Children and Youth

In Bridge of Weir, we have both a junior youth group and children’s classes running. The junior youth group consists of six girls aged 13-14, five of whom are not Bahá’í, who are working through the third book in the series Drawing on the Power of the Word (study circle material for junior youth – Ed.).

The children’s classes at the moment are only attended by Bahá’í children. However we have three class groups for different ages because the classes are supported from Bahá’ís outside of our area. We really wanted to recruit more local children into the classes, so we decided that we needed to build more links with local families.

For the Birthday of the Báb we decided to invite two families to come to celebrate the day with us. Two of our youth prepared a devotional programme and a PowerPoint presentation about the Báb. Both of the families came along with all their children and they had a wonderful time – so much so that we thought they were never going to leave! A lot of questions were asked about the Faith and the bonds of friendship were strengthened, so we feel we are now ready to invite the children to join our classes – prayers please!

Fife Interfaith Group was formed two years ago; the aim of the group is to promote good inter-faith relations in the community and to generate greater understanding among faiths. Membership is open to people of different faiths and beliefs who support the aims of the group.

On Saturday 11th November, at Rothes Hall in Glenrothes, Fife Interfaith Event was organised to raise awareness of Faith communities in Fife. The event was open to the public and the programme included display-stands of different faiths in Fife, an introduction by Vice Provost, Cllr. Andrew Patterson; and speakers such as: Maureen Sier, Development and Education Officer, Scottish Interfaith Council; Daryl Watson, LDS; and Ehsan Eliasieh, Bahá’í Community.

Bahá’ís of North East Fife prepared the exhibition, which was about the history, principles and temples of the Bahá’í Faith. Music from different faiths was heard. There was a video presentation on Holy Land and with an introduction to the Bahá’í Faith; also lots of books were on display and many leaflets were taken by visitors. Some showed serious interest and sought further contact.

We also enjoyed a buffet lunch. There was a steady flow of visitors and many youth attended the event. Overall, it was a wonderful day and everyone worked hard to create an atmosphere of love and fellowship and it proved that, despite our differences we can work in harmony. Bahá’u’lláh’s call was mentioned: ‘Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship’