วีดีโอ

The bible is the standard which we have to live up to/ it clearly say a man should not lie with another man it is clear in the bible/ being gay is not a good idea/ because it is conden in scriptures

The book of the bible is not you final final judge) / you are so weong

remember folks. choosing to be a Baha'i or any religion does not mean finding the religion that conforms to your beliefs. the intention is to submit our weakness to God and have faith that God has the growth of our soul in His best interest, and thus requires us making sacrifices and letting go of our own personal desires, making every effort to align ourselves with His Will and His Teachings for our own spiritual growth...it's clear these are all tests in life, it's very sad to hear though and it's a sign of the strength of Faith when a soul succumbs to the tests and leaves the Faith because they choose to attach to their own personal desires rather than make every effort to turn towards God and strive to align to the Teachings and Will of God

remember folks. choosing to be a Baha'i or any religion does not mean finding the religion that conforms to your beliefs. the intention is to submit our weakness to God and have faith that God has the growth of our soul in His best interest, and thus requires us making sacrifices and letting go of our own personal desires, making every effort to align ourselves with His Will and His Teachings for our own spiritual growth...it's clear these are all tests in life, it's very sad to hear though and it's a sign of the strength of Faith when a soul succumbs to the tests and leaves the Faith because they choose to attach to their own personal desires rather than make every effort to turn towards God and strive to align to the Teachings and Will of God

remember folks. choosing to be a Baha'i or any religion does not mean finding the religion that conforms to your beliefs. the intention is to submit our weakness to God and have faith that God has the growth of our soul in His best interest, and thus requires us making sacrifices and letting go of our own personal desires, making every effort to align ourselves with His Will and His Teachings for our own spiritual growth...it's clear these are all tests in life, it's very sad to hear though and it's a sign of the strength of Faith when a soul succumbs to the tests and leaves the Faith because they choose to attach to their own personal desires rather than make every effort to turn towards God and strive to align to the Teachings and Will of God

remember folks. choosing to be a Baha'i or any religion does not mean finding the religion that conforms to your beliefs. the intention is to submit our weakness to God and have faith that God has the growth of our soul in His best interest, and thus requires us making sacrifices and letting go of our own personal desires, making every effort to align ourselves with His Will and His Teachings for our own spiritual growth...it's clear these are all tests in life, it's very sad to hear though and it's a sign of the strength of Faith when a soul succumbs to the tests and leaves the Faith because they choose to attach to their own personal desires rather than make every effort to turn towards God and strive to align to the Teachings and Will of God

Ah. You're a pioneer now...

BUPC -

Where specifically do the authoritative Writings say there will be punishment specifically for this? I believe laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, which are for the most part not applicable at this time, have a fine for adultery. Baha’is strive to follow Baha’i laws for love of God and because we believe they are the choicest fruit for us. We don’t impose our views on anyone else. That’s the situation. Everything else is filtered through biases and selfish motives.

I understand if someone may not be a perfect Baha'i. But if someone leaves the faith because it does not suit your wants and desires shows the magnitude of the faith was not understood. And I see more and more the idea of homosexuality is being pushed as a choice from younger age! Sorry if not eloquent!

God tells Man what to do, Not the other way around.

I believe the facts on the gay lifestyle speak for themselves: from the article “psychological and spiritual aspects of male homosexuality” by Hosein Danes, MD - Once a member of the Canadian NSA. 1. Alcoholism rate for gay men is much greater than the general population. 2. The gay population is 2% and this small number has 50% of the venereal disease.3. Promiscuity by age 30-26% of all gay men have over 1000 partners.4. Only 10% of gay men claim to be faithful to one partner. 5. Often the name of the sex partner is not even known. 6. Casual, impersonal sex with frequent change of partners is the norm. 7. Homosexuals choose a partner by age, body type, genital size, and ignoring character, intelligence, and wisdom. 8. There is sexual cruising from gay bar to gay bar to find another partner which is spiritually debasing. 9. Homosexuals are contemptuous in their attitude toward anyone or anything feminine. 10. Homosexuals are afraid to be anything but homosexual do to Male Attacks if they act on repressed heterosexual wishes. Homosexual fear is greater than any other neuroses. Homosexuals have great fear of heterosexuality. Homosexuals have high rates of suicide and alcoholism.

