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| Bahá’í News | November 1978 | Bahá’í Year 135 |
Panama
[Page 0]
Seat of the
Universal House of Justice
In a photograph taken August 10, 1978, the bottom third of the first of 58 marble columns that will surround the Seat of the Universal House of Justice can be seen in the foreground. A team of French artisans is installing marble facing on the building, and work has begun on the northwest corner. Other workmen are completing the wooden form for the pouring of the concrete for the building’s dome.
| Contents |
Seven new National Assemblies formed |
|
Reports from the Bahamas, Cyprus and the Marianas | 2 |
The Peoples of God: Part 5 |
|
Teaching among the indigenous peoples of Panama | 8 |
Teaching in Puerto Rico |
|
Intensive campaign doubles the number of Assemblies | 12 |
Around the world |
|
News from Bahá’í communities in every corner of the globe | 14 |
Cover
High on a mountain overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean stands the Mother Temple of Latin America, its brilliant white dome a beacon symbolizing the unity of east and west, and its presence a silent tribute to the enormous contribution to the growth and development of the Faith in this hemisphere made by the Indians of the Americas. A report on the progress of the Cause of God among the Indians of Panama begins on Page 8.
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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.
‘We joyfully hail the formation of seven more National Spiritual Assemblies, those of Burundi, Mauritania, the Bahamas, Oman, Qatar, the Mariana Islands and Cyprus...’
House of Justice
Riḍván 1978
the Bahamas...[edit]
(The following report of the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the Bahamas was written for Bahá’í News by Dr. H. Elsie Austin.-Ed.)
The historic first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the Bahamas was held May 19-21, 1978, in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. The Convention site was the Pilot House Hotel on New Providence Island.
Preceding the event, whose purpose was to elect the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Bahamas, a group of dedicated Bahá’ís that included the Bahá’í Teaching Committee of the Bahamas and other willing friends worked long and hard to prepare the setting for the Convention. They redecorated the lovely National Bahá’í Center and attended to the many details and arrangements necessary to ensure a smoothly-functioning National Convention.
Among those present at the Convention were the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, representing the Universal House of Justice; Lloyd Gardner, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America; Glenford E. Mitchell, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, and Dr. William Tucker, Auxiliary Board member for the Bahamas.
Also present were many pioneers and teachers who had served in the Bahamas and participated in the growth and development of the Faith there. Among the guests was Gerald Curwin, who was among the first to open the area to the Faith in 1953. Arnold Wells and Mrs. Ela Williams, the two oldest native-born Bahá’ís in the Bahamas, also were present.
The nine delegates elected to carry out the business of the Convention were Cyril Archer of Eleuthera; Mrs. Kathleen Pratt of Abaco; Mrs. Patricia Newton of Freeport; Charles Thompson of Lewis Yard; Poul Jensen of Andros; Henry Wigfall, Mrs. Beryl McSweeney and Brian Smith of Nassau, and Glenn Lissner of West New Providence.
The Convention was conducted in a highly spiritual atmosphere, due in no small part to the beautiful periods of devotional prayers and music that opened each session. The readings were offered with unusual eloquence, and the music brought a gentle flow of lovely harmony to inspire the hearts.
Mr. Mitchell, who had only recently returned from the fourth Bahá’í International Convention in Haifa, gave a stirring welcome to Convention participants at the first session on Friday evening, May 19.
He then related highlights of the International Convention and presented a series of slides showing the beauty of the gardens and the progress of construction at the World Centre of the Faith. The representative of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly gave the friends a sense of perspective about the worldwide growth of the Faith, and caused them to reflect and ponder the significance of the Bahamas becoming one of the newest pillars of the Universal House of Justice.
The evening ended in an atmosphere of great happiness and joyous fellowship, as the friends retired to a garden with palm trees, a pool of sparkling blue water, lovely lights, soft and lively music, and a delicious feast of traditional Bahamian foods.
On the second day of the Convention, Mr. Mitchell explained Convention procedures and purposes: (1) to offer a forum for consultation and recommendations to the new National Spiritual Assembly for teaching and advancing the Faith; and (2) to elect the National Spiritual Assembly. Following prayers and meditation, the delegates elected permanent officers for the Convention: Cyril Archer, chairman, and Patricia Newton, secretary.
With its officers elected, the Convention then called on Mr. Sears to present the message from the Universal House of Justice.
[Page 4]
In its message, the Universal House of Justice emphasized the significance of raising up a new National Spiritual Assembly, and the responsibilities that honor entails.
The message reviewed and warmly praised recent achievements in the Bahamas including the acquisition of a Temple site, the establishment of a national headquarters and national endowment, and the establishment of seven Local Spiritual Assemblies on the more populous islands. The message then offered further guidance and direction for winning the goals set for the remainder of the Five Year Plan.
