Baha’is are urged to “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.” One way they do this is through the commemoration of World Religion Day.


World Religion DayWorld Religion Day was initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. The Assembly's purpose was to call attention to the role of religion as the motivating force for world unity and bring awareness to the common foundation of all the major world religions.

It is observed the third Sunday in January by Baha'is in the United States and increasingly by people around the globe, with interfaith discussions, conferences and other events that foster understanding and communication among the followers of all religions.
This year, a global prayer initiative is being planned for World Religion Day, with the goal of one million prayers “offered that day for the healing of the planet by the unification of the hearts of all humankind.”

A list of events happening around the world can be found on the World Religion Day website. Following are some highlights of events planned across the U.S.:

In Pembroke Pines, Fla., 11 local groups, representing different world religions, will perform at an observance on Jan. 20 at the Susan B. Katz Theater of the Performing Arts. Mayor Frank C. Ortis will read a proclamation on the importance of respecting the many religions represented in that city.

In Hyannis, Mass., clergy and lay leaders of various faith traditions will share transformative experiences from their spiritual journey at the 10 a.m. service Jan. 20 at Unity Church of the Light.

In Wilmette, Ill., the 12:30 p.m. devotional program on Jan. 20 at the Baha’i House of Worship for the North American Continent will commemorate World Religion Day.

Following is a portion of a Baha’i prayer that is frequently read on World Religion Day:

O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. May they all live together in perfect harmony.

God! Raise aloft the banner of the oneness of mankind.

O God! Establish the Most Great Peace.

Cement Thou, O God, the hearts together.

O Thou kind Father, God! Gladden our hearts through the fragrance of Thy love. Brighten our eyes through the Light of Thy Guidance. Delight our ears with the melody of Thy Word, and shelter us all in the Stronghold of Thy Providence.

Thou art the Mighty and Powerful, Thou art the Forgiving and Thou art the One Who overlooketh the shortcomings of all mankind.
-Abdu’l-Baha