HAIFA, Israel, 2 June 2004 (BWNS) -- The Baha'i International Community yesterday launched a Web site that includes the sacred writings of the Baha'i Faith in English, Arabic, and Persian, as well as other Baha'i publications.

The Baha'i Reference Library offers an extensive collection of Baha'i holy scripture, which includes the writings of Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha.

In addition, the Web site contains works by Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, and Baha'i authors.

The launch of the Baha'i Reference Library marks the first time that a voluminous authoritative library of Baha'i scripture and other Baha'i publications has been available on the Internet.

The launch is the first stage of the development of the Reference Library. Other materials will be added as they become available.

"The site is expected to assist researchers, students of religion, and the general public worldwide in gaining greater access to the Baha'i holy texts," said the director of the Office of Public Information of the Baha'i International Community, Douglas Moore.

"It joins the family of Baha'i International Community sites including, among others, the general information site, the news service, and the Baha'i International Community's statement library," Mr. Moore said.

The address of the Baha'i Reference Library is http://reference.bahai.org.