Bahá'ís of the Heartland States
Bahá'ís, and those who join with them, across these three states are working together alongside their neighbors and networks in a humble posture of learning to transform our inner and outer reality -- to build just, peaceful, and unified neighborhoods and communities. We are part of a global community seeking peace and social transformation.
Striving for Racial Justice
A Message from the Regional Bahá'í Council on the Elimination of Prejudice
Dear Friends, as we labor with our family, friends and neighbors to eliminate all forms of prejudice, especially the most vital and challenging issue in America, racism, we offer this collection of resources to guide your study, consultation, action, and reflection. It is through a learning process that continues to engage ever greater numbers that we can begin to understand and overcome these blights on our society and create justice, peace, and well-being for all.
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The Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, offered a letter now termed the “Advent of Divine Justice” to the friends in the United States in 1938 on this topic. To view the “Advent of Divine Justice” (Click here for PDF document)
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The Universal House of Justice, the Bahá'í administrative body for the world, has offered many letters on this topic, the most recent of which is offered here, dated 22 July 2020. (Click for PDF of 2020 0722 Letter)
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The Bahá'í administrative body for the United States, the National Spiritual Assembly, most recently wrote two letters, which are also provided here.
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National Spiritual Assembly — Forging a path to Racial Justice — Juneteenth 2020 (Click for PDF of 2020 0619 Letter)
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National Spiritual Assembly — Call to Action — June 3rd, 2021 (Click for PDF of 2021 0603 Letter)
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Additional publications addressing this topic are available at the Bahá'í bookstore: https://www.bahaibookstore.com/All/Social-and-Global-Issues/Racial-Equality
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We are eager to hear of your efforts engaging in a process of learning to address and overcome these challenges. If other resources prove useful, they will be added.
Let us know of your successes. Write to: secretariat@rbcheartland.org
Also, be sure to read "A Spiritual Path to Unity & Social Justice. Click on the icon image below to access information about this publication.
A recent publication, also available in print, referred to as "In Pursuit of a More Superb Mission - Exploring a Framework for the Elimination of Racial Prejudice in America" is available by clicking here.
Another Race Unity Resource
(Click icon to access)
“Forging a path to racial justice”
The National Spiritual Assembly Statement of June 19, 2020,
to the American People on the Elimination of Racial Prejudice.
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“The Bahá’ís of the United States join our fellow-citizens in heartfelt grief at the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others whose lives were suddenly taken by appalling acts of violence. These heartbreaking violations against fellow human beings, due only to the color of their skin, have deepened the dismay caused by a pandemic whose consequences to the health and livelihoods of people of color have been disproportionately severe. This has come to pass against a backdrop of long standing racial injustice in virtually every aspect of American life. It is clear that racial prejudice is the most vital and challenging issue we face as a country."
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“Yet, amidst these tragedies, there are also signs of hope.”
[To see entire statement, click “Forging a Path” link above.]
Indepth information for you to view
Race Unity in America
The Bahá’í community and the struggle for race unity in the US from 1912 to now (click image above)