Thursday, March 22, 2007

A Clear Example of Respect and Appreciation

The following is a post from Barnabas quotidianus blog regarding greetings of the British government to the UK Baha'i community. This message clearly illustrates the respect and appreciation for the contributions of the Baha'i community to the welfare of Britain and the entire planet.

It is hoped that the Egyptian and Iranian governments would also, in time, express their appreciation and respect for this world embracing Faith that contributes greatly to the advancement of human society.


Barnabas quotidianus » Baha’is of UK receive greetings from Tony Blair

Our National Spiritual Assembly has just received greetings messages for Naw-Ruz from our Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Tony Blair MP:

Naw-Ruz greetings from the Prime Minister (Rt Hon Tony Blair MP).

March 2007

It gives me great pleasure, once again, to send my best wishes to the Baha’i community in the UK as you celebrate Naw Ruz. The United Kingdom deeply values the presence of the Baha’i community and the unique contribution you make.

The words of your founder, that “the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens”, have perhaps an even greater resonance in 2007 than ever before. The universal challenges of climate change, and its potentially disastrous impact on millions of people across the globe, remind us forcefully that we are all fellow citizens of the world, all sharing in its destiny. As we confront these challenges I have no doubt that you, and your fellow Baha’is in other countries, have much to contribute to the debate and the pursuit of possible solutions, drawing on the tradition of working for social justice of which Baha’is can rightly be so proud.

With my best wishes to you all for the forthcoming year.

[Signed] Tony Blair

The Rt Hon. David Cameron MP, the Leader of the Opposition, has also sent a message:

March 2007

Happy Naw-Ruz

I am delighted to send all members of the Baha’i community my best wishes for a Happy New Year.

The principles which the Baha’i community hold dear - in particular unity and also the promotion of social justice, a belief in the importance of family life, and a concern for the environment - are of central importance to our society today.

The fact that so much work has been carried out to put these values into practice, through development projects around the world does great credit to your faith.

I know also that you will have in your thoughts at this time those communities elsewhere who face persecution because of their faith. Freedom to worship and to hold religious belief is a fundamental right which we must always cherish.

May I once again send my good wishes to you and your families at this time.

[Signed] David Cameron

They’re very good messages and they will be read out at our official Naw-Ruz reception in the House of Commons this evening.

3 comments:

  1. Mr. Blair and Mr. Cameron provide an example of fair-mindedness! Why is it so difficult for Iran and Egypt to promote keeping their citizens in the dark by spreading rumors, falsifying history, and depriving their Baha'i citizens of fundamental human rights?

    Best wishes to the Baha'is of the U.K. for a Happy Naw-Ruz and a fulfilling New Year!

    As one Baha'i, I would like to express my appreciation of the services of U.K. Baha'is which have gained the respect and admiration of the Baha'is worldwide and the people of the U.K. as expressed by both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition!

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  2. It almost feels like you would want to grab the intolerant ones and shake them and say: "wake up people!"

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  3. They might wake up when you shake them if they were asleep. Nothing will wake them up if they're dead.

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