World Canada | |||
date | event | tags | firsts |
2000 (In the year) 200- |
The Furutan Academy was founded by Shahrokh Monjazeb. It was an organization devoted to the post-secondary study of the sacred Writings and the history of the Bahá'í Faith. It had branches in Ottawa and Vancouver. [BBS9] | Furutan Academy; Shahrokh Monjazeb; Ottawa, ON; Vancouver, BC; Canada | |
2000 Jan 200- |
The establishment of a high school at the Malagwane hill site in Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland, a small cosmopolitan city of about 90,000 inhabitants.
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- Bahá'í inspired schools; Setsembiso Sebunye High School, Swaziland; Mbabane, Eswatini; Swaziland | |
2000 1 Jan 200- |
The publication of The Lab, the Temple, and the Market: Reflections at the Intersection of Science, Religion, and Development by IDRC (International Development Research Centre) edited by Sharon Harper with essays about development issues and process from the perspectives of four different religious beliefs, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and the Bahá'i Faith. The authors — each a scientist as well as a person of faith — show how religious belief and personal faith can be deeply motivational and strikingly fruitful in scientific pursuits. Further, they emphasize how their faith has brought them a profound understanding of interconnectedness and compassion, and thus a wider perspective and loaded from the IDRC site. | * Science; IDRC; Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP); - Hinduism; - Christianity; - Islam; Interfaith dialogue; Social and economic development; Sustainable Development; Social action | |
2000 19 Jan 200- |
The passing of Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum (born Mary Sutherland Maxwell) in Haifa. She was born in New York on 8 August 1910. [One CountryVol.11,Issue4, Mess86-01p699-700, 19 January, 2000]
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Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Mary Maxwell; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Hands of the Cause, Births and deaths; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Haifa, Israel | |
2000 26 Jan 200- |
The passing of Adib Taherzadeh (b.29 April 1921 in Yazd, Iran). He was buried in the Bahá'í Cemetery in Haifa. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles (1960-1971) and was elected the National Spiritual Assembly of Ireland when it formed in 1972. He was appointed as a Counsellor in 1976 and served as a member of the Universal House of Justice between 1988 until his passing. [One Country; BW99-00p211-312]
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Adib Taherzadeh; Universal House of Justice, Members of; In Memoriam; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2000 17 Feb 200- |
Iran's Supreme Court rejected death sentences imposed upon Sirus Zabihi-Moghadam, Hadayet Kashefi-Majafabadi and Manucher Khulsi.
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Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Court cases; Human Rights; Khurásán, Iran; Iran | |
2000 17 Feb 200- |
The passing of Mildred Mottahedeh in New York. She had been elected to the International Bahá'í Council, the first globally elected Bahá'í body and was the first Bahá'í International Community representative to the United Nations. She was born in Seabright, New Jersey, on 7 August 1908 and was 91. [One Country Jan-Mar 2000 Vol 11 Issue 4; TP705-706; BW99-00p307-308]
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International Bahá'í Council; Bahá'í International Community; Mildred Mottahedeh; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Firsts, other; New York, USA; Seabright, NJ; New Jersey, USA; USA | first representative of Bahá'í International Community to UN |
2000 23 Feb 200- |
In a message from the Department of the Secretariat to an individual, the Universal House of Justice explained the principle behind the application of Bahá'í law. [23 February 2000] | Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book); Laws; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2000 23 Mar 200- |
The election of Kiser Barnes to the Universal House of Justice to replace Mr Adib Taherzadeh. [BWNS948]
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Kiser Barnes; Adib Taherzadeh; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Auxiliary board members; Continental Board of Counsellors; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2000 23 Mar 200- |
The publication of the document entitled Training Institutes and Systematic Growth by the International Teaching Centre as a sequel to the one dated April 1998. [Mess86-01p710] See also TP343. | Training Institutes; International Teaching Centre; - Institute process; * Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre; Training Institutes, documents | |
2000 Apr 200- |
For a summary of achievements of the Four Year Plan see Ridván 2021 Message paragraphs 4-6 for a synopsis of the Plan.
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Four Year Plan (1996-2000) | |
2000 Ridván 200- |
The launch of the Twelve Month Plan (2000-2001). [Message from the Universal House of Justice 26 November, 1999]
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Twelve Month Plan (2000-2001); - Teaching Plans; Area Growth Program; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2000 Ridván 200- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of Indonesia with its seat in Jakarta was restored. A ban had been imposed on Bahá'í activities in August 1962 that severely restricted the actions of the Indonesian Bahá'í community. [Ridván Message 2001] | National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Jakarta, Indonesia; Indonesia | |
2000 22 - 26 May 200- |
The United Nations Millennium Forum was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. It attracted 1,350 participants from more than 106 countries and many others participated remotely via Internet. The purpose was to give organizations of civil society an opportunity to formulate views and recommendations on global issues to be taken up at the subsequent Millennium Summit in September to be attended by heads of state and government. Convened by the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Forum's overarching theme - "The United Nations for the 21st Century" - encompassed six main sub-themes in its declaration: 1) Peace, security and disarmament; 2) Eradication of poverty, including debt cancellation and social development; 3) Human rights; 4) Sustainable development and environment; 5) Facing the challenges of globalization: achieving equity, justice and diversity; and, 6) Strengthening and democratizing the United Nations and international organizations. The document was divided into three main areas: recommendations for governmental action; proposals for the United Nations; and actions to be undertaken by civil society itself. The Bahá'í International Community as an NGO representing a cross-section of humankind acted as a unifying agent in major discussions. Our principal representative at the United Nations, Techeste Ahderrom, was appointed to cochair a committee of non-governmental organizations. Lawrence Arturo and Diane 'Alá'í represented the Bahá'í International Community. [BW00-01p87-89, Letter from the Universal House of Justice dated 24 September 2000] | United Nations Millennium Forum and Summit; United Nations; United Nations Summits; United Nations conferences; - Conferences; Millennium; Bahá'í International Community; Peace; Security; Disarmament; Wealth and poverty; Social and economic development; Human Rights; Sustainable Development; Environment; Globalization; Justice; Diversity; Prosperity; Equality; Solidarity; Tolerance; Nature; Cooperation; Interfaith dialogue; Techeste Ahderom; Lawrence Arturo; Diane Alai; New York, USA; USA | |
2000 Jun 200- |
The Universal House of Justice sent an update to the to the National Assemblies regarding the publication review practice and to advise that the International Bahá'í Library holds the principal depository collection of Bahá'í and Bahá'í related publications in the world. The letter included an updated list of the materials to be sent to the Bahá'í World Centre as well as the number of copies. [Publishing, Bahá'í, Memorandum on: Materials to be Deposited with the Bahá'í World Centre Library] | Publishing, Review; Publishing, Policy and practice | |
2000 29 Jun 200- |
A first Earth Charter benchmark Draft was issued in March 1997 and a second Draft was issued in 1999. Each one of them was translated in various languages, circulated widely and received significant contributions for improvement. After numerous drafts and after considering the input of people from all regions of the world, the Earth Charter Commission came to consensus on the Earth Charter in March, 2000, at a meeting held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. On June 29, 2000, the Earth Charter Commission with the support of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands formally launched the Earth Charter at the Peace Palace in The Hague. [EarthCharter.org] | Earth Charter; The Hague, Netherlands; Netherlands | |
2000 22 Aug 200- |
The passing of Knight of Bahá'u'lláh Audrey Robarts (née FitzGerald) in her 96th year. She was buried with her husband, Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts, in the Ecumenical Cemetery in Rawdon. He had predeceased her on the 18th of June, 1991. [BW00-01p272]
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Audrey Robarts; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Births and deaths; In Memoriam; Rawdon, QC; Quebec, Canada; Canada | |
2000 28 - 31 Aug 200- |
The Millennium Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders was held in New York and involved more than 1,000 attendees. The "very specific purpose" of this meeting was "to further the prospects for peace among peoples and nations, and within every individual." The outcome of this Peace Summit was the adoption and signing of a declaration committing the participants to global peace. Noting that "the United Nations and the religions of the world have a common concern for human dignity, justice and peace," accepting that "men and women are equal partners in all aspects of life and children are the hope of the future," and acknowledging that "religions have contributed to the peace of the world but have also been used to create division and fuel hostilities," the declaration resolved to "collaborate with the United Nations and all men and women of goodwill locally, regionally and globally in the pursuit of peace in all its dimensions." The Baha'i' International Community was represented by its Secretary-General, Mr Albert Lincoln. Laurence Arturo and Bani Dugal-Gujral also attended as BIC representatives. [BW00-01p89, Letter from the Universal House of Justice dated 24 September 2000; One Country] | United Nations Millennium Forum and Summit; United Nations; United Nations Summits; United Nations conferences; - International peace conferences; - Conferences; Millennium; Bahá'í International Community; Peace; World peace; Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders; Interfaith dialogue; Albert Lincoln; Laurence Arturo; Bani Dugal Gujral; New York, USA; USA | |
2000 6 - 8 Sep 200- |
The General Assembly Millennium Summit was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and was attended by leaders of more than 150 nations.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented a report entitled, "We The Peoples: The Role of the United Nations in the 21st Century". In which was presented an overview of the challenges facing humankind and suggested practical solutions. Some of the key themes addressed include health, environment, human rights and other social issues, international law, peace and rejuvenating the United Nations.
It is striking that called upon by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to address so historic a gathering was
Mr. Techeste Ahderom, the principal representative of the Bahá'í International Community to the United Nations, addressed the gathering as the spokesman of civil society. He was accorded this honour because he had presided as cochair at the earlier United Nations Millennium Forum.
After all the national leaders had spoken and before the Summit had adopted its declaration on 8 September, Mr. Ahderom made a speech in which he conveyed to that unprecedented assemblage a report of the Forum. The text of his speech is enclosed herewith.
On the last day a declaration was unanimously adopted that began by asserting: "We, Heads of State and Government, have gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 6 to 8 September 2000, at the dawn of a new Millennium, to reaffirm our faith in the Organization and its Charter as indispensable foundations of a more peaceful, prosperous and just world." [BW00-01p91-93, Letter from the Universal House of Justice dated 24 September 2000]
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United Nations Millennium Forum and Summit; United Nations; United Nations Summits; United Nations conferences; - Conferences; Millennium; Bahá'í International Community; Peace; World peace; Security; Disarmament; Wealth and poverty; Social and economic development; Human Rights; Sustainable Development; Environment; Globalization; Justice; Diversity; Prosperity; Equality; Solidarity; Tolerance; Nature; Cooperation; Interfaith dialogue; Techeste Ahderom; New York, USA; USA | |
2000 8 Sep 200- |
Dr. Techeste Ahderom, then the BIC Principle Representative to the United Nations, addressed the assembled heads of state of more than 150 nations on behalf of the peoples of the world. In his talk, Ahderom reminded the assembled leaders that the very idea of the League of Nations and, later, the United Nations, arose through the participation of civil society in various forms. He closed with the words from the Millenium Forum Declaration: "'In our vision we are one human family, in all our diversity, living on one common homeland …'" [The Cause of Universal Peace] | United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; Dr Techeste Ahderom; New York, USA; New York, USA | |
2000 18 Sep 200- |
The announcement of the opening of the new Pilgrim Reception Centre near the Shrine of the Báb to receive Bahá'í pilgrims and visitors to the Bahá'í holy places in Haifa and Acre. The Centre was housed in two historic buildings that formerly served as a clinic. Remodeling these two structures began in 1998. The larger one was built during the time of the British Mandate and the smaller structure has a more Middle Eastern appearance, with patterned ceramic floors and stone arches. The first Bahá'í Pilgrim House in Haifa was built near the Shrine of the Báb by a Persian believer in 1909 and continued to serve as the primary gathering place for pilgrims until the new facility was completed. [BWNS67] | Pilgrim Reception Centre; Pilgrimage; Pilgrim Houses; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; Pilgrims; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | First Bahá'í Pilgrim House |
2000 19 Sep 200- |
In a ceremony, the final earth samples from 26 nations were deposited in the Peace Monument, which was built by the Bahá'í International Community and the Bahá'í Community of Brazil in 1992 for the 1992 Earth Summit. Designed by the renowned Brazilian sculptor Siron Franco, the five-meter concrete and ceramic monument is located near the entrance to the Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro, just north of Flamengo Park and the site of the 1992 Global Forum, the parallel conference of non-governmental organizations held during the 1992 Earth Summit, which was formally known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. [BWNS85] | Earth Summit; United Nations Summits; United Nations conferences; United Nations; Environment; Peace Monument; Monuments; Earth; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'í International Community; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Brazil | |
2000 Oct 200- |
The Bahá'í World News Service began publishing online, picking up the reins of the former Bahá'í International News Service which was a biweekly printed newsletter. [One Country Vol 12 Issue 3 October-December 2000; Ridván Message 2001]
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bahai.org; Websites; Internet; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Newsletters; - First publications; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'í International News Service; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2000 29 Oct 200- |
The commencement of a new five-year term of service for members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Faith. The number of Counsellors remained at eighty-one. The appointments were:
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Counsellors; Counsellors, Appointments; Funds, Continental; Statistics; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2000 29 Oct 200- |
The President of the Republic of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimmson, and his family visited the Bahá'í House of Worship. He was the first head of state to visit the famous "Lotus Temple" during an official state visit. The President's visit began with a briefing in the library on Bahá'í social and economic development efforts in India, with an emphasis on recent efforts to contribute to a moral education curriculum for Indian schools. The delegation then visited the House of Worship's main hall for a brief prayer service. The entire visit lasted about 40 minutes. President Grimmson was presented with "Forever in Bloom," a book of photographs about the House of Worship. [BWNS72] | Olafur Ragnar Grimmson; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Delhi; Lotus temple, New Delhi; Visitation; New Delhi, India; India; Iceland | first head of state to visit the Lotus Temple |
2000 31 Oct 200- |
The United Nations Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. It was the first United Nations Security Council resolution to specifically mention the impact of conflict on women.
The Resolution formally acknowledged the changing nature of warfare, in which civilians are increasingly targeted, and women continue to be excluded from participation in peace processes. It specifically addressed how women and girls are disproportionally impacted by violent conflict and war and recognized the critical role that women can and were playing in peacebuilding efforts. UNSCR 1325 affirmed that peace and security efforts are more sustainable when women are equal partners in the prevention of violent conflict, the delivery of relief and recovery efforts and in the forging of lasting peace.
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United Nations; Women; Peace; Human Rights; New York, USA; USA | |
2000 Nov 200- |
Early in 2000 the eagle from the Guardian's Resting Place was stolen and the monument damaged in the process. Its replacement was accompanied by an understandably stricter measure of security.
When Shoghi Effendi was interred in November 1957 London's Great Northern Cemetery (since renamed New Southgate Cemetery) was larger than it is now. Over the years parts were sold off for development, and it was in response to this process that a sizeable portion around the Guardian's Resting Place was subsequently bought for the Faith so that it could be preserved and developed suitably. The cemetery opened a new entrance and the one through which the Guardian's funeral cortege passed fell into disuse. The gates and pillars of this entrance were purchased by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom, acting on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, and a long process to have them reinstalled in a more suitable place came to fruition in 1998. [Reference links no longer in existence.] |
Shoghi Effendi, Resting place of; Cemeteries and graves; Vandalism; Eagles; London, England; United Kingdom | |
2000 2 Nov 200- |
The passing of Creadell Johnetta Haley (b. 4 Jul 1916 in Pawhuska, Osage County, Oklahoma, USA) in Washington, DC. She was buried in the Quantico National Memorial Cemetery, Virginia. [Find a grave; ObeisanceBaha]
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Creadell Haley; Pioneer; Songs; Pawhuska, OK; Washington, DC, USA; USA | |
2000 21 - 24 Nov 200- |
Under the auspices of the ISGP, a colloquium on Science, Religion and Development was held in New Delhi. Considering India's history of development projects since 1947 as well as it's diverse and largely religious population, it was chosen as a testing-ground for developmental theories based the ISGP model. A year-long conversation was held with development thinkers and practitioners on the present state of development thought and practice. Based on what it learned from these interactions, the Institute prepared a concept paper titled Science, Religion and Development: Some Initial Considerations (PDF).
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Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP); New Delhi, India; India | |
2000 Dec 200- |
A new eagle was placed atop the column at the Guardian's Resting Place and repair was done to the damage to the site when the previous one was stolen earlier this year. [Reference links no longer in existence.] | Shoghi Effendi, Resting place of; Cemeteries and graves; Eagles; London, England; United Kingdom | |
2000 12 - 14 Dec 200- |
The 4th Annual Conference of the International Environment Forum (IEF) was held in Orlando, Florida. The theme was Applying the Bahá'í Teachings to the Environmental Challenges Facing the World. (IEF Web Site) | Conferences, Bahá'í; - Conferences, International; International Environment Forum; Environment; Orlando, FL; Florida, USA; USA | |
2000 17 - 21 Dec 200- |
The first International Conference on Modern Religions and Religious Movements in Judaism Christianity and Islam and the Bábí-Bahá'í Faiths was held in Jerusalem with about 90 persons in attendance. [BWNS84] | Conferences, Other; Interfaith dialogue; - Judaism; - Christianity; - Islam; Firsts, other; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Jerusalem, Israel; Israel | first International Conference on Modern Religions and Religious Movements in Judaism Christianity and Islam and the Bábí-Bahá’í Faiths |
2001 - 2002 200- |
Building on the Indian experience, the discourse on science, religion, and development was extended to other countries. With the collaboration of a task force, the Institute organized a series of seminars in different regions of Uganda. At these seminars, academics, government officials, and representatives from nongovernmental organizations, gathered to discuss – within the context of Ugandan society – the issues raised in the Institute's document. Participants later formed working groups to explore how the discourse can affect such areas of human activity as education, economic activity and environmental resources, technology, and governance. A series of documents was prepared to be presented to the government. A video entitled Opening a Space: The Discourse on Science, Religion, and Development, documenting the Ugandan experience, was produced. [ISGP History; BWNS590] | Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP); - Documentaries; Uganda | |
2001 (In the year) 200- |
The publication of Bahá'í-Inspired Perspectives on Human Rights edited by: Tahirih Tahririha-Danesh with contributions from Kiser Barnes, Greg Duly, Cheshmak Farhoumand-Sims, Graham Hassall, Darren Hedley, Nazila Ghanea-Hercock, Chichi Layor, Michael L. Penn, and Martha L. Schweitz. | Bahá'í-Inspired Perspectives on Human Rights; Tahirih Tahririha-Danesh; Kiser Barnes; Greg Duly; Cheshmak Farhoumand-Sims; Graham Hassall; Darren Hedley; Nazila Ghanea-Hercock; Chichi Layor; Michael L. Penn; Martha L. Schweitz; Hong Kong | |
2001 4 Jan 200- |
The passing of Dr. Victor de Araujo of Vista, NY at the age of 78 years. He was born near London, England and spent his childhood and youth in Brazil. He came to the United Stated in 1946 as a vice consul to the Brazilian Consulate in Chicago. From 1967-1990, Dr. de Araujo served as a Representative of the Bahá'í International Community to the United Nations. In his years in this position he represented the Bahá'í International Community both at the United Nations headquarters and at numerous conferences around the world. He also participated in the preparation of Bahá'í statements on human rights, the environment, and the equality of men and women, which were presented to the United Nations. [Bahá'í Announce 5Jan2001; BW00-01p269-270] | Bahá'í International Community; United Nations; In Memoriam; Victor de Araujo; London, England; United Kingdom; Brazil; New York, USA; USA | |
2001 8 - 17 Jan 200- |
The inauguration of the International Teaching Centre Building at the World Centre with the meeting of the Institution of the Counsellors. Board members from 172 countries attended.
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International Teaching Centre, Seat; Arc project; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Counsellors; Conferences, Counsellors; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Bahá'í World Centre; Mount Carmel; Haifa, Israel | |
2001 9 Jan 200- |
In its message to the Conference of the Continental Board of Counselors to launch the 1st Five Year Plan and Universal House of Justice said, "the training institute is effective not only in enhancing the powers of the individual, but also in vitalizing communities and institutions." It went on to say that "The continued development of training institutes in the diverse countries and territories of the world, then, must be a central feature of the new Plan." [Message from the Universal House of Justice dated 9 January, 2001, Mess86-01p763-764] | Five Year Plan (2001-2006); - Teaching Plans; Training Institutes; Counsellors; Conferences, Counsellors; - Institute process; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2001 9 - 13 Jan 200- |
The Counsellors in all continents met at the World Centre to take part in deliberations on the general features of the Five Year Plan. They were joined by the Auxiliary Board members (849 from 172 countries) who gathered from throughout the world to participate in events marking the occupation by the International Teaching Centre of its permanent seat on Mount Carmel. [From the messages from the Universal House of Justice dated the 29th of October, 2000 and the16th of January, 2001] | Counsellors; Conferences, Counsellors; Five Year Plan (2001-2006); - Teaching Plans; Auxiliary board members; Assistants; International Teaching Centre, Seat; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2001 12 Jan 200- |
The Administrative Order was further developed by the Universal House of Justice in its message to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors of
9 January 2001 in which the concept of the "cluster" was first introduced. The cluster, a subdivision of the region, is to be formed on the basis of cultural, language, pattern of transport, infrastructure or the social life of the inhabitants.
that there are now (17 January 2003) close to 17,000 clusters worldwide, excluding those countries where, for one reason or another, the operation of the Faith is restricted. The number of clusters per country varies widely—from India with its 1,580 to Singapore, which necessarily sees itself as one cluster. Some of the groupings are sparsely populated areas with only a few thousand inhabitants, while the boundaries of others encompass several million people. For the most part, large urban centers under the jurisdiction of one Local Spiritual Assembly have been designated single clusters, these in turn being divided into sectors, so as to facilitate planning and implementation. |
- Administrative Order; Clusters; Counsellors; Conferences, Counsellors; - Institute process; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2001 14 Jan 200- |
Sixteen Bahá'ís were arrested in the southern Egyptian city of Sohag. The charges brought against them concerned their membership in the Bahá'í Faith. [Message from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada dated the 19th of January, 2001] | Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Sohag, Egypt; Egypt | |
2001 16 Jan 200- |
The end of the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age, an Epoch that included the Six, Three, Four Year, and Twelve Month Plans from the Universal House of Justice as well as the commemoration for the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh. This Epoch was characterized by the initiation of social and economic projects and the emergence from obscurity and the fact that national communities took responsibility for their own development. [Mess86-01p815]
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Formative Age; Ages and Epochs; Emergence from obscurity; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2001 29 Jan 200- |
The publication of Institution of the Counsellors by Universal House of Justice. | Counsellors; - Compilations; * Publications; Appointed arm; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2001 Mar 200- |
The publication of Century of Light, a statement by the Universal House of Justice. The purpose of the book is to provide members of the Faith with a perspective on two defining processes that unfolded during the 20th century; on the one hand, the sequence of events that made the unification of humanity the principal feature of modern history and, on the other, the emergence from obscurity of the Cause of God and its Administrative order. It is primarily a resource for Bahá'í study and deepening. It is not a public information publication. [TP777-778]
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Century of Light (book); Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; * Publications; History (general); Bahá'í history; 20th century; Peace; World order; World peace; Emergence from obscurity; - Historical overviews by Central Figures or BWC; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2001 19 Apr 200- |
The publication of the memorandum entitled Attainment of the Unity of Nations and the Lesser Peace by the Research Department on behalf of the Universal House of Justice. [Message from the Universal House of Justice dated 19 April, 2001]
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Unity of Nations; Lesser Peace; Peace; World peace; Unity; World order; Prophecies; Seven Candles of Unity; * Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2001 Ridván 200- |
The launch of the First Five Year Plan (2001-2006).
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Five Year Plan (2001-2006); - Teaching Plans; - Institute process; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2001 Ridván 200- |
From the Ridván Message: "It is with profound thankfulness and joy that we announce at this auspicious moment the decision to proceed with this last project. During the Five Year Plan, erection of the Mother Temple of South America in Santiago, Chile, will commence and thus fulfill a wish clearly expressed by Shoghi Effendi." [Riḍván 2001 To the Bahá'ís of the World] | Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Santiago; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Santiago, Chile; Chile | |
2001 30 Apr – 2 May 200- |
The Bahá'í International Community issued a statement, entitled Sustainable Development: the Spiritual Dimension, for the first session of the United Nations Preparatory Committee of the World Summit on Sustainable Development at the UN in New York. [BWNS93]
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Bahá'í International Community; Sustainable Development; United Nations; United Nations Summits; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - BIC statements; New York, USA | |
2001 May 200- |
The inauguration of the Centre for the Study of the Texts. The facility was completed and occupied in 1999. It consists of study rooms for resident and visiting scholars, meeting and conference rooms, a large reference library, a secretariat and ancillary spaces totalling 7750 sq. metres (83,420 sq. ft) Much of the building is located below ground. It has been integrated into the mountain with a portico that reflects the classical motifs of the other buildings on the Arc. The offices of the building are provided with natural light directly or through light wells, patios and skylights. Below ground it is connected to an extension to the Archives which provides secure, climate-controlled storage vaults for the original, hand written papers that constitute the Bahá'í Sacred Texts. The architect was Hossein Amanat. [amanatarchitect.com] "The Centre for the Study of the Texts . . . will be the seat of an institution of Bahá'í scholars, the efflorescence of the present Research Department of the World Centre, which will assist the Universal House of Justice in consulting the Sacred Writings, and will prepare translations of and commentaries on the authoritative texts of the Faith." [AWH p52] "The building was completed and occupied in 1999. It now houses the Research Department, and is the temporary home of the International Bahá'í Library and other offices." [Visiting Bahá'í Holy Places p. 35; BW99-00p38-39] |
Centre for the Study of the Sacred Texts; Arc project; Hossein Amanat (Husayn Amanat); Research Department; International Bahá'í Library; International Bahá'í Archives; Libraries; Archives; * Translation; - Architects; Architecture; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre; Mount Carmel; Haifa, Israel | |
2001 6 May 200- |
In a letter to an individual in response to a query about the wisest course that a believer can adopt when encountering attacks on the Faith in Internet discussions, the Department of the Secretariat attached extracts from an earlier letter from the Universal House of Justice titled Defending the Cause against its Opponents. | - Persecution | |
2001 15 May 200- |
A tribute to Ruhiyyih Khanum, much in the form of music and drama, was held at Canada House in Trafalgar Square in London. It was attended by some 150 prominent people including Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The main focus of the evening was a theatrical performance entitled A Life So Noble, which had been inspired by Ruhiyyih Khanum's life. Written by Canadian-born actress/writer Beverley Evans and directed by Annabel Knight, the show took four major aspects of Khanum's life and character and personified them in four women actresses, Maria Friedman, Beverley Evans, Sarah Clive and Kerry-Ann Smith, who told her story using words taken from Ruhiyyih Khanum's own lectures and writings.[BWNS124] |
Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Prince Philip; Annabel Knight; Violette Nakhjavani; London, England; United Kingdom | |
2001 21 May 200- |
The celebration of the completion of the Arc projects began with a devotional visit by the 3,000 Bahá'ís assembled to the resting place of Bahá'u'lláh, at Bahji. [BWNS117] | Arc project; Bahji, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2001 22 May 200- |
The musical tribute of the inauguration of the Terraces required the construction of a 4,000-seat temporary amphitheater around the plaza that forms the first terrace on the mountainside, at the top of Ben Gurion Avenue. Musical Director Jack Lenz coordinated a musical program that brought together a symphony orchestra from Israel, a choir from Romania, and soloists from around the world. More than 60 buses have been hired just to shuttle participants around. Holding a musical concert outdoors was not like doing it with the natural acoustics of a hall. To counter wind noise, wind socks had to be fitted on all the microphones on all of the instruments of the orchestra and then reverberation and other effects added on a mixing console. [BWNS118; BWNS120] |
Gry Kvalheim; Haifa, Israel | |
2001 23 May 200- |
At dusk on the evening of the 22nd of May, the opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb, a $250M project that begun ten years earlier and transformed the ancient barren face of the mountain into 19 majestic terraced gardens cascading down the length of the mountain. [BWNS121; BW01-02p37-73]
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Báb, Shrine of; Terraces; Dedications; Arc project; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel; Mount Carmel | |
2001 28 - 31 May 200- |
Global Form on Fighting Corruption II was held in The Hague. [IAACA Web Site]
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Corruption; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; - Statements; * Publications; - BIC statements; The Hague, Netherlands; Netherlands | |
2001 4 Jun 200- |
The public opening of the terraces surrounding the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel. [BWNS134, BWNS221, BWNS123, BWNS122, BWNS121, BWNS120]
...it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow until it. |
Terraces; Dedications; Báb, Shrine of; Marble; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; Lasse Thoresen; Michael Day; Margraf; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel; Mount Carmel; Chiampo, Italy; Italy | |
2001 25 - 27 Jun 200- |
During the special session of the General Assembly on the HIV./AIDS pandemic held at the UN headquarters, the Bahá'í International Community circulated a written statement entitled HIV/AIDS and Gender Equality: Transforming Attitudes and Behaviors that emphasized the need to transform the attitudes and behaviors that spread the disease and directed attention to the important roles played by men and faith communities in turning the tide of the pandemic. [BIC History] | Bahá'í International Community; United Nations; HIV/AIDS; Gender; Equality; - BIC statements; New York City, NY | |
2001 Jul 200- |
The inauguration of the new campus of the Townshend International School in the Czech Republic.
