Bahá’í News/Issue 544/Text

From Bahaiworks

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Bahá’í News July 1976 Bahá’í Year 133

The spirit of Europe—part II


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Contents

The spirit of Europe
1
Continuing a series of pictorial essays on the Bahá’ís of Europe
International Teaching Conferences
4
Many subsidiary gatherings planned in conjunction with conferences
International Bahá’í Community
5
Consultative status gained with UNICEF
Convention cables
6
Highlights from messages around the world at Riḍván
Around the World
7
Central African Republic; Chad; Chile; Denmark; Ecuador; Fiji Islands; Guyana, Surinam and French Guiana; Haiti; India; Italy; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Niger; Nigeria; North West Pacific Ocean; Norway; Pakistan; Panama; Paraguay; Portugal; Samoa; Sierra Leone; South West Pacific Ocean; Swaziland, Mozambique and Angola; Taiwan; Tanzania; Uganda; United Kingdom; United States


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On the cover: part of the skyline of the Spanish seaport city of Barcelona provides the background for Bahá’í activity in Spain and the Netherlands. Inset at left is a fireside at Voorschotem, Holland. Inset at right, Auxiliary Board member Mr. Farghani addresses a Bahá’í School at Lidria, Spain.


Bahá’í News is published monthly for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í world community. Manuscripts submitted should be typewritten and double spaced throughout; any footnotes should appear at the end. The contributor should keep a carbon copy. Send materials to: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A.

Change of address should be reported directly to Office of Membership and Records, National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A. Please attach mailing label.

Subscription rates: one year, US $8; two years, US $15.

Second class postage paid at Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

Copyright © 1976, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

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The Spirit of Europe
Part II
[edit]

Text and photographs by Paul Slaughter


Netherlands[edit]

Canals...quiet streets...cheese...warm, friendly people—that’s Holland where a healthy Bahá’í community is gradually gaining in strength. Holland has more than 20 Local Spiritual Assemblies and a big percentage of youth who are very capable and enthusiastic.

The canal scene is at Haarlem. Inset top is the headquarters of the National Spiritual Assembly in The Hague. Inset bottom is a fireside at Haarlem.

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Spain[edit]

The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is gaining new friends among the warm people of Spain. From the principal cities of Madrid and Barcelona, each with populations in excess of three million, to rural areas, the Cause is expanding. The people of Spain are friendly and emphasize close family life.

At ‎ left‎ is a Moorish palace at Alhambra near Madrid, one of the many ancient buildings throughout the country.

On facing page at top, some of the Bahá’ís of Montgat, near Barcelona, gather at their Center. Bahá’ís from Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France, and the United States participate in a Bahá’í School at Lidria (center photos). Lidria is an urban area dotted with many summer homes. Below left, young Bahá’ís on a teaching trip stop for a break. Below right, Bahá’ís and friends in Romagnot examine Bahá’í literature during a meeting.

Teaching opportunities abound in Spain and a National Teaching Conference will be held in Barcelona August 14-15 in conjunction with the International Teaching Conference in Paris earlier that month.

Many pioneers live in Spain, some of whom have been there for more than 20 years.

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International Teaching Conferences[edit]

Traveling teaching opportunities abound[edit]

More than 70 subsidiary conferences have been scheduled around the world in conjunction with the eight International Teaching Conferences which begin this month.

Activities are planned this month in Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, United Kingdom, Alaska, Canada, and the United States in connection with the conferences in Helsinki, Finland, and Anchorage, Alaska. Almost all of the events are designed to provide opportunities for traveling teaching.

The Helsinki (July 5-8) and Anchorage (July 23-25) conferences are the first of eight sponsored by The Universal House of Justice. In its Riḍván 1975 message, The Universal House of Justice said the purpose of the conferences “is to strengthen the bonds of unity and fellowship among the friends, to increase their involvement in the teaching work and their interest in its progress, and to serve as magnets to attract divine confirmations. They are also rallying points for the believers, evidences of the vitality of their love for Bahá’u’lláh, and potent instruments for generating enthusiasm and spiritual drive for advancing the interests of the Faith.”

The third conference will be in Paris, France, August 3-6. Other conferences will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, October 14-17; Hong Kong, November 26-30; Auckland, New Zealand, January 19-22; Bahia, Brazil, January 27-30; and Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, February 4-6.


Friends traveling to and from the International Teaching Conferences may wish to participate in the following ‎ subsidiary‎ gatherings, perhaps in conjunction with traveling teaching:


International Conference in Paris, France, August 3-6

August 8—National Teaching Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark.
August 8—National Teaching Conference, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
August 8-9—National Teaching Conference, Lenzburg, Switzerland.
August 12-16—National Teaching Conference and Summer School, Belgium.
August 13-15—National Teaching Conference, Innsbruck/Tyrol, Austria.
August 14-15—National Teaching Conference, Lisbon, Portugal.
August 14-15—National Teaching Conference, London, United Kingdom.
August 14-15—National Teaching Conference, Barcelona, Spain.
August 21-29—National Teaching Conference, Netherlands.
January 1-2—National Teaching Conference, United Kingdom.

International Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, October 14-17

July 9-11—International Youth Conference, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
July 30-31—Togo/Ghana Teaching Conference, Accra, Ghana.
August 13-15—National Teaching Conference, Niger.
October 1-3—National Teaching Conference, Benin (Dahomey).
October 7-8—National Teaching Conference, Sierra Leone.
October 9-10—National Teaching Conference, Monrovia, Liberia.
October 14-17—National Teaching Conference, Cameroon Republic.
October 22-23—National Teaching Conference, Upper West Africa.
October 23-24—National Teaching Conference, Gambia.
October 23-24—National Teaching Conference, Congo Republic.
October 23-24—National Teaching Conference, Ibadan, Nigeria.
October 23-24—National Teaching Conference, Réunion.
October 23-24—National Teaching Conference, Rhodesia.
October 23-24—National Teaching Conference, Kigali, Rwanda.
October 23-24—National Teaching Conference, Swaziland.
October 23-24—National Teaching Conference, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
October 24—National Teaching Conference, Port Louis, Mauritius.
October 24—Regional Teaching Conference, Kinshasa, Zaire.
October 29-31—National Teaching Conference, N’djamena, Chad.
October 29-31—National Teaching Conference, Togo.
October 30-31—National Teaching Conference, Malawi.
October 31—National Teaching Conference, Kananga, Zaire.
October 31—National Teaching Conference, Kisangani, Zaire.
October 31—National Teaching Conference, Lubumbashi, Zaire.

