Bahá’í World/Volume 16/International survey of current Bahá’í activities 1973-1976

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[Page 131]

INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

1973 1976

The progress of the Cause of God gathers increasing momentum and we may with confidence look forward to the day when this Community, in God’s good time, shall have traversed the stages predicated for it by its Guardian, and shall have raised on this tormented planet the fair mansions of God’s Own Kingdom wherein humanity may find surcease from its self-induced confusion and chaos and ruin, and the hatreds and Violence of this time shall be transmuted into an abiding sense of world brotherhood and peace. All this shall be accomplished within the Covenant of the everlasting Father, the

Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

TH E Nine Year Plan launched by the Universal House of Justice at Riḍván 1964 was successfully completed at Rjdvan 1973. This period witnessed an increase in the number of National Spiritual Assemblies from 56 to 113, an increase in the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies from 4,566 to 17,037 and an increase in the number of localities where Bahá’ís reside from 15,186 to 69,541. Recognizing that such a vast and widespread expansion of the Faith throughout the Bahá’í world called for an intensive period of consolidation during which continued expansion would also take place, the Universal House of Justice, as early as 14 January 1973 wrote to all National Spiritual Assemblies:

‘As the Bahá’í world approaches the triumphant conclusion of the Nine Year Plan it gives us the utmost gratification to see that a few National Spiritual Assemblies have already formulated plans for activity during the coming Bahá’í year.

‘The next global plan will be launched at Riḍván 1974 and you will therefore have twelve months to prepare for it. We call upon you to take the greatest possible advantage of that year to:

‘Strengthen the foundations of your achievements through developing and enriching Bahá’í community life, fostering youth activity and through all means suited to your circumstances; and continue expansion of the Faith, trying new

The Universal House of Justice Riḍván 1973

openings and possibilities not fully explored when you were under the pressure of other priorities.’

In its message to the Bahá’ís of the world at Naw-Rt'lz 19741 the Universal House of Justice revealed the broad outlines of the Five Year Plan which is to terminate at Riḍván 1979. The three major objectives were stated to be: ‘Preservation and consolidation of the victories won; a vast and widespread expansion of the Bahá’í community; development of the distinctive character of Bahá’í life particularly in the local communities.’

The achievement of these overall aims, the Universal House of Justice explained, ‘requires the accomplishment of particular tasks at the World Centre of the Faith, and by national and local communities.’

The progress of the Bahá’ís of the world towards meeting the objectives and goals of the Five Year Plan is summarized in the survey which follows, and which records, first, achievements at the World Centre and then, by continent, achievements reported to the World Centre by National Spiritual Assemblies grouped under the zones of the Continental Boards of Counsellors.

1See ‘The Five Year International Teaching Plan 1974—1979‘, pp. 107—109 and ‘Analysis of the Five Year International Teaching Plan 1974—1979’, pp. 111—129.

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‘5:.

Aerial view ofMount C (trme/ showing the are before the commencement Ofconstruc'tion Ofthe Seat of the Universal House afJustice. The site is in the lower left-hand corner of the photograph across from the wide path marking the central axis.

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1. THE WORLD CENTRE

THE ACQUISITION OF THE HOUSE OF ‘ABDU’LLAH PAEA

In a cablegram dated 14 January 19751 the Universal House of Justice announced to the Bahá’í world the successful conclusion of lengthy and delicate negotiations which resulted in the acquisition by the Bahá’í World Centre of this historic site in ‘Akká. The purchase of this house, which derives its name from the Governor of ‘Akká who built it and used it as his official residence during his term of office, from 1820 to 1832, is a supplementary achievement of the Five Year Plan. In an article prepared at the World Centre and distributed to all National Spiritual Assemblies on 4 March 1975,2 it was explained that ‘some of the most poignant, dramatic and historically significant events of the Heroic Age of our Faith are associated with this house’ which for twelve years served as the home of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during the period of His renewed incarceration’. Here, in January 1899, the casket containing the sacred remains of the Báb were concealed for a time until it was possible to inter it in its permanent resting-place on Mount Carmel. Here, too, Shoghi Effendi was born in 1897. Part of his childhood was spent there. It was to this house that the first group of pilgrims from the West came to see the Master in the winter of 1898—1899 and in which many more from both East and West sought His presence. It was here that parts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament were penned and Some Answered Questions was revealed.

In anticipation of the time when pilgrims to the Holy Land may visit it, the House of Justice adopted the preliminary measures to restore the house, in faithful detail, to its condition at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s occupation.

THE PERMANENT SEAT OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE3

‘Construction will begin on the building on Mount Carmel to serve as the seat of the

‘See p. 103 for text of cablegram.

2See ‘The House of ‘Abdu’lláh Paflé‘. p. 103.

3The text of the announcement to the Bahá’ís of the world by the Universal House of Justice of the initiation of construction of its permanent seat may be seen on p. 397. See also ‘The Permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice‘. by Husayn Aménat. p, 399.

Universal House of Justice and it is hoped to complete it during the Five Year Plan,’ the

House of J ustice advised the Bahá’ís of the world in its message at Naw-Rilz 1974.

In the period under consideration in this survey, Riḍván 1973—1976, the following further announcements were made:

DELIGHTED ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT HUSAYN

AMANAT BRILLIANT YOUNG BAHAI ARCHITECT

CRADLE FAITH AS ARCHITECT OF BUILDING FOR

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE.

18 September 1973

JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE ACCEPTANCE EXQUISITE DESIGN CONCEIVED BY HUSAYN AMANAT FOR BUILDING TO SERVE AS PERMANENT SEAT UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MOUNT CARMEL STOP DECISION MADE TO PROCEED NEGOTIATE CONTRACTS CONSTRUCTION THIS NOBLE EDIFICE SECOND THOSE BUILDINGS DESTINED ARISE AROUND ARC CONSTITUTE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE BAHAI WORLD.

7 February 1974

WORLD CENTRE FAITH . . . WILL EARLY WITNESS ON CONSECRATED SOIL SLOPES MOUNT CARMEL INITIATION EXCAVATION FOUNDATIONS PERMANENT SEAT UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE AND IN ITALY SIGNATURE CONTRACT MARBLE REQUIRED MAJESTIC EDIFICE . . .

Ridvc'zn 1975

JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE COMMENCEMENT EXCAVATION SITE UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE BUILDING ARC MOUNT CARMEL STOP CONTRACT ENTAILS REMOVAL FORTY THOUSAND CUBIC METRES ROCK AND EARTH AT COST APPROXIMATELY TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS STOP INVITE ALL BELIEVERS CONTRIBUTE UNSTINTINGLY BUILDING FUND ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED PROGRESS HISTORIC UNDERTAKING. 17 June 1975

ANNOUNCE DELEGATES ASSEMBLED NATIONAL CONVENTIONS GLAD TIDINGS COMPLETION EXCAVATION MOUNT CARMEL PREPARATORY RAISING MAJESTIC CENTRE LEGISLATION GODS

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FAITH THAT SACRED SPOT SIGNATURE ITALY FIVE AND HALF MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR SUPPLYING OVER TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED CUBIC METRES PENTELIKON MARBLE FROM GREECE AND FASHIONING THEREFROM THE COLUMNS FACINGS ORNAMENTATION BEFITTING MONUMENTAL BUILDING STOP DEEPLY MOVED ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE BELIEVERS ALL PARTS WORLD THIS CHALLENGING GLORIOUS TASK . . .

Naw-Rzfiz 1976

PROTECTION OF THE RESTING-PLACE OF SHOGHI EFFENDI

A further supplementary accomplishment during the first half of the Five Year Plan was announced by the Universal House of J ustice in its cablegram of 5 February 1975 to all National Spiritual Assemblies:

ANNOUNCE PURCHASE STRIP LAND GREAT

NORTHERN LONDON CEMETERY FACING

BELOVED GUARDIANS RESTING PLACE EN SURING PROTECTION SACRED PLOT STOP

PRAYERS GRATITUDE OFFERED DIVINE

THRESHOLD.

The negotiations for this purchase were conducted on behalf of the Universal House of J ustice by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom.

The plot, in size, is 166 yards to a depth of 10 yards and is located between the two roads running south-east from the road which passes the front gate of the Guardian’s grave.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE IN THE HOLY LAND

A major goal of the Universal House of J ustice in the Nine Year Plan was to devise a way, within the Administrative Order, of developing ‘the institution of the Hands of the Cause with a view to extension into the future of its appointed functions of protection and propagation.’ On 21 June 1968 the House of Justice announced to the Bahá’ís of the world the establishment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors,1 and alluded to the time in the future when it would be possible to form in the Holy Land the International Teaching Centre foreshadowed in the writings of Shoghi Effendi.

In a letter addressed ‘To the Bahá’ís of the World’ on 8 June 19732 the Universal House of

1 For a full report see The Bahá’í World, vol. XV. pp. 61 17620. 2 See p. 413 for text of this letters

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J ustice stated that ‘the time is indeed propitious for the establishment of the International Teaching Centre, a development which, at one and the same time, brings to fruition the work of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land and provides for its extension into the future, links the institution of the Boards of Counsellors even more intimately with that of the Hands of the Cause of God, and powerfully reinforces the discharge of the rapidly growing responsibilities of the Universal House of Justice.’ In that letter the House of J ustice also delineated ‘the duties now assigned to this nascent institution’ and stated that ‘all the Hands of the Cause of God will be members of the International Teaching Centre. Each Hand will be kept regularly informed of the activities of the Centre . . . and will be able, wherever he may be residing or travelling, to convey suggestions, recommendations and information to the Centre and, whenever he is in the Holy Land, to take part in the consultations and other activities of the Centre.’

Mr. Hooper Dunbar, Mrs. Florence V. Mayberry and Mr. ‘Aziz Yazdi, who had served with distinction as Counsellors in South America, North America and Central and East Africa respectively, were appointed to membership of the International Teaching Centre with the rank of Counsellor. They immediately took up residence in Haifa and, together with the Hands of the Cause presently residing in the Holy Land, constituted the nucleus of the operations of the Centre.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONTINENTAL BOARDS OF COUNSELLORS

In the period under review a number of significant steps were taken relating to the development of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, details of which appear elsewhere in this volume.

In addition to the appointment of Counsellors in the field to replace those who became members of the International Teaching Centre the institution was strengthened from time to time through increasing from the original thirty-six to sixty-one the total number of Counsellors excluding those at the World Centre; through increasing the original number of zones from eleven to thirteen, with some regrouping of Boards of Counsellors and territories; through

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increasing from the original 135 to 378 the number of Auxiliary Board members, 117 of whom now serve on the Protection Board and 261 on the Propagation Board; and through the authorization accorded Auxiliary Board members to appoint assistants, a measure which the House of Justice prayed would ‘lead to an unprecedented strengthening of the Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world.’1

COLLATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE Bahá’í SACRED SCRIPTURES

The continued collaboration of National Spiritual Assemblies, particularly of Persia and the United States, and the response of Bahá’ís throughout the world, has enabled the World Centre to achieve further progress in fulfilling this long—term objective. In the period covered by this survey the number of original Tablets of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, together with the original letters of Shoghi Effendi, preserved at the World Centre, has been augmented from 10,900 to 12,600. Of these 3,169 are Tablets Of Baha’u’llah, 6,643 of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and 2,788 are letters of Shoghi Effendii Moreover, from both East and West there have so far been received authenticated copies of 4,000 Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, 10,000 Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and 12,500 letters of Shoghi Effendi, representing an increase from 18,600 to 39,000 in the total number of such documents held. These are being studied and important passages from them excerpted and classified, and the subject matter indexed for ready reference under several hundred titles. This work in the Holy Land has continued to be supported and enriched by the labours of a special committee appointed by the Persian National Spiritual Assembly.

The World Centre has continued to issue compilations from the Writings on various subjects and these have been shared either with all National Spiritual Assemblies or with National Assemblies in specific areas. One particularly significant compilation included Bahá’í prayers and Tablets for children, the release of which, it was thought, would greatly reinforce the efforts of Bahá’í communities in establishing Bahá’í classes for children, a specific goal of the Five Year Plan.

‘ Letter from the Universal House of Justice ‘To the Bahá’ís of the World‘, 7 October 1973.

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PRESERVATION OF SACRED TEXTS

Provisions have been made to microfilm the originals or verified copies of the Tablets and letters of the Central Figures of the Faith, the letters and writings of the beloved Guardian, the letters and statements of the Universal House of Justice, as well as all other available documents associated with the history of the Faith. Most of the microfilming of the Tablets and letters of the Central Figures has been completed and duplicate copies have been deposited for safekeeping in security storage. Eventually the complete files of materials at the World Centre will be microfilmed and will be indexed for retrieval.

EXTENSION AND BEAUTIFICATION OF THE GARDENS AT THE WORLD CENTRE

The development of the Bahá’í Faith throughout the world is reflected in the growth of its institutions. At the World Centre a visible manifestation of this development is the beautification of the Bahá’í properties and particularly the extension of the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, the holiest spot on earth.

Developments at Bahjz'

On 4 December 1973 the Universal House of Justice announced in a cablegram sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies:

REJOICE ANNOUNCE FRIENDS BEAUTIFICATION

DURING CONFLICT AGITATING MIDDLE EAST

FOURTH QUADRANT AREA SURROUNDING MOST

HOLY SHRINE EMBRACING OLIVE GROVE SOUTH WEST PILGRIM HOUSE BAHJI STOP BLESSED

SHRJNE AND MANSION NOW COMPLETELY EN CIRCLED BEAUTIFUL GARDENS INSPIRED BY

PATTERN HARAM-I-AQDAS CREATED BY BELOVED

GUARDIAN STOP PRAYING SHRINES SUPPORTERS

MOST GREAT NAME EVERY LAND MAY REDOUBLE

EFFORTS PROMOTE INTERESTS PRECIOUS FAITH IN

ANTICIPATION FIVE YEAR GLOBAL PLAN SOON TO

BE LAUNCHED.2

Careful attention was paid to designing the gardens of this quadrant in such a way as to be compatible with the pattern created by Shoghi Effendi and to incorporate in a harmonious whole the olive trees which for so long have been an integral part of the landscape surrounding the

2 See frontispiece.

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Shrine. It was not found necessary to remove any of these ancient trees which were the silent witnesses of many stirring events in the lives of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

In April 1973 an imposing pillared entrance with wrought iron railings and gate was erected on the western boundary of the property at Bahjí. The path leading from this gate to the vicinity of the Ḥaram-i-Aqdas has been enhanced with floral borders and other plantings which incorporate and complement the old olive trees which line the path.

Developments at Mazra‘t’h

The Universal House of J ustice announced to the Bahá’ís of the world in March [973 the purchase of the Mansion of Mazra‘ih where Baha’u’llah spent approximately two years (circa 1877—1879) after leaving the prison city of ‘Akká. The purchase included a land area of approximately 24,000 square metres.

The Mansion, a site beloved by all pilgrims to the Holy Land, was the first residence of Baha’u’llah after His release from His nine-year confinement within the walled prison city of ‘Akká, and is associated with the joy experienced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in knowing that after so long a deprivation Bahá’u’lláh could once again gaze upon verdure.

The pastoral setting of Mazra‘ih has been beautified through the planting of a flower garden on the eastern side of the Mansion and the creation of an extensive orchard of various kinds of citrus trees, an avocado grove and other decorative, evergreen trees such as mango.

A pathway dividing the orchard has been bordered with araucaria trees and the fences defining the land blaze with plantings of colourful bougainvillea.

Facilities for the reception of pilgrims were expanded during the period.

EFFORTS TOWARD THE EMANCIPATION OF THE Bahá’í FAITH

Early in February 1975, through a misunderstanding as to the true nature and purpose of the Faith of Baha’u’llah, the Arab Boycott Office at its meeting in Cairo announced that the Bahá’í Faith had been placed on its blacklist.

The following statement was released through

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the Bahá’í International Community in New York on 25 February 1975:

‘News reports indicate that the Bahá’í Faith has been placed on the blacklist of the Arab Boycott Office. Since we are a purely religious organization, neither political nor commercial, there is obviously some misunderstanding, which may arise from the fact that our World Centre is in Haifa. Baha’u’llah, the Founder of our Faith, was exiled in 1868 to the Holy Land at a time when it was under Ottoman rule, and ever since that time the Bahá’í World Centre has been established in the two cities of ‘Akká and Haifa. The Bahá’í Holy Places in these two cities consist of the Shrines of the Founders of the Faith and historic sites associated with them. It was Baha’u’llah Who ordained that the World Centre of His Faith should be in the neighbourhood of these Shrines.

‘Press reports further indicate that a factor weighing with the Arab Boycott Office was that the Bahá’í World Centre receives money from outside Israel. Among the religions in that country, Bahá’ís are not an exception in this respect, inasmuch as all religious organizations in the Holy Land undoubtedly receive money from outside the country for the upkeep of their Holy Places. In the case of the Bahá’ís, however, as they have their World Centre in Israel, obviously the international funds of their Faith are administered by that Centre, but the greater part of these funds is directed to and expended in developing and impoverished countries, where the majority of the Bahá’ís reside.

‘Another factor cited is that the Bahá’ís are engaged in propaganda to discredit Arabs. Such an accusation cannot justifiably be levelled against the Bahá’ís, the fundamental principles of whose religion require them to abstain, by word and deed, from all political activity and to promote the oneness of mankind.’

The decision of the Arab Boycott Office was subsequently modified to state that only the businesses of individual Bahá’ís and companies owned by them would be boycotted.

The full emancipation of the Bahá’í Faith from the fetters of religious orthodoxy and its recognition as an independent world religion is an objective that continues to be an active concern of the World Centre.

Some of the countries where the Faith is presently being persecuted or is suffering proscription are noted below.

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BURUNDI

The Faith was recognized in Burundi in the concluding months of the Nine Year Plan. In 1974 a reversal was experienced in the fortunes of the Faith in that country when the Egyptian charge d’afl'aires made inaccurate statements about the Faith to the newly-appointed Minister of Justice of Burundi, recommending that he seek authority from the President to repeal the former decree. This was obtained and the new decision was announced on the radio and released as a news item in a semi-official bulletin. The same bulletin also published a harshly abusive article vilifying the Faith as a dangerously political movement, the text of the article being provided by the staff of the Egyptian Embassy in Burundi.

At the request of the Universal House of Justice and through the able intervention of Mr. ‘Aziz Navidi several representations were made to the Government. In 1975 the President withdrew the ban that had been placed upon Bahá’í activities. The Bahá’ís became free in principle to resume their activities, but provincial and local officials had discretionary powers which required the Bahá’ís to obtain from the Ministry of the Interior specific confirmation of the lifting of the ban before permitting the resumption of Bahá’í activities. In Provinces where the local authorities did not object, Local Spiritual Assemblies were reestablished and Bahá’í work quietly was pursued. In other areas, however, which included Bujumbura itself, the activities of the friends continued to be restricted. When approached, the Minister of the Interior promised that the requested permission would soon be issued.

EG YPT

In the period under review all efforts to vindicate the rights of the Bahá’ís in Egypt appeared to be thwarted and the situation threatened to seriously deteriorate. In 1975 the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt announced its decision that the 1960 decree of President Nasser banning all Bahá’í activities in Egypt was constitutional, and therefore the application of the Bahá’ís for annulment of the decree was dismissed.

During the month of May 1975 it was reported that when one of the Bahá’ís in Cairo applied for a new identity card he was asked to declare his

137

religion as Muslim. He refused and protested, but his objections were disregarded. A few days later, however, he was called in by the same authorities and told that they were now prepared to register him as a Bahá’í, and this was done.

INDONESIA

As the ban imposed upon Bahá’í activity in Indonesia prohibits only the operation of administrative institutions, teaching continued quietly on an individual basis and Bahá’í publications in Indonesian languages steadily increased. A number of enthusiastic and zealous new believers of Muslim background, knowledgeable in the Qur’án and in Arabic literature, entered the Faith; several derived from prominent families. Reaction from fanatical elements brought brief imprisonment to a number of the new believers, but in prison they were able to capture the hearts of their fellow prisoners and a few of their gaolers. Later four were again put in prison where, with high spirit, they continue their ardent teaching. One of these, a former mulla, was named religious instructor and counsellor of the prison by the chief gaoler.

‘IR/iQ

In May 1970 the ‘Iraqi Government issued a decree disbanding all Bahá’í institutions and banning all Bahá’í activities. The attempts of the local friends to explain the Bahá’í position to the authorities were of no avail. For nearly three years, although the authorities carefully watched the conduct of the Bahá’ís, nothing apparently gave cause for interference in their personal lives and the imposition of fresh restrictions.

In mid—December 1973 an incident occurred which sparked a fire of persecution and adversity in whose flames many of the dedicated Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq were engulfed and whose future course seems unpredictable. A teenage fili‘ih Muslim girl learned of the Faith from one of her Bahá’í school classmates and, together with her older sister, became seriously interested in the teachings. When the Bahá’í Faith was referred to during a discussion of religion in class in one of the Government schools in Baghdad the girl rose to her feet in defence of the Cause. When questioned by the teacher she announced her belief in Baha’u’llah, an assertion which created a stir in the class. The students spoke of the incident the same day to their parents, among

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whom was the Minister of Education, who, the following day, ordered an investigation to be made, himself went to the school, dismissed the headmaster, and following the intervention of the Minister of the Interior ordered the arrest of the girl, together with that of three Bahá’í girls studying at that school. A chain of arrests, totalling almost fifty, followed in the course of the next few months. The trial began on 4 March 1974 and although the hearings of the court were postponed several times its verdict exonerated the Bahá’ís. Dissatisfied with the verdict the Revolutionary Council ordered the case of the Bahá’ís to be reopened in a military court. In his initial presentation to the military court the Attorney-General asked for the death sentence for all the Bahá’í detainees.

On 23 April 1974 the court sentenced fourteen believers (thirteen men and one girl) to life imprisonment; three (one man and two girls) were sentenced to fifteen years; and nine (two men and seven women) to ten years. Thirteen of the friends were fined and released. On 20 May 1974 the same military court handed down in absentia sentences of life imprisonment on ten individuals known to be Bahá’ís, two of whom had passed away and a number of whom were of other nationalities or ‘Iraqis not resident in the country‘ The list was circulated to all Government offices as well as to ‘Iraqi embassies and consulates with a request for information as to the whereabouts of the said individuals; those withholding information from the authorities would be prosecuted.

Within a few short weeks there were further grave developments: twenty-four additional believers had their properties confiscated; one of these was sentenced to ten years in prison and another to twenty years. Although orders confiscating the properties had been publicly gazetted, no reference to the imprisonments appeared in the press or on the radio. Efforts to seek alleviation of the grievous actions against the Bahá’ís continued to be made by the Universal House of Justice but were limited by the danger of bringing down further repression.

In J anuary 1975 another Bahá’í was arrested and sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment. During the same month one of the believers, Dr. ‘Abbas Baghdadi, passed away in the prison hospital after a long illness; it was reported that

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there were twenty-nine Bahá’ís imprisoned at the time, nineteen men and ten women, as some had been released in the meantime.

In July 1975 a partial amnesty reducing the terms of imprisonment by fifteen per cent had been granted on the occasion of one of ‘Irélq’s national events to all those imprisoned in ‘Iráqi prisons, including the Bahá’ís. By September 1975 the friends incarcerated in Baghdad were still in custody although some improvement was reported in the conditions under which they were being held.

Subsequently a young Bahá’í in ‘Iráq when applying for a position as a draughtsman specified in his form that his religion was Bahá’í. He was immediately detained, interrogated, beaten, asked to recant his faith, tried by a revolutionary court and, upon his standing firm, summarily sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment. His non-Bahá’í lawyer was not given the opportunity to present his defence and in fact was rebuked by the judge for defending a Bahá’í.

The Bahá’ís in prison sufl'ered psychological effects from their prolonged imprisonment aggravated by the fact that political prisoners were executed in the vicinity of the quarters occupied by the Bahá’ís. On several occasions the Bahá’í prisoners have been asked to recant their faith so that they might be released at once and be restored to their former jobs or to higher and better positions.

At the time of writing the Bahá’í prisoners are anxiously awaiting the day when the authorities will be assured of their innocence and will appreciate the true position of the Faith in its recognition of the divine origin of Islam and its injunction upon the believers to be loyal to the Government and avoid involvement in any political or subversive activity.

THE KHMER REPUBLIC (CAMBODIA) With the conclusion of warfare and the establishment of the new regime all Bahá’í activity in Cambodia is at a standstill, as far as can be ascertained. For a time the National Teaching Committee secretary wrote of continuing teaching activity among the believers and enquirers but there are now no available channels of communication and there has been no recent news of the fate of the Khmer Bahá’ís.

[Page 139]A view of the Mansion Of Mazra‘ih where Bahá’u’lláh spent approximately 2 years (circa I of ‘Akká’. Photograph taken 1973.

um . 4 g",

877—1879) after leaving the prison city

SHILIAILJV I(V/HVfl :IO AHAHHS "IVNOLLVNHEILNI

6E1

[Page 140]140 THE Bahá’í WORLD

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.\ wa J J . 3; \r /"T"‘ / (J 1 ipxwfifi WESTERN AFRICA zwL / o I ~ r’_/ “x I\ n hi 7m a \ Srl-w \ «4 ( f c“ - , / k) / Hr // CENTRAL AND EAST /’ , K , - ;‘ AFRICA 4 ' , / ~ / »-~-\_,.,\ -~ P7 , / . < Eamon ..4 5 I ) !

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141

2. SURVEY BY CONTINENTS

1973 1976

A. AFRICA

A total of eight new National Spiritual Assemblies are to be formed in Africa during the Five Year Plan. Four of these were formed at Riḍván 1975:

Niger with its seat in Niamey

Sierra Leone with its seat in Freetown

Togo with its seat in Lomé

Upper West Africa with its seat in Dakar,

Sénégal

A National Spiritual Assembly was formed in Equatorial Guinea in July 1973 in response to the requirement of Government recognition of the Faith1 but had to be disbanded within the year because of difficult local circumstances.

For the purposes of the work of the Continental Boards of Counsellors the continent of Africa is divided into four zones:

Central and East Africa

Northern Africa

Southern Africa

Western Africa

Set out below are excerpts from reports received from some of the National Spiritual Assemblies in these zones relating to progress made in the period under review towards achievement of the Five Year Plan goals assigned to them:

Central and East Africa

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

‘Two years after the Bahá’í Faith was officially recognized by the Government in 1971, the Bahá’í community along with the other major religions in the country was accorded the privilege of presenting weekly radio broadcasts over Radio Bangui, whose programmes reach not only all of the Central African Republic but the neighbouring countries of equatorial Africa as well. The first programme, on 1 April 1973, was entitled “What is the Bahá’í Faith?” and

1Cablegram from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, 18 July 1973.

was presented by Gbaguene Robert and Toleque-Koy Michel. Since that time the Bahá’í broadcasts have continued regularly, usually alternating between French and the national language, Sango. They have presented a wide range of Bahá’í teachings and history together with interviews with Bahá’í visitors and travelling teachers. The result is that today almost the entire population of the Central African Republic has some knowledge of the Faith, and listeners among the no‘n-Bahá’í population can often be heard singing songs with Bahá’í themes as they go about their work. Almost everywhere in the country it is no longer necessary to introduce the Faith in a teaching situation; rather, it involves building upon the knowledge gleaned from the radio broadcasts by the public.

‘At the end of 1975 His Excellency Marshal Jean—Bédel Bokassa, Life President of the Republic, authorized all religions to present regular television programmes. Since then the Bahá’ís have televised a semi-weekly programme of twenty or thirty minutes’ duration, which reaches a small but educated audience. The Bahá’í series has received very favourable comments from cabinet ministers, members of the Government and other leading citizens.

‘In addition, the Bahá’í community is invited to send representatives to major events sponsored by the Government, including the parades marking the commemoration of Independence Day and Mother’s Day and has been especially commended for being virtually the sole raciallymixed group participating in these events. The Bahá’í community has also been invited to assist in the annual devotional programme commemorating the death of the founder of the Central African Republic, Barthelemy Boganda. This programme is held at his graveside.

‘Steady efforts have been made to consolidate and expand the Faith within the framework of the goals of the Five Year Plan. The number of localities now opened to the Faith exceeds two hundred and all but two of the most remote

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THE BAHA’l WORLD

Bahá’ís Of the Central African Republic are seen participating for the second successive year in the parade commemorating Independence Day; 1 December 1975. In the foreground carrying the placard are M r. Sabone Pierre, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Mrs. M eherangiz Munsifl, an international travelling teacher who was visiting the country during the celebrations.

Departments of the country have been opened. Although some Local Spiritual Assemblies in new key localities have been established much remains to be done to achieve our goal of seventy-five Local Spiritual Assemblies. Tribute is paid to those Bahá’í travelling teachers who have visited our communities and made valuable contributions to our deepening and consolidation programme.

‘The goals of building local centres, the holding of gatherings for morning prayers, the education of children and the increased participation of women in Bahá’í life are gradually being brought to the attention of the friends as part of their local activities. Several communities have either started the construction of their local Centres or are collecting materials for their construction, and members of the National Youth Committee are actively helping with the building of some Centres. A teaching course for children’s classes has been translated into French and is being distributed not only to localities in the Central African Republic but is also being sent to other French-speaking National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa. This

material is designed primarily for the guidance of the teachers of classes for children.

‘Considerable progress has been made in increasing the participation of Bahá’í women in the work of the community. A most successful Bahá’í Women’s Conference was held in March 1976 with representatives from the Cameroon Republic and Chad in attendance. A group of more than twenty Bahá’í women marched in the Mother’s Day Parade. Bahá’í women have also been invited to participate in several welcoming ceremonies at the airport to greet officials and visiting Heads of State.’

CONGO REPUBLIC

‘Since 1953 when the Faith was first established in the Congo Republic by Mr. Max Kanyerezi, the first pioneer, the progress has sometimes seemed slow, but through the dedicated efforts of various friends over the years a foundation has been securely laid and in the period from 1973 to 1976 great strides were made. Our elTorts were aided by the Visit of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga in 1974, the arrival of some pioneers, the tireless efforts of the

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member of the Auxiliary Board and many other friends, and the visits of travelling teachers. A teaching and deepening institute was organized, national conferences have been held each year, fireside meetings and study classes were conducted and teaching trips were undertaken. Cassette recordings were made in the vernacular languages, including the language of one Pygmy tribe, of excerpts from the Bahá’í Writings and prayers. Statistically, the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies increased from twenty to thirty-four, the membership of eight of these being composed of representatives of one or other of the two Pygmy tribes who have embraced the Faith.

‘By early 1973 we had secured in Brazzaville a Temple site, a national Centre, a national endowment and a Bahá’í cemetery. Since then local Centres have been constructed and two local endowments have been acquired.

‘Although handicapped by a lack of material for the education of Bahá’í children, classes have been held weekly at the national Centre.

‘A salient feature contributing to the progress of the work has been the regular visit of the members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for our zone, as well as the appointment of a National Youth Committee and a national committee whose attention is directed to teaching and deepening.’

ETHIOPIA

‘In 1973 the region of North East Africa was comprised of the countries of Ethiopia, Somalia and Afars and Issas Territory. Considering all the forces of change and transition which have been taking place throughout the world, this community has had its share of difficulty in surmounting a number of obstacles in the establishment of the Faith in this region. Nevertheless, there has been measureable and significant progress in certain areas of the region and particularly in Ethiopia.

‘The beginnings of entry by troops, first witnessed in 1969 in the south-eastern region of Ethiopia, steadily gained momentum. By 1973 there was a remarkable gain in the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies represented by the mass teaching area. Whereas there had been only nine Local Assemblies in that area in 1972, by Riḍván 1973 the number had increased to fiftysix. Since then enrolments into the Faith have increased in these regions yearly and our greatest

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efforts have necessarily been directed towards them.

‘The majority of the Bahá’ís in the years prior to 1969 were for the most part youthful students living in the urban areas whose religious background was most frequently Christian or more rarely Muslim. Subsequent to 1969 and more notably between the years 1973—1976 the majority who have accepted the Faith were of the rural population and many came from a background of traditional African religious belief.

‘Another significant trend of this period is that the greater share of responsibility in teaching, financial commitment and administration is now carried by the local believers rather than by the pioneers. Many of the youth who embraced the Faith during the Ten Year Crusade or in the years previous to that now occupy administrative posts and are engaged in steering the activities and meeting the needs of a rapidly growing community comprising, by Riḍván 1976, 120 Local Spiritual Assemblies and 250 localities. Particularly significant has been the positive response of the community in its attempt to understand and meet the challenging requirements of this phase of the development of the Faith which holds the promise of further expansion and unprecedented mass entry into the Faith.

‘The increased participation of women, youth and children, both as individuals and as family units, has shown remarkable progress in the first two years of the Five Year Plan. Many Bahá’í women, some of whom enrolled only recently, are taking a full and active part in most of the affairs of the community. Women are represented both nationally and locally on Assemblies and committees, are active in organizing fundraising projects, conducting children’s classes, extending hospitality; they are committing themselves to serve in whatever way will further the work of the Faith.

‘The youth also have greatly enriched the community life, not only as a separately organized teaching unit but equally through their serving alongside other members of the community. They have aided in a number of teaching, administrative and consolidation activities.

‘Noteworthy strides have been made in the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature. The Hidden Words has been translated and

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published in Tigrinya and Amharic. A number of prayers and other Bahá’í Writings including Epistle to the Son of the Wolf and A S ynopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances Of the Kitdb-i—A qdas have been translated and are now in process of being formally approved. Supplementary achievements for this goal include the translation and publication of literature in Italian; some translations have been made into Sidamigna, a language of the mass teaching area. In a category by itself is the publication of Yemitseat Dewel, an account of the early history of the Faith. This book, written by one of the Ethiopian friends, is the first Bahá’í publication to have been written directly in the Amharic language.

‘Other Five Year Plan goals either fully accomplished or partially fulfilled include providing pioneer assistance to six named countries. Some posts have been filled and a number of volunteers are presently seeking to settle. The goal of constructing three local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, each large enough to accommodate the activities of surrounding communities, was partially fulfilled with the completed construction of one such Centre in 1975.

‘Between 1973 and 1976, one Regional Teaching Conference and two National Teaching Conferences were held. The first conference devoted to a greater understanding of the institutions of the Faith was held in 1975,jointly sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly and the Continental Board of Counsellors for Central and East Africa. At each of these conferences the friends of this region pledged substantial financial contributions to support the teaching activities and to meet their goals.

‘In 1975 the Universal House of Justice changed the name of the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa to the National Spiritual Assembly of Ethiopia, the only difference in the area of jurisdiction being that it no longer included Somalia.’

KENYA

‘After the completion of the local one year plan in 1973—1974, the Five Year Plan was launched in Kenya by the beloved Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga when he read the messages from the Universal House of Justice at the 1974 national convention. In 1974 a National Teaching Conference was held to discuss the goals of the Five Year Plan, following which

THE Bahá’í WORLD

seventeen regional conferences were held with a total attendance of approximately 1,000. Teaching work aimed at winning the goals of the plan was carried out through such means as the inspiration of national and local teaching and consolidation conferences; the attempted strengthening of the work of the Regional Teaching Committees; the extension teaching undertaken by several Bahá’í communities, particularly Nairobi; and the work of local Bahá’í travelling teachers in many parts of the country, as well as of travelling teachers from other countries, notably Iran. As a result, more than 4,000 new believers were added to those on record, but the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies dropped considerably before beginning to rise again. In 1976 it was reported that the first member of the Turkana tribe to become a Bahá’í had declared his belief. The goal of opening two or more islands in Lake Victoria, in co-operation with the National Spiritual Assemblies of Tanzania and Uganda, was won partially through a successful youth teaching project. Travelling teachers and a pioneer were sent to Zaire. The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir played a key role in inspiring the Bahá’ís of Kenya to greater teaching efforts. Mrs. Florence Mayberry of the International Teaching Centre addressed a well-attended meeting in Nairobi in September 1974. Among those attending were several new blind believers. As a result of the teaching activity of a pioneer who settled in Kenya, approximately fifteen blind individuals from a school near the pioneer’s home embraced the Faith.

‘The Faith was proclaimed and brought to the attention of the public in Kenya in several ways. Each year at the Nairobi Show, the attractive Bahá’í booth drew hundreds of enquirers. Bahá’í activity at the Rachuonyo Agricultural Show was quite fruitful. Nationwide radio and television programmes had Bahá’í participants on several occasions. Bahá’í efforts in support of United Nations activities in Kenya were successful, with Bahá’í Observances of World Environment Day, United Nations Day, and Human Rights Day being held in both urban and rural communities. Ties were strengthened with the United Nations Environment Programme, which has its headquarters in Nairobi; this strengthening resulted particularly from Bahá’í activities in connection with UNEP Governing Council sessions.

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‘An outstanding American Bahá’í, Mr. John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, one of the world’s leading jazz musicians, visited Kenya in December 1973 at the invitation of the State Department of the United States Government to participate in the Kenya Uhuru (Independence) celebration, held to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the country’s independence. The Nairobi newspaper Daily Nation in its issue of 19 December carried a lengthy article about Mr. Gillespie which, in addition to containing an appreciation of his stature as a musician, contained several references to his association with the Bahá’í Faith and stressed his assertion of the relevance of the Bahá’í teachings to the social and spiritual problems of the times.

‘Deepening of the knowledge of the friends was carried out to a considerable extent through conferences, courses and seminars organized largely by national committees, with particular success during the one year plan when more than 800 friends participated in deepening courses. A series of conferences designed to aid the friends to form new Local Spiritual Assemblies and reclaim lost ones was held in 1973—1976; some of these were highly successful. Teaching and deepening activities took place at the three permanent Bahá’í institutes, with Menu Bahá’í Institute being the most effectively utilized. The marked expansion and growing effectiveness of the Bahá’í correspondence courses during this period not only led to the deepening of many believers but helped to attract enquirers to the Cause. Courses were given in English and Swahili.

‘The development of Bahá’í community life in Kenya tended to be a slow but gradual process, but certain communities and Local Spiritual Assemblies clearly gained some strength.

‘Several new publications were made available, notably, new pamphlets in Luo and Lunyore plus the English language booklets Bahá’í C [asses for Women and Bahá’í C lassesfor Children.

‘Bright spots among youth activities included a national youth deepening conference, a youth teaching conference, a youth seminar, and several regional youth conferences. Greatly increased emphasis on women’s and children’s activities was reflected in the formation in 1974 of the National Committee for Women and Children. Four conferences for women were held in 1975. The Kenya Bahá’í community was

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deeply honoured when one of its most able and distinguished believers, Mrs. Catherine M’Boya, was invited to participate in the International Women’s Year Conference in Mexico in June 1975. Children’s activities were on the increase, with several local Bahá’í communities conducting children’s classes by 1976.

‘The site for the future Temple and the national endowment were both acquired in April 1973. The buildings for two new permanent Bahá’í institutes, at Kilifi and Mugweko, were completed, and the institutes began functioning. A beautiful new large Bahá’í Centre was built in Nakuru, and steps were taken towards completion of another at Tongaren. A few smaller local Bahá’í Centres were built in 1976. Construction started on the much-needed extension of the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Nairobi and two new residential buildings on the property. Progress was made in the registration of Bahá’í plots of land in Kenya.

‘Preparations began in 1974 for the great Bahá’í International Conference to be held in Nairobi in October 1976. Many Bahá’ís were devoting considerable time and effort to ensuring the success of the conference.

‘Generally, Bahá’í activities in Kenya during the period under survey advanced irregularly; perhaps it may be regarded as a period of gathering strength for a future widespread advance of the Cause in this country and the winning of many great victories. Certainly, there were ample indications that this could very well be the case.’

RWANDA

‘The foundation of the Bahá’í community has been considerably strengthened in the period under review as evidenced by the increase in the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies from forty-seven at Riḍván 1973 to one hundred and six at Riḍván 1976. The Faith was established in one hundred and forty-four localities at Riḍván 1973 and in five hundred and eighty—one localities at Riḍván 1976. This process of growth was reinforced by a series of one—week deepening institutes held each year. Various topics were discussed at these well-attended meetings, including Bahá’í administration and the importance of Bahá’í education for children. The visits of Counsellors Mihdi Samandari and Oloro Epyeru further stimulated the friends toward the

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achievement of the goals of the Five Year Plan. In February 1974 Mr. Sa‘id Nahvi of Train spent two weeks visiting various centres in Rwanda. He was interviewed for thirty minutes on Radio Rwanda and gave a well-received lecture at Kigali College. Three members of the National Spiritual Assembly were invited to present a Bahá’í talk at a Catholic teachers’ training college in Save-Butare. Approximately three hundred students plus teachers attended the lecture and many expressed interest in the Faith. ‘Early in 1974 the National Spiritual Assembly approved for publication in the Kinyarwanda language a Bahá’í children’s book containing twenty-seven lessons. The outline, written by Mrs. Za’hirih Ta’id, a member of the National Assembly, was produced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Uganda and widely circulated throughout Rwanda for use in the large number of Bahá’í children’s classes held there. A Bahá’í prayer book in Kinyarwanda was also produced in the period. Forty Local Spiritual Assemblies met regularly for dawn prayers.”

TANZANIA

‘The Five Year Plan was received and launched with great enthusiasm. Meetings were held to explain the goals to the friends and everyone was filled with zeal, pledging themselves to accomplish the task within a shorter period than five years.

‘Shortly after the launching of the plan the Bahá’í community of Tanzania was blessed by the visit, in May 1974, of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. Dr. Muhájir also visited Tanzania in J uly 1975. On both occasions he contributed valuable suggestions about achieving the goals. During his second visit he outlined suggestions which led to the formation of a programme of progressive teaching in the Mara region around Lake Victoria, a project anticipating the co-operation of the neighbouring Bahá’í communities of Uganda and Kenya. The project was also to be undertaken in the Kunduchi area on the coast. He stressed the importance of teaching Bahá’í families.

‘A significant achievement was recorded in March 1976 when a Local Spiritual Assembly was established in Sumbawanga in the Rukwa region, the sole area of Tanzania not previously opened to the Faith. During the period covered by this survey the total number of tribes in

THE BAHA’l WORLD

Tanzania represented in the Faith increased to one hundred and ten through the enrollment of members of the Maragoli, Tatong, Sizaki, Nyagatwa, Kami and Simbiti tribes. This period witnessed the publication of the Swahili translation of The New Garden. Literature was translated into other languages of the country and a compilation of prayers, including the Short Obligatory Prayer, was produced in the Haya language.

‘Bahd 'u ’lláh and the New Era was presented to His Excellency President Dr. William R. Tolbert, J r. of Liberia and to some members of his retinue, when he Visited Tanzania in July 1974. A copy of The Bahá’í World, vol. XV, was presented to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Dr. Julius Kambarage Nyerere, through his private secretary in January, 1976, and to the Prime Minister and Second Vice-President, Alhaji Rashid Mfaume Kawawa, in March 1976.

‘ A discernible development in this period was the heightened recognition on the part of the friends of the meaning and purpose of the Faith and the knowledge that only by overcoming apathy and the spirit of materialism which is so prevalent in the world today can we tap the spiritual capacity of the Faith that will overcome all barriers and enable us, through universal participation, to achieve the goals of the Five Year Plan.’

UGANDA

‘Mid-way through the F ive Year Plan Uganda, the spiritual heart of Africa, is coming fully alive once more, despite having had to lie almost dormant for nearly two years due to circumstances beyond our control. Through the loving prayers of the Universal House of Justice and their generous encouragement and guidance, some activities were undertaken in 1973 and 1974 despite the limitations imposed by circumstances.

‘Throughout this critical period the presence of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga was a great comfort to the friends; he stood as a pillar of strength and wisdom. In addition to travelling in Central and West Africa, Mr. Olinga undertook a six-month teaching trip to almost every region of Uganda, accompanied by Mrs. Olinga, Counsellor Kolonario Oule, Auxiliary Board member Mr. Peter Mutabazi, and others,

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Mr. Albert Lincoln (left), an American Bahá’í pioneer t0 the Central African Republic, receiving

congratulations at a swearing-in ceremony marking his admission to the Bar on 1 November 1975.

M r. Lincoln is the first non-French lawyer to be honoured in this way as a result of the waiving by

the President of the Central African Republic of the requirements governing the nationality of

barristers in the Central African Republic. In his speech ofpresentation to the Court, the Attorney

General said that Mr. Lincoln ’5 knowledge of the country, its culture, and his involvement in Bahá’í activities well qualified him to serve the needs of the people.

encouraging and inspiring the believers everywhere. Mr. Olinga in his addresses assured his audiences that the Bahá’í Faith had never been banned in Uganda because the Bahá’ís are loyal to the Government and do not interfere in political matters. He dispelled any possible doubt from the minds of the people when he produced a beautifully-worded letter from the Secretary of Religious Alfairs in the President’s Office, dated 31 October 1975, stating that the Bahá’í Faith was not among the religions prohibited to practise in Uganda. This letter, and the announcements of Mr. Olinga’s visits on the national radio, brought much comfort and relief to the Bahá’ís and their friends.

Mr. Olinga seized every opportunity to proclaim the Bahá’í Faith to Governors, District Commissioners, County Chiefs and other Government officials, presented them with Bahá’í books and answered their questions. In

several Government offices the staff members were called together by their superiors and invited to hear Mr. Olinga’s presentation. Thousands of pieces of free literature about the Faith were distributed during the tour.