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Townshend International School, Czech Republic; - Bahá'í inspired schools; Czech Republic | |
2001 31 Jul 200- |
The publication of Bahá'í Shrine and Gardens on Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel: A Visual Journey by the Ministry of Defence Publishing House, Israel. [Ridván Message 2001] | - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; Terraces; Dedications; Báb, Shrine of; - Bahá'í World Centre; * Publications; Visuals; Haifa, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2001 Aug 200- |
For Bahá'í World Statistic as of this date see Bahá'í World Statistics August 2001 CE, by the Department of Statistics of the Bahá'í World Centre. | Statistics | |
2001 31 Aug – 8 Sep 200- |
The third United Nations World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, was held in Durban, South Africa. The conference was also known as Durban I.
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United Nations; Racism; Discrimination; Bahá'í International Community; UNESCO; Durban, South Africa; South Africa | |
2001 23 Oct 200- |
The murder of Rashid Gulov in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It was determined that he was killed for his religious beliefs. [One Country Vol.13 Issue 4, BW01-02p304] | Persecution, Tajikistan; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution; Dushanbe, Tajikistan; Tajikistan | |
2001 12 Nov 200- |
The World Centre Endowment Fund was inaugurated by the Universal House of Justice. "…we have decided to set up the World Centre Endowment Fund, for the preservation, upkeep, and security of the edifices and precincts of the Spiritual and Administrative Centres of the Faith — activities that currently form so large a part of the responsibilities of the Bahá'í International Fund. This decision follows the example of Shoghi Effendi, who during his ministry dedicated the income from lands in the environs of the Jordan Valley for the upkeep of the Holy Shrines." • The Universal House of Justice, 2001 Nov 12, International Endowment Fund |
World Centre Endowment Fund; Funds, International; Funds; Universal House of Justice; Property; Restoration; Endowments; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2001 23 - 25 Nov 200- |
International Consultative Conference on School Education in relation with Freedom of Religion and Belief, Tolerance and Non-discrimination, a United Nations conference was held in Madrid, Spain.
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United Nations conferences; Tolerance; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; - Statements; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - BIC statements; Madrid, Spain; Spain | |
2001 3 Dec 200- |
The murder of Mosadegh Afshin Shokoufeh in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It was determined that he was killed for his religious beliefs. [One Country Vol.13 Issue 4] | Persecution, Tajikistan; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution; Dushanbe, Tajikistan; Tajikistan | |
2001 13 Dec 200- |
The passing of Giovanni (Gianni) Ballerio (b. 15 February 1943 in Asmara, Eritrea) in Geneva after a battle with cancer. He was 58. [BW01-02p302]
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Giovanni (Gianni) Ballerio; Bahá'í International Community; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Geneva, Switzerland; Switzerland | |
2001 16 Dec 200- |
The passing of Knight of Bahá'u'lláh Philip Hainsworth (b. 27 July 1919) at the age of 82 in Sevenoaks, Kent, England. Shoghi Effendi had described him as "the spiritual Stanley of Africa". [BW01-02p304-305]
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Philip Hainsworth; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Names and titles; Sevenoaks, England; Kent, England; United Kingdom; - Africa | |
2001 20 - 23 Dec 200- |
The Fire in the Pacific conference in Honolulu, Hawaii to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Faith in Hawaii. It was attended by over 1,000 Bahá'ís from at least 53 nations.
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Centenaries; Agnes Alexander; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Honolulu, HI; Hawaii, USA | |
2001 23 Dec 200- |
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States published a full-page advertisement in The New York Times. The statement, entitled The Destiny of America and The Promise of World Peace," stated that Bahá'ís believe the American nation will evolve, through tests and trials to become a land of spiritual distinction and leadership, a champion of justice and unity among all peoples and nations, and a powerful servant of the cause of everlasting peace. The 645-word document identified six prerequisites for world peace: universal acceptance of the oneness of humanity; the eradication of racism; the full emancipation of women; the elimination of inordinate disparity between the rich and the poor; an end to unbridled nationalism; and harmony between religious leaders. [BWNS147, includes the text of the statement] | Promise of World Peace (statement); - Statements; - National Spiritual Assembly, statements; National Spiritual Assembly of the United States; Peace; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); * Publications; Newspapers; Press (media); New York, USA; USA | |
2002 (In the year) 200- |
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a fatwa (edict) that banned Bahá'ís from burying their dead relatives in public cemeteries. Religious violence targeting the Indonesian Bahá'í community began during the Suharto regime that restricted the official religions to only five. Bans on the Faith had been issued earlier in the 1960s and the 1970s. [The Jakarta Post August 8, 2014] | Persecution, Indonesia; - Persecution, Bans; - Persecution; Indonesia | |
2002 5 Mar 200- |
The announcement by the Bahá'í International Community of the murder of three Bahá'ís in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Rashid Gulov was shot and killed on 23 October 2001 while returning home from work. A second man, Mosadegh Afshin Shokoufeh, was shot outside his home on 3 December 2001 and died from his wounds on the way to the hospital. These deaths follow the assassination of 88 year old Abdullah Mogharrabi, a leader in the community, in September 1999. [BWNS153] | Persecution, Tajikistan; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'í International Community; Dushanbe, Tajikistan; Tajikistan | |
2002 Ridván 200- |
The Universal House of Justice issued a letter addressed to the world's religious leaders warning of "the danger posed by "the rising fires of religious prejudice" and called for decisive action against fanaticism and intolerance". [One Country Vol.14 Issue 1]
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Letter to the Worlds Religious leaders (2002); Religious leaders (clergy); Universal House of Justice; * Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Basic timeline, Condensed; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Interfaith dialogue; Unity of religion; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2002 24 Apr 200- |
The passing of Barbara Helen Rutledge Sims (b. 17 April, 1918 in San Francisco) in Tokyo. She was a "third generation Bahá'í whose grandmother had been guided to the Faith by John Henry Hyde Dunn and Clara Dunn when they lived in California. [BW02-03p274-275]
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Barbara Sims; In Memoriam; Sandra Sims; Sandra Fotos; Sheridan Sims; John Dunn; Clara Dunn; San Francisco, CA; Tokyo, Japan | |
2002 1 May 200- |
The publication of The Summons of the Lord of Hosts by Bahá'í World Centre Publications.
|
Summons of the Lord of Hosts (book); * Bahá'u'lláh, Writings of; Tablets to kings and rulers; * Translation; * Publications; Lawh-i-Napulyun (Tablet to Napoleon III); Tablet to Czar Alexander II; Lawh-i-Malikih (Tablet to Queen Victoria); Lawh-i-Sultan (Tablet to Nasirid-Din Shah); Lawh-i-Pap (Tablet to Pope Pius IX); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2002 6 June 200- |
City Montessori School in Lucknow, India won the UNESCO Peace Education award in recognition of its efforts to promote the universal values of education for peace and tolerance and to renew the principles of secularism at a time when these values and principles are increasingly being challenged. The school was founded by Mr. Jagdish Gandhi and his wife Bharti in 1959 with only 5 students and has since earned a reputation for a high level of academic excellence — and for a distinctive program of moral and spiritual education. In 1999 the Guinness Book of World Records recognized City Montessori School as the world's largest school by enrollment. The school had some 22,000 students that year. In 2002 it had 26,000 students in grade levels ranging from pre-primary to college and in 2010-11 enrolment was 39,437. In 2014-14 it was over 47,000. Technically speaking, CMS is not so much a school as a school district, with some 20 branches spread throughout Lucknow. [CMS site, BWNS165, BWNS146, One CountryVol.14,Issue 1] | Awards; UNESCO; City Montessori School, India; - Bahá'í inspired schools; Social and economic development; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Lucknow, India; India | |
2002 26 Jun 200- |
The announcement by the Universal House of Justice of the publication of Gems of Divine Mysteries in English. The book is a letter written in reply to a seeker who asked about the relationship of prophecy to the Bábí Faith, and Bahá'u'lláh used that question as an opportunity to elaborate a number of related subjects. The book relates closely to two other major works of Bahá'u'lláh: The Seven Valleys (Haft-Vadi), an exposition on the progression of the soul, and The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan). [BW'02-'03pg37, BWNS174]
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Javahirul-Asrar (Gems of Divine Mysteries); * Bahá'u'lláh, Writings of; * Translation; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Haft Vadi (Seven Valleys); Kitáb-i-Íqán (Book of Certitude); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2002 26 Jun – 2 Jul 200- |
In commemoration of the Second Bahá'í World Congress 23-26 November in 1992 in New York, a Festival of the Arts was celebrated in that same city. The project was an independent initiative of Global Music, Inc., a Bahá'í-owned company, and associated individuals. It was not under the sponsorship of any Bahá'í institution. The centerpiece event was held at Carnegie Hall featuring a 550-voice choir under the direction of Mr. Tom Price and known as the "Voices of Baha". It was composed of Bahá'ís from some 24 countries. [BWNS162] | Bahá'í World Congress, Second (1992); Carnegie Hall; Tom Price; Choirs; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); New York, USA; USA | |
2002 26 Aug – 4 Sep 200- |
World Summit on Sustainable Development, a United Nations conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Bahá'í International Community issued a statement, entitled Religion and Development at the Crossroads: Convergence or Divergence?. [BWNS169, BWNS170]
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United Nations; Sustainable Development; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; - Statements; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - BIC statements; Johannesburg, South Africa; South Africa | |
2002 21 Sep 200- |
The dedication, at the Green Acre Bahá'í School in Eliot Maine, the oldest permanent Bahá'í school in the world, of a new classroom and lecture hall designated as The Harriet and Curtis Kelsey Center, with an attendant Manny Reimer Hall. [BWNS175] | Green Acre, Eliot, ME; - Bahá'í inspired schools; Curtis Kelsey; Harriet Kelsey; First schools; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Eliot, ME; Maine, USA; USA | first...oldest permanent Baha'i school in the world |
2002 26 Nov 200- |
The inauguration of the Bahá'í radio station in Bulac, Philippines, located in a rural district some 30 kilometers from the city of San José on the main island of Luzon.
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Bahá'í Radio; Bahá'í-owned radio; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bulac, Philippines; Philippines | |
2002 27 Nov 200- |
The Bahá'í community of Hungary inaugurated its new national Bahá'í Centre with a reception for government dignitaries, religious leaders and media personalities.
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Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Meselo Edesanyak; Storytelling Mothers; Budapest, Hungary; Hungary | |
2002 4 Dec 200- |
University of Bari in Italy established a course on ethics and economics titled Ethics and Economy: Towards a New World Order. The University had appointed Giuseppe Robiati, a member of the Bahá'í community of Italy, as the coordinator of the course. [BWNS182] | Universities; Bari, Italy; Italy | |
2003 (In the year) 200- |
A fatwa was issued against the Bahá'í Faith in Egypt by Al-Azhar, the prominent religious institution supporting the continued ban as apostates. | Fatwa; Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Bans; - Persecution; Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2003 (In the year) 200- |
The Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Museum was opened in the home that Mr Gregory's stepfather built for his family in the mid-1880s in Charleston, South Carolina. The opening was the culmination of a project that began in 1988 with the purchase of the property. The Baha'i community rallied to the cause, raising the money to purchase and eventually renovate the house. It is a memorial to the life and work of its namesake, one of the founding teachers and administrators of the Bahá'í Faith in the United States and a pioneer of interracial reconciliation. [The Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Museum] | Louis G. Gregory; Charleston, SC | |
2003 4 Jan 200- |
The Bahá'ís of Hungary celebrated the inauguration of a new national centre. In 1990 there were only 70 Bahá'í in Hungary. At the time of the opening of the new national centre there were more than 1,200 spread among some 65 localities. More than two-thirds of the membership are members of the Roma people. [BWNS187] |
Statistics; Roma; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Budapest, Hungary | |
2003 7 – 9 Feb 200- |
The dedication of the Louis G. Gregory Museum in his birthplace, Charleston, South Carolina. [BWNS188, Wilmette Institute; Bahá'í Encyclopedia]
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Louis Gregory Museum; Louis G. Gregory; Gayle Morrison; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); South Carolina, USA; USA | |
2003 3 Mar 200- |
The passing of Knight of Bahá'u'lláh Una Dean, née Townshend, in Edmonton, Canada. Una lived a full life of Bahá'í service. In 1946 she was the first Bahá'í in Dublin and was later a member of the first spiritual assembly. She also helped to form the first spiritual assembly in Liverpool. In October 1953 she was the first Bahá'i in Malta, a goal of the Ten Year Crusade. In 1954 she returned to Ireland to tend to her ailing father and to assist him in writing Christ and Bahá'u'lláh. After his passing in 1957 she moved to America, met and married her husband, Dick Dean, and moved to Edmonton where she served on the Local Assembly until 1987. [BW02-03p269] | Una Dean; Una Townshend; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Births and deaths; In Memoriam; Edmonton, AB; Alberta, Canada; Canada; Malta; Ireland; Liverpool, England; Dublin, Ireland | First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Dublin. |
2003 11 Mar 200- |
Bani Dugal Gujral was appointed Principal Representative of the Bahá'í International Community to the United Nations.
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Bani Dugal Gujral; Bahá'í International Community; Women; Techeste Ahderom; United Nations; New York, USA; USA | |
2003 18 Mar 200- |
The President of India, Abdul Kalam, visited the Bahá'í House of Worship in New Delhi, the first official visit there by an Indian Head of State since the Temple was opened in December 1986. [BWNS204] | `Abdu'l Kalam; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Delhi; Lotus temple, New Delhi; Prominent visitors; - Presidents; Firsts, other; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); New Delhi, India; India | First visit to the Bahá'í House of Worship in New Delhi by an Indian head of state. |
2003 4 Apr 200- |
Given current conditions in the world at the time, the Ninth International Convention was cancelled. It had been scheduled for 29 April to 2 May. Ballots from the National Spiritual Assembly members were mailed to the World Centre. The 19 delegates that had been chosen as tellers travelled to the World Centre to count the votes. [BW'02-'03pg37-38, BWNS202] | Conventions, International; Firsts, other; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | First time an International Bahá'í Convention was cancelled. |
2003 Ridván 200- |
"In response to the call issued by the National Spiritual Assembly of Chile, 185 design concepts have been received from architects and designers around the world for the Mother Temple of South America to be constructed in Santiago." [Riḍván 2003 To the Bahá'ís of the World]
In view of the critical world situation the Universal House of Justice advised the friends to:'
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Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Santiago; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; Architecture; Santiago, Chile; Chile | |
2003 27 Apr 200- |
The publication of Building Momentum: A Coherent Approach to Growth by the International Teaching Centre at the request of the Universal House of Justice. Because of the cancellation of the 9th International Conference this publication had to be sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies rather than giving a copy to the delegates as had been planned. [BW03-04p35] See also TP367.
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- Institute process; Training Institutes; Growth; International Teaching Centre; * Publications; Building Momentum (document); - International Teaching Centre, Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre; Training Institutes, documents | first... |
2003 27 Apr 200- |
Bahá'ís from the north and south of Cyprus met when they were permitted to cross the demarcation line that had divided the island for three decades. The event followed the decision by the Turkish Cypriot authorities to lift the ban on travel across the cease-fire line. Some 60 Turkish and Greek Bahá'ís held a devotional meeting together at the Bahá'í centre in Nicosia. [BWNS216] | History (general); Unity; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Nicosia, Cyprus; Cyprus; Turkey; Greece | |
2003 28 Apr 200- |
The retirement of Mr. Ali Nakhjavani and Mr. Hushmand Fatheazam from the Universal House of Justice. Both had served since the inception of the Universal House of Justice in 1963. They are replaced by Mr. Hartmut Grossmann and Dr. Firaydoun Javaheri. [BWNS208] | `Alí Nakhjavání; Hushmand Fatheazam; Retirements; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Hartmut Grossmann; Firaydoun Javaheri; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2003 29 Apr 200- |
The ninth election of the Universal House of Justice by postal ballot by 1,544 electors from 178 countries. Chosen were Hartmut Grossmann and Firaydoun Javaheri to replace retiring members Mr. Nakhjavani, 83, and Mr. Fatheazam, 79 and re-elected were Farzam Arbab, Kiser Barnes, Hooper Dunbar, Peter Khan, Douglas Martin, Glenford Mitchell and Ian Semple. [One Country Vol.15 Issue1, BWNS207]
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Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Conventions, International; Firsts, other; Hartmut Grossmann; Firaydoun Javaheri; Farzam Arbab; Kiser Barnes; Hooper Dunbar; Peter Khan; Douglas Martin; Glenford Mitchell; Ian Semple; Retirements; `Alí Nakhjavání; Hushmand Fatheazam; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | First postal ballot for an International Bahá'í Convention. |
2003 May 200- |
The announcement by the Universal House of Justice of the appointment of Siamak Hariri of Toronto, Canada, as architect of the Bahá'í Temple to be built near Santiago in Chile. [BWNS223]
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Siamak Hariri; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Santiago; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Architecture; - Architects; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Santiago, Chile; Chile; Toronto, ON | |
2003 9 May 200- |
The passing of David Hofman (b.1908 in Poona, India) in Oxford, England. [BW03-04p234-235]
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David Hofman; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Bahá'í World Congress, First (1963); In Memoriam; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); United Kingdom | |
2003 Jun 200- |
The publication of Minimalism: A Bridge between Classical Philosophy and the Bahá'í Revelation by Dr. William Hatcher. In it he offers a logical proof for the existence of God. He concludes that the application of the principles of relational logic to this question prove that there is a single, universal, and eternal First Cause — something that is very much like God the Creator as named in all of the world's major religions. [BWNS226] | * Philosophy; William Hatcher; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS) | |
2003 1 Jun 200- |
A fatwa was issued by the Mufti of Sabah State Government that declared that the Bahá'í teachings were deviant teachings and that Muslims were forbidden all involvement including the practice of the Faith and the holding of any literature or other material. [Fatwa] | Fatwa; Persecution, Malaysia; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Sabah, Malaysia; Malaysia | |
2003 20 Jun 200- |
The passing of Knight of Bahá'u'lláh Ursula Samandari (b. Ursula Newman 29 December, 1909 in Mitcham, Surrey, England) at her pioneering post in Buea, Cameroon.
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Ursula Samandari; Pioneer; Mihdi Samandari; In Memoriam; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Buea, Cameroon; Cameroon; Nairobi, Kenya; Kenya; Mogadishu, Somalia; Somalia | |
2003 Jul 200- |
His Royal Highness Prince Andrew became the first member of the Royal Family to visit the National Bahá'í Centre in London. [The referenced web site has since ceased operation.] | Prince Andrew; London, England; United Kingdom | |
2003 18 Jul 200- |
The passing of Dr David Kelly. He was buried in Mt Mary's churchyard in Longworth, near Farringdon in Oxfordshire. [BBC News 6 August 2003]
Dr Kelly, an Oxford-educated microbiologist, had spent the majority of his career as a consultant to the MoD and other government departments and agencies, advising them on his area of expertise - arms control. He had been scientific adviser to the Proliferation and Arms Control secretariat for more than three years and, following the first Gulf War, he had worked as a weapons inspector in Iraq between 1991 and 1998. He became the senior adviser on biological warfare for the UN in Iraq in 1994, holding the post until 1999. Dr Kelly apparently committed suicide after being named as the source of a BBC report suggesting that intelligence on Iraq's weapons was "transformed" on the orders of Downing Street shortly before its publication. Such was the conclusion of a controversial inquiry conducted by Lord Hutton. [The Hutton Report] [BBC News 27 January 2004; BBC News 2 September 2003; BBC News 30 October 2003; BBC News 13 May 2004] |
In Memoriam; David Kelly; Suicide; Longworth, England | |
2003 25 Jul 200- |
The passing of Elisabeth Charlotte (Lottie) Tobias. She was described by the National Spiritual Assembly as being the "mother" of the Netherlands Bahá'í community. [BW03-04p238] | First Bahá'ís by country or area; Lottie Tobias; Netherlands | |
2003 22 Aug 200- |
The passing of Ruth Yancey Pringle in Ciudad, Costa Rica at the age of 83 after 5 decades of service to the Faith, 2 decades as on the Continental Board of Counsellors.
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Ruth Pringle; Counsellors; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica; Costa Rica | |
2000 29 - 31 Aug 200- |
The celebration of the Jubilee of the opening of the Faith in the Republic of the Congo was commemorated in Brazzaville by 200 attendees. It was in 1953 that Ali and Violette Nakhjavani dropped off pioneer Max Kanyerezi in Brazzaville in the Middle Congo as it was then called, subsequently the "French Congo" and now "The Republic of the Congo".
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Max Kanyerezi; Violette Nakhjavani; `Alí Nakhjavání; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo; Congo, Democratic Republic of | |
2003 Autumn 200- |
The publication of History of Bahá'ísm in Iran by Abdullah Shahbazi, the then head of the Political Studies and Research Institute, part of the Institute for Iranian Contemporary Historical Studies. In his book he advanced the theory of the alliance between Bahá'ísm and Zionism. [Iran Press Watch 1407] | Conspiracy theories; Zionism; Criticism and apologetics; Iran | |
2003 6 - 7 Sep 200- |
The celebration of the Jubilee of the opening of the Faith in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was commemorated in Kinshasa by some 600 participants.
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Anniversaries and jubilees; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Congo, Democratic Republic of | |
2003 26 Nov 200- |
The passing of Hand of the Cause of God Ali Akbar Furútan in Haifa at the age of 98. [BWNS261, BW'03-'04pg227]
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- Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Births and deaths; Births and deaths; `Alí-Akbar Furútan; In Memoriam; Hands of the Cause, First Contingent; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Haifa, Israel; Sabzevár, Iran; Iran; Ashgabat; Turkmenistan; Bandar Anzali, Iran; Moscow, Russia | |
2003 10 - 12 Dec 200- |
The World Summit on the Information Society gave the Bahá'í International Community an opportunity to assemble a delegation of Internet and Communications Specialists out of which one chaired the Ethics and Values caucus. The event was devoted to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the Information and Communication Technologies.
Some 54 heads of state, prime ministers, presidents, and vice presidents, along with 83 ministers, came to the WSIS, which drew official delegations from some 176 countries.
Also attending were several thousand representatives of nongovernmental organizations, business groups, the media, and other organizations of civil society.
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United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; Michael Quinn; Bahiyyih Chaffers; Laina Raveendran Greene; Karanja Gakio; Geneva, Switzerland; Switzerland | |
2003 16 Dec 200- |
Shirin Ebadi, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the first Muslim woman to win the coveted distinction.
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Shirin Ebadi; Nobel Peace Prize; Human Rights; Women; Firsts, other; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Iran | first Muslim woman to be awarded Nobel Peace Prize |
2003 17 - 19 Dec 200- |
The Bahá'i´International Community, with UNICEF, UNESCO, and major international non-governmental organizations, co-sponsored a regional conference in India with the theme, Education: The Right of Every Girl and Boy. An address was delivered by Bani Dugal, the Principal Representative of the Bahá'í International Community to the United Nations. She noted that, according to UNICEF, 121 million children received little or no schooling of which 65 million of these were girls. The text of her speech can be found in the reference. [Education: The Right of Every Girl and Boy] | Bahá'í International Community; UNICEF; UNESCO; United Nations; Bani Dugal; - BIC statements; New Delhi, India; India | |
2004 (In the year) 200- |
The General Register Office in Northern Ireland officially recognised the Bahá'í Faith as a legitimate religion with authority to marry its members. Dr. Beman Khosravi has been appointed as official Bahá'í Marriage Officer. The first marriage took place in Cullybackey between Carmen Zambrana Candel and John Twiname. [The Belfast Telegraph 28 April, 2004] | Marriage; Recognition (legal); Northern Ireland, UK | |
2004 (In the year) 200- |
The publication of the paper Conspiracies and Forgeries: The Attack upon the Bahá'í Community in Iran by Moojan Momen. | Conspiracy theories; Criticism and apologetics; Iran | |
2004 (In the year) 200- |
The Universal House of Justice established the Bahá'í Internet Agency to operate under the guidance of the International Teaching Centre.
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Bahá'í Internet Agency; International Teaching Centre; Bahá'í Computer and Communications Association; Security Advisory Group; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2004 (In the year) 200- |
The 2004 Circular 49/2004 issued by the Ministry of the Interior specifically instructed officials to refrain from providing cards to anyone other than Muslims, Christians and Jews. In particular, it effectively forced practicing Bahá'ís into a limbo when registering for personal documents. As Egyptian citizens are required to include their religious affiliation and the Bahá'í faith was not officially recognized, unlike Islam, Christianity and Judaism, practicing Bahá'ís were not able to secure official status. [Minority Right website] | Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Egypt | |
2004 Feb 200- |
In Babul, Iran, the destruction of the gravesite of Quddús, a house-like structure that marked the resting place of Mullá Muhammad-'Ali Barfurushi, was began and halted temporarily after local Bahá'ís demanded to see a legal permit for the demolition work. Later it was discovered that the dismantling of the gravesite had continued surreptitiously over a period of days until the structure was entirely demolished despite protests from Bahá'ís at the local, national, and international levels.
|
Quddus; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution; Babul (Barfurush), Iran; Iran | |
2004 7 Feb 200- |
The release of Mr. Bihnám Mitháqí and Mr. Kayván Khalajábádí who had been imprisoned on April 29, 1989, for "association with Bahá'í institutions."