bahai-library.com/pdf/e/ekbal_women_homosexuality_aqdas.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3uxTKGmaLzzMgmr3wmGrMGytXlvGE1kdR2h6cJc0Ze2K1olKNkwVznJf4_aem_Ab0BfoTcz1EI0FzhRGHrHTMYw5zerytHHb-mVkoXmhgStqfJxgRHAzEsO16IDV6Yj7VqQ-lmsOqgmAX4xZ9qjaIU

But if u live your life congruent to your own moral compass instead of what God has to say then we can make mistakes and miss out on the benefits of listening to God. These benefits include protection for myself and my family and my children from bad things, bad people and bad situations. Bad can range from dangerous to spiritually unfulfilling.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am so sorry you experienced heartache and discrimination. I send support and love. I was an Baha’i and also engaged to be married to a woman. I was conflicted about being in love and the prohibition against homosexuality. One day I sat down meditating, I pushed everything away except to sit with myself. I asked the question ‘is marrying Sherry my destiny?’ I got an immediate ‘no. So I broke it off, I left, and decided to trust that I would be shown the reasons why. Was compensated tremendously by making this decision. On the one hand, I lost my chance to be married to her. On the other, I experienced tremendous spiritual growth in the resulting situations, epochs and relationships. I can’t explain it but I learned the value of trusting the process of following Baha’i law. I respect and admire your truthfulness and knowing yourself. Easily, the answer to my question could have been ‘yes, marry Sherry’.

How can love be wrong?

Disobedience blinds😢

The Baha'i s need to move forward and change two important perspectives on women and the LGBTQ community. ❤

The Baha'i s need to move forward and stop being anti lgbtq and misogynistic.

The question is can they finally get on the right side of history 🙄 😊😂❤🎉

A lot of people are on the wrong side of history.

The question is can the people in the baha'i faith move forward. That's a very good question.

Do you know, what would happen to LGBTQ people if the Baha'i faith succeeded in becoming a one world religion?

Thank you so much for having this channel, platform; for doing this project. I am a queer woman, was welcomed warmly at my first open Bahá'í devotional, (I pass but don't hide tells) was invited to the soon to follow Naw-Rúz open celebration. I declared online that night. But know I'm learning about the laws, the lack of different versions of the faith (that's a new experience for me)... I feel some grief that this faith isn't a fit for me. I won't hide who i am.

These questions need to be asked be cause of anti lgbtq bigotry in the Baha'i community.

I have explored this faith with such vigor and passion, I was so excited, so inspired until the door was SHUT. The worst thing is the pure hypocrisy, SHOCKING but true and so sad, my heart and soul felt ripped apart, they lured me in and spat me out. Anyway...my heart will heal and God has never left me, His love has and Wisdom are with me, I don't need to be a member of group of people to love and serve My Lord

Hear hear!