[Page 5] International Conferences in Hong Kong, November 26-30, and Auckland, New Zealand, January 19-22

Asia and Pacific

November 12-14—National Teaching Conference, Gwalior, India.
November 20—National Teaching Conference, Rangoon, Burma.
December 3-5—National Teaching Conference, Japan.
December 3-5—National Teaching Conference, Seoul, Korea.
December 3-5—National Teaching Conference, Taiwan.
December 3-5—National Teaching Conference, Manila, Philippines.
December 9-10—National Teaching Conference, Guam.
December 10-12—National Teaching Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
December 11—National Teaching Conference, Truk.


Australasia

December 11-19—National Teaching Conference, Tarawa, Gilbert Islands.
January 8-9—National Teaching Conference, Samoa.
January 15-16—National Teaching Conference, Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
January 28-30—National Teaching Conferences, Majuro, Marshall Islands.
January 29-30—National Teaching Conference, Melbourne, Australia.
February 21—National Teaching Conference, Malaita, Solomon Islands.

International Conferences in Bahia, Brazil, January 27-30, and Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, February 4-6

South America

December 25-26—National Teaching Conference, Quito, Ecuador.
February 4-6—National Teaching Conference, Caracas, Venezuela.
February 4-6—National Teaching conference, Caracas, Venezuela.
February 4-6—National Teaching Conference, Georgetown, Guyana.
February 5-6—National Teaching Conference, Paramarigo, Suriname.
February 5-6—National Teaching Conference, Cayenne, French Guiana.
February 11-13—National Teaching Conference, Chile.
February 11-13—National Teaching Conference, Cuenca, Ecuador.


Central America

January 21-23—National Teaching Conference, Barbados.
February 11-13—National Teaching Conference, El Salvador.
February 11-13—National Teaching Conference, Panama.
February 12-13—National Teaching Conference, Belize.
February 12-13—National Teaching Conference, Trinidad and Tobago.
February 12-13—National Teaching Conference, Dominican Republic.
February 12-13—National Teaching Conference, Puerto Rico.

Bahá’í International Community[edit]

Consultative status gained on UNICEF[edit]

The Bahá’í International Community was welcomed into consultative status with UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) March 8. A Bahá’í representative may now attend meetings of the nongovernmental organizations’ committee on UNICEF.

UNICEF began in 1946 when millions of children were starving and homeless after World War II. UNICEF is financed by voluntary contributions from governments, organizations, and individuals. Today, UNICEF supports projects relating to the care of mothers and children.

A Save the Children Fund established after World War I was praised by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in two Tablets which can be found in appendix 3 of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by H.M. Balyuzi.

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Cables From National Conventions—Riḍván 1976[edit]

This is a representative sampling of news items gleaned by the Bahá’í International News Service from the messages received at the World Center from National Spiritual Assemblies on the five continents. The volume of cables received makes it impossible to include even excerpts from them all.


AFRICA

Cameroon Republic: “...107 Local Spiritual Assemblies reported; enthusiastic response youth conference...”

Chad: “...9 volunteers accomplish Five Year Plan on localities...”

Ghana: “...appreciate designation Thelma ‎ Khelghati‎ (newly-appointed) Counsellor West Africa...”

Lesotho: “...grateful presence three Counsellors particularly joyous ‎ participation‎ (newly-appointed) Counsellor William Masehla...thirty-seven Local Assemblies reported formed...”

Ivory Coast, Mali and Upper Volta: “...Local Spiritual Assemblies: sixty-one Ivory Coast; three Upper Volta; two Mali...intensive teaching campaign Mali Upper Volta by birthday Báb...”

Nigeria: “...presence ‎ Khelghati‎ new Counsellor West Africa special bounty...”

Rwanda: “...Local Assemblies, localities goals achieved...”

Sierra Leone: “...excitement first local woman elected National Spiritual Assembly...”

Togo: “...women delighted appointment Counsellor ‎ Khelghati‎ bring down divine blessings...”

Uganda: “...Convention honored presence Hand Cause Olinga, Counsellor Oule, four Auxiliary Board members, 53 delegates, 102 visitors including 28 women...unique spirit exhibited...untiring services Hand Cause Olinga rejuvenates Uganda...”


THE AMERICAS

Alaska: “...29 commitments international travel teaching, one pioneer commitment Belgium, 30 national teaching commitments...youth volunteered assistance International Conference, mass teaching...consultation preparation entry troops prior International Conference...indigenous believers expand participation...seven villages recommend concentrated teaching efforts...”

Belize: “...thirty-six Local Spiritual Assemblies...”

Bolivia: “...concentrate...promote process entry by troops inspired Naw-Rúz message communicate 38,169 believers 4,281 localities more than 800 Assemblies...”

Brazil: “...grateful...presence beloved Hand Muhájir, Counsellors Costas, Pavon, also 150 Bahá’ís including 5 Auxiliary Board members, 7 Assembly members, 36 delegates including 3 Indians. Entire Convention arose, singing, pledging dedication lives service Bahá’u’lláh. Launched mass teaching plan Bahia/Ceara. First day 90 new believers, preparation International Conference 1977. Twenty-five instructors dedicated periods one/nine months. All Assembly goals planned. Four offers foreign goals. Donations offered: for Indian teaching: school, furniture, donkey. For mass teaching: school, three Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds properties and car...”

Chile: “...Thirty new Local Assemblies raising the number to 86 this Riḍván. More than 2,000 new believers especially outstanding because of Mapuche brothers. These attainments thanks to pioneering efforts natives and foreigners and for first time a group of dedicated loyal Mapuche travel teachers. Valuable guidance Hand Cause Muhájir impulse third year Plan...first local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Mapuche in Cerro Loncoche. Large increase of loyal believers serve His Faith...”

Costa Rica: “...forty-six Local Spiritual Assemblies elected...”

