www.worldreligionday.org

Dearly loved Baha'i friends,

Unity of humankind is desired by all; thus Baha'u'llah has told us, "Religion must be the cause of unity." One way we can demonstrate this is through taking an active part in promoting World Religion Day, which is observed annually on the third Sunday of January. It will next fall on 15 January 2006.

As many of you are aware, past observances of World Religion Day have earned considerable praise from leaders of different religious communities, from government officials and from the general public.  Sponsors of these events have generally received free and enthusiastic publicity from the mass media, and several leaders who attended the 2004 observances received plaques of appreciation from the organizing Assemblies. We were most pleased to be among the sponsors for these events.

We are aware that some Baha'i institutions have already appointed committees to organize observances of the 2006 World Religion Day. Our purpose in writing today is to suggest your theme for 2006 be focused on the current uncertain conditions of our world. Our Lord and Father, Baha'u'llah, has thus instructed us:

"Gather ye together, and for the sake of God resolve to root out whatever is the source of contention amongst you.... There can be no doubt whatever that the people of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are subjects of one God." (GWB, p. 217)

And: "The All-Knowing Physician hath His finger on the pulse of mankind. He perceiveth the disease, and prescribeth, in His unerring wisdom, the remedy.... Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements". (GWB, p. 212)

We suggest that you set up booths devoted to each of the main activities of our Faith currently conducted in your own locality, such as study circles, interfaith devotions, children's classes and firesides. Attendees then can be invited to visit these booths, receive printed material about the Faith and sign up to attend or to receive more information.

With the help of our volunteers in many countries around the globe, we, the World Religion Day Project coordinating team, publicize the news of World Religion Day to almost all churches and other social entities that we can find. Each year we receive numerous enquires from other faiths and from the members of the public for more information on this important day. Please email us with your plans, and we will add your event information to our Web site.

We'll also provide specific suggestions relevant to any needs you might have, and, of course, we'll happily share any local enquiries with you.  We look forward to receiving your event information at your earliest convenience.

Please be assured of our prayers for divine confirmations on your endeavors.

With loving Baha'i greetings,

Global Project Coordinator

WORLD RELIGION DAY PROGRAM
lal@worldreligionday.org
www.worldreligionday.org