After reading the message, Mr. Sears reminded the Convention that the Bahamas are mentioned prominently in Tablets of the Divine Plan, the charter for the spiritual conquest of the planet, and that raising up a new pillar of the Universal House of Justice in the islands is an historic undertaking of greater significance than we are able to understand at this time.
He urged the friends to understand that it is through the Universal House of Justice that God’s hidden powers will be manifested and the unity of mankind realized. He reminded them of the transcendent power of this Revelation: “The Báb,” he said, “wrote for six years. Following Him, Bahá’u’lláh, the Supreme Law-Giver, gave us 46 years of the revelation of new Truths for this Age. Afterward, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Master, gave us 29 years of written interpretation of His Father’s Writings, and Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian, gave us another 36 years of further writing and explanation.
“Thus,” said Mr. Sears, “the Universal House of Justice can draw upon 117 years of Divine guidance in making its decisions.” Realizing this, he said, helps us to understand the great importance of erecting a pillar of the House of Justice, and the fact that all the institutions of the Faith are under the guidance and protection of Divine Providence.
Following Mr. Sears’ address, the Convention turned to prayers and consultation. Counsellor Gardner urged the incoming National Spiritual Assembly to consider relating its interest in training children and youth to the United Nations programs for the International Year of the Child in 1979.
The afternoon session that day began with an address by Mr. Gardner, who explained how the Boards of Counsellors aid the Hands of the Cause and ensure the continuation of that institution’s functions into the future.
He urged the friends to love, respect and pray for the new National Spiritual Assembly, and to serve it loyally, understanding that it is through such service and devotion that individual Bahá’ís place themselves in the mainstream of the energies released by this Divinely-ordained Bahá’í institution.
Following Mr. Gardner’s talk, Auxiliary Board member Dr. Tucker presented an outline of the history and development of the Faith in the Bahamas. The report generated such interest that a recommendation was passed that the incoming National Spiritual Assembly maintain an accurate and detailed history of the Faith in the islands.
At 4 p.m. the delegates adjourned to the National Bahá’í Center on Shirley Street for prayers and the election of the National Spiritual Assembly. Other participants went by bus to view the site, on New Providence Island, where a future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will be built, and to pray for guidance for the delegates.
Following the Convention banquet, the friends reassembled for the evening session. At 9 p.m. the names of the members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Bahamas were announced: Michael Horton, Cyril Archer, Beryl McSweeney, Henry Wigfall, Gadville Newton, Brian Smith, Patricia Newton, Poul Jensen, Rosemary Bailey.
The National Assembly received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the Convention. The feeling was one of great joy, happiness and support. The National Assembly was then presented with a number of gifts for the institution and the National Center.
The final day of the Convention, May 21, will long be remembered by its participants as one of thought-provoking consultation, deep inspiration and great emotion.
The morning session began with an announcement of the officers elected by the new National Spiritual Assembly: Michael Horton, chairman; Cyril Archer, vice chairman; Henry Wigfall, treasurer; Mrs. Patricia Newton, secretary; Mrs. Rosemary Bailey, assistant secretary.
Mr. Mitchell then explained the role of future National Conventions, pointing out the opportunity they would afford for assessing the year’s work, and for entertaining proposals for the coming year. He stressed the fact that a National Convention only offers advice on matters of policy, and does not continue to act beyond the Convention period.
Next, attention was turned to the establishment of the National Bahá’í Fund, which was the first priority of the new National Spiritual Assembly. A Fund box was placed before the Convention, and Mr. Mitchell made the first contribution on behalf of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly. Thereafter, in a spirit of loving and generous sharing, the believers came forward with gifts, contributions and pledges for the new National Fund.
The Convention next drafted a message to the Universal House of Justice that was approved by the delegates and sent.
Mr. Mitchell then presented each participant at the Convention with a gift from the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, and a standing ovation greeted the recognition of the efforts of the Bahamas Teaching Committee in preparing for the Convention.
The final session ended with an address by Mr. Sears. His words were so eloquent and filled with love that the entire assemblage wept, their hearts lifted to new heights of dedication.
Mr. Sears began by presenting a letter from the Universal House of Justice that enclosed a $1,000 check for the National Fund. He next gave copies of the compilation Victory Promises to each Local Spiritual Assembly in the Bahamas, and to the two oldest Bahá’ís in the islands, Mr. Wells and Mrs. Williams.
Framed pictures of the Master were presented to each member of the new National Spiritual Assembly, and another that will grace the Assembly’s council chamber at the National Center.
Mr. Sears then recalled the many promises of assistance and ultimate victory set forth in the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and in the writings of the Guardian. He reminded the friends that they can always rely upon help and confirmation when they persevere in the path of God.
In closing, he related two marvelous stories illustrating the power of faith and deeds. One concerned the first African martyr, whose devotion sustained him through persecution and cruel death; the other was that of a simple Bahá’í villager who resolved to help win his Assembly’s goals. He faced many obstacles, disappointments, and the skepticism of his fellow Bahá’ís, but changed every disappointment into a victory. New believers were confirmed and every goal of the Assembly was achieved.