Ecuador: “...rejoice announce election indigenous believer National Assembly, attendance 90 friends including 38 delegates 4 Auxiliary Board members 3 new pioneers, inspired by six volunteers mass teaching project...”

El Salvador: “...first 9 days teaching campaign Bahia resulted 242 new believers. 214 children attended classes memorizing prayers, songs. New believers identifying themselves with Faith and arising to teach and starting children’s classes. Also 198 subscriptions correspondence course as result public talks university and four schools...60 Local Spiritual Assemblies...”

Mexico: “...renewed efforts Five Year Plan second stage Mexican crusade vigorously preparing Conference Merida...”

Nicaragua: “...elevated spirit new teaching plan in process grateful arrival pioneers...”

Panama: “Praise thanksgiving God radio recording center dedicated Riḍván.”

Paraguay: “...eight delegates majority Indians...”

Trinidad and Tobago: “...record delegate attendance...”


ASIA

Fiji Islands: “...12 delegates 7 Assemblies conscious renewed efforts urgently required meet goals. Thrilled opening local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Buakonakai Rabi Island...”

Hong Kong: “...National Spiritual Assembly representing six nationalities three races...”

Japan: “...enthusiastic discussion fund mark maturation Faith Japan. Atmosphere gratitude joy appointment first Japanese Counsellor Hideya Suzuki. Presence Hand Cause Dr. Muhájir

[Page 7] Counsellors ‎ Mumtází‎ (and newly-appointed Counsellor) Suzuki can only heighten sense of dedication to the Cause and deepen appreciation of Bahá’u’lláh’s gift to us, the Institution of God...”

Korea: “...13th Convention...witnessed dramatic increase number ‎ believers‎ 1,695 (during year), highest its history...”

Singapore: “...joyfully announce formation Stamford Assembly completing Local Spiritual Assembly goals...”


AUSTRALASIA

Hawaiian Islands: “...had highest delegate attendance and participation. Two arose fill one remaining pioneer goal in Korea. Twelve arose for international travel teaching goals...”

North West Pacific Ocean: “Convention grateful inspiring cable announcing Marshall National Spiritual Assembly rejoicing 50 per cent increase Assemblies, total at least 30, including Marshall. Truk 7...recognize outstanding contribution resident Bahá’ís especially Marshalls. Declarations year reported 250, teaching accelerated past quarter, and proclamation presentations leaders begun...”

Papua New Guinea: “...six local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds completed 11 Assemblies ‎ incorporated‎ fulfillment ‎ incorporation‎ goal Five Year Plan...”

Samoa: “Happy advise incorporation National Assembly registered with Government American Samoa April 21, 1976...concerted efforts many friends resulted five additional Assemblies largest attendance delegates...”

South West Pacific Ocean: “...excellent consultation two declarations National Spiritual Assembly elected 5 Hebrides 4 Caledonia, dedication Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds 100 guests warm response Resident Commissioners numerous dignitaries...”


EUROPE

Germany: “Overjoyed formation Local Spiritual Assembly Iraklion, Greece...Large participation delegates believers Convention happy success Greece and fulfillment financial goals abroad. 8 pioneers 4 travel teachers homefront, 1 travel teacher abroad...”

Italy: “One hundred percent participation election. Thirty Local Assemblies formed including two new. Fund noticeably increased. Two pioneers volunteered homefront...”

Norway: “...special summer teaching campaign Arctic regions. Pioneer family will establish goal Kristiansand...”

Spain: “...nine teachers offered financial support secured 5 groups soon becoming Assemblies...”

Switzerland: “...grateful presence Hand Cause Giachery wife Counsellor Ferraby, Board members Convention exalted increasing evidence rise Faith obscurity, 15 homefront pioneers 10 travel teachers to Africa...(funds assured) Liechtenstein endowment...”


Around the world[edit]


Central African Republic

Bahá’í readings given at commemoration[edit]

A delegation of nine Bahá’ís took part in the commemoration of the anniversary of the death of President Boganda, the first president of the Central African Republic, on March 28.

The Bahá’ís were invited to the event, which is held annually in Bangui.

Five religions shared prayers, addresses, and songs. Two African Bahá’í women presented readings on life after death. They were the last group to appear before the microphones and television cameras. The radio coverage reached all parts of the Republic and areas of Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Zaire, and Sudan.


Chad

Villages opened following conference[edit]

New villages were opened to the Faith and one believer offered his home as a Bahá’í Center after a teaching conference in Danamadgi Village, Chad.

Organized largely by two African believers from a nearby town, the conference was attended by two Auxiliary Board members with believers from 28 villages. About 80 Bahá’ís were there, and six countries were represented.


Chile

Radio, newspaper proclamation gains[edit]

For several months, Bahá’ís in Iquique, Chile, have sponsored a weekly radio program of short excerpts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and Abdu’l-Bahá. Recently, they suggested similar features to Iquique’s two other radio stations and the two newspapers. All accepted the idea.

Radio proclamation began in Iquique in October when a Bahá’í received eight minutes of radio time every morning for five days.


Denmark

Faith represented at meeting on youth[edit]

Five Bahá’ís were guests at a convent of the Roman Catholic Sisters of the Assumption during a conference of that Order in Copenhagen. The National Spiritual Assembly of Denmark, and other religious groups, had been asked to meet with the sisters, who were investigating reasons why some youth become involved in movements outside of the church.

Each group met with a group of Sisters. The Bahá’ís, who were Ingelise Sorensen,

[Page 8] Hans Rablen, Steffen Rasmussen, Niels Rasmussen, and Thomas Vium, enjoyed a simple dinner with the Sisters and then discussed the Faith with seven or eight of them. One Bahá’í began the discussion with a prayer for unity by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Mr. Rasmussen introduced the Faith and then the Sisters asked many questions.

“The most outstanding feature of the evening,” the Bahá’ís reported, “was the heartening atmosphere of mutual respect and love which developed. The sisters were deeply and positively impressed by the Bahá’í Faith and we, for our part, appreciated their tremendous open-mindedness.”

The Sisters visited the National Bahá’í Center in Copenhagen and attended a Naw-Rúz feast.


