Bahá’í World/Volume 33/Bahá’í International Community Website Launches
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Bahá’í International Community
Website Launches
n 20 April 2005 the Bahai’l’ International Community’s Of—
fice of Public Information announced the launch of a new
Website, designed to function as an introduction to the Bahé’l' Faith for general inquirers, researchers, and journalists and to serve as a portal to the entire family of official Bahé’l’ International Community sites.
“The Bahai’l’s,” located at http://bahai.org/, replaces “The Bahzi’l’ World,” previously posted at that address, as the official presence of the Bahzi’l' International Community on the Internet.
The new portal features improved accessibility and a more inte- grated presentation of the increasing volume of articles, statements, perspectives, and accounts available on the Bahé’f International Community’s sites. It provides the user with concise summaries of aspects of the Faith, such as its history, institutions, and basic tenets, as well as a directory of articles cross—referenced by topic. Visitors to the site can choose whether to view a brief introduction of the central figures and institutions of the Faith or more detailed explana- tions on Bahé’u’lléh, the Béb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House ofjustice. There is also a wealth of information on various facets of the Faith, including beliefs and practices, adminis— tration, social teachings, and community life. The site features a set
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[Page 144]
144 THE BAHA’I’ WORLD 2004—2005
9, The Baha’is
'l'hr hllvnmliunul “vb fiilr ul' 1hr lhlm‘l Ixmh
Coming onge
At times, it can seem that human society is falling apart altogether. Yet developments in all arenas of life are often the source of hope and signs of an emerging Verily I say, sense of individual and collective responsibility. Bahé’u'lléh’s writings illuminate this seeming
050
this is the D ”y contradiction. Like an adolescent moving to in which adulthood, humanity is growing up. mankind Ca" Around the world Bahé’is are striving to contribute to behold the Face, the building of a global society that reflects humanity's comin of a e. You are \ 'elcome to e.\ lore this effort. and hear the g g x ‘ . 1) Voice, of the Promised One. BAHA'U'LLAH
Study Circles Community Social and for Education Devotional Economic and Trainina Gatherinas Development
of frequently asked questions and a briefexplanation of the essential activities of the institute process, the collaborative learning program in which the worldwide Baha’i community is now engaged. It also enables access to the latest Baha’i news and feature stories.
Among the sites that can be accessed through the portal are “Baha’i Topics: An Information Resource,” a comprehensive col- lection of articles about the Baha’i Faith, its teachings, history, and community; the Baha’i World News Service; One Country, the quarterly newsletter of the Baha’i International Community; and the Baha’i Statement Library, an archive of statements by the Babe“ International Community.
The Baha’i Reference Library, another new addition to the Baha’i International Community’s family of official sites, is also ac- cessible through the portal or directly at http://reference.bahai.org/. Launched on 2 June 2004, it is the authoritative online source of the Baha’i sacred writings. The Website includes the sacred writings of Baha’u’llah, the Bab, and ‘Abdu’l—Baha in English, Arabic, and Persian, as well as other Baha’i publications.
The launch of the Baha’i Reference Library marks the first time that a comprehensive authoritative library of Baha’i scripture has
WEBSITE LAUNCHES
- _
- ' BAHAI INHRNAIIONAI Cmmum w
W’e/rome to the BAHA’I RE F E RENCE LIBRARY
What is the Baha'i Reference Library
The aahé’i Reference Library is an agency of the Behé'l International Community, a non-governmental organization that represents and encompasses the worldwide membership of tho Bahé’f Faith.
About thls Site
This site providss electronic access to selectad writings of the Bahé'l Faith in English, Persian and Arabic. Publications in the original languages are made available in the Persian and Arabic options under
I45
It is permissible to study sciences and arts, but such sciences as are useful and
would redouna' t0 the pragress and advancement of the people, Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Ordainer, the All—Wise.
— Bahi'u'll‘h. Tablets of hha‘u'lhh. 9. 26
'Lanouagos'
been available on the Internet. “The site is expected to assist re— searchers, students of religion, and the general public worldwide in gaining greater access to the Bahé’l’ holy texts,” said the director of the Office of Public Information of the Bahé’i’ International Com— munity, Douglas Moore.
The improved organization and integration of Bahé’i’ material on the Web aims to enhance its use as a resource by those studying the Faith in their professional, academic, official, or personal capacities. Several previously distinct Websites have now been brought together under the common banner of “The Bahzi’i’s” portal, supporting the increasing needs of the Faith and the demand for information by the global community.
A Website providing information for Bahé’l’s Who are planning to make a pilgrimage or short Visit to the Bahé’l’ World Centre was also launched during the year. It is accessible at http://pilgrimage. bahai.org/.
The Bahé’i International Community will launch two more official sites in the near future: a media bank that includes a collec- tion of Baha’i’i’ images for use in publications and Websites, and a glossary, which will offer definitions and a pronunciation guide to key Bahé’l’ terms.