Tears were flowing freely as Mr. Sears related these heart-stirring stories of sacrifice. Sharing a spirit of love, devotion, and inspiration, the Convention came to a close with prayers, and the friends dispersed to transform their feelings into acts of service to the Cause.
Cyprus...[edit]
The first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Cyprus was held May 21-22. Seated (holding the Greatest Name) is the Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery, who represented the Universal House of Justice at the Convention. Mrs. Giachery is seated to his right, and Eric Blumenthal of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Europe is at Dr. Giachery’s left. Standing to the right of the pillar is John Long, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom, the sponsoring Assembly.
Mariana Islands...[edit]
Shown here are some of the friends who attended the first National Convention to elect the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Mariana Islands. The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, seated at the far left, represented the Universal House of Justice at the historic election. The Marianas Assembly is one of three formed from the National Spiritual Assembly of the North West Pacific Ocean. The others include the National Spiritual Assembly of the Carolines, which was formed this year and is the successor to the North West Pacific Assembly, and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Marshall Islands, which was formed for the first time in 1977.
The historic formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Mariana Islands took place May 26-28 at the National Convention in the ITC Building, Agana, Guam.
Representing the Universal House of Justice was the Hand of the Cause of God Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir.
Others attending included Continental Counsellor Richard Benson; Auxiliary Board members Kazuko Bray, Virginia Breaks and Masaki Ushibata; and Hazel Mori and Rufo Laroya, who represented the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Philippine Islands.
The election of this new pillar of the Universal House of Justice came almost 25 years after Cynthia Olson, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, first set foot in the Mariana Islands in 1953.
Appropriately, she was present as a delegate, participating in the coming-of-age of the community she has served so steadfastly for so many years.
Jack Spock, chairman of the “parent” National Spiritual Assembly
[Page 7]
of the Bahá’ís of the North West Pacific Ocean, officially opened the Convention. He introduced the Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir who read the message to the Convention from the Universal House of Justice.
Elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Mariana Islands were Jack Spock, Rudy Jones, Tony Gomez, Wes Daniels, Sisan Suda, Andrew Ken, Cynthia Olson, Anna Smithwick and Herb Johnson.
An emotional moment came when the newly-elected National Spiritual Assembly announced that the Mariana Islands would not need financial assistance from the Universal House of Justice and would return its gift of $500.
To further strengthen this resolve, the delegate from Yona, Herb Johnson, presented a check for $815 to the National Fund from the Yona community.
A Convention treasurer was appointed and contributions to the Fund poured in until the end of the Convention. The total was $4,350, a substantial base from which the new institution can grow.
Saturday evening, a banquet was held at the Guam Reef Hotel for the governors of Guam and the Northern Marianas, Bahá’ís and friends.
The Sunday morning session was devoted to consultation on teaching and expansion. Inspired by the plans outlined by the National Teaching Committee, the friends made many pledges to travel and teach during the coming months.
Teaching was emphasized throughout the Convention. The Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir called for the friends to step forward and spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
At its close, those in attendance voted to meet the following morning for prayers and teaching in the communities of Talafofo and Barrigada.
Twenty-six believers including Counsellor Benson, the three Auxiliary Board members and the newly-elected National Spiritual Assembly members went to the villages to hand out 1,000 invitations to watch the Bahá’í television series that began June 4 on KUAM-TV, and while there to deliver when possible the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
After lunch, each group reported the results of the morning’s efforts. Great enthusiasm for the teaching was felt, and a new commitment was made to make this the year for “entry by troops” in the Mariana Islands.
Members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Mariana Islands include (left to right) Cynthia Olson, Andrew Ken, Jack Spock, Wes Daniels, Tony Gomez, Rudy Jones, Anna Smithwick, Herb Johnson. The ninth member of the National Assembly, Sisan Suda, is not shown.
The Peoples of God Part 5:[edit]
Panama[edit]
In 1961 the vast majority of the indigenous peoples of Panama still remained relatively untouched by the outside world. While there had been some Christian missionary work among them, most had been left largely to themselves, and their lifestyle was almost a mirror image of their 17th-century forbears.
Since then, however, change has come rapidly. Ancient patterns of living are breaking down, and traditional values are being lost in a struggle to bridge the gap between yesterday and today.
The establishment of modern schools and the extension of medical supervision into these remote areas have had an enormous impact on the people there. Longevity has increased, while mortality has decreased, giving rise to an over-all increase in population.
As a result, land that formerly was adequate to sustain life is now insufficient. Great shifts are taking place in the economy as agriculture becomes more diversified and people move to other areas to earn a living.
