| ←Previous | Bahá’í News Issue 683 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
| Bahá’í News | February 1988 | Bahá’í Year 144 |
‘The Promise of World Peace’:
A statistical update
On the cover: Mayor Jack McLean (right) of Tallahassee, Florida, receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from William Leonard, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Tallahassee. Members of the city council also received copies of the peace statement last December 10, which Mayor McLean proclaimed ‘Human Rights Day’ in Tallahassee. A complete report of presentations of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to 198 heads of state around the world begins on page 2. The report was compiled by the Department of Statistics at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel.
Bahá’í News[edit]
Bahá’í Faith joins worldwide Network on Conservation and Religion | 1 |
Summary of presentations of peace statement to 198 heads of state | 2 |
Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi has banner month in November | 12 |
A progress report from Scandinavia’s ‘Bahá’ís of the North Calotte’ | 13 |
Around the world: News from Bahá’í communities all over the globe | 14 |
Bahá’í News is published monthly 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 the Periodicals Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A. Changes of address should be reported to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center. Please attach mailing label. Subscription rates within the U.S.: one year, $12; two years, $20. Outside the U.S.: one year, $14; two years, 24$. Foreign air mail: one year, $20; two years, $40. Payment must accompany the order and must be in U.S. dollars. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright © 1988, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Bahá’í International Community[edit]
Faith joins Nature Fund’s Network[edit]
Last October 3, the Bahá’í Faith became the sixth world religion to join the Network on Conservation and Religion, a ground-breaking alliance formed last year between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and major world religions.
In a ceremony at the renowned Marwell Zoo in Winchester, England, representatives of the Bahá’í International Community issued an official Statement on Nature and formally entered the network.
When the Network on Conservation and Religion was formed in 1986 during an interfaith service at Assisi, Italy, which marked the 25th anniversary of the WWF, it was hailed by environmentalists and religious leaders alike as a major step toward broadening support for conservation efforts around the world and widening the ethical underpinnings of the environmental movement.
“The Bahá’í International Community has long believed that action to protect the environment must be based on spiritual principles if it is to be effective,” said Douglas Martin, director-general of the BIC’s Office of Public Information. “We thus see the Network on Conservation and Religion as an important step in efforts to invigorate and strengthen the environmental movement, and we are extremely pleased to join this new alliance.”
As a first step, the Bahá’í International Community has pledged to launch a new program for environmental action within the Bahá’í community. In addition to the statement on nature, that program will include:
- a general call for Bahá’ís who are already involved in ecology, conservation and related areas to develop a deeper understanding of Bahá’í writings in this field;
- an exploration of the possibility of practical collaboration between local Bahá’í development projects and WWF field expertise;
- a new emphasis on the consideration of environmental issues in Bahá’í educational materials.
Frank Schmidt, assistant director-general for WWF International, said WWF welcomes Bahá’í involvement in the Network and hopes the Bahá’í program will begin as soon as possible.
The Faith’s Statement on Nature and its impending entry into the Network was the feature article in the Spring 1987 issue of the WWF Network’s bulletin, “The New Road.”
H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (right), president of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), receives a copy of the Bahá’í Statement on Nature from the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, representing the Universal House of Justice, and Hugh Locke, deputy director of the Bahá’í International Community’s Office of Public Information in New York City. The presentation at the WWF’s international headquarters in Winchester, England, followed the formal enrollment last October 3 of the Bahá’í Faith as the sixth major world religion to join the Network on Conservation and Religion of the World Wide Fund for Nature.
‘The Promise of World Peace’[edit]
As of January 1988 the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice, “The Promise of World Peace,” had been presented to 198 heads of state, 75 directly and 123 indirectly. The statement had been translated into 76 languages and an estimated one to two million copies disseminated to people around the world. The following summary of presentations of the peace statement to heads of state in countries and territories of the world was prepared by the Department of Statistics at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel.
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| Afghanistan | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| Alaska | Peace message presented to Governor. No details available. | |
| Albania | Peace message delivered by messenger to Permanent Representative of United Nations, Mr. Justin Papajorgi, March 28, 1986. | |
| Algeria | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| Andaman/Nicobar Isl. | Peace message presented to Lieutenant Governor, L.M. Kampani, on November 1, 1985. | |
| Andorra | Presented through his secretary to the Bishop of Seo De Urgel, the co-Prince of Andorra. | |
| Angola | Peace message presented to Head of State via the UN Mission, March 28, 1986. | |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Peace message presented to Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Wilfred Jacobs, by a Bahá’í delegation, mid-November 1985. | |
| Argentina | On Wednesday, December 10, 1986, Dr. Martinez, Vice President and Acting President, accepted a copy of the peace message which he agreed to give to President Alfonsin upon the President’s return from Brazil. | |
| Australia | Peace message presented to Governor General, Sir Ninian Stephen, by Bahá’í delegation, October 23, 1985. | |
| Austria | Peace message presented to President, Dr. Rudolf Kirchschlaeger, on October 18, 1985. | |
| Bahamas | Peace message presented to Head of State, Sir Gerald Cash, by Bahá’í delegation, October 24, 1985. | |
