Somerville, Massachusetts

Baha'i community in Somerville

The Baha'i community has existed in Somerville for decades. Its life runs through members' homes: weekly prayer gatherings and a discussion group. Baha'is organize and host everything, and all of it is open to everyone. Children's and teen programs meet in neighboring Cambridge, and Somerville families take part.

The Baha'i community in Somerville is a circle open to all religions, all races, all peoples.

We believe humanity is one family and the work of our lives is to love and serve one another.

All are welcome to participate in Baha'i activities.

About the Baha'i Faith

The Baha'i Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions. It teaches that there is one God, that the great religions are chapters in one unfolding story, and that humanity is one family learning to live as one.

Baha'is have no clergy. Local communities are led by a council elected each year by secret ballot, with no campaigning. There are around eight million Baha'is in nearly every country on earth.

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What we do

Programs for every age in Somerville

The Baha'i community in Somerville runs weekly prayer gatherings and discussion groups in homes across the city. A program for teens, character classes for kids, and study circles meet in nearby Boston and Cambridge. None require membership, belief, or any prior knowledge, and there is no cost to attend.

All ages

Prayer gatherings

Informal gatherings in Somerville where people meet to pray and meditate on sacred texts drawn from many traditions. Silence between readings. A chance to slow down and sit with something bigger in the loving company of others.

Learn more about prayer gatherings

Ages 12 to 15 · Runs in Boston and Cambridge

Youth group for teens

A weekly youth program in Boston and Cambridge that serves as an after-school alternative, building character and channeling teens toward service in their neighborhoods. A counterweight to the forces pulling young people down, helping them see themselves as protagonists in their own communities. Parents are welcome to visit.

Learn more about the youth group

Adults

Discussion groups

A spiritual discussion group in Somerville for adults who are still working out what they believe. Small groups meet to talk through life's biggest questions. Who we are, why we're here, what kind of world we want to build, and what the Baha'i writings have to say about it.

Learn more about discussion groups

Ages 0 to 11 · Runs in Boston and Cambridge

Character classes for kids

Weekly classes in Boston and Cambridge for children built around stories, songs, art, and games. Kindness, honesty, and caring for others, taught in a way kids can practice with the people around them.

Learn more about kids classes

Youth and adults · Runs in Boston and Cambridge

Study circles

A structured path for developing spiritual capacities and learning to contribute to the life of your neighborhood. Small groups meet in Boston and Cambridge to study the Baha'i writings together, then put what they learn into action.

Learn more about study circles

Get in touch

Connect with the Somerville community

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What draws you?

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