‘In some places, even though Mr. Olinga’s visit lasted only a few hours, the results were quite amazing. In the Semiliki District of Western Province we experienced entry into the Faith by large numbers of people. Meetings were usually followed by slide programmes which were an important means of educating the Bahá’ís as well as proclaiming the Faith to the masses in towns and villages where the audiences ranged from two hundred to five hundred persons. The establishing and strengthening of friendly relationships with Government officials, and the reassurance given to the Bahá’ís and their friends, prepared the way for further growth of the Cause in all Provinces of Uganda

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and stand as an example and challenge to the Ugandan believers. Throughout the tour, Mrs. Olinga’s major role was to gather together some women and establish a Bahá’í women’s group in nearly every locality visited. Each such group elected a secretary and secured a volunteer teacher for weekly classes for women and children.

‘Following closely upon the visits of Mr. Olinga, representatives of the Continental Board of Counsellors, members of the Auxiliary Board and National Spiritual Assembly members participated in teaching programmes in rural communities. In 1974, training courses were held at the Gulu, Mbale and Kampala teaching institutes in an effort to consolidate Local Spiritual Assemblies. Thirty-nine Local Assemblies were represented at the courses held for Local Spiritual Assembly secretaries. During 1975 and 1976, homefront pioneers from Busoga and Semiliki spent six months in Ankole, raised five Local Spiritual Assemblies and opened eleven new localities to the Faith.

‘The Kampala' Local Spiritual Assembly, through its Proclamation Committee, mounted a Bahá’í book exhibition at the Uganda National Museum in Kampala in 1975. Originally planned to last two weeks, the exhibit remained on View for three weeks at the request of the exhibition officer of the museum. The Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga presided over the opening of the exhibition and welcomed a group of distinguished guests including Mr. Philip Wabulya, the Commissioner for Community Development, who came to open the exhibition. Approximately 10,500 Visitors were attracted to the exhibit which provided a unique opportunity for many friends in the community to teach the Faith.

‘The newly formed Bahá’í National Education Committee, through the guidance of Mr. Olinga, has stimulated many women into action. More than twenty—five women’s groups have been formed and Bahá’í children’s classes are being held in all regions. Bahá’í women participated in all levels of activity. The Nineteen Day Star, a newsletter for women and children, was inaugurated in the period of this survey; it serves as an important link between Bahá’í women and is read at their regular classes. Twenty-five women participated in the National Teaching Conference held in Kampala in J anuary 1976 and their pledges of contributions

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t0 the National Fund were all realized. The influence of the Bahá’í women in Awiri, Lango, in initiating the building of their local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds has stimulated other women’s groups to offer help in this endeavour.

‘By quietly conducting a few weekend courses at Kikaaya, and holding weekly classes at some Secondary Schools around Kampala, the youth were able to function on a low key during 1973 and 1974. Secondary Schools and training institutions in Kitgum, Gulu, Mbale, Tororo and Soroti were Visited, resulting in very outstanding youth activities at both Tororo Girls’ School and St. Kizito in Soroti. A regional conference for the Central Province, held in August 1975, blessed with the presence of Mr. Olinga, drew an attendance of twenty-nine youth, including one from Finland, and set into motion a new spirit of dedication. The reorganization of the National Youth Committee in October 1975, under the careful guidance of Mr. Olinga, resulted in the forming of three departments, one for schools and colleges, one for non-student youth and one for information, each with its own secretary and responsibilities. Many youth rendered outstanding service at the Bahá’í book exhibition in November 1975 and found it a challenging experience, The following month, sixty youth from all parts of Uganda participated in the National Youth Institute and Victory Conference. A unique aspect of this institute was the narration of stories of the Dawn-Breakers by Mr. Olinga which helped instil the spirit of sacrifice in the participants. Immediately after the conference nine youth undertook a travelling teaching project for three weeks in the Western Region as a follow—up to the visits of Mr. Olinga. They travelled for the most part on foot and won over one hundred and fifty new believers. A group of Bahá’í young women spent approximately ten days in the Eastern Region. The youth have been actively engaged in teachin g women’s groups in rural areas, assisting in establishing or conducting children’s classes and have formed sub-county Bahá’í Youth Clubs. The Trumpet, a newsletter for Bahá’í youth, was continued during this period, although fewer issues were produced; it is a useful source for deepening.

‘The Government of Uganda has undertaken the responsibility of the educational side of the Bahá’í schools at Tilling and Odusai. However, two Bahá’í teachers take all classes in Religious

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Knowledge in the schools, using the syllabus which has been developed by the National Education committee in 1973—1974, and approved by the National Spiritual Assembly of Uganda. This syllabus is also used in the Bahá’í (Parents) Schools established by the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Kanonko, Nansololo and Bunankanda. The first teaching institute to instruct Bahá’ís in the use of the syllabus was held in Kampala in J anuary 1974; a second was held at Mbale in August 1974. Since that time the Bahá’í Religious Knowledge Syllabus has been presented to the Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education who later requested copies for study by the panel responsible for religious education in the schools throughout the country. Other material presented included the Bahá’í Teaching Manuals, God and His Messengers, The New Garden and Children’s Stories from the Dawn-Breakers.

‘The use of mass media had come almost to a standstill until the visits of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga reopened the way. The announcements of his visits over the national radio broadcasts were heard by many, drew people to his meetings, strengthened the friends and confirmed that the Faith is functioning in Uganda. A noteworthy radio interview with a member of the National Spiritual Assembly was broadcast at the time of the book exhibition in Kampala.

‘Translations into Luganda, Luo, Ateso, Runyoro/Rutoro and Swahili of the small pocket—size prayer book Spiritual Sustenance were produced and published during this period. In 1974 the Luganda translation of The Hidden Words was published. Various other works were published in vernacular languages for other African National Spiritual Assemblies by the Publishing Trust.

‘The number of believers enrolled in the Faith continued to swell, increasing by some four thousand from Riḍván 1973 to Rielvan 1976, and although more men than women are enrolled the present emphasis on teaching the women has already shown an increase of women who have embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. The youth enrolment, which increased by more than six hundred, reflects the recent gains in the Western Region. The seeming decrease in the number of localities opened to the Faith is accounted for by the change in civil limits known as mulukas (parishes) as a result of which small villages are

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being grouped to gether. Nevertheless, at Riḍván 1976 the Faith was established in 3,448 localities throughout U ganda.’

ZA‘I'RE

‘From the inception of the Five Year Plan until Riḍván 1976 the Bahá’í community of Zaire has endeavoured through conferences and institutes to advance toward the accomplishment of the goals of the plan. Aiding in this process have been the visits of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir and representatives of the Continental Board of Counsellors, the visits of travelling teachers, and the efforts of local believers.

‘During this period sixteen pioneers arrived in Zaire from the United States, Canada, Iran and Kenya, fulfilling seventy-three per cent of the pioneer goals for this country. Scattering throughout the various regions of the country, the pioneers have been a source of encouragement and reinforcement to the Zairian Bahá’ís. In addition, five international travelling teachers assisted in the development of the Faith during this period, teaching in Zaire for a total of approximately twenty months. The Zaire Bahá’í community sent three travelling teachers to the Congo for two weeks each.

‘The highlight of this period was undoubtedly the visit of Dr. Muhájir in May and June 1975. He travelled throughout Zaire visiting Kinshasa and the regions of Haut Zaire, Kivu and Shaba for a period of six weeks. The encouragement he offered on the subjects of teaching and the Bahá’í education of children was well received by the friends.

‘Two national conferences were held during this time, the first at Bukavu in the Kivu region in November 1974 with eighty-four in attendance; the second at Kabimba, Kivu in December 1975 with more than 1,000 in attendance. These conferences served as a great source of stimulation to the teaching effort of the believers.

‘During the first half of the Five Year Plan the national Bahá’í magazine Jama’l has continued to supply news, information and encouragement to the entire Bahá’í community. In addition, three regional bulletins published in the local languages have also been established in Kivu, Shaba and Kasai.

‘Two regional Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, one at Lubumbashi and one at Kisangani, were purchased

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and many local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds were constructed by the friends.

‘At Riḍván 1976 there were 452 Local Spiritual Assemblies and 183 local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds recorded at the national Centre.

‘Numerous local and regional teaching institutes have been held in the regions of Kasai, Kivu and Shaba during this period with attendance ranging from a handful to hundreds of people. Local Bahá’í women’s conferences have also been held to encourage the participation of women in Bahá’í activities. New Bahá’í Centres have also been inaugurated with local conferences. These conferences are usually characterized by consultation on ways and means to teach the Bahá’í Faith, by the singing of songs with Bahá’í themes and the performing of traditional African dances. A great spirit ofunity and enthusiasm has been generated by these conferences and they have proven to be a necessary and vital force in the progress of the Faith in Zaire.’

Northern A frica

The Bahá’í communities of the countries bordering the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea comprise the zone of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Northern Africa. The circumstances obtaining in some of these territories is described under ‘Efforts Toward the Emancipation of the Bahá’í Faith’, on pp. 136138.

Southern Africa

BOTSWANA

‘The many victories won in the Nine Year Plan provided the impetus, foundation and inspiration for the next few years in Botswana. During the interim year before the Five Year Plan was launched, plans were made to hold a series of village conferences. The purpose of these conferences was to bring the Faith to a great number of people in the villages who would not hear of it in any other way and to stimulate activities on the local level. Several such conferences were held. One notable conference was held in Bobonong. It was attended by forty Bahá’ís and many of their friends. The believers organized the conference themselves and donated the food for the guests.

THE BAHA’l WORLD

‘In October 1973 the Bahá’í Faith was accorded official recognition by the Government of Botswana. The Spiritual Assembly of Botswana and all Local Spiritual Assemblies in the country were approved for registration by the Registrar of Societies.

‘A second significant event occurred in October 1973 when the Botswana Bahá’í community was blessed by a visit from the beloved Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. During his stay he met with the Spiritual Assembly and many of the believers. Through his guidance there was evolved a teaching project designed to bring the Faith to the masses. The pioneers and local Bahá’ís converged on Selebi-Pikwe for a three-week period, divided into teaching teams, conducted public meetings and tried to reach as many people as possible. This project was highly successful: more than three hundred people accepted the Faith at that time, contacts were made with Government officials and wellattended public meetings were conducted at schools and at the local Bahá’í Centre. The Faith became very well known in Selebi-Pikwe and in surrounding areas. The effects of the project were far-reaching; many of the new believers were in transit or soon after returned to their villages, and in this way the Faith was spread to many other villages.

‘At Naw-Rl'iz 1974 the Bahá’ís of Botswana received with great excitement and joy the new Five Year Plan. A series of conferences was held to introduce the plan to a large number of believers and every Local Spiritual Assembly, committee and individual was asked to concentrate all efforts on winning the goals as rapidly as possible.

‘The first International Bahá’í Youth Conference to be held in Botswana took place in 1974 when more than one hundred youth from six countries gathered in Mahalapye for a week of intensive study. At the conclusion of the conference the youth went into the village in teams and taught many new believers. Several staff members working at the school where the conference was held became Bahá’ís as well, deeply moved by the spirit of love and unity they witnessed among the Bahá’ís. The Assistant Chief of Mahalapye attended a special proclamation meeting at the close of the conference and expressed himself as being very impressed by the wonderful spirit of the youth.

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‘Mr. S. Appa, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Southern Africa, visited Botswana in 1975. He travelled over 1,000 miles visiting and encouraging believers in many villages, spoke to several large groups of secondary school students and was interviewed on radio. Among the villages he visited was Nata, a community composed mostly of Bushmen. The Bahá’ís of Nata had been taught by a devoted believer who on his own initiative travelled to Nata, more than one hundred miles from his own home, soley for the purpose of spreading the message of Baha’u’llah. Counsellor Appa was the first Bahá’í, other than the original teacher, to visit this remote and admirable community.

‘In Palapye, a local believer had for several years been holding children’s classes the attendance at which increased from twenty to sixty. As a special proclamation effort a Children’s Day was held for all the children who had attended the Bahá’í classes. The programme of singing, the games and fellowship, were much enjoyed by both teachers and children.

‘In commemoration of United Nations International Women’s Year the Spiritual

Bahá’í singing group, Nhlangano, Swaziland; June 1973.

.\,( us” 4

Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Botswana sponsored a public meeting to which many officials were invited. Mrs. Bahíyyih Winckler of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Southern Africa gave a beautiful talk about the Bahá’í teachings on the equality of men and women to an appreciative audience of more than forty people. Mrs. Emilda Mathe, Director of Tourism for Botswana and President of the Professional and Business Women’s Club, shared the platform with Mrs. Winckler and moved the audience with her talk about the role of women in Botswana.

‘During the two years since the beginning of the Five Year Plan some encouraging progress has been made. The believers in several villages are now meeting for early morning prayers, many children’s classes have been started, the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies increased.

‘Tribute is paid to our Auxiliary Board member, Miss Jean Swinney, who offered many forms of valuable assistance to all the believers.’

LESOTHO

‘The Faith continued to grow and develop in the tiny mountainous country of the Basotho. By

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Riḍván 1976 there were thirty-eight Local Spiritual Assemblies established, and three hundred and thirteen localities had been opened to the Faith.

‘Property was acquired for two regional Centres, one at Ha Rampa in the lowlands, and one at Thaba-Limpe in the mountains. During this period a celebration was held at Seqonaka commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the introduction of the Faith in Lesotho and the enrolment of the first Basotho Bahá’ís at this spot.

‘National teaching conferences were held annually, as well as youth institutes and deepening conferences, at the national Centre in Maseru. An International Bahá’í Youth School was held at Maseru in 1974 with more than one hundred believers attending. Two days were devoted to teaching in nearby villages. The participants divided into teams, travelled along mountain paths on foot and welcomed a number of new believers into the Faith. Several Government officials who attended the dedication of the Bahá’í properties, which took place during the school, were presented after the ceremony with some of the Writings of Baha’u’llah.

‘During the period under review Balzd ’u ’llz'zh, a booklet of the Star Study Programme, published by the United States Publishing Trust, was translated into Sesotho and printed; regular newsletters were sent out to many believers; two correspondence courses were started and a project was launched under which The Hidden Words and an enlarged edition of a prayer book, both in Sesotho, will be made available to the friends.’

MALAWI

‘In October 1973 we were blessed with the visit of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. Although his time in Malawi was brief, he met with many Bahá’ís in Blantyre/Limbe and encouraged us to work towards conversion of the masses.

‘In the period under review there was a series of one-day conferences in village areas which enabled members of the National Spiritual Assembly to meet many village believers, and the meetings were a source of great encouragement to the Local Spiritual Assemblies. There were two National Teaching Conferences, in October 1974 and in August 1975, and both were characterized by a wonderful spirit of en THE Bahá’í WORLD

thusiasm to learn and to teach. A three-day school was held in May 1975 following the National convention with approximately forty people in attendance. Those who participated were divided into two groups. The first group had never attended a school before and these students studied basic lessons in Bahá’í history and administration, etc. The other group studied subjects at a more advanced level. A significant contribution to the teaching work was made by several travelling teachers from such distant points as Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Seychelles, Swaziland and the United Kingdom.

‘Women’s activities have been on the increase. The National Bahá’í Women’s Activities Committee was invited to visit a Government homecraft school which women can attend on Government selection. The National Spiritual Assembly has offered to pay half the school fee if any Local Spiritual Assembly will select students and contribute the balance of the fee. Thus far two Bahá’í women have taken a two-week course in diet, hygiene, vegetable gardening, poultry keeping and sewing. Some Local Spiritual Assemblies have women’s activities and one enthusiastic village area holds daily activities for them. Two Bahá’í women were interviewed by the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation about the Bahá’í teachings on the role of women and how these concepts are being implemented in Malawi. This resulted in two thirty-minute programmes which were broadcast throughout the country. Women are active at both the national and local levels of the administrative work of the Faith.

‘Although youth activities have not yet been fully developed and we hope for great improvement in this area, some work has been done. A youth from Malawi was sponsored to the International Youth Conference in Botswana in 1974, and another attended the International Youth Conference in Rhodesia in 1975.

‘Many Local Spiritual Assemblies hold children’s classes; a booklet in Chichewa, the official language of Malawi, on how to conduct classes is distributed to all Local Spiritual Assemblies and larger groups.

‘The Bahá’í community of Malawi now embraces representatives of all major tribesChewa, Yao, Tumbuka and Tonga— and of all minority tribes—Sena, Lomwe and Ngoni.

‘A comprehensive outline of guidelines for

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Local Spiritual Assemblies has been produced in both English and Chichewa; a selection of Bahá’í prayers was translated into Chichewa and published; and excerpts from two compilations prepared by the Universal House of Justice, Living the Life and Pattern of Bahá’í Life, have been translated into Chichewa and published in booklet form. The Bahá’í correspondence course (in co-operation with the National Spiritual Assembly of Rhodesia) has been broadened by the addition in 1975 of a new section on Bahá’í family life. National Spiritual Assemblies in various parts of the world have requested copies to assist them in producing courses of their own. The pamphet outlining the Bahá’í teachings on loyalty to Government has been translated into Tonga and plans are current for the translation of other Bahá’í literature into Tumbuka and Tonga.

‘Land is being held in lieu of a Temple site; seven of the ten Local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds called for in the Five Year Plan have now been built; and four local endowments have been acquired and registered with the Government. They are located at Maele and Chipolopolo in the Southern district of Nsanje, and Sabwela and Zamasiya in the Central district of Ntcheu. Negotiations for one in the Phalombe district are nearing completion; the land cannot be purchased but is registered on long lease.

‘Although the Bahá’ís are few in relation to the potential for growth the National Spiritual Assembly is witnessing the emergence of a new group of dedicated and self-sacrificing teachers and prays that it will itselfgrow and develop to a higher degree in order to meet the challenge confronting it.’ MAURITIUS

‘The year 1973 was devoted mostly to the consolidation of the victories won in the Nine Year Plan. Visits to various communities were undertaken and deepening classes were held on a regular basis. The National Bahá’í Youth Committee organized a forum on Human Rights Day with the participation of non-Bahá’ís.

‘In May 1974 the Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir spent a week in Mauritius. He met with the National Spiritual Assembly and assisted in the preparation of a six-month intensive teaching project and a series of activities aiming at the fulfilment of the goals of the Five Year Plan. The project was launched

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at a meeting attended by approximately two hundred friends, and was enthusiastically received.

‘The Bahá’í youth played an active part in the fields of teaching and consolidation. Study of the book ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ by the Hand of the Cause Hasan M. Balyt'lzi was undertaken on a local basis. A number of communities formed committees to foster participation of Bahá’í women and among other activities encouraged the women to memorize prayers and to study The New Garden as a deepening aid. Children’s classes were further developed and various communities gathered for morning prayers on a weekly basis. Publication of a newsletter for children, Junior News-Sheet, commenced in 1975. Excursions and social gatherings for children are held on Bahá’í Holy Days, providing an opportunity for children of various communities to meet, study and play together. Activities for Bahá’í youth, women and children are now well established.

‘In January 1975 we were honoured by a sixmonth visit from Mr. Yan Kee Leong of the Continental Board of Counsellors in SouthEastern Asia whose specific mission was to establish contact with the Chinese-speaking population in Mauritius. With untiring love and devotion he taught and proclaimed the Faith among the Chinese and before his departure established a Chinese Teaching Committee to carry on the work he had started.

‘In the period under review travelling teachers from South Africa, India and Australia made valuable contributions to the progress of the Faith in Mauritius, and two travelling teachers from this country visited Madagascar to assist with the work there.

‘In observance of International Women’s Year the National Women’s Committee of Mauritius organized a forum on the theme “The Status of‘Women in Today’s Society”. Participating in the forum were Mrs. Lea Nys of Belgium, the Hon. Mrs. R. Poonoosamy, Minister for Women’s Affairs, and Mr. H. Tirvengadum, Chairman of the Administrative Commission of the Municipality of QuatreBornes where the gathering was held. Approximately two hundred and fifty persons from all strata of Mauritian society attended, including members of the diplomatic corps, Government officials and leading citizens. The event was televised and broadcast as a news item through [Page 154]154

out Mauritius. Mrs. Nys was interviewed on television in advance of the forum and had the opportunity to give a broad outline of the Bahá’í teachings. She was granted cordial interviews by the Governor-General and the Chief Justice to each of whom she presented copies of The Bahá’í' World, vol. XIV. Mrs. Nys was in Mauritius as part of a teaching journey of fifteen weeks’ duration which took her to a large number of African countries.

‘In December 1975 a successful Bahá’í Summer School was held at a youth campsite with approximately forty friends in attendance. The programme included classes on various aspects of the Faith and recreational activities. The spirit of love and unity which prevailed was memorable.

‘During the period under review the booklet Qu’est—ce que [a Foi Bahá’íe? was reproduced and the land was acquired for two district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.’

REUNION

‘Children’s classes were held almost regularly in four localities. The book Bahá’í' Places Around the World was translated and reproduced for use by these classes. Women served as teachers of these classes and participated in teaching work in the cities. In addition they made handicraft items for community “bring-and-buy” sales.

‘The gathering of the friends for dawn prayers has been inaugurated on a weekly basis in two communities and all other communities are being encouraged to hold these meetings.

‘In the period under review eight pioneers have arrived in Réunion from Canada, Persia and Mauritius and travelling teachers from Uganda, France, Hawaii and Belgium have visited. During the visit of Mrs. Lea Nys she was interviewed on radio and television, spoke at two public meetings held in Saint-Pierre and SaintDenis and had two Bahá’í articles published in Le Journal de [a Réunion. In addition, she spoke at firesides held in private homes. During the month-long visit of Miss Vida ‘Abassi of Uganda one new Local Spiritual Assembly was elected.

‘Mr. Shidan Fat’he-Aazam and Mr. S. Appa of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Southern Africa met with the National Spiritual Assembly in 1974 and 1975. Counsellor Appa

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paid regular visits and spent ten days in SaintBenéit helping with the teaching work.

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir met with the National Spiritual Assembly at the very beginning of the Five Year Plan. Resulting from this consultation a sixmonth teaching project was organized under which six Local Spiritual Assemblies were assigned teaching goals. Under this plan a member of the National Spiritual Assembly met with each Local Assembly concerned before the launching of the project in that locality. This intensive project brought new believers and resulted in new localities being opened to the Faith. Dr. Muhájir stayed with us for three days. Meetings were scheduled in Sainte-Anne and Saint-Pierre; the meeting held in Saint-Pierre gathered friends from all the south-western localities and Saint-Denis.

‘In 1974, two members of the National Spiritual Assembly attended the conference held in Salisbury, Rhodesia under the sponsorship of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Southern Africa.

‘Film strips were used in teaching and in Holy Day celebrations and some visual aids were locally produced. Songs with Bahá’í themes were composed by the believers in Reunion. A presentation of “distinctive Bahá’í characteristics” was prepared in drawings by the children and presented to the adults during our first National Teaching Conference. National Teaching Conferences were held each year with representation from most localities with a Local Assembly. A winter school was held in September 1973 and in August 1975 a three-day institute was conducted under the joint auspices of the National Assembly and the Continental Board of Counsellors; an especially good attendance was registered on the third day of that activity. Various measures were adopted aimed at increasing the degree of universal participation and a special contribution was made to Maison d’Editions Bahá’íes.

‘A deepening course was prepared and reproduced by the National Teaching and Consolidation Committee. Study classes based on this outline were held in all localities with a Local Spiritual Assembly, the classes being led by visiting teachers assigned to the various areas. A special bulletin was printed for the Day of the Covenant and distributed to all Local Spiritual Assemblies.’

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RHODESIA

‘In the interim year before the launching of the Five Year Plan, Rhodesia sponsored a limited proclamation project which began on the first day of Riḍván 1973 in the specific areas of Umtali, Mrewa, Mtoko and Bindura. Weekend programmes were held, culminating at the national convention with the final programme on 19 May 1973. This project brought the Faith to the attention of large segments of the population in these areas of the country. Later in the year, the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited Rhodesia and resulting from his consultations with the National Spiritual Assembly special short-term teaching projects were carried out in the Bulawayo and Salisbury areas resulting in the enrolment of more than three hundred new believers during a three-week period of concentrated teaching. Also, during this time, two more local endowments were acquired, at Mufungo in the Gokwe area and at Filabusi in Matabeleland.

‘The Five Year Plan was launched at NawRfiz 1974. Several conferences were held to acquaint the believers with the new goals and they were encouraged to volunteer to share in the responsibility of accomplishing the goals which were to be phased over a period of four years. The first annual National Teaching Conference was held in Mrewa Tribal Trust Land at Mudarikwa Kraal in October 1974. The goals of the Five Year Plan were reviewed and special classes on the Local Spiritual Assembly and its functions were held. There were also activities for youth and children. The Bahá’ís of Mudarikwa made special preparations such as repairing the road, posting signs, building a cooking shelter, organizing food preparation and making several homes available for guests. They were a marvellous host community and the conference was very successful.

‘Rhodesia was privileged to be the venue of a special conference held in August 1974 sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors in Southern Africa to which members of the Auxiliary Board and National Spiritual Assembly members were invited. We were greatly honoured to have in attendance Mrs. Florence Mayberry, a member of the International Teaching Centre.

‘A regional conference for Bahá’í women was

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held in November 1974 at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Salisbury. Representatives from communities in the Salisbury area attended. Classes on various aspects of the role of Bahá’í women were held as well as special instruction on teaching children’s classes, and crafts.

‘During the second year of the Five Year Plan an exchange system of international travelling teachers was initiated and Rhodesia was able to send three such teachers to Botswana while receiving one family from Australia and two other individuals from the United Kingdom. Another first was the “Love and Fellowship Picnic” jointly sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly which is to become an annual event to be held each year in a different part of the country. Inaugurated in May 1975, the second such event was held in May 1976 in Que Que in Midlands Province.

‘The second annual National Teaching Conference was held in Salisbury in October 1975 attended by approximately eighty-five believers representing many communities. After the weekend conference, a four-day deepening institute was organized by the National Teaching Committee for those who were able to remain.

‘Youth activities, including conferences for youth, continued to be held. Of particular significance was the first International Bahá’í Youth School held near Bulawayo in December 1975 which drew an attendance of more than one hundred youth representing ten countries.

‘The first National Bahá’í Children’s School was held in Salisbury from 10—1 5 January 1976, a venture jointly sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly. The school began with a one-day orientation course for the teachers who were mainly youth. During the school nearly one hundred children from many communities enjoyed lessons, singing, outings, crafts, sports and fellowship. On the closing day the children, using puppets and backdrops they had created, enacted a meeting of a Local Spiritual Assembly and a Nineteen Day Feast. It was a wonderful and heartwarming experience.

‘Bahá’í literature was enriched through the translation and publication of several compilations and God’s New Age and excerpts from The H idden Words in Shona; and a compilation, a booklet and a small prayer book in Ndebele.

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‘The arrival of eleven pioneers reinforced the teaching work in this period. Some of these friends settled in Midlands Province opening this part of the country to the Faith for the first time.

‘At the end of 1975, twenty—nine new localities had been opened to the Faith and eleven communities formed Local Spiritual Assemblies for the first time. The holding of early morning prayers has been well received and supported. Many of the friends avail themselves of the correspondence courses to further their knowledge of the Faith through this medium. By Riḍván 1976, reports had been received of the formation of thirty Local Spiritual Assemblies and 6,353 believers were listed on the Bahá’í membership records.’

SEYCHELLES

‘The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Seychelles was formed at Riḍván 1972 with its seat in Victoria, Mahé Island. This was a supplementary achievement of the Nine Year Plan. The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel represented the Universal House of Justice on this occasion. Later that year the Bahá’ís of Seychelles had the inestimable bounty of receiving a visit from the beloved Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha Rt'lhiyyih Khánum.

‘At Riḍván 1973 the Bahá’í community of Seychelles was privileged to send a representative to the International Convention in the Holy Land and several believers of the Seychelles served as travelling teachers abroad, two of them settling in Benin as pioneers. A representative of Seychelles attended the Lesotho Bahá’í Youth Conference sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors in Southern Africa, and in August 1974 four members of the National Spiritual Assembly attended the conference in Rhodesia for members of the Auxiliary Board and National Spiritual Assemblies, which was sponsored by the Continental Board ofCounsellors. One member of the National Assembly spent a few weeks in Madagascar as a travelling teacher under the international project established to facilitate the flow of travelling teachers.

‘Among those who visited Seychelles during the period of this survey were travellin g teachers from South Africa, Belgium and Malaysia. We were honoured by the visits of Mr. Shidan

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Fat’he-Aazam and Mr. S. Appa Of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Southern Africa. Mr. Yan Kee Leong of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South-Eastern Asia, during his visit, introduced the Faith for the first time among the members of the Chinese community of Seychelles. Mrs. Helen Wilks of Rhodesia, a member of the Auxiliary Board, came especially to assist in training teachers for the education of Bahá’í children. All these Visits lent a great impetus to the members of the Seychelles community in their efforts to work for the success of the Five Year Plan.

‘While in the teaching field relatively nominal progress has as yet been achieved, in other fields such as participation of women, children’s education and the acquisition of properties, significant progress has been made. The National Bahá’í Women’s Committee established a regional Bahá’í school for children and organized several successful programmes in connection with United Nations International Women’s Year including a national women’s homecraft exhibition which was accorded wide publicity in the press and on the radio. Through the generosity of local believers, a national endowment has been acquired and local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds are under way at Anse Boileau and Bay St. Anne Praslin. Avenues continue to be explored for the acquisition of a Temple site and plots of land for the remaining local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. In 1974 the Bahá’í community was successful in obtaining official recognition of the nine Bahá’í Holy Days on which Bahá’í children are exempt from attending school.

‘The national community has continuously sponsored programmes in observance of international events such as United Nations Day and Human Rights Day. Two events related to the work of the United Nations were sponsored in 1975, both commemorating International Women’s Year, and in both these events prominent local citizens took part.’

SOUTH AND WEST AFRICA

‘The period from the end of the Nine Year Plan to the end of the second year of the Five Year Plan has witnessed some remarkable changes in the situation outside the Faith in Southern Africa. The uneven progress within the Bahá’í community has been due in part to the uncertainties created by this transition.

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‘The arrival of a pioneer in Angola sparked renewed activity which led to a rapid increase in the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies from one to six. The sudden turn of events in the political sphere prompted the transfer of Angola at Riḍván 1975 from the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa to that of the National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland and Mozambique and that body was renamed accordingly. Soon after that, war conditions in the country disrupted Bahá’í activities, but it appears they are now being resumed as a result of the dedicated efforts of some of the indigenous believers.

‘In South-West Africa external circumstances have made it difficult for the local believers and pioneers to maintain contact with each other, but the efforts of one or two native friends have resulted in a noteworthy number of new Bahá’ís being enrolled in the Faith. One of the most important achievements was the acquisition, with the assistance of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, of a fine local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Windhoek, which the believers are actively improving.

‘At the end of the Nine Year Plan, the island of St. Helena had just formed its Local Spiritual Assembly. In 1974 the first indigenous believer from South Africa to undertake a teaching trip to St. Helena did so, was most warmly received and imparted great inspiration to the friends, particularly the youth and children.

‘South Africa was blessed in October 1973 with a visit from the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir who lovingly awakened us to the many teaching possibilities in the region.

‘Four international teaching projects were carried out under the plan called for by the Universal House of Justice: one to Lesotho, one to Malawi (both youth), and two to Rhodesia; we received three travelling teachers from the United Kingdom in the same period.

‘Outstanding is the upsurge in youth activity. With the introduction of Youth Summer Schools and the appointment of a vigorous National Bahá’í Youth Committee, the youth have held local conferences each year and have participated with enthusiasm in administrative and teaching work, including international teaching.

‘A booklet Guidance for Local Spiritual Assemblies and a simple brochure First In 157

troduction t0 the Bahá’í Faith were produced and the compilation of the Universal House of Justice on Local Spiritual Assemblies was translated into Afrikaans.

‘Two additional local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds were acquired, and one erected, in large part by the friends themselves; all have brought a new pattern to the local community life.

‘We were very fortunate in finding, for national conventions and teaching conferences, new venues where the friends may associate freely and this has contributed greatly to the spirit of these occasions. The introduction of national teaching conferences has been of tremendous benefit to the community.

‘The exhibition in all major centres of the country of the paintings of Reginald Turvey, named by the beloved Guardian “The Father of South Africa”, will accrue to the prestige and recognition of the Faith in South Africa when the time is ripe.

‘In general, this has been a period of slow progress but the momentum is now building up as evidenced by the increase in the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies formed in the last year. If maintained, this impetus will, with the confirmations of Baha’u’llah, lead to the successful completion of the Five Year Plan.’

SWAZILAND, MOZAMBIQUE AND ANGOLA

‘The National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland and Mozambique was renamed in the second year of the Five Year Plan when Angola was transferred to its jurisdiction. At Riḍván 1975 two Bahá’í visitors from Angola attended the national convention, contributing to the happy atmosphere. Although external circumstances have affected the progress of the Faith, at the mid-way point of the Five Year Plan three Local Spiritual Assemblies had been maintained in Mozambique and one in Angola. Swaziland has not had a significant gain in Local Spiritual Assemblies, which totalled fifty-nine at Riḍván 1976, but much has been done in spreading the knowledge of the Faith.

‘The Leroy Ioas‘Teacher Training Institute and the beautified Temple site in Mbabane have been a constant source of enquiry both from local people and visitors. This national Centre is truly our silent teacher. It has also been the setting for a summer school for all the National

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Bahá’í children serving some of the royal guests who attended the tea sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly ofSwaziland, M ozambique and Angola [0 mark the end of the United Nations International Women’s Year; February 1976.

Spiritual Assembly regions of Southern Africa which was conducted by the Continental Board of Counsellors in this zone. The Counsellors have also used these facilities for the holding of a joint conference for Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members. The National Spiritual Assembly and the Swaziland believers are grateful that these facilities are available for use for various functions. Also at this Centre the funeral of dearly loved Christopher Kuhlase1 was conducted with an attendance of approximately five hundred people from Government and the private sector, coming from all over Swaziland. Many expressed a deep appreciation of the spirit emanating from this spot.

‘There have been public meetings commemorating United Nations Day, Human Rights Day and International Women’s Year, all with outstanding speakers, Bahá’ís and others. Two formal teas held at the national Centre brought wide publicity to the Faith. One was attended by eight queens of the royal family of His Majesty King Sobhuza II and several

1See ‘In Memoriam', p. 546.

princesses, accompanied by a “praiser” and police escort. Many ladies from Government offices and foreign embassies were also present.

“For the Bahá’ís there have been national conventions, mid-year teaching conferences, teacher training institutes, women’s and children’s conferences, youth activities and conferences, morning devotional services, Holy Day Observances, Nineteen Day Feasts, National Spiritual Assembly meetings and many other gatherings which have been of great benefit to the developing Bahá’í community.

‘At mid-point of the Five Year Plan land had been purchased at Hlatikulu, Swaziland for construction of one of the two regional Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to be acquired in the Five Year Plan. In spite of many difficulties we are actively pursuing our outstanding property goals. A concentrated effort has been made in the local Centre at Motshane, Swaziland which we hope will become a regional Centre for five communities. Children’s classes are regularly held there and weekly activities are encouraged. The Local Spiritual Assembly at Mncitsini, where the first local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds was built, is

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developing into an active and self-sufficient community.

‘Publicity for the Faith has been achieved in Swaziland through two radio interviews and by the weekly quotations from the Bahá’í Writings published in the Times, a Swaziland newspaper. For a period of six months in 1974, at the request of the William Pitcher Teacher Training College, weekly programmes have been presented by Bahá’í speakers in the auditorium of the college to the entire student body. The National Teaching Committee arranged for these talks on topics of special interest, interspersed with Bahá’í teachings, and the programmes were well received.

‘For two successive years in the period under review the Bahá’í community maintained an information booth at the Manzini Trade Fair. A éontinuous slide programme of Bahá’í Holy

Places and Bahá’í activities around the world ’

attracted much attention and large amounts of literature were distributed.

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‘One noteworthy piece of literature was produced in siSwati in collaboration with the National Spiritual Assembly of India. Entitled Inkolo Yama Bahá’í (Religion of Bahá’ís), it is a beautiful full-colour three—fold proclamation leaflet bearing a photograph of the Shrine of the Báb. Other literature produced included: Bahá’í News (Inzindaba Zama Bahá’í'), published bimonthly; a magazine for women and children (Bomake neBantfwana) produced by the National Women’s and Children’s Committee; and a monthly Nineteen Day Feast letter in the local language and in English. The National Women’s and Children’s Committee has also begun translation into the local language of Bahd 'u ’lláh and The Local Spiritual Assembly, two booklets of the Star Study Programme published by the United States Publishing Trust. Bahá’í books have been placed in seven public libraries throughout Swaziland.

‘Considerable effort was put into producing audio—visual materials. Attractive hand—painted

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portable display boards depictin g various Bahá’í teachings were made, as well as flip-board charts to illustrate the holding of Nineteen Day Feasts‘ The outline of an address on The Hidden Words was also produced in flip-board format. Special screens were constructed for showing filmstrips and slides in daylight.

‘At the mid-way point of the Five Year Plan the Faith is well known in Swaziland among those who travel the road between the capital city of Mbabane and the industrial hub of the country, Manzini. The Area Teaching Committees are putting forth much effort to reach all rural areas. The goals of forming more Local Spiritual Assemblies, and promoting extension teaching and deepening are slow in being achieved due largely to lack of transportation and the fewness of teachers who can settle in more remote areas and demonstrate by work and deed the message of love and unity brought by Baha’u’llah.’

ZAM BIA

‘Activities in Zambia after Riḍván 1973 were Oh" to a quick start with the visit of Mr. Greg Dahl, an American believer who visited a number of African countries. Mr. Dahl was interviewed and sang songs with Bahá’í themes on both radio and television in Zambia, which stimulated interest in the Faith. Encouraged by this, the Lusaka community quickly prepared a Bahá’í display booth for the National Agricul ' tural Show held annually in August. During the Show which was attended by more than 54,000 people, more than 4,000 pieces of Bahá’í literature were distributed and the film on the dedication of the Panama House of Worship was shown a number of times. From this first contact with the Faith more than twenty-five people eventually became Bahá’ís.

‘In September 1973 we had the blessing of a Visit from the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. Following his consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly a six-month intensive teaching project was launched centering on Kasama in the Northern Province where there were very few Bahá’ís. The project, which lasted from 20 October 1973 to 21 April 1974 resulted in the enrolment of more than 1,500 new Bahá’ís in the northern area of Zambia at the beginning of the Five Year Plan. The settlement of Miss Gretchen Border as a pioneer in Kasama for the period of the project

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and the close co-operation of many teams of travelling teachers and individual Bahá’ís, including Counsellor Shidan Fat’he-Aazam, contributed to the success of the campaign.

‘In preparation for the launching of the Five Year Plan the National Spiritual Assembly consulted with Mr. Shidan Fat’he—Aazam and Mrs. Bahíyyih Winckler of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Southern Africa. Counsellor Winckler introduced the F ive Year Plan to the friends assembled at the national convention. Bahá’í communities all over Zambia greeted the new plan with enthusiasm. Eight area conferences were arranged through the National Teaching Committee so that each individual believer had an opportunity to attend and discuss the implications of the plan for Zambia. The reaction shown by the believers demonstrated that they understood the task ahead and many commitments were received from groups and individuals.

‘In January 1975 the Bahá’ís of Zambia held their first annual National Teaching Conference. Sixty-seven Bahá’ís from many parts of the country attended this very successful event directed by the National Teaching Committee. It was evident that each of the teachers participating in the conference had put in many hours of preparation. Of special interest was the demonstration of teaching materials for children’s classes. Many of the friends responded by taking the teaching outline and starting children’s classes in their home areas.

‘After the national convention in 1975 we were visited by Mrs. Helen Wilks, a member of the Auxiliary Board. While she was here the Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájirarrived to consult with the National Assembly and visit the friends. After meeting with the National Assembly and offering new suggestions forteaching, Dr. Muhájir had to leave Zambia. Mrs. Wilks graciously accepted the commitments made under the programme established for Dr. Muhájir and spoke of the Faith at a number of Teacher Training Schools and a local agricultural school. She then visited the Northwestern Province where she gave a deepening course at the Bahá’í institute, training local believers to pioneer and go travelling teaching in Angola when circumstances there permit.

‘General teaching has been of two types, sporadic trips by local believers to accomplish specific objectives and teaching by members of

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the National Spiritual Assembly engaged in special projects between meetings of the National Assembly. Typical of the former type would be a weekend trip by two local believers and two pioneers to an established Bahá’í community in a rural area. While there they would work with the local community in an extension teaching project or offer deepening classes to the local friends on some aspect of the Five Year Plan.

‘During this period several notable developments occurred in relation to national Bahá’í properties. The purchase of the national endowment property in Barlaston Park, Lusaka, initiated in the Nine Year Plan, has now been completed. At the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Lusaka a handsome brick wall was completed which has improved the appearance of the building tremendously. The cost of the wall was donated by a believer and the Lusaka Local Spiritual Assembly, and the design of brick and wrought iron was conceived by a local Bahá’í architect. The lease was acquired for the Teaching Institute in the Northwestern Province and improvements to the basic structure are now under way in preparation for its use.

‘The opening of the Western Province to the Faith by the settlement of a pioneer in Mongu for six months resulted in the first translation of Bahá’í literature into the Lozi language which is spoken there, the first Bahá’í material to be translated into this tongue. Translation into Bemba of The New Garden has been completed and is in preparation for printing. The compilation Pattern of Bahá’í Life has been translated into Bemba and Lunda.

‘During this time several displays have been placed in the Lusaka City Library relating to the general teachings of the Faith as well as special events such as International Women’s Year. These have also included an exhibit of Bahá’í books.

‘Inspired by the success of the first exhibit at the National Agricultural Show the Bahá’í community again sponsored a Bahá’í booth. As a proclamation event these exhibits have been most successful in making the name of the Faith familiar to the many people who come from all over the country to Visit the annual Show}

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Western Africa

BENIN

‘The National Spiritual Assembly of Dahomey, Togo and Niger was formed in 1970 with its seat in Cotonou, Dahomey. At Riḍván 1975 independent National Spiritual Assemblies were formed in Togo and in Niger. The National Spiritual Assembly of Dahomey became known as the National Spiritual Assembly of Benin when the name of the country was changed in 1976.

‘In June 1974 the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir met with the National Spiritual Assembly to discuss ways and means of implementing the Five Year Plan in the three countries then under its jurisdiction. For Benin the principal aim was to establish the Faith for the first time in the northern provinces of Borgou and Atacora. In consultation with Dr. Muhájir the National Spiritual Assembly pinpointed towns throughout the country which were to be opened to the Faith and where Local Spiritual Assemblies were to be established. During his visit, Dr. Muhájir met with the communities of Porto-Novo and Cotonou and was interviewed by a reporter from the magazine Horizons Nouveaux which printed an article on the Faith containing extracts from the brochure Appel Mondial Bahá’í.

‘In September 1974 the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga and Mrs. Olinga spent a week in Benin and visited the Bahá’ís of Dowa, PortoNovo and Cotonou where meetings were held. Mr. Olinga also met with the National Spiritual Assembly to discuss the steps to be taken in implementing the Five Year Plan. Mr. Olinga then visited the paramount ruler of the area, Anatalé II, who accepted the Faith in the early 1950s when it was first brought to Agoué from Togo. On three earlier occasions Mr. Olinga had visited Anatalé II but this was the first time that he was accompanied by Mrs. Olinga.

‘Both Dr. Muhájir and Mr. Olinga were granted cordial interviews by the Minister of Information to whom they presented Bahá’í books. The Minister of Information expressed sympathy with the principles of the Faith and through his auspices an announcement was made on the national radio network about the National Teaching Conference held in December 1975.

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‘We gratefully acknowledge the splendid services of homefront pioneers and local travelling teachers whose devoted activities have resulted in opening to the Faith a number of new centres and who assisted so admirably in consolidating previously won victories. We also record our warm appreciation of the contribution made by travelling teachers from abroad including a team of three youth from Switzerland. A team of youth from the United States, during July and August 1975, visited Benin on a summer project and worked closely with local youth. The fruits of their efforts were not only in the number of communities visited and the number of new Bahá’ís enrolled but in the consolidation of the local Bahá’í youth who accompanied them and were inspired by their actions and attitudes.

‘So far during the Five Year Plan in Benin we have witnessed the beginning of teaching activities in the north of the country, the involvement of greater numbers of local believers in all phases of the work and an increase in the participation of Bahá’í youth in the national and local community life. Special teaching plans were made for the unopened provinces and districts of Benin and special institutes were held to prepare local teachers to go out teaching during their vacations. Often it was the newly

Youth Institute, Agboku, Dahomey (Benin), with travelling teacher Becky Getahoun (centre); May 1973.

enrolled youth who attended these sessions and participated in the projects. As a result, groups were established in Kandi, Tanguiéta, Nikki and in villages near Parakou. Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed in Parakou and Natitingou in September 1975 and March 1976 respectively. The believers in Parakou translated the Short Obligatory Prayer into Berba and Gniandé, the first translations of Bahá’í Writings to be made in these tongues. In the period under review, one local believer pioneered to Nigeria.

‘At the request of the National Spiritual Assembly the National Teaching Committee developed a project for training selected local believers who could in turn work with local communities. Mr. Vincent Aguémon, as assistant to the Auxiliary Board, responded to this need and visited several communities in the Ouémé regularly. Often he was accompanied by Mr. Georges Zinsou who also undertook frequent visits to other communities on his own, consolidating Pobé and opening areas nearby. The National Teaching Committee also organized a number of regional institutes, regrouping a few nearby communities for a Unity Feast, a deepening programme or a Nineteen Day Feast. This activity was reinforced by a Winter School in December 1974 and a youth institute in

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February 1975 both held at the institute in Avrankou with Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Thelma Khelghati1 as honoured guest. At NawRfiz 1976 an institute was held for representatives of various communities on the subject of conducting elections of Local Spiritual Assemblies with the result that several communities were able to form their Local Assembly without outside assistance.’

