Bahá’ís hold the conviction that we all belong to one human family. If we are to overcome the problems we currently face, our relationships with each other and our planet must come to be characterized by new heights of solidarity that bring the richness of our diversity to commitment to the common good.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote:
“… fraternity, love and kindness based upon family, nativity, race or an attitude of altruism are neither sufficient nor permanent since all of them are limited, restricted and liable to change and disruption. For in the family there is discord and alienation; among sons of the same fatherland strife and internecine warfare are witnessed; between those of a given race, hostility and hatred are frequent; and even among the altruists varying aspects of opinion and lack of unselfish devotion give little promise of permanent and indestructible unity among mankind … the foundation of real brotherhood, the cause of loving co-operation and reciprocity and the source of real kindness and unselfish devotion is none other than the breaths of the Holy Spirit.
The teachings of Baháʼu’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’í Faith inspire and guide a motivating impulse to build true friendships across difference and work toward a world that is equitable and just for all. This framework differs from current concepts of unity and diversity in its depth and breadth.
Consider how even a few of the Bahá’í teachings about oneness could transform human relations without dominating others or losing existing points of identity:
- Teach children in schools around the world that we are one human race. The honor of one is the honor of all, the hurt of one is the hurt of all. Show them the virtues of all the great sacred traditions and thinkers, and encourage them to practice helpfulness, thoughtfulness, love, peaceful resolution of conflict, justice, truthfulness and courage.
- Bring representatives of all the governments of the world to a common agreement that all will simultaneously abolish all weapons of warfare. Only some internal arms would be kept for the internal order of nations. Create a covenant that no nation shall ever rise against any nation or all will rise to stop that government from committing aggressive acts. Hold rulers and governments accountable to provide for the safety, education, freedom and opportunities for gainful employment of their own citizens.
- Encourage families to form friendships and fellowship between different races, religions and social classes. When intermarriage becomes a common societal norm, and prejudice of any kind has disappeared from the thoughts and feelings of all peoples we will know we have achieved the end of foreignness and exclusion.
- Give all peoples the right to practice or change their religion, or have no religion. Universally uphold that right.
- Create an international tribunal to adjudicate on matters of safety. Bring the world to agreement on common issues through thoughtful, kind and honest discussion informed by spiritual principles and the desire to keep our planet and all beings on it healthy and safe.
Put into practice, these principles would eliminate war, suffering, displacement and fear. And they are being actively promoted around the world at all levels of society, not yet to the level we need, but showing progress.
The concept of unity in diversity is not a vague ideal talked about in Bahá’í gatherings. It has been actively constructed by members of the Bahá’í Faith in countries and cultures around the world for 200+ years. What has now emerged is a grassroots framework that can be replicated in infinite variety while maintaining its core integrity and which will build the foundation for the above principles to grow at greater and greater scale.
Based on the practice of actively engaging members of neighborhoods as protagonists of their own spiritual, social and cultural progress, Bahá’ís have started to see the transformative effects in 10,000 communities around the world and multiple neighborhoods within those communities. The framework consists in meeting neighbors, colleagues, family and friends in the context of elevated conversation. They consider the social, material and cultural aspirations of their neighborhoods. Gradually they come together to participate in core activities foundational to the building of a cohesive community, where difference is celebrated and unity of thought and action are learned collaboratively. These core activities consist of:
- Devotional gatherings for prayers, quotes and artistic expression across beliefs
- Study circles to consider the Sacred Writings and apply spiritual principles to our individual and community words and actions
- Junior youth spiritual empowerment groups who learn to work together and channel their energies towards solving the problems of their communities and dedicating themselves to service of others.
- Children’s classes where children consider the development of virtues, are inspired by the example of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Son of Baháʼu’lláh, hear stories from different cultures and learn about all the world religions so that curiosity replaces any fear of difference.
We have seen these core activities transform relationships. People who were previously self-segregating in similar groups based on ethnicity, language, race and religion have friends in many groups, while maintaining and deepening their existing friendships.
Youth who were bored or lacking purpose bring their creative energies to meaningful and beautiful initiatives, inspiring the adults around them and demonstrating the true powers of youth as catalysts for positive change.
One West Edmonton 12 year old in a neighbourhood junior youth group told her mother,
“This is beautiful. I feel safe in the junior youth group and free to speak without being judged.” A parent with a child in a South Side children’s class said, “My son never used to help out or listen when I asked him to do something, but now asks to help. I love these children’s classes!”
A study circle participant exclaimed,
“When I study these Writings and principles with our group, the ideas inspire my day and my relationships with my colleagues at work have really improved as a result.”
Out of these core activities emerge many other social, cultural and development projects specifically born out of the creative collaboration of people in the neighborhoods and where everyone has a role to play according to their skills, interests and time.
To explore more about the concept of solidarity in diversity and how it can be practiced, the Edmonton Bahá’í Community is hosting a talk, Saturday, January 27, at the Parkdale Cromdale Community League (11335 85 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 4S1). Music and refreshments will be featured, there is no cost to attend. More details and registration available through Eventbrite HERE.