| Bahrain | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| Bangladesh | Peace message presented to Head of State directly by Bahá’í delegation; date of presentation not given. | |
| Barbados | Peace message presented to the Governor-General, Sir Hugh Springer, on October 24, 1985 | |
| Belgium | Peace message presented to King Baudoin, indirectly. NSA says it was sent to him on October 28, 1985. | |
| Belize | Peace message presented to Governor General by a Bahá’í delegation; no date given. | |
| Benin | Peace message presented to President, Mr. Mathieu Kerekou, on November 5, 1985. | |
| Bermuda | Peace message presented to Governor on October 24, 1985. | |
| Bhutan | Peace message presented to King of Bhutan. No details on date |
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| or if direct or indirect presentation. | ||
| Bolivia | Peace message presented to President through his private secretary. Exact date not given; around May 20, 1986. | |
| Bophuthatswana | Peace message presented indirectly to Head of State, December 5, 1985. | |
| Botswana | Peace message presented to President, Q.K.J. Masire, on November 25. | |
| Brazil | Peace statement presented to President, Mr. Jose Sarney, in the presidential office in the presence of major media networks, September 17, 1986. | |
| Brunei | Peace message delivered by Paul Ojermark to Permanent Representative of UN, Mr. Haji Omar Bin Haji Serudi, March 26, 1986. | |
| Bulgaria | Peace statement delivered to Deputy Permanent Representative of the UN Mission, Ambassador Garvalov, December 4, 1986. | |
| Burkina | Peace statement presented to Head of State through Acting Director General of the President, February 21, 1986. | |
| Burma | Peace statement presented to President U San Yu, May 7, 1986, through the Office of the President. | |
| Burundi | Peace statement sent to Head of State via mail, June 14, 1986; evidence of receipt received by NSA. | |
| Byelorussia | Peace message delivered by messenger to Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Lev Maksimov, March 28, 1986. | |
| Cameroon | Peace message handed to representative of Head of State on December 10, 1985. | |
| Canada | Peace message presented to Governor-General Jeanne Sauve in January 1986. She replied, thanking the House of Justice, on January 30, 1986. | |
| Canary Islands | Peace message presented to Governor Delegate to Canary Islands, Mr. Eligio Hernandez, by a Bahá’í delegation on January 20, 1986. | |
| Cape Verde | Peace message presented to the President by a Bahá’í delegation, October 29, 1985. | |
| Cayman Islands | Peace statement presented to His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Peter Lloyd, on October 24, 1985, in Grand Cayman by representatives from both Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. | |
| Central African Republic | Peace statement presented to General Secretary of the President by a Bahá’í delegation on March 19, 1986. | |
| Chad | Peace message given to President; no date or details given. | |
| Chile | Peace message delivered to President Augusto Pinochet Ugarte through his personal secretary who orally confirmed that it was received by the President, December 23, 1985. A reply was sent to the NSA by the Secretary General of the Presidency on May 22, 1986. | |
| China | Peace message delivered by messenger to Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Li Luye, March 28, 1986. | |
| Ciskei | Peace message presented to Head of State, L.L. Sebe, by a Bahá’í delegation, November 1, 1985. | |
| Colombia | Peace message presented to President, Dr. Belizario Betancur, |
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| on October 24, through an official of his administration. He replied by cable to the Universal House of Justice. President Dr. Virgilio Barco received the peace message at the same time as a member of the Senate. | ||
| Comoros | Peace message delivered by messenger to the Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Massamba Sarre, February 17, 1986. | |
| Congo | Peace statement presented to Mr. Kounkou of the Congo UN Mission for transmission to Head of State, January 29, 1986. | |
| Cook Islands | Peace message presented to Queen’s representative by a Bahá’í delegation, October 24, 1985. | |
| Costa Rica | Peace message presented to President on November 6, 1985, by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Cuba | Peace statement for the Head of State was sent by messenger, in care of the UN Mission for Cuba, on May 9, 1986. | |
| Cyprus | Peace message presented to President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus via an intermediary, January 24, 1986. | |
| Peace message delivered by Gerald Knight to Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Dr. Phedonos-Vadet, on March 18, 1986. The President, Mr. Spyros Kyprianou, replied through his Under-Secretary directly to the House of Justice in a letter dated April 10, 1986. | ||
| Czechoslovakia | Peace message delivered by messenger to Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Jaroslav Cesar, March 28, 1986. | |
| Denmark | Peace message presented to the Queen directly; no date given. The Queen replied through Mr. P. Thornit, Secretariat of the Cabinet, on December 3, 1985, thanking the House of Justice for the message. | |
| Djibouti | Peace message delivered by Gerald Knight to First Counsellor, Mr. Ahmed Saleh, on March 24, 1986. | |
| Dominica | Peace message presented to President Clarence Seignoret by a Bahá’í delegation on October 24, 1985. | |
| Dominican Republic | Peace message presented to the President through his administrative secretary on December 20, 1985. | |
| Ecuador | Peace message presented to the President through the Minister of the Government on October 24, 1985. | |
| Egypt | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| El Salvador | Peace statement sent to the President through the Ministry of the President, May 22, 1986. | |
| Equatorial Guinea | Peace message presented to Head of State through the ambassador of ceremonies of the presidency; no date given. | |
| Ethiopia | Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Kebede, met with Gerald Knight on March 12, 1986, and assured him that the peace message had been given by him personally to the Head of State. | |
| Falkland Islands | Peace message presented to the Governor on December 6, 1985, by two representatives of the local Spiritual Assembly. | |
| Federated States of Micronesia | President of Federated States of Micronesia refused to receive the delegates for the presentation of the peace message and it was therefore mailed to him; no date given. |
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| Fiji | Peace message presented to Head of State, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, on October 24, 1985, by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Finland | Peace statement given to the President’s adjutant via the adjutant’s secretary to be forwarded to the President. | |