CAMEROON REPUBLIC

‘At the mid-way point of the Five Year Plan the Bahá’í community of Cameroon shows signs of awakening to the urgent needs of the present hour. Although far from achieving the goals assigned by the Universal House of Justice the community is developing a new spirit of enthusiasm and determination.

‘Local Spiritual Assembly goals are far behind but with increased deepening and consolidation, through the activities of Auxiliary Board members and their assistants and the extension teaching goals set for Local Spiritual Assemblies, we are hopeful of re-establishing lapsed Local Spiritual Assemblies and forming new ones. An aid in this process will be the mobile institute acquired early in 1976, a Volkswagen minibus equipped with a library and teaching materials, which will enable us to establish contact with Bahá’ís in remote villages who have not received Bahá’í visitors for years. The mobile institute will go far to solve the problem of communication, increase the accessibility to Bahá’í literature and provide the means of increasing the awareness of the needs of the Five Year Plan and universal participation in Bahá’í activities.

‘A growing number of communities arrange to meet for early morning prayers, either in groups or all together. Some meet every morning, others one or two times a week. A most promising development is the increased youth activity and the enrolment of many youth. After an inspiring session with Mrs. Thelma Khelghati of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Africa, followed by a most successful and enlightening training institute in Yaounde, youth teaching teams scattered throughout Cameroon during the long vacation in 1976. Dr. and Mrs. Enayat played a valuable role at the

1Appointed to the Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Africa, March 1976.

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institute and also participated in the travel teaching.

‘Until 1976 there was one committee for Women and Child Education. There are now separate committees for these—one for Child Education and two for Bahá’í Women’s Activities, one for the English speaking friends and one for those who speak French.

‘The beloved Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga and his dear wife paid two memorable visits, on one occasion accompanied by Mr. Oloro Epyeru of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central and East Africa. These visits strengthened the love and unity amongst the friends. The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir has also paid two visits and through his zeal new ambitious teaching goals were set.

‘Locality goals are nearer to completion and with very little extra effort could be achieved. Property goals need following up much more vigorously but news has just been received of the acquisition of a regional Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Yaounde. Yaounde is becoming a centre of proclamation; the Bahá’í University Club is active; radio interviews and talks have been given in Yaounde, Douala and Buea, and these radio stations are always willing to broadcast free announcements about Bahá’í activities. The Bahá’í Institute Course held in the University in Yaounde in 1975, arranged by the Continental Board of Counsellors, brought added prestige to the Faith. Visits from all members of the Board of Counsellors in Western Africa have been of great value and inspiration.

‘In an effort to bring the Bahá’í Faith to the attention of all strata of society the National Spiritual Assembly encouraged Local Assemblies to sponsor exhibits of Bahá’í books. Exhibits were arranged in 1975 in a number of communities including Kupe, Kumba, Ebolowa, Obala, Mbamayo and Buea. In most instances the exhibits were publicized by posters, written invitations and flyers. Attendance ranged from between a handful of enquirers to upwards of four hundred. In several instances new believers were enrolled as a result of the exhibits. Radio Buea announced the exhibit regularly several times a day for a number of days and broadcast a short interview with a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly. The station also recorded and broadcast the talks given at the public meeting held at the close of the meetings when speakers from six different

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backgrounds spoke on “The Oneness of Mankind.”

‘National Teaching Conferences have been held annually—in Mamfe in 1974, in Kumba in 1975 and in Douala in 1976—and have shown increasing improvement in spirit and attendance. The news given at the Douala Teaching Conference that some National Spiritual Assemblies in Western Africa had already accomplished all or the major part of their goals and had been assigned additional goals provided a wholesome shock to the friends of Cameroon and an inspiration to pursue our tasks with renewed vigour.’

CHAD

‘Following the Nine Year Plan a concerted effort was made to find new ways and means of reaching the minds as well as the hearts of the many souls who had responded to the Call of Baha’u’llah in Chad. Guided by the Universal House of Justice; buttressed, spiritually and practically, by a memorable visit from the beloved Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga, by the counsel of the Continental Board

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of Counsellors in Western Africa, by the work of Auxiliary Board members and their assistants; reinforced through the settlement of new pioneers; encouraged by the visits of travelling teachers from lran and England, a programme was launched to enlist the participation of all the believers in the Five Year Plan. Plans were directed toward enrolling the greatest possible number of Bahá’ís in concentrated areas, systematically exploring, deepening and expanding with a view to establishing strong centres from which the teaching work of well-deepened local teachers would radiate to surrounding communities.

‘Essential to this programme was the preparation of the believers, mostly cultivators and fishermen from the rural areas, and the development of better methods of ensuring that the Bahá’í teachings were being comprehended by the friends. Thus, simplicity in teaching, and means of relating the Bahá’í teachings to the lives of the Chadian believers, became paramount objectives of the National Teaching Committee. To this end, illustrated lessons were prepared and distributed to selected individuals in the various communities. These lessons presented in

Participants in Bahá’í’ Conference, Chad; December 1975.

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simple language stories about the Central Figures of the Faith, the Bahá’í principles and laws, and teachings about living the Bahá’í life. Constant correspondence was maintained between the National Spiritual Assembly and Local Spiritual Assemblies. Specific projects were assigned to Local Assemblies, such as the establishments of local Centres and the cultivation of Bahá’í gardens.

‘Distribution of the national Bahá’í publication Journal de l’Unité was expanded and its content increased through the inclusion of a page for children and the publication of news of particular interest to the village communities, taking special notice of local accomplishments and activities.

‘Larger numbers of women were elected to Local Spiritual Assemblies and participation by women in national and regional teaching conferences increased. Two Chadian Bahá’í women attended a National Women’s Conference hosted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Central African Republic and remained to participate in a travelling teaching project. During two of the three years under review, a Chadian woman served loyally as a member of the National Assembly. Children’s classes were instituted in selected communities. A song book was published by Bahá’í youth and several youth were appointed to national committees.

‘Prayers were translated into four indigenous languages: Sara Ngama, Sara Ngambaye, Massa and Kanuri. To ensure accurate translations and to assist the translators the National Translation Committee clarified the meaning of difficult words. Before publication the translations were authenticated by several individuals speaking the language.

‘The yearly National Teaching Conferences called for by the Universal House of Justice under the Five Year Plan in Chad, bolstered by regional teaching conferences and small teaching institutes, proved of exceptional value in deepening, unifying and inspiring the believers. The decision in 1976 to hold the National Teaching Conference in a village rather than in a city proved to be the key that unlocked floodgates of latent enthusiasm and resulted in the friends pouring forth to teach and to win Five Year Plan goals. The Bahá’í community was further diversified through the enrolment of representatives of the Goulaye, Dajo, Kanembo,

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M’Baye-Dora, Moubou, Tuperi and Kéra tribes.

‘In the area of public relations, audiences were obtained with ministerial ofl‘icials; an article reporting the visit of Mr. Olinga to Chad appeared in the Government daily bulletin; Mrs. Meherangiz Munsifl", a travelling teacher from the United Kingdom, was interviewed on Radio Chad for a programme on International Women’s year during which she made mention of the Bahá’í Faith and its principles as related to the role of women in developing countries. Personal visits were made and Bahá’í literature was distributed to many local and regional Government officials. In co-operation with the local United Nations Organization, United Nations Day was observed annually. Successful public expositions of Bahá’í books were held in two major communities; and during national conferences and conventions displays of books stimulated the interest of the friends in the literature of their Faith.

‘By Riḍván 1976, many localities had set aside sites for local Centres, and five Centres had been constructed ; seventy-five new localities had been opened; pioneers had settled in key posts; fiftytwo Local Spiritual Assemblies had been elected, many through their own efforts; and hundreds of new believers had declared their faith in Baha’u’llah. The plans ofNational and Regional Teaching Committees were imaginative and productive. Thus the spirits of the labourers in this corner of Baha’u’llah’s vineyard were lifted and filled with assurance that the careful tilling of this fertile soil and the patient nurturing of these tender plants at the beginning of the period would bear mature and plentiful fruit in the remaining years of the Five Year Plan.’

THE GAMBIA

"In 1973 the Gambia was under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of Upper West Africa (seat in Banjul, the Gambia) comprising Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde Islands. Mauritania and the Gambia. At Riḍván 1975 a new National Spiritual Assembly, that of the Gambia. was established with its seat in Banjul, and the National Spiritual Assembly of Upper West Africa, now comprising Sénégal, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and the Cape Verde Islands, changed its seat to Dakar, Sénégal.1 ‘ Announced in a letter of6 January 1975 from the Universal

House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies.

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‘The conventions for the election of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Gambia in 1975 and 1976 were characterized by a heightened spirit of unity. In the period under review the residents of villages in the F onyi area demonstrated great receptivity to the Faith and teaching followed by consolidation will result in the establishment of firm communities there. Wisdom must guide every effort as persecution and difficulty have been encountered in a few villages. Nevertheless, some Bahá’ís of the Fonyis have carried the Faith to neighbouring villages.

‘Proclamation activities have famiiiarized the Faith to many throughout the Gambia. In August 1973 the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, accompanied by Mr. Husayn Ardikani Of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Africa, made a briefvisit and met with Bahá’ís in Banjul and Churchilltown. In September 1974 and again in J une 1976 the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga visited the Gambia. During his visit Mr. Olinga was received by the Acting President, His Excellency Andrew D. Camara, to whom he presented a copy of The Bahá’í World, vol. XIV; was inter Bahá’í Children’s Class, T alindingkunjang, the Gam

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’.1!"““ i ‘

i

bia; May 1974.

viewed on Radio Gambia ; visited the Temple site and national endowment land ; met the friends in a number of centres including the eight villages in Fonyis where local Centres are being built; addressed successful meetings and met with the National Assembly to advise, and orient its efforts to accomplish the goals of the Five Year Plan.

‘In December 1974 a successful teaching institute and conference was held at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Banjul under the sponsorship of the Continental Board of Counsellors with fifty believers attending from Sénégal, Mauritania and the Gambia. The theme of the conference was the significance of the Five Year Plan. A second teacher training institute was held in Banjul a year later to train the friends for village teaching. F orty friends from the Kombo (urban) area attended. The presence of three youth travelling teachers from the United Kingdom enlivened the gathering. As a followup measure, the National Spiritual Assembly initiated a correspondence course.

‘Other important teaching activities were: a one-day deepening class in Banjul in July 1973; increased classes for Bahá’í children and fuller

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participation by women in the affairs of the community; extensive teaching in the vicinity of Mansakonko including a successful public meeting in June 1975 when a meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly coincided with the arrival of Bahá’í visitors from Mauritania and 1rén ; the opening of new villages in the Fonyis by local believers; the observance of United Nations Day in 1974 and 1975 by the Bahá’ís in Mansakonko; and the influx of more than twenty travelling teachers and visitors to Fonyis and the Kombo and Mansakonko areas. ‘Bahá’í women have participated on both the local and national levels and classes for Bahá’í women were established in some areas. During International Women’s Year efforts were made to bring the Faith to the attention of greater numbers of women. Mailers were sent to some eighty prominent women in the Gambia and contact was made with the Gambia Women’s Federation. In January 1976 the Bahá’ís were represented at the Gambian Government’s observance of International Women’s Year. In addition, the Bahá’ís arranged a poster display

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in the National Library. Women were active in travel teaching in the period under review.

‘Youth have assisted in translating for travelling teachers and children’s classes. In December 1975 a youth proclamation project was initiated by three young travelling teachers from the United Kingdom. The team addressed seven schools, presented books to libraries, had two radio interviews, arranged a poster display at the National Library and gave a press release to local newspapers.

‘Various Bahá’í visitors have been interviewed on National Radio and announcements of Bahá’í activities have been broadcast.

‘In June 1973 the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds was exempted, as a religious building, from tax and subsequently the title deed was transferred from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom and registered in the name of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Gambia.1 On 19 February 1976 a twenty-one year lease for the Temple site at Latrikunda Sabiji was signed

1See p. 168.

The first West African (International) Bahá’í Youth Conference, held in Accra, Ghana, 10—13 July 1975, was attended by the Hand of the Cause Enoch 01inga and 350 youth representing 27 countries.

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and registered in the name of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Gambia. This plot is now being fenced and the construction of the regional Bahá’í Centre on a portion of the site is nearing completion. On 5 January 1976 a twenty-one year lease was signed and registered for the national endowment land at Lamin in the name of the National Assembly. Construction of local Bahá’í Centres in eight villages in the F onyis is nearing completion.

‘On 11 February 1976 the National Spiritual Assembly was registered as a religious body. In addition, a model Bahá’í will has been prepared and the friends are invited to file their will with the civil court.

‘In retrospect, the past three years have witnessed signs of the growing maturity of the Bahá’í community of the Gambia. Teaching has increased and the local believers are increasingly participating in activities. The number of Local Spiritual Assemblies has increased from seventeen to twenty-three. The recent settlement of two additional pioneers and the influx of travelling teachers has shown what increased manpower can accomplish. Surely with the settlement of the remaining pioneers required in the Five Year Plan and the continued and intensified participation of all the friends the remaining goals of the Five Year Plan will be achieved.‘

GHANA

‘Ghana was greatly blessed during this threeyear period by visits from the Hands of the Cause Enoch Olinga and Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir whose presence stimulated the believers and encouraged them to scale loftier heights of devotion and service.

‘In 1974, for the first time, the public heard of the Faith over the National Television Network when Dr. William Maxwell was interviewed by the director of television. Extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá were read on the late evening “Meditation” series by National Spiritual Assembly member Mr. Joseph Musah over a period of two months. During 1974—1975 a musical programme of songs with Bahá’í themes was presented on television on five occasions by Ghanaian believers, Ranzie and Lorraine Mensah.

‘The outstanding event of this period took place in July 1975 when Ghana was privileged to

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be host to the first West African Bahá’í Youth Conference, held in Accra. The hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga graced the gathering by his presence and there were more than three hundred and fifty participants from twenty-seven countries. For the first time in Accra, posters were displayed all over the city and a series of crowded public meetings was held nightly during and after the conference. Simultaneously, deepening classes were held at the national Centre. Many people declared their belief in Baha’u’llah. Following the conference participants travelled to different areas of Ghana and Togo to teach the Faith. The Hand of the Cause, accompanied by some of the Bahá’í youth, was cordially received by the Head of State of Ghana, His Excellency Colonel Ignatius K. Acheampong, who accepted Bahá’í literature. Official recognition of the Bahá’í Faith was obtained in March 1975.1

‘In the following year the visit of Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff again brought the Faith to the attention of the public. Large-scale proclamation projects were carried out in the south of Ghana, in Cape Coast, Koforidua, Tema and Nsawam. During the entire period 1973—1976 the Faith was proclaimed on a scale hitherto unknown and many people in Ghana, though unaware of its full import, for the first time heard the word “Bahá’í” and learned of the existence of the Faith.’

IVORY COAST, MALI AND UPPER VOLTA

‘The community of the Ivory Coast, Mali and Upper Volta entered the Five Year Plan in a state of thrilled anticipation, fortified by their outstanding victories in the teaching field durin g the Nine Year Plan. The local one year plan, 1973—1974, had been devoted to consolidation of victories; and now the community was rewarded by the exciting news that in the Five Year Plan they were to raise two more pillars of the administrative structure sustaining the Universal House of Justice—the National Spiritual Assemblies of Mali and of Upper Volta. In addition, among the other tasks confronting them, the believers were given the particularly challenging goal of forming Local Spiritual Assemblies in more than half the total localities assigned to them.

'See p. 359.

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‘The friends determined to accomplish all teaching goals by the mid-point of the plan. Mass teaching in the animist regions of the country began to be particularly effective in such areas as Danané and Daloa. The believers responded enthusiastically to the call to dawn prayers; regular devotionals were initiated in over twenty communities. Women were becoming more active in community affairs. Children’s classes were begun. By Riḍván 1976 the exciting news was announced: all teaching goals in the Ivory Coast had been achieved and surpassed! The goal of ninety localities was surpassed through the opening of one hundred and fortyseven localities; the goal of forming fifty Local Spiritual Assemblies was exceeded by ten.

‘The first phase of our teaching plan having been achieved, the second phase was begun. The teaching goals in Mali and Upper Volta were to be accomplished by 20 October 1976, the anniversary of the birth of the Báb, and the midpoint of the Five Year Plan. As early as January 1975 the goal of opening nineteen localities in Mali had been exceeded by three. Inspired by the announcement of the Universal House of Justice at Riḍván 1976 that the two new National Spiritual Assemblies would be elected at Riḍván 1977 a call went out to the delegates assembled at the national convention in 1976 and the local believers arose to meet the challenge. All international travelling teachers were to be diverted to Mali and Upper Volta and each pioneer pledged teaching time in these areas. Plans were formulated for the holding of an International Youth Conference in Abidjan and the launching of a special teaching project in West Africa.

‘Through the unceasing efforts of the Malian believers both the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and the Temple site were acquired by the end of 1975. During this same period the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Ouagadougou, Upper Volta was acquired due in large part to the devoted efforts of the local community. The beautiful Bouaké regional Centre, teaching institute and proclamation hall were completed and were dedicated at the national convention in 1976. In 1975 recognition of the Faith was obtained in Upper Volta.1

‘In the autumn of 1974 Mali and Upper Volta were honoured by the two-month visit of the

‘See p. 358.

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Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga. He inspired the believers to launch a project of expansion which became known among the friends as “The Olinga Project”. Inaugurated in 1974, on the birthday of the Báb, the project in 1976 was extended to Riḍván 1977, the target date for the formation of the new National Spiritual Assemblies. The inspiring visit of the beloved Hand of the Cause set the stage for the impressive victories which followed. '

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir blessed the friends in the Ivory Coast with a briefvisit in 1975 on his way to the annual convention of the National Spiritual Assembly of Niger. As a result of his consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Ivory Coast, Mali and Upper Volta a model mass teaching project was launched in Daloa, a recently opened animist region near the centre of the Ivory Coast. The results were unprecedented: in less than a year more than sixteen Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed and the new believers had assumed responsibility for teaching, forming new Local Assemblies, holding children’s classes, Nineteen Day Feasts and Holy Day Observances, and propagating the Faith throughout the region.

‘The believers of the three-country area are ready to enter the second half of the Five Year Plan with high enthusiasm, their hearts firmly fixed on surpassing each and every goal in their fervent desire to serve the Blessed Beauty.”

LIBERIA AND GUINEA

‘Over the past few years the Bahá’í community of Liberia has succeeded more in the field of proclamation activities than in any other field. The impact created by the Continental Conference held in Monrovia in January 19712 has been sustained by a number of projects which have attracted increasingly widespread public attention to the Faith and its teachings. While this increased public attention has not resulted in any dramatic increase in enrolments in the Faith, it has prepared the ground for the success of the suggestions offered by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir which are being implemented with a gratifying degree of success by the National Spiritual Assembly. Many people in the urban areas of Liberia immediately express a familiarity with the name “Bahá’í Faith”.

2See The Bahá’í World. vol. XV, pp. 296416. 318.

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‘Prominent among the proclamation activities that have made and are making a significant impact are:

‘1. A weekly television epilogue, each Wednesday evening. Many local Bahá’ís and travelling teachers and visitors .have appeared on this programme in Monrovia.

‘2. A sympathetic relationship has been established with the key personnel of the broadcasting station. This has resulted in Bahá’í guests being readily accepted for interviews on radio and television. During his recent visit to Monrovia, Dr. Muhájir was interviewed on television and showed slides of the Holy Land during the broadcast.

‘3. In 1974, on the occasion of national Independence Day, the Bahá’ís of Liberia were accorded a cordial interview with His Excellency Dr. William R. Tolbert, Jr., President of Liberia, at his official residence in Gbarnga. In the presence of high-ranking officials of Government and parliamentarians, His Excellency graciously accepted a copy of The Bahá’í World, vol. XIV. The event received press coverage and a news item which appeared the following day in the Ministry of Information’s official press bulletin quoted President Tolbert as saying that the volume would be placed in a “special corner” of his library. On the same occasion the Ambassador of Guinea pledged his country’s friendship and consented to being photographed with representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘4. The Bahá’ís of Monrovia were very actively involved in activities relating to International Women’s year in 1975. A United Nations Day programme was sponsored by the Bahá’ís in the United States Information Service auditorium during which, in addition to a talk, two Bahá’í films were shown.

‘5. Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff, a travelling teacher from the United Kingdom who Visited Liberia in 1975, made a considerable impact on members of the public through a public meeting, three lectures at high schools, a lecture at the university and through interviews on radio and television during which she spoke about International Women’s Year and the principles of the Bahá’í Faith as related to the role of women.

‘At the half—way point of the Five Year Plan there has been witnessed a forward surge of teaching engendered by the visit of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir. The enthusiasm, zeal

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and dedication which the friends are currently devoting to the teaching work hold a bright promise and the rewarding results which are already being recorded may very well be attributed to the gradual effects of sustained preparatory proclamation activities in the previous years.’

NIGER

‘The first pioneers of the Faith arrived in Niger in 1966. When the Five Year Plan was launched, Niger was under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of Dahomey (Benin), Togo and Niger which had its seat in Cotonou, Benin. At Riḍván 1975, nine years after the first pioneers settled in the country, Niger was granted the privilege of electing its own National Spiritual Assembly, with its seat in Niamey. A new page was turned in the history of the Faith in Niger, for with administrative independence the activities of the Faith were conducted more easily.

‘At Riḍván 1976 Niger has a community of approximately 600 Bahá’ís out of a population of 4,500,000; about two-thirds of the believers embraced the Faith within the last four years and the community is composed mainly of youth. With the appointment of two very important national committees, youth and teaching, a burgeoning of activities became evident.

‘The National Teaching Committee has organized weekly programmes under which teachin g trips are made and isolated localities are visited; it also organizes, on a regular basis, institutes and deepening classes. The National Youth Committee directs widely diversified activities such as exhibitions, conferences in various localities throughout the country, social outings such as picnics which attract a considerable number of sympathizers of the Faith, slide programmes and fellowship evenings.

‘At the first national convention the Bahá’í community of Niger had the privilege of being assisted by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, the representative of the Universal House of Justice. One year later the community was honoured by the presence of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga. Dr. Mihdi Samandari, Mrs. Thelma Khelghati and Mr. Zekrollah Kazemi, of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Africa, were also welcome guests in the period under review. A number of travelling teachers from various

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countries have effectively contributed to the progress of the Bahá’í Faith in Niger.

‘The number of Local Spiritual Assemblies in Niger is rather unstable due to the frequency with which the many Bahá’ís who are civil servants are transferred in the course of their employment. Although the community is lagging in forming the requisite number of Local Spiritual Assemblies it has succeeded in opening to the Faith more than half the number of localities required to be opened during the Five Year Plan. A national Centre has been acquired in Niamey, the capital, as called for in the plan and a national endowment has been secured. The second city of the country enjoys a local Centre and a local endowment, both acquired in 1976.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly has appointed a Home Committee which regularly organizes activities for Bahá’í women and children. The appointment of a Translation Committee has resulted in the translation of some Bahá’í prayers into Dyerma (Djerma) and Hausa (Haussa), two main languages of the country.

‘Confronted at the national convention in 1976 with a recognition that achievement of the Five Year Plan goals required a renewed sense of urgency, the National Spiritual Assembly developed a six-month project designed to correct the deficiencies. The results of this programme which is to extend from May to October 1976 are awaited with hope.’

NIGERIA

‘During the course of the Nine Year Plan, Nigeria was engulfed in civil war which had a negative effect on the progress of the Faith. Towards the end of that plan, which coincided with the termination of the disturbances, many assigned goals were accomplished. A large number of pioneers had left when the F ive Year Plan started and the number of functioning Local Spiritual Assemblies became very low. In the opening phase of the Five Year Plan the National Assembly had the difficult task of simultaneously revitalizing Local Spiritual Assemblies while pursuing vigorously the winning of the goals of the new plan.

‘The visits of the Hands of the Cause of God had a beneficial and lasting effect in generating enthusiasm and stimulating the friends to assume more responsibilities and rise to new

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heights of service. In 1974 the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga visited Nigeria, accompanied by Mrs. Olinga. He was able to travel throughout the country visiting many communities. The highlight of his visit was an interview which was published by one of the most popular and wellcirculated daily newspapers.

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir also visited Nigeria, in May 1974 and again in May 1975. During his first visit he was able to meet with some of the National Spiritual Assembly members and other Bahá’í friends in Lagos. His briefvisit on that occasion had a great impact on the friends. During his second visit, which was longer, he was able to visit more Bahá’ís.

‘The Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Africa held several of their meetings in Nigeria and the Counsellors visited some communities. On several occasions the National Spiritual Assembly enjoyed the benefit of direct consultation with the Counsellors.

‘Many international travelling teachers visited Bahá’í communities in Nigeria during this period. These friends who came from Portugal, Canada, Benin, the United States and the United Kingdom contributed considerably to the achievement of our goals. In addition, a group of Persian youth who had participated in the International Youth Conference in Ghana in July 1975 spent a week in Nigeria and visited some localities. For the first time in the history of the Faith in Nigeria the believers attended a Bahá’í conference beyond the confines of the country; the Ghana International Youth Conference was attended by a delegation of thirtythree Bahá’ís from Nigeria.

‘The National Teaching Conferences held in 1974 and 1975 were among the activities specifically embarked upon in conjunction with the Five Year Plan. The first one was held in Aba and the second in Umuahia. Acting upon instructions from the Universal House of Justice the election in 1975 of delegates to the national convention took place through unit conventions. This was a great experience for the friends, many of whom had never before had the opportunity of participating in national conventions or of becoming familiar with the process of Bahá’í consultation in large gatherings.

‘In the period under review prayers were translated into Tiv, Yoruba and Ibo and a

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Second Regional Youth C onference, Taiama, Sierra Leone: 26—28 M arch 1976.

general increase in the efficiency and organization of national committees was noted.’

SIERRA LEONE

“In 1972 Sierra Leone was under the jurisdiction of the regional National Spiritual Assembly of West Africa. At the outset of the Five Year Plan the National Assembly of West Africa assigned a number of the teaching and expansion goals for Sierra Leone to its National Teaching Committee based in that country. The National Teaching Committee was also instructed to secure the incorporation of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Freetown and to commence work on the acquisition of the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and to achieve other property goals.

‘In July 1974 a Bahá’í youth, Mr. Augustine Conteh, undertook travelling teaching in three communities. In November 1974 youth were also involved in a National Teaching Committee project which was designed to stimulate enthusiasm and foster understanding of the Five Year Plan through visits to the Local Spiritual Assemblies. This process was reinforced in J une 1975 through the holding ofa conference in B0 for Auxiliary Board members which had the Five Year Plan as its central theme.

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‘The first National Teaching Conference was held in B0 in February 1975 under the sponsorship of the National Teaching Committee. It was at this conference that the friends were informed that Sierra Leone would form its National Spiritual Assembly at Riḍván 1975. When the first national convention was held in Sierra Leone at Riḍván 1975 the report of the National Teaching Committee reflected, among other things, that the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies had increased from five to seven, the number of groups had increased by one and the number of localities by two.

‘The Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga represented the Universal House of J ustice at the inaugural convention for the election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Sierra Leone. Mr. Olinga consulted with the newly-elected National Assembly, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Freetown and in addition to meeting with the believers on two occasions did some teaching work in Hastings and Goderich.

‘The new National Spiritual Assembly set out immediately to consider the suggestions of the National Teaching Committee, the recommendations of the convention, and to make plans concerning goals for the second year of the Five Year Plan.

‘Two successful regional Youth Conferences

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were held, the first at Makeni, Northern Province, in October 1975 ; the second at Taiama in March 1976. A programme related to International Women’s Year was held at the Teacher’s College for Women in Port Loko in November 1975. The visit in August 1975 of Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff of the United Kingdom contributed immensely t0 the proclamation of International Women’s Year. She met with several prominent local women and had a radio interview on a women’s programme entitled “Mainly for Women”.

‘The use of mass media has increased during the Five Year Plan. Bahá’ís have appeared on two television programmes as well as being interviewed on radio on a number of occasions. The Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga was interviewed following the 1975 convention. Auxiliary Board member Mrs. H. Vera Edwards, together with other Bahá’ís, was interviewed on radio following the 1976 convention. As a result of the interviewer suggesting that the Bahá’ís have a regular programme on radio and television, the Publicity Committee is attempting to develop suitable materials for a weekly radio programme and spot announcements.

‘A compilation of relatively short selections from the sacred Writings is in process of being translated into Mende. Members of two tribes, not previously represented in the Cause, embraced the Faith in 1976 namely, the Yalunka and Koranko tribes of the Koinadugu district in the Northern Province.

‘Characteristic trends of the period were observed mainly in three areas: first, a marked increase in participation in the teaching effort by local believers; secondly, an upsurge of interest in the Faith mainly among literate people resulting from proclamation activities; and, thirdly, greater interest on the part of women and increased enrolments among them. Generally, youth were involved in almost every aspect of the work of the Five Year Plan.”

TOGO

‘The period from Riḍván 1973 to Riḍván 1976 was one of intense activity for the Bahá’ís of Togo. Many significant accomplishments were recorded including the formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Togo; the winning of a series of teaching

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victories resulting in the establishment of the Faith in every region of the country and increasing greatly the number of its adherents; the holding of several major conferences and institutes; the achievement of most of the major property goals of the Five Year Plan; and the witnessing of a vast increase in the participation of local believers in the teaching and administrative work of the Cause.

‘During these three years Togo had the extreme bounty to receive several visits from the Hands of the Cause of God. Mr. Enoch Olinga and his wife visited Togo for several days in September 1974, and Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir made three brief but deeply appreciated visits, in September 1973, June 1974 and April 1975. Each of these visits breathed new life into the members of the Togolese Bahá’í community, stirred them to greater service and strengthened their resolve. Indeed, many of the goals achieved are due in part to the loving inspiration of these distinguished Hands.

‘At Riḍván 1975 the Bahá’ís of Togo rejoiced at the formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly. Togo had formerly been under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Dahomey (Benin), Togo and Niger. The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir represented the Universal House of J ustice on this joyous occasion. More than sixty delegates and observers from throughout Togo witnessed with justifiable pride the birth of this new divine institution, the formation of which marked the coming of age of the Bahá’í community of Togo. Its seat is in Lomé.

‘In the period covered by this survey the Bahá’ís of Togo helped organize two international teaching conferences. The first, held in July 1974 in Lomé, brought together more than seventy-five believers from six countries and sparked a wave of teaching throughout Togo. The second was the historic International Youth Conference held in Accra in neighbouring Ghana in July 1975. This conference was originally scheduled to take place in Lomé but because of unforeseen circumstances the locale had to be transferred to Accra on short notice. This turn of events brought unexpected benefits. Not only were better physical facilities obtained than could have been found in Lorne but also the Togolese and Ghanaian National Spiritual Assemblies, who co-sponsored the conference, were able to work together on a common inter [Page 174]174

Assembly project which helped greatly to cement the unity of the Bahá’ís of the two regions. The Accra conference, attended by the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga and almost four hundred believers from twenty-seven countries, was a tremendous stimulus to the teaching work throughout West Africa.

‘In Togo, teaching groups from Belgium, Írán, Switzerland and the United States teamed with local believers and pioneers and spread throughout the country winning great victories. The extreme north of Togo, hitherto almost virgin to the Faith, was conquered through the opening of six new localities and the enrolling of more than seventy—five new believers. Simultaneously, different projects were launched in the south and centre of Togo, also with good results. Other teaching activities too numerous to mention were held during these three years, the overall result being that the number of Bahá’ís in Togo more than doubled and the Faith became solidly established in every region of the country. Considerable progress was also made in deepening the knowledge of the old and new believers and in establishing the basic foundation of local Bahá’í community life. One rewarding result of this process was the increase in the number of African believers serving in the teaching and administrative fields.

‘Any summary of Bahá’í activity in Togo during this period would be incomplete if mention were not made of achievements in relation to the important property goals of the Five Year Plan. The national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds was acquired in March 1975 and dedicated on the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah. In addition, the site of the future House of Worship, a national endowment and the land for a regional Centre were all acquired.

‘Other important activities during these three years included the publication of a selection of Bahá’í prayers in Ewe, in collaboration with the National Spiritual Assembly of Ghana; the cooperation of the Bahá’í community with the local United Nations Information Bureau on two occasions; the presentation of Bahá’í literature to prominent personalities; the appearance of a full—page feature article on the Faith in the national newspaper Togo Presse; the enrolment in the Faith of several village Chiefs; the publication of a brief French—language teaching brochure designed for mass distribution; the holding of several one-day regional

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deepening institutes, a national deepening institute in Lorne in June 1973, and a national teaching conference in Lomé in December 1975; and the modest beginning made on several occasions to initiate women’s activities and increase their participation in the Cause.

‘This three-year period culminated at NawRl'iz 1976 with the appointment of Mrs. Thelma Khelghati as a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Africa.1 The entire Bahá’í community of Togo took pride in the honour accorded one who had contributed so greatly to the achievement of these victories.’

UPPER WEST AFRICA

‘After the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly of The Gambia at Riḍván 1975, the National Spiritual Assembly of Upper West Africa was elected comprising under its jurisdiction the territories of Sénégal, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau and the Cape Verde Islands and with its seat in Dakar, Senegal. The Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga represented the Universal House of Justice at the inaugural convention on 25 April 1975.

‘Many significant events occurred in 1975. A national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for Sénégal was acquired in Dakar and this structure rapidly became the centre of all Bahá’í activities for that area. Gatherings for dawn prayers were held there once each week; a weekly teaching and deepening class was initiated; and a national Bahá’í library was established, thus making it easier for the friends to study the Writings of the Faith.,

‘After many months of patient and sustained effort on the part of Dr. ‘Aziz Navidi recognition of the Faith was achieved in Senegal in 1975 when the Faith was registered as an association under the name “The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Senegal”.

‘Several international travelling teachers Visited Sénégal and Mauritania during this period and aided in the teaching work. We record with appreciation the visit of Mr. Olinga to Mauritania following the national convention in 1975. This visit enabled him to see at first hand the problems which arise in relation to teaching in Mauritania and he was thus able to proffer very valuable advice.

1 Letter from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, Naw-Rl'lz 1976.

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‘Thirty-seven believers gathered in Dakar for three days in December 1975 to participate in the first National Teaching Conference.

‘On 29 March 1976 the first local Centre was acquired and dedicated in M’Bidieum, Sénégal. On 21 March of that year the first issue appeared of the Bahá’í bulletin of Upper West Africa entitled Naw-Rz'zz. The bulletin contains not only international and national news but deepening materials including previously unavailable selections from the Bahá’í Writings, outlines of Bahá’í history and editorials related to principles of the Faith.

‘By Riḍván 1976 the number of Local

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Spiritual Assemblies had increased to twentyfive more than existed at Riḍván 1975—and in the same period the number of localities opened to the Faith increased from twenty-eight to fiftythree. Efforts have been initiated to increase participation by Bahá’í women and a class for children is held in Dakar attended by Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í children. It is our hope that through the dispersal of the friends from the Dakar area, through the arrival of pioneers and through improved conditions external to the Faith in Mauritania, greater progress will soon be made toward fulfilling our teaching goals.’

B. THE AMERICAS

In the period under review, no new National Spiritual Assemblies were formed in the Americas. The progress of the Faith in the territories within the jurisdictions of the thirty National Assemblies which existed there at Riḍván 1976 is described below, the national communities being set out under the three zones established as the spheres of service of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, namely:

Central America

North America

South America

Central America

BARBADOS AND THE WINDWARD ISLANDS

‘The year 1973 was highlighted by the visits of the Hand of the Cause Dr. ‘Ali—Muhammad Varqa, and Mrs. Carmen de Burafato, Mr. Rowland Estall and Mr. Artemus Lamb of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America. Mr. Estall also Visited Grenada and St. Vincent where he met the friends. While in St. Vincent he presented Bahá’í books to Premier Mitchell.

‘Significant activities in 1973 include the satellite conference in August and a nine-day teacher training course in December, both held at Martin’s Bay, St. John, Barbados.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly acquired its national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Bridgetown, Barbados in April 1974 with the assistance of the

National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. The first resident Auxiliary Board member was appointed—Miss Shirley Ann Yarbrough—and Dominica was added to the territory of the National Spiritual Assembly. In the summer of 1974 the friends of Barbados welcomed the Hand of the Cause J alal @ézeh on his first visit to the area. The first Bahá’í wedding in the national area took place in St. Vincent in the month of J une when Allister Phillips and Evelyn McFay were married. A Bahá’í correspondence course was initiated in July 1974 and in September another “first” was registered when the Bahá’í youth organized and conducted a Bahá’í youth meeting at the national Centre. The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir and Counsellor Estall Visited Barbados in November 1974. The following month a National Teaching Conference was held in St. Vincent, attended by Mr. Artemus Lamb of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America.

‘One of the goals of the Five Year Plan for this area was achieved in 1975 through the purchase of ten acres of land for use as a Temple site in St. Lucy, Barbados. Other significant events which occurred in 1975 include the visit of the Hand of the Cause John Robarts who conducted a twoday deepening institute in Barbados; the appointment in February of the first two assistants to the Auxiliary Board member; the formation of a Bahá’í Youth Club in St. Vincent in February and in Barbados in April ; the arrival of Mrs. Hazel Lovelace, an Indian believer from Alaska, who launched a two-month teaching

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project in Newbury, St. George, which attracted a number of young people to the Faith, before continuing her travelling teaching in St. Vincent and Union Island; the holding of a National Teaching Conference at the national Centre in Barbados in July; the attendance of Bahá’ís from Barbados at the teaching conference called by the Continental Board of Counsellors and held in Antigua in August; the presentation by Bahá’ís of Barbados of a copy of Baht'z ’u ’llz'zh and the New Era to Mas Clam, the Carib Indian

Chief of Dominica thus fulfilling another Five Year Plan goal ; the passing in November 1975 of Mrs. Elsie Snyder, the first pioneer to die at her post in Barbados; the first visit to Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent and Dominica of Mr. Paul Lucas of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America; and the incorporation of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of St. Michael, Barbados, the first Local Assembly to achieve incorporation in this national area.

‘In a cablegram dated 15 April 1975 the

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177

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Universal House of Justice approved the recommendation of the National Assembly that its name be changed from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Windward Islands to the National Spiritual Assembly of Barbados and the Windward Islands to facilitate the National Assembly’s efforts to secure recognition by Act of Parliament.

‘In April 1976 Cora Oliver visited Barbados and Grenada as a travelling teacher. The national convention in 1976 was held in St. Vincent. It was the first time that this event took place outside Barbados since the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly. In attendance was Mr. Alfred Osborne of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America and friends from Grenada, Barbados and Dominica.’

BELIZE

‘The period from 1973 to 1976 has seen much acceleration in the teaching and deepening work in Belize. We have been twice blessed with the guidance and spiritual impetus resulting from visits of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’llélh Muhájir. His three-day visit in February 1975 was utilized to the fullest extent, beginningwith a reception at the leading hotel the night of his arrival attended by almost one hundred specially invited guestsincluding the Mayor of Belize City, a member of the National House of Representatives and many other prominent persons who had never before attended a Bahá’í public function.

‘Dr. Muhájir, whose arrival and activities were broadcast on radio news programmes

several times, was interviewed on the radio station whose programmes are heard throughout the country; spoke in the high schools of Belize city;consu1ted with the National Spiritual Assembly; met the friends from various areas at a national conference at the Enoch Olinga Institute at Blackman Eddy; met the Bahá’ís at Belmopan and proceeded to Stann Creek Town (now called Dangriga) for a one-day school.

‘In March 1976 Dr. Muhájir again gave us two precious days during which he attracted over a hundred Bahá’ís and non—Bahá’ís to a very successful public meeting at the most prestigious hotel, once more spoke in high schools and, in consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly, outlined a special teaching plan for 1976 in which the remaining goals of the Five Year Plan were to be phased over the time remaining. This project was discussed and launched at two teaching conferences and teams were appointed to carry it out.

‘Belize has also had the valuable assistance of a flow of travelling teachers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, J amaica and Honduras and has welcomed the arrival of eleven new pioneers from iran, Canada and the United States.

‘Deepening the believers has been the paramount goal during this period as well as the development of functioning Local Spiritual Assemblies. These twin processes were initiated in November 1973 with ten days of continuous and regular classes held in diflerent villages of the Western district, to prepare the local believers to become independent teachers. Two teacher training institutes were also held in that year.

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‘One national and three regional teaching conferences were held during 1974 and 1975, the latter for the purpose of launching the Five Year Plan. Since 1973, many one-day schools, institutes, deepening classes and public meetings have been held in various parts of the country; and a correspondence course and national Bahá’í bulletin have been sent periodically to all English-speaking believers.

‘In February 1974 the quarterly meeting of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America was held in Belize City; and we have since had individual visits from Counsellors Alfred Osborne, Rowland Estall, Paul Lucas and Artemus Lamb. The Enoch Olinga Institute, the acquisition of which was one of the goals of the Nine Year Plan, was completed in the period under review; it was dedicated in October 1973 by Counsellor Alfred Osborne at a national teaching conference.

‘Excellent publicity was obtained both in press and on radio for all local Bahá’í events. The monthly Bahá’í radio programme “The Bahá’í Viewpoint” which was initiated before the end of the Nine Year Plan was presented on a weekly basis beginning early in 1974 and broadcast throughout the country.

‘During this period we achieved incorporation of the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Stann Creek Town (Dangriga) and San Ignacio, bringing to six the total of incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies.

‘Lessons for Bahá’í children have been distributed to believers in many villages who volunteered to conduct children’s classes; many are functioning in different parts of the country. Activities for youth and women have lagged but a beginning has been made and we are concentrating on increasing projects in these fields.

‘At Riḍván 1973 there were twenty-four Local Spiritual Assemblies and the Faith had been established in ninety-three localities; by Riḍván 1976 these figures had increased to thirty-six and one hundred and twenty, respectively. In 1975 we achieved the goal of sending a pioneer to Islas de la Bahia. The diversity of the Bahá’í community has been enriched through the enrolment in the Toledo district of Bahá’ís of East Indian background. We are in process of securing land for one district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and an adjacent piece ofland for an endowment, and are investigating and negotiating for

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property in various villages for use as both Centres and endowments.

‘The most characteristic trend of the period has been the enrolment of believers in outlying districts and small villages, rather than solely in the capital and Belize City, resulting in a considerable increase in the number of Bahá’ís in the community.‘

COSTA RICA

‘During the year 1974—1975 the National Spiritual Assembly devoted itself to strengthening the bonds of affection and unity between itself and the local communities and to stimulating and encouraging the friends, particularly those in outlying areas, by visiting a number of centres as a body and simultaneously participating in proclamation projects sponsored in those areas, using the films El Alba and Paso a Paso. In addition, to prepare the friends of the Meseta Central for greater participation in the teaching work, the National Assembly arranged to hold a monthly “Unity Feast” for the six Local Assemblies and two groups concerned, each community in rotation being responsible for the meetings which were held in the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds with the full membership of the National Assembly in attendance. The success of this year-long endeavour was reflected in the increasing seriousness of the discussion, the resultant deepening and the stimulation of the desire of the friends to work together.

‘Toward the end of 1973 a beautiful plot of land, more than one hectare in size, was acquired in Belén de Carrillo, Guanacaste, as the site of a permanent institute. A member of the National Spiritual Assembly agreed to design, plan and later direct the construction which commenced in February 1974. It has gradually been developed as a permanent institute and a large number of conferences and teaching institutes have been held there.

‘During the year 1975—1976 activities of the type inaugurated the year before were continued but on a wider scale, extending to the regional level. Native believers went to the rural zones to assist in the consolidation work and the deepening of believers who had embraced the Faith years ago during a teaching project but who had not had sufficient knowledge and training to function as community members. This work was not as effective as was desired, although there were some positive results. The

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a

teaching and deepening of women and children was intensified through the appointment of a Domestic National Teaching Committee and through the holding ofconferences and teaching institutes.

‘The National Assembly met with partial success in correcting its membership records for believers in the rural zones—a difficult task because of the extreme mobility of the farming population—but the verification achieved provided an opportunity to evaluate more realistically the situation of rural believers.

‘In December 1975 a Central-American Summer School was held with one representative of the Continental Board of Counsellors and two Auxiliary Board members in attendance, as well as believers from Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica.

‘The work of the National Assembly was intensive that year; thirty-eight two-day meetings were held. We were honoured by a visit from the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir who worked closely with the National Assembly on teaching plans for the year 1976. During the second half of 1975 much work was done in laying a firm foundation for the year 1976.

‘The Visits of native teachers to rural areas were intensified during 1976 with the result that many communities were strengthened and

179

r

Bahá’í children’s class, Costa Rica; 1975.

some that had never functioned on an organized basis began to operate effectively. The communities of the Central Plateau were considerably strengthened with the intention of developing the believers to serve as travelling teachers. The teaching of children was also intensified, as far as possible, especially in the rural zones. Specific goals were assigned to some rural communities, not only in their own localities but in outside regions where they have been encouraged to aid Bahá’í groups to become Local Spiritual Assemblies.