Ecuador

Children’s conference nets 17 declarations[edit]

A Regional Bahá’í Children’s Conference in Tachina, Ecuador, became a teaching campaign through the efforts of Tachina Bahá’ís and guests.

During the five-day conference daily visits culminated in meetings at night. Seventeen people became Bahá’ís. Most of them were parents who had sent their children to Bahá’í classes.

Children’s classes began last December in the Tachina area with 12 classes in the country and three in the city. Bahá’í mothers, most of whom had no previous experience, volunteered to hold the classes. Raquel Valencia conducted classes in different areas and covered great distances on foot.

The classes used children’s material produced by Colombian Bahá’ís and were family-oriented.


Fiji Islands

New Assembly formed on Lakeba Island[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Fiji Islands recently announced the formation of the new Spiritual Assembly at Vakanoa on Lakeba Island.

The National Assembly also reported the completion of the first local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Fiji on Rabe Island at Buakonakai.


Guyana, Surinam and French Guiana

Ties strengthened with three tribes[edit]

Two traveling teachers recently strengthened Bahá’í ties with the Wapishanna tribe in the Lethem area of Guyana. Ivan Fraser and Krishna Seebopaul of the Amerindian Teaching ‎ Committee‎ also reported what are thought to be the first enrollments among the Macusi and Wai Wai tribes during their visit.

Another traveling teacher, Youraj Sarju, visited jungle areas where two women accepted the Faith, Clara Narine, a youth, and Anita Chanderbhan.


Haiti

Bystanders applaud Bahá’í answers[edit]

During a recent radio interview with traveling teachers in Haiti, people crowded in front of the glass window of the studio, waved and nodded agreement as questions phoned in by listeners were answered by Bahá’ís.

Traveling teacher Lea Nys and her daughter, Francine Levy, were frequently interviewed by press and radio during their visit to Haiti.

Mrs. Nys also discussed the Faith with several dignitaries and addressed some public meetings.


India

Teaching successful in Tumjur District[edit]

A teaching project in Karnataka, India, reached its goal of establishing Bahá’í communities in the Tumjur District. The three-week project focused on Tumkur city and environs, Tiptur town and adjoining villages, and Kunegal and nearby areas.

In Tumkur, the friends visited most of the colleges and schools and gave talks. They had a Bahá’í book exhibit and distributed literature. Evening firesides were attended by 15 to 20 guests and 400 people attended a public meeting. Gloria Faizi addressed the gathering and a few among her audience said that they had never heard a more moving and inclusive message of love and unity. One person became a Bahá’í the next day.

A press conference was held and Bahá’í events were reported often in newspapers.

The Bahá’ís addressed the Rotary Club and the Jaycees and were invited to give a second lecture to the Rotarians.

A community of 12 Bahá’ís, five of whom are youth, was formed in Tumkur and a deepening class was established.

In Tiptur, Bahá’ís addressed the Rotary Club, visited with the assistant education officer for 30 minutes and then were invited by him to address about 60 schoolteachers. At a teacher training college they spoke to an audience of 200 and visited another school where they were invited to return five times. On their fifth visit, all five teachers in the school and the headmaster became Bahá’ís. More than 150 prayer books were purchased by students at that school.

In Kunegal, four people ‎ embraced‎ the Faith.

Deepening sessions held in remote village[edit]

Continental Counsellor Shirin Goman, R.B. Tripathi, and P.N. Mishra traveled for almost three days by various vehicles to reach the remote village of Ladania. There, they conducted deepening sessions for 35 Bahá’ís from 10 villages who had each walked about five miles to the conference. Many had carried gifts of rice or potatoes for conference meals.

About 50 people became Bahá’ís at the conference, which had been organized by the efforts of B. Mishra, a 75-year-old Bahá’í of Ladania, who had long dreamed of having a Bahá’í conference there. Mr. Mishra had the joy of seeing most of his family accept the Faith at the conference.

A number of the new Bahá’ís came from Nepal and through them two new localities were opened. In advance of the conference, new localities had been opened.

[Page 9] During three evenings of public meetings, about 800 townspeople saw slides and film strips about the Faith and heard Bahá’í youth eagerly explain pictures and posters. Many books and pamphlets were distributed.

The block development officer, about 20 of his staff, and the chief constable attended some deepening classes.

Mr. Khianra attends inter-religious meet[edit]

Continental Counsellor Dipchand Khianra represented the National Spiritual Assembly of India at a recent Inter-Religious Conference in Alwaye, Kerala. About 10,000 people attended the conference.

The conference is held annually in honor of Sri Narayan Guru, a saintly man from Alwaye who lived about 100 years ago and devoted his life to the protection of the downtrodden and to peaceful relations between religions. Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Bahá’ís, and disciples of Sri Narayan Guru participated in the conference.

Mr. Khianra explained progressive Revelation and quoted the Bahá’í and other scriptures. The chairman of the conference expressed appreciation of Mr. Khianra’s address, saying that it had quelled his misgivings and corrected misunderstandings he had about the Faith.


Iran

Traveling teachers are active abroad[edit]

Individual traveling teachers from Iran visited Greece, India, Zaire, Chad, and Bolivia during February. Groups took traveling teaching tours through East Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, West Africa, and Greece. They were part of an ongoing traveling teaching program.

The teachers were recruited by the Travel Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran. The committee supplies the teachers with materials in English and Persian, brochures and tape recordings in other languages, and visual aids.

Most of the teachers, the committee said, are youth.

Lucknow hosts youth confab August 24-28[edit]

Members of the National Youth Committee are finalizing plans for the Third Annual West Asia Bahá’í Youth Conference to be held in Lucknow, India, August 24-28.

Members of the committee are, from left to right, front row: Anayat Mahabat, I.S. Narula, and Sandeep Abrol; back row: Tuba Mahabat, Kumar Khianra, Arvind Narula, and Shanaz Furudi.

A one-month traveling teaching program will be held in India following the conference. A media campaign is being organized to publicize the conference. Bahá’ís interested in attending should contact the National Youth Committee, P.O.Box 470, Bombay 1, India.


Italy

National newspaper publicizes Faith[edit]

An important 1,000-word article favorable to the Faith was printed in La Stampa, a national newspaper published in Turin, on May 23, the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb.

