World Religion Day 2010

January 17 will mark the 60^th anniversary of World Religion Day. Started in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly, the governing body of the Baha’i faith in the United States, World Religions Day celebrates the unifying power of religion by promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. The event is designed to encourage religious leaders and followers to acknowledge the similarities between the faiths and work together for the common good of humanity.Over the past six decades, the event has grown dramatically within the United States and around the world. Every year, on the third Sunday of January, communities around the world celebrate World Religion Day by hosting interfaith dialogues, conferences, and other events that promote mutual respect, understanding, and communication among the faiths.Baha’i is a relatively young world religion, founded over a century and a half ago. Its members residing in over 100,000 localities, from nearly every nation, ethnic group, and culture. Members of the Baha’I faith acknowledge that Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad were all divine messengers of “God”. They believe that Bahá’u’lláh is the latest of these divine messengers. Bahá’u’lláh teaches the oneness of God, humanity, and religion. In his writings, Bahá’u’lláh says, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens”.

The Baha’i faith is one of the more inclusive and progressive world religions. An example of this is found in a writing published on the Baha’is of the United States official website, “Religion should be the cause of love and agreement, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a message of peace and goodwill to man from God” and “Religion is the greatest of all means for the establishment of order in the world and for the peaceful contentment of all that dwell therein.”A comprehensive and interactive website has been created for World Religions Day. There you will find information about the event’s history, different world religions, the golden rule, videos, as well as past and current World Religion Day event listings for around the world.

Website: www.worldreligionday.org