Bahá'ís Address Scottish Parliament

A unique and historic event took place on May 30 when Alex Reid, the Parliamentary Officer for the Bahá'í Council for Scotland, lead the Scottish Parliament in prayer in its Time for Reflection session. Echoes of 'Abdu'l Bahá's visit to Edinburgh in 1913, resounded through the chamber as Alex opened his presentation with the prayer which begins, "O Lord! Bestow Thy gracious aid and confirmation upon this just government."
The Parliament was given the greetings of the Bahá'ícommunity and encouraged to view diversity in the positive light explained by 'Abdu'l-Bahá:
"The diversity of the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music, where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord."
Alex finished with the prayer revealed by Bahá'u'lláh in his letter to Queen Victoria in (DATE AND REF), which was specifically directed towards democratic assemblies and parliaments:
"O my God! I ask Thee by Thy Most Glorious Name to aid me in that which will cause the affairs of Thy servants to prosper, and Thy cities to flourish. Thou indeed hast power over all things." (REF)
Those friends present in the public gallery were moved by the dignity, power and force of the presentation, and remarked on the impressive effect which was evident in the attitude and response of the Members of the Scottish Parliament, and the Deputy Presiding Officer, Mr George Reid.
Few doubted that the presence of the Master, who Himself had spoken in Rainy Hall, less than 100 yards from the debating chamber, and had attended a recital in St Giles Catherdral directly opposite, guided the procedings.

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