Dear Dan, I remember you fondly from our days spent together years ago in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. . .your lovely music, and kind spirit! You are a beautiful soul, and wonderful Baha'i, and I am so sorry you have experienced such distress because of the treatment you received from some Baha'i institutions, and individuals. I hope you can forgive them because we all our learning and growing in our understanding of the Baha'i teachings and their implementation. I am sure we all have stumbled along the way. I actually think that most people's belief about the Baha'i stance on homosexuality is due to a misunderstanding about what is really being asked of them in the Baha'i writings. Without using quotes here, the Baha'i teaching is about unity, love, justice, the oneness of human kind. All need to be included justly on this tree of humanity. . .the sinners, the homosexuals, the believers, the atheists, . .all! None should be excluded. And then 'Abdu'l-Baha goes on the say: "Beware, lest ye offend the heart of anyone. . " Our words must be "mild as milk." So Dan, you and all homosexuals, must be loved and embraced by Baha'is! Therefore, when I read over the quote from Baha'u'llah in the 'Aqdas below that relates to homosexuality, what I feel He really is saying is that people who are not in committed marriage between a man and a woman must remain celibate unless or until they engage in such a relationship. He is not faulting same sex attraction, but instead forbidding all sexual expression outside of a committed marriage between a man and a women. If one looks online, one can find all sorts of health and character development benefits from practicing celibacy. Although difficult. . .and many have fallen along the way, it has been practiced throughout the ages and continues to be practiced among different groups (e.g., Catholics) to good effect. I can see celibacy as a gift given to certain individuals to guide them in focusing their energy in other positive directions. "Ye are forbidden to commit adultery, sodomy and lechery. Avoid them, O concoursely of the faithful. By the righteousness of God! Ye have been called into being to purge the world from the defilement of evil passions. This is what the Lord of all mankind hath enjoined upon you, could ye but perceive it." Baha'u'llah In this quote from Shoghi Effendi below, he seems to be saying there is no problem with same sex love and devotion, it is just the expression of this love through sexual acts that is the problem. "No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong." Shoghi Effendi I wish you well Dan. May you experience peace, love, and understanding in the rest of your life's journey!

I am a Bahai and I reached out to our LSA to discuss these stories after I watched them last week. I was provided with lots of documentation that supports the LGBTQ community. Bahai's believe that the soul has no gender and welcomes everyone from every walk of their life. I wonder if the individuals in this story reached out to the Universal House of Justice. Happy to share the documentation with anyone who might be interested.

Hey! Twisted brains! Bahaullah the Founder of the Bahai Faith never allows homosexuality.. in the Kitab-i-Aqdàs in the subject of boys, it was translated by Shogi Effindi that homosexuality, just like the rest of religions in the world,, will forever be NOT ACCEPTABLE IN THE EYES OF GOD! Do Not Twist God's Teachings for your convenience! YOU TWISTED BRAINS!!!

May you recall that the so called "evolutionary force" beneath the reality as we perceive it. It cannot be contained in words or interpretations of our limited imagination. There can come a day that institutions such as the Universal House of Justice may realize new understandings other than what it is now, or not. These institutions consists of you and I, and we come and go, we change, in long cosmic view of time. Life as we perceive it on this planet, in this dream, does not "care" if we see contradictions in it or not. And things can be experienced contradictory in one realm, and irrelevant in other realms. See the current human endeavors in realizing what life is "about" as a spectrum, sometimes we need do's and don't's, as wisdom, as compasses, to ground ourselves in the ever changing ocean of experience that we are within and without. And, other times these do's and don't's root too much into the ground that disable us to lift up and see the opening horizons. This is true in a human life span, or the generations of humans. There were times that worshiping a glowing ball in the sky, the Sun, gave humans hope and the sense of elevation and spirituality so they could carry on and make sense of their experience, of what life was about... Although their imagination of God was limited and childlike it allowed us to be here. Our ancestors limited imagination, gave them what they needed, hope, love, connection and meaning. Imagine if you took their Sun away. We wouldn't be here without them worshiping a ball of fire to carry on. The poison of our era is that they call "identification with thought/experience". It is a dream like quality. Think of your dreams, often times until you wake up, you won't realize that the realness that you experience in the dream is just a dream, a mode and realm of experience. And, things do feel real in the dreams. This is one way to know how you are "identified with experience/thought" until you wake up. The realness of any experience is the marvelous part. Wonder and ponder upon this, it's like being "lost in thought" in awake time. So, a practice is to wake up from this mode of experience in awake time. And it is true for most of us who are so identified with thought/feeling. It can solidify and turn into a beliefe about life, or if it's lost and confused, it will look outside to find teachings, beliefs and ideologies to hang on to, to make sense. It's inevitable of us humans. the so call spiritual identity, is a form of identification with thought(s). Baha'u;llah spoke about it in all his writings as "to be free of". In his words in the tablet Ettehad (unity) he says "برتری و بهتری كه بميان آمد عالم خراب شد و ويران مشاهده گشت.​ -حضرة بهاء الله, لوح اتحاد" , meaning the sense of superiority (as individuals or groups) is the recipe for darkness and human disaster. In hundreds of his prayers he encourages to shed all the veils of identification with this or that. Especially, the sense of superiority. Our path to have a more unified and diverse human societies goes through dealing with apparent contradictions. We shall embrace contradictions within and without. And we shall hold space for one another to witness each other's contradictions, in safe spaces. Life presents itself as AND-OR, not either, or. Our scientific discoveries teach us about the this underlying truth, that two or more things can be true at the same time despite our limited imagination to only see duality. I see so much unnecessary pain we cause each other because of our identification with thought. It's a new world emerging on this planet, yet we are so caught up with our identifications of all kinds. A heart that cannot embrace contradictions is doomed to torment and pain. To Dan and Alexis in the documentary, you seem like genuine souls with such valuable story to share. It is difficult to be dismissed by the community you connected to. To be in some ways exiled despite your kind intentions for the humanity. Baha'u'llah himself will relate to your experience. After all, as he mentions it in The Kitáb-i-Íqán, if it was up to him as a person, he would never bother to come back from the Sulaymaniyah mountains to unify a community who kept asking him how to marry, how to eat, what rituals to do etc... as if it was the old era. He is probably looking at you (us) now and winking, laughing and saying: aren't you people hilarious! you humans have discovered blackholes in the sky where time-space entangles, you know there are more bacteria cells than human cells in your body, you can create a single beating heart in laboratory from stem cells without a full human body, and yet you are still holding on to limited imagination of what it means to be human, like the old times. It's time to use the potentials of this so called faith I suggested to you to hold safe space for one another to connect and embrace our diverse existence together.

