Thoughts on Prejudice

Tonight I join people around the world, those who mourn the passing of another hate crime victim. Today, following a shooting at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., the injured guard has succumbed to his injury. At the opening of that Museum, President Clinton mentioned the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran.

Abdu'l-Baha spoke out against all forms of prejudice. On June 9, 1912, Abdu'l-Baha spoke about prejudice at a gathering in Philadelphia. Here is part of what he said:


"prejudices—whether religious, racial, patriotic or political—are destructive to the foundations of human development. Prejudices of any kind are the destroyers of human happiness and welfare. Until they are dispelled, the advancement of the world of humanity is not possible; yet racial, religious and national biases are observed everywhere. For thousands of years the world of humanity has been agitated and disturbed by prejudices. As long as it prevails, warfare, animosity and hatred will continue. Therefore, if we seek to establish peace, we must cast aside this obstacle; for otherwise, agreement and composure are not to be attained. "

The above quote can be found in the book "The Promulgation of Universal Peace."