Race

Topics

• Race unity
• Affirmative action

Race relations

The Guardian Encourages Participation with Non-Political Progressive Groups

"Regarding your question: The Guardian does not see how Bahá’í participation with other organizations and religious bodies in a non-political meeting to promote civic unity and welfare along some line can be considered political. Much as the friends must guard against in any way ever seeming to identify themselves or the Cause with any political party, they must also guard against the other extreme of never taking part with other progressive groups, in conferences or committees designed to promote some activity in entire accord with our teachings—such as, for instance, better race relations."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, November 21, 1948, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1815)

Unity in Diversity

"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 a 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."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Ibid., p. 38, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1792)

Protests vs. Political involvement

Campus Protest Against Racial Prejudice

"In connection with the subject matter of Mr. Blackwell's letter and your reference to it, the Guardian feels that, as he said in his letter to Mr. Blackwell, there was no objection at all to the students taking part in something so obviously akin to the spirit of our teachings as a campus demonstration against race prejudice. The Bahá’ís did not inaugurate this protest, they merely were proud to have a voice as Bahá’ís in such a protest, took part, and he thinks they did quite right and violated no administrative principle."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, November 18, 1948, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1804)

The Bahá’í Must Scrupulously Avoid Involvement in Political Issues Therefore Cannot Participate in Anti-Apartheid Demonstrations

"In reply to your letter of 15 July 1985 seeking further clarification on the issue of apartheid, the Universal House of Justice has instructed us to point out that as the policy of apartheid derives from racial discrimination, it cannot be accepted by Bahá’ís wherever, and in whatever form, it may be practised.

"While the friends should, of course, support the principles of the Faith, including those advocating the oneness of mankind, and may associate with groups and engage in activities which promote these principles, they must scrupulously take care not to become involved in political issues. As stated in the letter to you dated 16 April 1985, participation in anti-apartheid demonstrations and protest activities could be construed as involvement in politics, and therefore should be avoided.

"… The world around us is seething with unrest caused by the conflicting interests of governments, peoples, races and individuals. Each of these contending parties has some good and some evil on its side, and, whereas we will unhesitatingly uphold Bahá’í principles, we will never become embroiled in these internecine conflicts by identifying ourselves with one or other of the parties, however much in our hearts we may sympathize with its aims.

"The positive attitude to the question of racial prejudice is radiant and whole-hearted exemplification of the principle of the oneness of mankind, first among the members of your National Spiritual Assembly and then throughout the Bahá’í community…."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, August 18, 1985, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1805)

See also

• https://bahai-library.com/uhj_social_action

Different races

It is the Responsibility of the Believers to Combat and Uproot Racial Prejudice in Their Midst

"In America, where racial prejudice is still so widely prevalent, it is the responsibility of the believers to combat and uproot it with all their force, first by endeavouring to introduce into the Cause as many racial and minority groups as they can approach and teach, and second, by stimulating close fellowship and intercourse between them and the rest of the Community.

"It should be the paramount concern of your Committee to foster this aim through every means available. Not only the coloured people, who because of the increasing receptivity they are evincing to the Message and truly deserve special attention, but all other minorities, whether racial or religious, Jews, Red Indians, all alike should be contacted and confirmed. The greater the receptivity of a particular class or group, the stronger should wax the desire and determination of the believers to attract and teach its members. At a time when the whole world is steeped in prejudices of race, class, and nation, the Bahá’ís, by upholding firmly and loyally this cardinal principle of their Faith, can best hope to vindicate its truth, and establish its right to bring order and peace out of the chaos and strife of this war-torn world."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, January 20, 1941, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1808)

Teaching students of different races in the Universities and Other Minority Groups in America, Such as Czechs, Poles, Russians…

"…urge the Bahá’ís, wherever they may be, to devote more attention to the minorities. This is particularly true in places where there are universities where foreign students belonging to the black, yellow and brown races are studying. In this way, the friends cannot only obey one of the most beautiful principles of our Faith, to show hospitality to the stranger in our midst, but also demonstrate the universality of our Teachings and the true brotherhood that animates us, and in addition, confirm Bahá’ís who may go back to the distant place of the earth— the Pacific, Africa, Asia, etc., and be of inestimable help to the newly-born Bahá’í Communities.