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Court cases; Bihnam Mithaqi; Kayvan Khalajabadi; Iran | |
2004 11 Feb 200- |
A member of the British Bahá'í community, Lois Hainsworth, received the award of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at Buckingham Palace.
|
Lois Hainsworth; Order of the British Empire (MBE); Women; Awards; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Buckingham Palace; London, England; United Kingdom | |
2004 12 Feb 200- |
The launch of the Web site for the temple that would be constructed in Chile. temple.cl.bahai.org [BWNS279, BWNS223] | Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Santiago; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Santiago, Chile; Chile | |
2004 Apr 200- |
The completion of the destruction of the gravesite of Mulla Muhammad-'Ali Barfurushi, known as Quddus (The Most Holy). Quddus was the foremost disciple of the Báb, the Prophet-Herald of the Bahá'í Faith. [BWNS293] | Quddus; Cemeteries and graves; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Iran | |
2004 2 Apr 200- |
The passing of Ola Pawlowska (b. Ola Clemens 14 February, 1910 in Lakta, outside Cacow, Poland) in Newfoundland, Canada. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for St. Pierre and Miquelon, translator of the Writings (into Polish), pioneer to Poland, Luxembourg and Congo (30 years), Auxiliary Board Member. [BW'03-'04pg236, BWNS248]
|
- Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Ola Pawlowska; Births and deaths; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Auxiliary board members; Lakta, Poland; Cacow, Poland; Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada; Canada; St. Pierre and Miquelon; Poland; Luxembourg; Congo, Democratic Republic of | |
2004 19 Apr 200- |
The passing of Mr Aziz Ismayn Yazdi (b. Alexandria, Egypt in 1909) in Vancouver, Canada at the age of 94. Aziz Yazdi lived in Egypt, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Great Britain, Uganda, Kenya, Israel, and finally Canada. In 1968 he was appointed to the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central and East Africa and was an inaugural member of the International Teaching Centre in Haifa. [BWNS297, BW'03-'04pg239] | Aziz Ismayn Yazdi; Counsellors; International Teaching Centre, Members of; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Vancouver, BC; Canada; Egypt; Syria; Iran; Iraq; United Kingdom; Uganda; Kenya; Israel | |
2004 Ridván 200- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Iraq was restored after more than thirty years of stifling oppression. [Ridván Message 2004] | National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Iraq | |
2004 31 May 200- |
The launch of the Web site The Bahá'í Reference Library by the Bahá'í International Community. It marked the first time that a voluminous authoritative library of Bahá'í scripture and other Bahá'í publications had been available on the Internet. [reference.bahai.org, BWNS302] | Bahá'í Reference Library; bahai.org; Websites; Internet; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'í International Community; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2004 Jun 200- |
After 15 years of negotiations, research, and planning, the restoration work began on the cell used to imprison Bahá'u'lláh when He was first incarcerated in 'Acre. Approved by government authorities keen to preserve the heritage of the site, the project was supervised and financed by the Bahá'í World Centre. [BWNS336] | Bahá'u'lláh, Prison cell of; Restoration; Pilgrimage; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Akka, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2004 20 Jun 200- |
By order of Ayatollah Kani, director of the Marvi School and the Endowments Office, destruction of the house of Mirza Abbas Nuri (also known as Mírzá Buzurg)in Tehran began. Ostensibly, it was razed to create an Islamic cemetery. Mírzá Buzurg, apart from being the father of Bahá'u'lláh, had his own place in the history of Iran as an eminent provincial governor and was widely regarded as one of Iran's greatest calligraphers.
|
Persecution, Iran; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Mírzá Buzurg; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2004 29 Jun 200- |
The passing of Gloria Faizi (b. Gloria Alá'í on 12 March, 1921 in Tehran) in Brisbane, Australia. The Universal House of Justice said they remembered with appreciation "her many contributions to the progress of the Bahá'í communities, including her pioneering in Bahrain with her illustrious husband, her work at the Bahá'í World Centre, and her devoted travels far and wide as a teacher of the Cause."
|
Gloria Faizi; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Abu'l-Qasim Faizi; Brisbane, Australia; Australia; Bahrain | |
2004 7 - 13 Jul 200- |
The fourth Parliament of the World's Religions was held in Barcelona, Spain. This unique international interreligious gathering took place within the context of the 141-day Universal Forum of Cultures, an unprecedented series of conferences, congresses and debates exploring peace, diversity, and sustainability. It was attended by about 9,000 peo[;e fro, 74 countries. There were 962 global presenters. The theme of the conference was Pathways to Peace: the Wisdom of Listening, the Power of Commitment. [Barcelona 2004] | Parliament of the World's Religions; Barcelona, Spain; Spain | |
2004 16 Oct 200- |
The first annual Australian Bahá'í Film Festival at the Sydney Bahá'í Centre for which more than 30 short films had been submitted. [Australian Bahá'í Film Fest] | - Film festivals; - Film; Sydney, Australia; Australia | first annual Australian Baha’i Film Festival |
2004 26 Oct 200- |
The passing of Dr. Helen Elsie Austin (b. 10 May 1908 in Alabama) in San Antonio, Texas. She was a pioneer and Knight of Bahá'u'lláh in Morocco. She also served on the National Spiritual Assemblies of the United States and North West Africa. By profession, she was an attorney, she received a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1930 from the University of Cincinnati, becoming the first black woman to graduate from the law school. In 1937 she served as an assistant attorney general for Ohio. She later opened her own law office in Cincinnati. She was secretary of the Cincinnati branch of the NAACP and chair of the legal committee of Colored Women Federated Clubs. In addition, she was a US Foreign Service Officer.
[BWNS338; Bahaipedia]
|
In Memoriam; Elsie Austin; Knight of Bahá'u'lláh; Louis G. Gregory; San Antonio, TX; Texas, USA | |
2004 15 Nov 200- |
The Iranian Bahá'í Community addressed a letter to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, outlining the scope of the persecution they faced for 25 years. The letter examined the persecution in light of those verses of the Qur'an and Islamic law that proscribe violence and uphold freedom of religion. It also noted that Iran signed and ratified the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and associated covenants that protect freedom of religion. It then recounted the government's recent duplicity in offering university enrollment to Bahá'í youth but then falsely recording them as Muslims. It ends with a call for the full emancipation of the Bahá'í community.
|
Iran | |
2004 24 Nov 200- |
The announcement of the completion of the restoration of the prison citadel that was occupied by Bahá'u'lláh and His family upon arrival in Akka I on August 31st, 1868. [BWNS336] | Bahá'u'lláh, Prison cell of; Citadel; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; Restoration; Akka, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2004 20 Dec 200- |
United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution expressing "serious concern" over the human rights situation in Iran, making specific mention of the ongoing persecution of the Bahá'í community there.
|
United Nations, General Assembly; United Nations; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Iran; New York, USA; USA | |
2004 30 Dec - 2 Jan 200- |
The "Growth and Victories" conference was held Otavalo, Ecuador in honour of the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu'llah Muhajir who passed away in Quito. (1923-79). Bahá'ís attending the conference came from a range of South American countries as well as from Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Among those attending were his daughter, Gisu Mahajir Cook who spoke about the life of her father.
|
- Hands of the Cause; Rahmatullah Muhajir; - Conferences; Otavalo, Ecuador; Ecuador | |
2005 (In the year) 200- |
The publication of One Common Faith by the Universal House of Justice.
|
One Common Faith (commentary); Interfaith dialogue; * Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Unity of religion; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2005 (In the year) 200- |
In Brazil, eleven leaders of thought were invited to study and comment on the initial concept paper developed by the Institute (Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity). These comments were gathered in a book which was published and disseminated around the country and used to stimulate discussions in seminars with small groups of participants. [One Country Issue 3, Vol 17, Story 8]
|
Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP); Brazil | |
2005 (In the year) 200- |
The official campaign to malign the name of the Faith in Iran through the mass media, newspaper articles and web sites, through radio and television programs and through films, as per the provision implemented in 1991, escalated in 2005. [Open Letter dated 4 March, 2009] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; Iran | |
2005 Jan 200- |
Doris Katzenstein, originally from Germany, pioneered to Lithuania, first to Kalaipeda and finally settling in Palanga where she taught German and English at the Palanga University of the Third Age. [Website]
She first encountered the Faith on board a ship from fellow passengers, Martin and Gerda Aiff and their children, who where on their way to Windhoek. She retuned to Germany after three years and accepted the Faith in about April of 1963 and after the opening of the Frankfurt Temple in the summer of 1964 she returned to Windhoek, eventually settling in Elizabeth Bay where she served by teaching children's classes. After four years he returned to Germany and locate in Ulm. While preparing to return to Windhoek she received the news of her appointment as an Auxiliary Board Member. In 1971 she pioneered to Manaia, Romania where she worked as a tourist guide for 4 1/2 seasons. She did international travel teaching in Korea, Thailand, Rangoon, where she visited Daidanaw, known as Àbdu'l-Bahá's Village. [information from "Thursday Night@7PM" 7 December 2023] |
Pioneering; Kalaipeda, Lithuania; Palanga, Lithuania; Manaia, Romania; Romania; Daidanaw, Myanmar; Yangon, Myanmar | |
2005 30 Jan 200- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States wrote regarding its "decision to cease to distribute books and other items handled by Kalimát Press...in light of the pattern and motives of Kalimát Press in promoting books...harmful to the interests of the Bahá'í Faith." [Kalimat Press and Distribution by Bahá'í Agencies] | Publishers; Kalimat Press; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2005 21 Mar 200- |
The announcement of the retirement of Mr. Ian Semple and Mr. Douglas Martin from the Universal House of Justice. Mr. Semple served since 1963 and Mr. Martin was elected in 1993. [BWNS359]
|
Ian Semple; Douglas Martin; Retirements; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Auxiliary board members; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2005 28 Feb - 11 Mar 200- |
As Chair of the NGO Commission on the Status of Women, Ms Bani Dugal facilitated and organized the participation of over 2,700 civil society representatives from nearly 600 NGOs. The Bahá'í International Community sponsored the 49th NGO consultation for the Commission on the Status of Women at Barnard College, New York. [UN Women 49th session] | Bahá'í International Community; United Nations; Commission on the Status of Women; Bani Dugal; New York, USA; USA | |
2005 20 Apr 200- |
The launch of the new official website, titled The Bahá'ís to replace the previous site, "The Bahá'í World," at the same address. The site is also a portal to the family of official web sites of the Bahá'í International Community.
|
bahai.org; Websites; Internet; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2005 Ridván 200- |
"... the time is propitious to bring into being an International Board of Trustees of Huqúqu'lláh to guide and supervise the work of Regional and National Boards of Trustees of Huqúqu'lláh throughout the world. It will operate in close collaboration with the Chief Trustee, the Hand of the Cause of God Dr. 'Alí-Muhammad Varqá, and will be able to benefit from his knowledge and counsel in carrying out its duties. The three members now appointed to the International Board of Trustees are Sally Foo, Ramin Khadem, and Grant Kvalheim." [Message from the Universal House of Justice, Ridván 2005] | Huququllah, Basic timeline; Huququllah, Trustees of; Varqá, `Alí-Muhammad; Varqa; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2005 21 Apr 200- |
The election of Dr. Payman Mohajer and Mr. Paul Lample to the vacancies on the Universal House of Justice. They filled the vacancies created by the departure at Naw-Ruz of Mr. Ian Semple and Mr. Douglas Martin, owing to age and the related needs of the Faith. Re-elected were: Firaydoun Javaheri, Hartmut Grossmann, Kiser Barnes, Farzam Arbab, Hooper Dunbar, Peter Khan, and Glenford Mitchell. [BWNS358] | Payman Mohajer; Paul Lample; Ian Semple; Douglas Martin; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2005 Jul 200- |
The publication of Impact of Growth on Administration Processes by the International Teaching Centre on behalf of the Universal House of Justice.
|
- Institute process; Growth; - Administration; Clusters; Training Institutes; * Publications; Local Spiritual Assemblies; National Spiritual Assemblies; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2005 23 Jul 200- |
The purchase of a new Bahá'í Centre in Scotland at 44 Albany Street, Edinburgh EH1 3QR. [UK Bahá'í website] | Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Edinburgh, Scotland; Scotland; United Kingdom | |
2005 6 Sep 200- |
The passing of former Universal House of Justice member David S. Ruhe (b. 3 January, 1913) near Newburg, New York. He served on the Universal House of Justice from 1968 to 1993. [BWNS388]
|
David Ruhe; Universal House of Justice, Members of; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Newburg, NY; New York, USA; USA | |
2005 14 -16 Sep 200- |
The 2005 World Summit was a follow-up summit meeting to the United Nations' 2000 Millennium Summit, which led to the Millennium Declaration of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Representatives (including many leaders) of the then 191 (later 193) member states met in New York City for what the United Nations described as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take bold decisions in the areas of development, security, human rights and reform of the United Nations." [THE 2005 WORLD SUMMIT: AN OVERVIEW]
|
United Nations Millennium Forum and Summit; United Nations; United Nations Summits; United Nations conferences; - Conferences; Millennium; Bahá'í International Community; Peace; World peace; Security; Disarmament; Wealth and poverty; Social and economic development; Human Rights; Sustainable Development; Environment; Globalization; Justice; Diversity; Prosperity; Equality; Solidarity; Tolerance; Nature; Cooperation; Interfaith dialogue; New York, USA; USA | |
2005 01 Oct 200- |
The Search for Values in the Age of Transition was written on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the UN and contained recommendations for UN reform in the areas of development, human rights and the rule of law, democracy, and collective security.
|
United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; New York, USA; USA | |
2005 15 Oct 200- |
The Constitution of Iraq was approved by referendum to replace the Law of Administration for the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period (TAL), previously adopted by a Governing Council appointed by the Coalition Provisional Authority after the Iraq War. The Constitution guaranteed the Islamic identity of the majority of the Iraqi people and guaranteed the full religious rights of all individuals to freedom of religious belief and practice such as Christians, Yazedis, and Mandi Sabeans. It made no mention of the Bahá'ís as an acknowledged religious minority. The Law No.105 of 1970 which prohibited all Bahá'í activities was not rescinded therefore it entered into force despite its being unconstitutional under the new constitution. Also problematic for the Bahá'í community was Regulation 358 of 1975 by the Department of Civil Status that prohibited the issuance of new identity cards to followers of the Bahá'í faith and altered their civil status so that they were registered as Muslims. [Al-Monitor 11 December, 2018; Washington Post 12 October, 2005] . |
Persecution, Iraq; Iraq | |
2005 29 Oct 200- |
Letter from the Iranian military headquarters to various Revolutionary Guard and police forces and security agencies instructing them to identify and monitor Bahá'ís around the country. [BWNS473]
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Human rights; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; Human Rights; Faith and a Future (CSW); Iran | |
2005 Nov 200- |
Dr. John Grayzei was appointed to the Bahá'í Chair for Peace at the University of Maryland in the United States. He succeeded Suheil Bushrui who held the position since its inauguration in 1992. [BWNS404] | John Grayzei; Suheil Bushrui; Bahá'í Chair for World Peace; University of Maryland; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Maryland, USA; USA | |
2005 1 Nov 200- |
The celebration of the opening of the new Bahá'í Centre at 44 Albany Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. [BWNS347, BWNS395]
|
Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Edinburgh, Scotland; Scotland; United Kingdom | |
2005 27 Nov 200- |
The passing of prolific author and founding member of the Association for Bahá'í Studies of North America, Dr. William S. Hatcher, in Stratford, Ontario. (b. 20 September, 1935 in Charlotte, NC).
|
William Hatcher; In Memoriam; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Stratford, ON; Canada | |
2005 1 Dec 200- |
The president of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Kessai Note, and his wife, Mary Note, paid an official visit to the Bahá'í World Centre. [One Country; BWNS410] | Visitation; - Bahá'í World Centre; Marshall Islands | |
2005 15 Dec 200- |
The death of Mr. Dhabihu'llah Mahrami, 59, who had been held in a government prison in Yazd under harsh physical conditions at the time of his death. |
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution; Human Rights; Court cases; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Yazd, Iran; Iran | |
2005 27 – 31 Dec 200- |
The gathering, at the Bahá'í World Centre, the members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors [BWNS418] | Counsellors; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Counsellors; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2005 28 Dec 200- |
In its message to all National Spiritual Assemblies the Universal House of Justice said "we have reached the conclusion that the books of the Ruhi Institute should constitute the main sequence of courses for institutes everywhere..." [28 December 2005] | Ruhi Institute; - Institute process; Training Institutes; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2006 - 2007 (academic year) 200- |
For more than two decades young Bahá'ís had been barred from entering university through an application process that required them to deny their faith. Though a modification in the process, achieved through worldwide public pressure, enabled a few hundred to register at the start of the 2006–2007 academic year, their hopes of pursuing higher education were soon dashed because that same year a confidential letter sent from Iran's Ministry of Science, Research and Technology instructed Iranian universities to expel any student who was discovered to be a Bahá'í. The letter refuted previous statements by Iranian officials who had said Bahá'í students in Iran faced no discrimination. [BWNS575]
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; Higher education; Human Rights; Bahá'í International Community; Iran | |
2006 (In the year) 200- |
The implementation of the website Bahá'í Media Bank a repository of visual resources for communities worldwide, publishers, journalists, videographers, and students, among others. | Bahá'í Media Bank; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2006 (In the year) 200- |
The publication of Lights Of The Spirit: Historical Portraits Of Black Bahá'ís In North America, 1898-2000 edited by Gwendolyn Eater-Lewis and Richard Thomas. Published by Bahá'í Publishing, Wilmette, IL.
Lights Of The Spirit is a groundbreaking work that uncovers a piece of history that until now has gone unwritten-the role played by Black people in the emergence of the Bahá'í Faith in North America. Drawing on a wide range of sources including personal essays, letters, and journals, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of some extraordinary individuals who devoted themselves to a common cause and made outstanding contributions toward building a unified society. |
Race amity; Race inequality | |
2006 27 Feb - 10 Mar 200- |
The 50th session of the Commission on the Status of Women was held at the UN Headquarters in New York. [UN Women]
|
United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; Women; Commission on the Status of Women; - BIC statements; New York City, NY | |
2016 (End of the Five Year Plan) 200- |
The Preparation for Social Action programme that was implemented at the beginning of the Five Year Plan was expanded to seven additional countries: Cambodia, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Panama, the Philippines and Vanuatu.
|
Five Year Plan (2011-2016); - Teaching Plans; Preparation for Social Action; Cambodia; Central African Republic; Congo, Democratic Republic of; Ecuador; Panama; Philippines; Vanuatu | |
2006 4 Apr 200- |
In late 2004 or early 2005 the government of Egypt introduced a computerized identity card system that locked out all religious classifications except Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Bahá's were unable to get ID cards and other documents essential to day-to-day life. Thus began an epic struggle for Bahá'í appellants to win the right to have their religious affiliation properly identified on government documents.
|
Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2006 Ridván 200- |
The launch of the Second Five Year Plan (2006-2011).
-Study Circles -Children's Classes -Devotional Gatherings -Junior Youth Groups -Intensive Programs of Growth in "A" Clusters -One of the goals was the numerical goal of achieving Intensive Programmes of Growth in no less than 1,500 clusters throughout the world. |
Five Year Plan (2006-2011); - Teaching Plans; - Institute process; Core activities; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2006 2 May 200- |
Letter, from the Trades, Production, and Technical Services Society of Kermanshah to the Iranian Union of Battery Manufacturers, asked the Union to provide a list of members of the Bahá'í sect in their membership. [BWNS488]
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Kirmánsháh, Iran; Iran | |
2006 15 May 200- |
In Egypt the government appealed the lower court's ruling to the Supreme Administrative Court and the hearing focused on procedural issues concerning the case. The emotions stirred by the case were evident at the initial hearing. Lawyers and other individuals seated in the courthouse interrupted and heckled the defense counsel each time they tried to address the court. They yelled insults at them, calling them 'infidels' and threatening them with physical violence during the hearing. Because the Court was unable to impose order in the courtroom, the Court briefly adjourned the hearing before resuming the proceedings in camera. When the hearing was adjourned the courthouse security officers refused to protect the defense lawyers who were surrounded by members of the crowd, verbally threatening, pushing, shoving and not allowing them to walk away from the area.
|
Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2006 19 May 200- |
Iranian security officials arrested 54 Bahá'ís in the city of Shiraz who were involved in a community service project, many of them in their teens and early 20's. They were not charged and all but three were released within six days. It was the largest mass arrest of Bahá'ís since the 1980's. [New York Times 1 June, 2006] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Youth; Shíráz, Iran; Iran | |
2006 10 Jun 200- |
In Malaysia, Social & Economic Development Services (SEDS) together with the Centre for Civilisational Dialogue organized two nation-wide colloquia on science, religion and development. The first was held at University of Malaya in 2005 and the second on this date in Kuala Lumpur. [SGM Website] | Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP); Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Malaysia | |
2006 16 Jun 200- |
The Bahá'í International Community's Office of Public Information announced the launch of a new website called "Bahá'í Media Bank,". The site contained more than 2,500 high-quality photographs on Bahá'í-related themes and the plan was to eventually include video and audio material.
[BWNS455]
|
bahai.org; Bahá'í Media Bank; Websites; Visuals; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; Bahá'í International Community; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Worldwide | |
2006 15 Jul 200- |
The Bahá'í Academy in Panchgani, India, entered into a formal agreement with one of India's top-ranked universities to offer specialized training in education for moral development to its students, faculty, and staff. [BWNS470] | Bahá'í Academy, India; Universities; Moral education; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Panchgani, India; Pune, India; India | |
2006 31 Jul 200- |
The announcement of the publication of The Tabernacle of Unity. This publication of the Bahá'í World Centre contained five tablets - letters - written by Bahá'u'lláh to individuals of Zoroastrian background in the 1800s. As such, these tablets provide important insights into the interrelatedness of religion. [BWNS466] | Tabernacle of Unity (book); - Zoroastrianism; * Bahá'u'lláh, Writings of; Interfaith dialogue; Manikchi Limji Hataria; * Translation; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2006 19 Aug 200- |
Iran's Ministry of Interior ordered officials throughout the country to step up the surveillance of Iranian Bahá'ís focusing in particular on their community activities.
In a letter the Ministry requested provincial officials to complete a detailed questionnaire about the circumstances and activities of local Bahá'ís, including their "financial status," "social interactions," and "association with foreign assemblies," among other things.
[BWNS488]
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Iran | |
2006 1 Sep 200- |
The publication of Against Incredible Odds Life of a 20th Century Iranian Baha'i Family by Baharieh Rouhani Ma'ani. The book was published by George Ronald Pub Ltd. It is the story of a Bahá'í family who have been a part of the history of the Faith since the days of the the Báb. | ||
2006 12 Sep 200- |
The passing of Annemarie Kruger, (b. 13 February 1918 Germany d. 12 September 2006 Plovdiv, Bulgaria) Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for Moldov and pioneer to Bulgaria from 1984 until the end of her life. [KoB397-399; Find a grave; Bulgarian Nation Website; the 9th candle]
|
Knight of Bahá'u'lláh; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Bulgaria | |
2006 16 Sep 200- |
In Egypt the Supreme Administrative Court again postponed its hearing on the government appeal of a lower court's ruling upholding the right of a Bahá'í couple to have their religion properly identified on government documents. In a brief hearing the Court postponed the case until 20 November in order to await the completion of an advisory report from the State Commissioner's Authority on the case. [BWNS480] | Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2006 20 Nov 200- |
In Egypt lawyers representing a Bahá'í couple seeking to have their religious affiliation properly identified on state documents, presented arguments at a full hearing before the Supreme Administrative Court. The hearing was short and the court adjourned until 16 December when a judgment in the case was expected. [BWNS492] | Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2006 Dec 200- |
The publication of A Faith Denied: The Persecution of the Bahá'ís of Iran by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC).
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Human rights; Human Rights; Iran | |
2006 16 Dec 200- |
Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court ruled against the right of Bahá'ís to be properly identified on government documents. There were now two cases related to this issue; the first involved a lawsuit by the father of twin children, who was seeking to obtain proper birth certificates for them and the second concerned a college student who needed a national identity card to re-enroll in university.
|
Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2006 21 Dec 200- |
A message was sent from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá'ís of Egypt regarding the recent Supreme Administrative Court decision with respect to their right to hold identification cards. [BWNS499]
|
Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2006 21 Dec 200- |
The Education Department Management Security Office in Shiraz circulated a form to be completed by all students who belonged to religious minorities and the "perverse Bahaist sect". The form required not only detailed information about the student and his or her parents, but also detailed information on all the student's siblings. [Provisional Translation of the text of the letter] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; Shíráz, Iran; Iran | |
2007 (In the year) 200- |
This increase in the activities of the Yaran-e Iran mandated the addition of more members; as a result, the number of members reached seven. Behrooz Tavakoli, Afif Naimi, Jamaluddin Khanjani, Saeid Rezaie, Fariba Kamal Abadi, Vahid Tizfahm and Mahvash Sabet were the last leaders of the Bahá'í community of Iran. After their arrest, the responsibility of leading the community was put on the shoulders of all Bahá'ís as individuals. [Iran Press Watch 10561] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Iran | |
2007 (In the year) 200- |
The General Directorate of Fatwas and Accounts of the Supreme Court declared the Bahá'í faith to be blasphemous. The Bahá'í community lived in secret since this ruling. [US Commission on International Freligious Freedom - Annual Report 2021 p55] | Persecution, Afghanistan; Afghanistan | |
2007 Jan 200- |
In Romania, a law was passed to supersede the 1948 Communist-era religion laws. It imposed restrictive requirements on religious communities that wished to be recognized by the government, which Bahá'ís and adherents of other minority religions could not meet. [Form 18 News Service; Wikipedia] | Persecution, Romania; - Persecution; Romania | |
2007 5 Mar 200- |
The start of Bahaipedia - The Bahá'í collaborative encyclopedia. The name Bahaikipedia is a portmanteau of Bahá'í, wiki and encyclopedia. It was later changed to [Bahaipedia] | Bahaipedia; Internet; Websites; Encyclopedias | |
2007 17 Mar 200- |
In a confidential letter from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology to the Central Security Office of Payám-i-Núr University in the Province of Sístán and Balúchistán, they instructed that Bahá'í applicants for the Farágír (preparatory] courses be prevented from enrollment and that the names of those who do try to enrol to be forwarded to their office. [English translation] | - Persecution, Education; Iran | |
2007 Ridván 200- |
After about nineteen years of oppression, the Bahá'í community was officially registered with the government in Vietnam. By July the Bahá'í community had received a certificate of operation from the governmental Committee for Religious Affairs. [Bahaipedia] | Persecution, Vietnam; - Persecution; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Vietnam | |
2007 25 Mar 200- |
The Universal House of Justice addressed a message to the Bahá'ís of the World regarding Bahá'í elections. | Universal House of Justice; Elections; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2007 Apr 200- |
The publication of Huqúqu'lláh: The Right of God as compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.
|
Huququllah, Basic timeline; Huqúqu'lláh; - Compilations; * Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2007 Apr 200- |
In Iraq the Ministry of Interior's Nationality and Passport Section canceled regulation 358 of 1975 which prohibited the issuance of national identity cards to those claiming the Bahá'í Faith as their religion. In May 2007 a small number of Bahá'ís were issued identity cards. The Nationality and Passport Section's legal advisor stopped issuance of the cards thereafter, claiming Bahá'ís had been registered as Muslims since 1975 and citing a government regulation preventing the conversion of "Muslims" to another faith. Without this official identity card, Bahá'ís could not register their children for school or acquire passports. Despite the cancellation of the regulation, Bahá'ís whose identity records were changed to "Muslim" after regulation 358 was instituted in 1975 still could not change their identity cards to indicate their Bahá'í faith, and their children were not recognized as Bahá'ís. [US Department of State BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR July-December, 2010 International Religious Freedom Report Report September 13, 2011] | Persecution, Iraq; Iraq | |
2007 7 Apr 200- |
A memorial removed by the Nazis when the Bahá'í Faith was outlawed in 1937 was restored by municipal authorities in the resort town of Bad Mergentheim in Germany. The stone commemorates the visit of 'Abdu'l-Bahá on April 7-8, 1913. The new memorial was unveiled on 7 April, by Mayor Lothar Barth accompanied by Bahman Solouki, a representative of the Bahá'í community of Germany. Please see the news story for pictures of both the original and the replacement monuments. [BWNS524] | `Abdu'l-Bahá, Pictures and portraits; Portraits; Monuments; Opposition; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bad Mergentheim, Germany; Germany | |
2007 9 Apr 200- |
In a memorandum from the office of Intelligence and National Security to the commanders of police forces of the regional provincial municipalities, instructions were given to monitor the business activities of Bahá'ís, to suppress the operations of business that would yield a high income, to prohibit
businesses related to culture, advertising and commerce as well as any business related to cleanliness (tahárat) such as grocery shops and ice cream parlours and any others where the handling of food or personal care was involved.
