Irish President Thanks Bahá’ís

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Dublin, Ireland

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins meeting Bahá'ís in at Áras an Uachtaráin.

The President of Ireland, Mr. Michael D. Higgins, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Bahá’ís of Ireland for their efforts to make Ireland a more tolerant, cohesive and cheerful place.

Speaking at a reception in Áras an Uachtaráin to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, Mr. Higgins remarked on the work being done by Bahá’ís in civic spaces across the country.

“The work you do within your faith communities, the work you do in the civic space to explain the character and needs of those communities, the work you do in contributing to the strength and diversity of the civic space - these are all vital investments in breaking down the things that get in the way of healthy, flourishing, communal relations,” said Mr. Higgins.

"the work you do in contributing to the strength and diversity of the civic space - these are all vital investments in breaking down the things that get in the way of healthy, flourishing, communal relations"

President Michael D. Higgins

"the work you do in contributing to the strength and diversity of the civic space - these are all vital investments in breaking down the things that get in the way of healthy, flourishing, communal relations"

President Michael D. Higgins

"the work you do in contributing to the strength and diversity of the civic space - these are all vital investments in breaking down the things that get in the way of healthy, flourishing, communal relations"

President Michael D. Higgins

"the work you do in contributing to the strength and diversity of the civic space - these are all vital investments in breaking down the things that get in the way of healthy, flourishing, communal relations"

President Michael D. Higgins

President of Ireland Áras an Uachtaráin Birth of Bahá'u'lláh

“To be a Bahá’í simply means to love all the world; to love humanity and to try to serve it; to work for universal peace and universal brotherhood,” said President Higgins, quoting from the Bahá’í writings and remarking that these profound words are central to the Bahá’í faith, promoting diversity, inclusion, gender equality and education for all and recognising that regardless of background, culture or faith, all humans are equal citizens.

Referring to the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran Mr. Higgins said that he vividly recalled raising this issue during his time in the Houses of the Oireachtas and that it continues to be a matter of concern, as does the case of Yemeni Bahá’í Hamed bin Haydara who has been sentenced to death for his beliefs.

The Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ireland, Dr. Brendan MacNamara, responded to the President, saying that his remarks would serve as an encouragement to the Bahá’í community and a challenge not falter in our efforts to live by these noble principles.