Religion and faith communities have been a part of America’s struggle with racism throughout its history. While religion has been used to perpetuate oppression and enslavement, it has also inspired and sustained those laboring for justice. Eternal spiritual teachings and practices found across religious traditions—loving one another; recognizing our interdependence; promoting justice; and cultivating moral courage, humility, and compassion—offer vital resources for overcoming racism. Insights from these teachings and practices can be shared by all striving for the same aims whether or not they are religious adherents.

Illumined by Oneness grows out of a multi-year, multifaith dialogue on how religion and faith communities can contribute to overcoming racism. It invites readers into this conversation, offering readings, questions, and dialogue materials. Individuals and groups can use the resources and reflections provided to support study, conversation, and ultimately action on this vital and challenging issue.

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Many Bahá’ís will be familiar with the name John David Bosch; however, until now his life has not been explored in a comprehensive biography. John and his wife Louise are perhaps best known for their efforts and selfless generosity in helping to establish a Bahá’í school in northern California. The school, which opened in 1927 on the Bosches’ property in Geyserville, would grow as a center of learning and eventually relocate to its current location in the mountains above Santa Cruz and be named in their honor.

Author Angelina Diliberto Allen has drawn on extensive research to weave together the strands of the Bosches’ lives and give us a vivid picture of these inspiring souls. Within the pages of this book, the reader will find a treasure trove of highlights, from John’s discovery and embrace of the Faith under the tutelage of Helen Goodall to his deep and lasting friendships with such luminaries as Thornton Chase and Hands of the Cause Amelia Collins and Roy Wilhelm, to name just a few. Most notable of all, however, is the presence on these pages of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Encounters and correspondence with the Master are documented here extensively, and, in perhaps the book’s most stunning section, the reader is given an intimate glimpse of the days surrounding the Master’s passing. The Bosches were among a small group of pilgrims present at the time, and their experience of the event and the special tasks they performed are shared in detail.

John and Louise Bosch lived multifaceted lives of discovery, devotion, and service, and their story will leave the reader with much to reflect upon.

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