[Letter from the Public Inteligence and Security Force]
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Human rights; Human Rights; - Persecution; Iran | |
2007 19 Apr 200- |
The government of Slovakia officially registered the Bahá'í Faith as a religious community, guaranteeing the group the right to own property, observe holy days, disseminate literature and engage in a host of other activities. [BWNS531] | Recognition (legal); Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Slovakia | |
2007 24 Apr 200- |
The publication of Baha'u'llah: A Short Biography by Moojan Momen. It was published by Oneworld Publications in Oxford, UK | Moojan Momen; Book; Oxford, England; United Kingdom | |
2007 11 May 200- |
The passing of His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II, the Samoan head of state. He was one of the longest reigning monarchs in the world and had been head of state since independence from New Zealand in 1962. [BWNS543; Bahá'í Chronicles] | Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; - Bahá'í royalty; Royalty; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Samoa | |
2007 18 May 200- |
A letter marked "Confidential" was sent from the academic counseling and higher education office at Guilán University to the director of university academic affairs, asking for the immediate discharge of a Bahá'í student stating that she was legally banned from continuing her education.
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; Guilan, Iran; Iran | |
2007 24 May 200- |
The passing of Hadi Rahmani-Shirazi (b. 1914) in the United Kingdom. He was buried in New Southgate Cemetery.
|
Hadi Rahmani-Shirazi; Nawnahalan; Counsellors; Huqúqu'lláh; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Auxiliary board members; United Kingdom; Afghanistan; Iran | |
2007 1 Jun 200- |
The passing of Knight of Bahá'u'lláh Jameson (Jamie) Bond (b. 6 November, 1917 Toronto, ON) in Duncan, BC. [SDSC262, 387-388, 406]
|
Jameson Bond; In Memoriam; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Births and deaths; Toronto, ON; Duncan, BC; British Columbia, Canada | |
2007 Aug-Sep 200- |
In memory of Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and because the Native people had such a special place in her heart and that of the Guardian, Violette and 'Ali Nakhjanání travelled throughout North America during the months of August and September visiting aboriginal believers. They visited Vancouver, Anchorage, Juneau before going to South Dakota, Montana, Arizona and Atlanta, Georgia where they spoke with 450 African-American believers. They visited the temple in Wilmette and then the Eskasoni First Nation in Nova Scotia.
|
Violette Nakhjavani; `Alí Nakhjavání; Teaching; Indigenous people; Native Americans; First Nations; Vancouver, BC; Anchorage, AK; Juneau, AK; Canada; South Dakota, USA; Montana, USA; Arizona, USA; Atlanta, GA; Wilmette, IL; USA | |
2007 9 – 10 Sep 200- |
A Bahá'í cemetery near Najafabad, Iran was destroyed using heavy equipment. More than 100 graves were desecrated. [BWNS578] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution; Cemeteries and graves; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Najaf, Iranabad, Iran; Iran | |
2007 9 Sep 200- |
In its message to the Bahá'í students deprived of access to higher education in Iran of the 9th of September 2007, the Universal House of Justice used the term "constructive resilience" to describe the non-adversarial approach taken by the Bahá'ís in the face of violent oppression.
For further exploration of this term see: Bahá'í Library: Constructive Resilience: The Bahá'í Response to Oppression by Michael Karlberg (Also published in Peace and Change, 35:2 pages 222-257 2010-04. (PDF)
Constructive Resilience by Firaydoun Javaheri was published in the Journal of Bahá'í Studies, 28 April 2018 and can be found on Bahá'í Library. A Master's thesis titled Exploring Constructive Resilience: A Qualitative Investigation of the Bahá'i Response to Oppression was presented by Mark Kazemzadeh at the University of Massachusetts in Boston in 2019. Constructive resilience in response to oppression: the strategy of Bahá'ís in Iran by Leyla Tavernaro-Haidarian 31 May 2022 was published in the Community Development Journal. |
Persecution, Iran; Iran | |
2007 13 Sep 200- |
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the resolution entitled United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples]
|
United Nations; United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Indigenous people; New York, USA | |
2007 22 Sep 200- |
The passing of Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ali-Muhammad Varqa (b.1911 or 1912) at his home in Haifa. Mr Varqa received his name from 'Abdu'l-Bahá in memory of his grandfather, who had been killed for being a follower of Bahá'u'lláh. He was the last survivor of the 27 Hands of the Cause who were alive when Shoghi Effendi passed away in 1957. [BWNS579; One Country]
|
Varqá, `Alí-Muhammad; - Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Births and deaths; Births and deaths; In Memoriam; Varqa; - Hands of the Cause, Institution; Appointed arm; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Basic timeline, Expanded; Huqúqu'lláh; Haifa, Israel | |
2007 30 Sep 200- |
In a message from the International Teaching Centre to all Continental Counsellors it shared lessons learned at the recent meetings of the Continental Boards in which the focus had been the challenge of accelerating the movement of clusters and the launching of an increasing number of Intensive Programs of Growth. The message set the direction for the teaching work. | International Teaching Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2007 Oct 200- |
The capacity for receiving pilgrims at the Bahá'í World Centre was doubled to 400 persons in each group. [Ridván 2006] | Pilgrimage; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2007 2 Oct 200- |
An event was organized by the Defenders of Human Rights Centre in Iran to publicize the plight of all those who are deprived of access to education. The Bahá'ís were only one of many groups whose situations the event highlighted. The Bahá'í representative made a 5-10 minute presentation describing the difficult circumstances faced by Bahá'í students, who have persistently been denied access to post-secondary education. Journalists from within the country and abroad covered the proceedings. [The reference website is no longer in existence.] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; Iran | |
2007 12 Oct 200- |
The opening of a new office of the Bahá'í International Community in Brussels. The purpose was to strengthen the BIC's ties with the European Union. [BWNS581] | Bahá'í International Community; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Brussels, Belgium; Belgium | |
2007 7 Nov 200- |
The launch of a new website by the Bahá'í International Community, The Life of Bahá'u'lláh to provide illustration of Bahá'u'lláh's life through photographs of places and artifacts and relics associated directly with Him. [BWNS586] | bahai.org; Websites; Internet; * Bahá'u'lláh; * Bahaullah (chronology); Relics; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2007 12 Nov 200- |
Human Rights Watch and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights released a report that stated that Egypt should end discriminatory practices that prevented Bahá'ís and others from listing their true religion on government documents.
|
Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2007 14 Nov 200- |
In a letter to the Students, Staff, Parents and Supporters of Maxwell International School the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada announced that the school would close (at the end of the term). Financial considerations were cited as the reason.
|
Maxwell International School, Canada; - Bahá'í inspired schools; Dancing; Dance Workshop; Shawnigan Lake, BC; British Columbia, Canada; Canada | |
2007 21 Nov 200- |
The Universal House of Justice responded to a communications from the Bahá'ís attending event of the 2nd of October advising the Friends in Iran to explore contacts with other Iranian individuals and organizations sympathetic to the plight of the Bahá'ís and to continue the effort to secure legal representation for the Bahá'í students. It also encouraged them to convey the gratitude of the Iranian Bahá'ís to the Defenders of Human Rights Centre. [The referenced website is no longer in existence.] | Universal House of Justice; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; Iran | |
2007 25 Dec 200- |
The two Egyptian Human Rights cases, the first by the father of twin children who was seeking to obtain proper birth certificates for them and the second by a college student who needed a national identity card to re-enroll in university, were set for "final judgment" by the Court of Administrative Justice in Cairo but the hearings were unexpectedly postponed until 22 January 2008. The court indicated it was still deliberating on the cases. On 22 January it was announced that the cases had been continued until 29 January. [BWNS597] | Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2008 (In the year) 200- |
The publication of The Pen of Glory, a compilation of some Writings of Bahá'u'lláh by the Bahá'i Publishing Trust in Wilmette. A new printing was released 1 May 2017. The Tablets included were: Gems of Divine Mysteries, Tablet to Manikchi Sahib, Tablet to Mirza Abd'l-Fadl in response to questions of Manikchi Sahib, Tablet of the Seven Questions (Lawh-i-Haft Pursish), as well as two other tablets, The Beginning of All Utterance is the Praise of God and The Begining of Every Account is the Name of God. [Bahá'í Bookstore]
|
* Bahá'u'lláh, Writings of; Pen of Glory (book); Javahirul-Asrar (Gems of Divine Mysteries); Tabernacle of Unity (book) | |
2008 29 Jan 200- |
In Egypt a victory for religious freedom, a lower administrative court ruled in favour of two lawsuits that sought to resolve the government's contradictory policy on religious affiliation and identification papers. The Court of Administrative Justice in Cairo upheld arguments made in two cases concerning Bahá'ís who had sought to restore their full citizenship rights by asking that they be allowed to leave the religious affiliation field blank on official documents. A lower court again ruled in their favour. Two Muslim lawyers filed an appeal. [BWNS600] | Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2008 14 Feb 200- |
The publication of a new statement from the Bahá'í International Community entitled Eradicating Poverty: Moving Forward as One. The paper calls for a coherent, principle-based approach to the eradication of global poverty and was presented to the 46th Commission on Social Development. [One Country]
|
Wealth and poverty; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; - Statements; * Publications; New York, USA; USA | |
2008 25 Feb - 7 Mar 200- |
The 52nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. [UN Women]
|
United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; Women; Bani Dugal; Commission on the Status of Women; - BIC statements; New York City, NY | |
2008 5 Mar 200- |
Mahvash Sabet – a schoolteacher and mother of two and a member of the national-level administrative group for Iran, the Yaran – was arrested after having been summoned to Mashhad to discuss some matters regarding a Bahá'í burial. She subsequently spent 175 days in solitary confinement. On the 26th of May she was moved to Evin prison in Tehran. [BWNS Special Report]
|
Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Evin Prison; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Mahvash Sabet; Mashhad, Iran; Iran | |
2008 20 - 21 Mar 200- |
The re-formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Vietnam took place after a lapse of some 33 years. Joan Lincoln was the special emissary of the Universal House of Justice at their National Convention. A number of people attending the activities had joined the Bahá'í Faith in the 1950s and 1960s and had remained firm in the Faith despite the years of restrictions on certain activities.
|
Persecution, Vietnam; - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); National Spiritual Assembly, re-formation; Conventions, National; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Vietnam | |
2008 Apr 200- |
The publication of Attaining the Dynamics of Growth: Glimpses from Five Continents by International Teaching Centre.
The Universal House of Justice asked the International Teaching Centre to choose one example from each continent of an intensive programme of growth and prepare a document to demonstrate at once the diversity of conditions in which the believers everywhere were labouring and the coherent vision that united them as they advanced the process of entry by troops. The document consisted of five case studies and a closing analysis. |
- Institute process; Growth; Attaining the Dynamics of Growth; Visuals; - Documentaries, BWC; - Documentaries; - International Teaching Centre, Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre; London, England; United Kingdom; North Caucasus; Colombia; Bihar Sharif, India; India; Kenya; Kiribati | |
2008 23 Apr 200- |
The retirement of Universal House of Justice members Mr. Hartmut Grossmann and Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell. Mr. Grossmann had served from 2003 and Mr. Mitchell had first been elected in 1982. [BWNS622] | Hartmut Grossmann; Glenford Mitchell; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Retirements; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2008 Apr 200- |
The publication of For the Betterment of the World: The Worldwide Bahá'í Community's Approach to Social and Economic Development by Office of Social and Economic Development. It contained essays, photographs, and overviews of local projects around the world illustrating how Bahá'í principles of social and economic development were being carried out in practice.
|
- Institute process; Social and economic development; Social action; For the Betterment of the World (document); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2008 30 Apr 200- |
The election of the Universal House of Justice at the 10th International Bahá'í Convention. It was attended by more than 1,000 delegates from 153 countries.
|
Conventions, International; Universal House of Justice, Election of; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Farzam Arbab; Kiser Barnes; Peter Khan; Hooper Dunbar; Firaydoun Javaheri; Paul Lample; Payman Mohajer; Shahriar Razavi; Gustavo Correa; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2008 1 May 200- |
The publication of Iranian Bahá'is from Jewish Background: A Portrait of an emerging Bahá'í Community by Arsalan Geula. The book was independently published.
This book presents a look at the history of early Iranian Bahá'ís who recognized the promised Messiah and the resulting effects on their lives—including severe hardships and stunning achievements. The gradual emergence of a Bahá'í identity among believers of Jewish background is explained. It shows the organic growth of faith and identity—a process that all new adherents to the Faith undergo. |
Jews | |
2008 12 May 200- |
After several years of negotiations, agreement was reached with the Israeli government for the acquisition of a rectangular plot of land 90,000 square metres in area, located between Bahjí and the main road. This land was being used by the government. This acquisition opened the way to further beautification of the environs of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, the Qiblih of the people of Bahá, described by 'Abdu'l-Bahá as the "luminous Shrine" and "the place around which circumambulate the Concourse on high".
|
Junayn gardens; Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of; House of Bahá'u'lláh (Mazraih); House of Bahá'u'lláh (Bahji); Ridvan garden; Purchases and exchanges; Caravanserai (caravansary); Restoration; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; Haifa, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre; Ein Sara, Israel; Nahariya, Israel; Akka, Israel; Mazraih, Iran; Bahji, Israel; Israel | |
2008 14 May 200- |
The six men and a women, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, Mr. Vahid Tizfahm. and Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, all members of the national-level group that helped see to the minimum needs of Bahá'ís in Iran, were arrested in their homes in Tehran. Mrs. Kamalabadi, Mr. Khanjani, and Mr. Tavakkoli had been arrested previously and then released after periods ranging from five days to four months. [BWNS632, Report] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2008 14 May 200- |
Iranian Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri issued a fatwa stating that, since (Bahá'ís) were the citizens of Iran, they had the rights of a citizen and the right to live in the country. Furthermore, they must benefit from the Islamic compassion which is stressed in Quran and by the religious authorities. [The National (UAE)]
|
Fatwa; Human Rights; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri; Ayatollahs; Iran | |
2008 200- |
The arrest of the Bahá'í leadership took place in the context of a severely and rapidly escalating systemic campaign of attacks against the Bahá'í community that included the creation and circulation of lists of Bahá'ís with instructions that the activities of the members of the community be secretly monitored; dawn raids on Bahá'í homes and the confiscation of personal property; a dramatic increase over the previous two months in the number of Bahá'ís arrested; daily incitement to hatred of the Bahá'ís in all forms of government-sponsored mass media; the holding of anti-Bahá'í symposia and seminars organized by clerics and followed by orchestrated attacks on Bahá'í homes and properties in the cities and towns where such events were held; destruction of Bahá'í cemeteries throughout the country and demolition of Bahá'í holy places and shrines; acts of arson against Bahá'í homes and properties; debarring of Bahá'ís from access to higher education and, increasingly, vilification of Bahá'í children in their classrooms by their teachers; the designation of numerous occupations and businesses from which Bahá'ís were debarred; refusal to extend bank loans to Bahá'ís; sealing Bahá'í shops; refusing to issue or renew business licenses to Bahá'ís; harassment of landlords of Bahá'í business premises to get them to evict their tenants; and threats against Muslims who associated with Bahá'ís. [Iran Press Watch 1109] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Human rights; - Persecution; Human Rights; Iran | |
2006 Jun 200- |
In a show of solidarity for the imprisoned Yaran, an open letter was sent from a number of members of the judiciary, human rights organizations and other notables in India. [Iran Press Watch 1624] | Yaran; - Persecution, Human rights; Persecution, Iran; Human Rights; Iran; India | |
2008 3 Jun 200- |
Mrs. Mahvash Sabet and Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi were permitted to make short phone calls to their families. Later it was confirmed that Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm also have made brief phone calls to their families. [BIC Report] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2008 20 Jun 200- |
Four Bahá'ís were arrested in Sana'a on the accusation of proselytizing. The three Bahá'is of Iranian origin who were arrested are Mr. Zia'u'llah Pourahmari, Mr. Keyvan Qadari, and Mr. Mr. Behrooz Rohani . A fourth Bahá'i, Mr. Sayfi Ibrahim Sayfi, was also arrested and faced the possibility of deportation to Iraq.
|
Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2008 July 200- |
The publication of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, in Norwegian for the first time, bringing to about 30 the number of different language editions of the work. [BWNS646] | Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book); * Translation; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Norway | |
2008 8 Jul 200- |
The Shrine of the Báb and the Resting Place of Baháu'lláh, together with their surrounding gardens, associated buildings and monuments, were chosen as UNESCO World Heritage sites. [BWNS642, BWNS643, UNESCO site] | UNESCO; World Heritage Sites; Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of; Báb, Shrine of; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Haifa, Israel; Israel; Akka, Israel; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2008 14 Jul 200- |
The Bahá'í Community of Vietnam was signed by the Government Committee for Religious Affairs to recognize the organization. [Bahá'í Religion in Community Education in Vietnam by Vu Van Chung]
|
Recognition (legal); Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Vietnam | |
2008 27 Jul 200- |
The results of the nationwide university entrance examination were made available on the National Organization for Educational Assessment in Iran. Most of the Bahá'í applicants found that they were rejected and received an "incomplete file" message. For the 2007-2008 academic year some 800 of 1000 Bahá'í students were rejected in the same manner. [Iranian, BWNS657] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Iran | |
2008 Sep 200- |
After enduring 3.5 months of solitary confinement, the imprisoned members of the Yaran were transferred to a regular prison cell where they could interact with other prisoners, still at the notorious Evin Prison .
|
Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; Evin Prison; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2008 01 Sep 200- |
The publication of The Bahá'í Question: Cultural Cleansing in Iran by the Bahá'í International Community.
|
Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; New York City, NY | |
2008 27 - 28 Sep 200- |
The Bahá'í Cemetery of Isfahan, known as Gulestan-e Javid [Eternal Garden], was attacked by a certain group and some 2,500 trees and an irrigation system were destroyed. Windows of a hall at the end of the cemetery were broken and the walls were blackened by incendiary materials.
[Iran Press Watch 35; Iran Press Watch 48]
|
- Persecution, denial of burial; Isfahan, Iran; Iran | |
2008 31 Oct 200- |
The Universal House of Justice sent a message of encouragement to the besieged Bahá'í Community of Iran. In the message they noted that:
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; - Bahá'í World Centre; Iran | |
2008 Nov 200- |
Ameed Saadat sat Iran's 2008 national university entrance examination. He passed was accepted to study hotel management at Goldasht College in Kelardasht, Mazandaran, and began his studies. The college's registration form required students to identify their religion. Ameed, being honest had identified himself as a Bahá'í. The day before his first-term examinations were to begin the college director told Ameed that he was being expelled and would therefore not be allowed to sit the examinations. The following day, 26 students refused to take the end-of-term exam in protest against Ameed's expulsion. [Iran Press Watch] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; Human Rights; Higher education; Kelardasht, Iran; Mazandaran, Iran; Iran | |
2008 1 - 2 Nov 200- |
The first of 41 Regional Conferences held over a four month period to mark the mid-point of the Five Year Plan was held in Lusaka, Zambia. [Lusaka, BWNS642]
|
- Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Lusaka, Zambia; Zambia | |
2008 8 – 9 Nov 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Nakuru, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa. [BWNS668]
|
- Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Nakuru, Kenya; Kenya; Johannesburg, South Africa; South Africa | |
2008 15 – 16 Nov 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Bangui, Central African Republic, Bangalore, India and Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo, [BWNS669] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bangui, Central African Republic; Central African Republic; Bangalore, India; India; Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Congo, Democratic Republic of | |
2008 22 – 23 Nov 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Quito, Ecuador, New Delhi, India, Kolkata, India, and Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [BWNS673] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Quito, Ecuador; Ecuador; New Delhi, India; India; Kolkata, India; Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo; Congo, Democratic Republic of | |
2008 29 – 30 Nov 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Antofagasta, Chile, Manila, Philippines and Yaoundé, Cameroon. [BWNS675] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Antofagasta, Chile; Chile; Manila, Philippines; Philippines; Yaoundé, Cameroon; Cameroon | |
2008 6 – 7 Dec 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Portland, United States, Chicago, United States, Atlanta, United States and Almaty, Kazakhstan. [ Portand, Chicago, Atlanta, Almaty] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Portland, OR; USA; Chicago, IL; USA; Atlanta, GA; USA; Almaty, Kazakhstan; Kazakhstan | |
2008 13 – 14 Dec 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Stamford, CT, Dallas, TX and Los Angeles, CA. [BWNS677] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Stamford, CT; USA; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA | |
2008 20 – 21 Dec 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Kuching, Malaysia and São Paulo, Brazil. [BWNS683] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Kuching, Malaysia; Malaysia; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Brazil | |
2008 27 – 28 Dec 200- |
Regional Conference were held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This conference represented the half-way point in the series of 41 conferences between November 1st and March 1st. [BWNS685] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Malaysia | |
2007 to 2009 200- |
Over 200 articles appeared in the Iranian newspaper Kayhan* in the years 2007-2009 that attacked every aspect of the history of the Bahá'í Faith, its personalities, beliefs and community life. Such messages were reinforced on television, in mass marches and in Friday sermons. Under government tutelage, the media served to endanger the Bahá'í's already highly curtailed existence.
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Persecution, Iran; Kayhan (newspaper); Press (media); Iran | |
2009 (In the year) 200- |
The publication of Debunking the Myths: Conspiracy Theories on the Genesis and Mission of the Bahá'í Faith by Adib Ma'sumian. It was written in response to Iranian conspiracy theories portraying the Bahá'í Faith as a subversive political group, Zionist spies, affiliates of the secret police, British agents, etc. PDFs of the publication are available in English and Persian. Included as well is an interview with author.
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Conspiracy theories; Criticism and apologetics; Iran | |
2009 (In the year) 200- |
Azerbaijan is a secular state that stipulates the separation of state and religion in its constitution. Although the constitution protects the freedom of conscience and provides for the right to "profess individually or together with others any religion or to profess no religion, and to express and disseminate...beliefs concerning...religion," the government has in practice limited such rights through the 2009 law On Freedom of Religious Beliefs, the administrative code, and the criminal code. [US Commission on International Freligious Freedom - Annual Report 2021 p59] | Persecution, Azerbaijan; Azerbaijan | |
2009 3 – 4 Jan 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in London, United Kingdom and Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. [BWNS686] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); London, England; United Kingdom; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Cote d'Ivoire | |
2009 10 – 11 Jan 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Toronto, Canada and Guadalajara, Mexico. [BWNS687] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Toronto, ON; Canada; Guadalajara, Mexico; Mexico | |
2009 17 – 18 Jan 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Lae, Papua New Guinea, Vancouver, Canada and Managua, Nicaragua. [BWNS689] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Lae, Papua New Guinea; Papua New Guinea; Vancouver, BC; Canada; Managua, Nicaragua; Nicaragua | |
2009 24 – 25 Jan 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Sydney, Australia and Madrid, Spain. [BWNS690] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia; Mongolia; Sydney, Australia; Australia; Madrid, Spain; Spain | |
2009 31 Jan – 1 Feb 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Auckland, New Zealand and Battambang, Cambodia. [BWNS692] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Auckland, NZ; New Zealand; Battambang, Cambodia; Cambodia | |
2009 3 Feb 200- |
The publication of "We are Ashamed," an open letter from a group of academics, writers, artists, journalists and Iranian activists throughout the world to the Bahá'í community. This letter had been signed by a large number of the most prominent Iranian intellectuals. [Iran Press Watch 998, Text of Letter in pdf] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Open letters; Human Rights; Iran | |
2009 7 – 8 Feb 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Frankfurt, Germany and Padua, Italy. [Padua, Frankfurt] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Frankfurt, Germany; Germany; Padua, Italy; Italy | |
2009 11 Feb 200- |
An Iranian ISNA news agency report quoting Tehran's deputy public prosecutor, Hassan Haddad, reported that a case will be sent to the revolutionary courts in the coming week accusing the seven Bahá'ís of "espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic republic."
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Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2009 14 – 15 Feb 200- |
Regional Conference was held in Istanbul, Turkey. [BWNS698] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Istanbul, Turkey; Turkey | |
2009 15 Feb 200- |
The US House of Representatives introduced a resolution condemning the government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Bahá'í minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights. [Iran Press Watch 1203] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Washington, DC, USA; USA; Iran | |
2009 16 Feb 200- |
Iran's Prosecutor General Qorban-Ali Dorri-Najafabadi made the claim that the members of the "banned Baha'i sect" have irrefutable links with Israel and that the seven will be tried on charges of "espionage for Israel, desecrating religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic." His statement was in reaction to the resolution by the U.S. State Department condemning recent events. [Iran Press Watch 1215] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2009 20 Feb 200- |
The UN reviewed the Declaration of Copenhagen and Programme of Action for Social Development on November 26, 2007 and the United Nations General Assembly declared the 20th of February as the World Day of Social Justice. Its purpose was "to remember that social justice is necessary for peace, security, and development around the world" as an overall concept, and then more specifically to promote efforts to educate people about wide-ranging inequities such as poverty, gender equality, and social well-being. The intention was to not only raise individual awareness but to seek responses from institutions including governments. The concept was first proposed by the government of Kyrgyzstan. [Wikipedia]
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Justice; Bahá'í International Community; Tahirih Naylor; New York, USA; USA | first World Day of Social Justice |
2009 21 – 22 Feb 200- |
Regional Conferences were held in Baku, Azerbaijan and Accra, Ghana. [BWNS700] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bandar Anzali, Iran; Azerbaijan; Accra, Ghana; Ghana | |
2009 24 Feb 200- |
The Canadian Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Human Rights adopted a strongly worded motion demanding the immediate release of the seven Bahá'í leaders held now for more than nine months without formal charges and no access to lawyers. Appearing before the committee were the Bahá'í Community of Canada's Director of External Affairs, Susanne Tamas, and McGill Law Professor, Payam Akhavan. [Iran Press Watch 1597] | Susanne Tamas; Payam Akhavan; Persecution, Iran; Yaran; Ottawa, ON; Canada | |
2009 25 Feb 200- |
The seven imprisoned Bahá'í leaders were given permission to meet with their families. [Iran Press Watch 1468] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2009 17 Feb 200- |
The European Union expressed their concerns that, after being held for so long without due process, the Yaran would not receive a fair trial. The EU therefore requested the Islamic Republic of Iran to allow independent observation of the judicial proceedings and to reconsider the charges brought against these individuals. [Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the trial with seven Bahá'í leaders in Iran ] | European Union; Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Brussels, Belgium | |
2009 27 Feb 200- |
Responding to the public outcry from western nations against Iran for the plight of seven imprisoned Bahá'í leaders, Qorban-Ali Dorri-Najafabadi, Iran's Prosecutor-General, stated, "These individuals have accepted the charges brought against them." This was later proved to be untrue. Meanwhile, the seven detained Bahá'ís continued to be deprived of due process and the opportunity to meet with their attorney. [Iran Press Watch 1547] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2009 28 Feb – 1 Mar 200- |
Regional Conference was held in Kyiv, Ukraine. [BWNS701] | - Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Kyiv, Ukraine; Ukraine | |
2009 Mar 200- |
The Yaran decided that, as a measure of goodwill, to disband all Bahá'í organizations in Iran. This decision was ratified by the Universal House of Justice. [Iran Press Watch 2709] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Iran | |
2009 1 Mar 200- |
The purpose of the Regional Conferences was to celebrate achievements during the first half of the Five Year Plan and to deliberate on the next phase. An estimated total of 77,700 people participated in the series, which began 1 November and continued for 18 consecutive weeks, spanning the globe and attracting Bahá'ís from the largest Western cities to the smallest villages in South Sea islands. Reports from the 41 Regional Conferences can be found at Conference Reports.
