Members and sup­porters of the global Bahá’í faith celebrat­ed the birth of its founder Prophet Bahá’u’lláh 200 years ago and its existence the past 174 years in Suva yesterday.

Fijian members celebrated with a photo exhibition on Bahá’u’lláh at the Fiji Muse­um in Suva. There are around 2000 members of the Bahá’í Faith in Fiji.

The Bahá’í Faith, the most recent of the world’s independ­ent religions, started 174 years ago with a central message of world unity.

Bahá’u’lláh’s teaching is that there is only one God that all of the world’s religions are from God, and that now is the time for humanity to recognise its oneness and unite.

National Spiritual Assem­bly of the Bahá’í of Fiji, Faga Kotoitubou said Bahá’u’lláh has outlined a framework for the development of a global civilisation which takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of hu­man life.

“Embracing ideals that com­bine service and worship, Bahá’í are engaged in a world­wide effort at community building that aims to contrib­ute to a pattern of collective life on earth that is informed by the uplifting teachings of Bahá’u’lláh; teachings that re­inforce the essential oneness of all the world’s great reli­gions,” Ms Kotoitubou said.

“The Bahá’í Community of Fiji, is marking this momen­tous occasion at both the na­tional and local levels with various events, including inter-faith gatherings, com­munity-building activities and celebrations,” she said.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola