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DEAR PARENT ... |
If your son or daughter has become involved with the Bah�'� Faith, you may know very little about it and be worried about its affect on your child. This leaflet is intended to explain what the Bah�'� Faith stands for, and to reassure you that the Bah�'� influence should only be for the good.
Firstly, the Bah�'� Faith is not a cult or sect, it is an independent religion recognised at national and international level. There have been Bah�'�s in the U.K. for over 100 years and to mark the Centenary in 1999, the Prime Minister sent a message of congratulations to the Bah�'� community. The Bah�'� Faith is recognised by the government as one of the 9 major religions in this country and representatives were invited to the interfaith service held at the Palace of Westminster to mark the Millennium.
At international level, the Bah�'�s take a leading role at the United Nations, as one of the non-governmental organisations, using all their influence for world peace. Basic Bah�'� principles include the equality of men and women, education and justice for all, a world government and economic system, and an end to poverty and extreme wealth.
Bah�'�s believe that Bah�'u'll�h, the Founder of the Bah�'� Faith, was the Promised One of all religions, whose teachings will bring an age of peace to the world. Bah�'�s therefore revere the Founders of all the major religions.
Bah�'�s have high moral standards which they strive to live up to. They should be honest, friendly, truthful and kind, and should show respect for everyone, especially for their parents. They should not take drugs or alcohol, nor should they have sexual relationships outside marriage. Bah�'� Sunday Schools and classes teach the above principles, plus the history of the Bah�'� Faith and of other religions.
Bah�'�s regard 15 as the age of spiritual maturity. Children below this age will only be registered as
Bah�'�s with their parents' consent. Bah�'�s believe that family life is very important. Although someone of 15 or over has the right to register themselves as a Bah�'�, this does not mean they have to attend meetings if their parents are against it. Bah�'�s do not wish to cause disunity in a family. The whole purpose of the Bah�'� Faith is to bring unity among people.
Most Bah�'� meetings are open to all. If you would like to understand more about it, please ask for leaflets or books, or visit one of the websites mentioned below. I hope this has put your mind at rest.
From
����A Bah�'� Parent.
Published by, and copyright of, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bah�'�s of Warwick.
Approved by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah�'�s of the United Kingdom,
27 Rutland Gate, London, SW7 1PD.
All quotations are from the Bah�'� writings.