I was brought up in the Church of England. I went through an evangelical conversion at about 16, “invited Jesus into my life” and became intolerant and self-righteous as only adolescents who’ve been “converted” can be intolerant. That didn’t last long, I’m glad to say.

When I became a Baha’i a couple of years later (having left school), the chaplain of Wellington College, my alma mater, was very upset and accused me of being disloyal to Jesus. I wondered what happened to the chaplain?

Many years ago, I had a number of dialogue sessions with David Willcox, the Baptist minister in Abingdon. He was open enough to acknowledge that God spoke through the Hidden Words (I had given him a copy). So perhaps not all those who wear clerical collars are entirely flummoxed by diversity of religion or belief.

Love
Wendi

I think there was a time when a society could only subscribe to one system of faith, in fact my great uncle was upset that my mum became an evangelical Christian, when the whole family were Catholic! You can imagine the horror when it was revealed that I am a Baha’i, and that I chose to do this aged 14.

I don’t think our differences can ever be reconciled in that sense, we will never completely agree with each other. But then again, neither do I want my two daughters to be identical; I celebrate their differences, and by their being am I filled with joy.

All I ask is that they love me; and that they know and can identify my expressions of love for them. And if their love for me enables them to love each other, then my joy will know no bounds.

Such is my love for Baha’u'llah, that when I see you, my heart is overjoyed.

And when we are apart, I long for your company.

But I hardly know you at all.

So Wendi, what kind of chocolate do you prefer?

Love, Tobbot, aka Tobstv