About
Our Story
About the Baháʼí Faith
About
The Bahá’í Faith
The Bahá’í Faith is a global religion embraced by millions, offering a vision of a united and peaceful world. Here in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta, Bahá’ís reflect Canada’s rich diversity and strive to contribute to the betterment of their communities.
Followers of Bahá’u’lláh, a Divine Messenger, Bahá’ís uphold principles such as the oneness of humanity, the equality of women and men, the unity of religions, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of education.
Bahá’u’lláh also established a Covenant that unites Bahá’ís around the world. Through this Covenant, He appointed His Son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as its Centre and laid the foundations of an Administrative Order—a system that channels the spirit of the Faith and guides collective efforts to advance society.
Beliefs
Beliefs
Across thousands of communities worldwide, the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith inspire individuals to improve their lives and contribute to the progress of civilization. At its core, the Faith affirms the oneness of God, the unity of religions, and the equality of all people.
Its principles call for freedom from prejudice, recognition of the inherent nobility of every human being, and an understanding that spiritual truth is revealed progressively over time. Bahá’í beliefs also emphasize:
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the development of moral character
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the integration of worship and service
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the equality of women and men
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the harmony of science and religion
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and the central role of justice in human affairs.
Education, community-building, and the evolving relationship between individuals, society, and institutions are regarded as vital forces guiding humanity toward its collective maturity.
Founder
Bahá’u’lláh
Bahá’ís are the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, a Divine Messenger Whose beautiful teachings and principles provide a foundation for humanity to build a peaceful society. These principles include the essential oneness of humankind, the elimination of all forms of prejudice, the unity of all religions, the full equality of women and men, the centrality of justice in all human endeavours, the importance of education, and true life as the life of the soul.
HISTORY
History of the
Bahá’í Faith in Alberta
The first known presence of a Bahá’í in Alberta was Esther Rennels, who lived in Edmonton from 1911 to 1917 after learning about the Bahá’í Faith in Chicago. Years later, two small groups of Bahá’ís were established in Calgary and Edmonton. In 1939, Doris Skinner moved to Calgary, followed by three others. In 1941, Dorothy Sheets became the first Calgary resident to enroll as a Bahá’í after meeting Doris in their boarding house and attending informal discussion groups. Dorothy later introduced the teachings to her sisters, Lillian and May. In the decades that followed, May’s children and grandchildren would be among those who contributed to building Bahá’í communities across the province.
Also in 1941, Mabel Pine, who had first learned of the Bahá’í Faith in Armstrong, BC, moved to Edmonton. Ina Trimblebecame the first Edmonton resident to join the Bahá’í Faith, and by 1942 four more had enrolled. In 1943, the first Local Spiritual Assembly in Alberta, composed of nine women, was formed in Edmonton.
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 brought many Iranian Bahá’í refugees to Alberta through a coordinated initiative with the Canadian immigration department. These families significantly increased the size of the Bahá’í community and, through their experience with Bahá’í teaching, administration, and life in diverse parts of the world, helped strengthen communities across the province.
