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Australian Baha'i Community

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25.01.2022 The Baha’i International Community has just confirmed that six prominent Baha’is have been released from prison after being wrongfully detained for several years by the Houthi authorities in Sana’a, Yemen. Following these releases, the Baha’i International Community has called for the lifting of all charges against these six individuals and the other Baha’is charged, the return of their assets and properties, and, most importantly, the safeguarding of the rights of all Baha’is in Yemen to live according to their beliefs without risk of persecution. Baha'i World News Service

25.01.2022 More than 250 Australian health practitioners have signed an open letter expressing their concern about the human rights pressures faced by the Bahai community in Iran that have escalated amid the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.smh.com.au//as-covid-19-hits-iran-australian-h The Sydney Morning Herald

23.01.2022 During these extraordinary times it’s been good to hear some heartfelt stories of gratitude. Dellaram Vreeland speaks on Once Upon a Lockdown podcast (from 5mins) about gratitude during #COVID19Aus and how the Baha’i Faith inspires her during these testing times. #Bahai #AusBahai #lockdown #gratitude #onceuponalockdown https://omny.fm/shows/once-upon-a-lockdown/being-grateful

23.01.2022 Watch the video and read the full story of how the Australian Prime Minister and national leaders have marked the community’s centenary at Parliament.

23.01.2022 Baha’is across Australia are continuing to find creative ways to celebrate the 100years of the Faith in the country. Recently, two choirs have released songs to mark the centenary. Due to the pandemic the choirs had to find a way to practice the arrangement and then bring it all together. Every member of the choir had to pre-record their section. Then the Conductor and technicians had to carefully edit and arrange the videos, ensuring the integrity of the sound was maintained.... Here we share with you two songs: one from the Australian Bahá'í Choral Festival, which is held annually, and the words are from the Baha’i writings, and the other from the Virtual Soul Choir (commissioned by the Ballarat Bahá’í Community) are words from a Baha’i prayer. Each choir is made up of people from across Australia and around the world, from different backgrounds and faiths. Each has its own unique characteristics, demonstrating the possibilities of creative initiatives. Australian Baha’i Choral Festival: Path of Thy love - https://youtu.be/kTp1HLYnk04 Virtual Soul Choir: Song of Celebration - https://youtu.be/JlEka7idwas #AusBahai #AustralianBahaiCentenary #AustralianBahaiChoralFestival #VirtualSoulChoir #BahaiChoirs #Bahai #virtualchoir

23.01.2022 On 10 November 2020, Jason Falinski MP, whose electorate is home to the Bahá’í Temple, together with the Australian Baha'i Community co-hosted a reception at Parliament House in Canberra to mark the Birth of Baha'u'llah and the Centenary of the Baha'i Community in Australia. The occasion was attended in-person and online by Federal Members of Parliament and guests from across the country. Video messages to the Australian Baha'i Community from both the Prime Minister, The Hon ...Scott Morrison (ScoMo) MP, and the Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese MP, were broadcasted. The proceedings included remarks from representatives from both sides of Parliament; a brief account of the developments of the Baha'i Community over the past century by a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly; a live musical performance of "Rain over the Ashes"--a piece written as a tribute to the professional and volunteer firefighters who battled the 2019-20 summer bushfires; a chance to mingle and connect, including in online breakout rooms; and closed with a recording of "Song of Celebration", which was composed by the Ballarat Bahá’í Community and performed by a virtual choir. See more

22.01.2022 As part of the ‘Creating an Inclusive Narrative’ project roundtables, this particular roundtable was held online with youth representatives from around the country. They explored themes around oneness, education, participation, the importance of frank and open dialogue between peoples, and the unique role youth play in advancing social cohesion in Australia. During the course of this project, the Australian Baha’i Community invited representatives of organisations, religious ...and cultural communities, the media, corporations, academia, think tanks, institutions and government to contribute to this national conversation on social cohesion through a series of roundtable discussions. Podcasts of these sessions offer some of the insights, experiences and pathways for action shared by participants during the roundtable consultations, for all to benefit from and to be part of the journey. https://www.oea.bahai.org.au//social-cohesion-podcast-seri #AusBahai #SocialCohesion #inclusivenarrativeproject2020 #SocialInclusion #Podcast #Youth #YouthCanMoveTheWorld

