What a wonderful day! About thirty gathered for mixed activities - music, singing, abstract art, juggling and Tai Chi. The very special surroundings of the Dreen made the day extra special. The 'craic' was ninety and food exceptional. There was a rumour that it might happen every three months. The juggling was, of course, led by John Twiname - keeping five balls in the air! The art constructions were eagerly attended and everyone had a go at the Tai Chi. Arts seem to be firmly on the map.
Like many other groups the Bahá'í community in Londonderry has been bombarded with equality consultation documents, requests for views on specific subjects and so on. The Derry City Council has been a regular sender and helpfully it always includes a response form with sections the consultee can simply tick. The Spiritual Assembly has responded to these but was not happy that in the standard section relating to the impact of equality legislation on religious groups a number of faith communities were listed as examples, but not the Bahá'ís. The Assembly decided to write to the City Council to point out that if equality is the issue then the Bahá'ís really should be listed, especially as they included religions with fewer followers in the district. We are happy to say that the Council has taken the point and the standard consultation documents (which go to many organisations in the city) now include us in the list of examples of religions.
The Londonderry Sentinel of 7 August carried a photograph and interview with Dr Iain Palin that covered almost a full page. It was one of a regular series called "Backchat" in which the paper asks local people of note or interest about various things that concern them. Iain was able to mention the Faith as an inspiring force for him and to convey something about it.
BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE