Wikipedia, one of the world’s top 15 websites, gets around 1.7 billion visitors each month. It runs on the contributions of over 200,000 volunteer editors and more than 3,000 administrators who help maintain order, resolve disputes, and enforce rules. Community-elected panels handle complaints and conflicts to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all participants.
To support this goal, Wikipedia has a universal Code of Conduct. This code sets standards for behavior, aiming to prevent harassment, abuse of power, and manipulation of information.
Concerns About Baha’i Editors on Wikipedia
Given Wikipedia’s massive reach, many groups recognize its influence. The Baha’i Administration is one such group. Aware of the platform’s power, they have trained members to actively edit and monitor Wikipedia pages related to the Baha’i Faith. These editors, work to ensure that content aligns with the official stance of the Baha’i Administrative Order.
According to several observers, these editors often remove or censor content that criticizes the Baha’i Faith, regardless of whether it comes from published, credible sources. They also manipulate demographic data to inflate the global Baha’i population and suppress alternative viewpoints.
Disputed Population Figures
One recurring issue is the exaggeration of Baha’i population numbers. For instance, the Wikipedia page on Baha’is in the United States lists five different figures, ranging from 77,000 to 4.5 million. This wide range raises questions about accuracy and consistency. The only reliable source should be the official U.S. Census, yet this is often ignored.
Some groups, like ARDA and adherents.com, along with WCE editors—most probably in contact with the Baha’i community—are providing inflated and inconsistent statistics. Recently, the Universal House of Justice (UHJ) revised its global Baha’i population figure from 7 million to 5 million. Country-wise breakdown, could reveal that many listed as Baha’is are "paper members" with little or no actual involvement in the faith.
Suppressing Other Sects
There are nine active Baha’i sects, yet information about these groups is tightly controlled by editors linked to the Baha’i administration. Even though the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled against the Baha’i Administrative Order in the past, Wikipedia pages continue to reflect only one narrative. Alternative perspectives, even when backed by reputable sources, are often dismissed as unreliable or removed entirely.
These editors reject anything that doesn't align with the official narrative—even if it comes from a respected author or a neutral academic source. On the other hand, publications by Baha’i-affiliated authors are treated as unquestionably reliable!
A Narrative of Persecution
A major theme across Baha’i-related Wikipedia pages is persecution, particularly in Iran. While this is a real and serious issue, it is no doubt overemphasized, sometimes even included on pages unrelated to Iran. Baha’is believe this focus serves to draw sympathy and overshadow critical perspectives.
Training Editors to Shape the Narrative
Baha’i editors are trained by the BIA to manage Wikipedia content, suppress opposing views, and promote the official version of Baha’i beliefs and history. With Wikipedia being such a powerful information source, shaping public perception through it has become a strategic priority.
An Appeal to Wikipedia and the Public
I urge Wikipedia administrators to investigate the editing history of specific editors—such as Smkolins, Cunado, Dragfyre, and Tarikhijtemai. Look into how many times they have reversed edits, ignored consensus, or bypassed dispute resolution processes. If these concerns are validated, appropriate action, including bans or restrictions, should be considered. It’s also crucial to check if any have gained undue influence within Wikipedia’s administrative ranks.
To the general public: Please approach Baha’i-related Wikipedia pages with caution. Much of the content is biased, misleading, incorrect or incomplete. For a balanced view, explore a variety of sources beyond Wikipedia to understand the Baha’i Faith and its practices.
To the Universal House of Justice: Coordinated editing efforts may have worked in the past, but they are now being noticed. Instead of helping, this strategy could accelerate a decline in public trust.
Final Thoughts
Author Vernon Johnson, in his recent book Baha’is in Exile, puts it succinctly:
“A religion fearful of the facts, that has to obstruct or control them in some way, is either a false religion or an immature one. ”
A faith that hides behind edited narratives risks becoming a story, not a truth.
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