21.01.2022 Thanks Tasmanian Council of Social Service Inc for spreading the word! You are invited to an online roundtable discussion aimed at strengthening social cohesion in Australia. These roundtables are an integral aspect of a national project being facilitated by the Australian Baha'i Community to collectively ‘Create an Inclusive Narrative’ for our country. This is a narrative which is to be a bigger story of us, a story that must speak to us all speak to who we have been and allow for who we may become, and a story that will help form a common centre to bring us closer together, unifying our country.

20.01.2022 Australia's Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese MP, recorded a video message to the Australian Baha'i Community to mark the anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah and the Centenary of the Baha'i Faith in Australia. The message was played at a Parliament House reception on 10 November 2020, attended by Federal Members of Parliament and guests, in Canberra to celebrate the occasion. Held under COVID-19 restrictions, the reception was broadcast on Zoom.

20.01.2022 The Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly of Motibasti, Nepal, is looking at what it can do to enhance the community’s capacity to produce its own food. It has been consulting weekly since the start of the pandemic to help identify and meet the needs of the community. Recently, it has been connecting returning migrant workers with opportunities to farm uncultivated plots belonging to area residents. Our attitude is not one of dependence, where some people have everything and others are lacking... we see how all can contribute to the community. This is an aspect of the Baha’i principle of the oneness of humanity: that all are one family and all prioritize for the needs of others. Says a local resident.

19.01.2022 Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall MP, together with Jing Lee, MLC Assistant Minister to the Premier, extended their best wishes to the South Australian Baha’i community for the upcoming Twin Holy Days. It is fair to say 2020 has been a difficult year for South Australians of all ages, first with the bushfires and now as we continue to adapt to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The teachings of the Bab and Baha'u'llah strive for peace, harmony, equity and respe...ct. These principles foster deep and meaningful connections within our diverse communities, bringing people together, building friendships and offering support. The upcoming celebration provides a special opportunity to reflect on the events and challenges of the past year and to focus on how to be a better person in the year ahead. Please convey to your colleagues, friends and loved ones our sincere best wishes for this special occasion.

18.01.2022 The pandemic has meant Bahá’ís throughout Australia continue to celebrate the centenary of the Baha’i Faith in Australia in unique and creative ways, including through ongoing conversations and friendships with their Members of Parliament, as captured here by Dr Mike Freelander MP

18.01.2022 The Creating an Inclusive Narrative publication, which has been the culmination of 50 nationwide roundtables held over the past year, is now available! It captures the insights and experiences distilled from hundreds of roundtable participants, representing the diverse voices of communities and groups that convey the vision, hopes and aspirations of Australians to foster a socially cohesive society. When we are in a socially cohesive society, our engagements are more about ...transformation. When we are notour engagements are purely transactional. So, we want to be able to go from being transactional to transformational. This is a gift from the Australian Baha’i Community to the Australian society. It is the sincere hope of those involved in this consultative process that its findings and content are helpful and applicable in every neighbourhood, community, organisation, institution and in government. To download a copy, click the link below! https://www.oea.bahai.org.au/inclusive-narrative-project #AusBahai #SocialCohesion #InclusiveNarrativeProject2020 #SocialInclusion #AusBahai100

18.01.2022 Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has condemned the injustice faced by the Baha'is in Iran following a recent meeting with Dubbo's Nasser Sedghi. "People are being imprisoned for not committing a crime but for their belief in education and equal rights for women, and their support of a religion that only preaches peace and goodwill to their fellow man." https://www.dailyliberal.com.au//concerns-raised-over-the/... Mark Coulton MP Daily Liberal Nasser Sedghi See more