The author, who heard about the Faith from a Bahá’í who had written to him, wrote: “The urge to deepen the limited knowledge which I had of it (the Bahá’í Faith) came to me because of the unusual coherence and tolerance which I found in the letters of a lady from Turin who reads this column regularly.”

Before writing the article, the author spoke at length with the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. The history, Administrative Order, and principles of the Faith were presented accurately.

Mr. Giachery speaks at regional meeting[edit]

The Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery discussed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan during a regional meeting at San Zeno April 16-19.

Approximately 130 Bahá’ís from 24 communities attended the sessions which were held on the shores of Lake Garda.

[Page 10] Some of the friends at the Lake Garda, Italy, meeting.


The friends made a generous contribution toward construction of the seat of The Universal House of Justice.

The Universal House of Justice sent a cable to the believers which said; “Joyfully acclaim excellent session Lake Garda graced presence Hand Cause and Signora Giachery. Magnificent contribution new building warmly acknowledged. Loving Riḍván greetings.”

In his talks, Dr. Giachery explained many details about pioneering, the history of the Faith, and his precious association with the Guardian.


Jamaica

Bahá’ís conduct public devotional program[edit]

For the first time Jamaica Bahá’ís were invited to conduct a public devotional program.

The program took ‎ place‎ at the dedication of the Esmieville Home for the Aged, recently founded by the daughter of the late Esmie Burton. Mrs. Burton was an outstanding early Jamaican Bahá’í who passed away in 1971. She had served on the National Spiritual Assembly.

Mrs. Burton was the only Bahá’í in her family and she was loved and admired by her relatives because of her faith in Bahá’u’lláh. Her daughter, a non-Bahá’í, requested the Bahá’ís to arrange the devotions. She read a Bahá’í prayer.

The minister of pensions and social security attended the dedication with other prominent citizens.


Kenya

Non-Bahá’ís touched by funeral service[edit]

Auxiliary Board member F.M. Lunguti recently attended the funeral service of Musa Matsanza of Shipala, South Kabras, Kenya. He wrote:

“...the deceased was a very respected and honored man. He was one of the first in the area to receive education and hence served his people in various capacities. In his early life he was a devout Christian but when the Bahá’í Faith was proclaimed in Kabras he was among the first to accept it. From the time of his acceptance of the Faith until the time of his passing he served the Cause with unflagging energy and devotion.‎ 

 ‎Approximately 3,000 mourners gathered to pay their last respects.‎ 

Bahá’ís were in the minority but Auxiliary Board member Mukalama Shayo and other Bahá’ís presented the teachings with such feeling that Bahá’í became the subject of conversation in every neighborhood. Everywhere the Bahá’ís went after the service they received appreciative comments about the Faith.


Lesotho

Address mistake leads to declaration[edit]

“Your correspondence study course has earned the Faith one declaration,” wrote Jacobeth Maqutu to the National Spiritual Assembly of Lesotho. Mrs. Maqutu is the secretary of the Hlotse Bahá’í community.

The declarant was the wife of a Bahá’í. “It happened,” Mrs. Maqutu wrote, “that she received the booklet you sent to her husband because, through an error, it was addressed to ‘Mrs’ Mahalefele Britz. She claimed it, opened it, and read it. When one of the Bahá’ís visited the Britz home, he found Mrs. Britz excited and happy, and he invited her to declare her faith because she had read the booklet that the good Bahá’ís sent her and she was ready to declare.


Malaysia

Holy Days listed in Sarawak Almanac[edit]

The nine Bahá’í Holy Days are now listed in The Sarawak Gazette and Almanac for 1976. The almanac is about 8 x 10 inches and is designed for hanging on a wall or using on a desk.


Mexico

Counsellors hold deepening institute[edit]

All five members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Central America participated in a special deepening institute held in Mexico City on May 23.

[Page 11] At left, youth who attended Mexico City institute and, above, a Bahá’í from Nigeria with Sando Berger.


Bahá’ís from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa attended the institute which was sponsored by the Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico.

Each of the Counsellors chose a specific topic and gave a deepening class. The areas covered were the Bahá’í message by Counsellor Carmen de Bufafato, Bahá’í character by Counsellor Rowland Estall, prayer and the importance of studying the Writings by Counsellor Paul Lucas, life after death by Counsellor Alfred Osborne, and Bahá’í courtship and marriage by Counsellor Artemus Lamb.


New Zealand

Bahá’ís clean, paint rotunda in park[edit]

Bahá’ís of Thames voluntarily cleaned and repainted the town rotunda in a public park. Their gesture of goodwill was much appreciated, and they were invited to participate in the public re-dedication of the rotunda.


Niger

Center established in town of Zinder[edit]

An important goal of the Five Year Plan in Niger was recently won with the establishment of a large and stately Bahá’í Center in Zinder, the second-largest town in the country.

The Center is in the heart of town on land which for several years had been open for purchase. The mayor of Zinder had refused several applications but approved purchase of the land by Bahá’ís. Construction of the building aroused interest among the townspeople and led to teaching opportunities.

Youth participate in teaching trips[edit]

About nine youth gave their school holidays to extensive teaching trips within Niger during Riḍván. They visited seven localities, conducted classes, and assisted the re-formation of Spiritual Assemblies.

The youth were participating in a project sponsored by the National Teaching Committee of Niger.


Nigeria

Village population sees Bahá’í show[edit]

A slide show was shown for the first time in the small village of Maulie in April. Maulie is a community of simple huts. All the villagers were present for the Bahá’í show. Commentary on the slides was given in their native language by one of the Bahá’ís of a teaching team.

A Bahá’í of Maulie remarked, “This is the first time that such a show has been given in the village. I feel very proud that it was the Bahá’ís who organized such an event.”

In another area, a teaching team held six meetings in two months. The number of people attending the meetings increased from two to 13. Bahá’ís attributed the success to the fact that the team members pioneered to the area to stay or settled there temporarily.

The teams were two of six which resulted from an institute led by traveling teachers from Canada, Mr. and Mrs. Muhsin ’Ináyat. The teams are working to establish Spiritual Assemblies in Tallageh, Tillaberie, Maulie, and Dosso.