| France | Peace message delivered to two representatives of President Mitterand; no date given. Date of letter from France is November 15, 1985. | |
| French Polynesia | Peace message presented to High Commissioner, Bernard Gerard, through his Directeur du Cabinet, Mr. Morin, on November 12, 1985. Mr. Gerard then wrote a letter to Counsellor Owen Battrick thanking him for the peace message and stating that he had studied it with interest. | |
| Gabon | Peace message presented to representative of Head of State on March 3, 1986, by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| The Gambia | Peace statement received by the Secretary-General for the President (reported January 5, 1986). | |
| Germany | Peace message delivered by mail to President on October 24, 1985. Subsequently, on December 5, Bahá’í delegation was received by the President, Dr. Richard von Weizsaecker, for a 60-minute interview. | |
| Germany, East | Peace message delivered by messenger to Permanent Representative of the United Nations on June 6, 1986. | |
| Ghana | Peace message presented to Head of State, Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings, through the Secretary for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ben Abdallah, on December 5, 1985. | |
| Gibraltar | Peace message presented to Prime Minister of Gibraltar, Sir Joshua Hassan, by a Bahá’í delegation, January 1986. He replied to Charles Macdonald, NSA of the United Kingdom, by letter on January 10, 1986, thanking him for the peace message. | |
| Greece | Peace statement for President of Greece presented to Mr. Metaxas, UN Ambassador, in Athens, February 26, 1985, by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Grenada | Peace message presented to Governor General by a Bahá’í delegation on October 24. | |
| Guadeloupe | Peace message presented to Commissioner for the Region of Guadeloupe, Mr. Maurice Saborin, through his deputy, October 24, 1985. He replied in writing. | |
| Guam | Peace message presented to Governor of Guam, October 24, 1985. | |
| Guatemala | Peace message presented to Head of State, October 24. President Licenciado Vinicio Cerezo, who took office in January, also received the peace statement from a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Guinea | Peace message delivered by messenger to the Chargé d’Affaires of the United Nations, Mr. Bassy Camara, March 28, 1986. | |
| Guinea Bissau | Peace message conveyed to Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Eugenio Teixeira Spain, by Gerald Knight and Victor de Araujo, March 27, 1986. | |
| Guyana | Peace message presented to President Hugh Desmond Hoyte on September 23, 1985. Official copy presented on February 25, 1986, by entire National Assembly in 45-minute interview. Much publicity was received. |
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| Haiti | Peace statement presented to President of “Conseil National de Gouvernment de la Republique d’Haiti,” Lt. Gen. Henry Namphy, September 30, 1986. | |
| Hawaii | Peace message presented to Governor on October 24, 1985. | |
| Honduras | Peace message presented indirectly to Head of State. No date or details in statistics. | |
| Hong Kong | Peace message delivered to Governor’s House. Attempting to arrange personal meeting when special editions arrive. | |
| Hungary | Peace message conveyed to Deputy Permanent Representative, Mr. Miklos Endreffy, and Representative to the Third Committee, Mr. Tamas Hegyi, by Gerald Knight on March 27, 1986. | |
| Iceland | Peace message presented to President on October 29. The President of Iceland, Vigdis Finnbogadottir, is the first woman to be elected President by popular vote. | |
| India | Peace message presented to President on October 28. | |
| Indonesia | Peace statement for Head of State was delivered in person to Deputy Permanent Representative of the UN Mission, Mr. Sastrohandoyo, on April 15, 1986. | |
| Iran | Peace message mailed to Head of State, December 4, 1985. | |
| Peace message presented to Head of State via the UN Mission on January 13, 1986. | ||
| Iraq | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| Ireland | Peace message presented to President Patrick Hillery by a Bahá’í delegation on October 31, 1985. | |
| Israel | Peace message presented by a Bahá’í delegation. President Herzog replied through his assistant on February 24, 1986. | |
| Italy | Peace message presented to President Cossiga through his Diplomatic Secretary, Mr. Berlinguer, by a Bahá’í delegation, January 24, 1986. | |
| Jamaica | Peace statement presented to the Governor General, the Most Hon. Sir Florizel Glasspole, on October 23, 1985. The peace statement was also presented to the Prime Minister, the Hon. Edward Seaga, through his representative, Sen. Olivia Grange, on October 24, 1985. | |
| Japan | Peace message presented to the Emperor through his Chamberlain, Mr. Tanaka, on October 31, 1985. | |
| Jordan | Peace message sent to Head of State by registered mail from B.I.C. office, January 28, 1986. | |
| Kampuchea | Peace message conveyed to Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Thiounn Prasith, by Gerald Knight, March 20, 1986. The President, Prince Samdech Norodom Sihanouk, replied in writing on April 17, 1986, acknowledging the message and stating that his government’s eight-point proposal conforms to the noble ideal Bahá’ís are upholding. | |
| Kenya | Peace message presented to President Daniel Totoitich on May 14, 1986, by Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Kiribati | Peace statement presented to the President, His Excellency Ieremia Tabai, by representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly at the President’s office, October 30, 1985. | |
| Korea | Peace message conveyed to Deputy Permanent Representative |
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| of United Nations, Mr. Li In Ho, by Victor de Araujo, February 20, 1986. | ||
| Korea, North | Peace message presented to Head of State, President Kim Il Sung, through Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN by the B.I.C. on February 20, 1986. | |
| Kuwait | Peace message sent to Head of State by registered mail from B.I.C. office, January 28, 1986. Receipt from U.S. Postal Service indicates that peace message for His Excellency Sheikh Al-Sabah was collected from the post office. | |
| Laos | Peace message conveyed to Head of State through Chargé d’Affaires of the UN, Mr. Done Somvorschit, by Gerald Knight, April 7, 1986. | |
| Lebanon | Peace statement presented to Ambassador Fakhoury, who received it on behalf of President Gemayel, to whom it was being hand-carried the next day by the Ambassador’s son. | |
