Racial Justice, Community Building and Covid
Racism: A profound deviation from the standard of true morality
In recognition of the mass protests calling for racial justice in the United States, the international governing council of the global Baha’i community wrote a powerful letter to the American Baha’i community, challenging us to recognize and root out racial prejudice from ourselves and our communities, and transform relationships at all levels of society by channeling Divine love into every conversation and interaction in our lives.
Racism is a profound deviation from the standard of true morality. It deprives a portion of humanity of the opportunity to cultivate and express the full range of their capability and to live a meaningful and flourishing life, while blighting the progress of the rest of humankind. It cannot be rooted out by contest and conflict. It must be supplanted by the establishment of just relationships among individuals, communities, and institutions of society that will uplift all and will not designate anyone as “other.” The change required is not merely social and economic, but above all moral and spiritual.
– Universal House of Justice, 22 July 2020
The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Pittsburgh has spent the last few months learning and consulting with the community to craft an effective response to this moment and its unique potential.
Promoting Racial Justice in Our Networks: In line with the community’s longstanding emphasis on social change through meaningful conversations and relationships based on respect and love, a group will begin meeting virtually to focus on strategizing together on elevating spiritual conversations in our natural networks of friends, neighbors, family and coworkers, and forming social action nuclei that can work to promote racial justice.
Community Study of The Advent of Divine Justice: The seminal 1938 letter from the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, Shoghi Effendi, to the Baha’is of the United States laid out in unflinching terms our responsibility to make elimination of racial prejudice the watchword of every activity and interaction in our communities, personal lives, professional settings and social circles. The Guardian warns of the dire consequences of unchecked racial inequality and prejudice, which unfortunately we are seeing around us more than ever. This online study course will feature study sessions, personal reflection, group discussions, and service and action steps moving forward. Learn more about this short but foundational book here.
Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice
If you would like to participate in either of these activities, please contact us.
Community Building and Covid
In addition to the racial justice events above, the community of Baha’is, their friends and neighbors continues to carry out a “mighty spiritual enterprise” through the core activities during the pandemic.
The core activities constitute capacity-building endeavors where people of any faith or no faith can establish just relationships and build peaceful communities through ongoing learning, conversation and service.
Many activities have moved online, but some small and physically distanced gatherings are taking place in parks, on front porches and back yards for as long as the weather permits.
…the principle of uppermost importance is always a heartfelt concern for the health of the Bahá’ís, their families, friends, and collaborators in the wider community, particularly those who are at greatest risk. Additionally, it is advisable to examine thoroughly the instructions provided by local medical and governmental agencies.
Regional Baha’i Council for the Northeastern States, September 23, 2020
If you would like find out more about what activities are available, or request to join or start an activity, please contact us!
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