‘Proclamation of the Faith continued through expanded use of mass media and particularly through the showing of the film The Green Light Expedition which has already been shown in a number of provinces including all the Central Plateau, and in universities, colleges, schools, community halls, the theatre of a small village, and in a municipal gymnasium. Efforts are now being made to have it projected on television. The Proclamation and Public Relations Committee has presented Bahá’í literature to the Governors of the provinces of San J osé, Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia and Guanacaste.

‘Two travelling teaching projects have been completed in Panama, of one and three months’ duration respectively; two in Honduras, of one month and three weeks respectively; and one of one week in Nicaragua. Two pioneers settled in

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the Artemus Lamb Institute in Guanacaste and a Costa Rican pioneer spent some time in Nicaragua.

‘Local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds have been acquired in Mojocito, Cohen, Sotki and Alto Uren in the Province of Limén in the Talamanca region; steps have been taken to acquire a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Desamparados, in the Province of San José; local endowments have been secured in Quepos and Térraba in the Province of Puntarenas, and in Nambi in the Province of Guanacaste. The goal that is giving us the most difficulty is the acquisition of Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and, above all, of endowments; but we are confident that Baha’u’llah will help us to achieve the goal.

‘In the period under review, to date, we have welcomed more than three hundred new believers into the Faith.’

CUBA

‘Bahá’í activities in Cuba are restricted by legal limitations since, according to the laws of our country, they cannot take place outside the precincts of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Havana.

‘In spite of our modest number, the believers make great efforts to reflect in their daily lives, in their jobs and social contact, a high-minded Bahá’í spirit and a rectitude of conduct which win them the respect and admiration of everyone.’

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

‘This national community has been blessed by the visits of two Hands of the Cause. Mr. Jalal [gazeh came in mid-1974 to orient the National Spiritual Assembly to the Five Year Plan. Mr. John Robarts arrived in late January 1975 and held valued consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly. Both these beloved Hands were able to meet with the friends and give them spiritual comfort, stimulus and joy.

‘All five members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America visited the Dominican Republic during this period, participating in conventions and conferences, consulting with the National Assembly and visiting local communities. The Counsellors named Mr. Regino Pepin a member of the Auxiliary Board for protection of the Faith in 1973; he has since designated five assistants.

‘The Dominican Bahá’ís can be proud of their international travelling teaching activity. A

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member of the National Assembly travelled to Venezuela and Puerto Rico in 1974, and he and his wife visited the same countries in 1975. Six other believers made teaching trips to Puerto Rico during this period.

‘Travellin g teachers have come to this country from North America and Puerto Rico. Mention must be made of five North American youth who visited us in the summer of 1974 as members of a summer youth project sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. After a brief training session they were divided into two groups which travelled in different regions. For a part of their tour they were accompanied by a Dominican Bahá’í girl from Santo Domingo. Their presence was inspiring to many and especially valuable was the constant example of their lives, joyful and informed with spirituality and moral principles.

“In addition to numerous national conferences, frequent one-day local and regional institutes were held to train Local Spiritual Assembly members, travelling teachers and others. There have also been several local Bahá’í women’s conferences in different towns.

‘Two publications were produced during the period under study, a revised edition of the booklet Primeros Pasos en la Fe Bahá’í (First Steps in the Bahá’í Faith) which is sent to every new believer, and a small and inexpensive introductory pamphlet.

‘There are regular children’s classes in four localities (one a group) and some other communities hold them intermittently; all are the spontaneous responses of Local Spiritual Assemblies or individuals to the known needs of the developing community. The National Child Education Committee is striving to prepare and disseminate materials and to encourage communities to take up the responsibility of establishing classes for children.

‘The first local endowment in the country was acquired early in 1976 in Santo Domingo through the sacrificial contribution of a piece of land by a Bahá’í couple of that community.

‘There has been a significant movement among the friends toward undertaking personal goals. A number of Local Spiritual Assemblies have shown progress toward maturity; in many cases this is the result of the increased regularity of visits by travelling teachers which itself arises from the undertaking of personal goals by the friends. Another notable trend is that women of

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Presentation of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh lo Mas C lam (centre), Carib Indian Chief,

Dominica, by a teaching team under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly of Barbados

and the Windward Islands; August, 1975. Auxiliary Board member Shirley Yarbrough is seen on the extreme right.

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all social classes are becoming increasingly strong and effective Bahá’í teachers.’

EL SALVADOR

‘Corning a year after the successful conclusion of the Nine Year Plan in which this energetic community sextupled the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies, the Five Year Plan presented us with a new kind of challenge. Not only were the fifty-four Local Spiritual Assemblies to be increased to one hundred, and the localities from two hundred and ten to two hundred and sixty, but we were to acquire twenty local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and twenty-five local endowment properties. El Salvador was also given the task of assisting its sister communities of Guatemala and Nicaragua with pioneers and travelling teachers and helping all the countries in the area with the development of the use of mass media, especially radio, in proclamation and teaching.

‘In the first year of the plan this community was requested by the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America to host two international conferences. The first was blessed with the presence of the Hand of the Cause Abu’l-Qasim Faizi and was attended by four Counsellors, members of the Auxiliary Board, the representatives of nine National Spiritual Assemblies and approximately one hundred and fifty other believers from twelve countries who met for three days in July 1974. The second, held in December of that year, was an International Youth Conference at which two Counsellors and approximately seventy—five youth from eight countries conferred on how youth could deepen their resolve and strengthen their Bahá’í character. In February 1976 a conference was held in observance of International Women’s Year attended by Bahá’í women from six countries and representing many walks of life. Several outstanding women who are active in public life in El Salvador attended a special reception and some of the conference sessions; many expressed their admiration of the efforts of the Bahá’ís to achieve recognition of the principle of equality of the sexes. The Continental Board of Counsellors, which cosponsored these events with the National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador, expressed its satisfaction with the success of all three conferences.

‘This community has established one pioneer

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in each of the two countries assigned, and has sent eight travelling teaching teams beyond its borders.

‘A well-equipped sound studio has been set up and a very creative committee is producing materials for radio which are made available to other countries of this area. A systematic plan of radio teaching has been in effect in El Salvador since early 1976 and we have been asked by the Universal House of J ustice to serve as a clearinghouse and distribution centre for radio materials for all Latin America.

‘The community has established good relations with the authorities, especially the Ministry of Education, which requested that Bahá’í literature be provided to supervisors of education for the purpose of orienting them in a suitable approach to the teaching of comparative religion. The National Spiritual Assembly donated one hundred and thirty books to the ministry for this purpose. Bahá’í speakers have been readily accepted for talks in the national high schools and have conferred with the educational planners of the Government. On the significant date 12 November 1975, the anniversary of Baha’u’llah’s birth, representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly were granted a cordial thirty-minute interview by His Excellency President Colonel Arturo Armando Molina Barraza of El Salvador to whom Bahá’í literature was presented.

‘The teaching and proclamation activities of the community have been such that the name “Bahá’í Faith” is now quite well known. Five factors have contributed greatly to the teaching and consolidation work:

‘1. The launching of intensive, short-term, dynamic campaigns. The value of these projects was demonstrated during the two visits to the country of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. In one three-day period twelve outstanding teaching events were arranged and carried out; these included public talks, addresses in high schools, radio presentations, interviews with edilcators and meetings with the believers and their friends.

‘2. The creation of four regional teaching and consolidation committees under the supervision of the National Teaching Committee makes it easier to serve the five regions and to cover much more intensively the many communities. On any given weekend there might be four or five proclamation meetings, six or eight towns

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183

Participants in first institute in El Salvador sponsored by the Central American Counsellors to

discuss the institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. The Counsellors were represented by Mr. Artemus

Lamb (second from right). Auxiliary Board member Naomi Dreyer is seen on the extreme left with

her assistants (left to right) Sr. José Francisco Oliva, Sra. Lidia Montecinos, Srta. Anna Hilda Rosales, Sr. Carlos Rodriguez, Sr. Antonio Reyes; 1975.

Visited, several deepening institutes conducted and between thirty and sixty new believers enrolled. Although this programme is demanding it has resulted in an increased involvement by new believers in the work of the Faith.

‘3. The naming of fifteen assistants to the Auxiliary Board member has more fully stimulated within the communities a sense of responsibility for teaching and consolidation.

‘4. Regular institutes on a national and regional level have increased the enthusiasm and activity of the believers.

‘5. The dedicated involvement of Bahá’í youth in all the above activities. On some occasions local youth have served with young travelling teachers from other countries including Colombia, Mexico and the United States.

‘Although lagging in the acquisition of some property goals several communities have taken steps leading to the acquisition of endowments and local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. A special project approved by the House of Justice was the purchase of approximately five acres of land for the establishment of a permanent institute. On this beautifully situated property a road has been

built and construction of the building has been almost completed.’

GUATEMALA

‘During the period from Riḍván 1973 to Riḍván 1976 the progress of the Faith in Guatemala was very slow although some small advances were made. In February 1975 the community was visited by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir who greatly inspired us.

‘For the first time a National Women’s and Children’s Committee was appointed which in 1975 sponsored a series of national and local institutes. These institutes included workshops on such themes as “The role of women according to the Bahá’í teachings”, “The spiritual education of children”, “The human (intellectual) education of children” and “Discipline”, based on the Bahá’í Writings and on notes of talks by various Hands of the Cause. During this period the first national institute for children and for potential teachers of children’s classes was also held.

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“Although radio was not extensively used, for a two—month period regular fifteen-minute programmes were broadcast in Quiche, and for a two-month period five-minute programmes were regularly broadcast in Cakchiquel.

‘One original booklet Amor, Noviazgo, y Matrimonia: Un Punto de Vista Bahá’í (Love, Courtship, and Marriage: A Bahá’í Viewpoint) was written and published for use in deepening Bahá’í and other youth in these important teachings. God’s Great Plan by Henry Ginn, Riches Without Gold by Joyce Liggett, and the compilation of the Universal House of J ustice on living the life were translated into Spanish and published. Cuentos de los Rompedores del Alba (Stories from the Dawn-Breakers) was republished; and La Luz .' Un Guia para los Padres (The Light: A Guide for Parents), a booklet on child education based largely on the Writings and on notes of Bahá’í talks, was compiled and prepared for publishing.

‘Three endowments have been acquired in the period ; two were spontaneous gifts of the owners and one was purchased by an individual believer for the purpose of donating it to the Faith.

‘Generally speaking, these years have been ones of internal tests and reassessment which did not result in dramatic growth in numbers but which nevertheless served to purify and strengthen the community of the Greatest Name in Guatemala.’

HAITI

‘During the first half of the Five Year Plan the efforts of the Haitian Bahá’í community were channelled into two major areas, the attainment of the goals of the Five Year Plan and the development of a more elficient internal administrative system,

‘With respect to the accomplishment of the goals of the plan, the following measures were taken:

‘1. Local Spiritual Assemblies were strengthened through being encouraged to assume greater responsibilities which previously were discharged by a homefront pioneer or a representative assigned to the area by the National Spiritual Assembly. To aid in this process deepening programmes were held on various subjects including improving the quality of Bahá’í life. The National Spiritual Assembly is in process of developing a manual containing guidelines for the officers of Local Assemblies.

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‘2. Haiti was assigned the goal of raising the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies to one hundred and five by the end of the Five Year Plan. A decrease in the number of Local Assemblies was noted in the second year of the plan, due to correcting the membership records and improving the administrative system and indicated a greater awareness on the part of the National Assembly of the number of local centres. With a firm and accurate base now established, plans are being formulated to meet and if possible exceed the statistical goals, working in close collaboration with the Auxiliary Board member.

‘3. A centrally located building has been acquired in Port-au-Prince for use as the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The building is larger than the one formerly used as the national Centre and plans are under way to renovate the structure and add auxiliary buildings. Six local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds have been established. One of these, situated in Poteau, near the provincial city of Les Cayes, will serve as a regional Centre for that area.

‘4. The compilation of prayers for children prepared by the Universal House of Justice has been translated into Creole and published and has been distributed to the Local Spiritual Assemblies.

‘5. Two delegates from Haiti attended the regional conference on the development of the use of mass media, held in Puerto Rico in December 1975. Radio time has been acquired several times in Port-au-Prince as well as in Gonai'ves and Les Cayes.

‘6. Initial steps have been taken toward incorporating the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘A number of measures have been taken which have dramatically improved the administration of the Bahá’í community on both the local and national level. The relocation of the national Bahá’í office in the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, the engaging of a full-time staff to aid with the secretarial work and the establishment of a reading library open to the public are significant improvements now under way. In an area where effective communication systems are lacking, the creation of a centrally-located national office will provide a permanent point of contact and a meeting place for the friends. The adoption of these and other measures will result in improved efficiency and provide a more effective foundation for the teaching work.’

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HONDURAS

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir made two visits to Honduras during the first half of the Five Year Plan. In 1974 he emphasized the need to phase the goals of the plan and inspired us to work one step at a time toward total victory without being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task before us. The sense of urgency imbued during his first visit was confirmed in April 1976 when he came again and challenged us to double the number of believers in the country by 1978. Subsequently the north coast was selected for mass proclamation.

‘Since the inception of the Bahá’í Women’s Club of Siguatepeque in 1974 many women have been introduced to the teachings and five women and one youth have accepted the Faith. A similar club based in Tegucigalpa held a successful public meeting in November 1975 when Mrs. Carmen de Burafato of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America addressed a public meeting attended by approximately one hundred women who are prominent in public life in the capital. In the same period Mrs. de Burafato and her fellow Counsellors, Mr. Artemus Lamb, Mr. Alfred Osborne and Mr. Paul Lucas, accompanied by Priscilla Banks Tavora, enjoyed a cordial audience with the Chief of State, His excellency General Juan Alberto Melgar Castro, to whom they presented a copy of The Proclamation of Balu’z’u ’llc'zh. The Minister of Defence, General Mario C. Chinchilla, received a copy of the brochure outlining the Bahá’í viewpoint on loyalty to Government and the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Information, Lieutenant-Colonel Efrain L. Gonzales, was given a copy of “The Bahá’í Fact Sheet”.

‘A folk dance group composed of Bahá’í youth of Tegucigalpa offered a unique medium for introducing the Faith to the public. The group perform typical and traditional folk dances of Honduras and have been invited to appear at a variety of public functions and on television.

‘In September 1974 hurricane F ifi lashed the north coast causing widespread death and destruction. Even as the National Spiritual Assembly of Honduras endeavoured to contact the affected communities a generous contribution for disaster relief was received from the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran. A team

185

representing the Honduran National Assembly set forth to reach as many as possible of the stricken communities. Equipped with food staples, medical supplies, soap and sundries, they searched out the Bahá’ís. Through enquiries and direct communication it was determined that although many communities sustained devastating damage and many thousands of people were killed or injured, not a single Bahá’í was hurt or lost his life in the disaster.

‘Stimulating and guiding the development of children’s classes at the local level has been the aim of the National Children’s Education Committee since its inception in 1973. A comprehensive teaching manual has been prepared designed to serve the dual purpose of instructing children and illiterate and semi1iterate adults. Under the auspices of the National Publications Committee, created in 1976, this effort has culminated in the publication of an engaging and well-illustrated basic teaching manual. In addition to preparing teaching packets the committee has conducted a programme of formal institutes and informal visits to various local communities, with members meeting with Local Spiritual Assemblies, prospective teachers and interested community members to stimulate and guide them toward establishing regular Bahá’í children’s classes. Their efforts frequently have included giving sample classes to groups of Bahá’í and other children in order to demonstrate techniques and the use of materials.

‘A National Youth Conference held in Siguatepeque in 1974 attended by youth from a number of centres was devoted to discussion of their role in the Five Year Plan. Participation by youth serving on teaching teams and the need for continued deepening were among the themes covered.

‘Early in 1974 the Local Spiritual Assembly of Siguatepeque initiated a regular series of weekly five-minute radio talks, with thirty-second spot announcements four times a day during the week. This programme has brought the name of Baha’u’llah to many an isolated mountain Village. In 1975 the coastal city of La Ceiba began a similar series but employing fifteen-minute weekly talks. The communities of Choluteca and Tegucigalpa are also utilizing regular radio broadcasts. The National Spiritual Assembly of Belize, utilizing material sent by the Honduran

[Page 186]186

National Assembly, broadcasts programmes in Spanish as a supplement to their English programmes. Radio Belize reaches the north coast of Honduras, the Bay Islands and many other islands of the Caribbean.

‘With the advice and assistance of Mr. K. Dean Stephens, a radio and television engineer of Puerto Rico, a Bahá’í radio station is being equipped and set into operation in La Ceiba. This studio will provide the various communities with recorded talks and announcements, and act as a co—ordinating centre for the interchange of radio materials with other countries.

‘In the period under review, Honduras received travelling teachers from Costa Rica and the United States, and sent teachers to Belize and Guatemala. During the same week in which Bahá’í literature was presented to the Chief of State and other government officials, members of the Continental Board of Counsellors participated in a public meetin g at the National Library in Tegucigalpa. Counsellor Carmen de Burafato addressed various women’s groups, and the Counsellors and members of the Auxiliary Board attended a press conference and dinner. In addition to public appearances, the Counsellors held an all-day deepening institute at the National Bahá’í Centre. On the last night of their Visit, a farewell party featured the Bahá’í youth folk dance group.’

JAMAICA

‘Having successfully achieved the goals of the Nine Year Plan, the Bahá’í community of Jamaica concentrated its efforts in 1973 on the consolidation of the work accomplished. However, three more Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed in that year thus raising the total number to twenty-five. In addition, the National Spiritual Assembly which, during the Nine Year Plan, had been incorporated under The Companies’ Act, obtained more satisfactory and better recognition of the Faith by achieving incorporation by Act of Parliament.1

‘Shortly after the launching of the Five Year Plan in 1974, Jamaica was blessed with the visits of the Hands of the Cause Jalal Kházeh, John Robarts and Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, whose presence and valuable addresses at different gatherings brought the believers a greater awareness of their grave responsibilities for the advancement of the Cause of God and the

1See p. 355.

THE BAHA’I WORLD

accomplishment of the goals assigned to J amaica in the Five Year Plan.

‘A visit was made by the Hand of the Cause John Robarts and Mrs. Robarts to His Excellency the Governor-General of Jamaica, Sir Clifford Campbell, who warmly received them. At a later date, on the occasion of his retirement, the Governor-General accepted the presentation by the National Spiritual Assembly of an album containing photographs taken during the 1971 Oceanic Conference which was held in Kingston and which he had officially opened.

‘Through the encouragement received from the Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir a two-year project was initiated under which intensive teaching was undertaken in four districts of the island with the aim of increasing the number of believers and training new teachers to assist in the expansion work. Although the progress of this project during the first year, 1974—1975, was somewhat slow, it resulted in some expansion as well as the revival and consolidation of some of the communities in those areas.

‘A pending goal of the Nine Year Plan was accomplished through the appointment of a Bahá’í marriage officer, and the legal transfer of the Temple site was completed.

‘One of the outstanding achievements during this period was the expansion of the use of mass media, a goal assigned to Jamaica in the Five Year Plan. A fifteen—minute weekly radio programme was initiated and regularly broadcast beginning in January 1976. These broadcasts, coupled with press publicity, made a tremendous impact on the public and the Bahá’í community. The two million people who inhabit Jamaica have now heard about the Bahá’í Faith, many enquiries are regularly received, numbers of people have spontaneously attended meetings and some have embraced the Faith as a result of the use of this medium. A fully equipped recording studio was established at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds where taped programmes are prepared for broadcasting.

‘The prestige of the Faith in Jamaica is such that students of the Government’s Junior High Schools, the Teacher Training College and other schools are encouraged as part of their course of study to investigate and write articles about it. In their papers the students have listed the Bahá’í Faith as one of the world’s major religions and many have commented that its distinguishing feature is that it has not led to sectarianism.

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When high school students were asked to write a paper on the Bahá’í Faith many visited the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to obtain information. Books were presented to school libraries and Bahá’í speakers were provided. The Bahá’í youth who initiated teaching activities at schools through their annual “Bahá’í Youth Tell the News” campaign, organized proclamation meetings at the University of the West Indies and in different localities on the island and gave lectures at high schools. Two of theyouth opened a new phase of development in J amaica by volunteering as homefront pioneers.

‘For the dedication of a Home for the Aged, established by a Christian lady in 1976 in memory of her mother, Mrs. Esmie Burton,1 a distinguished early J amaican Bahá’í who passed away in 1971, the Bahá’í community of Kingston was invited to conduct the devotional section of the programme in the presence of Government officials and other dignitaries.

‘Celebration of Bahá’í Feasts and anniversaries, the holding of summer schools, national teaching conferences, institutes and programmes related to United Nations Observances were among the other activities of the J amaican Bahá’í community. During International Women’s Year a number of functions took place. A copy of the talk on “The Equality of Men and Women: A Bahá’í Viewpoint” which was given at one of these functions was sent to the wife of the Prime Minister at her request, together with other Bahá’í literature. This followed the presentation to the Prime Minister of a copy of The Bahz'z’z' World. The statement of the Bahá’í International Community to the International Women’s Year conference held in Mexico was published in the leading newspaper of J amaica.

‘Sacrificial participation of individuals, groups and Local Assemblies in contributing to the fund has increased in the period. The national community of J amaica is fully aware at this point in the Five Year Plan that the remaining three years should be devoted not only to winning the remaining goals but to consolidating the work that has been done. The goal adopted by the community at Riḍván 1976 for implementation during the next year includes the formation of at least ten new Local Spiritual Assemblies and the incorporation of six.’

15cc ‘In Memoriam'. The Bahá’í World, v01. XV, p. 505.

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THE LEEWARD AND VIRGIN ISLANDS

‘The following are events of significance in the development of this island community in the period under review:

‘Briefvisits by the Hands of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqé, Jalal Kházeh, Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and John Robarts; repeated visits by all members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America to various island communities, their frequent consultations with the National Spiritual Assembly, their International Teaching Conference (1975) and satellite conferences and the services of their Auxiliary Board members in the forefront of travelling teaching activity; the frequent longer-term visits by veteran international travelling teachers; the publication on a more regular basis of a bilingual national newsletter; the establishment of a facility for the distribution of Bahá’í books and other materials in both the English and French areas; the acquisition of the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the French Antilles in Guadeloupe, in collaboration with the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada and France; the holding of national conventions for the first time in St. Barthélemy and Guadeloupe with attendance of the first French Antillian believers; the holding of meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly for the first time in St. Martin, St. Barthélemy, Martinique and St. Croix; the appointment of the National Teaching Committee of the French Antilles, preparing the way for the future formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the French Antilles; continuing and effective Bahá’í radio broadcasts produced by individuals on a weekly basis in the islands of Saba, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas and St. Croix ; the initiation of a weekly television programme broadcast from St. Maarten; the construction of a recording studio in the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in St. Thomas; participation of local believers in the Caribbean Radio/Television Workshop held in Puerto Rico in 1975; annual participation in the Virgin Islands Agricultural Fair; the first annual National Teaching Conference (1974); the first Bahá’í summer school held in Antigua in 1975; the establishment in 1975 in the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the national Bahá’í office and the inauguration in that Centre of regular activities; increased recognition of the Faith through the legal change

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A delegation of Bahá’ís who attended the first Bahá’í Summer School of the Leeward and Virgin

Islands, held in Antigua in August 1975, are seen presenting Bahá’í literature to the Hon. George

H. Walter (extreme right), Premier of Antigua and Barbuda. Left to right: Mr. E. Blackwell,

Haiti; Mrs. E. Halbert, Antigua; Counsellor Alfred Osborne, Panama; Shamsi Sedaghat, Trinidad.

of name of the National Spiritual Assembly resulting from the formation in 1972 of an independent National Assembly in the Windward Islands, formerly part of this national community; the annual circulation by the Department of Education of a listing of Bahá’í Holy Days on which students may be excused without penalty (US. Virgin Islands only) ;1 and the granting of title to the National Assembly of national endowment property in the British colony of Montserrat.’

MEXICO

‘Mexico has witnessed an inspiring demonstration of sacrifice and dedication during the first half of the Five Year Plan. In the short span of two years a wave of pioneers has arisen to fill homefront goals; in many cases these individuals were pillars of strength in their home communities and their arising as pioneers has served both as a great teaching impetus

1See p. 373.

throughout the country and as an inspiration for even greater effort on the part of their home communities to awaken new believers to their responsibilities. On the international level, three pioneers departed from Mexico to settle in their goals, two in the San Blas Islands and one in Costa Rica. In addition, a number of Mexican believers have served as international travelling teachers.

‘One of the main causes of this heightened spirit of service was the inspiring visit of the Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir in February 1975. After lengthy consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Muhájir suggested the launching of the “Mexican Crusade”, a project calling for the immediate implementation of mass proclamation activities throughout the country and with the goal of finding literally thousands of new believers and deepening at least ten per cent of all new Bahá’ís. A year after the project was launched the National Spiritual Assembly reassessed and modified it in the light of the

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Bahá’í children’s class, Winter School, M una, Yucatdn; December 1975.

experience gained and the manpower and resources available with a view to intensifying proclamation efforts on the regional and national levels.

‘An exciting development of this period is the border teaching project co-sponsored by this national community and the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States which aims at increasing Bahá’í activity along the MexicanUnited States border and creating a steady flow of travelling teachers who will aid in deepening the knowledge of Bahá’í communities on both sides of the border. The project was launched in April 1976 in Mexicali with approximately seventy friends participating, among whom were Mrs. Carmen de Burafato representing the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America, and Mr. Franklin Kahn and Mr. Francisco Chiu representing the National Spiritual Assemblies of the United States and Mexico, respectively.

‘A steady flow of travelling teachers has served to stimulate teaching activity in Mexico. Two music groups in particular. have made a tremendous impact on our community, Greg Shaw’s Travelling Teaching Music Show, and the inspiring team of Jan and Marvin Dryer of El

Salvador. The Dryers performed both in Mexico City and in the Yucatén and received very favourable publicity in the local newspapers.

‘The members of the Continental Board of Counsellors far this area have been of invaluable service to Mexico during the period being surveyed. In February 1975 and again in March 1976 the entire membership of the Continental Board of Counsellors met with the National Assembly. The Counsellors have sponsored many teaching and deepening institutes in their ceaseless efforts to inspire and protect the community of the Most Great Name; their constant support and guidance is impossible to measure. Their work was reinforced through the appointment of two new members of the Auxiliary Board. An effective deepening programme introduced by Auxiliary Board member Maria Novak designed to strengthen and increase the efficacy of Local Spiritual Assemblies won the wholehearted approval of the National Assembly and has been adopted for use on a national scale.

‘The visit of the Bahá’í delegates to the International Women’s Year Conference held in Mexico City in 1975 resulted in a very intensive proclamation of the Faith through a large and

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Bahá’í youth of Mexico who attended the institute held in Mexico C ity in the spring of I 976.

well—attended public meeting and the effective use of a Bahá’í information booth at the conference site. Literally thousands heard of the Faith during the conference. We record our profound gratitude for the contribution made by the distinguished Bahá’í women who attended the conference and the tribune for United Nations non-governmental organizations held as a parallel activity. Three representatives of the Mexican Bahá’í community attended the International Bahá’í Women’s Conference held in El Salvador in February 1976.

‘The growth of the community has been stimulated by improved communications between the Regional Teaching Committees and the National Assembly, resulting from reorganizing areas of responsibility.

‘Two of our most dedicated Bahá’ís ascended to the Abhá kingdom during this period, Esther Krieger and Olimpia Murray; their services live on in the memories of the Bahá’ís of the Mexican community.

‘We embark upon the second half of the Five Year Plan with clear knowledge of the even greater sacrifices which must be made if we are to

achieve our goals; our prayer is that we may be strengthened to accomplish all that lies before

9

US.

NICARAGUA

‘The small but dedicated band of believers in Nicaragua has been reinforced in its efforts in the period under survey by an influx of assistance from various Bahá’í institutions and individuals outside the country. As a result the community has been strengthened, its foundations have been expanded, and we are confident that we can meet all the goals of the Five Year Plan.

‘Nicaragua is the largest of the Central American Republics although it has one of the smallest populations, a little over two million. Because there is no road across the country travel between the Pacific side and the Caribbean side must be undertaken by expensive air flights or a full-day boat trip; yet, because of the efforts of pioneers and travelling teachers in the past, the largest Bahá’í population is concentrated on the east coast. The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir suggested during his Visit in February 1975 that a regional Centre be

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established on the east coast. With the approval of the Universal House of Justice the National Spiritual Assembly decided to establish a Centre in Pearl Lagoon, twenty miles north of Bluefields. Pearl Lagoon is becoming increasingly important as it is situated at the entrance of a developing intercoastal canal. In 1974 through the generosity of an individual believer the National Assembly received the gift of thirty acres of land along the Rio Escondido, the river used in travelling across the country; in time the National Assembly hopes to develop this property into an institute for deepening Bahá’ís. In the period under review considerable teaching was done in villages along the east coast by resident pioneers and travelling teachers.

‘As a result of the severe earthquake in December 1972 the interior of the capital city, Managua, was destroyed and has yet to be rebuilt. The Bahá’í Centre was so badly damaged that it had to be torn down. In June 1974 a new Centre was acquired; it was officially dedicated in December of that year in a beautiful ceremony attended by Mr. Artemus Lamb of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America and many other Bahá’ís and their friends. Despite the destruction of the national Centre the teaching work proceeded. In the period embraced by this summary our teaching efforts were greatly reinforced through the visits of various members of the Continental Board of Counsellors and their Auxiliary Board, by the arrival of pioneers and travelling teachers from a number ofcountries, and through visiting teams of Bahá’í youth. One visiting Bahá’í family from the United States visited various communities, living for a week or two at a time in their mobile home and winning many new friends for the Faith. Some opportunities arose for Bahá’ís to be interviewed on television, on one occasion in relation to the Bahá’í teachings about child education and the rights of women. A significant degree of proclamation was achieved during the notable visit of Dr. Muhájir who, in addition to meeting the friends in various centres, presented the Faith in a lecture attended by nine hundred students. A year later he returned to lead a mass teaching project in Poseltega, Chichigalpa and Chinendega. Following his visit in 1975 the International Goals Committee arranged an orientation meeting at the new Centre where, for six days, twelve travelling teachers from the United States participated in a programme in

191

which they gained first-hand information about teaching conditions in Central America.

‘Some Five Year Plan goals were achieved in 1975. Two Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds were developed, one in Juigalpa and one in Little Sandy Bay on the east coast. After much effort the National Spiritual Assembly secured incorporation and official recognition by the Government.1 In May we were given the opportunity to present, without cost, a half-hour radio broadcast each Sunday; since that time a thirty-minute taped radio programme has been broadcast each week aimed at deepening old believers and attracting new ones. The Bahá’í community of Bluefields frequently uses the radio to promote the Faith. We gratefully acknowledge the professional assistance and advice of Mr. K. Dean Stephens of Puerto Rico who has enabled us to improve our programming and encouraged us to share our materials with neighbouring countries.

‘So far the year 1976 has been most promising and the teaching efforts go forward, now enriched through the appointment of assistants to members of the Auxiliary Board. The recent arrival of pioneers, the increased use of radio and the determined efforts of our various national committees all suggest increased growth for our national community. Enrolments are increasing and a greater number of native believers are participating in the development of the Faith. It is impossible in this brief report to detail individual efforts and sacrifices; suffice to say that through the joint efforts of the local friends and teachers from abroad we are confident that we all may soon share the fruits of these labours.’

PANAMA

‘When the F ive Year Plan for Panama reached us in 1974 we had prepared for it by every means at our disposal, emphasizing the guidelines stressing individual deepening and participation during 1973. In its message to Panama the Universal House of J ustice indicated that “Your community, blessed by having erected the Mother Temple of Latin America on its soil, is uniquely placed to reap a rich harvest in the Bahá’í world’s third global enterprise to be launched at Riḍván (1974).” There were nineteen specific goals assigned to us.

‘Since its dedication at Riḍván 1972, work has never stopped on the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár or its

' See p. 360.

[Page 192]192

THE Bahá’í WORLD

Bahá’ís gatheredfor Naw-Rdz observance and dedication of a new Bahá’í C entre, Balsa] Village, in the Darien jungle of Panama; March 1976.

gardens. There are now thirty flower beds bordered by rocks and recessed perennial borders outlining the nine walls. Velvety lawns and walks inviting meditation welcome the nearly two thousand people who visit each month. A public service enhanced by an a cappella choir is held each Sunday and firesides are conducted in the lodge where films are shown and literature is available.

‘The prestige of the House of Worship opens the doors of both the English and Spanish mass media. For one year after the dedication, two English and three Spanish daily newspapers accepted a regular column comprised of both original articles and serialized excerpts from The New Garden and Bahá'u’lláh and the New Era. Notices of meetings, visitors and Holy Day celebrations are accepted and prominently placed in newspapers. Six radio stations have given us free time, including a fifteen—minute interview with Mr. Hooper Dunbar of the International Teaching Centre which was used twice. Spot announcements have been broadcast four times daily for four consecutive days. Both

the local English-language television station and the one Spanish-language station interviewed Dr. Edris Rice-Wray as delegate to the United Nations International Women’s Conference in Mexico City, as well as concerning the Bahá’í view on birth control. Perhaps our most important coverage was the one and one-half minute film arranged by the National Spiritual Assembly covering the visit to the House of Worship on 15 February 1976 of the Continental Board of Counsellors which was broadcast during the main news programme of the day. In February 1974, Auxiliary Board member Rafi] Pavon of Ecuador was interviewed on television in an hour—long programme during which he gave a comprehensive outline of the Faith and some of the local youth sang. The film El Alba was shown. A well-equipped radio and recording studio has been built adjacent to the lodge at the House of Worship and was dedicated at Riḍván 1976.

‘Three Hands of the Cause of God have paid gracious visits to Panama during the period 1973—1976. Mr. Abu’l-Qásim Faizi spoke at the

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national Centre in Panama City on 1 l J uly 1974, urging our increased dedication and service to the Bahá’í institutions through which is channelled the plan of God for this and future ages. At Naw-Rúz 1975 we had the great bounty of a visit by Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel, accompanied by his wife. Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir visited twice, once in 1973 when plans for mass teaching were made and once in early 1976 when he enjoined the believers to demonstrate such faith as would replace the fear which rules the world today.

‘Since October 1973 we have also had the privilege of attending institutes conducted by Counsellor Alfred Osborne of the Central American zone and by Auxiliary Board members Ruth Pringle and Fred Berest. Counsellor Rowland Estall has paid us two visits from his West Indian post of Haiti.

‘The Villa Virginia Training Institute could be considered the significant and outstanding teaching and deepening efi‘ort of this period. The first three-month course began in January 1975. Among the students were fifteen Guaymi, two Cuna and four Chocé Indians. Auxiliary Board member Ruth Pringle served as director, registered nurse, teacher and author of the project. The students, chosen for their abilities and special interest, were trained through practice and example in various aspects of administration, teaching and deepening, as well as fundamentals of daily life including diet, hygiene, health and child care. Literacy classes were also held as many of these friends had never been to school. A second institute was held in early 1976 with new students. The success in improving indigenous communities has been greatly acclaimed by travelling teachers in the areas.

‘The National Children’s Education Committee has the honour of being the first committee to exceed its goals; it boasts thirtythree functioning children’s classes instead of the projected twenty-five. Kits containing illustrated lessons are supplied to the teachers, and those children who can read and write in turn teach their families. Bahá’í children are actively teaching by accompanying their parents on sometimes difficult trips in order to conduct children’s classes. Additionally, youth deepening classes have been held. Our youth regularly serve as readers in devotional programmes at the House of Worship and work on both local and national committees.

193

‘The International Women’s Forum, a panel of four Bahá’í women from Panama, Colombia and Persia, have made five presentations on the theme of the Bahá’í view of women’s role in today’s world. The most responsive reception was accorded them in Colon by the Chamber of Commerce, although they were well received in other major cities. Dr. Edris Rice-Wray, as previously mentioned, attracted much interest in the Faith by her appearance on television in Panama. A pioneer in Santiago, Panama arranged a one—woman United Nations Day programme in which she honoured ten outstanding women of her community on a Bahá’í platform, an effort which prompted gracious expressions of appreciation by these women of her many years of outstanding service to the community.

‘The Chocos, using their own funds and manpower, have erected four Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and in the central Provinces five more have been raised by the indigenous believers. The Guaymi Bahá’í women are of a courageous nature; one Local Spiritual Assembly elected six women to serve on it. Both the Coché and the Guaymi Indian friends are responsive and are developing well, assisted by the devoted efforts of self-sacrificing pioneers. One Guaymi friend who serves as a guide to a team of pioneers made a vow to raise up nine Local Assemblies before he dies and in fifteen years he has established eight well-grounded communities. The Short Obligatory Prayer has been translated into Cuna, Guaymi and Choco; the Long Prayer for the Dead into Cuna and Chocé.

‘Since Riḍván 1973 we have raised the numbers of groups, localities, and believers, and have assigned twelve of nineteen extended teaching goals to Local Spiritual Assemblies. Seven endowments and eleven Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds have been acquired. We have a montly bulletin published in both Spanish and English; a brochure entitled Careers for Youth was published in 1974, and a Temple pamphlet in 1976. Annual teaching conferences have been held. Dawn devotionals are held in sixteen communities, including both the indigenous and capital city areas.

‘Significant trends of the period have been the rapid growth and development of children’s education in the spirit of the raising up of a new race of men, and the continued emergence of the indigenous believers as examples of peoples who

[Page 194]194

have taken the teachings into their hearts and demonstrated a marked capacity for spiritual growth and teaching.’

PUERTO RICO

‘Several trends in the Puerto Rican Bahá’í community reflected Five Year Plan goals. Island-wide committees were established by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Puerto Rico to develop education of and activities for women and children. New Local Spiritual Assemblies and active groups were established away from metropolitan areas. ‘Use of Spanish literature and teaching materials was expanded greatly and proclamation meetings often featured the showing of the films Paso a Paso or El Alba. The distribution of more special mailings and regular publication of El Lucero, the Puerto Rican Bahá’í monthly newsletter, increased communication and unity throughout the island.

‘The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited the island in March 1974. The following May, the Hand of the Cause Jalal K_hézeh arrived to launch the Five Year Plan. Central American Continental Counsellors Mrs. Carmen de Burafato, Mr. Artemus Lamb, Mr. Paul Lucas, Mr. Alfred Osborne and Mr. Rowland Estall guided and inspired individual believers and institutions during their visits. Mr. Firaydfin Mfliaqiyan of the Continental Board of Counsellors in SouthEastern Asia at meetings he addressed in San Juan and Caguas in October 1975, exhorted the friends to assume responsibility for teaching.

‘As directed by the Universal House of J ustice, the island’s first Bahá’í school was instituted in December 1973 with sixty-three friends in attendance. Another week—long school the following summer served for deepening and teaching and as a pattern of success for ensuing Bahá’í schools. The winter school in December 1974 featured teachers from Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

‘Teacher training institutes were inaugurated in 1975 and held in various localities during the year to assist the believers in their teaching efforts. A teacher training manual and a supplement on travelling teaching have been prepared and translated into Spanish. During the period under review there has been an increase of fifty per cent in the number of

THE Bahá’í WORLD

believers and five new localities—bringing the total to forty-five—have been opened; new Local Assemblies were formed in Bayamén, Juana Diaz, Afiasco; the Local Assemblies of Carolina and Ponce were re—formed. The localities opened were Juncos, Guanica and Loiza. Local Bahá’í Centres were established in Mayagiiez and Caguas. Two travelling teachers visited the Dominican Republic and our pioneer goals were met by two believers from this area settling in Honduras and Nicaragua. The work of the Auxiliary Board member was reinforced through the appointment of three assistants.

‘A delegation of three believers in October 1975 presented La Proclamacibn de Bahá’u’llc’zh to Mr. Juan B. Albors, a representative of the office of His Excellency Rafael Hernandez Colén, Governor of Puerto Rico.

‘After the formation of the Wings of Equality Committee (Women’s Committee) in 1973, its first activity was to teach a class at the winter school on “The Place of Women in the Bahá’í Faith”. In April 1975, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray of Mexico City, a former pioneer to Puerto Rico, spoke at a women’s conference and was presented the first “Táhirih Award”, named after that outstanding heroine of the Babi dispensation. During the year Bahá’í women participated in inter-community teaching and deepening articles of special interest to women appeared in E1 Lucero. Pamphlets and a compilation concerning the equality of men and women were available at the first conference for Bahá’í women held in Februry 1976 with twentysix participants. Two women Bahá’ís from San Juan attended the Bahá’í Women’s Conference held in E1 Salvador that same month. More than sixty-five adults and children participated in a conference held in San Juan in January 1976 under the joint sponsorship of the Women’s and Children’s Committees.

‘The first island-wide Children’s Committee was appointed in January 1974 and it created and published a page for children in the Bahá’í newsletter commencing that year. Classes for children were presented at the summer school. In March 1976, fifteen children participated in an Intercalary Day celebration with games, arts and crafts centred on Bahá’í themes. A series of lessons for young children, developed by Mrs. Mignon Witzel of Venezuela, has been reproduced and distributed to Local Assemblies.

‘Planning and presenting teaching events and

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III I=I III - , III lg! III E

Participants in the first Radio and Television Workshop of the Caribbean held in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; December 1975.

On 26 August 1975 the Bahd’z's ofPuerto Rico established in Mayaguez a recording studio for the

production ofradio programmes. Present for the dedication were Mrs. Carmen de Burafato Of the

Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America, and M r. R. Betancourt, viee—chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Puerto Rico.

[Page 196]196

deepening classes occupied the Youth Committee. In the first year of the plan the youth met once with Counsellor Paul Lucas of Mexico and twice with Auxiliary Board member Félix Gémez. They taught in various centres, participated in deepening institutes on subjects including the distinctive character of the Bahá’í community, assisted in contacting isolated believers and in correcting our membership records, presented classes at Bahá’í summer and winter schools and formed and obtained recognition of the island’s second Bahá’í Club at Colegio Universitario de Turabo as an official student organization.

‘Puerto Rico was the first Bahá’í community in the world to establish a studio for the production of radio programmes, the first phase of a four-phase project to be executed within the Five Year Plan. Public service announcements were broadcast on two television stations in Ponce in 1974. Another station, without cost, videotaped Pasa a Paso in black and white. The media committee initiated a series of fourteen and twenty-eight minute radio programmes based on a correspondence course produced in Guatemala. Each Local Assembly and group was provided with guidelines on obtaining and utilizing free broadcast time. In December 1975 the committee hosted a radio and television workshop for the Caribbean area. The purpose of the workshop was the implementation of mass communication goals of the Five Year Plan. In attendance were thirty-four believers from thirteen countries and islands, representing nine National Spiritual Assemblies. Nine localities in Puerto Rico were represented.”

North America

ALASKA

‘The Bahá’ís of Alaska joined their fellow believers around the world in rejoicing when the Universal House of Justice announced at Riḍván 1973 that “The Army of Light has won its second global campaign . . At the annual convention that year, at the eighteenth annual convention in 1974 when the Five Year Plan was announced, and at the succeeding two conventions, the Alaskan delegates and friends resolved to achieve the spiritual conquest of this vast territory through winning their specific goals.

THE BAHA’I WORLD

‘Alaska was aided and assisted beyond measure through visits from the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Jalal flézeh, John Robarts, Collis Featherstone, Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir and Abu’l-Qasim Faizi. The visit of Rúḥíyyih Khánum in 1973 was unusually significant by reason of its length (from 25 July to 24 August); the number of localities visited (fifteen, includin g many remote towns and villages); the encouragement and deepening given to the believers; and the publicity which resulted.

‘The year prior to the launching of the Five Year Plan saw the number of localities where Bahá’ís reside raised to one hundred and seventy-eight and the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies increased to forty-one. It was a year of remarkable deepening opportunities which began with the inspiring attendance of the Hand of the Cause Jalal Qézeh at the national convention and at subsequent meetings. In early July the friends in several cities had the privilege of attending meetings addressed by the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone. Later that month the Bergamaschi Bahá’í School in Juneau was dedicated; this facility is used for meetings, institutes and training sessions; it is named in memory of Napoleon Bergamaschi,1 an exemplary Bahá’í pioneer of Eskimo background. August was the month during which Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih [Khánum visited; there was an unprecedented attendance at summer school where sessions were given by Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Colonel K_hézeh. In addition a thrilling Alaskan Cultural Evening, featuring the songs, legends and dances of Alaska natives, concluded with the ceremonial adoption of Rúḥíyyih Khánum by the Eagle tribe of the Tlingit Indians who bestowed upon her an Indian name meaning “Precious Lady”. In September a conference centering on the Tablet of Carmel and emphasizing the Covenant of Baha’u’llah featured Counsellor Florence Mayberry who was en route to the Holy Land to serve at the recently established International Teaching Centre. Bahá’ís from across Alaska flocked to these meetings and then returned to their local communities where further deepening and teaching activities were generated.

‘The three major objectives of the Five Year Plan gave specific goals to Alaska and resulted in

1 See ‘In Memoriam', The Bahá’í World, vol. XV, p. 503.

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197

1’ .o 00‘? N‘CARAGUA y EL 5““

BR.HONDURAS

u'AS WMEMM A HOND

successful and enthusiastically prosecuted projects:

‘Preservation and consolidation of'the victories won. Conferences on the Five Year Plan were held in three locations during April and May 1974. These, together with later “Concept Conferences”, were invaluable in assisting the friends to focus on their personal and family responsibilities and on the required development of Local Spiritual Assemblies. A national institute programme was initiated with sessions lasting from three to twenty days. These institutes are constantly monitored and their curriculum is changed as needs arise. A typical institute lasting twenty days was held in June 1975 and its programme included a study of one

of the teaching prayers, some of The Hidden Words, excerpts from The Advent of Divine Justice, and the Five Year Plan; three days were devoted to a study of the functions of a Local Spiritual Assembly and the last week was spent in training teaching teams. The institute programme has proved valuable in the deepening of individuals, in the training of teachers, and in inspiring local communities to host their own institutes.

