To the Editor:

Oct. 21-22, 2017 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith.

Baha’u’llah called for fellowship and collaboration among the followers of all religions, while religious hatred and fanaticism continue to fuel violence, tyranny and terrorism.

Baha’u’llah affirmed the equality of women and men, while the oppression of women still holds back the progress of so many societies.

Baha’u’llah taught that humanity is one family and called for the elimination of racism and racial prejudice, while racism remains a persistent evil.

Baha’u’llah declared that universal education is required for societies to succeed, while universal access to education is still unattained.

Baha’u’llah called for limits on the extremes of poverty and wealth, while billions still live in destitution and a large portion of the world’s wealth is owned by a few elites.

Baha’u’llah urged the leaders of the world to abandon their nationalistic rivalries and create a system of collective security, while their failure to do this has caused two world wars, multiple other conflicts, and a massive global arms trade.

The wide gap between these ideals and the state of the world calls for people of all faiths and no faith to rise above narrow partisanship and work together for human understanding and peace, and in recognition of the significance of this bicentenary, we urge our fellow citizens to work together for the realization of the principles of peace, justice and human solidarity.

For more information about the Bahá’í faith and the upcoming bicentenary, visit bicentenary.bahai.org.

Mary Bratz and Dick Stephens,

Almond