Location
Jan Merrill and Gary Bond read a Baha'i prayer for peace and a Baha'i writing about racial harmony at the 4th Annual Interfaith Night of Music and the Spoken Word at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento. Pictured are the presenters Jon Fish, Jan Merrill, Gary Bond, Diana Rude', Tom Hamilton, Bishop Cotta, Jeff Cota and Jeanne Anderson-West.
The Baha'i prayers/writings that were offered are:
PRAYER FOR AMERICA:
O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad-tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world. O God! This American nation is worthy of Thy favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal.
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá
(Compilations, Baha'i Prayers, p. 23)
The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them.
Likewise, when you meet those whose opinions differ from your own, do not turn away your face from them. All are seeking truth, and there are many roads leading thereto. Truth has many aspects, but it remains always and forever one.
Do not allow difference of opinion, or diversity of thought to separate you from your fellow-men, or to be the cause of dispute, hatred and strife in your hearts.
Rather, search diligently for the truth and make all men your friends.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 53)