abase /ə-bās′/ transitive verb To lower in rank, prestige, or esteem. synonym: debase. Similar: debase To lower or depress; to throw or cast down."to abase the eye" To cast down or reduce low or lower, as in rank, office, condition in life, or estimation of worthiness; to depress; to humble; to degrade. "If ye meet the abased or the down-trodden, turn not away disdainfully from them, for the King of Glory ever watcheth over them and surroundeth them with such tenderness as none can fathom except them that have suffered their wishes and desires to be merged in the Will of your Lord, the Gracious, the All-Wise. Regarding this quote and the word Abased. Then think who might be abased in the world. A lot depends upon where one falls in the pyramid of; bigotry, racism, sexism, heterosexism. Then ponder on what the Teachings say that all persons are! "those luminous Gems of Holiness to appear out of the realm of the spirit, in the noble form of the human temple, and be made manifest unto all men, that they may impart unto the world the mysteries of the unchangeable Being, and tell of the subtleties of His imperishable Essence. These sanctified Mirrors, these Day Springs of ancient glory, are, one and all, the Exponents on earth of Him Who is the central Orb of the universe, its Essence and ultimate Purpose. From Him proceed their knowledge and power; from Him is derived their sovereignty. The beauty of their countenance is but a reflection of His image, and their revelation a sign of His deathless glory. They are the Treasuries of Divine knowledge, and the Repositories of celestial wisdom. Through them is transmitted a grace that is infinite, and by them is revealed the Light that can never fade…. These Tabernacles of Holiness, these Primal Mirrors which reflect the light of unfading glory, are but expressions of Him Who is the Invisible of the Invisibles. By the revelation of these Gems of Divine virtue all the names and attributes of God, such as knowledge and power, sovereignty and dominion, mercy and wisdom, glory, bounty, and grace, are made manifest." Do not let a minority of homophobic members dissuade you. " In the Book of Certitude Bahá’u’lláh calls attention to the behavior of those who, in every age, have remained faithful to the Cause of God despite the persecutions they have been made to suffer and the antagonism of those who have rejected the Prophets. He makes it clear that the behavior of such people, on the one hand, and their persecutors on the other, lays bare the true spiritual station of both parties." Even if the persecutions come from within the faith!

