In search of unity

While religions do not always mix well with today's world, the need for spirituality has remained. The quest for equity, for the world’s unity, for a modernity based on faith; the encounter with the Baha'is does not leave anyone indifferent. Although the community is small in number, it is characterised by a relentless work of interreligious dialogue and example through action.

It is the newest monotheistic religion. Well, at least the last that came up. The Baha'i religion was founded in Iran, and its headquarters are now in Haifa, Israel. In continuity with the Jewish, Christian and Muslim religions, the Baha'is recognise only one God and have as their main pillar the unity of the world. There are about 500 Baha'is in Luxembourg, with some 800 people involved in the community. Believers who follow the spiritual laws of sacred texts, but not the rites and procedures found in the other major religions. The first major difference is that one is not born a Baha'i, one becomes one. And there is no question of imposing religion on children who cannot give their consent. It is at the age of 15 that one can "officially" become a Baha'i, whereas there is not really a ceremony as there is elsewhere. "It is a faith based on love and unity. All our principles revolve around unity", explains Mona, a pillar of the community, who grew up in a Baha'i family. Men and women are equal, which is one of the keys to the Baha'i precepts.