North West Pacific Ocean

Officers who seized Bahá’ís accept Faith[edit]

After teaching the Faith at Fason Village in the islands of Tol, the westernmost island group in Truk Lagoon, pioneers Douglas Terrel and Masaaki Ushibata prepared to depart for their home base on Udot.

They were arrested and detained overnight on suspicion that they had illegally entered the district. Their detention aroused much interest among the townspeople. They were released the next morning.

At Riḍván, a Spiritual Assembly was established in Fason Village. Its members included the two arresting officers. It was

[Page 12] one of seven Assemblies formed in Truk.

The pioneers had intended to visit Romanum, but stiff winds had forced their landing at Pason Village.


Norway

Bahá’í Forlag is registered[edit]

A supplementary achievement to the goals of the Five Year Plan was accomplished through the registration of the former Norwegian Bahá’í Book Sales Committee as a Bahá’í Publishing Trust (Bahá’í Forlag).


Pakistan

3-day proclamation honors Táhirih[edit]

A three-day proclamation honoring Ṭáhirih was recently ‎ conducted‎ by the Bahá’í Youth Committee of Karachi. For two days the Bahá’ís taught and on the third day a successful public meeting was held.

A Bahá’í speaker introduced the Faith and spoke of the life, poetry, and martyrdom of Ṭáhirih. Two Bahá’í poets read poems in her memory.

Non-Bahá’ís also paid tribute to Ṭáhirih. Raees Amrohi, a well-known Pakistani poet, eulogized her. Others who spoke in her honor were the head of the Urdu Department at Adamjee College and a professor of Arabic at Karachi University.


Bahá’ís gather for Naw-Rúz celebration and dedication of Bahá’í Center in Balsal Village, Panama.


Panama

New Balsal Center proudly dedicated[edit]

Two pioneers from Iran and a pioneer from El Salvador recently journeyed seven hours from Boca de Cupe up the river Tuira to attend a Naw-Rúz feast and the opening of the Balsal Bahá’í Center deep in the Darien jungle. Juan Batista Reyes of El Salvador has lived in the Darien area for five years.

The guests were warmly welcomed. The Bahá’í women of Balsal wore their best ‎ clothes‎ and jewelry and had twined flowers in their hair.

During the dedication, each of the Balsal believers, including children, recited a prayer from memory. There are nine Bahá’í families in the village of 23 families.

Pioneer Shírín Barumand read a message from the National Spiritual Assembly and presented a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and one of the Panama Temple for the Center.

Later that evening people gathered around and inside the house of Chief Kasimiro, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly. The Naw-Rúz Tablet and other prayers were read. The Balsal Bahá’ís sang; the women danced to music played by the men on homemade flutes. Celebrants included non-Bahá’ís.

Although non-Bahá’ís had not helped construct the Center, they had helped prepare the land and clean and beautify the village. All the Bahá’ís, including the children, built the Center.


Paraguay

Delegates, friends at National Convention[edit]

Delegates and friends at the 16th National Convention are pictured in May in front of the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Asuncion, Paraguay.

Guests included Auxiliary Board members Natalia de Caballero (seated, third from left) and Zia Vojdani (seated, fourth from left).


Portugal

Counsellor Bopp addresses school[edit]

Continental Counsellor Anneliese Bopp discussed the urgency of intensifying efforts to attain the goals of the Five Year Plan at the National Spring School in Troia March 27-28.

Mrs. Bopp focused on the importance of putting the affairs of the Faith first in the lives of Bahá’ís. She said the goals will be won if Bahá’ís arrange their lives and concentrate on the teaching work.

Other classes included the spiritual and physical significance of the World Center and the building of the seat of The Universal House of Justice, the role of youth, and a round table discussion on promoting unity.

Approximately 30 believers attended the school.

[Page 13]

Faith is proclaimed on Lisbon street cars[edit]

The Bahá’ís of Lisbon and the surrounding area celebrated Naw-Rúz by riding through the streets of Lisbon for three hours in rented street cars.

More than 50 Bahá’ís and friends participated. Much of the time was spent singing Bahá’í songs. A banner reading “Bahá’í-World Unity” was attached to the side of one of the street cars.

During the tour, the Bahá’ís were approached many times by people wanting to know more about the Faith. Some of them boarded to join the new year celebration.


Samoa

Bahá’í delegation visits prime minister[edit]

A delegation of Samoan Bahá’ís recently visited the new prime minister of Western Samoa. They extended the friendship of the Bahá’ís and gave assurance of their loyalty to the government. They presented the prime minister with Bahá’í World Faith and compilations of the Writings in the Samoan language.

The prime minister invited the government photographer to take pictures of the meeting. One of the pictures will be printed in a newspaper which is published for government employees.


Sierra Leone

Teaching conference greets new Assembly[edit]

Members of the new Spiritual Assembly of Magburaka were introduced to Bahá’ís from several communities in Sierra Leone and two friends from Guinea at the second National Teaching Conference in Magburaka recently.

Auxiliary Board member Shídán Kúchikzádih participated in the conference and addressed a public meeting of about 50 people. A panel of three joined him to answer the many questions that followed his talk.

During one conference session a Magburaka believer praised the diligence of the early pioneers in that area. A prayer was offered for Riḍá Ḥaydarí, a Persian pioneer who consistently visited Magburaka to aid the believers and who passed away there in April, 1974.


South West Pacific Ocean

New Hebrides Center officially opened[edit]

A major milestone in the growth of the Faith in the New Hebrides was achieved April 23 with the official opening of the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

The building, located on Bahá’í property in Port Vila, was constructed in three months by Auxiliary Board member Alick Soalo following plans made by the National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific Ocean. Its opening marks the attainment of a Five Year Plan goal and anticipates the formation of the National Assembly of the New Hebrides at Riḍván 1977.

Despite almost continuous rain, the opening ceremony was attended by more than 150 persons, of whom about 50 were guests invited by the National Assembly. The presence of the joint heads of government in the New Hebrides, the British and French resident commissioners, greatly enhanced the dignity of the occasion and demonstrated that the Faith has official recognition in the country. Also attending were members of the newly-elected Representative Assembly, village chiefs, church and community leaders, the mayor of Port Vila, and representatives from the fields of education, health, commerce, and law.