‘Two National Teaching Conferences and three Native Councils were held. The annual teaching conferences are goals of the Five Year Plan. The Native Councils, active participation in which is reserved for Alaska natives or for those the Council invites, have the close feeling

[Page 198]198

of family which is so strong in the native community. The National Spiritual Assembly defined the purpose of the Councils as being “to bring together Indian, Eskimo and Aleut believers from throughout Alaska as well as from nearby localities in Canada and the United States to encourage them to take an increasingly more active role in the Faith.” The Councils were planned by native believers from several small villages and were designed to reflect the native culture and to provide a setting for consulting on teaching in the villages by the native people. These Councils have proved effective means for the growth and development of the Faith in Alaska.

‘The weekend of 8—9 November 1975 was an exciting one with the dedication of the new national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on the outskirts of Anchorage, the first conference sponsored in Alaska by the Continental Board of Counsellors in North America and attended by the four Counsellors for this zone; the Black Teaching Conference sponsored by the Interracial Awareness Committee also took place during this weekend.

THE Bahá’í WORLD

‘Consolidation on the local level was a concern of all. Consolidation teams travelled, communities participated in town celebrations with appropriate booths and floats, Bahá’í Holy Day Observances and programmes on special days were held throughout the State, children’s classes developed new approaches, and regular firesides and deepening classes continued.

‘A vast and widespread expansion of the Bahá’í community. Called upon to greatly increase their numbers, to enrol people from all segments of the varied society of Alaska, and to continue their systematic teaching work among the Eskimos, Indians and Aleuts, the Bahá’ís of Alaska sent teaching teams in small airplanes to introduce the Faith to villages in the Bristol Bay region and the Norton Sound area. Many other trips—by float-plane, truck, car, and snowmobile—were made into villages and towns to renew acquaintances and to further diffuse the glad tidings.

‘A “Friendship Team”, composed predominantly of elderly Alaskan native believers, visited several communities in south-eastern Alaska and in British Columbia, Canada,

Faverty, an Athabascan believer, and Fletcher Bennett, as she left Fairbanks, Alaska, bound for Nenana; August 1973. Mr. Bennett transported RL'l/‘ll’yyi/l K_/1dnum in his private plane to many of the centres she visited during her tour of Alaska.

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,t r' g. m. m *3.- wfir :1 «e

24:355.!” 7

The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha’ Rdhz'yyih K_ha'num (front row, centre) with some of the students at the Mathew Kaszab Bahá’í Institute, Anchorage, Alaska; August 1973.

presenting dances, songs and the message of Bahá’u’lláh to eager audiences.

‘To utilize mass media the first Radio and Television Committee was established. The Public Relations Committee encouraged the use of publicity opportunities on the part of Local Spiritual Assemblies, offered speakers to a number of organizations, hosted lunches to which public figures were invited, submitted newspaper advertisements to papers in outlying areas of the State, arranged television interviews, and sponsored the Hawaiian television series1 throughout the State. In addition, this committee has been active in securing advance publicity for the International Teaching Conference in Anchorage called by the Universal House of Justice for July 1976 in which connection two interviews were held with the Governor of the State of Alaska.

‘Bahá’ís throughout the State used many means of teaching. Two beautiful banners proclaimed the Faith across two of Fairbanks’ busiest streets; several churches requested Bahá’í speakers; some communities taught

lSee report by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands, p. 229.

through the arts, drama and folk singing while another sponsored a “Community Play Day”; World Peace Day, World Religion Day, Human Rights Day, United Nations Day and local holidays (such as Kodiak’s Crab Festival) were opportunities to teach; several communities made lovely floats to participate in town parades; and the Bahá’í information booth at the Alaska State Fair attracted hundreds of people.

‘In January 1976 a conference was held With the Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir who encouraged the friends to teach intensively prior to the International Teaching Conference and to bring many new believers to this conference. Dr. Muhájir again inspired the friends at the national convention at Riḍván 1976.

‘Development of the distinctive character of Bahá’í life particularly in the local community. Efforts for the accomplishment of this goal were initiated through “idea” or “concept” meetings and through the enthusiastic endeavours of individual believers and Local Assemblies. Children’s classes received more innovative attention than ever before. A travelling

[Page 200]200

children’s summer school was taken to many communities to provide sessions for children and to teach the local believers how to conduct such schools. Several communities sponsored summer schools for their children and gave serious thought to the general education of the young. Two youth conferences and a youth institute were held. Programmes were held that called for participation of entire families.

‘Holy Day celebrations were emphasized throughout Alaska, and several communities began to gather for dawn prayers.

‘Training sessions for Local Spiritual Assemblies were held. Local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds were acquired in Dillingham, Fort Yukon, Nome and Petersburg and six communities secured local endowments. Translations were continued in the various native languages of Alaska. An increasing number of believers had the joy of making their pilgrimages to the World Centre, of pioneering to Alaska’s overseas goals, and of serving as travelling teachers in various parts of the world.

‘Throughout Alaska the friends have prayed and arisen to fulfil their goals. Teaching momentum gathered and expectations rose as the date of the International Teaching Conference in Anchorage drew closer. Riḍván 1976 saw forty-two Local Spiritual Assemblies including the newly-formed northernmost Local Assembly at Barrow, and there were believers in one hundred and eighty-two localities throughout the wilderness, the mountain, the valley, the forests, the prairies and theseasl of Alaska raising the call of the Kingdom of God through that spacious territory.”

CANADA

‘For the Canadian Bahá’í community the period Riḍván 1973 through Riḍván 1976 was one in which first priority was given to overseas pioneering and property responsibilities. On the homefront, energies were concentrated on experimentation with new methods of proclamation and teaching and on the consolidation of the institutions of the Cause.

‘By Riḍván 1976 sixty of the eighty-four overseas pioneering goals assigned to Canada in the Five Year Plan had been filled, and the community focussed its attention on the effort to 1 From a prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; see Tablets of the

Divine Plan. 2 Tablets 0] the Divine Plan.

THE BAHA’l WORLD

complete the remaining twenty—four goals and the four supplementary ones assigned by the Universal House of Justice, by the end of October, the mid-point in the Five Year Plan. Canadian Bahá’ís undertook nearly one hundred travelling teaching projects overseas. The community had also discharged most of its obligations under the collaborative projects for the acquisition of properties overseas; of the seven originally assigned, five had already been successfully secured, and funds set up to cover the cost of the remaning two which were awaiting negotiations being carried out by the collaborating National Spiritual Assemblies. Finally, the Canadian community was able to contribute significantly to the work of Maison d’Editions Bahá’íes, the French-language publishing trust in Brussels, in the form of financial subsidies, large orders of literature which permitted that trust to publish new titles at a reasonable cost, cover designs for several of the titles, and extensive translation help.

‘The period also saw a number of very important developments in the field of proclamation. Intensive work began at both the national and local levels in the field of TV. cablevision, and a Department of Information was created at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to assist Local Spiritual Assemblies in making better use of publicity opportunities in newspaper, radio and television. In the French—language media particularly, the Faith obtained a degree of coverage far beyond anything we had hoped. Another very welcome development in the field of proclamation was the success of the numerically small Bahá’í community at Inuvik, on the shores of the Arctic Sea, in securing free time for Bahá’í broadcasts in the Canadian north, a facility which had formerly been denied to the Faith.

‘Acting on the advice of a policy conference attended by believers qualified in various fields, the National Assembly encouraged the creation of a “Canadian Association for Studies on the Bahá’í Faith”, open to all members of the Canadian Bahá’í community. The association immediately began work on a number of lecture and publishing projects designed to “cultivate opportunities for formal presentation of the Faith at Canadian universities”. Finally, the entirely unexpected bounty of the presence of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum in Montreal, in September of 1975, for

[Page 201]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’l ACTIVITIES

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The Hand of the Cause John Robarts (standing, third row, fourthflom left) and delegates to the

annual convention of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, held in Toronto, 26—29 April 1974. A highlight Ofthis, the largest convention ever held in Canada, with 1,500 in attendance, was the dedication of the new national Hagiratu’l-Quds on 28 April.

the commemoration of the visit of the Master sixty-‘three years earlier, made it possible for the community to undertake its first Canadianproduced Bahá’í film, Invitation, an hour-long documentary.

‘Between Riḍván 1973 and Riḍván 1975, several large-scale team teaching projects were undertaken. These covered virtually every maj or region of the country and resulted in an increase in the membership of the Bahá’í community. Concentrated efforts were made to learn from the experience gained in each phase of these projects and to adapt methods to raise new insights. From this a teaching model emerged which the National Assembly feels will be invaluable in undertaking all future teamteaching activities. Also, the National Assembly took three other important steps in the field of teaching. In order to keep more closely in touch with a community spread over vast distances, 8. National Teaching Committee was appointed with members from all the major regions of the country. The francophone and bilingual areas were organized as a separate teaching unit so as

to make possible a greater concentration of effort. Finally, following the model developed in Alaska,1 the National Assembly held Canada’s first Native Council in the Yukon.

‘The period from 1973 to 1976 saw important developments in virtually every area of the consolidation and deepening work. An ambitious “Role of Women” programme was undertaken involving the production of audiovisual materials and original pieces of Bahá’í literature. A major breakthrough occurred in relation to the education of Bahá’í children through the creation of an imaginative and very successful children’s programs at the national conventions of 1975 and 1976. The programme has already begun to serve as a model and stimulant for work at the regional level, and the National Assembly’s hope is that its influence will reach to the local level, as well.

‘A large number of other types of publications were also undertaken including several compilations produced by the Universal House of J ustice, special compilations on youth and on the

1See report by the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, p. 197.

[Page 202]202

THE Bahá’í WORLD

Group of Canadian Bahá’ís who served as a teaching team whose purpose was to present the Bahá’í teachings to members of various ethnic groups; January 1974.

institution of the Continental Board of Counsellors, a deepening series on the subject of the protection of the Cause, and handbooks for the secretaries and treasurers of Local Assemblies. Most of the foregoing materials were made available in both French and English.

‘Few aspects of the work received such concentrated and sustained attention during the years 1973 through 1976 as did the consolidation of the Local Spiritual Assemblies. By 1974 it was apparent that the Assembly Resource Programme was meeting only a part of the need, and a number of other programmes were undertaken. The Counsellors, with the assistance of their Auxiliary Board members, offered deepening seminars in the form of “mini-conferences” in which representatives of the National Assembly assisted. A project which produced promising results in a number of local communities which persisted with it was the “Universal Participation Model”. Under this plan communities were broken into small groups or cells which, under the direction of the Local Assembly, assumed responsibilities for Feasts, Holy Days, teaching and proclamation projects,

study sessions for their own members, etc. From the experience a number of major guidelines emerged and the National Assembly decided that because of the importance of the task it should itself take a direct role in the development and expansion of this one field of work.

‘An objective which has been pursued patiently and deliberately over many years has been the attempt to secure the civil Government’s explicit recognition of the institution of the Bahá’í Assembly as the body “conducting” Bahá’í marriage services. This period saw two accomplishments in this respect; in Alberta, the Marriage Act1 was amended to give formal recognition to Bahá’í institutions as such, and in British Columbia the Department of Vital Statistics formally ruled that the Local Assembly, rather than its chairman, is the body which conducts Bahá’í marriages.

‘Two thrilling developments occurred with respect to properties owned by the Canadian community. The Shrine in Montreal was accorded formal civil recognition as a Sanctuaire, and after many years of difficult 1 See p, 377.

[Page 203]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’l ACTIVITIES

negotiations was reopened for visitation. In Toronto, in August 1974, the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds was completed. Besides providing greatly improved facilities for the work of the National Assembly, the new building also serves as an attractive and prestigious symbol of the Bahá’í Administrative Order in Canada. Just before Riḍván 1976, four acres were added to the existing eighteen-acre property through the purchase of land immediately to the north.

‘In addition to the historic visit of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, and the help given by the two Hands of the Cause resident in Canada, Mr. John Robarts and Mr. William Sears, Canada had the bounty of visits from five other Hands. Throughout the period the work of the Canadian believers was sustained and unified by the tireless efforts of the North American Counsellors and their deputies.’

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

‘The activities of the United States Bahá’í community during the period from Riḍván 1973 to Riḍván 1976 were characterized by the hugeness, even the spectacular nature, of numerous events; and the boldness and newness of the initiatives taken in the fields of proclamation and community development. For example, in J une 1973 more than 4,000 believers gathered at a National Youth Conference in Oklahoma city. The size and effect of this event were surpassed only by the conference held in August 1974 in St. Louis, designed to be the final stage in the launchin g of the Five Year Plan in the United States, This conference drew an attendance of 10,000, the largest gathering of Bahá’ís to take place anywhere in the world up to that time. Certain events incorporated into this conference also had striking results; among them were the meeting of 3,000 members of Local Spiritual Assemblies with members of the National Spiritual Assembly and the holding of classes for the 1,600 children attending the conference.

‘Although there was no dramatic growth of the community in this’period it could confidently be said that knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith was widely disseminated because of the unprecedented range and intensity of proclamation activities. These activities were largely made possible by an unusual conjunction of opportunities such as the fiftieth anniversary of the National Spiritual Assembly, the observance of

203

International Women’s Year, and the bicentennial of the United States.

‘The anniversary of the National Spiritual Assembly was marked by a public observance in Foundation Hall of the House of Worship to which Wilmette village officials were invited. On that occasion the Mayor of Wilmette paid tribute to the Bahá’í community and presented to the National Spiritual Assembly a resolution of the Village Government recognizing the occasion.1

‘Three major actions highlighted the involvement of the American Bahá’í community in the bicentennial observance. These were the placement of full-page colour advertisements in the bicentennial issues of Life and The New York Times Magazine and in the August 1976 issue of Ebony; the display of Bahá’í exhibits at three major transportation centres, namely O’Hare Airport in Chicago, Dulles International Airport in Virginia, and Penn Central Station in New York City; and the publication of a bicentennial issue of World Order, 50,000 copies of which were distributed to important persons and organizations throughout the country. The entire editorial of that issue was read into the Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina. The remarkable increase in the community’s ability to use mass media both at the local and national levels resulted in immeasurable publicity for the Faith. An element of that ability was the construction of a studio in the basement of the House of Worship in Wilmette for the production of radio and television materials.

‘A summary of the other accomplishments during this period, as given below, conveys this same sense of hugeness and innovation.

‘In addition to the numerous activities undertaken by the three Hands of the Cause of God resident in North America (mikru’lláh IKhádem, J ohn Robarts and William Sears), five Hands of the Cause visited the United States during the three years: Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Jalal Kházeh, Collis Featherstone, Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Mnhajir and Abu’l-Qasim Faizi. Rúḥíyyih Khánum paid two visits to the community, one before and the other after her epic journey to Amazonia.2 On the former occasion she was the main speaker at the St. Louis Conference; her subsequent visit brought

1 See p. 203. 2See ‘The Green Light Expedition’, p. 419,

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her to Wilmette twice, in J anuary 1976, to discuss with the National Spiritual Assembly plans for the distribution of her film The Green Light Expedition, and again at Riḍván of that same year to be present at the showing of the film to the delegates and friends attending the national convention. Moreover, she met with a gathering of the believers in New Haven, Connecticut in November 1975 and at another gathering in New York City in December 1975. Colonel li:hézeh met with the friends in Atlanta in June 1974 on his way from the national convention of Brazil; Messrs. Featherstone and Faizi attended the St. Louis Conference and met with the friends in California on separate occasions. Dr. Muhájir arrived in time to take part in teaching conferences held in California in December 1975 and remained for several months thereafter to travel extensively in the country promoting international pioneering and encouraging the teaching work on the homefront.

‘Two events involving the Hands of the Cause resident in North America stand out with special significance, namely the gathering on 26 May 1974 of these Hands, members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in North America and their Auxiliary Boards along with members

THE Bahá’í WORLD

of the National Spiritual Assembly and its major committees for announcement of the plans developed for the execution of the Five Year Plan in the United States; and the gathering on 4 July 1975 of all senior institutions of the Faith in North America—including the entire institution of the Continental Counsellors, and the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Canada, and the United States—at the House of Worship for discussion on protection of the Faith. Counsellor ‘Aziz Yazdi, a member of the International Teaching Centre, was present on this occasion.

‘A large number of teaching conferences followed the St. Louis Conference. One was held in each of the States of California, Illinois, and New York, between July 1974 and J anuary 1975, to launch the intensive teaching and consolidation plans developed especially for these States in accordance with the requirements of the Five Year Plan; subsequent conferences were held in the same States between November and December 1975 to promote the theme of “Each One Teach One”; eighty-eight district conferences 0n the same theme were held simultaneously in the continental United States on 27 March 1975 and similar conferences were held

Participants in thefirsl Spanish language Bahá’í Institute held in Wilmette, Illinois ; February 1976.

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A participant in a teaching project designed to present the Bahá’í teachings lo Chincse-speaking people in America. New York City." April 1973.

OF UNITY THAT I'I' CAN ILLUMINE THE W015

A Bahd’z' float designed and organized by the Bahá’ís of Webster Groves, M issouri ,' 1976.

[Page 206]206

THE Bahá’í WORLD

Bahá’íparticipanls in an Indian Council Fire, Chinle, Arizona; 1975.

on that day in the Bahamas and Bermuda. A conference in Wilmette on teaching among the Indians drew participants from various Indian tribes and produced recommendations of great value to the efforts of the friends. One of the most ambitious consolidation programmes undertaken in 1975 was the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Programme, designed to involve members of each Local Assembly in a thirtyhour course on Assembly functions. The programme called for the use of 300 two-person training teams, audio-visual materials, and manuals. The programme had as its goal the training of all Local Spiritual Assemblies existing in the United States by the end of the Five Year Plan. A less ambitious but nonetheless impressive programme of family life conferences was launched by the National Education Committee in February 1975; it had as its goal assisting local communities to deal with such subjects as child education, Bahá’í marriage, and family life.

‘A two-year youth programme, extending from 29 August 1974 to 1 September 1976 was adopted as part of the Five Year Plan. Among other things it called for the youth to supply twenty-five international pioneers and one

hundred homefront pioneers, to undertake seventy-five international teaching trips and five hundred domestic teaching trips, to establish three hundred and fifty college clubs and one hundred youth clubs. Fifty-one youth conferences were held to stimulate the objectives of the programme. By Riḍván 1976 ultimate victory was evident. For example, twenty youth pioneers had already settled abroad and more than seven hundred and fifty domestic teaching trips had been completed. Also by this time a programme had been developed to bring groups of youth together in work/study projects at the Bahá’í national Centre in Wilmette.

‘Beginning with the programme arranged for the 1,600 children who attended the St. Louis Conference, great efforts were made to organize children’s classes in local communities and at all large events such as district conventions. The National Education Committee developed a training programme to assist local communities to hold children’s classes.

‘The diversity of the American Bahá’í community was increased through the acceptance of the Faith by members of Indian tribes not previously represented in it including Acomo, Alamo, Bannock, Colville, Kickapoo, Koyu [Page 207]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

207

Participants in the first teaching institute of the Bahamas, held in Nassau; 2 May 197.7.

kon, Mattinecok, Northern Cheyenne, Shoshone, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Wapato, Warm Springs, Wichita, and Yakima. Bahá’í literature was translated into Kazakh and into seven American Indian languages and dialects including Apache, Flathead dialect, Papago, Puget Salish, Shoshone, and Tewa. The Bahá’í Publishing Trust in the period under review produced an impressive amount of literature including books, pamphlets, study outlines and other materials covering a wide range of subjects including some of particular relevance to the goals of the Five Year Plan. Among these mention could be made of the Comprehensive Deepening Programme (1973 and 1974); Tokenr from the Writings of Bahá ’u ’llah (1973); the Star Study Programme comprising deepening booklets on various topics (1974, 1975 and 1976); an assortment of pamphlets on the equality of men and women (1975); a brochure “Women: Attaining Their Birthright” (1975); Selected Writings ofBahd’u’llc'zh and Selected Writings of Shoghi Eflendz' (1975); Messages from The Universal House of Justice: 1968—1973 (1976); and Bahd'u’lláh and the New Era (4th revised edition, paper, 1976)‘

‘Properties in the Bahamas called for in the

Five Year Plan were acquired: a national endowment, national Hazirat’l-Quds and a Temple site. Moreover, assistance was given to the National Spiritual Assembly of Dahomey (Benin), Togo and Niger in the acquisition of a Temple site in Lorne, Togo; and to the National Spiritual Assembly of West Africa in the acquisition of a national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The Geyserville Bahá’í School property in California was replaced through the acquisition of a sixty-seven acre property with buildings ; more than eight acres of land were added to the Green Acre property in Eliot, Maine; and eighty acres of land were acquired in Pleasant Hill, Oklahoma.

‘Three distinguished American believers were accorded public recognition in their respective fields. In 1975 Dr. Dorothy Nelson, 3 member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Dean and Professor of Law at the University of Southern California, was chosen as one of the recipients of the 1975 Fax Orbis Ex Jure Medallion Awards by the Centre Associates World Peace Through Law Centre, an award bestowed upon “women throughout the world who have contributed significantly to the cause of world peace through their understanding and pursuance of successful

[Page 208]208

international relations in the world community.”

‘Mr. Robert Hayden, Professor of English at the University of Michigan and associate editor of World Order magazine, was appointed in 1976 consultant in poetry to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, the first black poet to be named to this prestigious position. Mr. Hayden is the author ofa number ofbooks ofpoetry and was winner of the chief award at the first World Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar, Sénégal in 1962. In 1971 he was awarded the Russell Loines Award for poetry by the National Institute of Arts and Letters and in 1975 received an award from the Academy of American Poets.

‘On 9 March 1976 Mr. John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, one of the world’s leading jazz musicians, was honoured in his home State of South Carolina where a special joint session of the South Carolina Legislature convened to pay tribute to his contribution “to the world of music and the State of South Carolina.” In the presence of Governor James B. Edwards, Mr. Gillespie received a plaque from the South Carolina Arts Commissions and attended a reception held in his honour by Governor Edwards.’

South America

ARGENTINA

‘The growth and development of the Argentine Bahá’í community during the period from Riḍván 1973 to Riḍván 1976 has been characterized by the establishment of strong, active teaching centres throughout the length and breadth of the country. Ten Regional Teaching Committees have been formed to broaden the base of the national teaching programme. The Hand of the Cause Abu’l-Qasim Faizi, meeting with the friends in Buenos Aires in July 1974, expressed his great satisfaction with the progress of the Faith in Argentina since his last visit in 1962. The warmth of his loving counsel encouraged the friends to win even greater victories.

‘In November of that same year the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir made a whirlwind tour of the entire country and constantly urged the friends to teach the masses. Upon his return visit in April 1976 the Argentine community was inspired to plan five specific regional teaching projects, the first to be launched in the Chaco Province in July 1976,

THE BAHA’I WORLD

aimed at achieving a vast increase in the size of the community.

‘In April 1975 Argentina was privileged to be Visited by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel. Although advanced in age, Dr. Mühlschlegel held many meetings and inspired the friends with his spirit of sacrificial service. He delivered a talk in Esperanto at the Esperantist Centre in Buenos Aires and urged the Bahá’ís to develop stronger ties with this important group of people who are striving for the establishment of a common ideal.

‘The election during this period of the first Indian Bahá’ís to the National Spiritual Assembly marked a significant step in the process of the future full-scale conversion of the red race. Florentino Gomez of the Toba tribe was elected at Riḍván of 1973 and Gustavo Zabala of the Mataco tribe at Riḍván 1976. In the interval under survey women delegates of these two tribes participated for the first time in national conventions and the first Argentine Indian arose to settle in an international pioneering post.

‘The National Teaching Centre was inaugurated in Buenos Aires in November 1973 and has since served as the focal centre of a multitude of Bahá’í activities, among them the annual National Teaching Conference.

‘One of the most notable events of this period was the holding of the first National Teacher Training Institute, a week-long event held in Buenos Aires in J anuary 1976 under the auspices of Counsellor Athos Costas representing the South American Board. The event drew an attendance of thirty participants, many coming from distant provinces. In addition to National Teaching Conferences, Regional Women’s Conferences were held in a number of centres. Two Bahá’í representatives attended a Women’s Rights Conference sponsored by the United Nations in Buenos Aires in March 1976.

‘National proclamation efforts included the presentation of The Proclamation ofBahd'u'lláh to many provincial governors as well as prominent civic leaders. An important television interview resulted in the Faith being proclaimed to millions for the first time on a nation-wide network. In April 1976 Counsellor Athos Costas concluded the recording of a sixteen-part series of fifteen—minute radio talks based on the principal teachings of Baha’u’llah. These talks have been offered for distribution among local Bahá’í communities.

[Page 209]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES 209

vo' m 70° ' J

mun“).

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BOLIVIA

'3'

Pal ticipams in an institute for deepening in knowledge of the Baha 1 Faith LaLeones, Argentina. Counsellor Athas Costas is seen standing, second from the left

[Page 210]210

,.;

" 3&7!"

THE Bahá’í WORLD‘

,l ‘nt,

2 Hi: - , .1 (?‘L

,.

Bahá’í children's class, Las Lomitas, Argentina; 1975.

‘In the field of Bahá’í literature, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust for the Spanish language, Editorial Bahá’í Indo—Latinoamericana (E.B.I.L.A.), edited a number of compilations, pamphlets and books including A Synopsis and C odz'fication Of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitdb-i—Aqdas, Tablas del Plan Divino and La C onstitucién de la Casa Universal de Justicia. A national youth bulletin, Noti-Bahá’í, was widely appreciated throughout Argentina and a regional news bulletin, El Ruisefior, was received with equal enthusiasm. A special booklet, Guia para Maestros, was prepared by the Women and Children’s Committee to aid local communities in the development of regular children’s classes. Translation of The H idden Words into the Toba language has been initiated and an introductory pamphlet in the Mataco tongue is being written.

‘The first Local Spiritual Assembly in the Province of Misiones was formed in the capital city, Posadas. Pioneer families have settled in the capital cities of six other Provinces and the settlement of a pioneer in the remote Pilcomayo River area has established permanent contact with the Mataco tribe. The settlement of these dedicated pioneers and their opening many important centres brings to mind Shoghi

Effendi’s promise that the tomb of May Maxwell, designed by him and situated in Buenos Aires, would become an “historic

” 71

centre” of “pioneer Bahá’í activity .

BOLIVIA

‘During the three years under review a number of significant events offered evidence that the Bahá’í community of Bolivia is enthusiastically and actively meeting the challenges of the Five Year Plan. Generally speaking, 1973 was a year of consolidation in preparation for the launching of the Five Year Plan in 1974. However, expansion of the Faith continued to demand close attention and approximately 5,000 new believers embraced the Faith between Riḍván 1973 and Riḍván 1976. The number of localities opened to the Faith grew from 3,761 to 4,285 and by Riḍván 1976 a total of 802 Local Spiritual Assemblies was formed. An influx of seventeen new pioneers was another highlight of the first part of the Five Year Plan, as well as the rising up of several native believers to help shoulder the tasks ahead.

‘ Shoghi Effendi, cablegram to the Hand of the Cause William

Sutherland Maxwell ; see The Bahá’í World, vol. VIII, p. 642; The Priceless Pearl, p 155.

[Page 211]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’l ACTIVITIES

‘The visit of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum in June 1975 and of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir in January 1975 and April 1976 helped tremendously to orient the efforts of the Bahá’ís toward fulfilment of the goals of the Five Year Plan. The journeys of these Hands of the Cause also brought considerable publicity for the Faith, with television, press and radio coverage on several occasions. Another signal event was a gracious interview accorded Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum by the President of the Republic of Bolivia, His Excellency General Hugo Banzer Suarez, to whom she presented Bahá’í literature in Spanish and English. On this occasion Rúḥíyyih Khánum explained to the President that the purpose of her visit to Bolivia was to attend a National Teaching Conference in Totoroko, climaxing her Green Light Expedition, and described the efforts of the Bahá’ís in promoting world peace. President Banzer expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude for the work of the Bahá’ís in Bolivia.

‘The first Visit of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir resulted in the formulation of a oneyear international teaching project in which Bahá’í youth from Argentina, Germany, Mexico, Peru and the United States participated actively. One of the many fruits of this endeavour was the proclamation of the Faith in August 1975 in several new areas, notably Valle Alto of the Department of Cochabamba, and the opening to the Faith of at least one rural teachers’ college; thirty students embraced the Cause.

‘A pioneer conference held at this same time was a great source of inspiration and practical training, and with the efiective assistance of Mr. Donald Witzel of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America it came to a dramatic conclusion when five of the visiting international travelling teachers who were in attendance decided to remain in Bolivia as pioneers. Dr. Muhájir’s second visit in April 1976 spurred on the teaching work and two continuous projects were launched as a consequence, one in the Andean province of Loayza in the Department of La Paz, and another in the tropical Department of Santa Cruz. Both projects have produced positive results. Constant encouragement and support on the part of Continental Board members Mas‘fid Iflamsi, Athos Costas, Rafil Pavon and Donald Witzel

211

contributed greatly to the advances made in the multiple tasks of the teaching work.

‘The use of radio for the diffusion of Bahá’í programmes was given new impetus and a special committee was appointed to develop means of utilizing this important type of mass communication. Programmes in Spanish, Quechua and Aymara were broadcast daily in La Paz, and sporadically in several other cities and towns. During the international teaching project of 1975, a series prepared in Ecuador and another entitled “Sr. Juez y la Alfombra Magica” produced many years ago in the United States, were transmitted without cost from Punata and Cliza. A radio studio is being developed at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and it is hoped that eventually there will have been sufficient programme preparation and recording as to merit the creation of a Bolivian Bahá’í radio station.

‘Efforts were made to enrich the quantity of Bahá’í literature in Quechua and Aymara, the two most widely-spoken native languages in Bolivia, with the publication of a prayer book with selected Bahá’í prayers in those two tongues. A basic introductory but comprehensive pamphlet about the Faith, Cheqan K ’anchay Tukuynejpaj, was published in Quechua and the translation into that language of The Hidden Words was initiated. By April 1976 efforts were being made to make contact with and teach the Ayoreo tribe in the Department of Santa Cruz and thus to further diversify the membership of the Bolivian Bahá’í community which already comprises representatives of the Quechua, Aymara, Chiriguano, Chipaya, Moxos, Bauré, Trinitario, Siriono and Tacana tribes.

‘ A goal of the Five Year Plan for Bolivia was fulfilled in 1975 when a Quechua—speaking Indian couple, Facundo and Felipa Cardozo and their infant daughter, settled in the Cuzco area of Peru as pioneers.

‘The National Assembly sadly announced the untimely passing on 3 October 1974 of Louise Jackson, a courageous pioneer who came to Bolivia from the United States in 1970; she is the first Bahá’í pioneer to be buried on Bolivian soil.

‘During this period the all-lndian Bahá’í community of Yuraj K’asa acquired not only its own local endowment but also its local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The Indian community of Autijipifia also constructed a local Bahá’í Centre

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and similar projects were initiated in several other communities. Approximately ten Local Spiritual Assemblies are attempting to establish their own extension teaching programmes and a number of communities have begun to observe dawn prayer meetings as enjoined by the Universal House of Justice.

‘An upsurge in activities for women, youth and children was also noted between 1973 and 1976. Deepening institutes, conferences and congresses were prepared especially for the purpose of stimulating further activities and training sessions for teachers of local children’s classes were held. More and more communities

gave increased attention to the spiritual edu-1

cation of their youngsters by establishing regularly scheduled classes for children. A youth magazine, Nuevos Horizontes, began publication, and the preparation of children’s materials got under way in 1976.

‘In the community of Cochabamba, one Bahá’í woman was given the unique opportunity of participating in a special national women’s conference held under non-Bahá’í auspices during the International Women’s Year activities, as well as writing several interesting articles from the Bahá’í point of view for a local newspaper. During these three years there was also a marked increase in the number of Bahá’í women who lent their services in the teaching of the Faith.’

BRAZIL

‘The Hands of the Cause have especially blessed the Brazilian Bahá’í community during this period with six Visits, and each time, with one exception, the visit was connected with an important project, planned or realized.

‘The Hand of the Cause Jalal I_(_11a2eh, well known and much loved in Brazil through his extensive period of service here, was present at the fourteenth national convention when the Five Year Plan of the Universal House of J ustice was given to the Bahá’í world and the exciting prospect of hosting the International Bahá’í Teaching Conference of South America in Salvador, Bahia to be held in January 1977, was revealed to our convention. This was an auspicious beginning for the plan in Brazil. With his wise and inspiring counsel, Colonel IQézeh gave an initial impulse which was to carry us into the preparation for this great work.

‘The Hand of the Cause Abu’l-Qásim Faizi

THE Bahá’í WORLD

entered Brazil in Recife on 31 May 1974 and left from Porto Alegre in the south on 26 June. During his brief visit he travelled to nine cities and wherever he stopped he left a wiser, more loving and more closely knit community, and a desire in each Bahá’í heart to serve the Faith ever more diligently and with ever deeper understanding. The friends from a number of distant points gathered in Sao Paulo to attend the ten-day study course which Mr. Faizi offered covering a wide range of themes which represented a spiritual preparation for the tasks that confront us.

‘In the period from 19 October to 12 November 1975, the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited fifteen communities and awakened us to the possibilities of large-scale teaching at every social level in preparation for the forthcoming International Teaching Conference. In consultation with the Continental Board of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Muhájir aided in the drawing up of a two-year project which included the publishing of vast quantities of books, brochures and pamphlets, the purchase of a local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Salvador, the concentrated teaching of many children especially in the Bahia mass teaching area, for the rapid expansion of youth activities in the secondary schools and universities, and for a concentrated teaching effort in each of ten most promising communities. On his return visit in April 1976, Dr. Muhájir was able to consult with the Counsellors in their plenary session, with the National Assembly both before and during the convention, and to formulate with both bodies a great mass teaching project for the entire northeast region of the country. The project placed great emphasis on the winning of families to the Faith and called for bringing one entire village under the shadow of Baha’u’llah. The project generated much enthusiasm at the convention, was immediately launched and quickly produced rich fruits: the arising of twenty-five teachers who pledged to devote periods ranging from one to nine months to this work and who began at once to teach in that same area successfully enrolling several hundred new believers in this initial undertaking; and spontaneous contributions of cash, Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, schools, cars and even a burro! To accompany this great effort in the north-east, the National Assembly devised a project for the south of the

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213

country for gaining the sixty remaining Local Assemblies. Both projects were launched with great enthusiasm, inspired by the memorable visit of Dr. Muhájir.

‘In May 1975 the Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel, accompanied by his wife, spent almost three weeks in the country, passing from the south to the north, spreading the warmth of his loving spirit and his dedication in spite of the illness which cut short his visit. Dr. Mühlschlegel’s great longing to fulfil the Master’s desire to travel for the Cause was fully realized and a deep spirit of love was generated. His inspirational talks about the Administrative Order were illustrated in flannel-board presentations by Mrs. Mfihlschlegel.

‘The first national conference of Manaus with the theme “The Challenge of the Amazon” was the great project which was inspired by the visit of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum in April 1975, coinciding with her stop-over during the Green Light Expedition. The entire undertaking was planned around our distinguished visitor. Three weeks were devoted to publicity and expansion teaching in preparation for her visit and during

N ewly—acquired National Hagiratu’l-Quds of the Bahá’ís of Brazil; 12 November 1974.

q. a .

the week of her stay all levels of society were reached. Rúḥíyyih Khánum was interviewed by the press, on radio and television, and was accorded a cordial and unprecedented interview of forty-five minutes’ duration with His Excellency Henoch Reis, Governor of the State of Amazonas. Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum made an outstanding impression upon the hundreds of students who attended her lectures in preparatory schools and universities. Nearly one hundred of these students embraced the Faith and approximately two hundred requested copies of the Bahá’í correspondence course which the National Assembly supplies without cost to enquirers. “Don’t let this die! Go back! Go back!” was her oft—repeated admonition to the Bahá’ís ; and new pioneers in this region have responded by doing so.

‘With the challenge in mind presented by Dr. Muhájir of finding 1,000 new Bahá’ís in Belo Horizonte a pilot plan was worked out fired by the urgency provided by the many Bahá’í youth who wished to go out as pioneers without depleting the strength of their community. The inspiration came from the Words of Bahá’u’lláh : Whollyfor the sake of God he shouldproclaim His

[Page 214]214

Message, and with that same spirit accept whatever response his words may evoke in his hearer.1 The theme was “Compared Religion” which fitted into the present curriculum of the schools. The goal was to teach 100,000 students during seventy-two days. It was hoped that ten per cent ofthose reached would manifest further interest by spontaneously requesting the Bahá’í correspondence course. To date, eight schools (with the students of every class participating, a total of 3,166 students) have received the first of the five standard presentations. Fifty-nine per cent of the students have expressed an interest in further study in this first phase of the project as reflected by the 1,868 correspondence courses solicited. The friends throughout Brazil are eagerly awaiting their turn to launch this new type of proclamation and in the city of Salvador where the International Teaching Conference will take place a similar project has already begun.

‘Other methods of proclaiming the Faith are also being used. Projects similar to that launched in Manaus have been undertaken in ten cities

‘ Gleanings from the Writings ofBahti’u'llZIh, CLXI.

/

THE Bahá’í WORLD

with excellent results. Bahá’í marriages are impressing the hundreds who have attended them. Expositions at which free literature is offered have resulted in requests for further information. Programmes held in relation to United Nations Day and Human Rights Day are attracting the attention of the press and the public and the number of firesides has increased considerably.

‘The goal assigned to Brazil, and especially applicable to Rio de Janeiro, of teaching in the island prison of Ilha Grande, was difficult of attainment since the Government does not permit visits to the prison city itself; the most dangerous of prisoners are confined there and outbreaks in the past had been frequent. A determined small group of believers from Rio opened the way through their own contacts with the authorities. Carrying in their hearts the supplication Yd Bahc'z’u’l-Abhz'z they braved the dilficulties presented by the turbulent waters and the hostile atmosphere which they at first encountered. As they continued their journeys the atmosphere changed and they were welcomed, not as those seeking a favour but as those bestowing a great blessing. Although it was not

Some members of the committee who co-ordinated the teaching activities arising from the visit ofAmatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum to Brazil; April 1975.

[Page 215]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

«44". “Ir "

Some of the first Alacalufe Indian Bahá’ís ofPuerto Eden (Port Eden), a smallport of 250 inhabitants in Magellan Province, Chile, who accepted the Bahá’í Faith in June 1974 as a result of the teaching effort of M r. Robert Siege].

1 ‘ #5»?

A

possible to form a Local Spiritual Assembly because of Government restrictions, several members of this prison community, living outside the walls of the prison, accepted the Faith and have implored the friends to return to teach their children. They have received copies of Bahá’í prayers which they cherish and use. More visits are being organized with the objective of reaching the women and children of the community.

‘We regret that a survey of this brevity does not permit our giving further details of the events related in this report of the achievements we have been privileged to record thus far in the Five Year Plan.’

CHILE

The development of the Faith in Chile during the three—year period commencing at Riḍván 1973 went forward in the face of numerous difficulties resulting from the unsettled political situation in that country which, for a time, inhibited the holding of elections of Bahá’í institutions, and even, in some Provinces, of meetings of the friends.

In J une 1973 the National Spiritual Assembly reported that forty—seven Local Spiritual Assemblies had been formed and that one hundred and ninety-two localities had been opened to the Faith. When the Five Year Plan was inaugurated at Riḍván 1974, to Chile was assigned a goal of forming seventy—five Local Assemblies and opening to the Faith two hundred and seventy [Page 216]216

five localities. To take full advantage of the teaching of the Mapuche indigenous believers, a ten-room property had been purchased early in 1973 in Nueva Imperial, at the heart of an indigenous area in the Province of Cautin. This property was used for deepening institutes, summer schools, conferences, as a stimulus for youth activities, and as a centre of activity for the Mapuche friends of the region.

The believers of Iquique, a small town in northern Chile, had for more than a year enjoyed excellent relations with the three local radio stations and two newspapers serving that town. Bahá’í travelling teachers had been interviewed on radio, and articles about the Faith had been printed from time to time. In one of the reports from Chile it was stated: “Last October one member of the Bahá’í group was granted seven or eight minutes of radio time every morning for a period of five days. The Bahá’í presented a talk on references to women in the Sacred Writings. Although the talk was a unified whole, each segment was complete in itself.’ The same radio station broadcast excerpts from the Bahá’í Writings as a regular weekly occurrence. The Bahá’í group of Iquique expressed their delight in helping to proclaim the Faith through the expanded use of radio, one of the important goals of the Five Year Plan.

Excellent relations with many Government officials were developed. At the National Convention in 1975, the Mayor of La Cisterna addressed the attendants in words clearly demonstrating his sympathetic attitude toward the Bahá’í Faith, offering the use Ofthe House of Culture (the local meeting hall Where the Convention was held) for any Bahá’í activity, stating that it was an honour for his community that such high ideals were being promoted from that place.

In October 1975 the National Assembly reported the enrolment, within a period of four months, of 1,400 new believers in the Mapuche area; Bahá’í activities going forward throughout the country, from Arica, the northernmost point of the country, to Punta Arenas, the southernmost point; the beginnings of continuous movement and activity among the youth; a greater participation of the local communities in contributing to the national fund in the face of a highly difficult economic condition; a vast increase in offers of travelling teachers including a significant number of Mapuche friends; a

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strong desire on the part of Bahá’í parents to educate their children in the Divine Teachings; great opportunity to proclaim the Faith through the mass media; two years of uninterrupted publication in the newspaper El Correo, Of Valdivia, of a column of short excerpts from the Teachings and one year of similar coverage in La Prensa of Osorno.

One of the pioneers in Chile travelled to Port Eden, a small port of only 250 inhabitants in the Province of Magellan in the extreme southern part of the country, where he stayed for two weeks. This is the only place where there are Alacalufe Indians. Of the twenty-five members of this tribe that remain, nine became Bahá’ís, adding to the Cause a new race and another signal victory.

It is noteworthy of this devoted and steadfast Bahá’í community that at the end of two years of the Five Year Plan, Chile had surpassed its goal for the number of Local Assemblies, a most significant achievement.

(Based on various reports received by the World Centre).

COLOMBIA

‘The Bahá’í community of Colombia had the privilege of launching the F ive Year Plan during an international teaching conference held in Cali in April 1974 attended by all six members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America, representatives of four South American national communities, and believers from all corners of Colombia. Like one soul in many bodies the Bahá’ís ofColombia responded to the call of the Universal House of Justice: Local Spiritual Assemblies formed special funds for the purpose of their Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and recruited teachers to complete extension goals; and internal pioneers and travelling teachers offered their services in the entire country.

‘In January 1975 the vision of the friends in Colombia was widened as a result of the visit of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. In an unforgettable three-day Visit during which he met with the believers in three communities, Dr. Muhájir challenged the Colombian Bahá’ís to concentrate their teaching efforts on reaching entire families instead of individuals. With this new challenge before them, and reinforced by the National Spiritual Assembly’s plan for consolidation, the com [Page 217]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’I ACTIVITIES

munity carried forward the twin duties of expansion and consolidation.

‘In March of that year we were again honoured with the visit of a Hand of the Cause when Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, accompanied by his wife Ursula, came to Colombia and won the hearts of the friends. It was during Dr. Mühlschlegel’s visit to Cali that the Continental Board of Counsellors for South America held a conference for Auxiliary Board members from Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia; and the Colombian believers were invited to be present during the last two days of the conference. On their way home to Ecuador, Mr. Rufino Gualavasi and Mr. Ralph Dexter, two members of the Auxiliary Board, accompanied by Mr. Arnubio Diaz, a Colombian youth, brought the Faith for the first time to members of the Inga tribe who reside in Sidundoy Valley in the Department of Putumayo.

‘The bounties bestowed upon the Colombian Bahá’ís by the All-Merciful had still not reached their end. In April, the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum who was making her historic trip through the Amazon jungle, came to Leticia, the Colombian port along the Amazon river. Although she remained for only two short days, she kindled a flame in Leticia which has not yet reached its zenith. In addition to proclaiming the Faith to Government officials, she and two members of the Colombian National Assembly taught the Faith for the first time to members of the Ticuna tribe. As a follow-up to the visit of Rúḥíyyih Khánum, the Continental Board of Counsellors called for a regional conference to be held in Leticia in March 1976. Present were Counsellors Rafi] Pavon and Mas‘t'id Qamsi of the South American board, as well as Auxiliary Board member Habib Riḍváni. The proclamation of the Faith was continued through the presentations of programmes performed by groups of Bahá’í musicians and by radio interviews.

‘During this period enormous strides were made in the field of translation of Bahá’í literature into the Guajiran language. Two pioneers, Addis and Alan Fryback, arrived in the Guajira in March 1974 and immediately began the arduous task of learning the Guajiran language, and before Riḍván 1976 pamphlets and tapes of the Holy Scriptures were produced in Guajiran.

‘In July 1975 the Katio tribe, which lives in

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northern Colombia, was introduced to the Faith for the first time through the joint efforts ofClara Ines Grueso, a native believer, and Sherry Howard, a pioneer. Before Riḍván 1976 regular visits were begun in order to deepen these new believers and a Bahá’í prayer for children and some songs with Bahá’í themes were translated into the Katio language.

