Join fall 2025 conversations on racial harmony

by Marcia Veach, Eugene

Conversation series on advancing racial harmony extended

Following the successful run of conversations on the topic of Racial Harmony in the summer of 2025, a second series has been organized for Fall 2025. It explores the spiritual principles of the oneness of humanity and how that contributes to eradicating racism.

According to Vida Ellins, who helped initiate this program, the meetings provide a space to, “share stories and experiences that matter to those who come, leading to mutual learnings and new insights to grow by, building true friendships, and striving to be the change we wish to see in our world. These are all treasures by which can enrich our own lives and the lives of many who may cross our path.”

The Racial Harmony conversations will be held every other Sunday from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Bahá’í Center, 1458 Alder St in Eugene. They are free and open to all.

A special series of Meaningful Conversations about advancing racial harmony

Bahá’ís and friends in Eugene are hosting a special series of Meaningful Conversations about advancing racial harmony. In recognition of the inherent nobility of each member of the human race, these gatherings strive to encourage deeper conversations that explore the role of spiritual principles of the oneness of humanity in eradicating racism, so together, we can build communities based on the fundamental goal of Racial Harmony: Toward Oneness and Equity. From words to genuine actions for the good of all.

Free and open to the public, the Meaningful Conversations series is based on the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. The guidelines call for welcoming and valuing the perspectives of all – of any creed or no creed – while emphasizing the need for deep listening, nurturing collective understanding, respecting each person and maintaining a humble posture of learning. Partisan politics is to be left at the door.

Some questions to be discussed at these meetings include:

• Can racism be viewed as a moral & spiritual disease?
• Are there spiritual solutions for a spiritual disease?
• How can we develop meaningful connections with those who are different from ourselves?
• What is needed to heal our communities and take action for the betterment of all?
• What does it mean to make a “distinctive contribution” to racial justice?
• What changes in mind and heart will offer an effective antidote to racism?

The power of unity

“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” Baha’u’llah

Race unity is not only an aspiration but a fundamental principle in the Bahá’í Faith. At its core, the Bahá’í teachings uphold the oneness of humanity and emphasize the need to transcend prejudices of race, class, and nationality.

Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, declared, “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” The Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Bahá’í Faith, has consistently emphasized that “the disease of racism must be addressed at both the individual and societal levels.” This dual focus is reflected in Bahá’í initiatives that seek to nurture personal transformation while also contributing to broader social change.

Bahá’í communities in Lane County have been actively involved in fostering race unity through meaningful local conversations, youth-led service projects and partnerships with local advocacy groups. Members regularly host study circles and devotional gatherings open to all. By reaching out to neighbors and community organizations, they have created welcoming spaces where people of diverse backgrounds come together to share their experiences, build mutual understanding, and explore constructive approaches to unity.

As we look to the future, we invite all to heed the call of Bahá’u’lláh: to see ourselves as members of one human family and to work tirelessly for a world free from the barriers of race and prejudice. Whether through large conferences, intimate neighborhood dialogues, or personal reflection, each of us can play a role in advancing the cause of unity – one conversation at a time.

For more information, email eugenebahais@gmail.com.