Applying Baha’i teachings to society

Baha’i studies conference helps participants build the skills and confidence to engage in discourse

About 1,400 people from all corners of North America and beyond gathered Aug. 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 42nd annual conference of the Association for Baha’i Studies. ABS was founded in 1975 to promote advanced study of the Faith and its application to the needs of humanity. This year’s gathering tapped the host city’s wealth of intellectual, historical and artistic resources to focus many of its sessions for adults, teens and children on social justice. A particular emphasis was constructive resilience — the powerful response of African Americans and others to long-term systemic oppression in a way that effects transformation in individuals and society. This exploration continued the efforts of ABS in recent years to equip Baha’is of all ages and in all fields of endeavor to “earnestly strive to reflect on the implications that the truths found in the Revelation may hold for their work” and raise their capacity to “render service for the betterment of the world.”