Ann Bartlett, age 14, of Glendale, Ariz., for her question:
WHAT IS THE BAHA'I FAITH?
Bahali Faith is a religion that was started in Persia, the country that is now called Iran. It was founded in 1844, almost 150 years ago. Here's how you pronounce the word: bas has eee.
Bahali Faith says that all people in the world are members of one and the same family. It also teaches that all of the countries of the world will eventually become one country.
Some of the other doctrines included in the Bahali Faith are that religion and science work together; that all men and women are equal; that every person must have some useful profession; that the basic elements of all religions are about the same; and that all of the world's religions have one and the same God.
Today the religion is taught in 200 countries. Bahali literature is available in 400 languages. Bahali meetings are currently held in more than 5,000 United States and Canadian cities and towns.
The head of the religious movement from its founding date until 1850 was a man named Bab. His name meant "Door" and it was thought that a person could reach an understanding of a higher truth through him.
Many Persians were immediately attracted to Bab, but government leaders and Muslim priests feared him and put him in jail. Instead of ending the religion, more and more people came to believe in his teachings.
Bab was killed but one of his followers, known as Baha'u'l1ah, became an even greater prophet by adding new truths to the teachings. He taught that all people should join together to bring peace to the world.
Baha'u'llah's eldest son, Abdu'1 Baha, was the leader of Bahali teachings from 1893 until 1921. He took the faith to Europe and the United States.
After 1957, the Bahali Faith was put under the direction of a body of 27 leaders called the Hands of Faith. They now direct the spiritual affairs of the organization throughout the world.
Abdu'1 Baha traveled in the United States and other countries between 1911 and 1913, asking all nations, races and religions to unite for the sake of peace. in the United States he met with Bahali members in the Chicago area.
The meetings were held in Wilmette, Ill., on land where the members planned to build a religious center. Construction was completed in 1953. The building has become famous for its architectural beauty, combining elements of Romanesque, Islamic, Renaissance and Byzantine styles.
Bahali House of Worship is a nine sided building that stands on a round platform. it is surrounded by many steps. Small towers or pylons are located on the sides of both the first and second levels of the building. On top of the second level is a great dome.
The outer walls of the spectacular building have interesting designs of growing leaves, the cross, the six pointed star and other religious symbols.
Baha'i Faith has no ministers or priests. Meetings are held for worship and are directed by elected bodies known as Spiritual Assemblies.