The event began with remarks on the significance of Ridván, which commemorates the period in 1863 when Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, publicly proclaimed His mission of promoting the oneness of humanity. A central theme throughout the evening was how communities facing increasing polarization and fragmentation can cultivate deeper forms of unity and cooperation to reflect their shared humanity.
“Canada is strengthened by the many faith communities that contribute to life in our country, and the Bahá’í community has long been an example of service, compassion, and unity,” said Member of Parliament Michael Kram. “Belonging, social cohesion, and community are values that matter deeply to all Canadians. At a time when the world can feel divided, gatherings like this remind us of the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and working together for the common good,” he added.
Senator Marilou McPhedran commented on the distinctive qualities she had observed in the Bahá’í community, in Canada and internationally, that inspire action in a divided world. These included a sincere concern for the well-being of all, an orientation toward unity, and service guided by clear principles without presuming immediate answers. “In a spirit of common endeavour,” she noted, “Bahá’ís seek to collaborate with others and to learn together.”
Member of Parliament Elizabeth May shared her appreciation for the Bahá’í community’s interfaith efforts on Parliament Hill, acknowledging that “the high principles of unity and diversity are much needed in a world that is increasingly divided and where yelling is more common than listening.”
The collective responsibility of all to address societal challenges was also explored at the reception. “It is becoming more and more important for people of all different backgrounds and all different faiths and all different communities to stand together in our shared humanity. We need each other right now,” said Member of Parliament Leah Gazan.
On this theme, Ayafor Ayafor, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas, shared experiences from communities across Canada of people working together toward a common purpose, fostering a sense of belonging. These included efforts by young people and families in Toronto, Burnaby, Ottawa, Charlottetown, Montréal, and Sudbury, where people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds draw inspiration from the Bahá’í teachings to nurture environments in which children are supported, youth are empowered, and neighbours learn to work together in a spirit of friendship and service.
After reflecting on the positive contributions of the Bahá’í community in Canada, Member of Parliament Judy Sgro – whose remarks were offered through her assistant, as she was travelling at the time – reminded attendees of the continuing persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran and the challenges experienced by Iranian Bahá’í refugees in Turkey. “We remain concerned by the ongoing human rights challenges facing the Bahá’í community in Iran, including the use of detention, intimidation and misinformation that unfairly target a peaceful religious minority. These difficulties and these difficult realities call on the compassion and attention of the international community. We also recognize the uncertainty experienced by the Iranian Bahá’í refugees in countries such as Turkey where many live for extended periods with precarious legal status and limited security. Their situation highlights the human impact of displacement and the importance of care, dignity, and protection.”
In closing remarks, Karen McKye, Secretary General of the National Spiritual Assembly, emphasized that even relatively small gatherings rooted in openness, dialogue, and mutual respect can contribute to strengthening the bonds that sustain collective life.