The release of the film Arising to Serve.
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- Conferences, Regional; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Five Year Plan (2006-2011); - Worldwide; Arising to Serve | |
2009 4 Mar 200- |
The Bahá'í International Community at the United Nations sent an open letter to Ayatollah Qorban-Ali Dorri-Najafabadi, the Prosecutor-General of Iran, regarding recent measures taken against the Yaran (at the national level) and the Khademin (at the local level). Since the disbanding of the Bahá'í administrative order in Iran in September of 1983, these groups had been functioning in close collaboration with the authorities.
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Ayatollah Qorban-`Alí Dorri-Najafabadi; Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; Iran | |
2009 16 Mar 200- |
In Egypt the Supreme Administrative Court removed any grounds for preventing Bahá'ís from receiving proper official identity documents by dismissing an appeal by two Muslim lawyers thus clearing the way for an end to years of deprivation for Egyptian Bahá'ís and opening the door to a new level of respect for religious privacy in Egypt. The appeal sought to prevent the implementation of a lower court ruling last year that said Bahá'ís could leave blank the religious classification field on official documents, including all-important identity cards and birth certificates. [BWNS703] | Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2009 21 Mar 200- |
In commemoration of the interment of the sacred remains of the Báb on Mount Carmel, the members of the Universal House of Justice, accompanied by the members of the International Teaching Centre, offered prayers of thanksgiving in the Shrine of the Báb on behalf of the worldwide Bahá'í community, expressing gratitude for the unfailing divine protection vouchsafed to the Cause of God. In their solemn contemplation, their hearts were stirred as they recalled the indelible image of the Master left to posterity when, on this day a hundred years ago, having with His own hands laid that peerless Trust in its final place of repose, He rested His head upon the edge of the blessed casket of the Báb, and "sobbing aloud, wept with such a weeping that all those who were present wept with Him". They remembered, too, the manifold obstacles with which He had been confronted in constructing this sacred edifice and His unbounded relief at having accomplished one of the principal objectives of His Ministry. [21 March 2009] | Centenaries; Báb, Shrine of; Haifa, Israel; Israel | |
2009 30 Mar 200- |
The first meeting of the imprisoned Yaran with their families took place and was in person. It is customary in Iran to allow prisoners to meet with their families during the two-week Naw-Ruz festivities. A second visit with their families was also granted on April 6 but this time the families were only allowed to meet with their loved-ones from behind glass windows. [Iran Press Watch 2126] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2009 Apr 200- |
Beth McKenty, longtime pioneer to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada received the Caring Canadian Award from the Governor General of Canada for her work in the community. [BWNS711]
Beth, a teacher by training, has taught English in Arizona, China, Japan, and Sakhalin Island, then pioneered to Nunavut where she, among many other things, started a painting project, "The Arctic Youth Art initiative," which has reached youth in many Inuit settlements and led to her winning this award. |
Awards; Beth McKenty; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Iqaluit, NU; Nunavut, Canada; Iqaluit, NU; Canada | |
2009 14 Apr 200- |
The passing of Knight of Bahá'u'lláh Gale Bond, née Keass (b. 13 November, 1919 in Emod, Hungary) in Cowichan, BC. [SDSC397]
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Gale Bond; In Memoriam; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Births and deaths; Emod, Hungary; Hungary; Cowichan, BC; Canada | |
2009 17 Apr 200- |
With respect to the Supreme Administrative Court decision of 16 March 2009, the decree, dated 19 March, 2009 is signed by General Habib al-Adly, Egypt's Interior Minister, and published on 14 April in the official gazette. According to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), which represented Bahá'ís in many of the recent court cases concerning religious affiliation on government documents, the decree amended the Implementing Statutes of Egypt's Civil Status Law of 1994. It specifically instructed officials to place a dash (--) before the line reserved for religion in the official documents of citizens who could show that they, or their ancestors, were followers of a religious belief other than the three recognized by the state. [BWNS707] | Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | |
2009 20 - 24 Apr 200- |
The Durban Review Conference is the official name of the 2009 United Nations World Conference Against Racism (WCAR), also known as Durban II. It took place at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland.
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United Nations; Racism; Discrimination; Bahá'í International Community; UNESCO; Geneva, Switzerland | |
2009 11 May 200- |
After a year in jail without formal charges the Bahá'í leaders faced an additional accusation, 'the spreading of corruption on earth,' which goes by the term 'Mofsede fel-Arz' in Persian and carries the threat of death under the penal code of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Prior to this new charge they had been accused of 'espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.' [BIC Report;Iran Press Watch 2709]
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Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Court cases; Human Rights; - Persecution, Human rights; Press (media); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2009 2 – 3 Jul 200- |
More than 20 members of the European Bahá'í Business Forum participated in the Global Ethics Forum, held at United Nations headquarters in Geneva. [BWNS722] | European Bahá'í Business Forum (EBBF); Business; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Ethical Business Building the Future (EBBF); Geneva, Switzerland; Switzerland; - Europe | |
2009 10 Jul 200- |
Iranian officials told the families of the seven Bahá'í leaders being held in Evin prison in Tehran that their trial had been delayed. No new trial date was given. [BWNS723] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Court cases; Evin Prison; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2009 8 Aug 200- |
Two young Egyptian Bahá'ís, Imad and Nancy Rauf Hindi, received the new identity cards. They had been at the centre of a court case over religious identification on government documents. Their new computerized ID cards show a dash instead of their religion. They were the first such cards to be issued following a ruling by the Egyptian Supreme Administrative Court of 16 March, 2009 that cleared the way for the government to issue documents without reference to religious identity. For nearly five years, since the government began introducing a computerized identity card system that locked out all religious classifications except Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, Bahá'ís have been unable to get ID cards and other documents essential to day-to-day life in Egypt. [BWNS707, BWNS726, BWNS499, BWNS495, BWNS492, BWNS480]
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Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Cairo, Egypt; Egypt | First government documents issued in Egypt to accommodate religious affiliation other than Muslim, Christian or Jewish religions. |
2009 17 Aug 200- |
The trial of seven Bahá'í leaders imprisoned in Iran was further postponed until 18 October. [BWNS727] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Court cases; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2009 18 Oct 200- |
Attorneys and families of the seven arrived at court in Tehran for the trial to be told that it would not take place. No new date was set. [BIC Report] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Court cases; Human Rights; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2009 2 - 4 Nov 200- |
A new initiative of the UN Development Programme and the Alliance of Religions and Conservation launched at Windsor Castle afforded the Bahá'í International Community the opportunity to begin to apply the framework of action underlying the Institute Process to the problem of climate change. Represented by the Bahá'í International Community, the Bahá'í Faith joined other world religions in articulating a Seven-Year Plan for Generational Change with respect to environmental stewardship. Their plan, one of the 31 presented, outlined a community-based methodology of social transformation rooted in the spiritual development of the individual and the channeling of collective energies towards service to humanity. [One Country]
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United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; - Institute process; Tahirih Naylor; Arthur Dahl; Windsor Castle, England | |
2009 24 Nov 200- |
In a message the Universal House of Justice called on the Bahá'ís in Iran to active participation in the affairs of Iran, its reconstruction, and in the improvement of its social conditions notwithstanding the current threatening conditions facing them and to collaborate actively with other Iranians who are active in the areas of social development without taking part in any of the many Iranian political groups. The Universal House of Justice asked the Bahá'ís of Iran to search for the foundations of sustainable social and cultural advancement in their consultation at the family and community level, through an emphasis on the role of the family in children's education, through a true understanding of justice and service to mankind. The message included a translation of the compilation on Family Life originally included with an English message from the Universal House of Justice. | - Compilations; Family; Social action; * Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages; Iran | |
2009 3 - 9 Dec 200- |
The 2009 Parliament was convened with the theme Make a World of Difference: Hearing Each Other, Healing the Earth with 6,000 participants. Environmental issues were prominently featured and the Convening included an Assembly of Indigenous Elders from different parts of the world in dialogue with Australian Aboriginal Elders. [Melbourne 2009] | Parliament of the World's Religions; Melbourne, Australia; Australia | |
2009 7 – 18 Dec 200- |
The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference raised climate change policy to the highest political level. Close to 115 world leaders attended the high-level segment, making it one of the largest gatherings of world leaders ever outside UN headquarters in New York. More than 40,000 people, representing governments, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, faith-based organizations, media and UN agencies applied for accreditation. The delegation of the Bahá'í International Community led by Tahirih Naylor, registered with the United Nations as an international nongovernmental organization, comprised some 21 people. [BWNS742; BIC History 2009]
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Climate change; Environment; United Nations; United Nations conferences; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Copenhagen Summit; Bahá'í International Community; Copenhagen, Denmark; Denmark | |
2009 15 Dec 200- |
The Universal House of Justice gave a progress report on the work that was being done at the World Centre.
The International Archives Building was reopened for visits by pilgrims after a three-year programme for its restoration and improvement. The exterior stonework was repaired. The foundations of the building have been waterproofed, and the entire structure made earthquake resistant through incorporation within it of a reinforced concrete and steel frame, not visible to visitors, extending from the foundations to the roof level. Interior improvements included installation of an attractive granite floor at the main level; use of high-quality display cabinets similar to the original cabinets, designed to ensure preservation of the objects on display far into the future; development of basement facilities for receiving pilgrims; provision of means for persons with a physical disability to have access to the building; and installation of complete environmental, safety, and security systems. Progress was made with the restoration of the edifice of the Shrine of the Báb. A comprehensive programme for the structural reinforcement of the original building and the superstructure for earthquake resistance was nearing completion. Restoration and repair work to the exterior stonework and the ornamental metal balustrades was ongoing. Work was advancing on the preparation for use by pilgrims and other visitors of the three rooms on the southern side of the Shrine, and arrangements were being made for restoration of the dome and replacement of its golden tiles to recover the original lustre. Installation of a new electrical and environmental control system was in progress. In the Akka work was continuing in both the Riḍván Garden and the newly acquired land surrounding the resting-place of Bahá'u'lláh, the Qiblih of the Bahá'í world. [15 December 2009] |
- Bahá'í World Centre; International Archives Building; Ridvan garden; Restoration; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel; Akka, Israel | |
2009 4 Jan 200- |
See the letter from the Department of the Secretariat of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Australia regarding the development of the Yerrinbool Bahá'í Centre of Learning. | Bahá'í studies; Bahá'í Academics; Bahá'í Scholarship; Yerrinbool, New South Wales; Australia | |
2010 In the Year) 201- |
The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) provided data from the World Christian Database (2010) regarding the distribution of the Bahá'í population throughout the world. Nations (population 200,000+) with the highest percentage of their population Bahá'ís: 1) Belize, 7,742 adherents indicating 2.5% of the population. 2) Bolivia, 215,359 adherents indicating 2.2% of the population. 3) Zambia, 231,112 adherents indicating 1.8% of the population. Nations (population 200,000+) with the highest number of Bahá'ís: 1) India, 1,897,651 believers (0.2% of the population). 2) United States, 512,864 believers (0.2% of the population). 3) Kenya, 422,782 believers (0.1% of the population). For the full dataset go to the ARDA website. [ARDA] |
Statistics | |
2010 12 Jan – 14 Jun 201- |
The trial of Iran's seven Bahá'í leaders, Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm began in Tehran. The seven were charged with "espionage", "propaganda activities against the Islamic order", "the establishment of an illegal administration", "cooperation with Israel", "sending secret documents outside the country", "acting against the security of the country", and "corruption on earth". [BWNS748, BWNS778]
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Yaran; Court cases; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2010 1 Feb 201- |
On February 1st, 2010, Iran's Channel 3 began to air a series named "Saalhaaye Mashrooteh," which could roughly be translated as "The Years Leading to the Persian Constitutional Revolution [of 1905-1911]." The series begins with the significant historical events that lead up to the Constitutional Revolution, beginning with the ascension of the Qajar ruler Nasiri'd-Din Shah to the throne in 1848. In the process, two of the Central Figures of the Bahá'í Faith, the Báb (1819-1850) and Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892), are also inserted in the series not to offer authentic history but to bolster age-old anti-Bahá'í conspiracy theories regarding the genesis and development of the Bábi and Bahá'í religions. This short essay will address some of the historical inaccuracies present in the series, so readers can assess whether this is an attempt at portraying accurate history or simply another premeditated attack on the Bahá'í Faith.
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Adib Masumian; Persecution, Iran; Iran | |
2010 7 Feb 201- |
Seven imprisoned Bahá'í leaders appeared in court for a second session of their trial. The session was once again closed and family members were not permitted in the courtroom. The hearing lasted just over one hour but did not go beyond procedural issues. No date was given for any future sessions. [BWNS756] | Yaran; Court cases; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2010 20 Mar 201- |
The Universal House of Justice announced the retirement of Mr. Peter Khan (member since 1987) and Mr. Hooper Dunbar (member since 1988). [BWNS763]
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Peter Khan; Hooper Dunbar; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2010 12 Apr 201- |
The seven imprisoned Iranian Bahá'í leaders arrived at the court for their third appearance and their families were not allowed to enter, signalling a closed hearing. Inside the courtroom, however, the prisoners saw numerous officials and interrogators from the Ministry of Intelligence – along with a film crew which had already set up cameras. Concerned over the presence of non-judicial personnel in a supposedly closed hearing, the Bahá'ís – with the agreement of their attorneys – declined to be party to the proceedings. The judge adjourned the session and did not announce a date for continuing the trial. [BWNS767] | Yaran; Court cases; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2010 22 Apr 201- |
Earth Day Network launched https://www.earthday.org/billion-acts-green-reduce-ecological-footprint/"> A Billion Acts of Green and The Canopy Project. Earth Day 2010 engaged 75,000 global partners in 192 countries. [Earth Day website] | Earth Day | |
2010 27 Apr 201- |
The passing of Dr Nossrat Peseschkian (b. 18 June, 1933 in Iran d. 27 April, 2010 in Wiesbaden, Germany). He came to Germany in 1954 for his studies in medicine at the universities of Freiburg, Frankfurt am Main and Mainz. After his medical specialization and his dissertation, he had his postgraduate training in psychotherapy in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the United States. Prof. Peseschkian was the founder and leading figure in the growth and development of Positive Psychotherapy for almost 40 years. As an international lecturer, he had traveled to 67 countries worldwide. A global network of over 100 local, regional and national centres of Positive Psychotherapy has been established in 33 countries to date. Among his works is the book "Oriental Stories as Tools in Psychotherapy: The Merchant and the Parrot", which included short stories from Persia and other countries that can be used in psychotherapy. [Wikipedia]
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Nossrat Peseschkian; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Psychology; Stories; Family; Cultural diversity; Parrots (metaphor); Iran; Wiesbaden, Germany; Germany | |
2010 30 Apr 201- |
The visit of the President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary McAleese, to the World Centre. [BWNS774] | - Presidents; Prominent visitors; Mary McAleese; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre; Ireland; Haifa, Israel | |
2010 May 201- |
The publication of Rethinking Prosperity: Forging Alternatives to a Culture of Consumerism," for the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. The statement can be read at BIC10-0503. [BWNS770] | Sustainable Development; Prosperity; Consumerism; Materialism; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; - Statements; * Publications; United Nations; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); New York, USA; USA | |
2010 10 May 201- |
New information was obtained regarding the conditions in which the seven Bahá'í prisoners were being held-two small rancid-smelling cells. They had not been given beds or bedding. There was no natural light in their cells so when the light was turned off during the day they are held in darkness. [Video "The Story of the Bahá'í Seven" 13 May 2016 BIC] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2010 12 Jun 201- |
The seven Bahá'í leaders imprisoned for more than two years in Iran made their fourth court appearance. [BIC Report] | Yaran; Court cases; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2010 Jun (late) 201- |
Homes belonging to some 50 Bahá'í families in the remote village of Ivel in northern Iran have been demolished as part of a long-running campaign to expel them from the region. The demolitions were the latest development in an ongoing, officially-sanctioned program in the area which has targeted every activity of the Bahá'ís.
Most of the Baha'i homes in Ivel have been unoccupied since their residents fled after previous incidents of violence or as a result of official displacement. In 2007, for example, six of their houses were torched. in 1983, a few years after the Iranian revolution, at least 30 families from this and neighboring villages were put on buses and expelled. Persistent government attacks on Baha'is in all the mass media – along with inaction by local officials to protect them – have continued to incite hatred against the Bahá'ís in the region and throughout Iran. [BWNS780; BWNS782; Iran Press Watch 6202] |
Persecution, Iran; Ivel, Mazandaran; Mazandaran, Iran; Iran | |
2010 2 Jul 201- |
The UN General Assembly voted unanimously to create UN Women, (General Assembly resolution 64/289) a new entity merging the four UN offices focusing on gender equality: the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW), the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues, and the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women. Following the passage of the resolution, the Bahá'í International Community, as one of the core NGOs leading the campaign for the new gender entity, received congratulatory notes from NGOs and women around the world expressing their appreciation and support for its role in the four-year campaign. [BIC History; UN Women]
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United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; UN Women; Commission on the Status of Women; - BIC statements; New York City, NY; USA | |
2010 24 Jul 201- |
The imprisonment of seven Bahá'í leaders in Iran was extended for a further two months after the lawyers made a request for bail. At this point they had been held for more than two years under a series of successive orders for their 'temporary' detention, which by law, must not exceed two months. The trial of the seven consisted of six brief court appearances and began on 12 January after they had been imprisoned without charge for 20 months. During this period they were allowed barely one hour's access to their legal counsel. The trial concluded on 14 June. [BIC Report] | Yaran; Court cases; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Human Rights; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2010 8 Aug 201- |
The sentence of 20 years in prison was announced for members of the "Yaran-i-Iran" or "Friends of Iran" in Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Moqayesseh (or Moghiseh)*. The charges were several: "espionage", "collaborating with enemy states", "insulting the sacred", "propaganda against the state" and "forming an illegal group". The prominent civil and human rights lawyer who defended them was Mr Abdolfattah Soltani. He would later serve a 13-year sentence in the Evin Prison for engaging in his profession. Another member of their legal defense team was the attorney Hadi Esmailzadeh who died in 2016 while serving a 4-year prison term for defending human rights cases. After the sentencing the seven Bahá'í leaders were sent to Raja'i prison in the city of Karaj (Gohardasht) , about 50 kilometers west of Tehran. [BWNS789]
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Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Court cases; Evin Prison; Gohardasht prison; Abdolfattah Soltani; Hadi Esmailzadeh; Moghiseh; Human Rights; Prisons; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Mashhad, Iran; Iran | |
2010 4 Sep 201- |
A prominent human rights lawyer in Iran, Nasrin Sotoudeh, was detained by the authorities on charges of "acting against national security," "assembly and collusion to disrupt security," and "cooperation with the Defenders for Human Rights Center." Ms Sotoudeh has represented Iranian opposition activists and politicians, as well a prisoners sentenced to death for crimes committed when they were under the age of 18. She was taken to Tehran's Evin prison was being held in solitary confinement. She launched a hunger strike at the end of September to protest being denied visits and phone calls from her family. Her family convinced her to end the hunger strike on the 23rd of October. This was one of two hunger strikes she staged during her first term in prison. The other was to protest against the conditions in Evin. [Web Citation]
In January 2011, Iranian authorities sentenced Sotoudeh to 11 years in prison, in addition to barring her from practicing law and from leaving the country for 20 years. Later that year, an appeals court reduced her sentence to six years and her practice ban to ten years in August of 2014. [Wikipedia] Sotoudeh was released on 18 September 2013 along with ten other political prisoners, days before an address by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to the United Nations. The Iranian authorities have given no reason for her release and no indication of whether it is unconditional. [Amnesty International] |
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Human rights; Nasrin Sotoudeh; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2010 15 Sep 201- |
In the face of the chorus of condemnation from governments and human rights organizations around the world for the 20-year sentence for the seven Bahá'í leaders, the Appeals court reduced the sentences from 20 to 10 years by removing charges such as "Espionage and Collaboration with Israel". This information was verbally released to Ms. Sabet's lawyer. [BWNS793, BIC Report]
|
Yaran; Court cases; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2010 Sep 201- |
Following the reduction of his sentence, Vahid Tizfahm was transferred to Rajai-Shahr prison, where he remained until his release. Rajai-Shahr is located in the Alborz Province, and was at the time a maximum-security prison, a place for the "dangerous" individuals. According to Iran's Department of Prisons, Security and Corrections' Regulations, and based on the principle of Segregation of Crimes, Tizfahm's transfer to Rajai-Shahr was not legal. [Iran Press Watch 29 March, 2018] | Yaran; Vahid Tizfahm; Rajai Shahr prison; Prisons; Persecution, Iran; Karaj, Iran; Iran | |
2010 29 Oct 201- |
After three years the restoration, work was completed on the Ridván Garden some two kilometers southeast of the old city of Acre. The work included the restoration of a circulating water system that recreated the island as well as an Ottoman flour mill that was in use during the time of Bahá'u'lláh. That site, designated by Him as "Our Verdant Isle", was once again open to pilgrims, who will have the opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the surroundings that greeted the Blessed Beauty when He visited it at the termination of His nine-year confinement within the walls of the prison-city of 'Akká. [BWNS797; 29 October 2010] | Ridvan garden; Restoration; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre; Akka, Israel; Bahji, Israel; Haifa, Israel | |
2010 28 Nov 201- |
Excavation work began on the new Bahá'í House of Worship for the South American continent, at a location in the hills of Peñalolén, a "commune" within metropolitan Santiago, at the foot of the Andes. [BWNS800] | Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Santiago; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Santiago, Chile; Chile; Peñalolén, Chile | |
2010 7 Dec 201- |
In an open letter to Ayatollah Mohammad Sadeq Larijani, the Head of the Judiciary, the Bahá'í International Community today contrasted the country's persecution of Bahá'ís with Iran's own call for Muslim minorities to be treated fairly in other countries. [BWNS801]
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Ayatollah Mohammad Sadeq Larijani; Open letters; Bahá'í International Community; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - BIC statements; Iran | |
2010 28 Dec – 1 Jan 201- |
The conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors was held at the World Centre attended by 79 of the world's 81 Counsellors, from some 58 countries. [BWNS804]
|
Counsellors; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Counsellors; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Regional Council; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2011 (In the year) 201- |
Hundreds were killed in a crackdown on mass protests that called for fall of President Saleh and an end to corruption and repression and accountability for human rights violations. The longtime authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh was forced to resign and signed a power-transfer deal to hand over power to his deputy Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. The new president Hadi struggled to deal with a variety of problems, including attacks by al-Qaeda, a separatist movement in the south, the continuing loyalty of many military officers to Mr Saleh, as well as corruption, unemployment and food insecurity. | Yemen, Recent history; Yemen | |
2011 1 Jan 201- |
The publication of Abraham One God Three Wives Five Religions by Frances Worthington. It was published by the US Bahá'í Publishing Trust.
A groundbreaking examination of Abraham, one of the most beloved and significant religious figures in history. Author Frances Worthington researches the three wives/concubines (Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah) of Abraham, and traces their lineage to five different religions - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, the Bábi Faith, and the Bahá'í Faith. Examining the scripture and traditions of these five "Abrahamic" faiths, this complex story also draws heavily from a rich variety of historical sources that provide a fascinating backdrop. |
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2011 25 Jan 201- |
January 25th marked the beginning of the revolution in Egypt where millions of protesters from all socio-economic and religious backgrounds demanded the overthrow of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The security of the Bahá'ís during this period of unrest remained an issue. In February 2011, Bahá'í homes in Shouraneya were again set on fire, with some reports alleging the involvement of state security officers in the attack. Salafi leaders (an ultra-conservative reform branch within Sunni Islam) also continued to agitate against Bahá'ís as a threat to national stability. | Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Shouraneya, Egypt; Egypt | |
2011 22 Feb - 4 Mar 201- |
The 55th session of the Commission on the Status of Women took place at United Nations Headquarters in New York. [UN Women; One Country].
|
Bahá'í International Community; United Nations; Commission on the Status of Women; - BIC statements; New York, USA; USA | |
2011 12 Feb 201- |
Mahvash Sabet and Fariba Kamalabadi were transferred to the notorious Section 200 of Gohardasht Prison. The circumstances of the move raised concerns that it may have been orchestrated as a means of creating an insecure environment that threatens their lives. |
Fariba Kamalabadi; Mahvash Sabet; Gohardasht prison; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Yaran; Mashhad, Iran; Iran | |
2011 Mar 201- |
In March 2011, the UN Human Rights Council re-established the mandate of Special Rapporteur to Iran, which they had terminated in 2002, under the title "Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran". The Commission had stopped appointing investigators for Iran in an effort to encourage a dialogue with the country on human rights. Then, in 2005, the Commission was disbanded in favour of a new entity, the Human Rights Council, which, for a variety of reasons, was considerably more reluctant to criticize individual countries. Human rights activists believed the moral authority behind having such a UN-appointed special rapporteur was a critical step in bringing to light the severity of rights violations in Iran. [One Country]
|
Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran; Ahmed Shaheed; United Nations; United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; New York City, NY | |
2011 10 Mar 201- |
The passing of Mrs. Ashraf Khanjani, wife of imprisoned Jamaloddin Khanjani at the age of 81 In Tehran. The couple had been married for more than 50 years. Mr. Khanjani, 77, who was serving a ten-year jail term at Iran's notorious Gohardasht prison, was not granted leave to attend his wife's funeral which was held the next day in Tehran. It attracted between 8,000 and 10,000 mourners from all walks of life. Ministry of Intelligence officers were also reportedly present, filming the proceedings. |
Yaran; Ashraf Khanjani; Jamaloddin Khanjani; In Memoriam; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2011 21 Mar 201- |
The launch of "Half Light Media". The mandate of this not-for-profit entity was to serve the Bahá'í Faith through the arts and various avenues of media. Founder Naysan Naraqi was assisted by fellow board members Collis Ta'eed and Fuad Ta'eed and scores of collaborators. |
Internet; Social media; Naysan Naraqi; Collis Taeed; Fuad Taeed; Rainn Wilson | |
2011 24 Mar 201- |
The UN Human Rights Council voted to create a Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran. [Iran Press Watch 7657] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Human rights; United Nations; UNHCR; Special Rapporteur; Iran | |
2011 30 Mar 201- |
Six months after Iran's Appeal Court reduced their sentences from 20 to 10 years, the seven Bahá'í leaders were told that the Appeals Court sentence was recognized as being in contrast with the law and that their original 20-year sentences had been reinstated. [BWNS814] | Yaran; Court cases; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2011 Apr 201- |
In an open letter to their fellow citizens, the Bahá'ís of Egypt offered some advice regarding the future of their nation. [BWNS817] | Open letters; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Egypt | |
2011 9 Apr 201- |
The debut of the film A Deeper Calling: Reflections on the transformative power of Prayer. This film was created for the 2022 World Conference in Brisbane, Australia (8-10 April, 2022), and was one of hundreds of global conferences taking place after being called for by the Universal House of Justice. It is is a short film which shares the stories of five youth from Inala, a small neighbourhood in Brisbane, Australia. It explores what each of these young people have learnt about the power of prayer through their involvement in the Ruhi Institute Process and Baha'i community life. | - Film; Ruhi Institute; - Institute process; Ruhi Institute; Brisbane, Australia; Australia | |
2011 Apr 201- |
After more than two years of extensive restoration work the Shrine of the Báb was complete. The project required the restoration and conservation of the interior and exterior of the original 1909 structure, as well as measures to strengthen the Shrine against seismic forces. An entirely new retrofit design – combining concrete, steel and carbon fibre wrap technology was needed for the whole building, from its foundation and original masonry to its octagon, drum and dome. More than 120 rock anchors were fixed into the mountain behind newly fortified retaining walls. [BWNS816; 12 April 2011] | Báb, Shrine of; Restoration; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel; Mount Carmel | |
2011 - 2016 201- |
The launch of the Third Five Year Plan (2011-2016).
