60. “The Bahá’ís” Web Site, Bahai.org

60

“The Bahá’ís” Web Site, Bahai.org

20 April 2005

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

60.1 We are happy to announce the launch of a new Web site, designed to serve as a portal to the entire family of Bahá’í International Community sites. Entitled “The Bahá’ís”, it also functions as an introduction to the Bahá’í Faith for general inquirers, researchers, and journalists.

60.2 Located at <http://bahai.org\>, the site replaces “The Bahá’í World”, previously posted at that address, as the official presence of the Bahá’í International Community on the Internet. The content of “The Bahá’í World” will continue to be available as “Bahá’í Topics: An Information Resource” at <http://info.bahai.org\>.

60.3 The new portal features a better-organized and integrated presentation of the increasing volume of articles, statements, perspectives, and accounts available on the Bahá’í International Community’s sites. It provides the user with concise, initial summaries of aspects of the Faith and a directory of articles cross-referenced by topic. The site features a set of frequently asked questions and brief explanations of the essential activities of the institute process. It also enables access to the latest Bahá’í news and feature stories. A map assists visitors to find the official Bahá’í Web sites of their respective countries.

60.4 The portal’s inclusive tone and integrated design and organization should enhance its use as a resource by those studying the Faith in their professional, academic, official, or personal capacities. Moreover, inquirers will see clearly that all are welcome to participate in Bahá’í community life, whether in study circles, children’s classes, devotional gatherings, or other activities.

60.5 Among the sites which can be accessed through the new portal are the following:

“Bahá’í Topics: An Information Resource” at <http://info.bahai.org\>—a comprehensive collection of articles about the Bahá’í Faith, its teachings, history, and community

“Bahá’í World News Service” at <http://news.bahai.org\>—the latest international Bahá’í news and feature stories

“One Country” at <http://onecountry.org\>—news and features from the quarterly newsletter of the Bahá’í International Community

“Bahá’í Reference Library” at <http://reference.bahai.org\>—the authoritative online source of the Bahá’í Sacred Writings

“Bahá’í Statement Library” at <http://statements.bahai.org\>—an archive of statements by the Bahá’í International Community

60.6 Users are still able to access each of these sites directly.

60.7 We welcome your comments on the portal’s design and contents. We expect that the improved organization, tone, and integration of Bahá’í material on the Web will better support your work in informing the general public, the media, official contacts, and seekers about the Faith.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Office of Public Information

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