held on 15 February was one of the Queen’s first public engagements to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee year.

Addressing the gathering, the Queen said, “Faith plays a key role in the identity of millions of people, providing not only a system of belief but a sense of belonging.”

“Our religions provide critical guidance for the way we live our lives and for the way in which we treat each other.”

“It can act as a spur for social action. Indeed religious groups have a proud track record of helping those in the greatest need.”

The Queen concluded by sending good wishes to each of the faith groups represented by the guests, “in the hope that – with the assurance of the protection of our Established Church – you will continue to flourish and display strength and vision in your relations with each other and the rest of society.”

With thanks to the Bahá’í World News Service

This edition has stories about the community’s celebrations for the centenary of the first of two visits paid by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá , eldest Son of Bahá’u'lláh and Head of the Bahá’í community to Britain. There are also thoughts from a Bahá’í perspective on last summer’s riots as well as features about the situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran and Egypt.

In a debate held at Westminster Hall on Wednesday 11 January, MPs highlighted the fact that virtually every religious minority in Iran is now facing oppression.

Some 19 MPs, representing the UK’s three major parties, participated in the debate.

Watch video coverage of the debate, here.
Read a transcript of the debate, here.

In the opening speech, Louise Ellman, MP for Liverpool Riverside, described the persecution of Baha’is as “pervasive and escalating dangerously.”

“The repression takes a number of forms in an ongoing and systematic persecution,” said Mrs. Ellman. “It means arbitrary arrest and imprisonment and the denial of access to higher education and areas of employment. The homes and businesses of Baha’is have been subject to arson attacks, cemeteries have been destroyed, and children have been harassed.”

She also expressed concern over the 20-year prison sentences being served by seven Baha’i leaders and Iran’s continuing effort to bar young Baha’is from higher education.

Noting remarks made recently by Canadian Senator Romeo Dallaire, Mrs. Ellman said that it “is extremely important that the world does not wait until there is a genocide. It should heed warning and take further action to put pressure on the Government of Iran to stop what they are doing.”

Participants also raised the issue of the increasing persecution of Christians in Iran. Andrew Selous, MP for South West Bedfordshire, reported that at least eight Christian leaders have been murdered since 1979, and expressed particular concern over the case of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who was sentenced to death for apostasy in 2010 and has since been the focus of an international outcry.

Stewart Jackson, MP for Peterborough, spoke of “regular raids on gatherings” of Christians, “harsh interrogations and torture…including demands for the recantation of faith and for information on the identities of fellow Christians; detention for long periods without charge and other violations of due process; convictions for ill-defined crimes or on falsified political charges; the economic targeting of the Christian community through the demand of exorbitant bail payments; and the threat of imminent execution of a house-church pastor.”

Regarding Iran’s Jewish community, Martin Horwood, MP for Cheltenham, reported “increasing evidence that anti-Semitism is growing there, and that the small Jewish community there is being blamed for the actions of the Israeli Government.”

At the end of the debate, Alistair Burt, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said that while 2011 showed that demands for human dignity are irrepressible, Iran is moving in the opposite direction.

“Human rights are universal,” said Mr. Burt, “and Iran’s failure to meet its obligations is punishing and stifling the fulfilment of the wishes and aspirations of millions of people.”

Mr. Burt assured those present that the UK will continue to press other countries to support resolutions expressing concern over Iran’s human rights record in the United Nations and at the Human Rights Council.

Dr. Kishan Manocha, Director of the Office of Public Affairs of the Baha’i Community of the United Kingdom, has welcomed the wide ranging discussion.

“The fact that such a good number of MPs, representing all parties, participated really reflects a high level of concern about Iran’s human rights record, and especially its rising religious intolerance,” said Dr. Manocha.

“We are, of course, pleased that Baha’is were prominently mentioned,” Dr. Manocha added. “But we are also happy that UK Parliamentarians are focusing on the problems faced by other religious minorities. We need to speak as one on the situation of religious intolerance in Iran.”

Story from the Baha’i World News Service