| Lesotho | Peace message presented to Head of State through the King’s secretary, Mr. Pitso, on November 26, 1985. The secretary wrote a letter of thanks on behalf of King Moshoeshoe II. | |
| Liberia | Peace message presented to Head of State, Dr. Samuel Kanyan, by a Bahá’í delegation on October 25, 1985. | |
| Libya | Peace message sent to Head of State by registered mail from
B.I.C. office, January 28, 1986. | |
| Liechtenstein | Peace message presented to Prince Hans Adam on October 28. The Prince has executive power of Head of State even though his father, Franz Josef, retains title of Head of State. | |
| Luxembourg | Peace message presented to the Grand Duke, through his Court Marshal, Mr. Christian Calmes-Raus, at the Grand Ducal Palace on October 28. | |
| Macau | Peace message presented to the Governor through his secretary. Once the special copy arrives, Bahá’ís will try to obtain a personal meeting with the Governor. | |
| Madagascar | Peace statement delivered to the General Secretary of the Presidency to be presented to His Excellency the President, February 18, 1986. | |
| Malawi | Peace statement presented to Minister without Portfolio by Bahá’í delegation, January 31, 1986. Minister will present statement to Life President on Monday, February 3, 1986. (He received it on February 6, 1986.) Letter later received from Administrative Secretary of the Congress Party to thank NSA on behalf of Head of State; letter dated February 12, 1986. | |
| Malaysia | Peace statement given to private secretary for delivery to the Head of State. | |
| Maldives | Peace message delivered by messenger to Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. M. Musthafa, February 20,
1986. | |
| Mali | Peace message for Head of State, Gen. Traore, presented to Ambassador Seydou Niare, Permanent Representative to the UN, by the B.I.C., February 27, 1986. | |
| Malta | Peace message conveyed to Permanent Representative of the UN, Mr. George Agius, by Gerald Knight, March 24, 1986. | |
| Marshall Islands | Peace message presented to President Amata Kabua on October 24, 1985. He replied to the House of Justice by letter on October |
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| 30, 1985. | ||
| Martinique | Peace message presented to the Chief of the Cabinet of the Prefect Commissioner by a Bahá’í delegation on October 24, 1985. | |
| Mauritania | Peace message sent to Head of State by registered mail from B.I.C. office, January 28, 1986. | |
| Mauritius | Peace message presented to Governor General on November 15 by National Assembly representative, Mr. Harry Tirvengadum. | |
| Mexico | Peace statement mailed to President de la Madrid on June 14, 1986. He replied in writing through his Assistant Secretary on July 21, 1986. | |
| Monaco | Peace message delivered to Prince Rainier III through State Minister on October 24. | |
| Mongolia | Peace message for Head of State, Mr. Batmunkh, presented to Ambassador Gendengiin Nyamdoo, Permanent Representative to the UN, by B.I.C. on February 24, 1986. He promised to forward it to Head of State immediately. | |
| Morocco | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| Mozambique | Peace message conveyed to President Samora Machel through the Chairman of Opening Ceremony of International Year of Peace on June 7, 1986. More than 4,000 attended ceremony. Bahá’í prayer for unity read. Entire ceremony broadcast live on national radio. | |
| Namibia | Peace message presented to Administrator-General, October 24, 1986. | |
| Nepal | Peace message presented to the Permanent Representative of Nepal at the United Nations, Mr. Jai Pratap Rana, on April 10, 1986, to be given to the King. The reception was extremely warm and spiritual. | |
| Netherlands | Peace message presented to the Queen through the Director of the Cabinet of the Queen; date not given. | |
| New Caledonia | Peace message presented to High Commissioner through Director of Cabinet on November 4. | |
| New Zealand | Peace message presented to Governor General, Sir David Beattie, on October 25, 1985. | |
| Nicaragua | Peace message presented to the President through Public Relations Officer on November 15, 1985. | |
| Niger | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| Nigeria | Peace message presented to Head of State, Major-Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, through Minister of Internal Affairs, October 25. | |
| Northern Marianas | Peace message presented to Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands on October 24, 1985. | |
| Norway | Peace message presented to Cabinet Secretary at the King’s Palace on October 24. | |
| Oman | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| Pakistan | Peace statement mailed to the President on July 7, 1986. | |
| Palau | Peace message presented to President of Republic of Palau, Mr. Lazarus E. Salii, by a Bahá’í delegation, April 1986. |
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| Panama | Peace message presented to President Eric del Valle, October 25, 1985. | |
| Papua New Guinea | Peace message presented to Governor General, Sir Kingsford Dibela, on October 24, 1985. | |
| Paraguay | Peace message delivered to President on May 5, 1986, by distinguished professor and friend of Bahá’ís. Delivered directly to President Sarney in more than 20-minute interview with NSA representatives in Midia on September 16, 1986. | |
| Peru | Peace statement mailed to President Garcia on February 14, 1986. However, local community of Arequipa was able to personally deliver to him the Spanish-language copy when he visited Arequipa on March 7, 1986. | |
| Poland | Peace message delivered by messenger to Permanent Representative of the United Nations, May 13, 1986. | |
| Portugal | Peace statement handed to the President on December 12, 1986. | |
| Puerto Rico | Peace message presented to Secretary of State, Hector L. Acevedo, in his capacity as Acting Governor by a Bahá’í delegation, October 24, 1985. | |
| Qatar | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| Reunion | Peace statement presented to “Prefect” through his representative, Cabinet Director Mr. Allard, October 24, 1985. | |
| Romania | Peace message delivered by messenger to the Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Teodor Marinescu, on March 28, 1986. | |
| Rwanda | Peace statement presented to the President of the Republic through the Head of Protocol, September 19, 1986. | |
| Samoa | Peace message presented to Head of State during reception at Vailima. All members of the NSA were received by His Highness. | |
| Samoa, American | Peace message presented to Gov. A.P. Lutali by a Bahá’í delegation, December 16, 1985. | |
| San Marino | Peace message presented to the Captain Regents of San Marino by a Bahá’í delegation, October 24, 1985. | |
