Australian Baha’i Report/Volume 19/Issue 3/Text

From Bahaiworks

[Page 1]

Anewsletter

of the Australian Bahd't Community

Volume 19, Issue 3 - December 2015

AUSTRALIAN

Baha‘i Report

www bahaiorg.au.



Faith helped elite sportsman achieve his goals

‘The plaudite began to flow after prominent Australian sportsman Luke McPharlin, 33, announced his retirement from his career with the Fremantle Dockers team recently. ‘The news media began witha focus on his achievements as an AFL playes, such as being named in 2012 in the All-Australian team, and. ‘winning the mark of the year in 2005.

But, as has often happened throughout his ‘AFL career, commentators began to describe ‘Luke’s personal qualities, including his spiritual beliefa as a member of the Baha’f Faith, his integrity, and his musical ability as guitarist, singer and songwriter

Asked by the Australien Baha'i Report how belng a member of the Baha’f Faith has affected his career, Luke said it had given him a perspective on all the challenges he faved.

“To appreciate that life's purpose is far ‘pteater than playing a game helped me to negotiate the often tricky terrain of hero worship and media scrutiny,” he said. “Twould draw on prayer to realign myself during times of disappointment and frustration from injury or results.”

‘He also found a perallel between the needs of the game and a foundational Behé'{ principle. “Team work and unity ere crucial to succeed in the AFL, and my football club's effort to address these themes always fascinated me given my Bahé’ beliefs in ‘unity in diversity’”

Asked to specify some particular Bahé‘t Principles that helped. him, Luke selected couple.

“Two themes that strongly resonate from. my Bahé’t education are ‘striving for ‘excellence’ and ‘moderation in all things’. “These helped me throughout my career to work extremely hard at my chosen. profession while also keeping perspective ‘on the often inflated importance placed on sport and sportspeople in this country.” ‘As could be expected, some aspects of ‘Luke’a way of life were not in total accord ‘with a traditional foothaller’s way of life.


‘Lake MePhantin

“My standards on drinking, gambling etcetera were not popular carly in my career as comradeship was often regarded as synonymous with these activities, Once Id established myself as a player however it ‘was far easier to uphold my beliefs.”

In his interviews with the media about some Key influences on him, Luke mentioned his parents, and was happy to elaborate when asked for more on that point.

“My parents were crucial in the first few years as a sounding board far dealing with the ‘enormous challenges I encountered a8 a young mum in the AFL, Twea never distant fram the Faith throughout my career and I felt thie wae due to a strong connection that was developed ata young age by my parents.”

‘What about the future after such a career? “There will be more time for me now to spend with my wife, Kelinz, and my two daughters, including some international ‘travel. I also plan to complete my pharmacy study at university, and devote more time to music.” [Page 2]

Phot: Cound Mion butte

‘Stanley Praip Bota


Successful launch of Youth Parliament

‘Youth are active today in building vibrant, multi-faith society that embraces diversity, a Baha’ representative, Sahba Clara Delahad, told the inaugural Youth Parliament of World Religions in Sydney. "Our generation is a vibrant source of social advancement,” Ms Delshad said in an address to the Parliament, held on 17 September 2015.

‘world’s zeligions of the Partiament, which was ‘convened by the Columban Mission Institute, Attending the event were about 500 youth from Behé't, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Islamic, and Sikh communities. It waa held in the Sydney Baha’t Centre in Silverwater and involved talks, performances, group discussions, socialising and a dinner.

‘Dynamic artistic performances, beginning, with Aboriginal dance and music, and Including energetic performances by Pacific Island youth, won a rapturous reception. ‘One of the faith representatives on the eleven member committee was a Bahd’t, Shauna Humphries, who said the

group was joyful and unified: “It showed it is possible for young people from different religious backgrounds to work together toward a common vision.”

