Participating in the prevalent discourses of society is one of the areas of activity that the worldwide Baha’i community is trying to learn about. It is the term that the community is using to describe one aspect of its efforts to contribute to the advancement of civilization. 

A variety of ongoing discourses about different aspects of human welfare and advancement are present at any given time across all societal levels. These discourses may cover a wide range of topics, including development, health, peace, gender equality, youth... 

Individual members of the Bahá'í community endeavor to actively participate in these discourses, learning from others and contributing their own personal insights, shaped by the teachings of the Bahá'í faith.This can be done through their involvement in the local community, their efforts at social action, or their pursuit of academic or professional endeavors. 

In the meantime, agencies of the National Spiritual Assemblies, (administrative body tasked with overseeing the affairs of the Bahá’í community of a particular country), try to contribute through various avenues to the promotion of ideas conducive to public welfare at the national level. In Ethiopia, the Office of External Affairs, one of the agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Ethiopia, is engaged in participating in discourses which benefit the people of this nation. 

“The purpose of this effort (Bahá’í  individuals or agencies participating in such discourses) is not to press others to accept a specific Bahá’í proposal or to engage in direct teaching, nor should activities be conceived as part of a public relations or academic exercise.” Universal House of Justice

Bahá’ís strive to adopt a posture of learning and engage in genuine conversation while participating in discourses.  Yet they are eager to share what they are learning in their efforts to apply the teachings of Baha’u’llah towards the advancement of civilization and to learn with and from other like-minded individuals and groups.

To learn more about the  discourses that the Baha'is of Ethiopia is engaged in, click the link below.

Bahá'ís of Ethiopia  Office of  External Affairs

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