The glamour of the larger cities is beckoning Panamanian youth. Large numbers of them have abandoned their native homes to seek their fortunes in the populous centers of trade and commerce where they usually are condemned to live in squalor and poverty.
Meanwhile, the outlying areas are more and more becoming communities of the unemployable old and unproductive young. Daily it becomes more difficult to harmonize old values with such a rapidly-changing world while retaining the roots of tribal uniqueness and individual identity.
The purity of heart of the native Panamanians is being destroyed by the corruption of a materialistic civilization. It is against these growing forces of darkness that the forces of Light must battle, and time is at a premium. All, however, is not darkness.
The growing Bahá’í community among the Indians is becoming steadily more unified and is contributing an ever-increasing share to the growth of Bahá’u’lláh’s “slowly evolving World Order.” As this Order grows in Panama, the influence of the Indian believer is being felt more heavily than ever, for he has become an integral part of the process.
The Promise[edit]
In 1916 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made a promise. He said: “You must give great importance to teaching the Indians, that is, the aborigines of America. For these souls are like the ancient inhabitants of Peninsular Arabia, who previous to the Manifestation
[Page 9]
of His Holiness Muḥammad were treated as savages. But when the Muḥammadic light shone forth in their midst, they became so illumined that they brightened the world. Likewise, should these Indians and aborigines be educated and obtain guidance, there is no doubt that through the divine teachings, they will become so enlightened as in turn to shed light to all regions.”1
Signs of Fulfillment[edit]
There are three major indigenous tribes in Panama: Cuña, Chocó and Guaymí. They comprise 5.5 percent of the total population of the country, and approximately 32 percent of total Bahá’í membership. Wholly indigenous Local Spiritual Assemblies make up more than 47 percent of the total foundation of basic Bahá’í administrative units in Panama. To these communities belongs the distinction of having been the first to acquire local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and local endowments. They have contributed 66 per cent and 81 per cent, respectively, of such properties now in existence in Panama.
Forty-five per cent of local communities that regularly contribute to the National Fund in Panama are made up of indigenous believers.
As Bahá’í teachers and administrators, the Indians are playing an ever-expanding role. They have been represented continuously on the National Spiritual Assembly since 1964; presently, two indigenous members serve on that august body.
The first indigenous Bahá’ís ever to represent their country at a Bahá’í international teaching conference were from Panama. The Panamanians also have attained the distinction of being the first to arise as international traveling teachers in Central America. One indigenous believer from Panama is presently serving with distinction as a pioneer to Venezuela.
On a national and regional level indigenous Panamanian believers are quite active; from among them have come one Auxiliary Board member and many assistants to the Auxiliary Board.
Within their respective areas, Local Spiritual Assemblies composed primarily of indigenous believers administer in varying degrees their own affairs, assuring that the annual election is held, organizing and carrying out teaching projects, providing for the observance of Holy Days and Feasts, and organizing and executing their own deepening institutes. More and more, daily life is being patterned around the Bahá’í calendar.
Native participation in recent International Conferences has
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added dignity to the events and given them a special and distinctive flavor. Perhaps the most exciting participation was in the spring of 1977 at a satellite conference that followed the International Teaching Conference at Mérida, Mexico.
At this satellite conference, the indigenous friends addressed a gathering of more than 400 Bahá’ís, and in moving terms communicated the spirit of the Mérida conference. They spoke in their own languages, with other Indians translating into Spanish and Indian dialects. What a proud moment it was for them and for all Bahá’ís present!
Initiation of Indigenous Teaching[edit]
The teaching work among the Indians of Panama dates back to 1947 when Louise Caswell, a pioneer from the United States, found and taught the first Indian believer in the country, Manuel Gorgas, a Cuña Indian from Playon Chico.
Manuel served diligently until 1954 when he became ill and returned to his birthplace, hoping to recover his health so that he might arise to promote the Cause of God among his own people. But destiny willed otherwise.
Manuel Gorgas passed on to the Abhá Kingdom on November 3, 1954, without realizing his heart’s desire. But he will forever have the undying honor of having been the first Indian in Panama to accept and swear allegiance to the Supreme Manifestation of God to man.
Six years were to pass before a second Indian was guided to the Message of God for this Day. His name was José Tugri, a Guaymí who was living in David, Chiriqui Province.
It was not until 1961 that the Message was carried to the Panamanian Indians in their homelands. Between July 1961 and February 1962, all three zones in Panama were opened to the Faith, and the teaching work was actively begun.
The response from the Indians was immediate and wholehearted. Consequently, teaching rose to new heights and took on new qualities. The national community in Panama was revolutionized. By Riḍván 1963 the first all-indigenous Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed, and the first indigenous deepening institutes established.
Since that time many changes have taken place. From the outset, and even today, the goal of Bahá’í teachers working among the Indians has been to share with them the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, let them drink It in at their leisure, assimilate It fully, and then make It an integral part of the fabric of their lives, weaving their own distinctive patterns. While each of their communities is today united with all other Bahá’í communities around the world in the essentials of their Faith, each of them retains something of its own uniqueness, demonstrating the principle of “unity in diversity.”