- To raise the number of clusters with a Programme of Growth from 1,500 to 5,000 -The institutions will mature their own dynamic process. -The individuals will spare no effort to increase participation. Habits of thought will evolve to reduce dichotomies and learn process. -With the maturity of the institutions, cooperation and reciprocity will increase among the three protagonists. - will be continued expansion of the programs of intensive growth as well as material development. - centennial of the writing of the Tablets of the Divine Plan will be commemorated. - National Mashriqu'l-Adhkárs to be constructed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Papua New Guinea - Local Mashriqu'l-Adhkárs planned for clusters. The first five were to be in Battambang, Cambodia; Matunda Soy, in Kenya; in Bihar Sharif, India; Norte del Cauca, in Colombia; and in Tanna, Vanuatu. |
Five Year Plan (2011-2016); - Teaching Plans; - Institute process; Programmes of growth; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2011 Ridván 201- |
Burundi elected its first National Spiritual Assembly in 17 years. Civil war and unrest during recent decades made it difficult for the Bahá'í community to administer its affairs. [BWNS816, BWNS822] | National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Re-election; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Burundi | |
2011 Ridván 201- |
The Preparation for Social Action programme was implemented under the Five Year Plan. The programme drew on the learning of three decades of experience of FUNDAEC (Fundación para la Aplicación y Enseñanza de las Ciencias), in Columbia. It was an approach to social and economic development that addressed both the material and the spiritual dimensions of human existence. The programme aimed at assisting youth to understand certain concepts, learn a range of relevant facts, and acquire certain qualities, attitudes and skills that would enable them to promote the well-being of their people in fields as diverse as health, education, the environment, secondary production and community organization. |
Five Year Plan (2011-2016); - Teaching Plans; Preparation for Social Action; - Bahá'í World Centre; Cameroon; Colombia; Costa Rica; India; Kenya; Papua New Guinea; Uganda; Zambia | |
2011 May 201- |
Some 39 homes of Bahá'ís associated with the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) were raided in a coordinated attack. Educator Kamran Mortezaie served a five-year jail term. Mahmoud Badavam, Noushin Khadem, Farhad Sedghi, Riaz Sobhani and Ramin Zibaie were each sentenced to four year prison terms. The judgments against them cast their activities in support of BIHE as crimes and as "evidence" of their purported aim to subvert the state. Two psychology teachers, Faran Hesami and her husband Kamran Rahimian, were also sentenced to four years in prison. Another BIHE administrator Vahid Mahmoudi was released on 8 January 2012 after his five-year sentence was reportedly suspended. [BWNS910] | Persecution, Iran; Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE); - Persecution, Education; Iran | |
2011 3 May 201- |
After conviction, the two women of the Yaran were transferred from Evin Prison to the even more notorious Rajaei Shahr Prison in Karaj, near Tehran. In that prison, Fariba Kamalabadi, Mahvash Sabet, and a number of political prisoners were locked up in the communal ward with hundreds of ordinary female prisoners — inmates incarcerated for crimes not linked to politics. When authorities closed the women's ward of that prison, the prisoners were all transferred to Gharchak Prison in Varamin near Tehran, where the conditions were even worse than those at Rajaei Shahr Prison. [IranWire4985; BWNS821] | Yaran; Mahvash Sabet; Fariba Kamalabadi; Rajai Shahr prison; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Karaj, Iran; Varamin, Iran | |
2011 20 May 201- |
Fariba Kamalabadi and Mahvash Sabet were returned to Evin Prison in Tehran. They had spent a brief time in the appalling conditions at Qarchak prison, (from 3 May) some 45 kilometers from Tehran. [BIC Evin; BWNS826]
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Yaran; Evin Prison; Gohardasht prison; Qarchak prison; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Prisons; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2011 29 May 201- |
The inauguration of the UNESCO Square for Tolerance and Peace, situated at the point where Haifa's historic German Templar colony met the terraced gardens of the Shrine of the Báb. [BWNS828]
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UNESCO for Tolerance and Peace Square; UNESCO; Tolerance; Peace; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Haifa, Israel; Israel | |
2011 30 May 201- |
The passing of Knight of Bahá'u'lláh Gayle Wollson (b. 2 June 1913 Crookston MN) in Wilmette, IL. She was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematorium, Skokie, Illinois [Find a grave]
Born in the USA to Muslim, Arab-speaking parents of Syrian origin she learned of the Faith through her father. Mr Abas had been introduced to the Bahá'í Faith by a Syrian friend. As a youth she taught children's classes and was one of the very first youth travelling teachers in the US accompanying Marguerite Reimer (later Sears) and Mable Ives.
She was appointed to the Auxillary Board and served for 14 years in Ecuador. In 1961 sh was elected to the National Assembly.
From 1970 she served for five years at the World Centre where she did translation work.
'Future generations will extol your labours, follow in your footsteps, and derive inspiration from your pioneer activities.' Shoghi Effendi to Gayle Woolson in Costa Rica, 1942
[KoG224-225]
In 1971 her book, Divine Symphony was published by the Bahá'í Publishing Trust of New Delhi. The book was reprinted in 1976 and 1977. [Collins7.2771; p156]
For her biography see The Art of Empowering Others – A Biography of Knight of Baha'u'llah Gayle Woolson by Juliet Gentzkow and published by George Ronald. |
In Memoriam; Gayle Woolson; Knight of Bahá'u'lláh; Crookston, MN; Minnesota, USA; USA; Wilmette, IL; Illinois, USA; USA | |
2011 18 Jun 201- |
Representatives from government, religious communities and civil society organizations were among the 800 human rights supporters who gathered to call upon Iran to cease its persecution of Bahá'ís and other religious minorities. Almost 8,000 images depicting the faces of Iran's seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders (Yaran) were on display on the Copacabana beach, corresponding to the number of days of detention the seven had suffered after three years in prison. [BWNS834]
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Yaran; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Brazil | |
2011 6 Jul 201- |
Mahvash Sabet and human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh as well as other victims of human right abuses in Iran were featured on a series of special postage stamps issued in the Netherlands. Nasrin Sotoudeh was a prominent lawyer who has represented numerous victims of human rights abuses, including prisoners sentenced to death for crimes committed when they were minors. In January of 2011, authorities sentenced her to 11 years in prison for charges that include "activities against national security" and "propaganda against the regime." Additionally, she has been barred from practicing law and from leaving Iran for 20 years. [BWNS838] | Mahvash Sabet; Nasrin Sotoudeh; Yaran; Netherlands | |
2011 15 Jul 201- |
The passing of former Universal House of Justice member Dr. Peter J. Khan (b. 2 November, 1936 in New South Wales) in Brisbane, Australia. He was buried in the Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane. Dr Khan served as a member of the Universal House of Justice from 1987 until April 2010. [BWNS840, BWNS841]
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Peter Khan; Universal House of Justice; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2011 Aug 201- |
As of this time the Bahá'í community of Tabriz had been prohibited from burying their dead in that city and the bodies were being transferred by intelligence officers to the city of Miandoab, in West Azerbaijan province some 175km away. [Iran Press Watch 19720] | - Persecution, denial of burial; Tabríz, Iran; Miandoab, Iran; Iran | |
2011 27 – 28 Aug 201- |
The Bahá'ís of Geneva commemorated the 100th anniversary of the start of 'Abdu'l-Baha's journeys to the West. [BWNS854] | `Abdu'l-Bahá, Travels of; Centenaries; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Geneva, Switzerland; Switzerland | |
2011 11 Sep 201- |
A follow-up conference dubbed "Durban III" took place in New York City. It was boycotted by Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, United States and the Czech Republic, along with Austria, Bulgaria, France, and the United Kingdom.
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United Nations; Racism; Discrimination; Bahá'í International Community; UNESCO; New York, USA; New York, USA | |
2011 24 Sep 201- |
The arrest of Abdolfattah Soltani, a senior member of the legal team (4 lawyers) representing a number of Bahá'ís in Iran awaiting trial for providing higher education to youth barred from university. Soltani is a co-founder of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, along with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi and others. The Tehran-based Centre was shut down in a police raid in December 2008. [BWNS849]
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Abdolfattah Soltani; Lawyers; Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE); - Persecution; Human Rights; Education; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Yaran; - Persecution, Education; Iran | |
2011 21 Oct 201- |
The release of the report entitled Inciting Hatred by the Bahá'í International Community which summarized each of the 400-plus documents or articles that were collected during the period of this survey, from 17 December 2009 to 16 May 2011 to prove that the Iranian regime has a systematic programme to demonize the Bahá'í community in the eyes of their compatriots. The report says in part "Despite this prolonged and systematic attack on its integrity and values, Iran's Bahá'í community is not dispirited, demoralized or downtrodden. Nor have they risen up to counter-attack their oppressors with force or any trace of bitterness. Rather they have calmly stated their case and called for their fundamental human rights with dignity and courtesy, winning the admiration of their compatriots, observers and, in some cases, even those who are obligated to oppress them under government policy." |
United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; New York City, NY | |
2011 1 Nov 201- |
The film Education Under Fire by Jeffrey Kaufman and co-sponsored by Amnesty International, profiles the persecution on the Bahá'ís of Iran, with a special focus on growth, struggle, and inspiring spirit of the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education. | - Film; Education Under Fire; Amnesty International; Jeffrey Kaufman; New York, USA; USA; Iran | |
2011 16 Nov 201- |
The release of the documentary film Iranian Taboo about the persecution of Baháʼís in Iran. It was written and directed by Reza Allamehzadeh and produced by Mansour Taeed and Bijan Shahmoradi. It is in Farsi with English subtitles.
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- Film; Iranian Taboo; Reza Allamehzadeh; Mansour Taeed; Bijan Shahmoradi; Netherlands | |
2011 1 Dec 201- |
The passing of former Universal House of Justice member Mr. Ian C. Semple (b. 2 December 1928 in New Barnet, Hertfordshire) in Switzerland. He served as a member of the Universal House of Justice from its inception in 1963 until his retirement in 2005. [BWNS871]
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Ian Semple; Universal House of Justice, Members of; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Switzerland | |
2011 1 Dec 201- |
The head of state of the Republic of Palau, President Johnson Toribiong, paid an official visit to the Bahá'í World Centre. [BWNS870] | - Presidents; Prominent visitors; Johnson Toribiong; Islands; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre; Palau | |
2011 11 Dec 201- |
The announcement by the Universal House of Justice of the creation of "an International Advisory Board to assist the Ruhi Institute in overseeing its system for the preparation, production, and distribution of materials, the content and structure of which now draw extensively on Bahá'í experience worldwide in applying the teachings and principles of the Faith to the life of humanity. As it gradually takes up its work, the Board will be able to respond to related issues and follow the development of supplementary materials that are aligned with the direction set by the global Plans". [December 11, 2011] | Ruhi Institute; - Institute process; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2012 (In the Year) 201- |
The Office of Temples and Sites was established at the Bahá'í World Centre. The purpose of the office was to coordinate initial preparations for the temple builds with the respective National Spiritual Assemblies. |
* Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, National; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Local; Architecture; Beauty; Economics; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Ishqabad; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2012 (In the year) 201- |
Stanford University's Bahá'í Collection was the first university-based collection of its kind in the United States and is a premier research resource of all topics Bahá'í related.
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Stanford University; Universities; Libraries; Nasrollah Maghzi; Hourolain Maghzi; Dan Jordan; Arden Lee; Jack Lee; USA | the first university-based collection of Baha'i resources of its kind in the United States |
2012 (In the year) 201- |
The release of the film, The Gardener by Mohsen Makhmalbaf in Farsi with English subtitles. | The Gardener (film); Mohsen Makhmalbaf; - Film | |
2012 Feb 201- |
Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi was elected as president initiating a two-year transitional period. However, government forces continued to commit human rights violations, including unlawful killings and enforced disappearances, against supporters of secession in south and a conflict with the Huthi armed group in north was renewed. | Yemen, Recent history; Yemen | |
2012 1 Feb 201- |
The announcement of the publication of Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh in Korean. [BWNS885] | Korean language; Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh; * Translation; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Korea | |
2012 15 Feb 201- |
Queen Elizabeth II launched the Diamond Jubilee of her reign with a multifaith reception at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Highlighting the ongoing centenary commemorations of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's travels to Egypt and the West, the Bahá'í community displayed a robe that He had worn. The exhibit also included a framed calligraphic rendering of words from 'Abdu'l-Bahá'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 Bahá'í delegation was lead by Shirin Fozdar-Foroudi and also consisted of Patrick O'Mara – Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom, Nasrin O'Kane from Northern Ireland and Liam Stephens from the Isle of Skye. [BWNS889] |
Queen Elizabeth II; Shirin Fozdar-Foroudi; Patrick O'Mara; Nasrin OKane; Liam Stephens; London, England; United Kingdom | |
2012 20 Feb 201- |
The passing of Anneliese Bopp, former Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre at Bad Bruckenau, Northern Bavaria, Germany. [BWNS892]
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Anneliese Bopp; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; International Teaching Centre; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bad Bruckenau, Germany; Germany | |
2012 24 Feb 201- |
The inaugural screening of Iranian Taboo by Dutch-Iranian filmmaker Reza Allamehzadeh in Los Angeles. [Iranian Taboo, BWNS890] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; - Documentaries; Iranian Taboo; Reza Allamehzadeh; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Los Angeles, CA; USA | |
2012 21 Apr 201- |
Plans were announced for the building of the first two national Mashriqul-Adhkárs that were to be raised up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Papua New Guinea. [Riḍván 2012 To the Bahá'ís of the World; BWNS906] | Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Port Moresby; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, National; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Kinshasa; - Bahá'í World Centre; Congo, Democratic Republic of; Papua New Guinea | first national Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs |
2012 21 Apr 201- |
Plans were announced that the Universal House of Justice was entering into consultations with respective National Spiritual Assemblies regarding the erection of the first local Houses of Worship in each of the following clusters: Battambang, Cambodia; Bihar Sharif, India; Matunda Soy, Kenya; Norte del Cauca, Colombia; and Tanna, Vanuatu.
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* Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Local; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Matunda Soy, Kenya; Battambang, Cambodia; Cambodia; Bihar Sharif, India; India; Matunda Soy, Kenya; Kenya; North Caucasus; Colombia; Tanna, Vanuatu; Vanuatu; Temples Fund; Office of Temples and Sites | First local Mashriqul-Adhkar |
2012 11 May 201- |
The Universal House of Justice sent a message to the Bahá'ís of Iran near the four-year anniversary of the illegal arrest and imprisonment of the former members of the Yárán and the more recent injustice meted out against the co-workers of the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE). [BWNS823, Message from the Universal House of Justice dated 11 May, 2012, In Farsi] | Yaran; Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE); Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Universal House of Justice; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Persecution; - Persecution, Education; Iran | |
2012 Jun 201- |
After the January 25th revolution against Mubarak and a period of rule by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, the Muslim Brotherhood took power in Egypt through a series of popular elections with Egyptians electing Islamist Mohamed Morsi to the presidency in June 2012.
On 3 July 2013, Morsi was deposed by a coup d'état led by the minister of defense General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The situation of Egypt's Bahá'í community remained uncertain. The prescriptions of the 1960 Presidential Decree, despite the revolution, had yet to be annulled. This meant that despite the 2009 lifting of the restrictions on identification documents, the Bahá'í Faith still had not received actual recognition as a religion and Bahá'í were frequently subjected to public vilification. It was a period of extreme unrest. It is estimated that between Sisi's overthrow of Morsi and the 2014 presidential elections, an estimated 20,000 activists and dissidents were arrested by the police under the interim government. El-Sisi went on to become Egypt's president by popular election in 2014. |
Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; History (general); Egypt | |
2012 19 Jun 201- |
Over 100 people gathered to mark the re-dedication of the "Peace Monument," which contains soil brought from nearly 150 countries and is a symbolic representation of the oneness of humanity and the global cooperation needed to achieve lasting peace. The monument was built by the Bahá'í International Community and the Bahá'í Community of Brazil in 1992 for the 1992 Earth Summit. Members of the Baha'i International Community's delegation attending were: Duncan Hanks, Daniel Perell, May Akale, Ming Hwee Chong, Peter Adriance. [One Country; BIC HIstory 2012] | United Nations; Bahá'í International Community; Peace Monument; Duncan Hanks; Daniel Perell; May Akale; Ming Hwee Chong; Peter Adriance; Earth Summit; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Brazil | |
2012 Jul 201- |
The Bahá'í Chair for World Peace was assumed by Professor Hoda Mahmoudi who previously headed a research department at the Bahá'í World Center in Israel. [Bio Professor Hoda Mahmoudi]
She studied structural racism and root causes of prejudice, equality of women as a prerequisite to peace, human nature, global governance, and globalization and the environment. Professor Mahmoudi collaborated with a wide range of scholars, researchers, and practitioners to advance interdisciplinary analysis and open discourse on global peace. Before joining the University of Maryland faculty, Professor Mahmoudi served as the coordinator of the Research Department at the Bahá'í World Centre in Haifa, Israel. Prior to that, Dr. Mahmoudi was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northeastern Illinois University, where she was also a faculty member in the Department of Sociology. Professor Mahmoudi's books include: A World Without War: 'Abdu'l-Baha and the Discourse for Global Peace, co-authored with Dr. Janet Khan; Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Human Rights. |
Hoda Mahmoudi; Bahá'í Chair for World Peace; University of Maryland; Maryland, USA; USA | |
2012 29 Oct 201- |
The Bahá'í International Community published a special report on The Baha'is of Semnan: A Case Study in Religious Hatred. (Video) This video report highlighted the effect on one community of the Iranian government's methodical and organized campaign to incite hatred against the Bahá'ís and eliminate them as a viable social entity.
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Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; Semnan, Iran; Iran | |
2012 15 Nov 201- |
In contribution to the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women the Bahá'í International Community issued a statement entitled Towards the Eradication of Violence Against Women and Girls.
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Bahá'í International Community; Equality; Women; - Statements; New York, USA; New York City, NY | |
2012 26 Nov 201- |
The Universal House of Justice shared, in a message to all National Assemblies, a statement prepared by the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Bahá'í World Centre, a statement on the subject of and with the title of, Social Action. The statement offered a brief overview of the involvement of the Bahá'í community in the area of social and economic development, placing it in the context of current activity at the level of the cluster. In this connection, the House of Justice requested the Bahá'í Community to make clear that the distribution of the document should not be seen as a call for widespread action in this area; it was intended as an instrument to further raise consciousness about the nature of social action and some of the methods it employed. [Message from the Universal House of Justice dated 26 November, 2012] | - Institute process; Social action; Social and economic development; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2012 Dec (mid) 201- |
Sangesar's old Bahá'í cemetery was thoroughly covered in soil and rubble by bulldozers and trucks and all the graves were covered by dirt and rocks so that no more graves could be seen. [Iran Press Watch 19720] | - Persecution, denial of burial; Sangesar, Iran; Iran | |
2013 (In the Year) 201- |
The Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity initiated a line of action conceived as "areas of inquiry". Through this initiative the Institute aimed to develop capacity to describe and examine, in the light of the Revelation, social phenomena that were pressing and crucial to the life of humanity. Working with collaborators such topics as the global movement of populations, peace and justice in societies in transition, and the role of religion in migration. [The Five Year Plan 2011-2016: Summary of Achievements and Learning pg113] | Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP) | |
2013 - 2017 201- |
In 2013 the United Kingdom Bahá'ís undertook a multi-year project to restore and improve the Resting Place of Shoghi Effendi. It was carried out in three phases, the restoration of the area immediately around the Resting Place, the arboricultural aspects of the property and the construction of a permanent Reception Area and office for the custodian. [Reference website no longer available.]
Here you will find information on The Guardian's Resting Place and directions to the Southgate Cemetery. |
Shoghi Effendi, Resting place of; United Kingdom | |
2013 (In the year) 201- |
The publication of the article George Ronald: A Bibliographic Historyby Jan T Jason. The article lists their publications from the founding in 1950 until 2012. | Publishing; Oxford, England; United Kingdom | |
2013 Mar 201- |
The publication of the report entitled Violence with Impunity: Acts of Aggression Against Iran's Bahá'í Community published by the Bahá'í International Community. The report documents a rising tide of violence directed against the Iranian Bahá'í community - and the degree to which attackers enjoy complete impunity from prosecution or punishment.
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Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Justice; Bahá'í International Community; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - BIC statements | |
2013 5 Mar 201- |
The passing of Mas'ud Khamsi, former Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre in Lima, Peru. [BWNS943; In Memoriam:
Mas'úd Khamsí (1922-2013), Spiritual Father of Peru, Mentor and Counselor
by Boris Handal translated by Samuel Duboisme]
|
Masud Khamsi; Baqirof-Khamsi (Sadat-i-Khams); Counsellors; International Teaching Centre, Members of; In Memoriam; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Lima, Peru; Peru | |
2013 April 201- |
The publication of Insights from the Frontiers of Learning by the International Teaching Centre.
At this point there were more than 3,600 clusters where the friends were striving to establish new programmes of growth or to advance existing ones. An analysis of developments in some 200 of the most advanced of these clusters—particularly the strongest 20—suggested effective strategies for growth and demonstrated the efficacy of pursuing lines of action in a coherent manner. This publication offered a close examination of the pattern of action characteristic of the clusters at the forefront of learning. |
- International Teaching Centre, Publications; * Publications; Insights from the Frontiers of Learning; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2013 11 Apr – 5 Dec 201- |
The commemoration of the centenary of the visit of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to North America. [BWNS918] | Centenaries; `Abdu'l-Bahá, Travels of; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Wilmette, IL; USA | |
2013 Ridván 201- |
The announcement by the Universal House of Justice in the Ridván Message of the creation of the Office of Public Discourse. [Ridván 2013]
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Office of Public Discourse; Public discourse; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2013 Ridván 201- |
"In Santiago, Chile, where the Mother Temple of South America was being erected, the building work continued apace. The concrete construction of the foundations, basement, and service tunnel was completed, as were the columns that will bear the superstructure. The anticipation associated with this project was growing..."[Riḍván 2013 To the Bahá'ís of the World ] | Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Santiago; Santiago, Chile; Chile | |
2013 29 Apr – 2 May 201- |
The 11th International Bahá'í Convention in Haifa and the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Convention in 1963 at which the first Universal House of Justice was elected. Those elected were Paul Lample, Firaydoun Javaheri, Payman Mohajer, Gustavo Correa, Shahriar Razavi, Stephen Birkland, Stephen Hall, Chuungu Malitonga, and Ayman Rouhani. [BWNS950, BWNS951, BWNS953]
|
Universal House of Justice, Election of; Elections; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Conventions, International; Paul Lample; Firaydoun Javaheri; Payman Mohajer; Gustavo Correa; Shahriar Razavi; Stephen Birkland; Stephen Hall; Chuungu Malitonga; Ayman Rouhani; Anniversaries and jubilees; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2013 14 May 201- |
The Bahá'í International Community launched the Five Years Too Many campaign to protest the 20-year prison sentences given to the Bahá'í leaders in Iran, the longest sentence given to prisoners of conscience under the current regime. The harshness of the sentences reflected the Government's resolve to completely oppress the Iranian Bahá'í community, which faced a systematic, "cradle-to-grave" persecution that was among the most serious examples of state-sponsored religious persecution in the world. [Five Years Too Many, BWNS954] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í International Community; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - BIC statements; Tehran, Iran; Iran; - Worldwide | |
2013 24 - 26 Jun 201- |
Contrary to the constitution which established the government's commitment to assuring and maintaining the sanctity of holy shrines and religious sites and guaranteeing the free practice of rituals. In addition the penal code that criminalized disrupting or impeding religious ceremonies and desecrating religious buildings, and specified that it applied to religious minorities. In Iraq followers of all religious groups and sects were free in the practice of religious rites and in the management of religious endowments, their affairs, and their religious institutions. And contrary to the plans of the Department of Antiquities who had declared it a heritage site in a decree by the Iraqi Culture Minister Saadoun al-Dulaimi not two years earlier, the House of Bahá'u'lláh in Baghdád was razed to make way for the construction of a husseniya or Shiite congregation hall. [Message from the Universal House of Justice date 17 July 2013, SETPE1p170; Al-Monitor 11 December, 2018] |
House of Bahá'u'lláh (Baghdad); Baghdad, Iraq; Iraq | |
2013 27 Jun 201- |
In a message from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies it advised of the news of the destruction of the House of Bahá'u'lláh in Baghdad. (Bayt-i-A'zam) [Message of 27 Jun 2013; Message of 17 July, 2013]Grieve not, O House of God, if the veil of thy sanctity be rent asunder by the infidels.[GWB114] In truth, I declare, it shall be so abased in the days to come as to cause tears to flow from every discerning eye...And in the fullness of time, shall the Lord by the power of truth exalt it in the eyes of all the world, cause it to become the mighty standard of His domination, the shrine round which shall circle the concourse of the faithful.[BA99-100; BWNS961] Within its walls the "Most Great House of God," His "Footstool" and the "Throne of His Glory," "the Cynosure of an adoring world," the "Lamp of Salvation between earth and heaven," the "Sign of His remembrance to all who are in heaven and on earth," enshrining the "Jewel whose glory hath irradiated all creation," the "Standard" of His Kingdom, the "Shrine round which will circle the concourse of the faithful" was irrevocably founded and permanently consecrated. Upon it, by virtue of its sanctity as Bahá'u'lláh's "Most Holy Habitation" and "Seat of His transcendent glory," was conferred the honor of being regarded as a center of pilgrimage second to none except the city of 'Akká, His "Most Great Prison," in whose immediate vicinity His holy Sepulcher, the Qiblih of the Bahá'í world, is enshrined. |
House of Bahá'u'lláh (Baghdad); Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Baghdad, Iraq; Iraq | |
2013 Jul – Oct 201- |
The holding of 114 Youth Conferences around the world at the request of the Universal House of Justice. The purpose of the gatherings were to explore such themes as the characteristics inherent to the period of youth, the historical contribution of young people to the transformation of society, the responsibilities of the present generation of youth, the society-building power of the Bahá'í Teachings, and the importance of faith and tenacity to a life of service. [List of places and dates for Youth Conferences]
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Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; - Conferences, International; Youth; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Worldwide | |
2013 15 Jul 201- |
Iranian filmmaker and blogger as well as a former Islamist hardliner who has become an outspoken critic of the government, Mohammad Nourizad, kissed the feet of 4 year old Artin whose parents had been arrested for participation in the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education. [Wikipedia entry; Faith and a Future p38-39]
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Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE); Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; Human Rights; Education; Mohammad Nourizad; Iran | |
2013 24 Jul 201- |
The Universal House of Justice addressed a message the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada regarding the Association for Bahá'í Studies. The Universal House of Justice reiterated a number of issues that the Association had addressed since its inception in 1975...
