Bahá’í Community of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Bahá'ís of Ottawa come from a variety of backgrounds, brought together by a common belief in the oneness of humanity and the unity of religion. We work alongside others to become a force of positive change, applying insights from the Bahá'í teachings to bring about a more just, peaceful and unified community.

January 23, 2011

World Religion Day 2012

by Nousha Etemad

Mayor Jim Watson was on hand at City Hall on January 15th, 2012 to proclaim World Religion Day in Ottawa. “The city of Ottawa has a long standing commitment to the development of a diverse society in which the achievements, cultural heritage, and religious conviction of all citizens is recognized and respected,” the proclamation read.

World Religion Day 2012 Photo

Mayor Jim Watson reads the proclamation. Also present Councillor Shad Qadri, Councillor Keith Egli, representative from Capital Region Interfaith Council (CRIC), and the representative from the Baha’i Community of Ottawa

The event featured Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, member of the Nacho N'yak Dun First Nation from Mayo in north eastern Yukon, who spoke on the theme of water in spiritual traditions, and that the wise management of all the natural resources of the planet, including water, will require a global approach governed by spiritual principles of justice and equity, and the fundamental concept of moderation. more...

January 22, 2012

Ottawa Bahá'í Centre hosts community reflection meeting
By Monica Weise

On Sunday, January 8th approximately 50 people gathered at the Ottawa Bahá’í Centre to participate in a reflection meeting. Such periodic gatherings are held to reflect on issues, consider adjustments, and maintain enthusiasm and unity of thought about processes of community development underway across Ottawa.

Those gathered reflected on activities across the city over the last three months, sharing what they had learned in applying the Bahá'í teachings to neighbourhood settings. A number of friends had begun a series of home visits in which they visited new members of the community to form bonds of friendship, to share prayers and to discuss spiritual themes. Some spoke about their experiences in initiating children’s classes in their neighbourhoods while others shared their experiences with devotional gatherings.

Reflection Meeting Photo

It was interesting to hear how individuals in one activity often moved to another, such as devotional gathering participants or parents of children in children’s classes who then became involved in a study circle. There was discussion of how to collaborate with and learn from other organizations also working with junior youth or children. more...

January 13, 2011

Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock: "Canadians Can Help Stop the Persecution of Iran's Bahá’ís"

Two pre-eminent Canadians, Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of Winnipeg and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Allan Rock, President of the University of Ottawa and former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations and federal cabinet minister, have published an eloquent appeal on behalf of the Baha'is of Iran.

Under the title "Canadians Can Help Stop the Persecution of Iran's Baha'is", they write of how "deeply troubled" they are that Baha'is are denied access to university, and express concern that "the brutal regime in Tehran has turned a deaf ear" to the calls to end "systematic persecution of Baha'is". more...