| Sao Tome and Principe | Peace message delivered by messenger to the Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Joaquim Rafael Branco, on March 28, 1986. | |
| Saudi Arabia | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| Senegal | Peace message conveyed to President through the Director of the Cabinet by a Bahá’í delegation, January 8, 1986. | |
| Seychelles | Peace message presented to President Rene on November 8, 1985. | |
| Sierra Leone | Peace statement presented to President by a Bahá’í delegation, October 24, 1986. | |
| Singapore | Peace message presented to President, Mr. Wee Kim Wee, on October 24, 1985, by Mrs. Shirin Fozdar. | |
| Solomon Islands | Peace message presented to Head of State through the Acting Prime Minister (who is also Minister of Home Affairs and Provincial Government), Mr. Ezekiel Alebua; exact date not given. |
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| Somalia | Peace message sent to Head of State via their Mission in New York, January 28, 1986. | |
| South Africa | Peace message presented to President Botha through his secretary, October 24, 1985. | |
| Soviet Union | Peace message conveyed to Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Nations, Mr. Sergey Nikolayevich Smirnov, by Gerald Knight on March 25, 1986. | |
| Spain | Peace message sent by mail to the King of Spain after petition for an audience was refused. No date given. Royal Palace acknowledged receipt of message on behalf of His Majesty. | |
| Sri Lanka | Peace message presented to the President of Sri Lanka by a Bahá’í delegation, November 28, 1985. | |
| St. Helena | Peace statement presented to Governor-General on January 5, 1986, by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| St. Kitts-Nevis | Peace message presented to Governor General of St. Kitts-Nevis, Sir Clement Arindell, by a Bahá’í delegation in early December 1985. | |
| St. Lucia | Peace message presented to Governor General, Sir Allen Lewis, on October 24, 1985. | |
| St. Vincent | Peace message presented to Governor General, October 24. | |
| Sudan | Peace message sent to Head of State by registered mail from B.I.C. office, January 28, 1986. | |
| Suriname | Peace message presented to President F. Ramdat Misier on October 24, 1985, by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Swaziland | Peace message presented to Her Majesty Indlovukazi through her representative, Prince Khuzulwandle, on October 24, 1985. | |
| Sweden | Peace message presented to King Carl XVI Gustaf through the Court Marshal; no date given. | |
| Switzerland | Peace message presented to President Kurt Furgler through Chief of Cabinet, Mr. Edgar Fasel, on October 25, 1985. The President replied through a letter from Mr. Fasel to the Universal House of Justice. | |
| Syria | Peace message sent to Head of State by registered mail from B.I.C. office, January 28, 1986. | |
| Taiwan | Peace statement mailed to President on December 31, 1985. Form reply received January 18, 1986, stating letter was received and forwarded to the President. | |
| Tanzania | Peace statement presented to His Excellency Ali Hassan Mwinyi through his personal secretary, December 24, 1986. | |
| Thailand | Two delegates from the Bahá’í community attending the King’s birthday celebration in December 1986 left a copy of the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice and were assured that the King would receive it. | |
| Togo | Peace message presented to Head of State by a Bahá’í delegation, December 20, 1985. | |
| Tonga | Peace message presented to King Taufaahau Topou IV on December 13, 1985, by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Transkei | Peace message presented to President on November 20, 1985, by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Peace message presented to President Ellis Clarke on October |
| Country or Territory | Type of presentation | Description of presentation |
| 24, 1985. | ||
| Tunisia | Peace message sent to Head of State by registered mail from B.I.C. office, January 28, 1986. | |
| Turkey | Peace message delivered by messenger to the Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Ilter Turkmen, on March 28, 1986. | |
| Tuvalu | Peace message presented to Head of State on January 15, 1986, by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Uganda | Peace message delivered to Head of State, Gen. Tito Okello Lutwa, on October 24 by a Bahá’í delegation. | |
| Ukraine | Peace message delivered by messenger to the Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Gunnadi I. Oudovenko, on March 28, 1986. | |
| United Arab Emirates | Peace message sent to Head of State by registered mail from B.I.C. office, January 28, 1986. | |
| United Kingdom | Peace message presented through Queen’s representative on November 5 as confirmed by letter to NSA Secretary from Buckingham Palace dated November 6, 1985. | |
| United States | Peace message presented to President Reagan by all nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly, December 10, 1985. President Reagan sent his thanks and appreciation by letter dated December 27, 1985. | |
| Uruguay | Peace message conveyed to Head of State through the reception desk of the presidency, end of January 1986. | |
| Vanuatu | Peace message presented to Head of State Ati George Sokomanu, October 24, 1985. | |
| Vatican City | NSA refused politely to meet with president of Pope’s Commission of Iustitia et Pax and sent peace message directly to the Pope by mail. | |
| Venda | Peace message presented to President P.R. Mphephu, October 24, 1985. | |
| Vietnam | Peace message delivered by messenger to the Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Bui Xuan What, on March 28, 1986. | |
| Virgin Islands | Peace message presented to Governor by a Bahá’í delegation, December 19, 1985. | |
| Yemen North | Peace message sent to Head of State by registered mail from B.I.C. office, January 28, 1986. | |
| Yemen South | Peace message delivered by messenger to the Permanent Representative of the United Nations, Mr. Abdalla Saieh Al-Ashtal, on March 24, 1986. | |
| Yugoslavia | Peace message delivered by messenger to the Permanent Representative of the United Nations, June 6, 1986. | |
| Zaire | Peace statement presented to the President through the Head of State Protocol, June 26, 1986. | |
| Zambia | Peace statement presented to Mr. Sikombe in the Office of Social and Cultural Affairs, who promised that he would have the presidential copy of the statement forwarded to His Excellency, Dr. Kaunda. | |
| Zimbabwe | Peace message presented to Head of State by a Bahá’í delegation, December 6, 1985. |
India[edit]
Temple has banner month in November[edit]
November 1987 was a joyous month at the Bahá’í House of Worship in India, as the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh was celebrated there for the first time.