Among Bahá’ís present were Counsellors Howard Harwood and Owen Battrick.

The ceremony included prayers for the dedication of the new building and talks in English, French, and Pidgin describing the purpose of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and the aims and principles of the Faith. Speakers included Mr. Harwood, Mr. Soalo, Olive Pakoa, and Jean Sévin, chairman of the National Assembly. The prayers and talks were summarized in an attractive souvenir program which was presented to all who attended. To symbolize the inauguration, Bertha Dobbins, the first Bahá’í to come to the New Hebrides in 1953, joyfully cut a

[Page 14] Bertha Dobbins, the first Bahá’í in the New Hebrides, with Commissioner R. Gauger at dedication of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Port Vila. The building is at right.


ribbon across the entrance to the building. She was accompanied by the resident commissioners, J. Champion and R. Gauger.

Both resident commissioners expressed their appreciation of the warmth of the welcome extended to them by the Bahá’í community. Mr. Champion, born in Palestine, said he learned of the Faith while living in Persia and was present at the opening of the Mother Temple of Africa in Uganda. He said he admired the Bahá’ís. Mr. Gauger said that although he had had no previous contact with the Faith before coming to the New Hebrides, he was impressed with its universality; a country such as the New Hebrides, with its diverse mixture of peoples and cultures, greatly needed to be unified and he wished the Bahá’ís well in their efforts.

The official opening gave opportunities for an unprecedented amount of publicity on Radio Vila, the only broadcasting station for the New Hebrides. The national news, broadcast in English, French, and Pidgin, carried advance notice of the ceremony and included a full report on what had happened.

During the two days following the ceremony, the Bahá’ís of the South West Pacific Ocean held their National Convention in Port Vila for the first time in history. The excitement generated by the opening of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds set the tone for fruitful consultation and paved the way for further development of the Faith in the area.


Swaziland, Mozambique, and Angola

Queens, princesses at Bahá’í program[edit]

The Bahá’í women of Swaziland hosted a tea marking the end of International Women’s Year. Eight queens of the royal household of Swaziland were among the 70 guests at the gathering in the Leroy Ioas National Bahá’í Institute, Malagwane Hill, Mbabane.

Several princesses were present, including Princess Goinaphi, who is a Bahá’í. Women from the embassies of various countries were there with wives of ministers of the Swaziland government.

After introductions, the women toured the gardens and were photographed before the araucaria tree which Princess Goinaphi planted when the institute was dedicated in 1971.

The program was chaired by Treasure Dlamini. Bahá’ís prayed in siSeati, siSotho, Portugese, Tigrinya, Persian, and English. A Bahá’í children’s choir sang. Dr. M. Ahmadi gave an address on the equality of men and women. Small girls distributed the brochure “The Equality of Men and Women: A New Reality.” Concluding the program was a formal message of appreciation by Martin Mdiniso, private secretary to King Sobhuza II.

The Swaziland Times reviewed the meeting and published photographs.


Bahá’í children serve some of the royal guests at a tea sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland, Mozambique, and Angola.


[Page 15] Radio Swaziland reported the gathering on three news shows. A number of inquiries about the Faith were received because of the publicity.

Prayers published in Chiyao language[edit]

Publication of a compilation of prayers in the Chiyao language, also known as (Chi) Yao, achieved a goal of the Five Year Plan. The translation and publication was accomplished by the National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland, Mozambique, and Angola.

Chiyao is spoken by about ‎ ‎500,000 people in a wide area from southern Tanzania to Malawi. The largest number of Yao speakers live in Mozambique.


Taiwan

Bahá’ís participate in book exhibition[edit]

Officials invited the National Spiritual Assembly of Taiwan to participate in a book exhibition at the National Central Library, Taipei. The exhibit theme was “Religions in the Republic of China” and its purpose was “to remind people of their religious freedom.”

The Bahá’ís displayed books in Chinese, English, and Persian with photographs of the World Center and the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Bahá’ís were listed as number nine in the list of participating groups in a catalog published by the library. The booklet contained a brief description of the basic teachings of the Faith.

During the five-day exhibit inquirers took 1,500 pieces of Bahá’í literature.


Tanzania

Bahá’í volume given to prime minister[edit]

The Hon. Rashidi Mfaume Kawawa, prime minister and second vice-president of Tanzania, received The Bahá’í World volume XIV from a Bahá’í delegation March 23.

Representing the Bahá’ís were Prosper Nduke, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, Auxiliary Board member Herbert Sikombe, and Barnabas M. Barnabas.

While waiting to enter the prime minister’s office, the Bahá’ís had a chance to introduce the Faith to the regional party secretary and a member of the National Executive Committee.

The prime minister responded cordially to the delegation, saying that he had learned of the Faith through early pioneers to Tanzania.


Uganda

Mr. Olinga’s group tours Busoga Province[edit]

The Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga recently completed a month’s tour of Bahá’í Centers in Busoga Province, Uganda. With him were his wife, Elizabeth Olinga, Continental Counsellor Kolonario Oule, Augustine Nnaku of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Auxiliary Board member Peter Mutabazi. Mr. Nnaku also serves on the District Teaching Committee of Busoga.

Mrs. Olinga is a member of the Bahá’í Women’s Education Committee and she gathered the women of each locality and organized a Bahá’í Women’s Group, each of which appointed a secretary and found a teacher to conduct weekly classes for women and children.

Everywhere believers were overjoyed to welcome the Hand of the Cause and his wife. Mr. Olinga addressed audiences ranging from 50 to 500. In the town of Busoga he and his companions met with the provincial governor, the provincial executive secretary, the district commissioners of North and South Busoga, and five county sub-chiefs in their respective offices. He gave them Bahá’í literature. Some of the officials called in their staff to hear the message. Mr. Olinga made similar visits in the other Centers.

In one community a choir of 13 children sang farewell to the Olingas with a song that contained the phrase, “Don’t forget us, Hand of the Cause Olinga; Don’t forget us, Elizabeth Olinga...”