16.01.2022 Brisbane and Melbourne Podcasts on social cohesion are now available! These particular roundtables have taken place online, amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Participants in both podcasts offer valuable insights on how the pandemic has impacted social cohesion in Australian society. The Creating an Inclusive Narrative roundtables are continuing in all states and territories across Australia. The Australian Baha’i Community has invited representatives of organisations, religious and... cultural communities, the media, corporations, academia, think tanks, institutions and government to contribute to the national conversation on social cohesion. These podcasts offer insights, experiences and pathways for action shared by participants during the roundtable consultations, for all to benefit from and to be part of the journey. https://www.oea.bahai.org.au/blog #Bahai #AusBahai #SocialCohesion #InclusiveNarrativeProject2020 #COVID #podcast #socialcohesionpodcast

13.01.2022 Over the past year, we have been hosting roundtables on social cohesion and hearing about the learnings, opportunities, and challenges. We are EXCITED to announce that we will be holding a National Conference on Social Cohesion and Inclusion. Mark your diaries and SAVE THE DATE! 16 - 20 November 2020, we will be virtually connecting to continue to explore the impact of the pandemic, social and economic inequalities, and constructive steps to strengthening social cohesion in ...Australia. The conference will consist of a line up of keynote addresses, presentations, panels, Q&As and break-out discussions to delve deeper into understanding the opportunities for advancing social cohesion and learning from the experience of other conference participants. Program and Registration details will be shared shortly. #AusBahai #SocialCohesion #InclusiveNarrativeProject2020 #socialinclusion #AusBahai100

13.01.2022 The Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Scott Morrison (ScoMo) MP, recorded a video message to the Australian Baha'i Community to mark the anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah and the Centenary of the Baha'i Faith in Australia. The message was played at a Parliament House reception on 10 November 2020, attended by Federal Members of Parliament and guests, in Canberra to celebrate the occasion. Held under COVID-19 restrictions, the reception was broadcast on Zoom.

12.01.2022 We are delighted to share some of the keynote speakers and panelists for this year’s Social Cohesion and Inclusion Conference. Speaking at the conference opening will be Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, the Governor of New South Wales, and Dr. Brian Adams, Director of the Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue at Griffith University. This first session will include: an address on the role of leadership in strengthening social cohesion; officially lau...nching the ‘Creating an Inclusive Narrative’ publication; and looking at advancements, lessons learnt and the obstacles in fostering social cohesion. Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/social-cohesion-conference-2020 #AusBahai #SocialCohesion #InclusiveNarrativeProject2020 #socialinclusion #AusBahai100

12.01.2022 The purpose of our lives is to be of service to others and our communities. We are delighted that Fari Rameshfar has been recognized for his continued and selfless service to remote communities and cattle stations in Far North Queensland by delivering fresh food for the last 30 years by being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. Fari says: When we think of our life, it should be a life of service to others. It's not all about me, it's what I can do for the community, for the people.

10.01.2022 The Australian Baha’i Community recently hosted a webinar entitled Bouncing Back or Bouncing Forward? Shaping a post-pandemic society. In this webinar, renowned sociologist and author Hugh Mackay AO and Baha’i Representative, Ida Walker, explored the lessons learned from the pandemic, and the ways we might change as a result. Discussions looked at how we respond to our heightened sense of our interconnectedness, and how we might rethink our values, reset our priorities and ...reconsider the ways we approach our relationships, our work, and our institutions. "The pandemic is bringing out compassion in people. Everything is empty (restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping centres): this is a mass act of compassion: we are willing to sacrifice our old ways of living and stay home to care for others.... Compassion is like a tough mental discipline. It’s more like motivation: I’m going to be compassionate because it’s the only way we can build a thriving local neighbourhood and build a civilised society Because we want to see ourselves as a civilised society, compassion is the way human societies can flourish." - Hugh Mackay.