In her addresa, Ms Delshad sald she had observed in Australia and overseas that there was a strong desire of youth to contribute to constructive change, and they were doing this,

But there remained a question of how the efforts of youth could be further strengthened and supported by civil and religious leaders, Ms Delshad said. “Including youth in formal structures of ‘power is, of course, helpful for a variety of reasons,” she said.

“But simply feeding young voices into old systems, without meaningful forms of participation runs the risk of youth just being the token young person present, with little value given to their presence and participation.

“Youth are needed as leadera and decision- anakers not only in youth conferences, committees and panels, but in those spaces

where the course and direction of society as a whole is determined.”

Prominent Bah4’is served community and faith

The death of long-standing Australian Baha'i Stanley Philip Bolton, 86, lastmonth follows the passing away of two athers who had made significant contributions to the Baha’é and wider comm unities, Mrs Nocshin Burwell, 69, and Mrs Gwenith (Pym) Trueman OAM, 89.

Mr Bolton served as a member of the national governing council of the Faith in Australia, the National Spiritual Assembly, from 195154 and 1965-86, He carried out many acts of serv ioe for the Baha’

comm unity, including assisting the settlement of many Iranian Bahd’is fleaing persecution in their hameland in the early 198s. In his professional life he became federal president of the Australian Chiropractors Association.

Mr Bolton introduced the Baha’ Faith to Tonga and sa was named “Knight of Baha'ullah”,a title given for opening new territories tb the religion.

Mrs Burwell was for many years the secretary of the Cam pbelliown Local Spiritual Asoambly in NSW, She wasa long- time Baha’ marriage celebrant, a guide and organiser cf services at the Baha'i Tam ple in Sydney, and a settlement officer assisting Iranian Baha’ refugees in Australia, Pricr that, she had served on the National Spiritual Asoanbly of the Baha’ is of Bourdon

Mrs Trueman was induded in the Bemanian Honour Rall of Wemen, in honour of her extensive involvement in community activities inducing volunteer services to organisations working towards peace, human rights, reconciliation, advancement of women and inter-faith relations.

In 2006 she received the Pride of Australia Award for her work in “promoting pace, racial harmony and interfaith mlations”as avelunteer in Sri Lanka, India, Western Samca and Israel. Mis Trueman was also the first Baha'i to live in Canberra,


Australian Baha'i Report - December 2015 [Page 3]Festival choir uplifts as voices soar into dome


"The Australian Baht! Choral Fesiol chatr ix She Baht Temple tx Spey

‘The fiuid tones of an Aboriginal language resounded in the Bah’! Temple in Sydney when the Australian Baha’i Choral Featival choir sang a translation of sccipture reveled by Baha'u'llah, ““Bleseed is the Spot” was the opening song, of the inaugural festival performance by the choir, who eang it in the Woiwumung tongue of the Wurundjeri people of Central Victoria, and then in English and Maori. The 75 choristers came frum cities, towns and rural areas acres Australia and also from aa far afield as Germany, New Zealand and the United States, The event was held on 6 September 2015 in partnership with the Sydney Sacred Music Festival.

‘The vee of many languages and diverse

scriptures highlighted the Bahé' belief in the ‘oneness of humanity, the conviction that we

ae ell equal members of the human family, ABC Such was the interest in the festival that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation recorded the event for its Radio National program, “The Rhythm Divine", broadcast on Sunday, 13 September, ‘Conducting the cholr was Canadian Lorraine ‘Manifold, a professional based in Melbourne and with an international career i North America, Europe and the Middle Bast, ‘The a cappella choir sang from secred. scriptures in eight languages. Interspersed. ‘between the songs were prayers and readings from the world’s major religions,

‘The musie won a rapturous reaction from the 500 people who packed the auditorium and the internal balconies, ‘Dominic Wy Kanak, a board member for the New South Wales Reconciliation Council and a Waverley Gity Councillor, said it felt like the Temple “embraced us ina warm thermal of ascending voices”. “We were blessed to be in the company of ‘Bahd’te who acknowledged the fine nations’ peoples with a Wurundjeri language song, making us feel loved and respected and. ‘happy to be part of the human family,” said Cr Wy Kanak, a Torres Strait Islander.

