LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg — The President of Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies has thanked the Baha'i community for its activities to build bridges between different elements of society.

"For me the efforts carried out by the Baha'is can be summarized by the word 'cohesion,'" Mars Di Bartolomeo told some 100 guests gathered at a celebration of National Day, the official birthday of His Royal Highness Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

"Unity in diversity is more than a slogan for the Baha'i community," said Mr. Di Bartolomeo, "it is the very foundation of their belief and actions."

Mr. Di Bartolomeo began his speech with a well-known quotation from the Baha'i sacred writings: "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens."

"This principle of the oneness of humanity, taught by Baha'u'llah, touched my heart from the very first time I heard it," he said.

"Since then, for many years, I have had the opportunity to work together with Baha'is in social projects...and I can testify to the sincerity with which Baha'is are striving to implement these teachings."

The Baha'is, he said, are "inviting all their fellow citizens to work with them side by side for the betterment of society."

Also present at the event – which took place at Luxembourg's national Baha'i center on 26 June – were three other Members of Parliament including Viviane Loschetter, President of the Parliamentary Group of the Green Party. Representatives of religious groups and civil society were also among the guests.

Other elements of the program included an introductory speech by Wafa Arzani, chairperson of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Luxembourg, as well as readings of selections from the Baha'i writings and a musical presentation.