The Bahá'í Faith
In just over 150 years, the Bahá'í Faith has become universally recognized as an independent religion established throughout the world. Founded in the mid 19th century by Bahá'u'lláh (whose name in English means “the Glory of God”) it now has more than five million adherents in 236 countries and territories. Bahá'ís come from nearly every national, ethnic and religious background, making the Bahá'í Faith the second-most-widespread religion in the world. Central teachings of the Bahá'í Faith include the oneness of God, the essential unity of religions, and the oneness of humankind. The social teachings call for equality of men and women, universal education, recognition of the fundamental harmony between science and religion, independent investigation of the truth, racial harmony and the elimination of all prejudices of any kind. The Bahá’í World Centre is established in the Haifa/’Akká area of Israel, the location of Bahá’u’lláh’s exile in 1868 and His death in 1892. The area is today the site of the Faith’s most sacred shrines—the resting places of Bahá’u’lláh and His Forerunner, the Báb—and the seat of the Faith’s international governing body. The first Local Spiritual Assembly in Central Ohio was established in Columbus in 1931. Today there are five other nine-member elected Assemblies in Central Ohio at Bexley, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington. The Columbus Bahá'í Center is located at 1993 Sunbury Road (tel: 614-337-9990). All are welcome.
To learn more about the Bahá’í Faith please visit http://www.bahai.us
For an overview of the Bahá'í Faith in Spanish. MORE>
The Bahá'í House of Worship for the North American Continent in Wilmette, Illinois (Completed 1953). Groundbreaking for the House of Worship, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, occurred on May 1, 1912, in a ceremony blessed with the presence and participation of 'Abdul'Bahá, son of the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith. Construction began in earnest in 1920, and the temple was formally dedicated on May 1, 1953.
View a visual history of the House of Worship, created in 2003 for the 50th anniversary of the temple's dedication.
The Bahá'í House of Worship in New Delhi, India (Completed 1986). Better known as the "Lotus Temple," this Mother Temple of the Indian sub-continent has seen millions of people cross its threshold, making it one of the most visited edifices in India. From its high-perched pedestal, this 'Lotus' casts its benevolent glance over vast green lawns and avenues covering an expanse of 26 acres of land.
Its soothingly quiet Prayer Hall and tranquil surroundings have touched the hearts of the Temple's numerous visitors, awakening in them a desire to trace its inspirational source and capture a bit of its peace for themselves.
For more information please visit the India Baha'i House of Worship website.
Pictures Copyright 2006, Bahá'í International Community.