-an appreciation for the importance of personal study of the Revelation, -correlating the teachings with contemporary thought, -defending the Cause, -encouraging young believers in their academic pursuits, -attracting the interest and involvement of non-Bahá'í academics to the extent possible, a -providing a forum for Bahá'í academics to collaborate with one another, thereby helping to raise capacity among those who participate within a wide range of disciplines and, particularly, in specific fields associated more directly with the study of the Faith, such as history, the study of religion, and translation. ...and provided guidance for an evolving conceptual framework. |
Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Association for Bahá'í Studies (North America); Canada; USA; North America | |
2013 28 July 201- |
The passing of Amin Banani (b. 23 September 1926 in Tehran) in Santa Monica. He was survived by his wife Sheila Wolcott (m. 1951)and daughters Sussane and Laila. Find a grave.
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In Memoriam; Amin Banani; Sheila Wolcott; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Santa Monica, CA; USA | |
2013 13 Aug 201- |
The passing of former Universal House of Justice member Mr. Hushmand Fatheazam in Vancouver, Canada. He served on the Universal House of Justice for forty years since 1963. [BWNS964]
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Hushmand Fatheazam; In Memoriam; Births and deaths; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Vancouver, BC; Canada | |
2013 24 Aug 201- |
Mr. Ataollah Rezvani, a well-known Bahá'í in the city of Bandar Abbas disappeared and the next day the Criminal Investigation Office of that city informed the family that his body had been found in his car outside the city. The report of the forensic physician determined the cause of death to be "a hard trauma on the brain tissues, due to being hit with some penetrating object, such as (a bullet)" and ruled it as a suicide. Strong evidence exists to indicate that it was not. [Archives of Bahá'í Persecution in Iran]
It is of note that a few years before his murder, the Friday prayer Imam had incited the local population against the Bahá'ís, referring to them as un-Islamic. He further called on the people of the city to rise up against the Bahá'í community. [BWNS987; BWNS1031; Message from the Universal House of Justice 27 August 2013; Iran Press Watch 27 August 2013; Iran Press Watch 9306; Iran Press Watch 16 September 2013] The assassins were never identified. The murder was not reported in the Iranian newspapers and did not raise any protest except among prisoners of conscience at Rejaee prison who condemned the assassination in a statement and demanded justice. [Iran Press Watch 1 September 2013; 175YP266-267] |
Ataollah Rezvani; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bandar Abbas, Iran; Iran | |
2013 31 Aug 201- |
The release of Luminous Journey: 'Abdu'l-Bahá in America - 1912 produced by Anne and Tim Perry. The feature-length documentary film chroniclied 'Abdu'l-Bahá's 1912 journey through the United States and Canada. It was some five years in the making. [Part 1; Part 2]
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Luminous Journey (film); - Film | |
2013 20 Sep 201- |
Deloria Bighorn, chairperson of the National Spiritual Bahá'ís of Canada, presented, on behalf of the Bahá'í Community of Canada, a submission to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at the BC National Event held in Vancouver from September 18th to the 21st. The formal presentation followed a panel organized by the Canadian Bahá'í Community and Reconciliation Canada. The previous week 250 people listened to Chief Doug White, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, and Dr. Paulette Regan from the Commission discussing the challenge of reconciliation. [T&R website, CBN 24 September, CBN 9 February, 2018, BWNS1248]
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Native Americans; Indigenous people; Reconciliation; Human Rights; - Documentaries; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Film; The Path Home (film); Vancouver, BC; Canada | |
2013 26 Sep 201- |
The publication of Leaves of Twin Divine Trees - An In-depth Study of the Lives of Women Closely Related to the Bab and Baha'u'llah by Baharieh Rouhani Ma'ani and published by George Ronald.
Over two and half decades she worked to gather all the known information about the women whose lives were intertwined with those of the Manifestations of God for this age, mothers, wives, sisters, daughters. Looking beyond published sources, she was given permission by the Universal House of Justice to consult original documents in the Bahá'í International Archives and to make provisional translations of more than 50 Tablets, letters, memoirs and papers not previously published in English, many never before published in any language. |
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2013 1 Oct 201- |
The Bahá'í International Community announced the appointment of Joshua Lincoln as its new Secretary-General. This announcement followed the announcement of the retirement of Mr. Albert Lincoln who had served as Secretary-General for 19 years. [BWNS968, BWNS969] | Bahá'í International Community; Joshua Lincoln; Bahá'í International Community, Secretaries-General; Albert Lincoln; Retirements; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2013 28 Oct 201- |
The release of the video Violence with Impunity: Acts of Aggression Against Iran's Bahá'í Community based on the report of the same name. [BWNS972]
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Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Justice; Bahá'í International Community; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Film; Violence with Impunity | |
2013 Nov 201- |
The announcement by the Universal House of Justice of the retirement of Dr. Farzam Arbab and Mr. Kiser Barnes. Mr. Arbab was first elected in 1993 and Mr. Barnes was elected in 2000. [BWNS948] | Farzam Arbab; Kiser Barnes; Retirements; Universal House of Justice, Members of; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2013 Dec 201- |
The imprisoned members of the Yaran sent a letter addressed to Iranian President, Dr. Hassan Rouhani in response to the invitation that President Rouhani extended to the citizens of Iran to comment on the draft Charter of Citizens' Rights on the president's website.
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Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Hassan Rouhani; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2013 3 Dec 201- |
Mr. Hamed Kamal Muhammad bin Haydara (sometimes referred to in the media as "Hamed Merza Kamali Serostani ") was snatched by security forces from his workplace, at Balhaf gas terminal in the southern province of Shabwa in south Yemen. It was suggested that he was arrested on the orders of Mr. Khaled al-Mawari, the Chief Prosecutor who was involved in the unwarranted arrest and detention of another member of the Yemeni Bahá'í community. He was detained at the National Security Prison in Sana'a. Mr. Kamali has allegedly been subjected to forty-five days of "electric torture", severe beatings and starvation in detention. [Arab News 20 November 2020; OHCHR Report]
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Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2013 12 Dec 201- |
After confirmation of a court order in Sanandaj and confiscation of the land belonging to the Bahá'ís which had been used as a cemetery, the site was demolished by a bulldozer. [Iran Press Watch 19720] | - Persecution, denial of burial; Sanandaj, Iran; Iran | |
2014 (In the year) 201- |
An office of the Bahá'i International Community was opened in Addis Ababa to work in collaboration with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental agencies operating on the African stage. The office maintained strong ties with the African Union, which traced its roots to Addis Ababa in 1963. At the 50th anniversary of that founding, African leaders commissioned Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. This document painted a vivid picture of where Africans would like to see their continent in 50 years' time.
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Bahá'í International Community; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ethiopia | |
2014 (In the year) 201- |
The Baha'i International Community opened a Regional Office in Jakarta. The Office engaged inter-governmental associations such as ASEAN as well as various governmental agencies, civil society organizations and research institutes in the region with a view to convening gatherings, creating spaces devoted to collective inquiry, and meaningful discussion of contemporary issues in the region of Southeast Asia.
|
Bahá'í International Community; Jakarta, Indonesia; Indonesia | |
2014 (In the year) 201- |
The release of the film To Light a Candle produced by Maziar Bahari which exposed the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran through the story of Keyvan Rahimian and his family as well as through the creation of the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE).
On the 18th of July 2023 security forces arrested Keyvan Rahimian in Tehran and transferred him to Evin Prison. He has a history of previous arrests and convictions related to his activism. Notably, he also serves as a lecturer at an online university affiliated with the Bahá'í community. [IranWire 19 July 2012] |
- Film; To Light a Candle (film); Maziar Bahári; Persecution, Iran; Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE); Candles; Iran | |
2014 (In the year) 201- |
The publication of the new, extensively retranslated edition, of Some Answered Questions. It is a collection of transcriptions of table talks given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in 'Akká between 1904 and 1906 in response to questions posed by Laura Dreyfus-Barney. It was first published in 1908. In the Foreword to this edition the Universal House of Justice explained:
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Some Answered Questions (book); Laura Clifford Barney; * Publications; * Translation; Evolution; * Science; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2014 Mar 201- |
The Bahá'í cemetery in Ahwaz was closed and the alley leading to it was blocked by heavy cement blocks. No organization has accepted responsibility for this action. [Iran Press Watch 19720] | - Persecution, denial of burial; Ahvaz, Iran; Iran | |
2014 13 Mar 201- |
From Rejai Shahr Prison Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli wrote a letter to his first grandchild who had just been born three days prior in Canada. The letter can be found at Iran Press Watch 9766. | Behrouz Tavakkoli; Yaran; Rejai Shahr Prison | |
2014 Apr 201- |
In Shiraz, the Revolutionary Guard began excavation of some 200 square meters of the Bahá'í cemetery. The site, which had been in use since the 1920s, had been confiscated by the government in 1983 and the Revolutionary Guard had taken ownership of the site some three years earlier with plans to build a cultural and sports centre. It is the site of the remains of the ten Bahá'í of Shiraz who were hanged in 1983 for the crimes of being Zionists and teaching children's classes. [BWNS993, BWNS994] | Cemeteries and graves; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Shíráz, Iran; Iran | |
2014 21 Apr 201- |
The release of the film Samoa: Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow on the sixtieth anniversary of the Faith in that country. The film was directed and produced by Ken Zemke, edited and written by Tara Jabbari, and narrated by Fuma Tuiletufuga.
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- Documentaries; Samoa | |
2014 7 May 201- |
The imprisoned Yaran addressed a letter to Mohammad Javad Larijani, the head of Human Rights Division of the Judiciary Branch of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding his claim that "No one is in prison for being a Bahá'í and if Bahá'í s do not commit illegal acts their citizenship rights will be protected". They reiterated some of the acts of oppression and discrimination, security force encounters and human rights violations imposed on the Bahá'í citizens and have asked the officials to change their view toward citizens and minorities. The full text of the letter can be viewed at Iran Press Watch 9946 |
Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Mohammad Javad Larijani; Iran | |
2014 8 May 201- |
Despite a worldwide outcry, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards continued destroying an historic Bahá'í cemetery in Shiraz. Between 2005 and 2012 some 42 Bahá'í-owned cemeteries were desecrated in a similar fashion. [BWNS993, BWNS1016; One Country] | Cemeteries and graves; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Shíráz, Iran; Iran | |
2014 9 May 201- |
Vahid Tizfahm, a former member of the imprisoned Yaran, wrote to his son, Samim, in which he recounted the imprisonment and martyrdom of his own father when he was yet a child. For the full text of the letter see Iran Press Watch10181. | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; Vahid Tizfahm; Gohardasht, Iran; Iran | |
2014 28 May 201- |
In the presidential election in Egypt, former Egyptian defence minister Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was elected with 97% of the vote according to government sources. The subsequent 2014 Constitution of the Sisi government, while guaranteeing the 'inviolable' right of freedom of religion, extended this only to Islam, Christianity and Judaism – meaning that Bahá'i were still prohibited from many basic freedoms, such as practicing their religious laws and constructing places of worship. Though Bahá'í representatives lobbied during the constitutional drafting processes to expand religious freedoms to their community, this did not occur. |
Opposition; Persecution, Egypt; - Persecution; Human Rights; History (general); Constitutions (general); Egypt | |
2014 6 Jun 201- |
At her request, the Universal House of Justice sent a message to Her Excellency Ms. Dilma Rousseff, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil on the occasion of the World Cup of football. [BWNS] | Sports; Dilma Rousseff; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Brazil | |
2014 1 Aug 201- |
"The erection of the continental House of Worship for South America was moving towards its completion in Chile. The steel-frame superstructure had been almost entirely installed, the placement of the interior translucent stone panels was under way, and the landscaping and the construction of auxiliary facilities were progressing according to schedule. The friends in Santiago, supported by others from throughout the Americas, had been diligently striving to prepare the surrounding population for the emergence of the House of Worship; increasing numbers were participating in the community-building endeavours, and a stream of visitors were being welcomed to the Temple site for prayer and discussion on the practical and spiritual dimensions of the enterprise. Measures were being put in place in Chile in anticipation of the many demands that were sure to arise once the Temple had been inaugurated in 2016." [Message from The Universal House of Justice dated 1 August, 2014 to the Bahá'ís of the World] | Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Santiago; Santiago, Chile; Chile | |
2014 8 Aug 201- |
The official ban on the Bahá'í Faith in Indonesia was lifted. [The Jakarta Post August 8, 2014] | Persecution, Indonesia; - Persecution, Bans; - Persecution; Jakarta, Indonesia; Indonesia | |
2014 Sep 201- |
The exclusion of Shadan Shirazi, an exemplary student who placed exceptionally well in the college entrance exams administered to students throughout Iran. The Iranian government deployed new tactics in their treatment of Bahá'í students to deny them access to higher education without raising the concern of the international community. The new procedure entailed identifying Bahá'í university applicants and then calling them in so they could quietly be confirmed as ineligible under the government's unjust policies and then be sent away without any documentation or proof that it was done because they were Bahá'ís that they were prevented from enrolling. [BWNS1021] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Iran | |
2014 8 Sep 201- |
Ayatollah Hamid Masoumi Tehrani presented an illuminated calligraphic work of the words of Bahá'u'lláh to the Bahá'ís of the world. [BWNS1017; One Country 23.2] | Ayatollah Abdol-Hamid Masoumi-Tehrani; Ayatollahs; - Calligraphy; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Iran | |
2014 14 Sep 201- |
Some 500 people attend the unveiling of the design of the first local Bahá'í House of Worship in Norte del Cauca, Colombia
[BWNS1020]
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Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Norte del Cauca, Colombia; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Architecture; - Architects; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Agua Azul, Colombia; North Caucasus; Colombia | first local Baha’i House of Worship in Colombia |
2014 16 Sep 201- |
Subsequent to his arrest on the 15th of October, 2014, Mr. Kamali was interrogated by the lead judge on his case in connection with the charges against him in the presence of his attorney, who, despite objections raised, was not allowed to speak. Concerns are raised in relation to the independence of the members of the judiciary and their reported discriminatory and intolerant speech towards religious minorities. [OHCR Report] | Persecution, Yemen; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2014 21 Sep 201- |
The Houthi movement, which championed Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority and had fought a series of rebellions against Mr Saleh during his tenure as president in the previous decade, took advantage of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's weakness by taking control of their northern heartland of Saada province and neighbouring areas overthrowing the internationally-recognised government.
By February 2015 the group had dissolved parliament and announced plans for a transitional government.
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Yemen, Recent history; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2014 3 Oct 201- |
Hamed bin Haydara had been held at an undisclosed location since his arrest by National Security Forces on the 3rd of December, 2013. During this time he was held in prolonged solitary confinement, severely tortured and electrocuted, and forced to sign documents while blindfolded. In September of 2014 NGOs discovered where he was being detained so the National Security was forced to relocate him to the Criminal Investigation Detention Centre in the Central Prison in Sana'a. [Defending Bahá'í Rights> facebook page] | Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Hamed bin Haydara; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2014 Nov 201- |
Fariba Kamalabadi, after having her fourth request to join her daughter Taraneh for her wedding denied, wrote her a letter from Evin Prison. [Iran Press Watch]
|
Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Evin Prison; Prisons; Human Rights; Taraneh Kamalabadi; Fariba Kamalabadi; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2014 12 Nov 201- |
Message from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies dated 12 November 2014: We are pleased to announce the news of the purchase of a major property adjacent to the main terrace of the Shrine of the Báb. The building, a three-storey stone structure just west of the Shrine, stands on over 2,600 square metres of land. Inquiries were made almost sixty years ago at the direction of the beloved Guardian regarding its purchase, but owing to limited resources the matter could not be pursued. The property was acquired at that time by the city of Haifa and served as a school until it ceased operations a few years ago. The Bahá'í world will rejoice to know that this property, so close to the sacred precincts, which the Guardian had hoped to acquire, is now in the Faith's possession. | Purchases and exchanges; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2015 8 Jan 201- |
The first trial hearing of Hamed bin Haydara was held. Legal and human rights NGOs witnessed tampering and interference on the part of the prosecution. The prosecutor, Rajeh Zayed, threatened to detain and execute Bahá'ís. More were arrested. [Defending Bahá'í Rights Facebook page]
The Specialized Criminal Prosecution of Yemen indicted Mr. Hamid Kamali (also known as Hamed Kamal bin-Haydara) for "compromising the independence of the Republic of Yemen", reportedly in relation to his work for the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing institution of the Bahá'ís based in Israel. Mr. Kamali was also accused of spreading the Bahá'í faith in the Republic of Yemen. On 8 March 2015, at his first hearing, Mr. Kamali denied all charges against him and his case was adjourned to 4 April 2015, and subsequently to 8 November 2015. At that hearing, the judge allegedly rejected evidence of torture that Mr. Kamali had been subjected to while he was under the jurisdiction of the National Security Agency. However, following the request of his lawyer, Mr. Kamali was released on bail on medical grounds. On 12 February 2016, Mr. Kamali appeared in a closed hearing where the General Prosecutor pursued the maximum punishment for the charges brought against him, namely execution and asset forfeiture. The next court hearing was set for 3 April 2016. [OHCHR Report] |
Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Court cases; Hamed bin Haydara; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2015 20 Jan 201- |
The website of the worldwide Bahá'í community at www.bahai.org was launched in a new version, representing the latest stage in the development of an official presence on the Web that extended back to 1996. [BWNS1037] | bahai.org; Websites; Internet; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2105 Feb 201- |
In Yemen, Houthis appointed a presidential council to replace President Hadi who fled to Aden. | Adbrabbuh Mansour Hadi; Yemen, Recent history; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen; Aden, Yemen | |
2015 12 Feb 201- |
The official opening of the new location of the Afnan Library Trust at Sandy, close to Cambridge. The Afnan Library Trust was established in 1985 to manage the collection bequeathed by Hasan Balyuzi when he passed away in 1980. It consists of some 10,000 books, as well as a vast quantity of manuscripts, original letters, maps, documents, periodicals, and unpublished items – some of them dating back to the nineteenth century. [BWNS1040]
|
Afnan Library; Afnan; Hasan Balyuzi; Libraries; Archives; Bahá'í studies; Scholarship; Muvaqqarid-Dawlih; Khadijih Bagum (wife of the Báb); Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Sandy, England; Cambridge, England; United Kingdom | |
2015 27 Feb 201- |
The premiere of the film To Light a Candle by Iranian-Canadian filmmaker and journalist, Maziar Mahari. The gala in Los Angeles was part of a campaign called "Education is Not a Crime", started in 2014, to highlight the plight of Bahá'í students in Iran and their recourse to the denial of education, the Bahá'í Institute of Higher Education. The film was also screened in some 300 locations around the world. [BWNS1041, BWNS1025]
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; - Documentaries; Education is not a Crime; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE); Los Angeles, CA; USA | |
2015 Mar 201- |
Clashes escalated between pro and anti-Huthis allied with security forces loyal to Mr Saleh, who was thought to have backed his erstwhile enemies in a bid to regain power. Southerners took to arms and formed resistance to further advance their cause for independence by fighting in order to defend their territory from northern control and a coup of the legitimate government. President Hadi was forced to flee to Saudi Arabia in March. He appealed to Gulf and Arab states to intervene militarily.
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Yemen, Recent history; `Alí `Abdu'lláh Saleh; Sanaa, Yemen; Aden, Yemen; Yemen | |
2015 21 Mar 201- |
The implementation of the Badí' Calendar on the first day of the tenth Váhid of the first Kull-i-Shay' of the Bahá'í Era. "Báb introduced the calendar and its broad pattern of periods and cycles, months and days. Bahá'u'lláh provided essential clarifications and additions. Aspects were elucidated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and arrangements for its adoption in the West were put in place at the direction of Shoghi Effendi, as described in the volumes of The Bahá'í World. Still, ambiguities surrounding some Islamic and Gregorian dates, as well as difficulties in the correlation of historical observances and astronomical events with explicit statements in the Text, left certain issues unresolved. When responding to questions concerning the calendar, both 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi left these matters to the Universal House of Justice. Of its many features, three required clarification for the calendar's uniform application: the means for the determination of Naw-Rúz, the accommodation of the lunar character of the Twin Holy Birthdays within the solar year, and the fixing of the dates of the Holy Days within the Badí' calendar." [Message from the Universal House of Justice dated 10 July, 2014] (notes below extracted from the message) The Festival of Naw-Rúz: The birthplace of the Abhá Beauty, will be the spot on the earth that will serve as the standard for determining, by means of astronomical computations from reliable sources, the moment of the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere and thereby the day of Naw-Rúz for the Bahá'í world. The Festivals of the Twin Birthdays: They will now be observed on the first and the second day following the occurrence of the eighth new moon after Naw-Rúz. This will result in the observance of the Twin Birthdays moving, year to year, within the months of Mashíyyat, 'Ilm, and Qudrat of the Badí' calendar, or from mid-October to mid-November according to the Gregorian calendar. The dates of the Holy Days are: Naw-Rúz, 1 Bahá; the Festival of Riḍván, 13 Jalál to 5 Jamál; the Declaration of the Báb, 8 'Aẓamat; the Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh, 13 'Aẓamat; the Martyrdom of the Báb, 17 Raḥmat; the Day of the Covenant, 4 Qawl; and the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 6 Qawl. These dates have been fixed within the solar calendar in accordance with explicit statements of Bahá'u'lláh, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. [Message from the Universal House of Justice dated 10 July, 2014] |
- Badi calendar; Bahá'u'lláh, Birth of; Báb, Birth of; Naw-Ruz; Holy days; Twin Holy days; - Gradual implementation of laws; Laws; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Bahá'í World Centre | first use of the Badí calendar |
2015 (Ridván) 201- |
In its Ridván Message the Universal House of Justice announced the establishment of the Office for the Development of Administrative Systems to assist National Assemblies to build up their administrative capacity. [Ridván 2015] | Office for the Development of Administrative Systems; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2015 22 Apr 201- |
Pressures on Jamaleddin Khanjani's family had increased since his arrest in 2008. Their country home in Semnan was demolished by Security Forces. The family had been given 48 hours to evacuate the house and even though they had succeeded in obtaining a ruling from the Supreme Court to stop the demolition, the home was destroyed. Authorities objected to a house that had been built with a City permit 18 years previously claiming that the owner of this property is unknown and the deed was not acceptable. The farmland, where the house was situated, had belonged to the family for more than 200 years. |
Jamaloddin Khanjani; - Persecution; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; Semnan, Iran; Iran | |
2015 14 May 201- |
A global campaign called "Seven Days in Remembrance of Seven Years in Prison for the Seven Bahá'í Leaders" to call attention to the long and unjust imprisonment of seven Iranian Bahá'í leaders was launched on the seventh anniversary of their arrest. Each day of the week-long campaign, starting 14 May 2015, was dedicated to one member of the seven: Mahvash Sabet, Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm. [7 Days] | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í International Community; Tehran, Iran; Iran; New York, USA; USA; - Worldwide | |
2015 17 July 201- |
Some 300 people attended the unveiling of the design of the first local Bahá'í House of Worship in Battambang, Cambodia
[BWNS1062]
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Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Battambang, Cambodia; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Architecture; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Battambang, Cambodia; Cambodia | first local house of worship in Cambodia |
2015 24 Jul 201- |
The Qom Seminary* announced the planning of classes called "Understanding Baha'ism" and "Understanding Ahl-e Haqq". These classes, which presented a one-sided view of religious minorities, had the sole purpose of destroying the Bahá'í Faith and the Ahl-e Haqq**.
*The Qom Seminary is the largest seminary, or traditional Islamic school of higher learning, established in 1922 by Grand Ayatollah Abdul-Karim Ha'eri Yazdi in Qom. [Wikipedia] |
Opposition; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; Qom, Iran; Iran | |
2015 26 Aug 201- |
See Iran Press Watch for an article entitled Shi'ite Clerics and The "Problem" of Baha'ism for an insight into the basis for criticism of the Bahá'í Faith by the clergy. The writer, Maryam Dadgar, speculates what Iran would have been like today if not for their intervention. | Persecution, Iran; Maryam Dadgar; Iran | |
2015 Sep 201- |
As of this date the Bahá'í community in the United States had about 175,000 Bahá'ís (less than one percent of the nation's population), residing in more than 9,000 localities. The makeup of the Faith's adherents was very diverse. The largest communities were in California, Georgia, Illinois, South Carolina, and Texas. There were Bahá'í communities in every state. (From 'Information about the Bahá'í Faith for Funeral Directors', a document available at US National website)[ Bahá'í Historical Facts MARCH 4, 2018] | Statistics; USA | |
2015 Sep 201- |
President Hadi returned to Aden after Saudi-backed government forces recaptured the port city from Houthi forces. | Yemen, Recent history; Hadi; Aden, Yemen; Yemen | |
2015 8 - 9 Sep 201- |
The Baha'i International Community and representatives of 23 other major religious traditions offered to the United Nations ideas and action plans in support of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)—called Agenda 2030, the UN's primary development agenda for the next 15 years. Referred to as "the Bristol Commitments", contributions from the various religious groups were presented and discussed at a two-day event, titled "Faith in the Future", in Bristol, UK. The event was co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC). Daniel Perell, a representative of the BIC to the UN, spoke about the transformational power of religion, which can tap human motivation at the deepest levels. [BWNS 1067] |
Bahá'í International Community; United Nations; Faith in the Future; Daniel Perell; - BIC statements; Bristol, England | |
2015 25 Sep 201- |
The UN further defined its Sustainable Development goals at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit,
Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
|
Sustainable Development; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; - Statements; New York, USA; USA | |
2015 1 Oct 201- |
2015 saw an unprecedented number of refugees to Europe fleeing the conflict in the Middle East, particularly from Syria. In response for their request for guildance, the Universal House of Justice in its message to the National Spiritual Assemblies, defined the principles to assist the Bahá'í communities through the social changes that must need follow such a migration. It stated that the Bahá'í community had insufficient resources at this stage of development for a response at the institutional level however the situation presented an opportunity for some individual believers to become involved to lend humanitarian assistance. | Universal House of Justice; Refugees; - Europe; Syria | |
2015 15 - 19 Oct 201- |
The sixth Parliament called upon the world to Reclaim the Heart of Our Humanity and took place in Salt Lake City, Utah. There were 9,806 attendees, performers, and volunteers from 75 countries, 30 major religions and 548 sub-traditions participated in the Parliament. [Salt Lake City 2015] | Parliament of the World's Religions; Salt Lake City, UT; USA | |
2015 27 Oct 201- |
The Universal House of Justice announced the appoint of the Counsellors (81) who will serve for the next five years. [Bahá'í Canada October 2015] | Counsellors | |
2015 30 Oct 201- |
The cemetery of the 20,000 strong Bahá'í community of Rajasthan, located in Jaipur, was violently attacked and vandalised by a vigilante group of 50 to 60 persons allegedly led by the local right wing political party. They damaged a building that was under construction and threatened the caretaker physical harm. [The Wire 01/11/2015] | Persecution, India; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution; Cemeteries and graves; Jaipur, India; Rajasthan, India; India | |
2015 6 Nov 201- |
The première of Mercy's Blessing, a film by May Taherzadeh in Lilongwe, Malawi. To date it has won 12 film awards and has been distributed for use in 115 countries. [Official Web Site]
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Mercys Blessing (film); - Film; - Documentaries; * Arts and crafts; Awards; May Taherzadeh; Inspire Courage for Change Foundation; TED Talk; Lilongwe, Malawi | |
2015 15 Nov 201- |
The groundbreaking ceremony of the first local Bahá'í House of Worship in Battambang, Cambodia was attended by some 200 community members.
