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Quotes on Race Taken From the Baha'i Holy Writings
The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Baha'u'llah, implies that establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united...It does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity of ethical origins, of climate, of history, of language and traditions, of thought and habit, that differentiate the peoples and nations of the world. It calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the human race.
Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah , 203, 41-42
All humanity are the children of God; they belong to the same family, the same original race...This signifies that racial assumption and distinction are nothing but superstition. In the estimate of God there are no English, French, Germans, Turkish or Persians. All these in the presence of God are equal; they are of one race and creation; God did not make these distinctions. These distinctions have had their origin in man himself...Indeed, the world of humanity is like one kindred and one family. Because of the climatic differences of the zones, through the passing of ages colors have become different. In the torrid zone, on account of the intensity of the effect of the sun throughout the ages the black race appeared. In the frigid zone, on account of the severity of the cold and the ineffectiveness of the heat of the sun throughout the ages, the white race appeared.. In the temperate zone, the yellow, brown, and red races came into existence. But in reality mankind is one race. Because it is of one race unquestionably there must be unity and harmony and no separation or discord.
'Abdu'l-Baha , The Promulgation of Universal Peace, 299
Baha'u'llah has proclaimed the oneness of the world of humanity. He has caused various nations and divergent creeds to unite. He has declared that difference of race and color is like the variegated beauty of flowers in a garden. If you enter a garden, you will see yellow, white, blue, red flowers in profusion and beauty 'Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, 68-69
The Baha'i Faith seeks to maintain cultural diversity while promoting the unity of all peoples. Indeed, such diversity will enrich the tapestry of hum life in a peaceful world society...in every country it is quite appropriate for the cultural traditions of the people to be observed within the Baha'i community as long as they are not contrary to the teachings.
The Universal House of Justice, The Pupil of the Eye, 71-72
Baha'is believe that nothing "but the celestial potency of the Word of God which ruleth and transcendeth the realities of all things, is capable of harmonizing the divergent thoughts, sentiments, ideas, and convictions of the children of men. Verily, it is the penetrating power in all thins, the mover of souls and the binder and regulator in the world of humanity." 'Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, 292
'Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, 292
It is difficult to always remember that in matters where race enters, a hundred times more consideration and wisdom in handling situations is necessary than when an issue is not complicated by this factor.
Shoghi Effendi, The Pupil of the Eye, 87
The Administrative Order of the Baha'i Faith provides numerous channels for individuals to express themselves, which is looked at not just as a matter of principle, but the right of every member of the community to offer fully and frankly any suggestions or recommendations that they may. Individuals are encouraged to talk with their Local Spiritual Assembly, their National Spiritual Assembly, their Counselor, or Auxiliary Board Member, if they feel that an issue warrants their attention. The Nineteen Day Feast is also an ideal opportunity for Baha'is to express their concerns and feelings about their own individual community.
The Universal House of Justice, Individual Rights and Freedoms, 24-25
As stated by Shoghi Effendi, issue of race affect everyone in our society, regardless of what color they are. For whites he suggest that a supreme effort be made to overcome any sense of either inherent or subconscious sense of superiority that has developed through the ages as racial problems have grown and festered. White should work to develop intimate friendships, and not become impatient because "of any lack of responsiveness on the part of a people who have received, for so long a period, such grievous and slow-healing wounds." Blacks likewise have their own part to play by displaying, in every way possible, "the warmth of their response, their readiness to forget the past and their ability to wipe out every trace of suspiciaon that may still linger in their hearts and minds."
Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, 40
Unlike the nations and peoples of the earth, be they of the East or of the West, democratic or authoritarian, communist or capitalist, whether belonging to the Old World or the New, who either ignore, trample upon, or extirpate, the racial, religious, or political minorities within their spheres of their jurisdiction, every organized community enlisted under the banner of Baha'u'llah should feel it to be its first and inescapable obligation to nurture, encourage, and safeguard every minority belonging to any faith, race, class ,or nation within it. So great and vital is this principle that in such circumstances, as when an equal number of ballots have been cast in an election, or where the various races, faiths or nationalities within the community, priority should unhesitatingly be accorded the party representing the minority, and this for no other reason except to stimulate and encourage it, and afford it an opportunity to further the interests of the community.
Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, 35-36
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