Slovak Government Recognizes Baha'i Faith

May 13, 2007

Source: Baha'i World News Service

http://news.bahai.org/story/531

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, 13 May 2007 (BWNS) -- The government of Slovakia has officially registered the Baha'i Faith as a religious community, guaranteeing the group the right to own property, observe holy days, disseminate literature and engage in a host of other activities.

The recognition was the result of an application submitted by the Baha'is which was supported by signatures of some 28,000 residents of the country.

"The registration will enable us to more effectively help and serve all Slovak residents and make our programs more accessible to both children and adults," Jitka Spillerova, a spokeswoman for the Slovakian Baha'is, said. "The state guarantees registered churches and religious communities the legal status and possibility of functioning in public life."

Recognition by the state also allows a religion to request government funds, but Mrs. Spillerova said the Baha'is will not request such money now or in the future because their activities are financed strictly through voluntary contributions of enrolled members.