Can I sign a petition?

Sboyce · 01-02-2012, 03:16 PM

Part of the democratic system are petitions, but they are usually partisan and agenda orientated. Even if they are good Ideas, your name is on a document supporting an agenda, so should Baha'is sign them even if in line with the teachings?

LordOfGoblins · 01-02-2012, 05:47 PM

IMO, although I am no expert I think it is not a big deal as long as you dont become an 'activist' or get tied up into these things. Also, you dont want to get onto the side of this party vs that party I think.

tonyfish58 · 01-02-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sboyce

Part of the democratic system are petitions, but they are usually partisan and agenda orientated. Even if they are good Ideas, your name is on a document supporting an agenda, so should Baha'is sign them even if in line with the teachings?

Yes - Link - Guidance for Bahá'í Groups

Individual believers are free to contact government representatives, sign
petitions, or participate in nonpartisan campaigns to express their views
on non-Bahá'í matters, but they should not identify themselves as Bahá'ís
or convey the impression that they are representing the Bahá'í Faith unless
encouraged to do so by a Bahá'í institution. They also may associate with
local chapters of national organizations whose goals are consistent with
Bahá'í teachings, and in this case may share their personal Bahá'í beliefs
when appropriate. However, before taking any action or becoming involved
in issues or campaigns that may have national or international
implications, advice should be sought from the National Spiritual
Assembly's Office of the Secretary for External Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Regards Tony

arthra · 01-02-2012, 09:33 PM

I think there was a petition of sorts that we were encouraged to be involved in not so long ago.. We also met at the Congressman's office last July.. The text ran something like this:

We would call your attention to a body of legislation House Resolution 134 introduced March 1, 2011 by Representative Robert J. Dodd titled “Condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha’i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenant on Human Rights” and ask that you may offer your support or co-sponsor this piece of legislation.

Members of the Baha’i community in your district have been acutely aware of the deprivations and persecutions of the Baha’is in Iran for some time and pray that our government can offer some support if only moral for the time being to our beleaguered
Baha’i counterparts in Iran.

We the undersigned appreciate your attention to this matter and wish you well for the coming year!

See:

H.Res.134 on the Baha’is in Iran | Persecution of Bahá'ís in Iran

Apparently it's still in Committee(?)

01-02-2012, 03:16 PM	#1
Sboyce Kitab-i-hearsay Joined: Nov 2010 From: Richmond, Indiana Posts: 245	Can I sign a petition? Part of the democratic system are petitions, but they are usually partisan and agenda orientated. Even if they are good Ideas, your name is on a document supporting an agenda, so should Baha'is sign them even if in line with the teachings?

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01-02-2012, 05:47 PM	#2
LordOfGoblins Senior Member Joined: Dec 2010 From: Australia Posts: 1,317	IMO, although I am no expert I think it is not a big deal as long as you dont become an 'activist' or get tied up into these things. Also, you dont want to get onto the side of this party vs that party I think.

01-02-2012, 09:33 PM	#4
arthra Senior Member Joined: Jun 2006 From: California Posts: 3,058	I think there was a petition of sorts that we were encouraged to be involved in not so long ago.. We also met at the Congressman's office last July.. The text ran something like this: We would call your attention to a body of legislation House Resolution 134 introduced March 1, 2011 by Representative Robert J. Dodd titled “Condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha’i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenant on Human Rights” and ask that you may offer your support or co-sponsor this piece of legislation. Members of the Baha’i community in your district have been acutely aware of the deprivations and persecutions of the Baha’is in Iran for some time and pray that our government can offer some support if only moral for the time being to our beleaguered Baha’i counterparts in Iran. We the undersigned appreciate your attention to this matter and wish you well for the coming year! See: H.Res.134 on the Baha’is in Iran \| Persecution of Bahá'ís in Iran Apparently it's still in Committee(?)