[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 201 (Monday, December 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF BHA'U'LLAH'S, FOUNDER OF THE 
                         BAHA'I FAITH, BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHARLES W. DENT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 11, 2017

  Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the Baha'i 
community of Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district as they 
celebrate the 200th birthday anniversary of Baha'u'llah, founder of the 
Baha'i faith.
  In 1817, Baha'u'llah was born to a Persian noble family. As a young 
man, he was known for his charity and service to others, earning him 
the nickname ``father of the poor.'' He founded the Baha'i Faith, a new 
and independent religion with its own scriptures, laws, teachings, and 
practices. The central tenet involves a message of justice, unity, and 
peace.
  In response to his teachings, the Persian and Ottoman empires 
imprisoned and exiled Baha'u'llah for over 40 years. Despite the 
injustice and oppression he faced, Baha'u'llah continued to promote a 
message of the oneness of humanity. In every place to which he was 
banished, he touched the lives of all those around him, and his enemies 
became his friends and admirers.
  Today, the Baha'i faith is a global religion with over five million 
followers around the world. And just over 120 years ago, it first 
arrived in the U.S. Wherever they live, Baha'is champion the principles 
that Baha'u'llah proclaimed and strive to build a better world by being 
good citizens, serving their communities, and working side by side with 
others to promote the common good.

                          ____________________