Manchester Baha'i Centre

Bahá'ís have been in Manchester for longer than you might think! The first known Bahá'í in the Greater Manchester area/North of England was Sarah Ann Ridgway. She was a loom-worker from Stalybridge, and settled in Pendleton, near Salford. She sought a new life in America in silk, after the abolition of slavery and cotton trade crisis. She found out about Bahá'ís in Baltimore during 1899. She returned to the UK in 1903/1904. Details are scarce because she was not rich or famous. A book has been written about her (published by George Ronald). She died in 1913 and was buried in a pauper's grave in Agecroft Cemetery, Salford.

Teachings

Bahá'u'lláh's main purpose was to establish the practical and spiritual unity of the human family, which he promises will lead to lasting and sustainable world peace and global prosperity. These sections offer some introductory information about the life and teachings of Bahá'u'lláh and a basic overview of the principles of the Bahá'í Faith, along with several quotations from Bahá'í scripture.

The spiritual foundations of Bahá'í community life are prayer, fasting, service, moral education and development of the arts. The Bahá'í Faith has no clergy. The memberships of local, national and international administrative service bodies are elected.

Bahá'í devotional gatherings and study circles are some of our practical activities. These are meetings of friends, small groups or communities. Anyone of any age, background, race, faith or no faith, is welcome to come and be spiritually inspired in an informal atmosphere. We draw inspiration from the Bahá'í scriptures and other world religions to grow, to offer service to humanity and to practice good virtues in our daily lives.

Bahá'u'lláh also strongly emphasised the importance of spiritual and moral education for children and young adults, so Bahá'ís offer educational classes. These are again open to all to attend.

The Bahá'í year has Holy Days, a month of fasting, and a New Year on which celebrations are held. For our Holy Day events, everyone is always welcome to attend.