BAHA'I COMMUNITY
ADDRESS: Baha'i Center, 945 Willow St. (408) 277-0510.
WEB SITE: www.bci.org/sjca/
AFFILIATION: The faith's 6 million followers in 233 countries and independent territories represent more than 2,100 ethnic, racial and tribal groups. According to the Baha'i Office of Information in New York, it is quite likely the most diverse organized body of people in the world.
SERVICES: The Nineteen Day Feast, a family worship gathering that includes a business meeting and social time, is held every 19 days. Educational programs for adults and children are from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Sundays.
HISTORY: Baha'is believe its founder, Baha' Allah, is God's most recent messenger in a line that includes Abraham, Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster and Muhammad, says Winslow. It originated in Persia in 1844, arrived in the United States in the 1890s and in San Jose in the 1940s. Next to Christianity, the Baha'i faith is the second-most widespread of the independent religions.
SPIRITUAL MISSION: ``The main theme is unity,'' says Winslow. ``We believe that all major religions originated from God and that all humankind is equal.'' Including women, he adds. In addition to religious tolerance, universal education and the elimination of prejudice, the Baha'is promote harmony between science and religion. ``If you have science without religion, you have ethical problems,'' he says. ``Religion without science creates superstition.''
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Several serve on the County of Santa Clara's Human Relations Commission's Network for a Hate Free Community and Conflict Resolution committees. They support the Martin Luther King Jr. Association's holiday events in January; the Afribbean, Juneteenth and Tet festivals; and the Second Harvest Food Bank.
SOURCE OF PRIDE: On a personal note, Winslow says: ``I was brought up in strong, practicing Catholic family. Following the Baha'i faith simply enhances what was already there.''
-- Sue Chenoweth
The Mercury News is looking for other interesting congregations of all faiths and denominations in Silicon Valley and surrounding areas. Send nominations to Sue Chenoweth, San Jose Mercury News, 750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, Calif. 95190; or e-mail schenoweth@sjmercury.com .