Our Belief
The Bahá’í Faith has been an active part of religious and social life in America since the late 1800’s. We are a recognized advocate for spiritual solutions based on the Teachings of Bahá’u'lláh on issues such as the elimination of all forms of prejudice with an emphasis on race unity, the equality of women and men, the spiritual education of children, the importance of family cohesion, and the establishment of world peace. Bahá’u'lláh is God’s Messenger for this day, a day in which all humanity is spiritually mature and can visualize the reality of uniting to build the Kingdom of God on Earth.

The Bahá’í Faith is not a sect or denomination of another religion, nor is it a cult or a social movement. It is not based on a mixture or selection of teachings from past religious revelations. Rather it is founded on new books of divine scripture revealed by Bahá’u’lláh.

We welcome you to investigate our faith by exploring our US Bahá’i Web site for more information about the Bahá’i belief and to contact us to ask questions and to locate the Bahá’ís near you

Our History
Bahá’ís have lived in San Diego since the early 1900’s. In fact during ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to California in 1912 members of the San Diego Bahá’í community were able to meet him and attend his talks.

The first Local Spiritual Assembly (elected local administrative body) was established in April of 1953. Members of that LSA (Standing L2R) were John Stroessler, Arna Meade, Doe Gregory, Bernice Stroessler, (Seated L2R) Soo Fouts, Vale Carlson, Millie Feiteira, Gladys Loudon, Alice Hendershott. At that time the friends meet at each others home and the community member ship was not larger than 20.

In 1970’s the San Diego community had grown to a level were a Bahá’í center was required. The first Bahá’í center in San Diego was then established in Hillcreat. At that time there were about 100 Bahá’ís in San Diego. The gradual growth of the Bahá’í community in San Diego was accelerated with the resurgence of persecution of Bahá’is in Iran that followed the 1979 revolution in the country. The existing Bahá’í center was purchased in Linda Vista in the 1980’s to accommodate the needs of the growing community.

In the 31 years since it was established, the San Diego Bahá’í community has been active in promoting the fundamental principles of the oneness of the human race and its common spiritual destiny. In promoting these ideas, we have been involved in spiritual education of children, sponsoring of workshops on healing of racism, neighborhood clean ups, tutoring English, tree planting projects, sponsorship of youth dance groups, and establishment of inter-faith devotional programs. We have also collaborated with like minded organizations such as the San Diego United Nations Associations, and the Inter-Faith Council to promote the model of a global society.

Currently the Bahá’í community in the city of San Diego has grown to close to 1000 adults and children. The population of the Bahá’í community in San Diego County tops 2000 adults and children.