A Sydney choir leader, Wendy Twibill, was equally complimentary. “The sound of the singing in that incredible space was exquisitely beautiful and quite transporting,” sald Ms TwibiDl

Among the premiere works performed were “Beautify Your Tongues” which was especially composed for the Festival by Ms Manifold, and “Close Your Eyes’, composed by her husband, Alan,

Guest conductors had a role in the event, “Myriads of Mystic Tongues” was conducted by its composer Ameli ‘Dziembe, who travelled from Germany. Pierre Weber, originally from Luxembourg and now that country’s ambassador i Kosovo, conducted his composition “Unity Prayer’, and another “Unity Prayer”, by the late Greg Parker of the New Bra Choir in Perth, was conducted by his daughter, Rachel Parker-Roohi.


Australian Baha'i Report - December 2015 [Page 4]National Secretary ¢ describes views and activities


‘Shalvam Noorgestar National Secretary

Qs As Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, you are the chief executive officer of the Australian Bahd’i commmnity, What is your day to day role? AG My day to day role involves the implementation of the decisions of the National Spiritual Assembly, arrived at through its tat tits moet ‘We aim to take constructive action to aid progress In many fields of endeavour, 8 dal dotellectual or materiel Tam supported by a oohort of experienced. and capable staff In various departments and acrose the country, whose expertive caters to the needs of the national Bah4’{ community.

Q: What was your previous position, and what is yout background?

Aslam an architect, having studied and trained in the United Kingdom and with extensive experlence in the architectural and building industries in the UK and Australia and also in China where I was. algo a professor of architecture at the Shandong Institute of Architecture & Engineering. I married my Chinese wife there. We then moved to Australia in the mid-90s, where our twins were born. ‘Before being elected Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, Iwas a business development manager for an international sales and marketing compeny, focussing on CAD & IT technology solutions for architecture, engineering end construction industries, mainly throughout Australia, New Zealand and China.

Q: What is the main thrust of activity being carried out by the Australian Bahé’i Community in neighbourhoods?

A: Inspired by the principle of the oneness of mankind, Bah4’{ communities carry out tctivities that build capacity in residents of neighbourhoods, enabling them to contribute

and take change of their own spiritual, {intelectual end material advancement.

‘Together, we facilitate and assist in enabling participation in activities for children, junior youth, youth and adults, ‘welcoming contribution end collaboration from all residents who may wish to collaborate in such collective action in promoting leaming about the various aspects of community building.

Q: How do you see the role of the Australian Bahé’i Community in the interfaith movement?

A: The Australian Bahé’{ Community has a 95 year history, during which time it has continued to work closely with other faith communities and groups, in promoting our shared ideals, through a procees of engaging in dialogue and collaborative activities. ‘The Baha’ Community is often represented in various where members of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, ‘Hindu, Sikh communities and others converse on. elements to build close bonds of friendship and cooperation.

Q: How do Bahé'ts contribute to soctety?

A: First and foremost, our contributions to society occur through our active ‘participation in the life of the commumities and neighbouthoods in which we live.

‘The carrying out of our professional lives, our scholarly, artistic and sporting pursuits, our charitable, social and humanitarian endeavour, both singularly and in collaboration with others becomes a natural part of a balanced and echerent approach to life.

‘Bahé'fs are also members of various charitable, humanitarian and professional organisations. ‘We strive to uphold the principle of our Faith to strictly obey the law of the land. ‘We express goodwill towards the Federal and State governments while not taking a


Australian Baha'i Report - December 2015 [Page 5]partisan political stance.

‘We endeavour to be model citizens and to help promote unity and harmony and to foster the spiritual, intellectual and material Ife of our neighbourhoods and nation. Webelieve religious leaders have an important role in building law-abiding, pmgressive and ‘cohesive societies, in eliminating fanaticiam, and in promating umity.

Qi What are the some of the main reasons that Australians jain the Faith?