Three Outstanding Bahá’í Teachers[edit]
No account of the Faith in Panama would be complete without some personal glimpses into the lives of outstanding native-born Bahá’ís. Three, therefore, have been selected from among the Guaymí Indians for their exceptional achievements and contributions.
Bernabé Bejerano[edit]
Bernabé Bejerano, even before declaring his belief, began a long period of service to the Faith as a guide for a group of traveling Bahá’í teachers, a position he accepted to test their sincerity.
The first trip lasted 12 days during which the Bahá’í teachers stumbled on foot up steep and treacherous mountains while Bernabé rode along on horseback. It was a discouraging journey. Blistering sun, heavy rains and deep mud were constant companions.
And after arriving, exhausted, at a village—that is, a gathering of thatched huts separated by distances of 15-20 minutes tucked away in the hills—the Bahá’ís would invariably find that the villagers had departed, leaving only a spokesman to say that the “intruders” were not welcome.
At night, the teachers would sleep on palm leaves spread on the damp ground under a starlit sky. At village after village, they received the same treatment. They were not welcome there.
Although Bernabé did not yet consider himself a Bahá’í at the end of the trip, he was so impressed by the teachers and what he had learned of the Faith that he made them a promise: they would not have to return to those villages unless they really wanted to.
Instead, he told them, he would return there to nurture the seeds that had been planted. “Be patient,” he said to the teachers. “In time all the people we have visited will become Bahá’ís.”
Bernabé was correct. He kept his promise, and the teachers later returned to find warm, friendly Bahá’í communities in these same villages.
Shortly after accepting the Faith, Bernabé Bejerano made another promise. He would, God willing, raise up during his lifetime nine Bahá’í communities. At Riḍván 1977, Bernabe, now quite old, reflected on that promise, and observed that his health was failing and that he still had two communities to raise to
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fulfill his pledge. He asked for prayers that he might gain the strength to make good his promise.
From the original communities whose existence stands as a testimony to Bernabé Bejerano’s faith and service, many new ones have been born, more than 20 in all. Believers from these communities have made outstanding contributions to the Faith through the years. Fidel and Carmela Bejerano are two.
Fidel and Carmela Bejerano[edit]
Fidel Bejerano, now an Auxiliary Board member, was a child of 10 when Bernabé made his first historic trip with the Bahá’í teachers. Fidel remembers the occasion. His wife, Carmela, who lived in one of the villages visited at that time, was only three years old. Soon the parents from both families had accepted the Faith, and the children were reared in the bosom of its Spirit.
With patience and fortitude, Fidel and Carmela endured and overcame many unexpected obstacles that arose when they decided they wished to marry. In the end, patience won out, and they were married in strict conformity with Bahá’í law, becoming the first among the Guaymí Indians to have a Bahá’í wedding.
They have established a warm and loving Bahá’í home with a spirit of unity, harmony, understanding, and humility.
Their saintly character is a source of inspiration to all who know them. Wherever Fidel travels he is loved and admired for his devotion, his simplicity and directness, the depth of his wisdom, his unobtrusiveness, and purity of heart.
His service is reinforced and enhanced by Carmela who renders an outstanding service to the Faith in the rearing of their son, and in her participation in children’s and adult activities in their home community.
Future Prospects[edit]
The Cause of God has taken enormous strides forward among the indigenous Panamanians since Manuel Gorgas became the first native-born believer in 1947. Today, atop Cerro Sonsonate, overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean, surrounded by hills resplendent with tropical verdure, the Mother Temple of Latin America stands, its dome a beacon of light to all who pass by, its very presence a silent tribute to the Indians of the Americas, especially of Panama, and to their tremendous contributions to the growth and development of the Cause of God in this hemisphere.
Their role in the Faith will be of even greater importance in the future. Thus shall the promise of the Master be kept, and another promise as well: “That place (Panama) will become very important in the future. The teachings, once established there, will unite the East and the West, the North and the South.”2
1 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 10.
2 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, cited by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 59.
Teaching in Puerto Rico[edit]
A special two-week teaching campaign was launched June 16 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Puerto Rico after consultation with Continental Counsellor Hidayátu’lláh Aḥmadíyyih. It resulted in the enrollment of more than 60 new believers and doubled the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies on the island, from nine to 18.
The campaign, named for Gordon Laite, the “devoted, fervent” pioneer from the United States who had passed away on May 26, derived its inspiration from the memory of his radiant spirit, and from a cablegram from the Universal House of Justice that promised “success projects augmenting intense individual teaching will discover legion uniting souls transform verdant island rose garden Cause.”