10.01.2022 Hundreds of Australian medical practitioners from the Baha'i community and their colleagues have signed an open letter calling for an end to the persecution of the religious minority in Iran. "This pandemic has made evident our interconnectedness as one humanity sharing a common home, where an outbreak of disease-causing pain and suffering in one part of the planet has implications for us all," the letter continued. https://www.sbs.com.au//an-australian-doctor-who-wasn-t-al... SBS News See more

10.01.2022 In the face of an escalating health pandemic, the Iranian authorities have ramped up their persecution of the Baha’is, targeting at least 71 individuals across the country in recent weeks. Reports of new threats to uproot the community in Shiraz.... How can Iran’s government honour its sacred duty to the wellbeing of its people if it aims to uproot a community of law-abiding citizens? The Baha’is targeted in these incidents, and indeed all Baha’is facing discrimination, ar...e innocent and must be free of religious persecution. #IranianBahais #Bahais #Persecution #HumanRights #FreedomOfReligion Baha'i International Community - Situation of the Baha'is in Iran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWYKpzJwk34

07.01.2022 Great to see the recent article from Baha'i World News Service being shared by The Walkley Foundation!

04.01.2022 "Since the pandemic began conversations on racial and economic disparities, conceptions of ‘us’ and ‘them’, and lack of participation in decision-making processes have gained prominence in Australia. These and other issues were explored in an online seminar held last week by the Australian Baha’i Office of External Affairs as part of its efforts to contribute to the public discourse on social cohesion."

04.01.2022 The Iranian authorities have escalated their persecution of the Baha’is subjecting them to the constant threat of imprisonment under these circumstances and emotional anguish associated with it is yet another attempt to place greater strain on the community. And to do all this during a health crisis, at an alarmingly escalated rate without any justification whatsoever, is extremely cruel and outrageous. #IranianBahais #Bahais #Persecution #HumanRights #FreedomOfReligion Baha'i International Community - Situation of the Baha'is in Iran https://news.bahai.org/story/1433/

03.01.2022 Join us Monday 19 October, for the live-stream at the Temple to celebrate the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. Mirza Husayn-Ali, who is known to the world by His title, B...aha’u’llah, was born in Tehran, Iran in 1817. Baha’u’llah means Glory of God in Arabic, and is the Prophet-founder of the Baha’i Faith. Bahá’u’lláh established a religion whose principal teachings are the oneness of humanity, the oneness of religion and the oneness of God. The appearance of Bahá’u’lláh has been likened to a spiritual springtime, destined to spread peace and unity around the globe. This is the Day in which God’s most excellent favors have been poured out upon men, the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness. Bahá'u'lláh.

03.01.2022 Persecution in Pandemic- an analysis from Dr Natalie Mobini concerning the esculation of persecutions faced by the Baha'i community in Iran via Australian Institute of International Affairs - National Office "In recent months, members of Iran’s Bahá’í community have been facing a double threat. Not only is the risk of infections from the coronavirus epidemic gripping their nation, a tide of religious persecution is also rising. In recent weeks, more than 77 Bahá’ís across ei...ght provinces have been arrested, summoned to court, tried, sentenced to jail, imprisoned, or re-incarcerated. In the city of Shiraz, the fabled abode of poets and roses, 40 Bahá’ís have been summoned to court where a judicial official has threatened to uproot the longstanding Bahá’í community. Already seven Bahá’ís in Shiraz have been sentenced for up to 13 years imprisonment, after the court found that their efforts to protect the environment and to help with children’s education constituted propaganda against the regime and forming groups against the regime." #humanrights #Iran #Bahai #covid19

01.01.2022 Registration for the 2020 National Conference on Social Cohesion and Inclusion is now OPEN! There is a 90min online session each day focusing on a different theme: - Official Launch of Creating an Inclusive Narrative Publication - Reflections on social cohesion and the role of leadership - Reflections on Creating an Inclusive Narrative ... - The impact of the pandemic on social cohesion - Social and economic inequalities REGISTER NOW: https://events.humanitix.com/social-cohesion-conference-2020 #AusBahai #SocialCohesion #InclusiveNarrativeProject2020 #socialinclusion #AusBahai100

01.01.2022 The 2020 National Conference on Social Cohesion and Inclusion starts today! The program line-up includes outstanding speakers, panelists and moderators, and themes that are sure to inspire us to strengthen social cohesion in our country. 1. A photo collage of participants from roundtables and podcast recordings 2. Conference program pg 1 3. Conference program pg 2... You can still register for sessions: https://events.humanitix.com/social-cohesion-conference-2020 #AusBahai #AusBahai100 #Bahai #SocialCohesion #Inclusion #inclusivenarrativeproject2020 #Australia #AustralianSociety