"Likewise the friends should carry their friendship and their teachings to other minority groups in America, such as the Italians, the Jews, the Czechs, the Poles, the Russians, etc."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’í Inter-Racial Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, May 27, 1957, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1806)

Object of Inter-Racial Work—Japanese, Americans, Mexicans, Chinese, Negroes

"He feels that, as the main object of the Bahá’í inter-racial work is to abolish prejudice against any and every race and minority group, it is obviously proper for them to include in particular any group that is receiving especially bad treatment—such as the Japanese Americans are being subjected to. There is also no reason why work should not be done among, and in cooperation with, the Mexicans, the Chinese, and so on.

"He has always been very anxious to have the Indians taught and enlisted under the banner of the Faith, in view of the Master's remarkable statements about the possibilities of their future and that they represent the aboriginal American population.

"The Negroes, likewise, are, one might say, a key problem and epitomise the feelings of colour prejudice so rife in the United States. That is why he has constantly emphasized the importance of the Bahá’ís actively and continuously demonstrating that in the Faith this cruel and horrible taint of discrimination against, and contempt for, them does not exist but is, on the contrary, supplanted by a feeling of esteem for their great gifts and a complete lack of prejudice against associating with them in every field of life.

"The work of the Race Unity Committee should include, as far as is feasible, contacts with all minority groups, and wherever there is a particularly stout prejudice against a special group—such as the feeling against the Japanese in the Western states and the Negroes in the Southern, etc.,—efforts should be made to counteract it by showing publicly the Bahá’í example of loving tolerance and brotherly association."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 30, 1945, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1796)

African-Americans/Black race and the white race

Afro-Americans and Amerindians

"The Americas have been a melting pot and a meeting place for the races of men, and the need is acute for the fulfillment of God's promises of the realization of the oneness of mankind. Particularly do the Master and the Guardian point to the Afro-Americans and the Amerindians, two great ethnic groups whose spiritual powers will be released through their response to the Creative Word. But our Teachings must touch all, must include all people. And, in this hour of your tireless activity what special rewards shall come to those who will arise, summoned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's words: 'Now is the time to divest yourselves of the garment of attachment to this phenomenal realm, be wholly severed from the physical world, become angels of heaven, and travel and teach through all these regions.' "

(The Universal House of Justice's Message to the Caribbean Conference, May 1971, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1778)

First Member of His Race to Embrace the Cause

"Even Mrs. Hearst's butler, a negro named Robert Turner, the first member of his race to embrace the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in the West, had been transported by the influence exerted by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the course of that epoch-making pilgrimage. Such was the tenacity of his faith that even the subsequent estrangement of his beloved mistress from the Cause she had spontaneously embraced failed to becloud its radiance, or to lessen the intensity of the emotions which the loving-kindness showered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá upon him had excited in his breast."

(Shoghi Effendi: God Passes By, p. 259, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1779)

Service of the Negro

"He was very pleased to have the first pioneer from America go forth under this organized African campaign; he was doubly happy that it should have been an American Negro who went. This is highly appropriate and surely has delighted the heart of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Who watched over the race with particular love, tenderness and understanding. The ever increasing part the coloured friends are taking in the work of the Cause, and especially of late years in the pioneer work gratifies the Guardian immensely. And now, to add further to the record of their services, they can count a member of their race a Hand of the Cause. When we read in the Will and Testament how great is the function of the Hands we appreciate to what an exalted station our dear brother Louis Gregory attained…."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, November 23, 1951: Bahá’í News, No. 252, February 1952, p. 1, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1780)