What i saw was that during your years of abstinence from desire, you were gifted a beautiful daughter that is your light of life and a son which would never exist if the lifestyle of homo had a control over your whole life. i also do not totally understand but the reality i see is homo will never allow you to have sire but hetero given you two lovely children. If homo allowed we would not have humanity to continue on to worship God. i do not feel shame that you are provided two beautiful children ( from your lineage = your blood relation ) which you have now is a reality , if whole life you were homo you would not have the chance to experience fatherhood. I feel thankful that you allow yourself 5 years? to try hetero lifestyle and you have a beautiful daughter that is so intelligent n passionate about her life.

The majority of people will never accept this as an acceptable lifestyle even if they pretend, for a variety of reasons and justifications, that they do. We are created noble but can make selfish choices that hurt the next generation.

I am baffled why you would set out to reform a religion instead of finding one that suits your wishes. If the Baha'i Faith is real, an effort to shape it to your preferences will fail.

U.S.A. Dear Bahá’í Friend, Your email letter dated 11 January 2014 has been received by the Universal House of Justice. We have been asked to convey to you the following. You express concern about the challenge Bahá’ís encounter in understanding and upholding the Teachings in the face of powerful social forces influencing public attitudes towards homosexuality. In this connection, you observe that some Bahá’ís are susceptible to the argument that the Faith must change to keep up with what are perceived to be progressive social values, while some others, despite their firm adherence to the Teachings, are unable to resolve the incongruity between the Bahá’í perspective and attitudes prevailing in the wider society. Your thoughtful analysis of the issues you raise is warmly appreciated. The contemporary discussion surrounding homosexuality, which began in the West and is increasingly promoted in other parts of the world, generally takes the form of a false dichotomy, which compels one to choose between a position that is either affirming or rejecting. It is understandable that Bahá’ís would be sensitive to acts of prejudice or oppression in any form and to the needs of those who suffer as a result. But to align with either side in the public debate is to accept the premises on which it is based. Moreover, this debate occurs within the context of a rising tide of materialism and consequent reorientation of society, over more than a century, which has among its outcomes a destructive emphasis on sexuality. Various philosophies and theories have eroded precepts of right and wrong that govern personal behavior. For some, relativism reigns and individuals are to determine their own moral preferences; others dismiss the very conception of personal morality, maintaining that any standard that restrains what is considered a natural impulse is harmful to the individual and ultimately to society. Self- indulgence, in the guise of expressing one's true nature, becomes the norm, even the touchstone of healthy living. Consequently, sexuality has become a preoccupation, pervading commerce, media, the arts, and popular culture, influencing disciplines such as medicine, psychology, and education and reducing the human being to an object. It is no longer merely a part of life, but becomes the defining element of a person's identity. At its most extreme, the doctrine aggressively propagated in some societies is that it is abnormal for adolescents to restrain their sexual impulses, unreasonable for young adults to marry without first having had sexual relations, and impossible for a married couple to remain monogamous. The unbounded expression of sexuality in almost any form is thought to be natural and is accepted as a matter of…. Continue 👇👇👇

