With the remembrance of 9/11, I think not only of the tragedy two decades ago, but the ongoing reality of religious violence. Members of the Baha’i community here in Chatham County alerted me to the persecution of their believers in Iran. Local leaders have been arrested on fabricated charges, such as spying for Israel. Government forces have bulldozed Baha’i villages, leaving families without shelter or basic necessities.
As reported by Ajit Giani, secretary of the Interfaith Action of Central Texas, a Baha’i was told by an Iranian solider, “Be thankful that you are allowed to breathe. Do not come back for your property.”
Who are the Baha’is and why are they persecuted?
Baha’ism began in 1863. A Persian expatriate known as Baha’u’llah was imprisoned by authorities of the Ottoman Empire for claiming to be a prophetic messenger who would usher in a new religious era.
The Baha’i faith is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world with millions of adherents worldwide. Baha’is recognize and respect the beauty of all religions, including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Its fundamental tenant is that all religions point to the same God.
Why would anyone object to such unity, much less persecute such believers?
The modern practice of religion can be intentionally divisive — us against them. Witness evidence of this binary and exclusionary rhetoric by Muslim extremists in Iran, Hindu conservatives in India and white nationalist Christians here in America. Though the religions differ, the goal is the same — power and control over others. Proponents often cite divine approval of their oppressive actions. Baha’u’llah said, “Religious fanaticism and hatred are a world-devouring fire, whose violence none can quench.”
The recent death of Queen Elizabeth II has received far more media attention than the Baha’is persecution in Iran, yet I think there is an important connection. It is true that the British Empire wielded Christianity as a tool for its imperial subjugation of peoples in Africa and the Caribbean. In her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth saw the breakup of much that empire, and she worked for a new spirit of mutuality and respect.
On February 15, 2012, as part of the celebrations of her Diamond Jubilee year, representatives of the Baha’i faith were invited to Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Dr. Shirin Fozdar-Foroudi publicly thanked the Queen for “promoting the principles of unity, equality and justice among the diverse peoples of the Commonwealth.”
Addressing the gathering, Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed, “Our religions provide critical guidance for the way we live our lives and for the way in which we treat each other. … [Religion] can act as a spur for social action. Indeed, religious groups have a proud track record of helping those in the greatest need.” The Queen underlined what believers should hold in common.
In today’s world people continue to suffer for their faith. So, let us honor Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy by supporting our Baha’i neighbors, both here and abroad. While Baha’u’llah recognized the “world-devouring fire” of religious fanaticism and hate, he also kindled hope with these words: “Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”
Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church. His newly-published book is a collection of his columns for the Chatham News + Record titled “Hope Matters: Churchless Sermons.”