United Kingdom

A quick response results in Assembly[edit]

When the secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Northampton, U.K., heard of an urgent need for a pioneer to Iceland he immediately volunteered

Michael Cooper had never had a passport, been out of his country, or been on an airplane. But two weeks after his decision to pioneer he was free of his job, and he arrived in Iceland on April 20, in time to become the ninth member of a Spiritual Assembly.


United States

Bicentennial used to proclaim Faith[edit]

Wide proclamation of the Faith is taking place throughout the United States as Bahá’ís continue to host and participate in American Revolution Bicentennial activities.

The events include public meetings, parades, musical programs, displays, and presentation of Bahá’í literature to public officials.

The Bahá’ís of West Hollywood, California, honored the Bicentennial with an entire week of activities, including a luncheon, a senior citizen’s day, and an all-day proclamation on May 8.

Bahá’ís entered floats in parades in Henderson, Nevada, Scottsdale, Arizona, Clovis, California, Cave Creek, California, and College Park, Maryland.

The Henderson community of fewer than 20 believers built a float resembling the Bicentennial Freedom Train. The Bahá’í train consisted of an engine and two cars, one car painted with the words “freedom from prejudice,” the other with “freedom from materialism.”

Scottsdale Bahá’ís submitted a float design prepared by two college students proclaiming unity through diversity. The design was accepted with a comment from the parade chairman praising its uniqueness.

Bahá’ís in Clovis built a model of the House of Worship for their float. Al Ayala built the structure of wood, cardboard, and

[Page 16] wire, and then the friends made paper flowers and covered the structure with them.

The Northern Marickop County, California, community won a special trophy for its “melting-pot dream” float in Cave Creek.

The believers in College Park, Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, Washington, D.C., Greenbelt, and Takoma Park cooperated to make banners and march in the College Park parade.

Bahá’ís of New York City are hosting a series of Sunday morning meetings called “Conversations with Americans.” The programs are presented at the Bahá’í Center with Hussein Ahdieh interviewing Bahá’ís on various topics. After each conversation the floor is open for questions and the response has been excellent.

The Bahá’ís of Wilmette, Illinois, sponsored a musical proclamation in a park near the House of Worship. The event, an official Bicentennial activity of the Wilmette Bicentennial Commission, included square dancing, a jazz concert, and a talk on the Faith. Some persons who attended went from the park to the House of Worship for devotions.

As a result of presentations to officials, the chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Jersey City, New Jersey, gave a talk to the City Council about Bahá’í aims and principles. The Bicentennial issue of World Order magazine had been presented to the mayor and City Council members.

Bahá’ís of Reno and Sparks, Nevada, manned a booth in the Folklore Festival and Food Fair hosted by the Sparks Bicentennial Commission. Newport Beach, California, Bahá’ís had a booth in a Bicentennial festival at a junior high school.

Bahá’ís of Dover, New Hampshire, presented the mayor with the Bicentennial issue of World Order and Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, and gave copies of World Order to 40 civic and religious leaders of the city.


Proclamation activities in the United States included participation in parades at Henderson, Nevada, Scottsdale, Arizona, Cave Creek, California, and Clovis, California. There was a musical proclamation in Wilmette, Illinois, and a presentation to the mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey. Bottom right, Ina McNeil is interviewed by Hussein Ahdieh in the New York City Bahá’í Center.


[Page 17]

TV series on Faith is now available[edit]

“The New World,” a series of 13 half-hour color television shows on the Bahá’í Faith, is now available for distribution and use worldwide.

The series was produced under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands. Videotaped in a Honolulu television station, the series presents the Bahá’í message through songs and interviews.

The Universal House of Justice requested that the National Assembly of Hawaii handle distribution to other national communities. All proceeds will be sent to the World Center.

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears appears in each program as either host, co-host, or guest. He and Robert Quigley, a prominent television producer, wrote the scripts. Most of the music in the series was either arranged or directed by Russ Garcia, a noted arranger-composer-conductor in the recording, television, and motion picture fields.

Each of the programs opens with the theme song: “Have You Heard about the New World?” sung by the Hawaii Bahá’í Chorus. A picture of the Mother Temple of the West in Wilmette, Illinois, zooms in with the series title.

Special guests on the series are from varied backgrounds and include, in addition to Mr. Sears, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Garcia and his wife, Auxiliary Board member Gina Garcia; singers-musicians Jimmy Seals and Dash Crofts; England Dan and John Ford Coley and their manager, Marsha Day; jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie; Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and dean of the University of Southern California Law School, and Judge James Nelson of the Los Angeles, California, Municipal Court; Honolulu actress Lynne Ellen Hollinger; Healani Alami Hamilton, entertainer and Auxiliary Board member. Hawaiian Bahá’í singing groups include the Hawaii Bahá’í Chorus, Sunshine Delight, East of Midnight, Steve and Bunny and Frank Williams.


Mr. Sears


Subjects covered in the series include the oneness of God, of religion, of the prophets, and of mankind; prophecy; progressive revelation; the Bahá’í World Center; the United Nations; Bahá’í Houses of Worship; justice; youth; and Bahá’í literature.

In Hawaii, the series has already been shown twice by the NBC television affiliate and is scheduled to be shown a third time, all without charge. Reaction by the public has been extremely favorable. The series has increased the number of inquiries on the Faith and has been an excellent proclamation and consolidation tool.

The television tapes are available in two sizes: 2-inch and ¾-inch. It is best to check with your local television station to see which size they can use. Cost of the 2-inch tape per program to purchase is $230 or $2,990 for the 13-program series. Cost of the ¾-inch tape per program to purchase is $80 or $1,040 for the 13-program series.

Tapes can also be rented at $60 each program for the 2-inch tape for three days and $20 each program for the ¾-inch tape for three days. The tapes are sent directly to the television station.

Bahá’í communities wishing to purchase or rent the series should write to: “The New World” TV Series, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands, 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, USA. Be sure to include the name and address of your Spiritual Assembly, whether this is a request to purchase or to rent, what size tape, number of tapes or is the entire series wanted, dates of rental and television station it is to go to, and any other pertinent information.


Dizzy Gillespie


Hawaii Bahá’í Chorus


Seals & Crofts