Celebrating the 169th anniversary of the Herald of the Baha’i Faith

The Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel.
© Laura Mostmand Toronto, Ontario, 21 May 2013 (CBNS) — On May 23, Baha’i communities across Canada and around the world will be celebrating the declaration of the Bab, the Herald of the Baha’i Faith.

In celebrations that include music, prayers, and fellowship, Baha’is will commemorate the historic meeting between two individuals that would change the spiritual landscape of Persia and reveal a new understanding of the future of humanity.

Canada Condemns Iran’s Continued Religious Freedom Violations, Including Persecution of Baha’is

Ambassador Andrew Bennett. © DFAIT Ottawa, Ontario, 14 May 2013 (CBNS) — Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:

“Canada marks with regret the fifth anniversary of the illegitimate arrest and detention of seven Iranian Baha’i national leaders by the Khamenei regime, and we renew our call for their release.

Lloyd Axworthy, Bani Dugal and Canada’s press mark the fifth anniversary of the incarceration of Iran’s Baha’i leaders

Dr. Lloyd Axworthy speaking about the challenges facing human security and protection in Iran.
© Jamal Neufeld Toronto, Ontario, 13 May 2013 (CBNS) — “You are not alone. There is a unity. There are others who feel the same sense of outrage,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and current President of the University of Winnipeg, speaking at a public meeting in Toronto on 9 May. His talk was part of the worldwide campaign, “Five Years Too Many,” demanding the release of the seven Baha’i leaders in Iran and calling attention to the increase of human rights violations in that country.

The Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission convenes in Montreal

A session from the Commission's National Event in Montreal. © Melissa Knapp Montreal, Quebec, 10 May 2013 (CBNS) — Substantial media coverage of the Fifth National Event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which took place in Montreal 24-27 April, was instrumental in attracting public attention to the history of Native residential schools. Representatives from the Baha’i community attended the event to support the process of reconciliation. The Baha’i community, which views with concern the diverse manifestations of social fragmentation affecting our country, salutes the important work of the Commission, which seeks to promote unity and reconciliation by bringing uncomfortable facts to light.

In the Globe and Mail, Lloyd Axworthy calls attention to Baha’i persecution

Dr. Lloyd Axworthy. © University of Winnipeg Toronto, Ontario, 9 May 2013 (CBNS) — In today’s Globe and Mail, former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs calls attention to the continued imprisonment of Baha’i leaders.