Source: Bahá’à World News Service
http://www.bahaiworldnews.org/story/710
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has sent a message to UK Baha'is to mark Ridvan, the most important Baha'i festival. In it he expressed his "respect and admiration" for the British Baha'i community which, he said, "makes a contribution to British life out of all proportion to its size."
In the letter, which was addressed to the annual reception hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Friends of the Baha'is, Mr. Brown welcomed the Baha'is' "participation in public life" and described as "tragic" the prejudice and discrimination faced by some Baha'is in the world.
His sentiments were echoed by leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties, and the archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Church of England, all of whom also sent messages to the reception.
"The Baha'i emphasis on equality, unity, social justice, and human rights does credit to your faith," wrote David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party.
Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, called Ridvan "a time to acknowledge and reflect on the valuable social and cultural contribution made by the thousands of Baha'is living in the UK."
"The Baha'i community," he said, "can be very proud of its active role in promoting religious tolerance, peace and unity across the world."