U.S.A. Dear Bahá’í Friend, Your email letter dated 11 January 2014 has been received by the Universal House of Justice. We have been asked to convey to you the following. You express concern about the challenge Bahá’ís encounter in understanding and upholding the Teachings in the face of powerful social forces influencing public attitudes towards homosexuality. In this connection, you observe that some Bahá’ís are susceptible to the argument that the Faith must change to keep up with what are perceived to be progressive social values, while some others, despite their firm adherence to the Teachings, are unable to resolve the incongruity between the Bahá’í perspective and attitudes prevailing in the wider society. Your thoughtful analysis of the issues you raise is warmly appreciated. The contemporary discussion surrounding homosexuality, which began in the West and is increasingly promoted in other parts of the world, generally takes the form of a false dichotomy, which compels one to choose between a position that is either affirming or rejecting. It is understandable that Bahá’ís would be sensitive to acts of prejudice or oppression in any form and to the needs of those who suffer as a result. But to align with either side in the public debate is to accept the premises on which it is based. Moreover, this debate occurs within the context of a rising tide of materialism and consequent reorientation of society, over more than a century, which has among its outcomes a destructive emphasis on sexuality. Various philosophies and theories have eroded precepts of right and wrong that govern personal behavior. For some, relativism reigns and individuals are to determine their own moral preferences; others dismiss the very conception of personal morality, maintaining that any standard that restrains what is considered a natural impulse is harmful to the individual and ultimately to society. Self- indulgence, in the guise of expressing one's true nature, becomes the norm, even the touchstone of healthy living. Consequently, sexuality has become a preoccupation, pervading commerce, media, the arts, and popular culture, influencing disciplines such as medicine, psychology, and education and reducing the human being to an object. It is no longer merely a part of life, but becomes the defining element of a person's identity. At its most extreme, the doctrine aggressively propagated in some societies is that it is abnormal for adolescents to restrain their sexual impulses, unreasonable for young adults to marry without first having had sexual relations, and impossible for a married couple to remain monogamous. The unbounded expression of sexuality in almost any form is thought to be natural and is accepted as a matter of….. continue 👇👇

U.S.A. Dear Bahá’í Friend, Your email letter dated 11 January 2014 has been received by the Universal House of Justice. We have been asked to convey to you the following. You express concern about the challenge Bahá’ís encounter in understanding and upholding the Teachings in the face of powerful social forces influencing public attitudes towards homosexuality. In this connection, you observe that some Bahá’ís are susceptible to the argument that the Faith must change to keep up with what are perceived to be progressive social values, while some others, despite their firm adherence to the Teachings, are unable to resolve the incongruity between the Bahá’í perspective and attitudes prevailing in the wider society. Your thoughtful analysis of the issues you raise is warmly appreciated. The contemporary discussion surrounding homosexuality, which began in the West and is increasingly promoted in other parts of the world, generally takes the form of a false dichotomy, which compels one to choose between a position that is either affirming or rejecting. It is understandable that Bahá’ís would be sensitive to acts of prejudice or oppression in any form and to the needs of those who suffer as a result. But to align with either side in the public debate is to accept the premises on which it is based. Moreover, this debate occurs within the context of a rising tide of materialism and consequent reorientation of society, over more than a century, which has among its outcomes a destructive emphasis on sexuality. Various philosophies and theories have eroded precepts of right and wrong that govern personal behavior. For some, relativism reigns and individuals are to determine their own moral preferences; others dismiss the very conception of personal morality, maintaining that any standard that restrains what is considered a natural impulse is harmful to the individual and ultimately to society. Self- indulgence, in the guise of expressing one's true nature, becomes the norm, even the touchstone of healthy living. Consequently, sexuality has become a preoccupation, pervading commerce, media, the arts, and popular culture, influencing disciplines such as medicine, psychology, and education and reducing the human being to an object. It is no longer merely a part of life, but becomes the defining element of a person's identity. 👇 continue …

Ram Dass was not Baha’i, but he is one of the spiritual teachers that influenced me personally. I am not “gay” or “straight” nor do I care about any of that or find it important personally, but I do find it absurd that anyone could say anyone who was homosexual is not holy. How can a religion preach tolerance while not tolerating the personal decisions of consenting adults..? I have a feeling the translation was actually supposed to be about pedophilia, which does infringe upon the freewill of a person too young to make a good decision. Homosexuality is about consenting adults, not children. I really do not understand why people would make such a big deal about something so small. I have had all kinds of friends, despite what kind of people they chose to have sexual relationships with. This totally destroyed any respect I have for the Baha’i faith as a community, but I will still try and study the writings of the mystics themselves, as best I can.