Guardian's Appeal to Negro Race

"… I appeal particularly to its dearly beloved members belonging to the Negro race to participate in the contemplated project marking a significant milestone in the world unfoldment of the Faith…"

(Shoghi Effendi: Citadel of Faith, p. 87, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1781)

Concentrate on Teaching the Negroes

"…he urges the friends to concentrate on teaching the negroes. They should be courageous in their racial stand, particularly as so many non-Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’í organizations are showing marked courage at this time…The friends must remember that the cardinal principle of their Faith is the Oneness of Mankind. This places an obligation on them far surpassing the obligation which Christian charity and brotherly love places upon the Christians. They should demonstrate this spirit of oneness constantly and courageously…".

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, September 21, 1957: Bahá’í News, No. 321, November 1957, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1782)

Compared with Pupil of the Eye

"…RECALL WITH PROFOUND EMOTION MESSAGE BELOVED GUARDIAN OCCASION 1953 CONFERENCE WHEREIN HE EXTOLLED PUREHEARTED SPIRITUALLY RECEPTIVE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AFRICA WHOM BAHÁ'U'LLÁH COMPARED PUPIL EYE THROUGH WHICH LIGHT OF SPIRIT SHINETH FORTH AND FOR WHOSE CONVERSION BOTH GUARDIAN AND MASTER BEFORE HIM YEARNED AND LABOURED…"

(From the cable of the Universal House of Justice to the Africa International Conference, October 6, 1967, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1783)

Work of Negro Has Been of Greatest Help

"The Negro believers must be just as active as their white brothers and sisters in spreading the Faith, both among their own race and members of other races. It has been a great step forward in the Cause's development in America to have Negro pioneers go forth, and their work has been of the greatest help and very productive of results."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to two individual believers, March 19, 1944, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1784)

The Negroes Have A Contribution to Make to Bahá’u’lláh's World Order

"The negroes, though they themselves may not realize it, have a contribution to make to the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. His Teachings and the society He has come to establish are for every race and every nation, and each one of them has his own part to play and the gift of his own qualities and talents to give to the whole world.

"The Cause of God has room for all. It would, indeed, not be the Cause of God if it did not take in and welcome everyone—poor and rich, educated and ignorant, the unknown, and the prominent—God surely wants them all, as He created them all."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to two believers, December 10, 1942, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1785)

Pure-hearted, Spiritually Receptive Negro Race

"I welcome with open arms the unexpectedly large number of the representatives of the pure-hearted and the spiritually receptive Negro race, so dearly loved by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, for whose conversion to His Father's Faith He so deeply yearned and whose interests He so ardently championed in the course of His memorable visit to the North American continent. I am reminded, on this historic occasion, of the significant words uttered by Bahá’u’lláh Himself, Who, as attested by the Center of the Covenant, in His Writings, 'compared the coloured people to the black pupil of the eye', through which 'the light of the spirit shineth forth'."

(Shoghi Effendi: Messages to the Bahá’í World, pp. 135-136, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1786)

Faces are as Pupil of the Eye

"As to… and …, verily the faces of these are as the pupil of the eye; although the pupil is created black, yet it is the source of light. I hope God will make these black ones the glory of the white ones and as the depositing of the lights of love of God. And I ask God to assist them in all circumstances, that they may be encompassed with the favours of their Loving Lord throughout centuries and ages."

(Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Vol. II, p. 292, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1787)

The Principle of the Oneness of Mankind Precludes Possibility of Considering Race as a Bar to Social Interaction

"In regard to your question concerning the Bahá’í attitude towards the Coloured Race. It is only evident that the principle of the oneness of mankind—which is the main pivot round which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve—precludes the possibility of considering race as a bar to any intercourse, be it social or otherwise. The Faith, indeed, by its very nature and purpose, transcend all racial limitations and differences, and proclaims the basic and essential unity of the entire human race. Racial prejudice, of whatever nature and character, is therefore severely condemned, and as such should be wiped out by the friends in all their relations, whether private or social."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 16, 1935, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1788)