As The teachings of the Bahé’f Faith, at the core of which is the principle of the oneness and unity of mankind, is an attractive magnet for those who long to witness the attainment of a peaceful society, an all embracing and tolerant community, which values the contributions of everyone. Witnessing our tolerance towards others’ views and beliefs, being non-judgemental and seeing aspects of the same truth in ail religions, becomes a visible manifestation of the teachings of Bahé'u'llth, thereby promoting this concept of unity which draws people to our community.

Q: A significant number of Austrelian. Bahé'fs, like you, come from an Iranian

background. Why is this?

A: Bahé'u'Th, the founder of the Beha’t Faith, was born and raised in Iran. So, the ‘first adherents of His religion hail from there, Since its meteoric rise in that

in the 19th century, Bahd’s have moved to varlous parts of the world, due to persecution in that country as well as their desire to share the message of Behd'u'lléh ‘with the rest of humantty. Now more and more of humanity, indigenous to these ‘countries, are seeing in the healing message of Bahf'u'lldh the fulfilment of their long-cheriehed hopes and desires, In Australia, the comumumity had from its ‘beginning here in the 1920s a strong base af ‘background. In the 1960s Austratia generously opened is arms to grateful Iranian Bohé’ts Secing a cruel persecution, and they have since worked diligentty to make major contributions to the country.

of the Australian Bahé’i Community


"Te Hin Joi jes MLC (esoond lf), Minster for Multicubteation, Shahrems ‘Noorgaotar (right) with pariclpan at Bepheber 2015 NEW oeulicultaral gathering.

‘Now the commumity is comprised of people from all over the world.

‘The sufferings of the Bahd’ts in Iran, who are the targets of a widespread, accelerating state-sponsored persecution, attract our deepest sympathy, but even. more powerful is our admiration for them as they courageously follow their feith’s teachings to serve their neighbours and their country to the best ‘of their ability.

Q: What is the Bahé’f attitude towards religious fanaticism ?

A: Bahé'u'lish abhors religious fanaticism and considers it as an anathema, as itis diametrically opposed to the purpose for which God has revealed His Messengers. Religious fanaticlam closes the door fo its enquiry through blind imitation, adherence to tradition and dogma which stifle progress.

Q: What is the Bahé/f attitude towards politics?

A: The Bahé’t Faith recognizes the need for a just and stable government in all. countries, and considers obedience to ‘them as an article of faith. The principle of unity, being at the core of the teachings of our Faith, implies collaboration and. reciprocity, consultation and compassion, humility and goodwill and as such, sivalries aa the opposite of such principles ‘of unity and reclprocity.


Australian Baha'i Report - December 2015 [Page 6]

‘Sofa Robie, National Dismrees Offer Ron'Foe | Bay Rserniy


Framework formed to address family violence

Australian Bahd’(s are addressing family violence by implementing a three stage framework underpinned by a core principle of the faith, gender equality, a Bahé't speaker told a conference in Melbourne last month.

‘The Faith's teachings dearly condemn violence ‘within marrlage and towards children, rational discourses officer Safa Rebbar exid in an exddress to the “Family Violence has no Boundarkes” conference held at the University of Melbourne in October 2015,

“And yet it does happen in the Bahd’t community as it does across all communities, “ Ms Rahbar said.

Violence occurred because there waa & difference between saying, thinking and. believing in the equality of individuals and then ensuring this belief was reflected in. every action taken and also in the way families are structured, she aaid.

Bahé’ts see themselves as part of a broader soclety that is learning to overcoming its challenges on this topic, and do not set themselves up as having found the solution, she said.

“"We are trying to recognise, respond and prevent gender based or family violence through application of the prindple of

equality and through the use ofa framework for its implementation,” she said.

‘Ms Rahbar said recognition that there is a ‘problem and that the gender inequality is at ‘its heart is the first stage of the framework. “Efforts to prevent family violence must consider the prevailing conceptions of gender identity and of power, and the forms of discrimination and disadvantage ‘that place women and girl at risk of violence, particularly in the home.