When I wrote the U.S. NSA I got the same elliptical excuses: while it continues to disrespect the reality of sexual diversity, it calls on all its members to be condescendingly kind toward the sexual divergent. What a hypocritical stance!! "All will be revealed in the future" is a mantra to silence honest questions ("questions" is a name of a Baha'i month, named as a virtue.) Yet now we are punished for engaging in questions and so the neurotic fearfulness, and the profound damage of the insistence on applying the Kitab'i'aqdas, a poorly written book trying to establish a world religion no matter what the cost to its constituents, continues to tear the Baha'i community apart, "Ye are the flowers of one garden" has been discarded by the current conduct of th Baha'i authorities. What a sad ending to a beautiful Faith that could've been, if only..

God loves us all regardless of religion and sexual preferences. Im grateful that God is in real control and not humans and human laws.

Having any legislative body within the Baha'i Faith even distantly influenced by Iranian political issues is totally against everything Baha'u'llah taught prior to this disastrous enforcement of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. We need an greater understanding of the political stance on this theological stance, which is ultimately a fruit of a political response between Shia'h vs. Sunni Muslim faiths---and how that misunderstanding has proven to be a loss for all of humanity. Baha'u'lah never, ever, envisioned the divisiveness that the Baha'i Faith has created for itself today. The Faith is creating its own demise with such harsh dictums based on a poorly translated and questionable essay.

I am an inactive Baha'i specifically because of their treatment of LGBTQ's. If I can't bring my buddies, I ain't going. It's been decades. But, i have been missing the Faith, wanting to learn, share the journey. I popped online to see if there'd been even a glimmer of sense. Twenty five years later. I'm taking these videos as a no. Lol I think I'm up to my fourth video here. I just keep being in awe. What a loss to any community. The wisdom and spirit and talent and love shining through here. A faith community would give up this wealth over some questionable lines? Not even a discussion? And, having found some inclusive churches, I hear the pain that so many folk endure looking for a loving sanctuary. Naive me just assumed if you study love, it's a verb. Why would a church have to announce being inclusive? Then i hear the stories. That my Baha'i brethren can still accept this discrimination. I kept wanting to say to the community, "Dang, Dudes, the Jews and Christians are leaving you in the dust. Everything you claim you stand for, and where you claim to be taking humanity, you'll never get there by hurting people. " They aren't living up to their ideals. It's a shame. I love the faith. I still feel the loving presence of Baha'u'llah. But, some of these people need to worry less about the word, and more about the lesson.

I've always wondered, someone who left the Faith because of these views, how much of it all could be traced to the Iranian culture. But, also, what a betrayal to leave your spiritual children in such danger without support. Your description of Uganda really brought that home. It also renewed my love for the Spirit and teachings. What you said was so poignant. It's sad, too, I feel guilty when I share the philosophies because I may be reaching someone who won't be embraced. "This is beautiful. But you can't really have it."

You put this together so well. I vaguely remember hearing about your letter. I left the Faith, as a hetero, because of this ridiculous position. It was about the time of your letter. First, I'm a musician and they didn't have paying gigs back then. (Sort of laughing. But if you go on about treasuring the arts, help this girl pay the light bill. ) But this position. The ugly way that it was addressed. The uncompromising adherence to, basically, one man's interpretation. Like you said, if they get something this vital this wrong what else am I not seeing? I left when I was telling my best friend, a gay man, about the Faith. It hit me so deeply that this thing I loved, this profound wisdom and guidance, I couldn't take my buddy. So. Hey. The Christians and the Jews pay really well. (Usually) And I avoid anywhere I can't bring someone I love.

What beautiful people!! I was Baha'I and loved it so much. It will always be at my core. I left the faith when I heard their beliefs on homosexuality. I'm a hetero. I'm also a musician. I say that because when I was a kid, I told my piano teacher that.... shock..... the math teacher was gay. I didn't even know what gay was. But it had to be juicy the way everyone was whispering. She said, "Honey. You're a musician. Anyone who signs your checks is going to be gay or Jewish. Get over it." And it broke my heart, hearing those stupid laws. I couldn't be a part of anything where I couldn't bring my friends. In my prayers, and this may sound crazy, but I have felt Baha'u'llah, that powerful, gentle soul. And He's told me this isn't what He wants.