The Guardian Addresses Both Races—Neither Race Can Claim to be Absolved from Obligation

"… White and Negro, high and low, young and old, whether newly converted to the Faith or not, all who stand identified with it must participate in, and lend their assistance, each according to his or her capacity, experience, and opportunities, to the common task of fulfilling the instructions, realizing the hopes, and following the example, of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Whether coloured or noncoloured, neither race has the right, or can conscientiously claim, to be regarded as absolved from such an obligation, as having realized such hopes, or having faithfully followed such an example. A long and thorny road, beset with pitfalls, still remains untravelled, both by the white and the Negro exponents of the redeeming Faith of Bahá’u’lláh….

"… If any discrimination is at all to be tolerated, it should be a discrimination not against, but rather in favour of the minority, be it racial or otherwise. Unlike the nations and peoples of the earth, be they of the East or of the West, democratic or authoritarian, communist or capitalist, whether belonging to the Old World or the New, who either ignore, trample upon, or extirpate, the racial, religious, or political minorities within the sphere of their jurisdiction, every organized community enlisted under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh should feel it to be its first and inescapable obligation to nurture, encourage, and safeguard every minority belonging to any faith, race, class, or nation within it. So great and vital is this principle that in such circumstances, as when an equal number of ballots have been cast in an election, or where the qualifications for any office are balanced as between the various races, faiths or nationalities within the community, priority should unhesitatingly be accorded the party representing the minority, and this for no other reason except to stimulate and encourage it, and afford it an opportunity to further the interests of the community…."

(Shoghi Effendi: Ibid., pp. 35, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1793)

God Makes No Distinction

"God maketh no distinction between the white and the black. If the hearts are pure both are acceptable unto Him. God is no respecter of persons on account of either colour or race. All colours are acceptable unto Him, be they white, black, or yellow. Inasmuch as all were created in the image of God, we must bring ourselves to realize that all embody divine possibilities… God did not make these divisions; these divisions have had their origin in man himself. Therefore, as they are against the plan and purpose of God they are false and imaginary."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Ibid., p. 37, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1794)

The Coloured Friends Need the Faith—Have Suffered and been down-trodden

"The coloured friends need the Faith very much as they have suffered and been downtrodden in the past a great deal and they must realize that in the propagation of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh lies their hope for a better future, just as much as the hope of the entire world."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, July 8, 1942, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1798)

Bahá’ís are not Perfect

"He does not doubt—though it grieves him to have to admit it—that there are believers who have not overcome their racial prejudices. The Bahá’ís are not perfect, but they have made a great step forward by embracing the Faith of God. We must be patient with each other, and realize that each one of us has some faults to overcome, of one kind or another.

"You, he feels, need to use greater wisdom and forbearance in dealing with your fellow-Bahá’ís and with difficult situations. To be courageous—as you evidently are—to rebel against the injustices of race prejudice and fight them is not enough, you must also show some patience for those who suffer from this terrible American ailment of Negro prejudice and act with wisdom in overcoming it, instead of going at it so vehemently that you alienate the Bahá’ís instead of leading them to greater manifestations of the Bahá’í spirit of brotherhood and racial amity….

"He hopes that you will concentrate your energies on serving the Faith.

"This is the only real solution to man's problems, all others are more or less palliatives, but we who are identified with Bahá’u’lláh's message can alone build up the pattern for the future through helping to establish our Administrative Order and assisting in its proper functioning. This is the fundamental thing."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer during the year 1949, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1801)

God Has Richly Endowed the Negro Race

"You already are well aware of the importance he attaches to teaching the negroes the Faith and breaking down the shameful wall of prejudice that has for so long shut out from each other the black and white citizens of America.