“This begins with recognising the inequality between women and men that characterises gender relations around the world.”

‘The second stage, she said, is response and referral, which has two aspects: the use of

‘Ms Rahbar said the Bahé’t national administrative body, the National Spiritual Assembly, has compiled clear guidelines to ‘prevent, recognise, reapond to and refer family violence.

‘The conference was organised by African Australian Multicultural Employment and ‘Youth Services, African Think ‘Tank, African Australian Small Businesses and Jesuit Social Services.

Peace event focuses on individual efforts

‘The role of individuals in promoting peace ‘was emphasised by journalist and author Liz Deep-Jones at an event following a service dedicated to the International Day ‘of Feace at the Baha’t Temple in Sydney. Introducing Ms Deep-Jones at a reception after the service, Australian Bahé’f ‘Community discourses officer Safa Rahibar said the event was being held to look at what people could do to promote harmony among different cultural and religious groups, and what role religion can play, ‘Ms Deep-Jones, who has gained a national profile via her programs on SBS TV and her two teen novels, responded to questions on peace, social coheston and religion from Venus Khalesal, of the Australian Bah4’'f Community.

Ms Khalessi referred Ms Deep-Jones to a statement by the UN

Ban Ki-moon on the zole of faith-based

groups in creating a more peaceful world, and asked how she saw the role of religion in building peace and social cohesion.

Ms Deep Jones said she thought religious leaders had a big role in urging respect for the

beliefs of other, and that every individual aleo had a role in showing that respect. ‘Drawing on a family anecdote, Ms Deep- Jones said adults could change their attitudes amd become more tolerant and accepting.

““Hivery single person can make a difference—I truly believe that. You can work towards peaceful means, even with your neighbours, your frlends...”

She endorsed what the Dalai Lama told her in an interview, that at the end of day “we are all the same, we are one, and we are


bachgecand what pb you co"


Australian Baha'i Report - December 2015 [Page 7]Role of religious leaders in social cohesion emphasised

Redigious leaders must raise their voices against all forme of violence and fanaticism, the Australian Bahé't said ina

“In a world haraseed by violence and conflict in the name of religion, leaders of religious communities in Australia bear tremendous reeponsibility for guiding their followers towards a peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding with those who think and believe differently,” the submission said.

‘The Community provided the submission {n response to a call from Human Rights (Commissioner Tim Wilsan, who also extended an invitation for community ives to attend the roundtable on 5 November 2015. Two Bahi‘fs participated in that event along with representatives of In its submission, the Commumity said that the importance of the role of religious leaders in the creation of a culture of religious inclusion cannot be overstated. “"They should actively encourage their followers in the pursuit of knowledge and peaceful dialogue with others, as this is the best path to social cohesion.” Protection

‘The submission observed that the positive protection currently offered by Australian law to the right to freedom of religion and ‘belief is quite limited,

“We consider that the law should address at least three issues: explicit legal recognition of the right to freedom of religion and belief as set out in artide 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of religion and belief; prohibition of incitement to religious hatred or violence.”

The submission also said that being a good intemational citizen requires ‘Australia to uphold the rights of individuals in every country to freedom of religion and belief, and to continue to advocate on their behalf, bilaterally and in multilateral fora.

‘The submission noted thet the Universal Declaration of Humen Rights explicitly


(Left tonight): Nate Mabia, Time Wilson and Shaloam Noorastar

affirms that the right tp freedom of thought, freedom to change one’s religion or belief, “We believe this is a critical issue that has Deen neglected internationally, The freedom to change one’s religion ehould be affirmed unequivocally in any efforts to enlarge respect for religious freedom.” Gender equality

The submission said the Australian Baha’ Community believes a just society is ordered by an adherence to the rule of law which protects the righis of all girls and women, boys and men.

“We believe the equality of women and men must be consis wa moral principle and article of law. In particular, no custom, tradition, or religious interpretation that sanctions any form of violence against women and girls should be allowed fo outweigh the obligation to eradicate such violence.”

