Video: Baha'i Interfaith Work Increases After 9/11

This story is part of a Patch series examining the Muslim experience 10 years after the Sept. 11 attacks. Read other stories in the series .

Like many religious groups, the Bahá’í International Community saw the need for a renewed call for openness and friendship with Muslims in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Two months after the attacks, the group issued a statement in The New York Times to encourage peaceful relations with the Muslim community.

"It was a statement talking about the peril we’re in right now, and trying to remind us how the Bahá’í writings say that America has a spiritual destiny to bring the world together," said Ellen Price, the U.S. Bahá’í National Center's assistant director in the office of communications in Wilmette.

The post-9/11 missive, The Destiny of America and the Promise of World Peace, states that the United States "will evolve through tests and trials to become a land of spiritual distinction and leadership, a champion of justice and unity among all peoples and nations, and a powerful servant of the cause of everlasting peace."

The Bahá’í religion emphasizes spiritual unity and encourages the acceptance of diverse races, as well as cultures. In the 10 years since the attacks, Price, who worked in the Bahá’í offices in the United Nations building in New York City during 9/11, told Patch that religious tolerance and interfaith work has grown. 

"It was a reminder to encourage world peace, as well as peace towards Muslims, in the wake of the attacks." Price said. "One of the wonderful things to see in the past 10 years is how when another religion has had a difficulty or been persecuted in some way, to have the other religious leaders come together to assist them.”

Watch the video above to hear how the Baha’i community has seen an increase in tolerance and interfaith work. Stay tuned to Patch for more 9/11 memories. Like Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch on Facebook to join the conversation.

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