On June 17, Counsellor Aḥmadíyyih, members of the National Spiritual Assembly, local believers, pioneers, and visiting teachers arrived at Caguas—about an hour’s drive from San Juan.
A member of the National Assembly and his family who live in Caguas vacated their home for the two-week period so that it could be used as a full-time center for the project.
Each morning, after breakfast and prayers, the teachers would consult with members of the National Assembly, Counsellor Aḥmadíyyih, and Auxiliary Board member David Hunt to plan the day’s activities.
One team soon returned from the mountain village of Cidra
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with two newly-enrolled Bahá’í youth to join the team for dinner. Another returned from Humacao with radiant faces and a gift of pana and platanos (breadfruit and plantains) from a whole family of new believers.
Each day the number of declarations grew larger, and the teaching teams resolved to stay out longer. Sometimes they would return after 10 o’clock at night to eat and share their experiences with the others.
As team members attempted to relocate older believers and find new ones, some would go directly to town plazas where interested people often could be found. Others would go to specific neighborhoods to which they had been led by prayer. In each case, a simple booklet was used to illustrate the Bahá’í Teachings.
On evenings and weekends the full-time teachers were joined by others who could not come on weekdays. One weekend a believer went to sing at a proclamation on Vieques, a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico that is a goal area. When she returned she found that another team had “accidentally” taught the Faith to her own family, and her parents had embraced the Cause.
The teachers were especially happy to find two young men who had become Bahá’ís several years earlier but had hardly been seen since. One of them, Peter Carrasquillo of Laiza, had sustained his belief for four years while receiving only the island newsletter. He was surprised and delighted that the Bahá’ís happened to arrive on his 21st birthday. That same day his mother and sister embraced the Faith.
Another young man, Ramón Hernandez, who had accepted the Faith eight years ago in Massachusetts, hadn’t seen other Bahá’ís for some time. His visitors had only to glance at his small, well-worn Bahá’í library to know that he had remained steadfast in his belief.
In Vieques, pioneers Greg and Dara Shaw and their young daughter had been struggling for years to find enough new believers to form a Local Spiritual Assembly.
One of the greatest confirmations during the “Laite Project” occurred when two members of the teaching team flew to Vieques and within 48 hours assisted in finding seven new believers and helped to form its local Assembly. Each of the new believers was a friend of the Shaws who had been well-taught by them, and each felt moved to become a part of the historic occasion.
Although the goals of the campaign were won within the two-week period, the teaching continued, aided by traveling teachers Don Newby from Venezuela and Beverly March from St. Lucia. The team accepted the additional goal of opening seven new localities by August 9, thus completing the island’s Five Year Plan teaching goals.
Around the World[edit]
Fiji[edit]
Faith is recognized[edit]
History was made in August at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, when the Bahá’í Faith was given equal recognition with the Hindu, Muslim, and Christian religions at a multi-religious service to mark the opening of the university’s annual “Pacific Week” of regionally-oriented events.
It was an especially significant achievement for the university’s Bahá’í Club which, although large in spirit and heart, is smaller in numbers than the Hindu, Christian, and Muslim bodies on campus.
Each religion was given 15 minutes and was asked to prepare its own program. Unlike the other groups, which invited guest speakers to deliver short talks, the Bahá’í Club presented only readings from the Bahá’í Writings, read by club members of various racial backgrounds.
The simple but moving Bahá’í program began with the prayer for mankind, followed by readings on the unity of mankind, the unity of religion, unity in diversity, the oneness of the human race, and a brief selection from The Hidden Words. The program ended with the prayer for unity.
These readings, in the form of a booklet with an attractive cover, were made available to the approximately 130 people who attended the service.
Guest of honor at the event was Professor Frank Bresnahan, deputy vice-chancellor of the university, to whom the Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qásim Faizí had presented proclamation material during Mr. Faizí’s visit to Fiji last year.
Italy[edit]
Radio airs message[edit]
Reports the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy:
“At 6:35 p.m., May 26, a 15-minute radio program on the Bahá’í Faith was broadcast on national radio. Six Bahá’í friends took part in the program which presented the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, its goals and its Teachings.
“Several people from different Italian towns called the National Bahá’í Centre after listening to the program and asked for more information.
“This is a great achievement for our community, as it is very difficult to have permission to take part in national radio or TV programs. We hope that it will be possible to use radio and TV more and more, as it is a very good way to proclaim the Faith.”
The program originally was scheduled to be aired on May 9, but had to be postponed because the body of slain former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro was found on that day, and all regular radio programs were canceled.
The decree of November 21, 1966, designating the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy as an “Ente Morale” (i.e., recognizing under law its incorporation) was signed by Aldo Moro, who was then prime minister.
Cameroon Republic[edit]
Teacher aids growth[edit]
Amir-Farhang Imani, a Persian Bahá’í who is now living in France, completed in February a successful 63-day teaching trip to Ivory Coast and Cameroon in Africa.
