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One of the most important Bahà'i principles is unity in diversity. Bahà'is would like to see mankind as a whole big family, but a family rich in cultural diversity. As Bahà'is of York, we like our city and the wonderful region around it; this is why we have included a section on York and Yorkshire in our site. We are not a touristic agency, though, and would like to characterise this section with specific impression we had of the people, society and scenary around us, leaving standard details to more specialised web-sites. Three nice and interesting sites are for example:
York Gateway
YorkWeb - City Guide
University of York
Religion and Society in York
Bahà'is of York, believing in Bahà'u'llah and His teachings of the Oneness of Mankind, are part of a world wide community of believers with a rich diversity of backgrounds from all races, cultures, creeds, religions and nations, in over 189 independent countries and 46 territories.It is for this reason that we are constantly aware and supportive of activities and efforts in York that contribute to religious and cultural understanding, cooperation and unity of York's diverse communities.
As an active religious minority group in York, we are particularly in touch with and supportive of the positive activities of other religious groups and the influence of other faiths and beliefs in the life of our fellow citizens. There is no doubt that many people of good will, who do not belong to or profess belief in any particular religion or faith, have also made outstanding moral, educational, financial and social contributions to the development of better understanding and harmony among their fellow men. But greater efforts have been exerted or channelled where there has been a system to focus the aspirations of the individuals.
For example, no just person can deny the impact of socio-economic development programmes of Quakers in York over many decades, which benefited people from a wide diversity of backgrounds. Nor can we neglect the benefits of social and pastoral care given by many churches and other religious groups such as Salvation Army for many long years and more recently by Muslims, Buddhists and other groups.
We have also witnessed the efforts of the Church of England, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist and many other established Christian denominations, in their global humanitarian efforts, welcoming refugees from many countries and supporting national and international efforts in response to the plight of people who are driven out of their homes by wars or disasters, whether natural or manmade.
For many years there has been active presence of agencies such as St. Johns Ambulance, Red Cross, Oxfam, Christian Aid, etc. which are primarily religious based, and those such as, Fairer World, Shared Earth, One World, etc. who echo the sentiments and often run and supported by deeply religious and spiritually minded groups and individuals.
Not only such buildings as the Minster, various Churches, Friends Meeting House, the Mosque and Buddhist Centres have provided a focal point for prayers and meditations to enable people to develop inner and social peace and serenity, but many other groups such as Brahma Kumaries and even the believers in the practice of Yoga and Tai chi, have actively encouraged a meditative, spiritual and healthy living style of our community.
As well as many different religions already mentioned above, there are other minority religions such as Sikhs and Hindus as well as large numbers of Christian denominations that not only contribute richly to the spiritual life of our fellow citizens but also give support and understanding to their coreligionists.
The shameful events of the past such as persecution of Jews and their massacre in Clifford Tower a few centuries ago, resulting from fanaticism, ignorant, and prejudices, may not be blotted out from the pages of history. But the efforts of the new generations of authorities in the 20th Century to display a public apology, on the road to reconciliation, gives us hope that the religious strife and dissension may be the things of the past.
Over many years there have been much efforts to bring together and create a harmonious relationships and dialogues between the followers of various religious groups and their leaders who have contributed to all the above developments and activities.
Development of the Council of Churches, Inter-Faith Group, Religious Studies Centre at St. Johns College with their extensive library, Radio York's religious programmes and even York Racial Equality Network, Citizens Unit within the City Council of York with their Building Bridges Forum, International Meal Committee and series of lectures in various establishments such as St. Bede's, have all contributed directly or indirectly to bring about the injunction of Bahà'u'llah to all the peoples of the world, which reaffirms one of the basic teachings of all the Prophets of God.
York Through the Eyes of a Young International Student
Hello! My name is Victoria. I come from Kazakhstan and I want to share with you my impression of York and Yorkshire.
I arrived in Manchester on 12th of august 1999. I noticed change in weather immediately, as the day before I had spent in sunny Istanbul. My luggage was lost while changing the flight in Turkey and my father, who lived in York for one year, has completely forgotten about our arrival. We were waiting for two hours and decided to go to York by ourselves. We had to rush as train was living in five minutes. Luckily we got there in time, I was so excited going through tunnels connecting airport and railway station, as I haven't seen anything like this before. While on train my emotions of the day took place, I was crying and couldn't say a word in English. I hated everyone and everything. I hated England. However at the same time everything was magnificent and unbelievable, as I was here in Yorkshire. Everything has happened so quickly. I was on the train to York that is going to be my home for the next two years.
Back in home, I've read that Yorkshire has it own dialect different from English that is tought at school, luckily everyone could understand my poor English and so did I a little. When I realised it I was so relieved. In my hart I was screaming of my love to Yorkshire people.
On my first tour of York I was really impressed by architecture and medieval stile of York. The Minster, I can’t find words to describe it. It was something you can’t ever forget. Especially I like the view of the Minster at night, when cathedral appears in soft orange light (view from St. Jones street).
It was very interesting for me exploring the York, especially when I was left on my own. I remember the first day when I had to go back from Fulford to Acomb. Half past three-school area was crowded with people. Everyone was going somewhere, I decided to join the crowd but somehow I was left at the bus stop, suddenly everyone despaired I was waiting for a bus for about an hour. Finally I was at Piccadilly, but as did not have any sense of direction I went toward the Fishergate not toward the Theatre Royal. I was wondering around, made a loop passing the Fair station, passed the bridge, than again I made a wrong turn, I managed to find the pass to a bus station and finally I was near the City walls. It was a relief for me, as it was only place I remembered from my earlier tour of York. That day was a good reason for me to study the map of York. After several days I found myself enjoying lunch and after school rush in the City centre. I very much enjoy the smell of coffee, so the big discovery for me was Borders, they have nice atmosphere there and I usually have a good time with my friends there. But Borders was a big discovery for me not only because of a cafe shop, but because I have never seen so many books in one place before, apart from the library of course.
Overall, York for me is not place where I have seen only new things, but where I was able to see ordinary usual for me things in a different way.
I like seasonal changes in York. You can notice these changes everywhere anyway, but compared to the place I came from I think it is really sudden. Especially, if you have not been around town for about two or three days. You can distinct nice aroma of blossoming trees and freshness of air at springtime and cheerfulness of a green summer. It is a very nice time to spend by the river or in the gardens. I remember myself enjoying even rain in that particular time. Even so it might not be true for other seasons like late autumn, when you just want to get home as soon as possible, when you probably will enjoy visiting " locals", i.e. Jorvik Viking Centre, very smelly, but you might want to experience it once in a while. By the way they are changing decoration there in museum, hope it will be more interesting.
There are many places in York you can visit but it better to left it till winter, while enjoying summer and spring in the country. Last summer I particularly enjoyed day at the bird garden near Leeds, they Have big picnic area and lots to see, like deers, horses and different wild birds. If you are interested in aristocratic life you can visit the house of one of the many aristocratic families in Britain.
I also remember the day at Rievaulx Abbey. If you are an explorer you definitely have something to explore here like history shortly presented in Abbey’s museum and than finish the day by exploring what was left of once a beautiful architecture of the monastery. There are many places around Yorkshire where you can spend time. What was surprising for me that there are rocks here, so after practice I got during my outdoor activities week at school, I finally can conquer all tops, rocks and mountains once I have missed in Kazakhstan. Also I think there are most beautiful caves in Yorkshire, it is a great fun to explore them (I have been only in two caves, but I still insist on my statement).
I don’t think I will ever forget that amazement felling of delight I have experienced.