We live in a time of rapid, often unsettling change, inspiring mixed feelings of dread, anxiety, anticipation, and hope.
In the midst of this turbulence, the Baha’i Faith can be a haven. The optimistic teachings of the Baha’i Faith answer essential questions about the human condition and the relationships that bind us together.
We welcome you to begin your journey of learning, exploration and participation today.
Our Core
Community Building Activities
We believe lasting social change starts at the neighborhood level when we build relationships based on love and mutual respect. So, we start small by holding gatherings in community centers and homes with opportunities for all age groups to grow together.
Baha’is often host informal “fireside” meetings in their homes for introductory conversations about the Baha’i Faith. A fireside is a great setting for people to ask questions and learn about how the Faith’s teachings relate to contemporary life.
In addition, our core community building activities include:
Devotional GATHERINGS
Devotional GATHERINGS
Devotional gatherings bring everyone together for prayer, song and meditation. They take on the cultural character of local communities and embrace many faith traditions. Prayer and quiet contemplation, as well as joyous singing, drumming and other artful offerings are features of many devotional gatherings.
Study CIRCLES
Study CIRCLES
Study circles for teens and adults offer a chance for small groups to learn together. Topics include: the nature of the soul, the basic teachings of the Baha’i Faith, the lives of its Founders, and training for children's class teachers and youth mentors. Every study circle includes a community service component.
Children’s CLASSES
Children’s CLASSES
Children’s classes are for a community’s youngest and most precious treasures. Our classes help children connect to their inherent nobility and goodness, and practice the qualities given to them by God, like kindness, generosity and forgiveness.
Junior youth GROUPS
Junior youth GROUPS
Junior youth groups help young people, ages 11 to 14, navigate a crucial time in their lives and build moral clarity for the many decisions they’ll face. Youth groups design service projects relevant to their neighborhoods and find healthy ways to socialize together.
Anyone can participate in, and even host these activities, whether or not you choose to become a Baha’i. We welcome you to find an activity near you.
Bahá’í House of Worship
The Baha’i House of Worship is located just outside of Chicago, and is the only Baha’i Temple in North America. It is primarily a space for quiet prayer and contemplation. Organized devotions occur daily. The central purpose of Baha’i Temples is to join worship and service, in other words, to put prayer into action through service to others. There are no clergy, sermons or rituals.
Each continent has one glorious Baha’i Temple. There is one in Sydney, Australia; Apia, Samoa; Kampala, Uganda; Delhi, India; Frankfurt, Germany; Panama City, Panama; and Santiago, Chile.
In most cities and towns, Baha’i gatherings are held in community centers and homes. We invite you to find a gathering near you.