The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár was bedecked with flowers and looked like a beautiful bride. The flowers adorned the pathways to the House of Worship for two days, and the happy spirit of the occasion was kept alive throughout the month.
Also observed for the first time last November were the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Day of the Covenant.
Among the other November highlights:
School children[edit]
After the glorious celebration of the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, the second half of the month saw a sudden increase in the number of school groups touring the House of Worship.
The guides had to pull themselves up and face this challenge as 36,465 children from 305 schools arrived at the Temple.
On some days, as many as 80 schools were represented. Special prayer programs were held from time to time for the children, and pamphlets and copies of the peace statement were given to each school library.
November 28 was a triumphant success for everyone at the House of Worship, as staff arrived early in anticipation of some 800 students who were to arrive that day.
Students from 53 schools came to the House of Worship, and not a single one was unattended. This success was due largely to the cooperation and unity of all, from guards to volunteers.
On November 15, 23 children from a Bahá’í morals class took part in the Sunday choir service. Their enchanting voices touched the hearts of visitors, while their impeccable behavior impressed the teachers who accompanied the school group that day.
Dignitaries[edit]
The cultural departments of the embassies of the USSR and the People’s Republic of China regularly bring visitors to the House of Worship.
Mr. Zakharov, Minister of Culture from the USSR, visited the Temple in November along with other high embassy officials and was impressed by the architecture as well as by the aims and ideals of the Faith.
The minister was given a copy each of “The Promise of World Peace” and the short obligatory prayer, both in Russian.
On November 6, the second Secretary in the Russian Embassy escorted the USSR’s Ambassador-at-Large to the House of Worship.
Shortly afterward, the new Vice-Consul General of China, Mr. Wang Zhao, and his wife came to the House of Worship and were highly impressed.
On November 15, a group of 120 performing artists from the famous Bolshoi theatre of Russia visited the Temple and stayed for more than an hour to hear about the Faith. They were happy to receive copies of the peace statement.
Also visiting in November were some 350 ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists from all over the world. A special prayer program was arranged with Bahá’í selections on “The Divine Physician and Healing.”
On a Monday, when the House of Worship was closed to visitors, Sri Swami Satchidananda and 30 of his followers from the U.S. were special guests.
The Swami was well-informed about the Faith, and asked many questions about the Temple. He and his followers have built a lotus-shaped temple in Virginia with each petal dedicated to a particular religion.
He asked that a plate of the ”Greatest Name” be sent to him so that he might place it in the altar devoted to the Bahá’í Faith.
Another distinguished visitor in November was Baba Hardev Singh Nirankari, head of the Nirankari sect of Sikhism, who came with 36 of his disciples, his own media and security people.
Tourist groups[edit]
As winter sets in, the tourist season begins in India, and the House of Worship has become a point of attraction for tourists.
First in November came a group of New Zealanders who were full of enthusiasm and asked many questions about the Central Figures of the Faith.
One gentleman said he had read about the Faith and its principles, believed in them, and would like to become a Bahá’í. Several others in the group said they, too, would like to become Bahá’ís.
On one Sunday in November, more than 6,000 visitors were at the House of Worship when the gates opened at 9:30 a.m.
They were delegates from various parts of India to the Bhartiya Yoga Sansthan conference in Delhi, and the more than 100 tour buses that brought them could be seen lined up from the Temple parking space to the end of the approach road.
For about 45 minutes, the prayer hall was a mass of swirling humanity. It was only when order was restored, some 20 minutes later, that the morning prayer program could begin. More than 1,500 people attended the program.
The number of visitors to the House of Worship in November was 123,505.
[edit]
Report from ‘Bahá’ís of North Calotte’[edit]
A calotte is a skull cap. Look at a map of Scandinavia and you can easily visualize a skull cap resting snugly over the tops of Norway, Sweden and Finland. In Norwegian, this area is called the “Nordkalott”—in English, it is the North Calotte. Despite the international boundaries, the people native to this region think of it as one area. So do the Bahá’ís living in the North Calotte.
The people of the North Calotte are a mixture of Finns, Norwegians, Samis (Lapplanders) and Swedes, with a little Russian influence here and there. There are even more language groups, and it is not uncommon for people to be tri-lingual (for example, Norwegian, Finnish and Sami) as well as having learned English or German in school.
In the coastal areas of the North Calotte, the people have generally become “Norwegianized.” However, if one goes far enough inland he can still find traditional Sami. People with Finnish ancestry live in eastern Finnmark, in the Lakselv area, and near Alta. For obvious reasons, Russian influence is strongest in the eastern areas of Finnmark, from the Soviet border to about 150 km (93 miles) west. Most people of the North Calotte are of mixed ancestry, but there are still entire villages where nearly everyone is related to one another. This means that new people and new ideas are not always welcomed with open arms.
Life in Finnmark is very much affected by the seasons and climate. When the ice breaks up in late spring, “salmon fever” strikes. During June and July, the sun never goes below the horizon, and these months are the best
| This article, “Bahá’ís of the North Calotte,” was written for the National Spiritual Assembly of Norway by Lynne Hippler and R. Randall Padfield. |
for many outdoor activities. Berry-picking time is in August, along with mushroom-hunting for those with enough knowledge to find the ones that are harmless. The hunting seasons begin in September—first ptarmigan, then elk. After one has secured a good meat supply for the year, it’s time to start rebuilding the wood pile. This must be done by early November.
