BAHA'I BELIEVERS INCREASE IN COUNTY
Thursday, November 15, 2001
compiled by Columbian staff
The Baha'i Faith, one of the faster-growing religions in the world, has more
than 200 members in Clark County, up from about 100 five years ago, according
to member Joe Schaub. Worldwide, the group has more than 5 million followers.
Those who join, Schaub said, are attracted by the multiethnic foundation
of the religion, which advocates gender and ethnic equality and deeper
cultural understanding.
"We're interested in racial harmony, and we're one of the most diverse
religious groups in the world," Schaub said. "Our theme is unity, unity in
diversity."
The Baha'i Faith was founded in 1844 in Iran by Baha'u'llah, a nobleman
from Teheran.
According to Baha'i Faith, each of the great religions brought by the
messengers of God Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, Mohammed and Zoroaster
represents a successive stage in the spiritual development of civilization.
Baha'u'llah, whose name means Glory of God, is thought to be the most recent
messenger.
In Clark County, Baha'i groups hold potlucks and worship sessions in
members' homes.
There is no formal church building, nor does the faith have designated clergy
members.
Clark County's Baha'i members includes 145 adults, 50 children and 23 young
adults, according to Schaub.
BAHA'I GATHERING
WHAT: Clark County's newest spiritual assembly of the Baha'i Faith
WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Municipal Court community room, 89 C St., Washougal
INFORMATION: 360-335-1079 for the Washougal group; 360-254-3086 for other
Clark County Baha'i groups; www.us.bahai.org for background about the religion
©Copyright 2001, The Columbian
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