‘In the interval under discussion various methods of expansion were tried. In January 1974, five teams of six members each were sent to all corners of Colombia to participate in a onemonth expansion project during which more than two thousand souls accepted the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. For the first time a new method of deepening was employed, the teams returning the day following the person’s declaration of faith to begin the study of simple deepening materials designed for village believers. The first “Universal Participation Week” was held in November 1973, an activity which has continued successfully up to the present. Under this project, a week is chosen and the entire national community is invited to participate by praying each morning during the week for the success of the project and by every individual attracting one new believer to the Faith during that time.

‘Beginning in January 1976 regional expansion programmes were held all over Colombia. One type of programme, used mainly for training new teachers, utilizes a small group which teaches in a nearby locality for one or two days. Longer programmes lasting from between ten and fifteen days utilize larger groups of more experienced teachers from an entire region of Colombia.

‘In the area of children’s education much advancement was made during this period. Two Bahá’í youth from the United States were in Colombia for a three-month children’s class project during 1973. They began developing a series of teacher’s aids for use with the children’s booklets, work which culminated in the Bahá’í children’s class teacher training course held in December 1973. Five teachers and twenty students lived and studied together for two weeks in a small Colombian Village. The results were not only twenty well-trained teachers but also a well-designed correspondence course for children’s class teachers and a more comprehensive range of material for children’s classes.

‘During the years from 1973 to 1976 the Colombian Bahá’í community has advanced in

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many fields and shortened the distance separating her from ultimate victory in the Five Year Plan.’

ECUADOR

‘During the first half of the Five Year Plan the Bahá’í community of Ecuador had the privilege of being visited twice by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. During his visits he gave several interviews on television stations in Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil and thrice was interviewed by radio stations in Quito. Dr. Muhájir animated the various communities which he visited by telling the friends about the early believers in the Faith and their spirit of sacrifice. As his visit coincided with International Women’s Year, some communities took the opportunity to arrange public meetings at which Dr. Muhájir and other believers spoke. Also during International Women’s Year, two radio programmes of half an hour each were transmitted by Radio Municipal de Cultura and Casa de la Cultura in Quito.

‘In 1975, the Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel, accompanied by his wife, came to Ecuador. Because of difficulties caused by the altitude their visit was confined to Guayaquil. While Dr. Mfihlschlegel was in Guayaquil many friends, including the members of the National Spiritual Assembly, attended the meetings at which he spoke on the theme of the importance of service and the spirituality which should characterize the believers.

‘The community of Cuenca, with the aid of Mrs. Patricia Conger, a member of the Auxiliary Board, arranged various public meetings during International Women’s Year. They also participated in an exhibition at the Casa de [a Cultura where they displayed posters bearing quotations from the Writings on the equality of men and women and exhibited publications of the Bahá’í International Community and the United Nations on the subject of women’s rights. The Bahá’ís also participated in a thirty-minute television programme related to this event.

‘Beginning in 1973, regularly scheduled classes for children have been established in a significant number of communities, utilizing local community teachers most of whom are themselves mothers. A course of study in thirty-two parts covering a wide range of subjects has been prepared for use in children’s classes and ar THE BAHA’l WORLD

rangements have been made for its publication. A highly successful regional conference on the subject of the training of Bahá’í children was held in Tachina, Esmeraldas Province, early in 1976, under the aegis of the Continental Board of Counsellors.

‘As its contribution to the first Tandanakuy (conference of Quechua-speaking believers, similar to a North American Indian Native Council meeting or “pow wow”) held in Cuzco, Peru in August 1975, the community of Ecuador published a Quechua translation of The New Garden. A literacy booklet as well as a prayer book for children have already been translated into Quechua. It is planned to publish the prayer book and present it as our contribution to the second Tandanakuy to be held in Bolivia.

‘A property has been acquired in Cuenca for use as a local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and that community has also acquired a cemetery. Land has been donated in Majua, and in both Guayaquil and Esmeraldas funds have been established for the purchase of a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

‘The Universal House of Justice encouraged the Bahá’í community of Ecuador to investigate the possibility, during the Five Year Plan, of purchasing a broadcasting station and thus operating the first Bahá’í—owned radio station in the world. Some measures leading to this goal had already been taken prior to 1973 and the community is continuing to exert every effort to obtain from the Ecuadorian Government the necessary licence. Meanwhile, from 1973 onward, programmes have been transmitted on a regular basis by twelve commercial radio stations thus giving almost complete national coverage.

‘For two consecutive years in the period being reviewed the Bahá’ís participated in the annual exhibition Feria de las Flores y [as Frutas where thousands of people from Ecuador and abroad who attended this event received the message of Baha’u’llah.

‘Intensive teaching projects which produced excellent results took place in the regions of Esmeraldas, Quito, Loja, Carchi, Manabi, Morna Santiago and Chimborazo, the last mentioned being of particular significance because it was a mass teaching project and the majority of participants were indigenous peoples of Imbabura.

‘The most outstanding event of the period was the inauguration in December 1973 of the Bahá’í

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Institute named after the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum in Otavalo, an event which was followed by a teaching conference. Present were Counsellors Athos Costas, Mas‘fid K_hamsi, Peter McLaren, Rafi] Pavon and Donald Witzel and other Bahá’ís from Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia and the United States. Indigenous believers from all parts of Ecuador actively participated in the conference. The principal language used during the proceedings was Spanish but many of the speeches were translated into Quechua.

‘The settling of Mr. William Rodriguez as a pioneer in Leticia, Colombia, the National Spiritual Assembly hopes, will serve as an example and inspiration for the Bahá’í youth of Ecuador.’

GUYANA, SURINAM AND FRENCH GUIANA

‘One of the principal goals assigned to the National Assembly in the Five Year Plan was the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly of Surinam and French Guiana with its

. seat in Paramaribo, Surinam. In its message to the Bahá’ís of the world at Naw-Rúz 1976 the Universal house of J ustice called for the election of this new body at Riḍván 1977. Thus, much of the activity of the community was directed towards the eventual establishment of this new independent administrative entity.

‘In October 1974 the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájirvisited Guyana, Surinam and F rench Guiana, inspiring and guiding us in our teaching work. He encouraged us to increase and extend our teaching efforts by seeking to double the size of our community membership and advised us to reinforce the process of consolidation through teaching entire families and establishing children’s classes on a regular basis.

‘The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih IKhánum visited Surinam in March 1975 during her Green Light Expedition and opened to the Faith new areas deep in the interior of Surinam.

‘In the process ofextending the teaching work the Faith has now been taken to the western and eastern borders and to the southernmost village in Guyana. In Surinam, the eastern border has been the scene of considerable activity resulting in the enrolment of new believers among the

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Amerindians and Bush Negroes and the deepening of existing communities. The western border of Surinam was opened to the Faith and a Local Spiritual Assembly formed among people of East Indian background, thus enriching the diversity of the Bahá’í community. A noteworthy development in French Guiana was the increase in numbers and the deepening of believers in areas outside Cayenne as well as among the Galibi Indians. The number of believers in the three regions comprising this national community grew from approximately 750 to more than 1,800, including a large number of youth.

‘The National Youth Committee of Guyana has held regular deepening classes designed for youth in various villages. The fourth annual youth camp was attended by more than one hundred and seventy-five participants compared with thirty-five who attended the first camp in 1973. Unprecedented publicity was obtained in 1976 with three articles in the press, one appearing on the front page and two being accompanied by photographs. Youth are playing an increasingly important role in supporting the teaching and consolidation work in all areas in Guyana.

‘The number of children’s classes held on a regular basis has increased from two to more than twelve in Guyana, and to two in Surinam. Our second annual children’s conference held in Georgetown attracted an attendance of one hundred and thirty children from more than seven localities who came to share the prayers and selections from The Hidden Words which they had memorized.

‘We now have a regular weekly ten-minute radio programme in Guyana which is heard throughout the country. Over the past two years quotations from the Bahá’í Writings have been placed in the newspaper on a regular basis. Mailings to members of parliament and officials of the Government of Guyana have included a prayer of Baha’u’llah, the statement on loyalty to Government and introductory literature. A proclamation week in Georgetown in November 1975 featured display boards placed in strategic points throughout the city, a public meeting for which eight hundred invitations were mailed and distribution of literature to more than six schools.

‘In Surinam there was participation in the Independence Fair with a large and attractive

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Second annual Bahá’í children’s conference, held at the national Bahá’í Centre, Georgetown, Guyana; 28 March 1976. In attendance were 128 children representing 9 communities, and 25 adults participated.

Bahá’í booth. The event which was held from 19 November to 7 December 1975 drew an attendance of more than 35,000 people. The Bahá’ís also participated in the Independence Parade which attracted more than 100,000 viewers and had a television interview which was seen by an estimated 150,000 people.

‘In Guyana representatives of the Macusi, the Waiwai and the Wapiashanna tribes embraced the Faith in 1975—1976.

‘Three Bahá’í newsletters, each in a different language, are now being distributed on a regular basis in our region. In the period under review there was a small printin g of prayers in Taki-Taki (Sranang Tongo), and some teaching aids and additional prayers were translated into Galibi.

‘Our first international travelling teachers were sent from Guyana to Trinidad in 1975 and to Jamaica in 1976.

‘The first properties to be acquired by the Bahá’ís in Surinam were the Temple site (early 1975) and the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Paramaribo which was acquired in September of

that year and opened with a public ceremony. This structure, which now serves as the local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, was utilized in conjunction with the Bahá’í booth at the trade fair in November-December 1975. The first district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Guyana was acquired in Annandale. The dedication ceremony was attended by many people from that region and was accorded publicity in the press. It now serves as the local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for Annandale and as the office for the District Teaching Committee.

‘The following general trends have been observed in the period being discussed. In Guyana, there has been an upsurge in the participation of Bahá’í youth in all aspects of the teaching work including the opening of new areas, the formin g of Local Spiritual Assemblies and the consolidation of communities. The believers have begun to adopt personal goals and many have achieved them. An increasing number volunteer to assist in all Bahá’í activities. In Surinam, a greater number of believers sup [Page 221]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’I ACTIVITIES

port all aspects of Bahá’í activities and an increased degree ofcollaboration has developed in teaching projects between Surinam and French Guiana. In French Guiana, the believers have become more deeply aware of the significance of the Faith and have demonstrated their loyalty to it. There is a growing maturity among believers outside the capital city and particularly among the Galibi Indians.’

PARAGUAY

‘The years between Riḍván 1973 and Riḍván 1976 were not very fruitful ones for Paraguay. However, the visits of three beloved Hands of the Cause—Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, who was accompanied by his lovely wife; Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir; and Mr. Enoch Olinga—left us with a renewed spirit.

‘One significant proclamation event took place in the small town of Villarrica early in 1974. The programme which included films about the United Nations and the Bahá’í film El Alba was announced for a month in advance by radio publicity and street banners. The Bahá’ís who optimistically hoped to attract an audience of 300 from among the 25,000 population of the town were astonished when 4,500 people attended the showing of the films and listened attentively to the message of Bahá’u’lláh presented by a representative of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America.

‘In December 1974 a successful summer school was held just outside the capital city. In attendance was Mrs. Leonora Armstrong of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America and other Bahá’ís from Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Bolivia.

‘Teaching trips have been made to various communities in the country and on at least one occasion books were presented to the authorities.

‘Children’s classes have begun on a regular basis in several communities and are held sporadically in others.

‘There is a close relationship between the Continental Board of Counsellors and members of the Auxiliary Board and the national and local administrative bodies. The climax of these years was a particularly outstanding national convention, infused with a spirit of love and unity. The Auxiliary Board members gave their total and invaluable co-operation for the election of

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the new National Spiritual Assembly (1976) and although we are unable to report many outstanding activities during the period under review the new spirit evident among the believers at Riḍván 1976 gives the National Assembly high hopes of winning the goals through a new leap forward.’

PERU

‘At Riḍván 1973 there were one hundred and three Local Spiritual Assemblies in Peru. The first Bahá’í winter school was held in Chupaca at an altitude of 3,500 ft. In October a National Youth Conference was held on Cuzco with one hundred friends participating. Mr. Rail] Pavon of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America attended the conference and assisted with proclamation meetings at the university and in nearby towns.

‘Nearly one hundred believers from all regions in Peru gathered at the national Centre in Lima in July 1973 at the invitation of the Continental Board of Counsellors. A television crew filmed portions of the meeting which were shown on local news programmes for two consecutive days. The Continental Board of Counsellors introduced the friends to the newly-appointed Counsellor, Mrs. Leonora Armstrong, and bade farewell to Counsellor Hooper Dunbar who was departing to take up his duties at the International Teaching Centre in the Holy Land. The Counsellors also participated in a National Teaching Conference and two of them were interviewed on a popular television programme, “Twenty-four Hours”, which is viewed throughout the country. In addition, Bahá’í programmes in Quechua were presented over a Cuzco radio station. ;

‘The seventh international Bahá’í summer school was held with more than two hundred participating including many believers from Brazil. A vigorous forty-day teaching project was initiated in the ancient Inca capital, Cuzco, and the first public Bahá’í talk in Quechua ever to be given there was presented by Exaltacion Quispe.

‘One hundred and fifty persons received the Hand of the Cause Abu’l-Qasim Faizi with special welcoming songs and banners which attracted much interest among airport officials and members of the public. Mr. Faizi inspired young parents with his talk on child education

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INST! YUTD NAEHINIL

BE EN‘KH‘N‘II

Peruvian Bahd’z' youth who participated in a teaching project in Cuzco, Peru.

when he appeared as the honoured guest at the national conference held 6—7 July 1974.

‘Several half—hour television programmes, “Man and the World”, were presented over the University of Lima’s channel under the direction of Counsellor Mas‘l’ld K_hamsi and Auxiliary Board member Fernando Schiantarelli. Through the participation of Bahá’í youth, their hidden talents were discovered. The tragic passing of an active and dedicated youth, Iris Morales, deeply affected the youth of Peru and inspired closer bonds of affection among the young friends. Many enquirers embraced the Faith following her passing.

‘The year 1975 initiated a new era of native pioneering with seven Bahá’ís settling in goal areas in the Amazon jungle and the high Andes mountains. During the summer school twelve persons accepted the Faith.

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel gave a public talk and appeared on television while visiting the Bahá’ís of Lima. Bahá’í women honoured Mrs. Ursula Mühlschlegel at a tea and round table discussion before her interview on television.

‘Our particularly cherished visitor was the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum whose presence in our country, with

members of the Green Light Expedition, created numerous opportunities to present the Faith in Peru. Her talk at the summit of Macchu Picchu stimulated the Indian believers through the recognition and appreciation accorded the old Inca culture. Also stressed was the great future of the Indian peoples prophesied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

‘With the permission of the Universal House of J ustice the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America planned an international teaching conference for Quechua-speaking believers from Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador which was held in Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital. Our beloved Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum remained in South America especially to participate in this gathering, inspiring the friends and assuring them of their future in the Faith. Thus, four hundred years after the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, the Bahá’í Indians of these countries for the first time had an opportunity to gather and, in their own language, consult on the affairs of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in a three-day programme.

‘Through the special encouragement, and assistance of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum visits were made to the Aguaruna tribe, a branch of the Jivaro (or Shuara) Indians who were

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l A

223

Bahá’í’s and their friends who gathered to hear Amatu’l—Baha’ Rdlziyyih K_ha'num speak about the Green Light Expedition, Lima, Peru; June 1975.

formerly known for their practice of “shrinking” heads. The Aguaruna are one of the tribes mentioned by Shoghi Effendi in his Ten Year Crusade. After the visit of Enrique Sanchez, a youth from Lima, Shahrok Zargarpour, and Alberto Guerrero, a native of Chiclayo, Temashnun became a nucleus of Bahá’í activities for the tribe.

‘After the Green Light Expedition, one of the places that started to bloom was Leticia which is the central Amazon port of three countries; a conference sponsored there by the Continental Board of Counsellors was attended by friends from Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Later the International Committee of Amazonas whose membership is composed of believers from these three countries continued teaching activities with good results.

‘During the year 1976, Mr. K. Dean Stephens of Puerto Rico, a radio and television engineer, offered technical advice and helped the National Radio Committee plan their programmes. He also shared a television interview with Counsellor Mas‘fid Igbamsi.

‘Two Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed in Chincha among the Negro people after this area was opened to the Faith. Vista Alegre and

Cabbo Cocha on the Amazon river were also opened.

‘Peru was the site of a conference and training institute attended by sixty Indian believers many of whom arose as travelling teachers in their own areas.

‘The presence of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir on the final day of the international summer school stimulated a most successful campaign of teaching in surrounding areas.

‘Peru is once again blessed with the presence of Miss Eve Blanche Nicklin, the “mother" ofPeru, who despite her failing health continues her pioneering in Ica where she assisted in forming the first Local Spiritual Assembly, aided by a native teacher.

‘Five sixteen—year old Bahá’í youth participated in a successful three-month teaching trip under a plan made in collaboration between the National Spiritual Assemblies of Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru and Chile.’

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqa arrived in Trinidad on 16 August 1973 and

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The Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmazu’lla’h Muha'jir (centre), accompanied by three members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Trinidad and Tobago, paying a courtesy call on the Hon. Sir A. H . M cShine, Acting Governor-General; 5 October 1974.

departed on 21 August. Publicity was arranged for him through the news media—radio, television and the two local newspapers. Dr. Varqé met the Bahá’ís of north and central Trinidad and imparted his love and guidance. He also visited the Temple site at Five Rivers, Arouca.

‘The Hand of the Cause J alél Khaleh made a brief and inspiring visit to Trinidad in May 1974 during which he met with the National Spiritual Assembly, attended two Bahá’í meetings in central Trinidad, lectured at a secondary school in Couva to an audience of more than fifty students and teachers, and was interviewed on Radio Trinidad.

‘Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited Trinidad from 29 September to 7 October 1974. Dr. Muhájir paid a courtesy call on the then Acting

Governor—General of Trinidad and Tobago, The Honourable Sir A. H. McShine, C.B.E., in company with three representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly. Dr. Muhájir also appeared on “Community Dateline”, a special television interview programme. A reception in Dr. Muhájir’s honour was held in Couva with many dignitaries and Government officials present, as well as representatives of the news media. Dr. Muhájir spoke to the gathering on the principles of the Faith and emphasized that Bahá’ís are obedient to the Government of their country. On 6 October, International Children‘s Day was celebrated with fifty Bahá’í children and their friends attending. The entire programme, prepared and conducted by the children themselves, was most spirited and successful. The highlight of the gathering was the

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presence of Dr. Muhájir whose love for all present was a precious bounty.

‘The quarterly meeting of the Continental Board of Counsellors for South America was held in Trinidad in August 1974 with five members of the Board in attendance. Some of the Counsellors attended the first national summer school held at Fairy Queen Bay, Tobago from 1 l to 18 August 1974. During their meeting in Trinidad the opportunity was taken to have the Counsellors, accompanied by a representative of the National Assembly, pay courtesy calls on the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Ellis Clarke, and the Mayor of Port-of—Spain. A most successful press conference was held for the five Counsellors at the national Bahá’í Centre in Port-of-Spain. An extract from the interview was released on the radio news broadcast the same night and both national newspapers, The Express and The Guardian, published a short account of the interviews at the press conference.

‘On 16 August 1974 Counsellor Mas’fid K_hamsi and representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Sir Dawda Kairaba J awara of the Gambia who. with his wife, was visiting Trinidad to attend the Ninth International Convention of the Caribbean Veterinary Association; His Excellency is president of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association. The delegation was cordially received by the President and his party in his private suite at the Hilton Hotel. The Bahá’ís expressed their gratitude for being granted the pleasure of meeting him, as he had extended a similar honour to the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum when she visited his country in 1971 during the course of her African safari. The President expressed his satisfaction with the Bahá’ís residing in The Gambia and his appreciation of the work they are doing, and accepted a copy of a Bahá’í news bulletin containing a photograph and an account of his audience with Rúḥíyyih Khánum.

‘In December 1975 Mrs. Leonora Armstrong, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for South America and the spiritual “mother” of Latin America, visited Trinidad en route to Brazil, and met the friends from the north and central regions of Trinidad. She recounted her experiences during her first visit to Trinidad in 1927 when there were no Bahá’ís living here and expressed her joy that the Bahá’í

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community of today was accomplishing all that she had been unable to accomplish during her brief stay. She stressed that the power of God to establish His Cause is infinite. Her brief visit, so warm and loving, inspired all who met her.

‘In October 1973 two representatives of the National Assembly were accorded a cordial interview by His Excellency Sir Ellis Clarke, Governor-General of Trinidad to whom they presented The Proclamation of Bahd’u’llc'zh and} The Prisoner and the Kings which he received with pleasure and expressed an interest in reading. Fifteen copies of various Bahá’í books including Baht'z‘u'llz'zh and the New Era, Paris Talks, Some Answered Questions and The Divine Art of Living were donated to the public library in Port-of-Spain, and the library later requested additional books. A well—known local book store in Port-of—Spain now displays and sells Bahá’í literature and the public has been informed of its availability regularly through our radio programme. Public response has been good.

‘A parcel of two lots of land was acquired as an endowment at Carolina Village in central Trinidad, and an acre of land was donated to the Local Assembly of Palmyra in south Trinidad for use as the site of the local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and an endowment land. A group of one hundred and fifty Bahá’ís gathered at the site for a celebration at Naw—Rt'lz 1976.

‘The Women and Children’s Education Committee held several activities in connection with International Women’s Year in 1975 in various villages of central Trinidad where most of the women, many of them of East Indian background and members of sugar-belt families, have traditionally been deprived of higher formal education and freedom of activity. The Bahá’í women themselves arranged and conducted the activities which took place. The highlight of Observances of International Women’s Year in Trinidad and Tobago was a half-hour programme on television moderated by Miss Shamsi Sedaghat who interviewed a panel of three Bahá’í women. The panel members, rather new Bahá’ís with little formal education, so lucidly and spontaneously described the effect of Baha’u’llah’s teachings on their lives that they stimulated a warm, enthusiastic and favourable response from the public.

‘In addition, Bahá’í women were invited to

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participate in several meetings held by the Commission for the Status of Women, as well as the International Women’s Year celebration held in Trinidad in March 1975 under non-Bahá’í auspices, The contributions made to these events by the Bahá’ís emphasized the principle of equality between men and women as delineated in the Bahá’í Writings.

‘Several well-attended Bahá’í children’s classes have been held in Trinidad on a regular basis during this period and some of the children have been invited to appear on the Bahá’í television programme. One entire class session was televised. Using charts and other materials, the children explained progressive revelation and a programme of songs with Bahá’í themes was interspersed between the presentation each child offered about one of the great religions of the world. The participation of Bahá’í children in television activities helped open the way for the presentation of more sophisticated programmes utilizing panels of Bahá’í youth with Bahá’í children singing songs occasionally during the broadcast, the showing of Bahá’í films and slides with live commentary, and others. Two representatives of the Bahá’í community were invited to appear on a panel programme for adults arranged by the Inter-Religious Organization on an aspect of ecumenism. The comments offered by the Bahá’í panelists were well received.

‘In addition to the above television programmes the weekly five-minute free radio broadcast continued during this period. Programming included a presentation of basic facts about the Bahá’í Faith, an outline of its teachings and principles, and special programmes were presented on Bahá’í Holy Days. Response has been encouraging. An excellent relationship has been established with the news media and the two major newspapers have, from time to time, published articles on the Faith and reported significant events including the visits of outstanding Bahá’í guests.

‘T he National Youth Committee conducted the first National Youth Conference under the joint auspices of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America and the National Spiritual Assembly. It was held for two days in Mayaro, a village on the south-eastern coast of Trinidad. In the past, due to the fewness of Bahá’í youth in the country, most activities for youth consisted of primary teaching and deepening, culminating in this wonderfully

THE BAHA’l WORLD

successful conference. Visitors to the country were also in attendance.’

URUGUAY

‘The period between Riḍván 1973 and Riḍván 1976 saw many interesting and important activities in the development of the Faith ll‘ Uruguay. Outstanding among these were the visits of two Hands of the Cause. Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited the country in early December 1974 at which time he met with the National Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í communities of Montevideo and Maldonado. The friends were deeply impressed with his great spirit of devotion and love of the Faith. At that time he told the National Assembly that it must prepare itself to conquer the country in the name of Baha’u’llah.

‘In early May 1975 the Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, accompanied by his wife, visited the community of Montevideo and held deepening sessions for the friends. His simple yet profound exposition of basic Bahá’í principles was inspiring and of great value to all those who heard him.

‘Many visits of members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America were also received during the period. An especially frequent visitor was Counsellor Athos Costas whose counsel and vigilance have been of inestimable value to the national Bahá’í community. We also received two visits from Counsellor Leonora Holsapple Armstrongthe first permanent pioneer to Latin Americaone at the international summer school held in Paysandt'l in February 1974, and the second in January 1975. All who had the privilege of meeting her were moved by her great devotion to the Faith. We also had the privilege of being Visited by Counsellor Rail] Pavén in January 1975. His visit, coinciding with that of Mrs. Armstrong and Mr. Costas, provided an opportunity for the three Counsellors to meet with the National Spiritual Assembly in a special meeting to give greater impulse to achieving the goals of the Five Year Plan. During the period under review, Mr. Aminu’llah Mandegari, a devoted Persian pioneer who has spent many years in this country and who has been instrumental in opening many new localities to the Faith, was appointed to the Auxiliary Board.

‘Several conferences were held during the period. In August 1973 a deepening institute was

[Page 227]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES 227

Some Bahá’ís Of Montevideo and Porto Alegre, Brazil, who participated with the Bahá’ís of Uruguay in a teaching project in Rivera, Uruguay; 1974.

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.. ?,r 3"...3.‘ '

‘

Bahd’z' children‘s class, Montevideo, Uruguay; 1974.

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held for the first time in El Dorado, Canelones, attended by approximately thirty-five believers. During the same month a similar institute was held in Montevideo for the friends of that city. Another national meeting, particularly animated in nature, was held in March 1974 for the purpose of discussing the goals of the Five Year Plan. In November 1974 a national administrative conference was held attended by representatives from several Local Spiritual Assemblies from throughout the country. Counsellor Athos Costas and Auxiliary Board member Ramon Moreira also participated as instructors for the various sessions.

‘During the period two travelling teachers visited us, Mr. Miguel Paniagua of Argentina and Mrs. Eugenia Pritchard of the United States. Mr. Paniagua visited many communities in the interior of the country where he conducted deepening classes and taught the Faith to enquirers. Mrs. Pritchard visited communities in Canelones, teaching the Faith through the assistance of a translator.

‘The incorporation of two Local Spiritual Assemblies was achieved during the period. These were pending goals of the Nine Year Plan and were accomplished shortly after that plan had terminated.

‘A very successful endeavour was the initiation of a correspondence course which was announced through advertisements in a national newspaper. In the space of a few months in 1974 nearly one hundred persons wrote enquiring about the Faith and requesting literature and correspondence lessons.

‘An interesting sidelight Of the period was the showing in the residence of the United Kingdom Ambassador to Uruguay, Mr. Peter Oliver, C.M.G., in February 1974, oftwo Bahá’í films to a group of Bahá’ís and interested friends. About twenty people were present including Mrs. Pritchard who had brought one of the films, It '5 Just the Beginning, from the United States.

‘Although at the time of the writing of this report, Uruguay is still far from fully achieving its goals, the believers are confident that the goals will be won through the co-operation of the friends and the promised assistance of Baha’u’llah.’

VENEZUELA

‘As we enter the second half of the Five Year Plan we find ourselves with some important

THE Bahá’í WORLD

goals accomplished but with many others awaiting urgent attention. Perhaps the most important change is not a measurable accomplishment at all, but a subtle dilference in atmosphere among both the Bahá’ís and students of the Faith. There is a rising spiritual awareness, more interest in deepening and prayer and a burgeoning of activity among the youth in some parts of the country. Awareness of teaching opportunities has increased and some of the friends are spontaneously undertaking teaching trips, often by bus.

‘There have been several experiments in proclamation in universities and cultural centres. These have given us some valuable preparation for the nation-wide proclamation effort scheduled for the autumn of 1976. Local Spiritual Assemblies have been asked to prepare places for exhibitions, follow-up meetings, and firesides, and some of the people who were involved in earlier programmes are helping to prepare various aspects of the project including exhibitions, slide programmes, articles, radio spot announcements and so on.

‘A recording studio has been nearly completed in the national Centre and soon scripts will be prepared and the actual taping will be undertaken.

‘In the rural areas the problems of expansion and consolidation are as challenging as ever. There has been some progress on the part of Local Spiritual Assemblies in the construction and acquisition of Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. There are new local Centres in Cabimas, Bejuco and Villa del Rosario in the State of Zulia. The community of Ciudad Bolivar has acquired land and cleared it and is raising funds for the purpose of beginning construction. In the Amazon Territory in the far south of the country the National Spiritual Assembly has recently acquired three houses for use as a teaching institute. This was sorely needed, as the area is a large one with many indigenous believers scattered over hundreds of square miles of river and jungle. A central location for teaching near the major town of the region will contribute greatly to the level of deepening in the area.

‘Teaching in the Indian areas continues to expand slowly. There are now Bahá’ís among the Motilon (Barre) of the Sierra de Perija, the Paraujano of the Guajira Peninsula, the Maco of the Amazonas and the Cabloco of the Rio Negro near the Brazilian border. Representatives of

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these tribes were introduced to the Faith and enrolled since the beginning of the Five Year Plan. The first translations of Bahá’í prayers have been made into Maco and Piaroa. Previously, no Bahá’í literature existed in these tongues.

‘There have been consistent efforts to encourage women to become active in teaching and administration, particularly in the area of children’s classes and children’s committees; and, in fact, in many parts of the country the women who are teachers of the Cause outnumber the men.

‘Correspondence courses have been prepared and are being readied for production in time to be used in the follow-up programme after the national proclamation project is launched.

‘At Riḍván 1974 there were 157 Local

229

Spiritual Assemblies in VeneZuela and the Faith was established in 46210calities. By Riḍván 1976 these figures had increased to 172 and 491, respectively. Nevertheless, herculean effort will be required to meet the goals of the Five Year Plan.

‘Early in the period under review we had two visits by Hands of the Cause. In February 1975 Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel spent some time with us and in March of that year Amatu’l—Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum visited during the course of the Green Light Expedition and was cordially received by His Excellency Dr. Pablo Anduze, Governor of the State of Amazonas. Since her visit there has been a marked increase in the attention given to the Amazon area, largely because of the interest she expressed in that region and the love she holds for it.’

C. ASIA

Three new National Spiritual Assemblies came into being in Asia in the period under review, two at Riḍván 1974 (one of these being Hong Kong with its seat in Kowloon) and one at Riḍván 1975 (J ordan, with its seat in Amman).

For the purposes of the functioning of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, Asia is divided into four zones:

North-eastern Asia

South Central Asia

South-eastern Asia

Western Asia

A number of the national communities within these zones function under external circumstances inimical to the Faith. The situation in some of these territories is described under ‘Efforts toward the emancipation of the Bahá’í Faith’ on pages 136 to 138 of this survey.

Set out below are excerpts from reports from some of the National Spiritual Assemblies in Asia which operate under benign circumstances.

North-eastern Asia

THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS ‘In December 1973 the National Spiritual Assembly initiated production of a thirteen-part half—hour colour videotape television series entitled “The New World”. Through songs with Bahá’í themes, and interviews of Bahá’ís, the

series presents an introduction to the Bahá’í Faith. The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears prepared scripts and narrated, or appeared as a guest in, the series. Many other outstanding Bahá’ís appeared in the series which was broadcast by a Honolulu television station twice in 1975 and once again in 1976. The State Legislature of the Hawaiian Islands (both Houses) passed resolutions commending the series which received wide acclaim in the newspapers.1 As a result of the series the Faith has become better known, respect for it has grown and more enquiries about it are received. The series has been made available for purchase by other National Assemblies and has already been used with great success in Alaska and American Samoa. Early in 1976 a weekly halfhour radio series also entitled “The New World” was initiated over a Honolulu radio station.

‘The largest and first international Bahá’í conference ever held in Hawaii—the Bahá’í International Youth Conference—took place in 1974 and generated the most publicity ever given to the Faith in the islands. More than sixteen thousand persons attended proclamation meetings held in conjunction with the conference, while thousands more heard the Bahá’í message over radio and television. Held from 4~8 August in Hilo, the conference was attended by one ‘ See p. 378.

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PROCLAMATION OF ,THE BAHA’I FAITH IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Some members of the Hawaiian Bahd’z' chorus. The joyful performances of this multi—racial singing group proclaimed

the Bahá’í Faith through music and song.

Judge Betty M . Vitousek (left) of the Family Court Ofthe‘State ofHawaii receiving the Agnes Baldwin Alexander Awardfor Service to Humanity from the Bahá’í Community of Hawaii for her outstanding contributions to community life; July 1975. (See p. 231.)

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thousand Bahá’ís from thirty-five countries. The Hands of the Cause William Sears, H. Collis Featherstone, and Abu’l-Qasim Faizi attended and addressed the conference. Also in attendance were three members of the Continental Board of Counsellors and many Auxiliary Board members. Featured entertainers at the proclamation programmes were the noted musicians Seals and Crofts, and EnglandiDan and John Ford Coley.

‘It should be noted that Mr. Sears visited Hawaii several times during this period in relation to the filming of the television series. During his visits he also met with the National Spiritual Assembly and spoke at general meetings for the Bahá’ís. On 23 December 1973, with Mr. Robert Quigley, a distinguished American Bahá’í, he presented a programme on the life of Lua Getsinger, who was designated by the Guardian “the mother teacher of the West.” On 24 March 1975 Mr. Sears again visited, accompanied by Mr. John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, an outstanding American Bahá’í who is internationally renowned as a musician; and on 4 May 1975 Mr. Sears was accompanied by Dr. Victor de Araujo, the accredited representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations.

‘The meeting of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir with the National Spiritual Assembly in December 1975 resulted in a new teaching effort. Dr. Muhájir also spoke to the Bahá’ís on all the islands.

‘In 1975 the National Assembly established NAHBOHR (the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaiian Bahá’ís Office for Human Rights) and in conjunction with the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the late Hand of the Cause Agnes Baldwin Alexander1 created an award bearing her name which is presented to citizens of the Hawaiian Islands who render outstanding service to humanity. On 20 July 1975, the anniversary date, an International Women’s Year banquet was held in Honolulu sponsored by the National Assembly and NAHBOHR at which the Judge Betty M. Vitousek of the Honolulu Family Court became the first recipient of the award. A number of United States Senators and Congressmen sent messages of congratulation to the National Assembly for creating the award, and the

‘See ‘In Memoriam‘, The Bahá’í War/zl. vol. XV. p. 423.

231

function resulted in considerable publicity and enhanced prestige for the Faith.

‘In August 1973 a National Public Information Office was established. It prepares and distributes to the public information representatives of Local Spiritual Assemblies press kits relating to Bahá’í special events, Holy Days and visitors, and sponsors public information workshops. Publicity about the Faith has increased throughout the islands as a result of the work of this office.

‘Each year the Hawaiian Bahá’í community has entered a float in the annual Aloha Week Parade held each October in Honolulu. In 1973 the Bahá’í float received second prize, in 1974 second prize, and in 1975 first prize in its category. Each year the float was seen by thousands over local television. In the last two years the float was also seen by millions of persons over national network television on Thanksgiving Day. The parade was also seen over television in Japan and in the United States Trust Territory.

‘In 1973 the National Assembly launched a one year teaching plan to maintain current pioneers and to assist the National Spiritual Assembly of the North West Pacific Ocean with pioneers, travelling teachers and the publication of literature. In June 1974 the Universal House of J ustice sent a message outlining specific goals for the Hawaiian Bahá’í community. There have been many teaching conferences held at the local and national levels to achieve Hawaii’s goals. In addition, many special public meetings have been held on days commemorating Bahá’í

' special events to attract the public to hear about

the Faith. Early in 1976, as a result of the inspirational visit of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, mass teaching programmes were again activated on all islands and consequently contact has been made with thousands of enquirers.

‘An international pioneering and travelling teaching staff was establishedby the National Assembly to assist all potential pioneers and travelling teachers. All of Hawaii’s pioneering and travelling teaching goals were achieved within the period under review.

‘The Legislature of the Hawaiian Islands in 1974 approved a bill recognizing Spiritual Assemblies as marriage Officiants; heretofore licenses to perform marriage were granted to individuals on the same basis as to clergymen.

[Page 232]232 THE Bahá’í WORLD

Participants in the Bahá’í International Youth Conference held in Hilo, Hawaii; 4—8 August 1974. Approximately 1,000 Bahd’z's from 35 countries were in attendance. An audience of more than 10,000 attended the subsequent proclamation programme at Waikiki on Oahu Island.

3g. '

Approximately 150 Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands participated in the construction of this float which took first place in its category in the Aloha Week Parade in Honolulu; October 1975. An estimated 80,000 persons witnessed the parade which was filmed and later broadcast over television.

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On 25 April 1974 the bill was signed by the Governor.1

‘The Governor, each year in the period being discussed, has signed World Peace Day Proclamations; and each year on or about 21 March a Bahá’í has been asked to read the opening prayer in the State Senate.

‘Classes for children are held weekly in eight Bahá’í communities. The first Bahá’í children’s summer camp in Hawaii was held in August 1973 at Kalopa State Park on the island of Hawaii with twenty-five children ranging in age from six to thirteen in attendance. In 1975 a similar camp was held with thirty-three children attending, ranging in age from five to thirteen.

‘Clearing of the land and the planning of the site was begun during this period at the permanent Bahá’í school at Puna on the island of Hawaii; the land was acquired in 1971. Building plans were submitted to the County and State Commissions. In addition, land for the Puna Bahá’í Centre was purchased.

‘The National Child Education Committee continued publication of the periodical The Lamplighter. In 1974 it published a “Bahá’í Puzzle Book” and a revised edition of “Bahá’í Quotations on Education”; and in 1975 it produced a children’s colouring book with Bahá’í themes. The Short Obligatory Prayer and a prayer of the Báb were translated into Hawaiian in 1974.

‘On the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Hand of the Cause Agnes Baldwin Alexander, the National Spiritual Assembly arranged to place on her grave in Kawaihao cemetery in Hololulu a new headstone suitably inscribed and bearing an indication of her station in the Faith.

‘In 1975 Evelyn Musacchia, recording secretary of the National Assembly, was appointed a member of the Advisory Council of the Hawaii State Board of Education. A year earlier, at the request of the Hawaiian chapter of UNICEF that a Bahá’í be appointed to its board, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed Mrs. Serrita Herbert to this post.’

JAPAN ‘The National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia came into being in 1957 with its seat in Tokyo, Japan and has experienced several

‘See marriage license issued to the Spiritual Assembly of Lihue. p 376.

233

Changes ofjurisdiction. In 1974 it was dissolved with the formation of two independent administrative entities, the National Spiritual Assemblies ofJapan and Hong Kong, with their seats in Tokyo and Kowloon, respectively. Japan is a land of sagacious people and the country is now emerging as an economic giant among nations. Vital forces propel Japan toward the great spiritual destiny foretold for her in the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. The Hand of the Cause William Sears who represented the Universal House of Justice at the inaugural convention in 1974 at which the Five Year Plan was launched dramatically quoted in his address the Words of the Master: Japan will turn ablaze!

‘As we stand at the mid-way point of the plan some significant teaching activities shed some illumination on the path leading to this destiny. A pioneer, Mr. Masaaki Ushibata, volunteered to assist the National Spiritual Assembly of the North West Pacific Ocean on a full-time basis, and he has been blessed with notable confirmations in the islands of that area. Native believers and pioneers from Japan served as travelling teachers in Korea, enabling that country to see a marked increase in the number of new believers and a strengthening of the consolidation work there. Within J apan, teaching was greatly accelerated; every week teams or individuals travelled to goal cities. The expansion of the Faith in the country was reinforced through the engagement of a Japanese Bahá’í serving as a travelling teacher on a full-time basis. No doubt a numerical increase in the number of believers from J apan who are making their pilgrimage to the World Centre and attending international conferences has stimulated travelling teaching abroad and weekend visits to communities on the homefront. Individual teaching continued in several areas in northern Japan including Chugoku, Kansai and Kyushu, and the new Bahá’ís in these communities have shown remarkable teaching and administrative capacities. A non—native believer in Kyushu has developed direct teaching and close association with English-Speaking Clubs in thirty-two widely scattered universities; this often results in well-attended firesides in the home as well.

‘Youth have travelled occasionally, visited some universities, and assisted in consolidating new localities. A youth conference held in the first year of the F ive Year Plan, as well as other

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THE Bahá’í WORLD

1 B

20 Lm / 5L 1.5”

Q 30' TAIWAN Q MACAO d(FORMOSA) ‘HONG KONG PHILIPPINES j 135'

conferences in Kyushu and Hokkaido, and the summer schools, fulfil this goal of the plan.

‘The Bahá’í women of J apan appear to outshine the men in the initiation of activities. In Tokyo, Kansai and Kyushu, Bahá’í women hold children’s classes. More women than men serve as travelling teachers; three serve as members of the Auxiliary Board ; in the period under review a second woman was elected to the National Assembly. One Bahá’í woman visited nearly all twenty goal cities, another volunteered to devote a year to travelling teaching within the country, and several women are active in translation and developing material for children.

‘The publication in English of Japan Will Turn Ablaze! strengthened the capacity of the new Japanese Publishing Trust established in 1974 and attracted world—wide interest. Translation

into Japanese has been completed of the Kitt’zb-iiqdn, The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice, and Bahá’u’lláh by the Hand of the Cause Hasan M. Balyfizi, and other translations are in process. The publication of these titles as well as the J apanese edition of Japan Will Turn Ablaze! will greatly enhance the work of deepening the knowledge of the friends. The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá recently produced by the Trust, and a booklet on the functions of a Local Spiritual Assembly put out by the National Assembly, attracted widespread interest among the believers. Assisting the Malaysian National Spiritual Assembly with a work in Chinese took us a step closer toward our goal of reaching the Chinese people.

‘Two Hands of the Cause visited Japan, adding an inestimable impetus. Mr. William

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Sears, accompanied by his wife, Marguerite, travelled to several communities prior to the inaugural convention. He saw many believers in the Tokyo area, Kansai, Hiroshima and Ube (Chugoku); met with members of the Continental Board of Counsellors and their Auxiliary Boards; addressed a youth conference and spoke to individual believers and to groups. His enthusiasm, humour and acute insights lifted the spirits of the friends to another dimension and stirred their desire to serve.

‘Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited twice, each time stimulating new or renewed teaching activities directed to the goals of the plan. Dr. Muhájir’s visits to Tokyo, Kansai, Chugoku and Kyushu were very successful, resulting, specifically in Kyushu, in a number of people accepting the Faith. At the 1976 annual convention, Dr. Muhájir inspired many to volunteer for travelling teaching within the country as well as in Korea.

‘Two new buildings were erected for use as Centres, one in Sapporo and another in Amagasaki, as replacements for the small houses which had served as centres in the early years of the Ten Year Crusade. The Centres in Nagasaki and Hiroshima have been repaired, repainted

\

235

Presentation of Bahá’í literature to Mr. S. Oyama, Mayor of Kurashiki, Japan; April 1975.

and decorated; they are used for many Bahá’í activities. A substantial sum has been allocated by the National Spiritual Assembly toward the purchase of the Hong Kong Temple site and we expect this goal to be accomplished soon.

‘The national office has greatly increased its communications with the community. Circulars, information sheets, news bulletins and the Japanese Bahá’í News are published regularly and frequently, thus significantly aiding the deepening of the knowledge of the maturing friends and Local Assemblies. A growing recognition of the importance of observing Feasts and Holy Days has been noted throughout the national community. In addition to an increase in the number of those engaging in travelling teaching it also has been noted that newly-registered believers are becoming fully active in community affairs more quickly than in the past. Another observable trend has been an increased use of advertising. Some communities are inserting free announcements in a section of the newspaper reserved for notices of meetings resulting in larger numbers of people attending the gatherings. Plans have been laid for the increased use of mass media, particularly radio and television, during the remainder of the Five

[Page 236]236

Year Plan. The use of tapes and slides provided by the Audio-Visual Committee to attract the public and to provide deepening is another trend that is lighting the path.

‘We labour individually and collectively, aware of gradual progress, moving ever closer toward a large-scale response on the part of the public, confident that eventually the key will be turned in the last door barring us from ultimate Victory.’

KOREA

. ‘The development of the Bahá’í Faith in Korea in the period from Riḍván 1973 has been characterized by a strengthening of local communities, a deepening of the knowledge of the Faith on the part of the individual friends, an increased use of audio-visual teaching materials, the enrichment of Bahá’í literature translated into Korean, a steady growth in the number of localities where Bahá’ís reside from 565 to 640 and an increase in membership of approximately 5,500. Significant highlights of the period were the first courtesy visits paid by a distinguished Bahá’í traveller to high-ranking Government officials, and the first live television interview and publicity about the Faith in other mass media on the occasion of the marriage of two Bahá’ís.

‘The Korean community had the privilege of the presence of the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone for a five-day visit commencing on 14 July 1974. Mr Featherstone paid courtesy calls upon the Deputy-Governor of Chungcheongnam—do Province, the Deputy—Mayor of Taejon city, the Provincial Police Superintendent and the Provincial Superintendent of the Board of Education. This was the first time in Korean Bahá’í history that Visits have been made to high-ranking Government figures. A fifteen-minute live television interview featuring Mr. Featherstone was broadcast by MBC Taejon television station.

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir made several visits to Korea and spent his time primarily in advising and encouraging the National Spiritual Assembly in its teaching efforts.