"The qualities of heart so richly possessed by the Negro are much needed in the world today—their great capacity for faith, their loyalty and devotion to their religion when once they believe, their purity of heart. God has richly endowed them, and their contribution to the Cause is much needed, especially as there is a lack of Negro Bahá’í teachers who can go out to their own people, along with their white brothers and sisters, and convince them of the active universality of our Faith. He will especially pray that you may confirm souls of capacity in this field."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to two believers, September 27, 1941, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1809)

The Negro Race and the White Race Must do All in Their Power to Destroy the Prejudice Which Exists on Both Sides

"The negro race has been, and still is, the victim of unjust prejudice, and it is obviously the duty of every Bahá’í, negro or white, to do all in their power to destroy the prejudices which exist on both sides. They can do this not only by exemplifying the true Bahá’í spirit in all their associations and acts, but also by taking an active part in any progressive movements aimed at the betterment of the lot of those who are underprivileged, as long as these movements are absolutely non-political and non-subversive in every respect.

"Movements for social progress and social justice, as long as they are disassociated from both political and religious partisanship, should be supported by those Bahá’ís who feel urged to undertake such work. Consequently there is no reason why you should not work for the betterment of your race through channels that in no way conflict with our Bahá’í attitude."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, November 23, 1941, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1810)

The Negroes Should be Proud and Happy in the Praises which Bahá’u’lláh Bestowed upon Them and Other Down-Trodden Races

"As we neither feel nor acknowledge any distinction between the duties and privileges of a Bahá’í, whoever he may be, it is incumbent upon the negro believers to rise above this great test which the attitude of some of their white brethren may present. They must prove their innate equality not by words but by deeds. They must accept the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh for the sake of the Cause, love it, and cling to it, and teach it, and fight for it as their own Cause, forgetful of the shortcomings of others. Any other attitude is unworthy of their faith.

"Proud and happy in the praises which even Bahá’u’lláh Himself has bestowed upon them, they must feel He revealed Himself for them and every other downtrodden race, loves them, and will help them to attain their destiny.

"The whole race question in America is a national one and of great importance. But the negro friends must not waste their precious opportunity to serve the Faith, in these momentous days, by dwelling on the admitted shortcomings of the white friends. They must arise and serve and teach, confident of the future they are building, a future in which we know these barriers will have once and for all been overcome!"

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 9, 1942, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1814)

The Whites Should Welcome Negroes In Their Homes and Even Marry Them if They Wish—Both Sides Have Prejudice to Overcome

"He feels it is time that the Bahá’ís stopped worrying entirely about the white element in a community, and that they should concentrate on showing the negro element that this is a Faith which produces full equality and which loves and wants minorities. The Bahá’ís should welcome the negroes to their homes, make every effort to teach them, associate with them, even marry them if they want to. We must remember that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself united in Bahá’í marriage a coloured and a white believer. He could not do more.

"Also, as the Guardian has been pointing out to the pilgrims, the Faith must be representative of the population. In a great many places in the South the majority of the population is still negro. This should be reflected in the Bahá’í Community, fearlessly. Both the white Bahá’ís and the coloured Bahá’ís must steadily work to attain this objective of bringing the Faith to the coloured people, and of confirming many of them in it. Both sides have prejudices to overcome; one, the prejudice which is built up in the minds of a people who have conquered and imposed their will, and the other the reactionary prejudice of those who have been conquered and sorely put upon."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’í Inter-Racial Teaching Committee, May 27, 1957, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1816)

See also

• Obligations of white believers toward racial unity
• Obligations of black believers toward racial unity
• Obligations of white and black believers toward racial unity

Jewish

The Sufferings and Tribulations of the Jews Will Terminate During the Bahá’í Era

"… You should certainly endeavour to establish further contacts with your Jewish fellow-citizens, as their spiritual destiny is assuredly bright. The age-long sufferings and tribulations which the Jews all over the world have so cruelly experienced will be terminated during the Bahá’í era, as they will be gradually led to embrace the Faith which, indeed, constitutes the only means of salvation to their race."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, September 22, 1937, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1817)