The first eight days were spent in Ivory Coast where Mr. Imani visited the friends in Abidjan, participated in a teaching institute at Bouaké, taught in two villages, and visited three others in the Daloua region to prepare for the establishment of a teaching institute in that area.
During his 55 days in Cameroon, Mr. Imani visited some 35 towns and villages. As a result, seven or eight new villages were opened to the Faith and more than 10 were strengthened through teaching, deepening, and new declarations.
Ten new Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed, and the total number of new believers was around 380. In 10 colleges in six towns and two schools in two villages, about 200 students, four teachers, and two headmasters accepted the Faith.
More than 1,500 Bahá’í pamphlets, 150 books, and 100 pictures of Bahá’í places were distributed to individuals, newly-formed Spiritual Assemblies or college libraries.
The Faith was presented in detail to more than 2,500 persons including officials of police and government, headmasters of colleges, teachers, and students.
Left, community members who attended the first Sunday meeting held at the recently-purchased Mamfe district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the Republic of Cameroon, West Africa.
Right, the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Cameroon was the site of the Victoria Child Education Institute January 19-23, presented for the purpose of training the friends as teachers of Bahá’í children. Eight classes have been started as a result. The teacher trainers were Katherine Hemmat (back row, left) and Ehsanollah Hemmat (back row, second from left).
Mexico[edit]
Teaching plan succeeds[edit]
To help meet its Five Year Plan goals, the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico sponsored an eight-month teaching project from October 1977 to May 1978.
A team of 10 to 15 full-time teachers traveled throughout six states of the country, giving public meetings, holding firesides, proclaiming the Faith and using the mass media. The team taught in urban, rural, indigenous and non-indigenous areas.
The National Assembly set goals for the team to open new localities, form Local Spiritual Assemblies, and raise a Local Assembly in a state where none existed. Each of the goals was met.
The team included Mexican believers and friends from the United States and Canada. Two members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico and two Auxiliary Board members from that country were members of the team.
Encouraged by the results of the project, the National Assembly planned similar projects for July and August of this year with the goal of forming Local Spiritual Assemblies in the states of Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz.
Faith at UN meeting[edit]
The Bahá’í International Community was represented at the fourth Ministerial Session of the World Food Council, held June 5-7 and June 12-15 in Mexico City, by Carmen de Burafato, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America, and her assistant, Francisco Chiu Garcia.
The World Food Council is the agency of the United Nations dealing exclusively with world food problems. It consists of 36 member states (all of whom were present), represented by a minister of state or an ambassador. Other countries were invited to the conference as observers.
The gathering afforded several opportunities for presenting the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to delegates of the governments represented.
During the preparatory session June 5-7, Counsellor Burafato read to everyone present a statement by Bahá’í representatives to another session of the council, in Rome in 1974, in which the Bahá’í position toward solving the problems of worldwide hunger and food distribution was outlined.
A copy of the statement later was given to each delegation.
Many valuable contacts were made, among them a distinguished ambassador who is a professor of comparative religions and was most happy to learn of the Cause.
The newspaper in Counsellor Burafato’s community printed a substantial article about Bahá’í participation at the conference.
Nigeria[edit]
Bahá’ís in Abara-Etche (Rivers State), Nigeria, are shown clearing the site for their local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The photos were taken by Ramsey Zeine of Beirut, Lebanon, who visited the village and took part in the work. The project is part of a plan undertaken by the National Spiritual Assembly of Nigeria to help the local friends construct six local Centers in the Etche area of Rivers State, where the Faith has grown quite rapidly in the past year.
New Zealand[edit]
Official receives Bahá’ís[edit]
Sir Keith Holyoake, the governor-general of New Zealand, and his wife received a four-person delegation representing the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand at the Government House on March 6.
They expressed regret that the Bahá’ís could not join them at tea, as it was during the Fast, a fact that had been previously communicated to the governor-general.
The governor-general asked many questions about the Faith: its beliefs, structure, practices, Administrative Order, and membership.
The delegation—Mary Robinson, Tilly Hurst, David Warren, and Hugh Carden—presented the governor-general a copy of The Bahá’í World, Volume XV. He then asked if the Bahá’ís have any scriptures, and where one could go to learn more about the Teachings.
Bangladesh[edit]
This photo, taken in June 1978, shows children and their teacher in the Tutorial Bahá’í Children’s School of the Spiritual Assembly of the village of Mongalkote, in the Jessore area of Bangladesh.
Chile[edit]
“Arthachana,” which in the Aimará language means “proclamation,” a six-member group of young Bahá’í musicians from La Cisterna, Santiago de Chile, traveled last January to La Serena, the second oldest town in Chile. They were well received and gained much publicity including three radio performances, three newspaper interviews, and two television shows. Almost 500 people attended their concert in the town’s main plaza, and they were invited by officials to inaugurate the local Fair of Peñuelas, one of the area’s largest events. Members of the group (left to right) are Roberto Rivera, Fernando Jiménez, Carlos Rivera, Claudio Rivera, Mauricio Veliz, Claudio Salom.