From November to the end of January, the dark period takes over—accompanied by beautiful displays of the aurora borealis (northern lights)—and people spend more time indoors. They make intricate handicrafts, do repairs on their homes, boats and tools, attend classes, read books, and, if they are fortunate enough, take a trip to a warmer climate for a dose of sun and sand. It is easy to understand why the best time of the year for a Bahá’í visitor to come to the North Calotte is during November, December and January—it is during these dark months that the inhabitants are less busy with outdoor activities.
When the sun returns in January or February (depending upon latitude), many places celebrate with a “Sun Party,” and some schools even give the children the day off. People start skiing and ice fishing. In recent years, some have even begun to have snow scooter rallies.
There are six “Norwegian” Bahá’í adults living in the North Calotte, five on the western side and one in the east. To give an idea of the distances involved, the Bahá’í living in the east must drive for four and one-half hours—in good weather—to reach the nearest Bahá’ís, who aren’t in Norway but in Inari, Finland. To reach the nearest Bahá’ís in Norway, she must drive about seven hours.
The Bahá’ís in Havoysund must take a 90-minute ferry ride to come to the mainland and then drive another 90 minutes to visit the nearest Bahá’ís, in Alta. During bad weather (meaning snow, ice and high winds, all of which can occur from October to early June), travel is often restricted to public transportation (slow buses or expensive airplanes) to assure that one reaches his planned destination.
Bahá’ís wishing to visit the North Calotte can be put to many uses. It is preferable that prospective visitors first become acquainted with one or more of the Bahá’ís in the North Calotte before traveling, so that one’s expectations can be made known and careful plans made so that unnecessary difficulties are avoided. The people of the North Calotte are especially open to native Bahá’ís, but everyone is, of course, welcome.
Possible activities for a guest are:
- Visiting friends and acquaintances of Bahá’ís.
- Speaking in schools.
- Visiting newspapers and radio stations.
- Attending/taking part in cultural gatherings.
- Calling on officials at the various Sami institutions.
Fixed events held during the year are:
- Sami markets at Easter time in Karasjok and Kautokeino.
- Several Sami markets in the fall and spring in northern Sweden.
- Winter Market in Jokkmokk, Sweden, first week in February.
- Bahá’í Mid-Summer Camp held each June in one of the three countries.
- Culture days, weekends, and weeks held in various places throughout the year in all of Finnmark.
For more information about Bahá’í activities in the North Calotte, please contact Jorunn Hagan, Malmveien 94, 9022 Krokelvdalen, Norway.
The world[edit]
Colombia host to radio seminar[edit]
Coordinators from all seven Bahá’í radio stations in the world gathered August 17-29 at the Ruhí Institute in Puerto Tejada, Colombia, for a radio seminar involving 40 participants from 11 countries.
Counsellors Eloy Anello, Farzam Arbáb and Ruth Pringle and three members of the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Centre—Alex Frame, Kurt Hein and Donald Witzel—were among the consultants, as were members of the Guaymi, Mapuche and Quechua peoples.
The seminar focused on the study of the Sacred Texts, the writings of the Guardian, and messages from the Universal House of Justice, combined with classes on rural development and administration.
As a result of attending the seminar, participants said, they were inspired with “a new vision of Radio Bahá’í” and were “ready to assume new challenges of deepening, proclamation and education via radio, in a spirit of sacrificial service.”
Reunion[edit]
Twenty-eight students from a military school and three of their teachers visited the Bahá’í National Centre in Saint-Pierre, Reunion, an island in the Pacific Ocean, last July. The students, ranging in age from 14 to 16 years, were introduced to the Faith by several speakers and asked many questions. Copies of the peace statement were given to each of the visitors, while books on the Faith were requested by the teachers.
Cyprus[edit]
The 10-day North Cyprus Bahá’í Summer School, held last August in Famagusta, drew 75 participants from Austria, Turkey and Cyprus.
The involvement of youth and children was happy and wholehearted, and study sessions were well-attended and lively.
Among the participants was Counsellor for Asia Ilhan Sezgin.
Brazil[edit]
“Bahá’í Week” was celebrated last September 15-22 in Goiania, capital of Goias State in central Brazil.
All three television channels broadcast the event, 11 items were published in local newspapers, and 28 brief advertisements were seen on television during the week.
Proclamations were made to all strata of society from the university to public officials to residents of the impoverished areas of the city.
A medical care campaign reached 800 people in three days with cooperation from the authorities, who offered free medicine to the poor. Five Bahá’í physicians from various states came to help, and a total of 23 volunteers included seven non-Bahá’ís.
Festivities during the week-long celebration included a “peace/poetry evening,” a program for youth called “Youth Can Move the World,” which was seen by 200 in a public park, and the planting of a “Peace Tree” by the mayor of Goiania in which earth from five countries was used.
Ivory Coast[edit]
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Ivory Coast will soon distribute five new translations of “Words of God,” a compilation by the Universal House of Justice. The translations are in the African languages of Baoule, Bete, Guere, Dioula and Senoufo.
Malaysia[edit]
Pictured is the Yan Kee Leong Bahá’í Institute near Bakalong in the State of Selangor, Malaysia. The Institute, which stands on nearly seven acres of Temple land property owned since 1977 by the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia, is used for Bahá’í classes, conferences, summer and winter schools, and the National Convention. It is dedicated to the memory of the late Counsellor Yan Kee Leong and is situated on the spot where he was born. The National Assembly calls the Institute a “silent teacher” which attracts the attention of people in the neighborhood.
Australia[edit]
A Mongolian Bahá’í who now lives in Australia accepted the Faith following a special service last October 11 at the House of Worship near Sydney.
