The Bahá'í Community of New Tecumseth

Cobourg, Ontario, 10 April 2012 (CBNS)— Evelyn Loft Watts and Patricia Verge have co-authored a landmark biography of Canada’s first Bahá’ís of Aboriginal ancestry, Melba and Jim Loft. Return to Tyendinaga: The Story of Jim and Melba Loft, Bahá’í Pioneers, is a work of the heart for both women, developed shortly after their friendship began twelve years ago. The publication is particularly special for Evelyn, not only as it chronicles her faith’s beginnings with Canada’s Aboriginal peoples, but because it traces the spiritual roots of her own family. Read the full story on the Canadian Bahá'í News Service: http://www.bahainews.ca/ Full story

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 story

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 story

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 story

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 story

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 story

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 story

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 story

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 story

New York, NY - Canadian university graduates among Baha'i educators on trial in Iran Full story

With sorrowful hearts we share with you news of the passing of Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani in the early hours of 14 September 2011, .... Full story

"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 story

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 story

Baha'i National Convention elects members to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. Full story

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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