New tribes enrolled[edit]
The following cablegram from the National Spiritual Assembly of Chile was received February 19 at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel:
“Overjoyed announce enrollment first nine believers Aymara race in Putre and Chuzima near Bolivian border ... Also communicate joyous fulfillment goal Alacalufe Tribe with translation three prayers their language by first Alacalufe believer...”
President greets Bahá’ís[edit]
Four members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for South America and three members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Chile had a half-hour audience in December 1977 with the President of Chile, Augusto Pinochet.
During the interview the President asked for and received photographs of the teaching work that is going on in Chile.
News of the interview, with accompanying photographs, was published in all of the country’s major national newspapers.
Colombia[edit]
3-day institute held[edit]
About 30 Bahá’ís from Colombia and Venezuela attended a three-day institute February 4-6 at the Bahá’í Institute in Rio Hacha, Colombia. Donald Witzel, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for South America, chaired the sessions, most of which dealt with the relationship between the elected and appointed institutions of the Faith.
In one of the sessions, during consultation on the remaining Five Year Plan goals, a Venezuelan woman offered to donate a part of her land as an endowment that would fill one of the goals.
On the final day, several of the friends repaired the roof of the Institute and cleaned and pruned the lemon orchard and garden surrounding it.
India[edit]
Paper promotes Cause[edit]
An excellent article about the Bahá’í Faith appeared in the July 8 issue of Mathrubhoomi, a prestigious daily newspaper printed in Kerala, India. The newspaper is published in the Malayam language and has a circulation of more than 200,000.
The article, written by an editor who is sympathetic to the Cause, included a summary of the history and teachings of the Faith, and explained the significance to Bahá’ís of the Martyrdom of the Báb. A photograph of the Shrine of the Báb accompanied the article.
Additionally, press releases sent by the State Teaching Committee of Kerala resulted in numerous other articles. Many newspapers devoted prominent display positions to the stories.
Correction[edit]
In the May 1978 issue of Bahá’í News (page 13), the booklet Karma and the Fallacy of Reincarnation, by Jamshed K. Fozdar, was said to be available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of India. The booklet actually is published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Malaysia, P.O. Box 95, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Canada[edit]
Bahá’ís at symposium[edit]
Bahá’ís were among 48 groups invited to the Symposium of Philosophies and Religions held April 6-9 in Montreal, Quebec, at the Windsor Hotel. The Master was a guest there in 1912.
The Bahá’í community of LaSalle, Quebec, prepared, in cooperation with the National Information Committee, a kiosk for the symposium that featured quotations from the Writings, a continuous slide program, and examples of Bahá’í literature.
Many people stopped at the kiosk to ask questions about the Faith, request literature or express an interest in attending a Bahá’í meeting.
During the hour-long presentation on the Faith at the symposium, Dr. William Hatcher addressed some 200 people, setting forth the history and principles of the Faith, and emphasizing the need for “something new” to meet the needs of humanity in this new age.
Press coverage of the symposium was extensive, and included an interview between the director of the event and Dr. Shapur Javanmardi, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of LaSalle.
After seeing the Bahá’í display, a producer from the national French-language television and radio network expressed an interest in producing a half-hour TV program about the Faith.
A display on the Bahá’í Faith was prepared by the Bahá’í community of LaSalle, Quebec, Canada, for use at the Symposium on Philosophies and Religions held April 6-9 at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed at the hotel during His visit to North America in 1912. The Hand of the Cause John A. Robarts, left, is being shown the display by Jim Milne, one of its designers.
Special newspaper section[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Cornwall, Ontario, saw the result of two full years of planning and saving when, on the first day of Riḍván, a four-page insert in their local newspaper was devoted entirely to the Bahá’í Faith.
The special section, part of the Standard-Freeholder, was sent with the newspaper to its 16,201 subscribers in Cornwall and several nearby communities that are goal teaching areas of Cornwall.
“The goal of this insert is to provide the public with more details about the history and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and the progress of the Faith, and to stimulate inquiries that will lead to active teaching and new declarations,” the community reports.
The special section, printed at a cost of about $1,000, includes Bahá’u’lláh’s short prayer for unity, reprinted in its entirety, as well as many pictures, and articles entitled “The Bahá’í Faith: Dawn of a New Age,” “Basic Facts about the Bahá’í Faith,” “The Story of Bahá’u’lláh,” “Why They Became Bahá’ís” (consisting of comments from some of the community’s members), “Questions and Answers,” “Living the Bahá’í Life,” “The Growth of the Bahá’í Faith,” and “Coming Bahá’í Events.”
A coupon was provided for the convenience of inquirers.