‘Mr. Ruhu’llah Mumtází and Mr. Richard Benson of the Continental Board of Counsellors in North—eastern Asia also met with the National Spiritual Assembly and members of the Korean community on several occasions, offering encouragement and advice in relation to the

THE Bahá’í WORLD

teaching effort. The presence of Counsellor Mumtází at the twelfth national convention resulted in expressions of unreserved allegiance to the Cause on the part of all the delegates and friends who were in attendance. During his visit to Korea in September 1974, Counsellor Benson Visited Sangha-ri and Dun-ri where groups of approximately eighty and one-hundred and thirty, respectively, both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, came to listen to his presentation of the message of Baha’u’llah.

‘A stream of pioneers and international travelling teachers spent time in Korea. Among the visiting teachers were Dale and Nahid Eng who arrived in May 1973 and spent four months teaching extensively and seeking particularly to bring the Faith to the attention of college students in Taejon; Mrs. Shirin Fozdar who visited for the second time in J uly 1975 following her attendance as a representative of the Bahá’í International Community at the International Women’s Year Conference in Mexico and who consulted with the National Assembly on means of increasing opportunities for Korean women to participate actively in the work of the Cause; and some groups of travelling teachers from Japan, of various nationalities and including the chairman of the Japanese National Assembly, who responded to the request of Dr. Muhájir that they send teachers to Korea. The teaching teams from J apan whose services are much appreciated spent varying periods in Korea, visited a number of communities and took part in the National Teaching Conference held at Yesan Teaching Institute in January 1976. One visiting teacher, Mr. Vahadad, accompanied by Mr. Sam-Bong Park, a member of the National Assembly of Korea, succeeded in opening to the Faith the village of Heukseong-ri in Kwangyang-gun county, after a week—long teaching effort in January 1976.

‘Efforts to teach among college and high school students were pursued with some success. Mrs. Barbara Enger and Mrs. Florence Kelly played a great role in teaching these students in English, using The New Garden. A Youth Unity Feast was sponsored by Seoul youth in August 1975 with about eighty Bahá’í youth and their friends in attendance.

‘The Bahá’í marriage of Mr. Kama] Riḍván—iNijid to Miss Hak-ja Choe resulted in considerable publicity for the Faith. The bridegroom is the only Iranian resident in Korea and the

[Page 237]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

v l l T ”n. _.—..——-———..\ IIo‘ - / \—\ 20'. . . .\‘ must Tenmmnv \ ““3” \‘\_ or THE ' "5““5 \'\ \ ~. I ~\. PACIFIC ISLANDS ‘ .v \_\ (MICRONESIA) \ 3 S A, p A ~ I \‘\‘ \ I I \. .' DISTRICT l | Gulm') ’/__. - . MARSHALL ISLANDS i / ,.\ ' /' .'—‘ - — - — — — - — ~ -— - ——— - — - — — L ' ' .41 _-- I ,0. , l I \‘ DISTRICT ,. l ' / > . 1 :- " , ' . “suns ‘ .1, 3-. . WESYEIN CAIOLINE _ ‘ | Q . / _ ISLANDS I " cnaouye \‘ '5 71 l r _l i___ _ - I- . -' ."-_ I . tSLANDS \ '.:’ . I I .- . .. ,. . , , \ -‘k ' onsrmcr _ ~\ .. .';- 11' I . \ .r- n \ ./ .' TRUK l 1 z: I - - . PONAPE -—J_ PALAU DISTRICT \ IDISTRICTI' l / 5 \ I . DISTRICT , . \¥\ \ I I J / ‘\ I I -\~ \ l. EQUATOI \-—-—‘—<—-—--—--—————-—-———- ’ 0'... 150° . no' I L

wedding ceremony was reported in various daily newspapers. weekly magazines. by radio news programmes and on television. While being interviewed he was asked about the Faith and he offered a brief outline of the history and principles. The interview was seen three times on MBC television and broadcast on the radio on “News of the Day", and several newspapers and weekly magazines carried a photograph of the couple.

‘In February 1976 the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Korea was established and formally registered with the Government,1 thus achieving one of the major goals of the Five Year Plan for Korea. Bahá’í literature available in Korean was greatly enriched through the translation and/or publication of twenty books and pamphlets. Some Answered Questions and Ninety-Five Bahá’í Questions and Answers were the major works produced during the period. Audio—visual teaching materials were purchased in great numbers and almost all Bahá’í filmstrips and slide programmes available from the United States Publishing Trust were acquired.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly has taken initial steps to gather, edit and publish a booklet outlining the first half—century of the history of the Bahá’í Faith in Korea, the volume covering the period from 1921, when the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh was first brought to Korea by the Hand of the Cause Agnes Baldwin Alexander, up to 1975. Material for this work has been collected as the first phase of the plan for its ultimate publication.’

' See p. 380.

THE NORTH WEST PACIFIC OCEAN

‘The one year plan of the National Spiritual Assembly for 1973—1974 included a teacher training class, radio programmes and new publications. This programme was supported by several pioneers and travellin g teachers recruited by the National Teaching Committee.

‘The teacher training class was held in Guam in December 1973 for one or two Bahá’ís from each of the main island groups: Palau and Yap, in the Western Carolines; the Marianas; Truk and Ponape, in the Eastern Carolines; and the Marshalls.

‘Radio programmes translated into the principal island languages were broadcast in the administrative centre of each of the island groups. The booklet God’s New Age was published in Palauan and J apanese. The pamphlet Bahá’í Proofs from the Bible was published in Marshallese. Later during the Five Year Plan publications included The M essage Of Bahz'z ‘u 716211, a pamphlet in Palauan; and Bahá’í Teachings: Light for All Religions, a booklet printed with the English and Ponapean texts appearing side by side.

‘Mrs. Rose Makwelung, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, was the first Micronesian Bahá’í from this national community to participate in an International Bahá’í Convention and to make a pilgrimage to the World Centre of the Faith. After her return from the Holy Land she travelled to each island group

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to share her experience with the Bahá’ís and their friends.

‘By Riḍván 1976 ninety-six of the minimum two hundred localities called for in the Five Year Plan were opened to the Faith: twenty-three in the Marshalls, thirty-nine in the Eastern Carolines, twenty-one in the Marianas, and thirteen in the Western Carolines. Thirty-four of the fifty Local Spiritual Assemblies called for in the plan were formed, a net increase of nine since 1973. The greatest increases were in the Marshalls and in the Truk District of the Eastern Carolines, with seven and five more, respectively, than in 1973. Three significant trends were seen in the establishment of these Assemblies: extension teaching by Local Spiritual Assemblies, an increase in travelling teaching projects of several months’ duration, and the arising of resident Micronesian believers to carry the Faith to other islands.

‘A total of twenty-two travelling teachers served in Micronesia during the past three years. They included eighteen international travelling teachers: five from the United States, five from Hawaii, one from Alaska, two from Tonga, two from the Gilberts, two from J apan and an

THE Bahá’í WORLD

American friend from the South West Pacific. The four local residents who taught in other island groups were from Ponape.

‘There were pioneers in each island group except Yap; a total of five families and three individual pioneers had come within the year. In addition, two couples arrived in Ponape in the summer of 1973 but neither remained at Riḍván 1976. Our feeling of loss is great for both, but especially for one of the couples forced to leave after three months because of a near fatal accident to the wife.

‘The Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone, accompanied by his wife, Madge, visited the Marshalls, Ponape, Truk, Guam and Saipan for twenty-five days in September 1974. This visit drew the friends close to the World Centre of the Faith, gave them clearer understanding of the progress and scope of the Cause and strengthened them for the tasks ahead in the next four years. Mr. Featherstone met with the National Spiritual Assembly to discuss the Five Year Plan. He also met with Local Spiritual Assemblies, with groups of believers in conferences, and with individuals, answering questions, inspiring them to greater service. He spoke

The Hand of the Cause H . Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone being welcomed to Guam by Governor C arlos Garcia Camar'lzo (seated) ; September 1974.

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at several public meetings, met the press in Guam and in Saipan, and was interviewed on television in Saipan. Accompanied by local Bahá’ís, he called on the Governor of Guam and the Bishop of Guam.

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited Guam, Saipan, Ponape and Ebeye during eight days in December 1975. Coming at the direction of the Universal House of Justice, he met with the National Spiritual Assembly in a special meeting on Saipan, a meeting in which Mr. Richard Benson of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Northeastern Asia also participated. Dr. Muhájir stressed the need for immediate, systematic and continuous action to accomplish “the greatest task” given to any National Spiritual Assembly in the Five Year Plan, namely, to prepare for the formation of four National Spiritual Assemblies within its own jurisdiction. The Hand of the Cause also met with the National Teaching Committees of the Marianas, Eastern Carolines and Marshalls. An article and a photograph of Dr. Muhájir were published in a Guam daily newspaper. Dr. Muhájir spoke at several public meetings, was interviewed on radio in Ponape, and on television in Saipan, and in Ebeye, Marshall Islands.

‘From Ebeye, Dr. Muhájir went to Hawaii and then to the continental United States where he raised the call for travelling teachers and pioneers. There was immediate response and pioneers and travelling teachers began to arrive in the islands before the end of January 1976. Astonishing results from acceleration of teaching after his visit included completion of the goal of nine Local Spiritual Assemblies in the Marshalls, the formation of the new Local Spiritual Assemblies in Truk and a marked increase in enrolments in Guam.

‘In June 1973 the area of the North West Pacific Ocean was transferred from the jurisdiction of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia to that of the Continental Board of Counsellors in North-eastern Asia, at which time the Universal House of Justice announced the appointment of Mr. Richard Benson of Guam to membership on the Continental Board for the North—eastern Asia zone. The Continental Board of Counsellors appointed a third member of the Auxiliary Board in February 1976 specifically for the Marshall Islands.

‘The Five Year Plan calls for at least one

239

National Teaching Conference each year. The first two immediately followed the national conventions of 1974 and 1975, held in Ponape and Majuro respectively. The third was a successful two—part conference, the first part meeting in Koror, Palau, and the second in Yap.

‘In local communities numerous activities and discussions were held on such subjects as the life and sufferings of Baha’u’llah, the Covenant, Bahá’í consultation, women in the Bahá’í Faith, teaching the Faith, and prayer, to help the friends gain “a clearer apprehension of the purpose of God for man.”1 A Counsellor’s conference was held on Guam in November 1974 on “The Individual and the Five Year Plan.” Four nine-day institutes were given designed to assist individuals to plumb the Writings as an aid to spiritual growth and timed to reinforce the effect of Dr. Muhájir’s visit in accelerating teaching activity.

‘The North West Pacific Ocean embraces two political national entities; thus “Bahá’í Properties, Incorporated” was established as a nonprofit corporation in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands where only citizens of the Trust Territory may own land, while a similar body was incorporated in Guam, a territory of the United States. These were necessary steps in order to acquire the four Temple sites, the four district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, and other properties called for in the Five Year Plan.

‘Youth activities included several conferences, activity in the University of Guam Bahá’í Club, travelling teaching and participation in general Bahá’í community work. The National Youth Committee sent a youth from Ponape as its representative to the International Youth Conference in Hilo, Hawaii in J uly 1974.

‘Bahá’í classes for children—another goal fulfilled—were held regularly in Guam, Saipan and Majuro. Bahá’í activities and classes for women were initiated in the Marianas and Marshalls.

‘After a year of preparation, the National Assembly began a programme of informing Government and island leaders in all districts of the aims and purposes of the Bahá’í Faith by presenting to selected individuals kits containing publications on the Faith.

‘Conducting children’s art festivals, participating in parades, offering displays and movies

1 The Universal House of J ustice, message to the Bahá’ís of the World, Riḍván 1967i

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for United Nations Day and purchasing a newspaper insert highlighted proclamation efforts of the Bahá’ís in these years.

‘The community of the North West Pacific Ocean suffered the loss of two active and wellloved believers. David Russell Benson, a dedicated Bahá’í teacher and member of the National Bahá’í Youth Committee, lost his life in a drowning accidentin 1974. Dr. ScottWilson, widely admired and loved professor at the University of Guam, who served on the National

Teaching Committee and on the National.

Spiritual Assembly, died after a long illness in 1975. Through the prayer services held at the time of the burials of these friends the healing Words of Baha’u’llah about the soul and life after death reached many hearts among people of all classes, religions, races and ages in Guam. ‘In its message at Riḍván 1976 the Universal House of J ustice announced the joyful news that the National Spiritual Assembly of the Marshall Islands is to be formed at Riḍván 1977, a supplementary achievement of the Five Year Plan. May the other three island groups—the Marianas, Western Carolines and Eastern Carolines—soon win similar victories!’

THE BAHA’l WORLD

TAIWAN

‘The following is a list summarizing the most significant activities that have taken place in Taiwan since the inception of the Five Year Plan, as well as some events, now in the planning stage, that will take place before the mid-way point:

‘June 1974: Children’s classes began at the Tainan Bahá’í Centre. Middle school students came on Saturdays to classes devoted to a halfhour study of English and a half—hour study of the Bahá’í teachings.

‘July 1974: A three-day deepening institute was held with Mr. Jack McCants, a member of the Auxiliary Board.

‘October 1974: The Hand of the Cause H. Collis F eatherstone visited for three days.

‘November 1974: A nine-day institute was held. The institute included six days of deepening and three days of teaching. As a result three people embraced the Faith including a village Chief of the Taroko tribe. This tribe was represented in the Bahá’í community prior to the inception of the Five Year Plan.

‘December 1975: The Women and Children’s Committee sponsored a one-day institute at the

Participants in the institute 0n Bahá’ífamily life, sponsored by the Women and Children‘s Committee Ql'Tain'un. held at [/20 Tainan Bahá’í Cwm'c ,‘ 25 Det‘embcr [975. Auxiliary Board member Roxanne Gardner is seen standing on the extreme right, second row.

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Tainan Bahá’í Centre on “Bahá’í Family Life”. Thirty-eight people, including twelve children, participated in this exciting and successful event.

‘February 1976 : A winter school sponsored by the Youth Committee was heldin Taichung with more than fifty people of various backgrounds in attendance. The event was considered one of the most successful in the history of the Faith in Taiwan. A one-day teaching institute followed. After some discussion and study the friends dispersed to teach in the city. Three thousand introductory leaflets were distributed, a public meeting was held and one enquirer accepted the Faith.

‘A mass teaching effort was designed by the National Spiritual Assembly and launched in Pingtung. During the first nine days of the project personal invitations were sent to Government officials, a proclamation kit was presented to a radio station in the area, seventeen thousand full-page Bahá’í inserts were distributed through five newspapers, a reception was held for officials and leading citizens. Five people became Bahá’ís; follow-up efforts, primarily by the Kaohsiung Bahá’í community with assistance from a few international travelling teachers, resulted in an additional eight new believers. A Local Spiritual Assembly was elected, fulfilling one of the goals of the Five Year Plan for Taiwan.

‘March 1976: The Women and Children’s Committee sponsored an institute on the subject “Education of Children” at the national Bahá’í Centre. Twenty friends attended this lively twoday institute. In that same month the National Central Library invited various independent religions to participate in an exhibition devoted to the scriptures of the religions of China. An attractive display was laid out which included Bahá’í books in English, Persian, Arabic and Chinese, and several Bahá’í photographs. During the exhibition an estimated three thousand people heard of the Faith for the first time.

‘May 1976: The Women and Children’s Committee sponsored an institute on the subject “Bahá’í Marriage” at the Hualien Bahá’í centre, and a second institute the following month at the Tainan Bahá’í centre.

‘Publications in the period included, in addition to various booklets in Chinese, some

241

compilations of the Universal House of Justice on diflerent subjects, The Trusted Ones of God (an illustrated primer for Local Spiritual Assemblies) and Finding God, by Charles Duncan.

‘Projected plans call for the holding of a summer school in July 1976 at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds under the aegis of the National Youth Committee, a National Teaching Conference scheduled to take place in Taipei in December 1976 as a follow-up to the International Teaching Conference in Hong Kong, and other activities organized by the National Youth Committee, the National Teaching Committee, the National Proclamation Committee and the Women and Children’s Committee.’

South Central Asia

BANGLADESH

‘Riḍván 1974 witnessed the launching of the Five Year Plan throughout the world. The Universal House of Justice blessed the community of Bangladesh by giving it a share in the glorious task of executing the plan. The National Spiritual Assembly, in consultation with the Continental Board of Counsellors in South Central Asia, phased out the goals and called upon the Bahá’ís of Bangladesh for action in fulfilment.

‘The arrival of pioneers from Tran, India, Malaysia and the United States greatly aided the work in the period under review. These friends have settled in various goal towns of Bangladesh and have been instrumental in initiating teaching activities and in the consolidation of the Bahá’í communities. Five major towns of the country, namely Chittagong, Jessore, Khulna, Rajshahi and Mymensingh have been particularly strengthened through the settlement of these dear friends from our sister countries.

‘The efforts of the believers were rewarded by rapid growth of the Faith and an increasingly impressive list of achievements won for the Blessed Beauty. To date the number of localities where Bahá’ís reside has been raised to two hundred and one, of which thirty-one have formed Local Spiritual Assemblies. Seventeen

[Page 242]242

THE Bahá’í WORLD

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[Page 243]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

Local Assemblies are incorporated and steps are being taken to expedite further registrations.

‘The Bahá’ís of Bangladesh were overwhelmed with joy when the National Spiritual Assembly announced in J une 1975 the purchase of land near Dacca for the site of the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. The friends gathered to dedicate the land on 18 June 1975.

‘The acquisition of a district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Mymensingh, one of the two called for in the Five Year Plan, enabled the National Assembly to set aside another piece of land there for use as a national endowment. Through the generosity of one of the friends a house has been acquired in Mirpur, 0n the outskirts of Dacca, for use as a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Two more local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds are in process of acquisition in Fatehabad and Chakrashala on the outskirts of Chittagong.

‘Young Bahá’ís were the main asset of the National Spiritual Assembly in these years ; they participated in the work of propagating the Faith to a wonderful degree. They were willing and resourceful workers whenever the National

243

Assembly launched a project. Particularly noteworthy was the participation of Bahá’í youth in the project entitled “Saturation Teachin'g” launched as a result of the visit of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir; the minority teaching project; and the programme known as “Project One Hundred Localities” recently launched by the National Assembly to fulfil the remaining goals of the Five Year Plan. Inspired by the visits of the Hands of the Cause Amatu’l—Bahá Rúḥíyyih Qémum (May 1974) and Dr. Muhájir (November 1975), the youth of Bangladesh penetrated into villages, reached out to contact minorities and tribes, and enrolled in the Faith many people from diverse backgrounds. They were the organizers of and participants in two beautiful gatherings designed for youth, the second summer school held in Chittagong and the fifth winter school held in Dacca. They were also the main inspiration for the friends in the two National Teaching Conferences held during the period under discussion. Their present plans call for the

The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Bahd Rd/jiyyih Ifldnum (front row) being welcomed to Bangladesh by some Bahá’ís ofMirerbagh; May 1974. Seen in the back row are (right) Mrs. Violette Nakéhjavdm' and (left) Counsellor Shirin Boman Of the South Central Asian Zone,

[Page 244]244

‘ Pane. ‘..'*

THE Bahá’í WORLD

'V i . .-.'— 5.5:.- 3 '

The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Bahti Rúḥíyyih Khánum (second from right) with His Excellency President Mohammadullah of Bangladesh; 7 June 1974. Counsellor Shirin Boman is seen on the right; Mrs. Violette Naflzjavdnz’, on the left.

holding of a summer school in October 1976 and a Bahá’í Children’s Conference in November. ‘Regular tutorial schools were organized for the children of the villages of Tetka and Khadun by two young village Bahá’í teachers, and a third school in Ragunathpur is in process of establishment. Children’s classes are being held in Dacca and Mymensingh, and newly declared believers from villages are invited to attend regular weekly deepening classes in these two communities. ‘On her visit to Bangladesh in the spring of 1974 Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum was accompanied by Mrs. Shirin Boman of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South Central Asia. Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s stay in Dacca, and her short visit to Chittagong, were crowded with meetings, the most important of which undoubtedly was that with President Mohammadullah. The friendly and cordial interview lasted more than half an hour and created an opportunity for Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum to present the President with a copy of The Baht'z’z' World, v01. XIII. ‘International Women’s Year provided a wonderful opportunity for the presentation to

the public of the Bahá’í principle of equality of men and women. A dramatic change witnessed in this period was the degree to which Bahá’í women participated in the teaching field; many of them worked shoulder to shoulder with their fellow believers in the villages and towns which produced splendid results including the acceptance of the Faith by many of their own sex. This was unprecedented in this country.

‘With the assistance of the Bahá’í International Community, the Bahá’ís of Bangladesh seized all possible opportunities to foster good relationships with the Public Information Department and various representatives of the United Nations in Bangladesh. United Nations Day and similar events were befittingly observed, meetings were held in observance of International Women’s Year, United Nations publications were distributed to the public and the co-operation of UNDP and UNICEF was obtained in organizing film shows and poster displays to dramatize important United Nations events. In the somewhat remote island of Bhola the Bahá’í community of Charfassion organized an essay competition for International Women’s

[Page 245]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’l ACTIVITIES

Year through the co-operation of all the educational institutions of the area. This competition, and the seminar and prize-giving ceremony which followed, were the only observances of International Women’s Year on the whole island. Many local dignitaries verbally applauded the role of the Bahá’í community in the celebration. A Bahá’í speaker at the seminar—the only lady to address the meetingspoke of the Bahá’í principle of equality of the sexes. In addition to these activities some deepening classes throughout the country were devoted to studying the relationship of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations.

‘The flow of travelling teachers, the increased participation of ladies and youth, the unity demonstrated by groups of believers of different backgrounds and the sacrificial participation of many Bahá’ís from the villages resulted in spreading the Cause of Baha’u’llah far and wide in the country.

‘A heart-warming new trend in the period under review is the unprecedented involvement of village Bahá’ís in the teaching work. The spirit of such believers is illustrated by the sincere

245

appeal recently uttered by a new believer, a boatman by profession, who exclaimed to the teaching team who introduced him to the Faith: “1 will take you to all these villages to talk about this wonderful religion. While others hold meetings to spread hatred, why can’t we carry love to them?” ’

INDIA

‘India has a very special role as the largest Bahá’í community with correspondingly formidable goals and as one of the first areas of successful mass teaching. The bounty of visits by the beloved Hands of the Cause since Riḍván 1973 reflects both the love and concern of the Universal House of Justice—Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, ‘Ali-Akbar Furfitan (on two occasions), J alal Igézeh, H. Collis Featherstone and Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir no less than four times; all these precious visits gave tremendous inspiration and impetus to the teaching work, especially the National Teaching Conference at Bombay in May 1974 honoured by the presence of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, and were later greatly reinforced by visits from Counsel

ii:

4

Members of the National Bahá’í Youth Committee of India ; 1976.

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lors ‘Aziz Yazdi and Hooper Dunbar of the International Teaching Centre, as special representatives of the House of Justice.

‘A major turning point was marked in May 1975 at the first National Teaching Conference of the Five Year Plan held at Bangalore when, for the first time, the majority of the participants were Indian believers.

‘The National Teaching Committee is now giving sustained support and guidance to the twenty-four State Teaching Committees and helping them to systematically concentrate their energies with perseverance on the twin processes of expansion and consolidation of the Faith. Emphasis is on the development of Local Spiritual Assemblies, old and new, as vigorous teaching instruments. The National Teaching Committee has issued a series of twenty-two teaching briefs for this purpose, now available in English and Hindi and presently being translated into fourteen regional languages. A revised correspondence course is also in process of translation. Through the English and Hindi editions of this course, approximately 1,000 new believers are being accepted into the Faith annually. In all, about 7,500 people completed the course. Currently 4,000 are receiving it. Approximately 9,000 enquiries were received and 14,000 pieces of literature were issued.

‘The youth, stimulated by a vigorous National Youth Committee, are in the fore in all teaching

The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha’ Rflhiyyih fldnum with H is Excellency Varahagiri Venkata

THE BAHA’l WORLD

projects, notably the East-West Project in Kerala (winter 1975) where many eager new believers are now engaged in regular systematic teaching. A successful West Asia Youth Conference was held in Bangalore in July 1973 and subsequent youth conferences have become progressively even more mature and purposeful.

‘Substantial buildings have been acquired as State Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at Madras, Cannanore, Panchgani, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Kanpur, Allahabad, Cochin, Chandigarh, Patna; and village Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at Sabalgarh, Rarua, Badka Pura and other places.

‘An outstanding proclamation event at Lucknow in J uly 1975, inaugurated by the State Governor, produced unprecedented nationwide publicity in newspapers, radio, television and cinema newsreels.

‘Representatives of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South Central Asia and of the National Spiritual Assembly met and presented copies of The Bahá’í World, vol. XIII and The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to Mr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, President of India, and to Mr. Basappa Danappa J atti, Vice-president of India, in September 1974. More than five hundred jurists attending an International Law Conference held in New Delhi in December 1974 received specially prepared brochures entitled Justice and Peace and A Pattern for Justice. Copies were later sent to all Judges of the

Giri, President oflndia; 14 June 1974.

[Page 247]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

u, ,fl.

Mr. Kasu BI'a/zmanada Redd); M mister afHome Aflairs of India (left), accepting a copy of The

Bahá’í World, vol. XIV, during an interview with (front to back) Counsellor Shirin Boman, Of the

South Central Asian Board of Counsellors; and Mr. R. N. Shah and Mr. K. H. Vajdi, secretary and chairman, respectively, ofz‘he National Spiritual Assembly of India ; 24 January 1976.

Supreme Court and Judges of State High Courts.

‘Counsellor Hooper Dunbar, with representatives of the National Assembly, called on the Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, in October 1975 and presented a copy of The Bahá’í' World, vol. XIV. Contacts were also established with Central Ministers and Secretaries as well as with State Ministers, Governors and other high officials.

‘Notable among the many local proclamation events which made the Faith known to many thousands in cities, towns and villages all over the country were those in Chandigarh, Bombay, Mangalore, Madras, Bangalore, Pilani and Lucknow.

‘In the period under discussion 18,965 people have accepted the Faith and an additional 3,921 localities have been opened. Members of the Koya tribe in Andhra Pradesh have become Bahá’ís.

‘A Hindi translation of Foundations of World Unity has been published and The Dawn 247

Breakers has been translated and is in process of being published. Thirty other titles in various regional languages have appeared and a number of other works are nearly ready.

‘Although women still constitute only about two or three per cent of the community, there are hopeful signs of progress. In Panchgani a twoday Bahá’í seminar for women was attended by thirty-seven women from surrounding villages. The number of special classes for women is growing steadily and in Kerala one Local Assembly was formed with nine women members.

‘Children’s classes are being held in a growing number of cities and villages. A second series of lessons for children (twenty-nine in all) was produced by the National Bahá’í Education Committee. Both series, Level I and Level II, have become popular in Africa, South America and the Pacific Islands.

‘The New Era High School1 celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in September 1975. More 1See ‘The History of New Era High School‘, p. 320.

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than sixty friends from iran came for this important event and contributed generously to the fund for necessary expansion of the school which is now organizing a Junior College and planning for a Teachers’ Training College, a significant step towards evolving into a Bahá’í university as intimated by the beloved Guardian. A rural development project initiated by the school, with an international Bahá’í team of experts in the fields of health, agriculture, education, hygiene, rural industries, etc., has attracted the interest and support of the State Government of Maharashtra and is greatly adding to the prestige of the Faith.

‘A number of distinguished travelling teachers from abroad have given great stimulation to the work in India including Mr. M. A. Faizi and Mr. Bakhtawar from iran, Mr. Jenabe Caldwell from Alaska, Mr. Jamshed Fozdar from the United States and Mr. Nagarathnam from Malaysia, as well as many young Bahá’ís from Australia, England, Ireland, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and the United States.’

SRI LANKA

‘The period from 1973 to 1976 has been marked by a steady progress in teaching and proclamation of the Faith in Sri Lanka. Approximately 1,200 new believers accepted the Bahá’í Faith, twenty new localities have been opened and a number of new Local Spiritual Assemblies have been formed bringing the total to fifty-four. Five endowments for establishing local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds have been pledged and negotiations are in process for the acquisition of land and a building for a large Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at Vavuniya.

‘Two couples settled in the Maldive Islands as pioneers in the period.

‘Thirteen books have been translated into Tamil and one book was published in Sinhalese. Three additional books have recently been selected for translation into Sinhala.

‘Three National Teaching Conferences, most of them trilingual, were held in various cities in Sri Lanka. A training class drew an attendance of eighteen believers. Through the news bulletin correspondence courses in Tamil have been initiated, designed to increase the believers’ knowledge of the Faith.

‘We have received pioneers and travelling teachers from Australia, Canada, Persia, the

THE Bahá’í WORLD

United Kingdom, India, Malaysia, the Fiji Islands and Norway.

‘Proclamation work was carried out at the University of Sri Lanka and information about the Faith has been presented to Government officials and other dignitaries.

‘The National Bahá’í Youth Committee held various conferences which resulted in an increased participation on the part of local believers. Two summer schools were conducted by the Youth Committee with enthusiastic participation by members of the community.

‘The visits of members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South Central Asia were of great assistance in the stimulation of activities for Bahá’í women, the establishment of classes for children, the holding of meetings for dawn prayers, the acquisition of local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and a cemetery, and in general administration. The importance of active participation in United Nations activities, non-involvement in politics, and unity among the friends were topics that were stressed.

‘Several public lectures were organized. Cordial relations were established with the news media and public officers which elicited enquiries from them and from serious students of comparative religion. As usual, representatives of the United Nations took part in events held under Bahá’í sponsorship.

‘The Bahá’ís of Sri Lanka have extended the fullest co-operation to the National Spiritual Assembly in its efforts to fulfil the goals of the Five Year Plan. With the assistance and blessing of Baha’u’llah and the prayers and timely guidance of the Universal House of Justice, the Bahá’í community of Sri Lanka is confident that the remaining goals will be achieved before the end of the ensuing year.’

South—eastern Asia

BURMA

‘Early in 1973 the Bahá’í community of Burma was visited by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir who travelled to a number of local centres and spoke to the friends at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Dr. Muhájir outlined the development of the Faith around the world from the earliest days to the triumphant conclusion of the Nine Year Plan and

[Page 249]249

INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

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[Page 250]250

encouraged us to consolidate the victories we had won in that plan.

‘The Burmese friends were overjoyed to welcome the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and her travelling companion, Mrs. Violette Nakhjavání, who spent a week visiting the believers and attending our annual convention in 1974. At the request of the Bahá’ís of Daidanaw the convention was held in their Village instead of Rangoon. Daidanaw is the site of the resting place of Mustafa Rfimi,1 the exemplary and much loved pioneer and teacher who, accompanied by J amal Effendi, carried the Faith to Burma in May 1878. Mustafa Rfimi died at the age of ninety-nine and was in 1946 posthumously appointed a Hand of the Cause by Shoghi Effendi who wrote that his tomb is the foremost shrine of the Burmese believers. In this single-roomed building the Bahá’í youth had arranged a very comprehensive book exhibit. Here Amatu’l-Bahá exhibited a framed lock of Baha’u’llah’s hair which she later presented as her personal gift to the newly-formed National Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong to whose 1 See ‘In Memoriam’, The Bahá’í World, vol. X, p. 517.

Amatu’l—Bahd Rdhz’yyih K_ha'num visiting the tomb of the Hand of the Cause Mustafa' Ru’mz’,

THE Bahá’í WORLD

inaugural convention she was en route. Approximately 1,200 Burmese believers filed by to view the frame with its precious contents and were anointed by Amatu’l-Bahá with attar of rose. It was a deeply moving experience.

‘In her addresses to the friends in Burma, Rúḥíyyih Khánum pointed out that ours is an old and distinguished community, much loved by both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, and reminded us that the Burmese believers had provided the beautiful alabaster sarcophagus in which the Master placed the sacred remains of the Báb.

‘The first National Youth Conference of Burma, sponsored by the National Youth Committee, was held during the visit ofAmatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum who exhorted the youth to devote their lives to service to the Faith.

‘A banquet in Amatu’l-Bahá’s honour was given by the National Spiritual Assembly of Burma at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Rangoon, attended by prominent guests and members of the press, at which she gave a talk about the Faith.

‘A very successful regional teaching con

Daidanaw Village, Burma; April 1974.

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ference was held at Laide in May 1974 with friends from nearby communities participating. Teaching teams composed of women, youth and members of the National Assembly visited various centres in the townships of Moulmingyun and Pyuntaza. The activities of one team resulted in the formation of Local Assemblies in the villages of Htitwelai and Chaungbya, the opening of seven new localities to the Faith and the enrolment of one hundred and forty-one new believers; a second team succeeded in establishing five Local Assemblies in the villages of Ngabebin, Ayewya, Zaloadgyi, Alalwya and Zetawzu, opened ten new localities to the Faith and enrolled two hundred new believers; and a third teaching group enrolled twenty-six new believers and formed Local Assemblies in Toegyaunglai and Thingungyun. Other regional conferences were held at Laide, Ngabyema and Kyigon and semi-annual National Teaching Conferences were held throughout the period. Bahá’í women and youth actively participated in the conferences and the teaching projects associated therewith. Other significant activities in the period include Bahá’í schools held in summer, winter and the rainy season and additional National Youth Conferences. Bahá’í women and youth took an active part in most of the activities outlined above. Dawn devotional gatherings were initiated in many local communities.

‘Opportunities for proclaiming the Faith arose through invitations received by the National Assembly to provide a Bahá’í speaker for various gatherings including meetings of the Theosophical Society. Efforts were made to strengthen our relationship with the United Nations through sponsoring or participating in Observances of United Nations Day, International Children’s Day, World Health Organization Day and International Women’s Year. The programmes for these meetings, some of which drew an attendance of two hundred people, often included local United Nations representatives and sometimes featured the showing of United Nations films.

‘A booklet The Commonwealth ofBahd’u'lláh was produced and a number of other titles have been translated into Burmese and will soon be published. Some original songs with Bahá’í themes were composed by the friends.

‘Some progress was made towards achievement of our property goals through the

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acquisition at North Okkalapa ofa plot ofland and building for use as a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.’

HONG KONG

‘The most significant event of the period from Riḍván 1973 to Riḍván 1976 was the inauguration of the National Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong (under whose jurisdiction is Macau) at Riḍván 1974. The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum graced the inaugural convention as the representative of the Universal House of J ustice and infused the proceedings with her spiritual energy. We were also blessed with the visit of the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone in the autumn of 1974. The Hong Kong community has been visited on a number of occasions by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir who has offered stimulation and guidance.

“Since Riḍván 1974 the National Spiritual Assembly has directed the believers in the proclamation, teaching and consolidation of the Faith and in meeting the goals of the Five Year Plan. A token site for a future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is in the final stage of purchase on Lamma Island. The National Spiritual Assembly and all local Spiritual Assemblies in Hong Kong have been incorporated.1 A Publication Committee has translated into Chinese the first five chapters of The Divine Art ofLiving for use in proclamation, teaching and deepening. In addition, one of the local newspapers with a wide circulation in south-eastern Asia has been regularly publishing articles about the Bahá’í Faith.

‘A Bahá’í Women’s Committee has been formed. Among its other activities it arranged a proclamation effort, among various women’s groups in Hong Kong, utilizing one of the visiting Bahá’í women who was a representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations International Women’s Year Conference in Mexico. Regular Children’s classes are being held to help deepen children in the Faith from an early age.

‘In December 1975 an international youth group comprising youth from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and Hong Kong brought their songs and teaching skills for a fourteen—day teaching project. The presence of the team particularly afl‘ected our local Bahá’í youth whose Youth Committee has assumed 1See p 356.

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new responsibilities in teaching and organizing meetings. Our youth have also responded by forming a similar music group for teaching in Hong Kong.

‘Considerable impetus was given to our consolidation efforts by the frequent visits to Hong Kong of Mr. Yan Kee Leong of the Continental Board ofCounsellors. The presence of Counsellor Firaydt’in Mimaqiyén1 and his family as residents of our community further strengthened our deepening effort. In addition, National Teaching Conferences, summer schools, and deepening classes are periodically held. A Nineteen Day Feast newsletter is published regularly to improve communication within the Bahá’í community. These and similar efforts are gradually building a stronger Bahá’í community in hopes of the eventual expansion of the Faith among the Chinese people.”

LAOS

‘Two major fields of activity which were prominent in the period under review were children’s classes and youth teaching. These trends which emerged only in the last year of the Nine Year Plan continued at an increased tempo ‘Mr. Mit_hz'1qiyzin was appointed to the Contincnlal Board of

Counsellors for the protection and propagation of the Faith in South-eastern Asia in June 1973.

THE Bahá’í WORLD

which propelled the entire Bahá’í community forward in its process of development and lent it an unimaginably tremendous upsurge.

‘The classes for the education of children and youth started among the humble refugees in the village of Hueiphay in Luang Prabang. When the friends asked permission of the local authorities to gather the children and youth once each week for classes, the authorities were doubtful about the true nature and purpose of the classes and sent a delegation to observe the first trial class which was held on a Sunday morning in a small assembly hall with a thatched roof. Pleased and convinced by what they saw, the authorities granted permission for the continued holding of classes and stipulated that the Bahá’ís were free to use a classroom in the village Government school once each week for this purpose. The following week the class was more completely organized with the youth being separated from the children. Having succeeded in their mission the Bahá’í organizers of the class jubilantly Visited other villages for the purpose of establishing classes. Each step was confirmed by the guidance and bounty of the Blessed Beauty and the intangible barriers imposed by the local authorities yielded. Consequently, the authorities in some areas, hearing of the wonderful effect of the classes upon Bahá’í children and

Bahd’z' youth of Luang Prabang area, Laos, who participated in a seminar held in November 1974.

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youth, personally requested that Bahá’í classes for children and youth be established in their respective villages. The mighty force of this influence soon spread to non-refugee villages and finally to the town. As the capable workers were then very few, the organizers of the classes began training potential teachers in order to meet the demand from Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. All classes were held in a dignified atmosphere on a regular weekly basis in Government schools with the endorsement and approval of the school authorities. The Province became ablaze and the classes served as an effective instrument in proclaiming the Faith, reaching people in the field of education, Government employees, members of hospital staffs, students, and others from various walks of life.

‘Inspired by the achievement in Luang Prabang, activities for youth and children gradually began in the Provinces of Sayaboury, Vientiane, Borikhane, Khammouane, Savannakhet and Sedone. Activities in these Provinces were co-ordinated by the National Youth and Children’s Committee. As if to crown its ceaseless endeavour the committee organized a highly successful and memorable first National Youth Conference which was held in Luang Prabang from 28—30 December 1973 with sixty youth from different Provinces in attendance.

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‘Seeing the capability of Bahá’í youth in serving as teachers of children and their fellow youth, the National Spiritual Assembly, in collaboration with the National Youth and Children’s Committee, encouraged the youth, many of whom are students, to assume a larger share of the responsibility of teaching. These active and devoted young people were seen thereafter in their spare time assisting in deepening the knowledge of believers in some Local Spiritual Assembly areas by conducting Nineteen Day Feasts, explaining the importance and functions of a Local Assembly and organizing conferences and seminars of a general nature.

‘After a number of unsuccessful attempts over the past years to establish teaching teams for the north and south, effective teams were found composed mostly of young local believers. Despite local restrictions which made it impossible to maintain contact with some communities the teams greatly assisted in reinforcing the teaching work, aided in deepening and coordinating the activities of Local Spiritual Assemblies and carried out a number of important tasks assigned by both the National Teaching Committee and the National Youth and Children’s Committee.

‘Two youth training institutes were held representing a significant step forward in

Participants in the second National Bahá’í Youth Conference ofLaos which was attended by youth representing five provinces; Vientiane, 27—29 April 1975.

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THE Bahá’í WORLD

Some Bahá’z's Of Mentawai and Padang, Indonesia, at the hostel operated by Mr. and Mrs. M . Tahmahsebian; J 976.

deepening the youth in their knowledge of the Faith with the aim ofinstilling in their minds the high moral and spiritual standards to be followed in leading a Bahá’í life. In general evaluation, the youth have demonstrated the Bahá’í standard in their daily personal lives and activities combined with a great love and devotion for the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and would be of great service in advancing the Faith wherever they were.

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir made a brief visit in 1973 and consulted with the National Spiritual Assembly on how to accelerate the teaching work. The Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone, accompanied by his wife, Visited Vientiane in September 1974 and consulted with the National Teaching Committee on vital teaching matters. Our distinguished guests, Mr. and Mrs. Featherstone, accompanied by a group of friends from Vientiane, attended a large meeting held in a refugee village on the outskirts of Vientiane. The entire village populace attended including some high-ranking Government officials from the district and the chiefmonks of a nearby Buddhist temple.

‘Several pieces of Bahá’í literature were reprinted in the period under discussion and a translation into the Lao language of Gleanings from the Writings of Bahz'z ’u ’llr'zh was published.

‘The course of the teaching work changed when the country was proclaimed a Republic in December 1975 and somewhat stringent restrictions were imposed. The Bahá’í community, faithful to the principle of obedience and loyalty to Government, complied instantly and completely with the instructions of the authorities. The National Assembly is working towards the recognition of the Faith on the national level. The plan of God for His mighty Cause is beyond our comprehension. The friends, meanwhile, labour steadfastly in carrying on the few activities in which they are permitted to engage.’

MALAYSIA

‘The National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia, with its seat in Kuala Lumpur, first came into being at Riḍván 1964 and has existed ever since, with slight changes being made from time to time in the areas under its jurisdiction. Because of local conditions the territories of Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei were removed from

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itsjurisdiction at Riḍván 1972 and placed under the jurisdiction of the newly-elected National Spiritual Assembly of Eastern Malaysia and Brunei, With its seat in Kuching, until the dissolution of that body at Riḍván 1974 and the regrouping of the territories under the Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia which achieved incorporation on 26 September 1974.1

‘West Malaysia: At the close of the Nine Year Plan, in response to a call by the Universal House of J ustice, the Malaysian community initiated a one year teaching plan the prosecution of which prepared the community for the goals of the global Five Year Plan launched by the Universal House of Justice at Riḍván 1974.

‘At various stages in the period under review the beloved Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited Malaysia to inspire and encourage the believers to greater heights of achievement. During his three visits large conferences were held, attended by friends from throughout the country. In early November 1974 the dearly loved Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone came on a short visit to Malaysia. Three regional conferences were organized to provide maximum opportunities for the believers to meet Mr. Featherstone.

‘Mass teaching, which began in 1971 and continued in 1972, gathered momentum in 1973 with significant changes in the approach. “Musical firesides” became recognized as a popular and successful method of teaching. The first presentation of this type was staged at the Ipoh Bahá’í school in mid-1973; a “musical fireside” at the Port Dickson summer school in December of that year resulted in forty—six people accepting the Faith at the presentation alone. It was realized that the use of music in presenting the Faith to the public was undisputedly successful. In December 1974 a seven-day institute employing music was held at Penang to spiritually prepare for a project in Thailand and Hong Kong and to produce tapes of songs with Bahá’í themes and a “musical fireside”. Two tapes were produced, followed by a song book entitled Notes ofLove. In Thailand the Malaysian musical team appeared on television, and in Hong Kong the team performed at the prestigious Hotel Plaza. The successes in this field were beyond doubt and resulted from the enthusiasm of the Malaysian Bahá’í youth. A great deal of the credit goes to the National ' See p. 357‘

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Bahá’í Youth Committee which was instrumental in maintaining the high spirit of the youth.

‘A significant step in organizing classes for the education of Bahá’í children was taken with the establishment in Penang of the Child Education Committee. Among the activities of that committee was the organizing of institutes for children of ages ten to fourteen. These institutes have become very popular among children of that age group and have become as regular a feature of community life as summer and winter schools.

‘Among the Aborigines of Malaya the first representatives of the Temiar tribe and the Negrito people have accepted the Faith in West Malaysia. Teaching among the tribes is now done by the Aboriginal believers themselves. This has become necessary due to the security situation in the jungles but it also marks a positive step in the progress of the Cause.

‘In addition to publishing in English the song book already referred to and a booklet about the Five Year Plan, three titles have been translated and published in Chinese including an introductory brochure, a compilation of deepening material for Bahá’í teachers and prayers for youth and children taken from a compilation of the Universal House of Justice; and four titles have been published in the Tamil language: The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah, a new edition of the pocket-sized prayer book, a teaching aid designed by Margery McCormick, and the booklet 0n Becoming a Bahá’í'. In July 1974 the Malaysian Bahá’í News was replaced by the Malaysian Bahá’í' Bulletin, a news magazine. A Tamil magazine, Oli Uthayam, was also brought into circulation.

‘In the period under review the National Spiritual Assembly placed the acquisition of properties high on the list of priorities and succeeded in achieving the property goals of the Five Year Plan for Malaysia.

‘In 1973 the Government of Malaysia issued a circular listing the Holy Days of the religions in Malaysia. Government employees are entitled to unrecorded leave on the days listed in the circular. For the first time all nine Holy Days of the Bahá’í Faith were listed in the circular.2

‘On 19 December 1974 a small party was held to commemorate the twenty-first anniversary of 1See p 374‘

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the establishment ofi the Faith in Malaysia. Present on this auspicious occasion was the first believer of Malaysia, Mr. Yan Kee Leong of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Southeastern Asia who, in a brief and touching address, expressed his gratitude to Bahá’u’lláh for having so greatly blessed the Malaysian Bahá’í community: the Bahá’í youth of Malaysia have arisen to pioneer in different lands, the music teams and travelling teaching groups of Malaysia have been able to serve the Faith in many parts of Asia, and Malaysia has had the honour of being referred to by the Supreme Body as a beacon of light for this region.

