The Bahá'í Faith - A Global Faith

The Bahá'í community now numbers some five million souls. They represent 2,112 ethnic and tribal groups and live in over 116,000 localities in 233 countries and territories. The Bahá'í sacred writings have been translated into over 800 languages. What was once regarded by some as an obscure, tiny sect is now recognized by the Encyclopedia Britannica as the second-most widely spread independent religion in the world, after Christianity. Its membership cuts across all boundaries of class and race. The community governs itself through the establishment of local and national elected bodies known as Spiritual Assemblies. Haifa, Israel, is the site of its international center and the seat of its world-governing council, known as the Universal House of Justice.

Bahá'ís the world over come from all religious backgrounds, yet they study a common set of sacred writings, observe a unifying code of religious laws, and look to a single international administrative system for continuing guidance.

Their sense of unity goes beyond a shared theology. It is expressed in an abiding commitment to a global program for moral, spiritual and social progress that represents many of the finest ideals of civilization.

The worldwide Bahá'í community may well be the most diverse and widespread body of people on earth. It is also among the world's most unified organizations, a feature that is perhaps its most distinguishing characteristic.
 

The Greater Columbia Bahá'í Community Website
Richland and Lexington Counties, SC