The Glorious Destiny of the Jews

"… If the Jews study the teachings they will find in them the hopes and aspirations that they have always cherished. Bahá’u’lláh bears a wonderful message to the Jews and many of them have come to appreciate it and are active in carrying it to others of their race. Through Bahá’u’lláh, the Master tells us, they shall regain their ancient glory and become loved by all the people of the whole world."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, June 14, 1932, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1818)

Believers of Jewish Descent Should Call Themselves Bahá’ís

"He feels you did the right thing to have yourself under 'Religion' registered as a Bahá’í. Unfortunately, owing to this obnoxious and vicious race prejudice of every sort which afflicts the world today, the term Jew has come more to mean a race than a religion. You certainly, as your father feels, should never wish to disassociate yourself from a group of people who have contributed as much to the world as the Jews have. On the other hand your actual religion today is Bahá’í, and he feels that Jews should, when they become Bahá’ís, always give this as their Faith, but as their racial descent they should give 'Jewish'."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 15, 1948, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1819)

Jewish people to be taught the Faith

"Let anyone who feels the urge among the participators in this crusade, which embraces all the races, all the republics, classes and denominations of the entire Western Hemisphere, arise, and, circumstances permitting, direct in particular the attention, and win eventually the unqualified adherence, of the Negro, the Indian, the Eskimo, and Jewish races to his Faith. No more laudable and meritorious service can be rendered the Cause of God, at the present hour, than a successful effort to enhance the diversity of the members of the American Bahá'í community by swelling the ranks of the Faith through the enrollment of the members of these races. A blending of these highly differentiated elements of the human race, harmoniously interwoven into the fabric of an all-embracing Bahá'í fraternity, and assimilated through the dynamic processes of a divinely appointed Administrative Order, and contributing each its share to the enrichment and glory of Bahá'í community life, is surely an achievement the contemplation of which must warm and thrill every Bahá'í heart..."Praise be to God," writes `Abdu'l-Bahá, "that whatsoever hath been announced in the Blessed Tablets unto the Israelites, and the things explicitly written in the letters of `Abdu'l-Bahá, are all being fulfilled. Some have come to pass; others will be revealed in the future. The Ancient Beauty hath in His sacred Tablets explicitly written that the day of their abasement is over. His bounty will overshadow them, and this race will day by day progress, and be delivered from its age-long obscurity and degradation."

(Shoghi Effendi, Advent of Divine Justice, p. 54, 55-56)

Differences do exist (though not important)

"From the standpoint of physiognomy there is a wide difference and distinction among races. The Asian, African and American have different physiognomies; the men of the North and men of the South are very different in type and features. From an economic standpoint in the law of living there is a great deal of difference. Some are poor, others wealthy; some are wise, others ignorant; some are patient and serene, some impatient and excitable; some are prone to justice, others practice injustice and oppression; some are meek, others arrogant. In brief, there are many points of distinction among humankind."

(Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 189-190)

"There are many other mutual qualifications. In this country, the United States of America, patriotism is common to both races; all have equal rights to citizenship, speak one language, receive the blessings of the same civilization, and follow the precepts of the same religion. In fact numerous points of partnership and agreement exist between the two races; whereas the one point of distinction is that of color. Shall this, the least of all distinctions, be allowed to separate you as races and individuals? In physical bodies, in the law of growth, in sense endowment, intelligence, patriotism, language, citizenship, civilization and religion you are one and the same. A single point of distinction exists--that of racial color. God is not pleased with--neither should any reasonable or intelligent man be willing to recognize--inequality in the races because of this distinction."

(Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 68)

See also

• Praise of character by country and race

To-dos for this page

• Split out African-Americans/White Americans to own page
• Better subcategorize the Lights of Guidance quotes; harmonize quotes with race unity including its reference to Power of Unity and Pupil of the Eye compilations; merge some quotes into Need to teach the Faith to people of color