A century-old community
The Bahá’i Faith has been present in Switzerland for well over 100 years. Edith and Joseph de Bons were the first Swiss to become Bahá’is. They lived in Sion (VS). Over the decades, people promoting and practicing the ideals of Bahá’u’lláh’s message have spread out over the whole country.
A very diverse community
Bahá’ís are present in some 300 localities throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The diversity of the Swiss Bahá’í community is reflected in this geographic spread. The Swiss Bahá’í community is made up of persons coming from over 60 countries and territories of the planet.
Bahá’ís strive to better understand and translate into action the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh–both in their individual and collectives lives.
Bahá’ís of Switzerland have been, through the past century, inspired by the words of Bahá’u’lláh to “associate with all the peoples and kindreds of the earth with joy and radiance” and to be “anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.”
Bahá’ís continue their efforts and are involved in activities to build vibrant communities in Switzerland.
Contributions of the Bahá'ís of Switzerland
Throughout their rich history, the Bahá’ís of Switzerland have been able to accomplish notable results. They’ve worked both within their community and in contributing to the discourses in society on issues of vital concern.
The Swiss Bahá’í community has adopted an approach where action is followed by reflection and consultation on next steps. The community has done the following:
Participating in interreligious dialogue
The Bahá’ís of Switzerland have played an active role in fostering interreligious dialogue in various platforms throughout the country and on the national level.
Spiritual education for children
From the earliest days, the education of children has been a central part of Bahá’í community life.
The Swiss Bahá’í Community has sought to nurture the spiritual development of children and youth through a program that fosters an appreciation for the unity of the human family and the essential harmony of the world’s religious traditions. These classes also focus on cultivating spiritual qualities and moral values.
Offered freely by Bahá’ís and their friends, these neighborhood-based classes are open to all children, creating spaces where they can learn and grow together.
It has offered a perspective and an unassuming example, on such pressing issues as world peace, the future of Switzerland, racial discrimination, religious prejudice, integration and the equality of women and men.
From its inception, the community has cultivated an environment where women share equal responsibility with men.
The system of annual elections is by secret ballot, devoid of any form of nominations, campaigning, propaganda or quotas.