Guiding principles Inrelation to the statement of purpose and guiding pcp for he roundoble he submission recommended that, as well as, embodying artide 18 of the Universal ‘Deddaration of Human Rights, it should indude explicit acknowledgement of the oneness of ‘humanity and equality of all people.

“We see recognition of this eternal spiritual truth as an essential antidote to

all forms of prejudice and discrimination, and hence we believe it should be a

foundational principle of the roundtable.”


Australian Baha'i Report - December 2015 [Page 8]Baha'i Report | Australian Senator speaks out against persecution

A South Australian senator has spoken out in Federal Parliament againat the

“longstanding and contimted state- sponsored persecution” of members of the Bahé’t Feith in Iran, aes Senator Penny Wright, a member of the Bat Australian Greens, noting that ae rae Parliamentarians are in a unique position ari iy. t momot intenratienel heats aghias

used her final sitting week before retiring ites estrella from the Senate to place her concem about seen 6 etd the Iranian Bahé’ situation on record.

arganisation which “Asa strong trading pariner of Iran and. encompanses end with recent discussions between the represents the regime and our Foreign Minister, Australia membership of the Bahd't ja in a better position than it has been for ea some time to make its voice heard,”

Forwore information on | Senator Wright told the Senate,

sentir eepayet | “The international community han a of the Ausiralizn Bata’? | responsibility to-use appropriate

'andiés || diplomatic, humanitarian and other means sects, ple centect: | seamote human rights and protect

aeciceliee Babes populations from the sorts of crimes that

aM eos | the Bahi’ts are routinely exposed to.in Teteaenswinnt | inmn,” she eaid, urging the Government to

‘Astellas ook at doing more to epeak up for the Frome Bah#’te there. on Peaceful Cee ae Senator Wright eaid that in cruel contrast icra to the persecution, the Bahé’t Faith is aisiowss | eaceful end gracious, believing in one pea God who is the source of all creation. “They betieve that all major religions have Stat iter the same spiritual source and come from the acest Der) same God, and they believe in the unity of SeoE umanity — that all mans have been Michael Day crested equal — coupled with unity in

Sandm Dominguez | diversity, with diversity of race and culture ‘Venus Khalesi_ of. and. Vers seen as worthy of appreciation , | “Bor Bahé’ts, universal peace la the Poetbabemaed | Supreme goal of human kind,” she said, feof charge Hyon | and noted that the Baha’t writings clearly

would tketohave | indicate that men. and women are equal.

‘your name added to,

emmy fem Inher speech, which was delivered on 19 gar matling la August 2015, Senator Wright noted that in

athe address above. the early 1980s more than 200 Bahé’fs were a executed, and hundreds tortured and

Spidiml Amenity afta | imprisoned, branded as “spies for Iarael” Tinteotvointeisc | and for other fictitious crimes.

ar “Over the ensuing years, several thousand



Senator Remy Wright

Iranian Bahd’fs came to this couniry, enriching the size and diversity of the Australian Bahd’f community and making a significant contribution to our nation as

Senator Wright described the ongoing persecutions in Iran. “Strict Hmitations ‘have been imposed on their right to aseemble and worship,” he said.

“Frequent assaults are not investigated by the authoritier—indluding knife attacks...

and murders, creating a sense of impunity for their would-be attackers. Raids end

Senator Wright referred to the arrests of Bahé’fs and noted that seven members of a former leadership group had been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

“They are also subject to economic persecution and intimidation. Since 2007 there have been more than 600 documented incidences of shop closings, revocation of business licences, vandalism, arson and other efforts to prevent Bahé’fa from earning a livelihood.”

Senator Wright described a higher education ban the authorities had imposed on Bahé’{ youth. She urged people to view the Maziar Bahar! documentary "Tb Light a Candle”. To watch “To Light a Candle”, visit: hittp:/ /film.educationisnotaceime.me


Australien Baha't Report - December 2015 