We welcome all to join us as we work for the unity of mankind and for world peace.
“All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.” ~ Baha'u'llah (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 215)
Canadian Baha’is, in large cities and small towns, and from every conceivable background are dedicated to the creation of a worldwide society built on principles of justice and unity, characterized by the elimination of racial and religious prejudice, and the equality of women and men – where diversity is celebrated and the arts, sciences and a love of learning is encouraged. Baha’is, along with their friends and neighbours are involved in a series of initiatives that include the education of children, the empowering of young people and programs to assist in the development of our spiritual and moral capacities in order to be of greater service to humanity.
"Verily, He (Jesus) said 'Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.' In this day, however, We say: 'Come ye after Me, that We may make you to become the quickeners of mankind.' Lo! This is the Day of Grace! Come ye that I may make you kings of the realm of My Kingdom. If ye obey me you will see that which We have promised you, and I will make you the friends of My Soul in the realm of My Greatness and the Companions of My Beauty in the heaven of My Might forever."
~ Baha'u'llah (Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, p. 91)
WEEKLY QUOTATION in the THURSDAY HERALD (covering South Simcoe):
Feb. 2 - “Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for My Manifestation.” ~ Baha’u’llah
Feb. 9 - "Blessed the slumberer who hath been awakened by My Breeze." ~ Baha'u'llah
Feb. 16 - "Blessed the lifeless one who is quickened by My reviving breaths." ~ Baha'u'llah
Feb. 23 - "Blessed the sore-athirst who hasteneth to the soft-flowing waters of My loving kindness." ~ Baha'u'llah
Recent News
Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock: Canadians Can Help Stop the Persecution of Iran's Baha'is
January 06, 2012
Toronto, Ontario, 5 January 2012 (CBNS) — Two pre-eminent Canadians, Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of Winnipeg and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Allan Rock, President of the University of Ottawa and former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations and federal cabinet minister, have published an eloquent appeal on behalf of the Baha'is of Iran.
Under the title "Canadians Can Help Stop the Persecution of Iran's Baha'is", they write of how "deeply troubled" they are that Baha'is are denied access to university, and express concern that "the brutal regime in Tehran has turned a deaf ear" to the calls to end "systematic persecution of Baha'is".
http://www.bahainews.ca/en/node/703
Full storyConcern for Imprisoned Baha'i Educators Voiced in Senate
December 05, 2011
At the Canadian Senate enquiry into the persecution of Iranian Baha'is, Canada's first Muslim senator has strongly criticized Iran for its prosecution and imprisonment of Baha'i educators. Senator Mobina Jaffer said that it was "unprecedented" that Iran has now criminalized the education of young people.
Full storyIan C. Semple passes
December 01, 2011
Our dearly loved former Universal House of Justice member, Ian C. Semple, staunch, clear-sighted, outstanding servant of the Blessed Beauty passed on Dec. 1 2011. Having embraced the Cause of God in the prime of his youth while at university, he devoted his considerable energies, eloquent pen and keen intellect to its protection and to the promotion of its vital interests throughout the rest of his life. A distinguished record of six decades of uninterrupted labour in the Divine Vineyard included service as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, of the Auxiliary Board for Propagation in Europe and of the International Bahá’í Council, and culminated in forty-two years of membership of the Universal House of Justice from its establishment in 1963 until 2005. The shining qualities of his being, his immense courtesy, surpassing humility, purity of heart, irrepressible joy and unfailing optimism--all born of an unshakeable faith in the Word of God and its capacity to redeem humankind--endeared him to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Full storySenator Romeo Dallaire Speaks Out about the Baha'is
November 30, 2011
Ottawa, ON -- Senator Romeo Dallaire addressed Canada’s Senate on Tuesday 29 November 2011 in one of the most challenging and detailed public indictment of Iran’s treatment of Baha’is.
In his remarks, he noted how “the human rights situation of the Baha’is in Iran is deteriorating...” “Any Iranian who identifies as Baha’i is barred from higher education, from holding a position in the government. . . The similarities with what I saw in Rwanda are absolutely unquestionable, equal, similar and in fact applied with seemingly the same verve.”
Read the full stories on the Canadian Bahá'í News Service: http://www.bahainews.ca/
Full storyCommunity building in the suburbs, Part 2: Impact on Families
November 03, 2011
Study circle participants in the Woodbridge neighbourhood speak about how the core activities are affecting a transformation in their families.
To view this video please visit: www.transformingneighbourhoods.org
Full storyNew website for Youth in Ontario www.lightsoffortitude.org
November 03, 2011
The Guardian said that it is the youth “…who can contribute so decisively to the virility, the purity, and the driving force of the life of the Bahá’í community, and upon whom must depend the future orientation of its destiny, and the complete unfoldment of the potentialities with which God has endowed it.”[
Full storyBaha'is join Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action on Climate Change
October 27, 2011
Ottawa — The Bahá’í Community of Canada has joined dozens of other faith communities and leaders in calling for new approaches to address the challenge of climate change. This initiative is among the first to bring together such a large and diverse number of religious leaders to speak with one voice to an issue of social concern.
Full story: http://www.bahainews.ca/
Full storyBahais Attend Office of Religious Freedom Consultations
October 26, 2011
Ottawa — On October 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird convened a special meeting of about 100 diverse representatives for a consultation on the Government of Canada’s Office of Religious Freedom. Full story: http://www.bahainews.ca/
Full storyCanadian university graduates among Baha'i educators on trial in Iran
October 18, 2011
New York, NY - Canadian university graduates among Baha'i educators on trial in Iran
Full storyMrs. Violette Nakhjavani passes.
September 21, 2011
With sorrowful hearts we share with you news of the passing of Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani in the early hours of 14 September 2011, ....
Full storyDr. Peter Khan passes...
July 17, 2011
"By any measure, his was a remarkable life, one of earnest striving, of unbending resolve, of unflinching dedication to principle, and of constancy of effort," wrote the Universal House of Justice, on learning of Dr. Khan's sudden passing on 15 July.
Full storyU of T hosts conference on persecution of Baha'is
June 02, 2011
June 2/11 — The University of Toronto will be hosting a significant, historic international symposium on the persecution of Baha’is in Iran, July 1-3: “Intellectual Othering and the Baha’i Question in Iran
Full storyElection of National Spiritual Assembly
May 04, 2011
Baha'i National Convention elects members to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.
Full storyResults of consultation of Simcoe Cluster Meeting - April 24
April 26, 2011
20-yr. sentence Baha'i leaders reinstated.
March 30, 2011
New York, 30 March 2011 (BWNS) – Just six months after Iran’s appeal court reduced to 10 years the jail terms handed down to seven Baha’i leaders, the prisoners have been told that their original 20-year sentences have been reinstated.
Full story