The purpose of the service was to attract members of the Asian community to the Faith. Seven of the readings were in Asian languages including various Chinese dialects, while five of the readers were non-Bahá’í Chinese including two physicians and a scientist.
About 170 people attended the service, 70 of whom (including 45 of Chinese origin) were not Bahá’ís.
Judy Hassall, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, was interviewed last October for half an hour on a radio program of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The program, in which searching questions were directed toward the Bahá’í teachings on the future of mankind, changes in society needed to achieve peace, and especially the emerging role of women as peacemakers, was aired in all capital cities of Australia and on all regional stations.
Nigeria[edit]
Pictured are Bahá’ís and their fellow villagers in Idi Ose, Nigeria, standing on a wall of a community school that they were building. The local Assembly made a cash gift, and Bahá’ís donated their labor to the community development project. The older gentlemen wearing headdresses are members of the community, while most of the young people in the photograph are Bahá’í workers. Since this picture was taken, work on the building has been completed.
Bahá’í International Community[edit]
The Bahá’í International Community and five national Bahá’í communities were honored recently by the United Nations for their contributions to the UN’s International Year of Peace in 1986.
In all, about 300 national and international organizations were awarded the “Peace Messenger” certificates “in recognition of a significant contribution to the program and objectives of the International Year of Peace.” Bahá’í national communities so recognized were those of Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Kenya and Lesotho. Separate award ceremonies were held in each of those countries.
In New York City, the Peace Messenger Award was accepted on behalf of the worldwide Bahá’í community by Dr. Victor de Araujo, a UN representative for the Bahá’í International Community.
Costa Rica[edit]
Fifty-two people representing 16 nationalities took part last May 30 in the first International Bahá’í Dinner in Costa Rica.
The event was planned by the country’s Chinese Teaching Committee. The majority of those invited were not Bahá’ís but included people from Taiwan, Korea and Indonesia.
The hall of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds was tastefully decorated with flowers, balloons and paintings, and two banners were hung which read, in Spanish and Chinese, “Welcome Friends” and “First International Dinner.”
Two professional musicians with an international repertoire were engaged to provide entertainment, while an international folk dance group performed dances from around the world.
Twenty-two exquisite dishes from 16 countries filled a long table, each with a sign giving the name of its country of origin.
A member of the Chinese Teaching Committee welcomed the guests and explained the purpose of such gatherings and some of the Bahá’í principles.
Dominican Republic[edit]
Bahá’ís from the Dominican Republic and Haiti, who share the island of Hispaniola, have begun border teaching efforts.
On June 27, eight Dominican Bahá’ís from Dajabon crossed the border to meet with Haitian Bahá’ís. The groups prayed and sang together, then went in small groups to teach.
Local residents were startled to see the love and joy between Haitian and Dominican Bahá’ís.
The Haitians taught in Creole while those from the Dominican Republic taught in French. As many Haitians also understand Spanish, the Dominican visitors were also able to use their own language.
The people were friendly, courteous and receptive, and that afternoon there were many enrollments in the Faith.
Cameroon[edit]
A Bahá’í Holiday School for Cameroon’s North West Province, Bamenda, was held last June 20-27 at a government high school in the lovely Bambili Hills.
The 74 participants were mostly youth who studied The Dawn-Breakers and family life. Fourteen later volunteered for teaching projects.
Pakistan[edit]
Pictured is the new national library and national office building of the National Spiritual Assembly of Pakistan in Karachi.
Last August 4, the governor of Baluchistan, Pakistan, granted an interview to two members of that country’s National Spiritual Assembly and the secretary of the local Spiritual Assembly of Quetta along with a friend of the Faith, a member of the Baluchistan government.
The governor was briefed about classes for children, medical advisory groups, handicrafts for women, a student-week program, and a proposed Bahá’í school at Sariab, saying he was pleased to learn about the social welfare projects carried out by the Bahá’í community of Pakistan.
He was pleased to learn of the non-political nature of the Faith and gave assurances of his government’s special consideration for minorities.
The interview was reported the following day with photographs in two daily newspapers.
Ecuador[edit]
Pictured is one of 15 groups who performed last August 9 in the 10th annual “Nucanchic Tono” (Our Music) Festival sponsored by Radio Bahá’í in Otavalo, Ecuador. The contest, which has become a popular event, supplies much of the indigenous music for Radio Bahá’í and has encouraged rural musicians who have gone on to become professionals. Five regional festivals are held each year in various towns, with a final one taking place at the Coliseum in Otavalo. Last year’s finals drew an audience of about 8,000. The panel of judges was composed of indigenous people, professional musicians from Otavalo, and international professionals.
Bangladesh[edit]
The National Youth Committee of Bangladesh organized a one-day medical aid project last August 13 in a flood-ravaged area about 100 km (62 miles) from Dacca.
Last year’s floods caused heavy damage to farms, destroyed thousands of homes and took many lives.
The government supplied all the help it could, but due to the great need, the Youth Committee decided to organize a number of medical camps as social and economic development projects for the Six Year Plan.
The first of these was led by Dr. Parvis Shahidi and two members of the Youth Committee, Farzad Forganian and Shahab Das, who were driven to Fulpur and walked the rest of the way to the flood-stricken village of Bakai.
They worked all day, treating about 200 people and distributing most of the free medicines they had brought.
Germany[edit]
This book display by Bahá’í Verlag, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Germany, was presented last September 8-14 at the sixth International Book Fair in Moscow, Russia.
Beyond Measure Recollections |
Unique Recollections
• A boy’s pure delight waiting daily • A youth’s friendship with a “lively, 116 pages Order through your local librarian, or send check or Bahá’í Distribution Service |