The event coincided with the commemoration of the Twin Holy Birthdays—the Birth of the Báb and the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh. [BWNS1082]
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* Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Local; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Battambang, Cambodia; Foundation stones and groundbreaking; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Battambang, Cambodia; Cambodia | first local house of worship in Cambodia |
2015 15 Nov 201- |
The arrest and disappearance of Navid Aqdasi, a cousin of 'Ata'ollah Rezvani who was murdered on the 24th of August, 2013. Mr Aqdasi had been demanding justice for his cousin. [175YP322n3] | Ataollah Rezvani; Persecution, Iran; Navid Aqdasi; Bandar Abbas, Iran; Iran | |
2015 21 Dec 201- |
Ayatollah Abdol-Hamid Masoumi-Tehrani, a senior Muslim cleric in Iran, had courageously called on his nation's people to uphold a higher standard of justice and dignity for all of their countrymen and women. In an article on his website, he dedicated a new piece of calligraphy—a passage from the writings of Bahá'u'lláh—to the Bahá'ís who were arrested on baseless charges in November 2015. [BWNS1089, BWNS987] | Ayatollah Abdol-Hamid Masoumi-Tehrani; Ayatollahs; - Calligraphy; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Iran | |
2016 201- |
The conflict in Yemen continued to rage throughout the year. UN-sponsored peace talks began in Kuwait in April but broke down in early August. On 8 October, a Saudi Arabia-led coalition killed more than 100 people attending a funeral gathering in Sana'a and injured more than 500 others – one of the largest death tolls in any single incident since the start of the coalition's bombing campaign. | Yemen, Recent history; Yemen | |
2016 (In the year) 201- |
Asma Jilani Jahangir was selected as the Special Rapporteur in 2016. She was a human rights lawyer of Pakistani origin and a former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan. She suffered from cardiac arrest in Lahore on 11 February 2018 and later died at the hospital. [Wikipedia] | United Nations; Asma Jahangir; Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran; Bahá'í International Community; New York, USA; USA | |
1979 - 2016 201- |
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been responsible for the deaths of at least 225 Bahá'ís since its establishment, as documented by the House of Anti-Bahá'í Documents Iran Open Data research shows.
Statistical research on documented reports available on the website "House of Anti-Baha'i Documents" shows that after the Iranian Revolution, 158 Baha'is have been executed by firing squads or hanged on court orders. Twelve individuals have lost their lives in prison due after being tortured. Another 16 individuals disappeared after being threatened by members of the religious establishment or government agents, and 39 individuals were killed with the support of religious and political government entities. |
Persecution, Iran; Iran | |
2016 8 Mar 201- |
The earthworks for the Local Bahá'í House of Worship in Battambang, Cambodia was completed. [BWNS1100]
|
Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Battambang, Cambodia; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Battambang, Cambodia; Cambodia | |
2016 Apr 201- |
In Yemen th UN-sponsored peace talks began between the government on one side and the Houthis and form President Saleh's General People's Congress (GPC) on the other. | Yemen, Recent history; President Saleh; Yemen | |
2011 - 2016 (The Five Year Plan) 201- |
The annual number of seminars for undergraduate students offered by the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity rose from 21 at the start of the Plan to 39. More than 4,000 youth in more than 60 countries were served. |
Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP); Statistics; Australia; - Europe; Latin America; Southeast Asia; South Asia; North America | |
2016 Ridván 201- |
The launch of the Fourth Five Year Plan (2016-2021).
Other messages related to the Plan are:
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Five Year Plan (2016-2021); - Teaching Plans; - Institute process; Statistics; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2016 25 Apr 201- |
Mr. Hamed Bin Haydara, who had been imprisoned without trial since December 2013, was again brought to court for a hearing but the trial was again postponed, this time to 1 August 2017. Reports indicate that he had been sent to solitary confinement in the National Security Prison on the orders of Mr. Rajeh Zayed, the prosecutor who had caused the delays which have kept him in jail for more than three years and who had been largely responsible for the arrest and persecution of Bahá'ís in Yemen. Mr. Rajeh Zayed had stated that he planned to delay Mr. Hamed Bin Haydara's court hearings and treatment until he "dies in jail." He was suffering from serious health conditions that required proper medical attention. He stood accused of 'compromising the independence of the Republic of Yemen', including spreading the Bahá'í faith in the Republic of Yemen as well as "apostasy" (He has been a Bahá'í from birth.) and "insulting Islam" . [BIC 30 Apr 2017; BWNS1285] | Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution; Court cases; Human Rights; Yemen | |
2016 25 Apr 201- |
The passing of former member of the International Teaching Centre, Joy Stevenson (b. 1919) in Queanbeyan, Australia. She made a distinctive contribution to the advancement of Bahá'í communities in Australasia as a Counsellor and an Auxiliary Board member and as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia. [BWNS1103]
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In Memoriam; Joy Stevenson; International Teaching Centre, Members of; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Auxiliary board members; Queanbeyan, New South Wales; Australia | |
2016 29 Apr 201- |
In observance of the eighth anniversary of the arrest and incarceration of seven Iranian Bahá'í leaders, the Bahá'í International Community was launched a global campaign calling for their immediate release.
Taking the theme "Enough! Release the Bahá'í Seven," the campaign emphasized the fact that, under Iran's own national penal code, the seven were now overdue for conditional release.
[Enough!]
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Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2016 7 May 201- |
The passing of Jenabe Esslemont Caldwell, 89 in Wailuku, Hawaii. (b. August 7, 1926 in Butte, Montana). He and his wife Elaine were named Knights of Bahá'u'lláh for pioneering to the Aleutian Islands in July, 1953 where they started a king crab and salmon cannery. They sponsored the Bahá'í singing group Windflower that toured Europe, including the United Kingdom, in the 1980s. He was the author of the books: The Story of the Báb & Bahá'u'lláh, From Night to Knight, Follow the Instructions and Reflections. He is well-known for his mass teaching successes. [Bahaipedia] | Jenabe Caldwell; Elaine Caldwell; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Windflower (group); Mass teaching; Butte, MT; Montana, USA; Aleutian Islands, AK; Wailuku, HI; Hawaii, USA | |
2016 12 May 201- |
In commemoration of the incarceration of the Yaran in Iran in 2008 the International Bahá'í Community (BIC) released a video entitled Enough! Release the Baha'i Seven Now. | Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Bahá'í International Community; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2016 13 May 201- |
Fariba Kamalabadi, while on a five-day furlough from Evin Prison, met with former Tehran MP Faezeh Hashemi. It was the first temporary leave she had been granted during her eight years of imprisonment.
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Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Evin Prison; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2016 22 May 201- |
Some 700 people gathered on the temple land in the small village of Agua Azul, in the municipality of Villa Rica near Norte del Cauca, Colombia to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of the first local Bahá'í House of Worship.
[BWNS1109]
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- Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Local; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Norte del Cauca, Colombia; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Foundation stones and groundbreaking; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Agua Azul, Colombia; North Caucasus; Colombia | first local House of Worship in Colombia, first local Mashriqu’l-Adhkar in Columbia |
2016 23 - 24 May 201- |
The first World Humanitarian Summit was held in Istanbul, Turkey. The summit, organized by the United Nations, called on government leaders as well as those from business, aid agencies, civil society and faith-based organizations to consult on the question of disaster relief.
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United Nations Summits; United Nations conferences; - Conferences; Calamities and catastrophes; Charity and relief work; Capacity building; Social and economic development; Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; - Statements; * Publications; Istanbul, Turkey; Turkey | |
2016 6 Jun 201- |
The publication of Lady Blomfield: Her Life and Times by Robert Weinberg. It was published by George Ronald Publishers.
Robert Weinberg's detailed research has yielded a fascinating insight into the life of Lady Blomfield, her family and her circle, and into the life of Àbdu'l-Bahá as it touched the lives of the British Bahá'ís. Punctuated by glimpses into London society and the rapidly developing Bahá'í community, Weinberg's book provides compelling grounds for Lady Blomfield's inclusion in the 'galaxy of unforgettable women' who 'became the principal exponents of the Bahá'í message on both sides of the Atlantic'. |
Oxford, England; United Kingdom | |
2016 14 Jul 201- |
The Ghorveh Bahá'í cemetery, in the province of Kurdistan, was destroyed by government agents. [Iran Press Watch 19720] | - Persecution, denial of burial; Ghorveh, Kurdistan; Kurdistan; Iran | |
2016 4 Aug 201- |
In a letter to National Spiritual Assemblies, communities were encouraged to establish electoral units on the basis of the cluster. The population of the country is divided by the number of National Convention delegates allowed by the Universal House of Justice to determine the number of electors per delegate. [4 August 2016]
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Elections; Conventions, National; Clusters; Electoral unit system; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2016 10 Aug 201- |
Armed officers, masked in balaclavas from Yemen's National Security Bureau (NSB) intelligence agency, which worked hand in hand with the armed Houthi authorities, (also knowns as Ansar Allah) stormed a Bahá'í youth educational workshop in Sana'a. The event was part of a nine day, cross country moral and educational program for Bahá'í youth organized by the Bahá'í -run Nida Foundation for Development. Sixty-five people were arrested including 14 women and six people under 18 without an arrest warrant. Half were Bahá'ís and, at the time of this writing, it was believed some fourteen remained in prison, including young mothers. Further arrests were carried out later and within a week all but 10 of those who had been incarcerated had been released.
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Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Youth; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2016 6 Sep 201- |
In a letter the BIC called on Iranian President Rouhani to end systematic economic oppression. The letter signed by Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Bahá'í International Community to the United Nations, drew attention to the stark contradiction between statements espoused by the Iranian government regarding economic justice, equality for all and reducing unemployment on one hand, and the unrelenting efforts to impoverish a section of its own citizens on the other. | Bani Dugal Gujral; Bahá'í International Community; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; New York, USA; USA | |
2016 16 Sep 201- |
For a progress report on the construction of the Local House of Worship in Battanbang, Cambodia see BWNS1120
|
Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Battambang, Cambodia; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Battambang, Cambodia; Cambodia | |
2016 26 Sep 201- |
The murder of Farhang Amiri in Yazd. [BWNS1133; Archives of Bahá'í Persecution in Iran]
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Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution; Farhang Amiri; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Hurmuzak, Yazd; Yazd, Iran; Iran | |
2016 Oct 201- |
An airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition hit a crowded funeral in Sana'a killing 140 mourners and injuring another 500. | Yemen, Recent history; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2016 11 Oct 201- |
The final newsreel on the construction of the Bahá'í House of Worship for South America was released as the time for the highly-anticipated dedication of the Temple approached. The video highlighted major developments over the previous year and the growing connection of the community to the Temple and the activities of service and worship that it inspired. [Video; Architect Siamak Hariri] | Siamak Hariri; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Santiago; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; Architecture; Santiago, Chile; Chile | |
2016 13 - 16 Oct 201- |
The public dedication of the Mother Temple of South America in Santiago, Chile. The opening ceremonies were attended by over 5,000 people from 110 countries. Live video coverage of the public opening ceremony was provided on the Bahá'í World News Service website for approximately 90 minutes and the video recording has been made available at that website.
Specifics
Foundation Stone: Construction Period: 2013 – October 2016 Site Dedication:13-16 October 2016 Architect: Siamak Hariri Landscape Architect: Juan Grimm Seating: Dimensions:2,415 square-metre (26,000 square-feet) Cost: approximately $30m Dependencies: References: BWNS800, BWNS921, BWNS940, BWNS959, BWNS982, BWNS1123, BWNS1125, BWNS1055, BWNS1199 |
Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Santiago; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Mother Temples; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Quick facts; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Siamak Hariri; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; Architecture; Awards; - Architects; Juan Grimm; Counsellors; Marble; Gardens; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Dedications; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Santiago, Chile; Chile | |
2016 26 Oct 201- |
The report from the offices of the Bahá'í International Community entitled The Bahá'í Question Revisited: Persecution and Resilience in Iran was formally released.
|
Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution; Bahá'í International Community; Human Rights; United Nations; - BIC statements; Iran; New York, USA; USA | |
2016 24 Nov 201- |
From her cell in Evin prison, In a open letter to her six-month old granddaughter, Bajar, Fariba Kamalabadi one of the members of the imprisoned Yaran of Iran, wrote about the suffering of the Bahá'í citizens and of her dreams for humanity. [Iran Press Watch 16140] | Yaran; Evin Prison; Prisons; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Tehran, Iran; Iran | |
2016 25 Nov 201- |
In a message addressed to the Bahá'ís of the World on of the Day of the Covenant, the Universal House of Justice marked the beginning of a new five-year term of service for the Auxiliary Board Members and announced an augmentation in the number of members by 144 bringing the total to 1,134 members distributed evenly between the Propagation and the Protection Boards.
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Auxiliary board members; Assistants; Statistics; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2016 27 Nov 201- |
In Yemen, Nadim al-Sakkaf and his brother Nader, who were detained from August 10th, were unexpectedly released from prison in Sana'a. Their release, it was believed, was in no small part due to the relentless advocacy of their wives Ruhiyeh al-Sakkaf and Nafheh al-Sakkaf. Their friend Kaiwan Mohamed Ali Qadri, who was arrested in the same raid, remained in custody. [Religion News Service 20161129] |
Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2017 Jan 201- |
The publication of Training Institutes: Attaining a Higher Level of Functioning by the International Teaching Centre. This comprehensive document prepared by the International Teaching Centre in January 2017 provides an in depth analysis of the guidance about the main sequence of courses, the junior youth spiritual empowerment program, the program for the spiritual education of children and the processes involved in developing institutional capacity. | Training Institutes; - Institute process; * Publications; - International Teaching Centre, Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2017 7 Jan 201- |
The body of Ahmad Fanaiyan was found with numerous burns all over his body in Semnan, Semnan Province. He was a respected and elderly man. [Persian-Bahá'í1147 | Persecution, Iran; Ahmad Fanaiyan; Semnan, Iran; Iran | |
2017 18 Jan 201- |
The announcement of the publication of Days of Remembrance: Selections from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh for Bahá'í Holy Days by the Bahá'í World Centre. It is also made available in electonic format from Bahá'í Reference Library at Days of Remembrance: Selections from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh for Baha'i Holy Days. [BWNS1148] | Days of Remembrance (book); Holy days; * Bahá'u'lláh, Writings of; * Publications; * Translation; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2017 15 Feb 201- |
The Bahá'í International Community announced the launch of a website for the Bahá'ís of Iran at Bahaisofiran.org. "Although the official website of the worldwide Bahá'í community had recently been made available in Persian and a number of other languages, the new "Baha'is of Iran" website was the first website of the Bahá'í community of Iran. This development was especially important at a time when a large volume of anti-Bahá'í propaganda had proliferated in that country. Since 2013 alone, more than 20,000 such pieces had been disseminated in Iran's media." [BWNS1152, The Baha'i Question Revisited]
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Websites; Internet; * Publications; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; Iran | |
2017 23 Feb 201- |
Plans for the construction of the local Bahá'í House of Worship in Agua Azul, a village in Norte del Cauca, Colombia, reached an important milestone. Construction officially began in January after building contracts were formalized with a local firm in the region.
[BWNS1153]
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Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Norte del Cauca, Colombia; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Agua Azul, Colombia; North Caucasus; Colombia | |
2017 3 Mar 201- |
The publication of Toward Prosperity The Role of Women and Men in Building a Flourishing World Civilization, the Bahá'í International Community's contribution to the 61st United Nations Commission on the Status of Women which took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 13 to 24 March 2017 as a follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women and to the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly entitled "Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century". [BIC Statements] | Toward Prosperity; New York, USA; New York, USA | |
2017 19 Apr 201- |
Houthi-Saleh political security officers arrested Walid Ayyash, Mahmood Humaid, and Badi'u'llah Sanai, all members of the Bahá'í community, at a checkpoint near the city border of Hudiedah. Sanai was released one week later, but was re-arrested in May. All three remain detained, their whereabouts unknown. [UN News Centre 22 May 2017]
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Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Yemen | |
2017 25 Apr 201- |
The formation of the human rights organization, "The Yemeni Initiative for Defending Bahá'í Rights". [Facebook page] | Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Yemen | |
2017 28 Apr 201- |
Amnesty International sent a Joint Public Statement to the Huthi-Saleh authorities in Yemen calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Hamid Haydara. The document can be downloaded from the Amnesty International site. | Yemen; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Amnesty International; Yemen | |
2017 May 201- |
The International Teaching Centre published The Five Year Plan 2011-2016: Summary of Achievements and Learning that had been prepared under their supervision. It elaborated on the accomplishments of the Five Year Plan under the headings: Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops, Social Action, Participating in the Discourses of Society, and Developments at the Bahá'í World Centre. | Five Year Plan; - Teaching Plans; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2017 5 May 201- |
The film Changing the World, One Wall at a Time was premiered in Harlem on the 5th of May and in Los Angeles on the 5th of June. The film evolved from shorter videos that were posted from the "Education is not a Crime" campaign and was made by Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Maziar Baharie. [BWNS1173]
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Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution; - Documentaries; Education is not a Crime; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Changing the World, One Wall at a Time; Harlem, NY; New York, USA; Los Angeles, CA; California, USA; USA | |
2017 12 May 201- |
The Bahá'í International Community launched a global campaign calling for the immediate release of the seven Iranian Bahá'í leaders, unjustly imprisoned for nine years as of the 14th of May.
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Yaran; Court cases; Human Rights; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'í International Community; - BIC statements; Iran | |
2017 15 May 201- |
Hundreds of Yemenis gathered in front of the Criminal Prosecution building in the capital city of Sana'a. They were denouncing the arrest of Yemeni citizens of the Bahá'í faith and calling for their release. The demonstrations were not led by the usual human rights crew but by tribal leaders of some of the most influential tribes in the country, prominently that of the Bani Mattar.
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Sheikh Walid Saleh Ayyash; Khalid Al-Mawari; Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Human Rights; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen | |
2017 Jun - Nov 201- |
In Yemen an outbreak of cholera killed 2.100 and affected almost 900,000 others. | Yemen, Recent history; Cholera; Yemen | |
2017 Jun 201- |
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative was launched as an international, multi-faith alliance that works to bring moral urgency and faith-based leadership to global efforts to end tropical deforestation. They provide a platform for religious leaders to work hand-in-hand with indigenous peoples, governments, civil society organizations and businesses on actions that protect rainforests and safeguard the indigenous peoples that serve as their guardians.
The initiative was launched in June of 2017 at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway in a first-of-its-kind summit of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Taoist religious leaders, climate scientists, rainforest experts and indigenous peoples' representatives from Brazil, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Meso-America and Peru. |
Environment; Parliament of the World's Religions; Oslo, Norway; Norway | |
2017 18 Jun 201- |
The plan for the design of the local Mashriqul-Adhkár in Tanna, Vanuatu was announced. Ashkan Mostaghim of Mostaghim & Associates, a firm from Sydney, Australia, was chosen as the Temple's architect. His design was on the shortlist for the Continental Mashriqul-Adhkár in Santiago. [BWNS1175]
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Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Vanuatu; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Local; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Architecture; - Architects; Ashkan Mostaghim; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Tanna, Vanuatu; Vanuatu | |
2017 Jul 201- |
The men who admitted to stabbing and killing Farhang Amiri, a 63-year-old father of four children, in September 2016 in Yazd on the street outside his home in public view were sentenced by a court in Yazd.
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Farhang Amiri; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution, Court cases; Court cases; Human Rights; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Yazd, Iran; Iran | |
2017 1 Aug 201- |
The release of the film The Cost of Discrimination> by Arash Azizi and Maziar Bahari which compared the social costs of discrimination in present day Iran to South Africa under the apartheid regime where, like in Iran, the Dutch Reform Church used their Holy Texts to justify the suppressive measures taken against people of "non-European" origin. | - Film; - Documentaries; Cost of Discrimination; Arash Azizi; Maziar Bahári; Race; Apartheid; Discrimination; - Christianity; - Islam; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; South Africa; Iran | |
2017 25 Aug 201- |
The announcement of the opening of the new Pilgrim Reception Centre.
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Pilgrimage; Pilgrim Reception Centre; Pilgrim Houses; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Bahá'í World Centre; Pilgrims; - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel | |
2017 Sep 201- |
The statement and compilation titled The Institution of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár was released by the Bahá'í World Centre.
See also the message of 2014 to the Bahá'ís of Iran on the subject of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, prayer, and devotional meetings. |
* Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Prayer; Devotional gatherings; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2017 1 - 2 Sep 201- |
The opening of Cambodia's first "Local House of Worship" in Battambang, just over two years after the design of the building was unveiled in July 2015. News of this project was announced in 2012 along with other projects in Bihar Sharif, India; Matunda Soy, Kenya; Norte del Cauca, Colombia; and Tanna, Vanuatu.
Specifics
Design unveiled:July 2015 Groundbreaking ceremony: 14 November, 2015 Construction Period:January 2016 to September 2017 Site Dedication: 1 September, 2017 Architect: Tang Sochet Vitou Architectural firm: Architecture Design Intelligence (ADI) Seating: Dimensions: Inside height 11.8m Cost: Dependencies: References: [BWNS906, BWNS1062, BWNS1082, BWNS1100, BWNS1120, BWNS1137, BWNS1157, BWNS1185, BWNS1187, BWNS1189, BWNS1190 (slide show), BWNS1191 (video), BWNS1192] |
* Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Local; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Battambang, Cambodia; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; Architecture; - Architects; Tang Sochet Vitou; - Basic timeline, Expanded; * Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Quick facts; Dedications; Firsts, other; Gardens; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Battambang, Cambodia; Cambodia | first Local Mashriqu’l-Adhkar in the world. |
2017 18 Sep 201- |
The release of the film entitled World Peace - A Bahai Vision.
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- Documentaries; Los Altos, CA; USA | |
2017 19 Sep 201- |
Mahvash Sabet, one of the seven members of the former leadership group of the Bahá'ís in Iran known as the Yaran, was released after 10 years of confinement in Iran's notorious Evin and Raja'i Shahr prisons.
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Yaran; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Court cases; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Court cases; Human Rights; Evin Prison; Rajai Shahr prison; Prisons; - Poetry; Lasse Thoresen; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Karaj, Iran; Iran | |
2017 28 Sep 201- |
The Universal House of Justice announced the launch of a new website, created in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Persian. This portal will be used to share news of the commemoration of the Twin Holy Days throughout the world. |
Bahá'u'lláh, Birth of; Centenaries; Twin Holy days; Holy days; Websites; Internet; * Publications; * Translation; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2017 Sep 201- |
Arrests of Bahá'ís in Yemen drew international censure which led to a United Nations resolution, titled "Human Rights, Technical Assistance and Capacity-building in Yemen". It was introduced by Egypt on behalf of the Arab Group and supported by the entire UN Human Rights Council—calling for the immediate release of all Bahá'í detainees. The Council was the principal human rights body at the UN and was composed of 47 members who are elected by the General Assembly based on equitable geographic distribution. |
Persecution, Yemen; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution; United Nations; Human Rights; Geneva, Switzerland; Switzerland; Yemen | |
2017 18 Oct 201- |
The release of the film Light to the World. The 51 minute film recounted the story of Bahá'u'lláh's remarkable life and the impact of His teachings on communities around the world. [BWNS1208] | Light to the World (film); - Film; - Documentaries; - Documentaries, BWC; * Bahaullah (chronology); - Institute process; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Basic timeline, Expanded; Centenaries; - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2017 18 - 22 Oct 201- |
The Iranian Bahá'í community was targeted during the bicentenary period. Between 18 and 21 October, some 19 individuals were arrested in Kermanshah, Tehran, and Birjand, and the homes 25 Baha'is were raided. Twenty-six Bahá'í-owned shops around the country were sealed off by authorities because the owners observed the Holy Day on 21 October. These closures occurred in Shiraz, Marvdasht, Gorgan, and Gonbad. [BWNS1215] | Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Bahá'u'lláh, Birth of; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Iran; Kirmánsháh, Iran; Tehran, Iran; Bírjand, Iran; Shíráz, Iran; Marvdasht, Iran; Gorgan, Iran; Gonbad, Iran | |
2017 20 - 22 Oct 201- |
Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh
From the time of the setting of the sun on October 21st in Kiribati, an island republic in the Central Pacific just west of the International Date Line, until sunset in Hawaii on the 22nd of October, 72 hours later, celebrations were held in thousands of localities throughout the world commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh. Coverage on the bicentenary website began soon after 8:00 GMT on 20 October and concluded at 4:00 GMT on 23 October documenting some of the thousands of celebrations. [BWNS1201, BWNS1203, BWNS1205, BWNS1206, BWNS1207, BWNS1208, BWNS1209, BWNS1210, BWNS1211, BWNS1221, BWNS1213, BWNS1214, BWNS1216, BWNS1218] |
Bahá'u'lláh, Birth of; Twin Holy days; Holy days; Centenaries; Websites; Internet; * Publications; Stamps; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Worldwide | |
2017 22 Oct 201- |
The bicentenary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh was commemorated around the world. A multi-lingual web page was implemented to track the celebrations. [BWNS1212] | Bahá'u'lláh, Birth of; Twin Holy days; Holy days; * Bahaullah (chronology); Centenaries; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); - Bahá'í World Centre | |
2017 22 Oct 201- |
Yemeni security forces raided a Bahá'í gathering in Sana'a opening fire on the small group of people assembled to commemorate the bicentenary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh. The attack occurred in the family home of prominent tribal leader Walid Ayyash, who had been abducted in April and whose whereabouts were unknown. The attackers were reportedly in four cars and an armored vehicle which they used to break down the front door of the house. They arrested Mr. Ayyash's brother, Akram Ayyash. |
Persecution, Yemen; Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Other; - Persecution; Bahá'u'lláh, Birth of; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Walid Ayyash; Sanaa, Yemen; Yemen; Iran |
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