Answer is clear we love you always and all the religion in the world believe in man and women so we are

I’m Baha’i and still love him nothing changed for us just because he is gay . But that’s the Baha’i laws .

I am a Bahai, I love gay people as much as I love anybody Else. I know that gay people are not to be excommunicated because they are gay. But acting Out the lifestyle, Or acting upon. The impulse, It's considered a violation of covenant. This is heart wrenthink because how much because homosexuals are some of the nicest. Most intellegend kindest perceptive human beings i've ever known as a Bahai. I've thought about this issue a lot, And I have my understanding of it. And I think it can be resolved if we change our frame of reference. And that is that we should not conflate love with sex. And that Goes for homosexuals Or non homosexuals. Sex is not an expression of love. We confuse the pleasure. And the excessive brought about by the activity with love. And I think that's a mistake. That particular perspective. Produces justification for The homosexual activity. His holiness bahaula Never said men cannot love men. Or women cannot love women. Because Abdulbaha Has made it clear what are the ingredients of love. And they are justice, generosity, Compassion, Forgiveness, Patience, Truthfulness, I'm sure there is a couple of things i'm missing. To miss any of these ingredients,, Can you truly say you love. So therefore love is not a physical activity. It is an expression of the soul. Not of the body. Just like there are laws against heterosexual activity outside of marriage. There are also laws against homosexual activity within and outside of marriage. There are restrictions on everybody from all walks of life. And true freedom only comes when we accept divine restrictions called laws or covenant. I love and adore my fellow homosexual gay lesbian brothers and sisters. And my heart goes out to you as a Bahai I have shed tears of sorrow for your plight, And unfortunate predicament. Because you had no choice and what has been dealt to you. By the circumstances and the accident of birth., And you find yourself in no man's land. Between a rock and a hard place as they say. My heart truly goes out to you. Homosexuals have undoubtedly suffered throughout history at the hands. Of the ungodly. Who always claim to be godly but they are the opposite. If you have run into bahai's, Who have been judgmental to you. I apologize on their behalf, Just because you are a bahai, It does not mean you know anything at all. The bahai writings say, If you think you know the truth think again. So if I know the law, And I do things in opposition to the law. Therefore it is evident that I am making my choice. I am choosing materialism. Over God. If I Defy any kind of law any kind of divine restriction that is placed on me. Then I am making a choice. And choices have consequences. We are either rewarded for the choice. Or reprimanded for the choice. We draw near to god. Or We experience spiritual regression. To sum it up in a nutshell. The idea of kingdom of god on earth. Is the enforcement of spiritual law. With a push and a nudge not with brute force. I am saying too much I need to be quiet i'm probably wrong But this is my tache or understanding of the law.

This wonderful interview breaks my heart. As a former Baha'i and health professional, I was there during the AIDS epidemic. I was there when those innocents breathed their last breaths, I held their hands, and taught the aides how to use oxygen tanks safely. It was such a horrible time, and now to inflict this nastiness on yet more innocents is unendurable. That is why I keep making comments on this issue. I will never stop. AIDS killed my brothers, my friends. And now the Bahai' Faith DARES to continues the legacy of death through disaffection and disallowing sincere Baha'is to share their legitimacy as followers of the Faith. What a cruel, horrible failure on the part of the Faith. I am so sad that the Baha'i Faith has fallen into such a deep hole of intolerance due to religion's complete misunderstanding of science. So the innocents suffer. And so I hate the destructiveness that the Faith's "rulers" have enacted And if you don't object, I hate you too. I held children with AIDS in my arms while they died. And yet you pass your sanctimonious judgment on them? On their deeply grieving parents? Shame on you all. And no more "it will be revealed" religiosity works. Ever. You're a dupe when you think that. Just as the Catholics declared just wars and filled the streets of Jerusalem with blood, nothing can excuse this hostile phobia. Dear God, such a beautiful Faith, but now so completely corrupted by incompetence and misdirection.