The Community of Fermanagh
Where are we?
Fermanagh is one of the six counties of Northern Ireland and also a local government administrative district.
"Fermanagh, a county of Ireland in Ulster, 43 m. long and 33 broad, containing 694 square miles, bounded N by Donegal and Tyrone, E by Tyrone and Monaghan, S by Cavan and Leitrim; divided into 18 parishes, and sends 2 members to parliament. It contains rich iron ore and coal, and some marble quarries; but is chiefly noted for the breeding of black cattle, and the manufacture of linen. It is navigable throughout, by means of lough Erne, but is so uneven and boggy, as to render it difficult for travelling. Pop.130,399. Capital, Eniskillen."
[From The New London Gazetteer (1826)]
Mostly low-lying, the county is the heart of the “Irish Lakeland” and its loughs and islands attract fishermen, boaters, those interested in its many historic sites, and general visitors. The capital, Enniskillen, stands at a strategic crossing point at the junction of Upper and Lower Lough Errne. Other attractions include National Trust properties such as Castle Coole and Florencecourt, and the spectacular Marble Arch Caves.
Enniskillen Castle
WHERE WE ARE
Historic ruins in the Fermanagh lakes
Who are we?
We are members of the Bahá'í Faith and, while scattered across the county, are very aware of being part of something bigger, the world-wide Bahá'í community. This is made up of people who accept the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith and do their best to put them into practice. As the Bahá'í Faith has no clergy, or individuals in positions of personal leadership, all members are involved in its activities. Our community life involves not just religious observances and administrative meetings but also activities such as discussion classes, devotional meetings, study circles (courses for spiritual and moral development), and children's classes that are open to those of any faith or none.
We need you and everyone on the planet to join with us in the ultimate adventure, the creation of a peaceful, dynamic, encouraging global society based on the principle of unity in diversity, celebrating cultural differences and helping to remove the cause of war - prejudice. It is hard work, the personal rewards are few in this world. But it's worth doing and we would welcome some more helpers :-)
What we believe
The Bahá'í Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions. Its founder, Bahá’u’lláh (a title meaning “Glory of God”) (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahá'ís as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time. In just over a century-and-a-half it has established itself as the world's second most widespread religion (after Christianity) and it is now the eighth-largest organized religion (these statements come from non-Bahá'í scholars, by the way, not from us).
The central theme of Bahá'u'lláh's message is that humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its coming together in a global society based on justice and cooperation. Historical forces are breaking down traditional barriers of race, class, creed, and nation and that will, in time, give birth to a universal civilization. The main challenge facing the peoples of the earth is to accept the fact of their oneness and to work together.
For more than a century, Bahá'í communities around the globe have been working to break down barriers of prejudice between peoples and have collaborated with other like-minded groups to promote the model of a global society. At the heart of our belief is the conviction that humanity is a single people with a common destiny. In the words of Bahá'u'lláh, "The Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."
There are no Bahá'í clergy or leaders, the community is administered at all levels by elected bodies. All members have a say in the work of community and play their part. To learn more about the Bahá'í Faith and its teachings and see something of its activities world-wide in the section below.
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Or to learn more you can contact us at bcni@bahai.org.uk.
Find out more
The Bahá'Ãs of the Republic of Ireland
The Bahá'Ãs Worldwide Community
The Bahá'Ãs of the United Kingdom