I’m Nancy and I live in St Albans.

Before coming to Hertfordshire I had lived in various countries and experienced very different cultures.

I was attracted to the principles of the Bahá'í Faith and one of the principles is that every individual should investigate truth for himself or herself. This is independent investigation of truth. In the past I investigated other religions and then I found the answers to many questions in the Bahá'í Faith and found the answers were very logical and realistic.

I have seen that in the Bahá'í community we act and work together to achieve a cohesive society. It’s not just talking with words, but actually acting in deeds, putting words and actions together at the same time. Community building is very important to Bahá'ís and I like this very much. In modern society we are losing the sense of community, but the Bahá'ís are trying to build communities on a spiritual basis.

For example we hold devotional meetings with prayers and readings and meditation. At these meetings each individual meditates on the spiritual words which can enrich the soul. At study circles we are free to discuss ideas and offer our own opinions. We study spiritual ideas such as love, peace and unity. We hold classes where children – Bahá'ís and non-Bahá'ís - can learn the difference between right and wrong and how to practise virtues in their lives. These activities raise the spiritual level in each individual and in the community. The Bahá'í Faith incorporates practical aspects of life. We try to “tread the spiritual path with practical feet”.

I think that the Bahá'í Faith is for people from all different backgrounds, from diverse cultures, and I see this principle of the oneness of humanity being practised in Bahá'í gatherings where we come together in a friendly atmosphere as one family. ∞