‘The current trend is a concerted effort to fulfil the outstanding goals of the Five Year Plan, to enrol believers in ever-increasing numbers and to establish an even stronger base for the development of the youth into a dynamic force for the teaching and proclamation of the Bahá’í Faith.

‘East Malaysia: Havin g successfully achieved the goals of the Nine Year Plan, the Malaysian community in 1973 was keyed to immediately set out to win the goals of the Five Year Plan. The National Spiritual Assembly gave certain assignments to the believers in eastern Malaysia. The number of localities to be opened to the

THE Bahá’í WORLD

Faith in eastern Malaysia (i.e. Sarawak and Sabah with special attention to be paid to Brunei) was 800 out of a total of 1,500. Thetarget was rapidly achieved and at Riḍván 1976 the figure stands at 853. The number of Local Spiritual Assemblies for us to establish was 200 out of a total of 400. This is the only goal which is not yet achieved ; our figure for Local Assemblies stands at 140. Most of the Local Assemblies are in the rural areas where administrative concepts, for various reasons, take root slowly, but we are persevering in our efforts and at present are concentrating on new localities and communities where we may establish the remaining Local Assemblies to meet our goals. All communities in towns regularly elect their Local Assemblies.

‘Eastern Malaysia was to acquire ten Centres, five large and five small. At first maturing communities were assisted by the National Teaching Committee which contributed the cost of the roof but so many communities complied with the stipulated requirements that it was no longer feasible to provide assistance and under the present policy all mature communities are free to erect their own Bahá’í Centres at their own expense. Several large communities have built large Centres to serve the needs of

BAH“ mm mm BAHA'I

Participants in teaching institute held at the Bahá’í Centre, Kampong Tun Razak (Triboh), Sarawak, Eastern Malaysia; 29 March 1975.

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neighbouring areas and to function as teaching institutes. Since 1974, twenty large and three small centres have been erected.

‘Inter-Assembly firojects were assigned to twenty communities in eastern Malaysia but more than that number participated. These projects usually consisted ofstrong communities assisting weaker ones by ensuring the holding of Nineteen Day Feasts and even children’s classes. The initial enthusiasm has somewhat diminished but projects are still continuing in some areas. In a typical project, the believers of a mature community, sometimes numbering more than ten people, will go to four or five neighbouring communities to attend a Nineteen Day Feast and to ensure a successful meeting. Often neighbouring communities will jointly labour to erect a Bahá’í Centre. Generally there is good cooperation among Bahá’í communities with a frequent interchange of Visitors. Teaching trips to neighbouring communities and sometimes even to distant ones are frequently undertaken. Lately, in the fourth division of Sarawak, large numbers of believers, sometimes numbering twenty or thirty, will move about visiting and encouraging weaker communities. This interAssembly co-operation is reflected at conferences and study courses. Whenever such a function is organized, even distant communities will send representatives to participate.

‘Efi‘orts are being made to improve the quality of Bahá’í life. Prayers are being made a daily regular activity; many communities hold devotionals at dawn. A wonderful opportunity was given to us when we approached the Government authorities in Sarawak and obtained permission to broadcast dawn prayers over Radio Malaysia, Sarawak at 6 a.m. every fifth morning; thus the Words of Baha’u’llah are broadcast throughout the whole State and its neighbouring territories. Individual prayers are commonly used; many prayers have been translated into local languages and a small selection of these is distributed to new Bahá’ís without cost. Large numbers of illiterate Bahá’ís, even the aged, have memorized the prayers. Members of the community generally recognize the value and power of prayer and use it before setting out for work.

‘Our youth are the backbone of the communities. They are responsible for the teaching activities, the organizing of meetings, serving as travelling teachers, caring for Bahá’í Centres, the

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upkeep of cemeteries, and planting crops in the Bahá’í communal farms. They also organize sports meets between communities to foster greater unity and fellowship, They undertake to organize deepening courses and arrange summer schools and conferences. The majority of our local travelling teachers are youth. Our pioneer to Taiwan is ayouth and it was a youth who filled our goal of sending a travelling teacher to Seychelles. Many communities have active youth committees; invariably they conduct the children’s classes.

‘There has recently been a great upsurge in women’s activities. The National Women’s Committee based in Kuching has organized many women’s committees in the first and second divisions of Sarawak. They have had their own conferences and courses on the Bahá’í teachings and laws, and on such subjects as health, hygiene and mother-craft. At these meetings the Bahá’í men care for the children and prepare the food. Women also help to tend the Bahá’í communal farms, where these exist, and they also prepare handicraft articles the sale of which augments the funds. Many women are now memorizing prayers and recite them with confidence.

‘In addition to sending a pioneer to Taiwan and a travelling teacher to the Seychelles, we have sent travelling teachers to Hong Kong and Thailand. Local teachers constantly visit neighbouring communities and sometimes distant ones. This activity originates at the local level though once or twice a year intensive projects for teaching, organized by the National Teaching Committee, result in large numbers of Bahá’ís travelling throughout eastern Malaysia spreading the Glad Tidings. Homefront pioneering has been implemented during the past two years. This involves one or two knowledgeable believers from strong communities leaving their homes, taking their families with them and settling in weak areas selected by the National Teaching Committee. Youthful teachers who are students or Government employees also consult the committee about where to seek posting. This has produced splendid results in the fourth and fifth divisions of Sarawak. In one year the number of Assemblies in the fourth division increased from seven to twenty-eight and we are hoping for similar results in other regions where this principle will be similarly applied.’

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PHILIPPINES

We cannot but feel optimistic about the way the Bahá’ís of the Philippines are facing the challenges given by the Universal House of Justice in the Five Year Plan. In both the teaching and administrative fields the Bahá’ís have shown great capacity in fulfilling these goals and, if this trend continues, we can certainly be assured of a victorious culmination of the plan at Riḍván 1979.

Somewhat remarkable progress has been made, in a modest way, in meeting the three main objectives of the Five Year Plan: the preservation and consolidation of the victories won; a vast and widespread expansion of the Bahá’í community; and the development of the distinctive Character of Bahá’í life, particularly in the local communities. Years ago we had only about eight maturely functioning Local Spiritual Assemblies. Now there are twenty—two Local Assemblies initiating their own teaching activities, regularly celebrating the Nineteen Day Feasts and Holy Days, sending the minutes of their meetings to the National Spiritual Assembly, enrolling new believers without the assistance of travelling teachers, contributing

4'

THE Bahá’í WORLD

regularly to the funds, conducting Bahá’í marriages, and organizing deepening classes, children’s classes, firesides and public meetings. What has deeply encouraged the National Spiritual Assembly is the fact that some of these communities appeared to be dormant for some time and they have now emerged, together with some newly-established ones, as strong communities. We witness this development most especially in the Provinces of Cagayan, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and Quirino.

How happy we were to receive the report that one Local Spiritual Assembly had assisted in the election and formation of fifteen other Local Assemblies in their area; to receive enrolment cards from Local Assemblies and individuals in areas where no travelling teacher or pioneer had been to initiate teaching activities; to learn that one community built its own Bahá’í Centre through contributions of money, material and labour of local believers; to be advised that a Local Assembly on its own initiative appointed a number of vital committees including one for children, one for youth, one for teaching and one for community counselling; and to be informed that some local communities have organized meetings for dawn prayers, encouraged atten

Participants in Regional Teaching Conference, Los Banos, Philippines; 1976.

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dance of the members of the community at these gatherings, and taken steps to improve attendance at Nineteen Day Feasts! These are indeed the signs of a developing and maturing community. One factor in the increase in the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies formed at Riḍván 1976 is felt to result from the initiative on the part of Assemblies in assisting communities in their areas to achieve Assembly status. To a degree, the Assemblies have been vying with each other in this activity and in the establishment of children’s classes.

There have also been marked increases in the numbers ofbelievers and localities opened to the Faith. The trend of Local Assemblies themselves initiating teaching trips, conducting firesides and public meetings, will increasingly free the travelling teachers to Visit new areas.

When the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited in November 1975 he encouraged us to concentrate on teaching families and to devote special attention to tribal groups in the islands of Luzon, Mindoro and Palawan. The National Spiritual Assembly adopted these suggestions and most of the travelling teachers were requested to concentrate their energies in these areas. To supplement the expansion in the tribal areas the National Assembly made plans to establish tutorial schools in these regions. One is now established in the Mangyan area of Occidental Mindoro and we are hopeful of obtaining Government recognition of the school this coming year. Groundwork is at present being laid to establish at least three tutorial schools in the tribal areas of Palawan, Quirino Province and Mindanao. The purpose of these schools, the National Assembly has stressed, is to serve the needs of Bahá’í families, and particularly their spiritual needs. Although they may attract non—Bahá’ís, the schools are primarily instruments for deepening the knowledge of the Bahá’ís.

In the field of proclamation, the Bahá’í Faith was represented at the first Asian Ecumenical Congress in December 1975 by a Bahá’í delegation that included Mr. Vicente Samaniego of the Continental Board of Counsellors. More than one hundred people attended the Congress, representing various religious groups. In response to questions by various delegates, Mr. Samaniego presented a short outline of the history and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, and

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some literature was distributed. The four-day Congress included workshops and planning sessions, and Bahá’ís served as recording secretaries in two workshop groups. The climax of the meeting was a courtesy call on President Ferdinand E. Marcos and the First Lady, Imelda R. Marcos, at Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines. In a devotional programme in which representatives from all religious groups took part, a member of the Bahá’í delegation read a Bahá’í prayer for unity. As a result of the Congress, the Asian Inter-Faith Council was formed. Mr. Samaniego was one of the fifteen people elected to it. Accompanied by a number of other believers, Mr. Samaniego attended the induction party in Pangsanjan, Laguna. The diversity of the Bahá’í representatives attracted the attention of the press and an article, accompanied by a photograph of the Bahá’ís, appeared in the local press. All the reporters accepted Bahá’í literature. A few weeks after the Congress, the Faith was represented in the Philippines Mental Health Seminar where Bahá’ís introduced the teachings into discussions and workshops.

The Bahá’í community has also been invited to participate in various religious, civic and Government-sponsored activities which followed the Ecumenical Congress. Through these events a greater public recognition has been obtained of the independent stature of the Faith of Baha’u’llah and of its teachings and principles.

(Based on various reports received by the World Centre)

SINGAPORE

‘At the half-way mark of the Five Year Plan we thank Baha’u’llah for the victories we have been enabled to win and the goals He has aided us to achieve; yet we are in the unhappy position of having to report that a number of goals are outstanding and to these we are directing our urgent attention.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly of Singapore was first formed at Riḍván 1972; hence the challenging tasks given to us by the Universal House of Justice in the Five Year Plan were the first faced by our community. We list below the goals specifically assigned to our community and describe the progress to date:

‘Establish a Local Spiritual Assembly in each of the civil administrative divisions of the

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Participants in National Bahd’z' Youth Conference, held at the Bahá’í Centre, Singapore; 18 August 1974. Counsellor Yan Kee Leong is seen in the second row, second from the right.

country. This goal has been achieved. At the beginning of the Five Year Plan we had six Local Assemblies, our maximum for the plan being eight. The seventh Local Assembly, Geylang, was formed on 27 November 1974; the eighth, Stanford, on 21 April 1976.

‘The goal of incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly is now in the final stages of achievement. Until this is accomplished, we cannot proceed with the goal of raising the number of incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies.

‘Acquire a national endowment. A modest house has been acquired and a committee has been formed to expedite the finding and purchase of a suitable property.

‘The translation of Bahá’í literature into Chinese is a goal toward which we are to work in co-operation with the National Spiritual Assemblies of Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Although handicapped by a lack of skilled Chinese translators in our community a beginning has been made through the partial translation of Bahá’í' Administration.

‘A committee has been formed to do the initial planning for a major National Teaching Conference which will be held in mid-November 1977 and to which believers from other areas in south-eastern Asia will be invited.

‘Although we have not yet had much success in reaching all strata of society nor in enrolling in the Faith representatives of the diverse cultures

THE BAHA’l WORLD

which comprise Singapore, membership in our community has increased in the period under review.

‘As to our supplementary goals, weekly dawn devotionals are held by one Local Spiritual Assembly, one pioneer settled in Hong Kong and another is preparing to locate in Taiwan, and travelling teachers have been supplied to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand.

‘Significant teaching activities have included several successful “musical firesides”; a public meeting in observance of United Nations Day in November 1974 attended by an official of the United Nations and the member of parliament for the area in which our Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds is located; a particularly successful public lecture at a local hotel with many enquirers in attendance; and annual National Teaching Conferences. A teaching project was held in conjunction with each of the above events. Weekly children’s classes are conducted by the Women’s Committee with an average attendance of ten children.

‘In 1972 recognition was obtained of Bahá’í Holy Days the dates of which were published in the Government Gazette of Singapore.1 In 1973 official recognition of Bahá’í marriage was obtained thus obviating the necessity of Bahá’ís having a civil marriage ceremony. In 1976 the President of the Republic of Singapore received a delegation of Bahá’ís in a cordial interview and accepted a copy of The Bahá’í World, vol. XIV.

‘During 1974 a delegation from the Bahá’í Women’s Committee visited the Tanjong Katong Technical Secondary School and were warmly welcomed by the principal who accepted three Bahá’í books for the school library. This success inspired the introduction of a plan for similar presentations to other schools. Bahá’í Clubs were established at the University of Singapore and at Ngee Ann Technical College.

‘In the period under review we received the added blessings of visits of the Hands of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone and Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. Mr. Featherstone, accompanied by his wife, arrived in Singapore from Malacca on 7 November 1974. A large gathering of Bahá’ís welcomed the beloved Hand and were inspired by his moving and unusual stories about the Faith. His account of teaching activities in Laos encouraged us to resolve to strive harder in serving the Cause.

1 See The Bahá’í World, vol. XV, p. 404.

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‘Dr. Muhájir visited twice in March 1974, on one occasion being accompanied by Mr. Igudérahm Payman. Dr. Muhájir met with the National Spiritual Assembly for detailed discussion of the goals given to Singapore in the Five Year Plan and initial plans were drawn for the achievement of these goals.

‘In November 1975 Dr. Muhájir addressed a gathering of approximately forty friends upon his return from Malaysia. He delivered an inspiring address on the importance of the administrative order and the Universal House of J ustice and described the spiritual significance of the permanent seat of that institution. The progress of our work in the Five Year Plan was discussed and we were exhorted to follow the example of the Malaysian friends in pledging to achieve our goals by the mid-point of the plan.’

THAILAND

‘Much is left to be accomplished in fulfilling the goals of the Five Year Plan in Thailand. The first two and a half years, to which this report is confined, witnessed a slow start by the community as a whole but even now there are intimations of a surge of activity throughout the entire country.

‘In 1974 the Hands of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone and Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir Visited the Thai community. Dr. Muhájir returned again in 1975 and encouraged us to take measures to double the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies then existing. He also urged us to publish more books. To date, the following have been published: Bahc'z’u’lláh, by the Hand of the Cause Hasan M. Balyfizi; and Guidance I and II, compilations of basic facts of which Bahá’ís should be aware. As a direct result of Dr. Muhájir’s suggestion that additional Bahá’í literature be made available in Thai, Mr. Jai Gopal land, a pioneer to Thailand from India for fifteen years, in association with a native Thai, Mr. Chit, translated into Thai: Gleanings from the Writings of Baha' ‘u 'lláh, The Seven Valleys, The Reality of Man, The Divine Art of Living, The Proclamation of Bahc'z’u’lláh, Foundations of World Unity, Principles of Bahá’í Administration, Release the Sun, The Renewal of Civilization, The Good Message and other titles including compilations relating to child education and living the Bahá’í life. These works are currently under revision by the newly-appointed Translation Committee. In addition to the

261

translations, a Thai correspondence course was prepared and the first lessons have already been distributed.

‘In 1975 a Bahá’í music group from Malaysia spent two weeks in Thailand assisting in proclamation activities. We witnessed the opening of colleges and universities to the message of Baha’u’llah. Literally thousands of students heard about the Faith during these fourteen days.

‘On World Religion Day, 1975, the dignitaries of Chiengmai, an important city in Thailand, attended a special public meeting. The practice of proclaiming the Faith to local and national dignitaries is a continuing effort and in preparation for the International Teaching Conference to be held in Hong Kong in December 1976 more than five hundred booklets will be mailed to Government ministers and officials.

‘The youth have been active in teaching the Faith. In one project they dispatched balloons containing introductory literature and a reply card. It was reported that some of the balloons travelled as far as one thousand miles before finding their way into the hands of people who became eager enquirers. As the reply cards were returned to the national Centre, the youth took charge of sending packets of Bahá’í literature to each person who had replied.

‘In 1974, children’s classes were conducted in the north-eastern sector of Thailand and in Chiengmai to the north. During this year there were some articles about the Faith printed in major publications in the southern city of Songkhla and in Bangkok.

‘In 1976 it became possible for the friends in Yasothon, which has long been a stronghold of Bahá’í activity, to use the local radio station for announcements of Bahá’í meetings, conferences and teaching institutes. This achievement was made possible through the efforts of Auxiliary Board member Sawai Thongsut, and has proven to be most effective in reaching the believers living in rural villages and isolated areas. The response is very encouraging.

‘One of the major goals of the Five Year Plan was accomplished in 1976 with the purchase of a regional Bahá’í Centre in Haad Yai in the south of Thailand. There was also a contribution of a parcel of land by Mr. Daow Ruansri in the village of Ban Yo in Yasothon. A local Bahá’í Centre, designed by a native believer, will eventually be constructed there.

[Page 262]262

‘A most significant event which occurred at Riḍván 1975 was the election of a Local Spiritual Assembly among members of the Meo tribe residing in northern Thailand. The Meo tribes are Laotian refugees and contact with them is limited; nevertheless they continue to exist within the framework of the Bahá’í administration.

‘The progress of the Faith in Thailand may appear slow to outsiders but to those within the country there is the satisfaction of knowing that an increasing number of native believers are assuming the responsibilities formerly assumed by pioneers. Early 1976 brought the appointment of three new Auxiliary Board membersMr. Boonlert, Mr. Sawai Thongsut and Mrs. Chusri Faridian—all Thai nationals. It is events of this type that assure us of the success of our plans.’

VIETNAM ‘At Riḍván 1973 there were 687 Local Spiritual Assemblies and the Faith had been established in 1,685 localities of Vietnam. During the first year of the Five Year Plan 1974—1975 significant accomplishments had

been achieved. The National Teaching Com-,

mittee was strengthened, participation in activities by youth and women had increased and teaching had been initiated among minorities with some success. A Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances Of the Kila'b-i-Aqdas and The New Garden were translated into Vietnamese and an introductory leaflet has been translated into a local dialect; all were available to the friends in mimeographed form.

‘In the latter part of the period under review circumstances beyond the control of the Bahá’ís have hindered the completion of the goals. An administrative committee has been appointed to function on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly.’

Western Asia iRAN ‘In spite of the difficulties prevailing in the country the Bahá’í community of lrén has been successful in achieving some part of their objectives. They are greatly encouraged by the

constant guidance and co-operation of the Hands of the Cause residing in Persia THE BAHA’l WORLD

fliu‘é‘u’llah ‘Ala’i, Jalal flazeh and Dr. ‘AliMuhammad Varqé—as well as the Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Asia and their Auxiliary Board members and assistants. During the period under review the Bahá’í community was blessed by the Visits of the Hands of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery, ‘Ali-Akbar Furi'ltan, Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir and Abu’lQasim Faizi.

‘There are 526 travelling teachers and members of committees among the Bahá’ís. A total of 400 national and regional conferences were held in the presence of thousands ofbelievers, and 577 selected guests attended the meetings. There were 2,200 firesides held on a regular basis and 460 short-term institutes have been held with the participation of thousands of youth and other friends. The purpose of the conferences was to deepen the knowledge of the friends in the teachings and also to explore new means of presenting the Faith. Extensive use was made of audio-visual facilities and materials; 71,000 books, pamphlets and teaching albums were produced and distributed. The Faith was presented to approximately 55,000 people of whom a number have accepted the Cause; some of these have registered as Bahá’ís.

‘In this period the Bahá’í women of Persia extended their activities. There have been conferences, classes, dawn prayer gatherings, and meetings for the purpose of discussing Bahá’í family life. We held Bahá’í women’s conventions and women teachers were dispatched throughout the provinces.

‘Youth have been successful in all fields of activities such as teaching, pioneering, conducting classes, etc. They have organized four travelling teaching groups totalling 154 youth who have travelled to African countries and India. Small teams of these youth travelled and taught and their services have been confirmed with good results. A fund has been created for the purpose of providing scholarships to needy Bahá’í youth who wish to pursue a higher education. To date, scholarship loans have been advanced to eighty-five Bahá’í youth. The education fund has been strengthened.

‘Child and youth education is a constant process in the activities of the friends in Persia. There is a five-year educational plan and a programme has been established for encouraging Bahá’í youth to attend regular Bahá’í classes on holidays and weekends.

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263

During his visit to h'dn in 1974, the Hand of the C ause ‘A/i—Akbar Furman (centre) met with his fellow Hands of the Cause (left to right) Jald/ @(ize/z. cAli Muhammad Varqd. am/ Sju‘d‘u’l/tih ‘Ald’t' ,' and with Counsellors Mast]; Farhangi, Hddz' Rahmani and il'aj A yman.

‘ Varqt'z magazine for children is very popular and well received. We have beautiful publications of prayers and Tablets by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for children. There is a Bahá’í children’s library in Ṭihrán with a branch in Maflhad. There has been a Bahá’í exhibition for children and new books for children’s classes have been published. Fifty classes have been held for the teachers of children’s classes and cassettes and various publications have been utilized. Bahá’í teachers of children’s classes have also been dispatched to various provinces.

‘The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Írán has acquired a printing machine of the type which is allowed under the restrictive laws of the land. With the aid of a number of committees the Publishing Trust has been successful in bringing out monthly Bahá’í news publications, the nineteen-day newsletter of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Ṭihrán, a youth magazine Ahang—iBadi‘ and the Bahá’í women’s magazine, Tarc'miy—i-Umid. In addition to the regular Nineteen day Feast programme, in one twelvemonth period in 1975 the Publishing Trust produced 181,390 books and pamphlets totalling 31 million pages. In addition to producing

various medallions and posters, 40,000 copies were made of twenty—seven cassette programmes of prayers, meditations, speeches and songs and twenty-eight reels of film were produced. Two of the writings of the beloved Guardian have been translated from English into Persian and over one million pages have been photocopied for the preservation of the sacred Writings and historical documents. New libraries have been opened and a specialized library of 2,000 volumes has been established for the use of scholars; eleven volumes of rare books have been photocopied and published in limited number. Bahá’í literature has been translated and published in Kurdish, Armenian and Turkoman.

‘The memoirs of prominent people who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá have been collected and 250 cassette tapes have been recorded of the reminiscences of those who have been responsible for or connected with the Holy Places in ira'ln so that the historical background of these sites is preserved. A total of 2,800 Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and letters from the Guardian have been indexed.

‘Surveys, repairs and landscaping of the Holy Places is being pursued more intensively.

[Page 264]264

‘Concerning charitable organizations, the Bahá’ís have extended the Mitiiéqiyyih hospital and ‘Attér clinic in Tihran by opening two branches in the tribal areas of Buyir Ahmad and in the Province of Nl'ir. The nursing school connected with the hospital has also been opened and the property on which the school is located has been purchased.

‘Contributions were extended to the Victims of floods in Pakistan. Steps for the establishment of a Home for the Aged have been taken and a special fund has been created for the treatment of needy patients.

‘Human Rights Day was observed and celebrations were held in connection with the United Nations International Women’s Year. We have continued to approach the Government about the elimination of the disabilities under which Bahá’ís operate.

‘Members of the National Spiritual Assembly have travelled to various parts of the country and one member pioneered outside Tihran.

‘For the fulfilment of the goals of the Five Year Plan for lrén 1,366 teaching visits have been made to 2,734 localities; 429 pioneers have established themselves in homefront goals and 853 Bahá’ís from Tihrz’m have settled in various parts of the country. Eighty—three new Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed in the second year of the plan. The number of Local Assemblies that have drawn up extension teaching plans has increased considerably.

‘Forty sessions of summer schools were held with more than 5,000 participating.’

J ORDAN

Formerly a part of the regional National Spiritual Assembly of the Near East which was formed in 1970, the National Spiritual Assembly of Jordan was established at Riḍván 1975 as an independent administrative entity with its seat in Amman. By Riḍván 1976 it had achieved establishment of six local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’ís resided in twenty localities throughout the country.

In the period under review a number of travelling teachers including some youth went from this area to Tanzania, Turkey and India; classes for the education of Bahá’í children were initiated; dawn devotional meetings for youth were held once each Bahá’í month; successful summer schools were held, one of these attracting the attendance of sixty-five youth; a

THE BAHA’l WORLD

number of National Teaching Conferences and Youth Conferences were held; deepening classes, primarily intended for youth, were inaugurated; an exhibition of arts and crafts was sponsored by the youth, the proceeds being contributed to the fund; various conferences for Bahá’í women were held with particular reference to their role in the Five Year Plan; and a children’s book and three introductory pamphlets were produced and distributed.

The representative of the Universal House of Justice at the inaugural convention was the Hand of the Cause Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad Varqa whose presence thrilled and inspired the friends.

(Based on various reports received by the World Centre)

THE NEAR EAST

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Near East comprising Lebanon, Jordan and Syria came into being at Riḍván 1970 with its seat in Beirut, Lebanon. One of its primary goals in the Five Year Plan was to create a firm foundation for the Faith in Jordan in preparation for the establishment of an independent National Spiritual Assembly in that country at Riḍván 1975.

In the period under review a number of pioneers and travelling teachers settled in or travelled to foreign posts. Youth were active in both teaching and administration and a number of youth conferences and other gatherings were held.

The Publishing Trust of the Near East which was established in June 1970 continued to develop a programme for the publication in Arabic of an increasingly comprehensive range of literature to meet the needs of various National Spiritual Assemblies.

(Based on various reports received by the World Centre)

PAKISTAN

‘The last four years of Bahá’í activities in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have witnessed dramatic progress of the Faith. Pakistan is the only major Muslim country that has, by its written constitution, recognized all religious minority communities. Bahá’í delegates have participated in several conferences sponsored by the Government, some of these events being presided over bylHis Excellency Zulfikar Ali

[Page 265]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

I!!!

”I‘ll; /m (c t?" ‘gAHAf W

265

G 'l

C ‘M

CONTINENTAL MI

TN OQNEERENCE

“' 1"!

Participants in first Continental Youth Conference of Western Asia, held in Karachi, Pakistan;

24—25 March 1976. The gathering which was attended by youthfrom ten Western Asian countries

had as its theme ‘ The Spirit q/Sacrificc’. During the conference the provincial M inister of Education invited the youth to his residence to discuss the Bahá’í Faith andpraised their example.

Bhutto, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. A number of these, falling outside the period covered by this review, will be detailed in the next volume of the international record. Considerable publicity on radio, television and in the press resulted from these activities.

‘International Women’s Year was celebrated in Bahá’í communities throughout the country. A public meeting sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Karachi was addressed by a Parliamentary Secretary of Sri Lanka, Mr. Aziz Reimoo; by an assistant Attorney at Law and Advisor to the Minister, Mrs. Rashida; by various university professors and Mr. A. C. J oshi, Auxiliary Board member. An unprecedented programme was a Spring Festival held in honour of Qurratu’l‘Ayn at the Bahá’í Hall on 7 April 1974. Many prominent non-Bahá’í poets and writers recited impromptu poems in praise of this outstanding heroine, martyr and poetess, Táhirih.

‘The chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly served as chairman at a symposium of Faiths held in Karachi.

‘On International Children’s Day twenty

children with their Bahá’í teachers were invited to a celebration at the Sind Chief Minister’s house. At this and the previously-mentioned functions several aspects of the Bahá’í teachings were discussed and messages of love and unity were expressed. Bahá’í literature was profusely distributed. Women’s Week, sponsored by the Government, was also observed in Bahá’í communities throughout Pakistan.

‘The contribution of the youth in the field of proclamation, consolidation of centres in mass teaching areas, and teaching and deepening about ten thousand enrolled Bahá’ís in Thatta, Tharparkar, Sind and Baluchistan earned encomiums from the Counsellors, members of the Auxiliary Board and the National Spiritual Assembly. Bahá’í women and the youth contributed through regularly conducting classes at the Teaching Institute and also through arranging firesides and public meetings in several centres. Bahá’í youth have started teaching the Faith among students at universities and colleges and are spearheading a programme under which the Faith is being drawn to the

[Page 266]266

THE Bahá’í WORLD

\

Some Bahd’z's ofSivas, Turkey, who recently accepted the Faith. Bahá’u’lláh passed through Sivas on His 0ver/(mdjourneyfrom Bag_lzddd to Constantinople in 1863. (See p. 504.)

attention of Government officials and leaders of thought throughout the country.

‘The translation and publication of Bahá’í literature occupied considerable time of the National Spiritual Assembly and kept the Bahá’í Publishing Trust fully occupied. The Bahá’í Magazine, an Urdu monthly which has been published for more than a half century, was further developed and improved under the editorship of Mr. Anisur Rehman Dehlavi and the number of its readers was greatly increased. Translations of prayers and Tablets into Baluchi, Gujari, Sindhi and Urdu were published. Several original Urdu brochures and pamphlets were published; some of these are running into reprints. The great task of translating into Urdu God Passes By has also been accomplished. Printed monthly Bahá’í bulletins are meticulously compiled and issued.

‘The Audio-Visual Aids Committee has compiled recordings of songs with Bahá’í themes, some in the format of folk music and some in more classical or traditional style. In addition, the committee has prepared and marketed film strips and slides depicting local

Bahá’í community life, tapes and cassettes on various subjects, greetings cards and Bahá’í calendars.

‘With the help and guidance of the members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Asia, ten major and ten medium-sized Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds have been acquired. In addition, ten endowments have been acquired and a teaching institute was constructed at Thatta and is functioning well.

‘Two members of the community have been appointed registrars of Bahá’í marriages under Section 4 of the special Marriages Act of 1867, thus according official Government recognition to Bahá’í marriage.

‘Activities for Bahá’í children are not i gnored. Secure foundations have been established for a full-fledged children’s school in Karachi, and regular classes for instructing Bahá’í children in the Faith are held in Karachi, Quetta, Hyderabad, Lahore, Thatta, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Tando Adam, Abbotabad, Rawalpindi and other large centres.

‘Pakistan has twenty-eight incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies; twenty-two are still

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to be registered. Pioneers have been sent to a number of countries and a few posts still remain to be filled.

‘The period under survey witnessed the enrolment of thousands of new believers from among the Bhil, Koli, Malhi, Rajput, Mengwal, Mengal and Kurd tribes.’

TURKEY

At Riḍván 1973 there were twenty-two Local Spiritual Assemblies in Turkey and fifty—seven localities had been opened to the Faith. By Riḍván 1976 Local Assemblies had been established in thirty-one centres and the Faith had been established in an additional forty localities, bringing the total to ninety—seven.

Achievements of the Turkish community in the period being surveyed include translation into Turkish and publication of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, Some Answered Questions and The New Garden; the acquisition of two local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, one at Gaziantep and one at Bornova; the supplying of pioneers to other areas and a flow of travelling teachers from this community to other countries abroad including

267

Australia; and the holding of special classes and conferences for Bahá’í women, youth and children.

A Bahá’í book, Beklenen Cag, published in Turkey, was presented to a number of highranking Government officials as well as journalists; letters of appreciation were received from a number of the recipients including a former Prime Minister of Turkey.

An individual believer received an invitation from a society that supports the concept of world peace and unity to address its members on the subject of the Bahá’í Faith. A few Bahá’í friends, including members of the Teaching Committee, attended the gathering which attracted seventy people, most of whom were young. A brief outline of the history and teachings of the Faith was presented and slides of the Bahá’í Holy Places were shown. A lively discussion took place and Bahá’í literature was distributed.

In 1975 the believers of Turkey welcomed the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furfitan whose presence greatly inspired them.

(Based on various reports received by the World Centre)

D. AUSTRALASIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS

Nine National Spiritual Assemblies existed in Australasia at the end of the Nine Year Plan and none came into being in the period under review. In its letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies at Naw-Rt'lz 1976, the Universal House of Justice called for the formation, at Riḍván 1977, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the New Hebrides with its seat in Port Vila. The responsibility for the establishment of this body rested with the National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific Ocean whose territory comprises New Caledonia, the New Hebrides Islands and the Loyalty Islands.

Set out below are excerpts from the reports received from the national communities within the jurisdiction of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia.

AUSTRALIA

‘The Australian Bahá’í community breathlessly reached Riḍván 1973 With all but one goal

of the Nine Year Plan achieved. This goal was providentially fulfilled when on 29 April our hopeful pioneer to Bathurst Island secured permission to accept employment on the island’s Aboriginal reserve. On 24 April the Universal House of Justice had cabled “. . . CONSIDER ALL AUSTRALIAN GOALS FULFILLED . .

‘Whilst the community settled in for a year of consolidation, the National Spiritual Assembly formed the basis of a new committee and department structure that would assist in launching the new plan of the Universal House of Justice, anticipated at Riḍván 1974. During 1973, plans were accepted for the new national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to be built in the vicinity of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Sydney.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly was invited to participate in the “Family of Man” service which was held in conjunction with the dedication of the Sydney Opera House in October 1973. An honoured guest on this occasion was the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone.

[Page 268]268

THE BAHA’l WORLD

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The Faith was mentioned in various news reports of that event and the Bahá’í prayer read at the service was included in a nation-wide television broadcast.

‘Between Riḍván and December 1973, two large celebrations were planned nationally and locally to commemorate United Nations Day and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. A specially publicized service for the latter event was held at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár; 33,742 visitors were attracted to the Temple during 1973.

‘The year 1974 was highlighted by three significant events. Firstly, the National Youth Conference held in Western Australia was the first such national conference ever held in that State. From that gathering, attended by more than eighty believers, enthusiastic youth dispersed to all parts of Australia to participate in teaching projects devised by various Local

Spiritual Assemblies and Regional Goals Committees.

‘Secondly, we had the wonderful bounty of the presence of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir at our national convention in Melbourne. He challenged the Australian community to implement swiftly, and to achieve early and totally, all the goals of the newly-launched Five Year Plan.

‘Thirdly, the exciting first part of the plan was climaxed by the dedication in October 1974 of the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the Temple gardens. The new buildings include an administrative complex, a hostel for pilgrims and an assembly hall. A capacity crowd, including invited dignitaries, gathered in the House of Worship for a special service and later outside the assembly hall for talks and the official ceremony. The friends were reminded that day of the efforts of the Hands of the Cause “Mother” and

[Page 269]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’l ACTIVITIES

CANBERRA 1975

“Father” Dunn who brought the Faith to Australia in 1920 and whose dedicated and sacrificial efforts helped to bring to fruition the spiritual and physical structure of the Administrative Order in Australia. The day before the dedication of the new administrative centre, more than two hundred believers attended the first Australian national conference sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia. During that same month in Perth, Western Australia, Bahá’ís participated in an inter-Faith service which was attended by 2,000 people and televised nationally.

‘The year 1974 also saw the recommencement of the publishing of the Bahá’í magazine Herald of the South, publication of which had been suspended for several years due to financial difficulties.

‘The Australian Government accorded recognition to the National Spiritual Assembly as a denomination for the purpose of the Marriage Act 1961—1973; an announcement of this action was published in the Australian Government Gazette, No. 48, 11 June 1974. This recognition, the only type presently available from the

Australian Government, was offered by the Attorney-General of Australia and was not solicited by the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘At Riḍván 1975 Australia had the pleasure of having the Hand of the Cause H. Collis F eatherstone attend for the first time in thirteen years the national convention of his own country, held this year in his home town of Adelaide. The theme was “stock-taking”; in an inspiring manner the Hand of the Cause led this consultation. For an entire year the Australian Bahá’í community took an in-depth look at its individual and community life.

‘By mid-1975 the Australian community was well on its way to achieving its international travelling teaching goals and had succeeded in sending out a number of pioneers to their posts. The steady expansion of the Faith into areas remote from city centres was accelerated.

‘Especially significant were the teaching activities, both international and domestic, undertaken by youth; 'this included many “package” teaching trips arranged by the National Goals and National Youth Cornmittees, launched from the sixth National Youth

[Page 270]270

Conference in Canberra, and also two youth travelling teaching teams sent to Papua New Guinea and to the Gilbert Islands.

‘At the mid-way point of the Five Year Plan, the Australian community seems poised for an early victory. Yearly National Teaching, National Youth and Regional Conferences, the Counsellors’ Conferences and National Pioneering Conferences of 1974 and 1975, deepening schools, new believers’ schools, weekend and summer schools, children’s camps and children’s classes (a new children’s room was erected in 1975 at the Yerrinbool Bahá’í School)—all contributed to the consolidation and expansion of the Cause in Australia.

‘An increased awareness of how to use the media to good advantage is helping the friends to bring the Faith to all strata of society. Of great assistance in the area of proclamation is the Public Information Officer '5 Manual published in the early part of 1976. Other publications of the Australian Bahá’í Publishing Trust, which was first established in 1974, have been a treasurer’s and a secretary’s manual, designed to assist the friends. Also published was a unique pamphlet for the non-Bahá’í parents of Bahá’í youth, entitled From One Parent to Another.

‘In an endeavour to meet heart to heart all the members of the more than sixty Local Spiritual Assemblies scattered across the vast continent, the National Spiritual Assembly undertook an intensive travel programme between September 1975 and February 1976.

‘The theme of the remainder of the Five Year Plan is to “Gladden the Hearts”—first, the heart of the individual as he commits himself to service to Baha’u’llah, and thence the hearts of his friends and neighbours as he expresses in deeds and words the bounty and responsibility bestowed upon him by having recognized the Manifestation of God for this day.

‘At the national convention during Riḍván 1976 the Australian community again delighted in the presence of the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone. The goals yet to be achieved in the Five Year Plan were laid before the delegates and the means of achieving them were discussed. Each delegate committed himself to take the spirit of the convention back to his community and to help instil in the friends an even greater awareness of the significance of the Cause and the role each must play in furthering its establishment.’

THE BAHA’I WORLD

FIJI

‘Throughout the years 1973—1976 a shortage of manpower and financial resources restricted proclamation and mass teaching activities and the Fiji community’s major efforts were therefore devoted to deepening and consolidation. In this, we received invaluable assistance from large numbers of international travelling teachers from all parts of the world including, most notably, Mrs. Bertha Dobbins, the Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for the New Hebrides, now well into her eighties, who made a teaching trip with a local believer to Nairai Island, assisted with deepening in Suva, and gave a talk at the University of the South Pacific. Regular and much loved visitors have included Mr. G. Tehrani, Mr. Q. Eshraghian and Dr. Arthur Dahl. In addition, youth teams have come from New Zealand during each long vacation period and have visited most of the remoter communities and islands. Meanwhile, local teaching teams have been active throughout the Fiji island group.

‘Teaching events have included a National Teaching Conference immediately following each national convention; five Regional Conferences in each of the years 1973 and 1974; a Regional Conference and two Teacher Training Institutes in 1975; and a regular mid—year National Conference, held in Suva. The lastmentioned gathering took the form of a highly successful Women’s Conference.

‘In 1973 the National Assembly purchased a new national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, larger and more centrally situated than the previous one. A small but devoted team has worked ceaselessly since then to refurbish, redecorate and maintain the new Centre. The first activity held there was a youth summer school which was blessed by the participation of the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone and Mr. Suhayl ‘Alá’í of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia. In the same year, and again in 1975, another youth summer school was held on the island of Moce in the southern Lau group.

‘As a result of these teaching and deepening activities, many Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í groups are now holding regular children’s classes, dawn devotionals, deepening classes, firesides and have initiated activities for Bahá’í women. Several Local Assemblies are undertaking extension teaching. Some village com [Page 271]271

INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’I ACTIVITIES

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[Page 272]272

munities raise money for the fund by producing for sale traditional handicraft items and household goods. The Bahá’ís of Moce brought to the 1975 Women’s Conference large numbers of the beautiful tapas (hand-painted beaten-bark cloths) for which their island is particularly famous. The 1976 convention fund was swelled by the money raised from the sale of beads, mats, brooms, fans and baskets brought as gifts by believers from the outlying villages.

‘The arrival in Fiji of six new pioneers has been of assistance. Two of these friends have had experience in publishing and are able to assist with the work of the Publishing Trust. The Publishing Trust was established in fulfilment of a goal of the Five Year Plan and registered on 2 April 1975 but its initial progress was slow owing to the fact that we were handicapped by lack of expertise and experience. Now, however, it is in a position to fulfil its purpose of providing a service to the entire South Pacific area by publishing Bahá’í books in the major Polynesian and Melanesian languages. We have approached other National Assemblies in the Pacific Area to ascertain their requirements. Meanwhile, a translations committee has been busy increasin g the supply of Bahá’í literature in Fijian. Many of the translations have already been stencil-duplicated for use in teaching and deepening, and are now being checked and revised for submission to the Publishing Trust.

‘Although limited in scope, proclamation activities have continued in the period under consideration. Literature has been sent to the head teachers of all the primary schools in the Dominion, to plantation owners and employers and, where appropriate, to Government officials servin g on select committees. Travellin g teachers in many areas have approached village Chiefs and invited them to discuss the Faith. A “Proclamation Week” in Suva in 1975 attracted much interest and favourable comment. Particular efforts were made to proclaim the Faith during International Women’s Year and several Bahá’í speakers were invited to address gatherings of various local and regional women’s associations. Exhibitions mounted in conjunction with other United Nations activities have been well publicized and well attended.

‘An outstanding event in 1973 was the appointment of Mrs. Tinai Hancock, a Fijian believer, as a member of the Auxiliary Board. Mrs. Hancock later left Fiji and Mrs. Irene

THE BAHA’l WORLD

Williams, an Australian pioneer of long standing, was appointed to the Auxiliary Board in 1975. She has since appointed two assistants, Mr. Joji Toka, a Fijian believer living in Lakeba, and Mrs. Rambi Woodrow, a Gilbertese believer living in Rabi Island. It is at Buakonakai, on Rabi Island, that the first local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds has been established under the Five Year Plan; this was dedicated at Naw-Rl'iz 1976.

‘Throughout the period under review, the National Spiritual Assembly has had the constant support, encouragement and advice of the Continental Board of Counsellors. Prior to the 1974 national convention, the Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and Counsellor Howard Harwood consulted with the National Assembly and gave invaluable guidance on the presentation to the believers of the Five Year Plan goals, and on the various stages by which they might be accomplished. Counsellor Thelma Perks represented the Continental Board at the 1975 annual national convention. In 1976 she and Counsellor Violet Hoehnke travelled to the island of Lakeba and conducted a conference there. Counsellor Suhayl ‘Ala’i has been a frequent visitor to Fiji and has given unstintingly of his time to consult with the National Assembly.’

THE GILBERT ISLANDS AND TUVALU

‘The National Spiritual Assembly of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands came into being in 1967 with its seat in Tarawa and was known by that name until January 1976 when the Ellice Islands formed a Legislative Assembly and became known as Tuvalu.

‘Riḍván 1973, marking the end of the Nine Year Plan, saw the Bahá’ís of this area rejoicing that all the goals of the plan had been met. Soon after, news came from the Universal House of Justice of the Five Year Plan which would be given to the Bahá’í world in 1974. To provide the inspiration for a running start, two representatives of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia visited the islands. In J anuary 1974 Counsellor Violet Hoehnke arrived in time to attend a Nineteen Day Feast with the friends on Tarawa Island. She flew to Butaritari for several days’ visit, then to Tabiteuea Island, with a stop-over at Abemama, and sailed by canoe to North Tarawa to visit the Temple site. On the return journey the ship’s mast broke and Miss

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273

A 24-foot craft buill by M r. John Thurston, a pioneer in the Gilbert Islands, for the use of Bahá’í

teachers in reaching the many small islands in the area, separated by vast stretches ofopen sea. In

the centre is seen Mrs. Collis Featherstone who boarded the catamaran at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, tojourney t0 Abaiang Island; September 1975.

Hoehnke had to walk back many miles in the dark through sea passages between the islets in order to reach Bahá’í headquarters. Her Visit resulted in publicity on the radio and in the weekly newspaper.

‘Counsellor Suhayl ‘Alá’í arrived in March to consult with the National Assembly about the Five Year Plan and to Visit the friends. Several consultations with the National Assembly resulted in detailed plans for implementing the goals of the Five Year Plan on every island, beginning with the presentation of the plan to the national convention. Some time after the convention, Auxiliary Board member Mosese Hokafonu of Tonga visited the colony.

‘A number of pioneers arrived from Australia, Tonga and the Solomon Islands and we were visited by travelling teachers from a number of centres. Among these was Mrs. Mary Berg of the Yukon Territory, Canada. A team of two young men and two young women from Australia, trained singers and experienced teachers, visited several islands attracting many souls. One of the

team, seeing the need for pioneers in our area, resigned from his job in Sydney and remained on Tarawa where he has organized several good teaching programmes especially for children in North and South Tarawa. During this time three Gilbertese teachers travelled to other areas including the United States Trust Territories, Micronesia and the Solomon Islands. Gilbertese travelling teachers are sent out regularly; each has had at least one training course at the teaching institute in Bikenibeu.

‘Mr. John Thurston, a pioneer from Hawaii, built a catamaran which is used for transporting Bahá’ís, and also freight, between nearby islands; and he is now building a larger fortyfoot catamaran for ocean voyages among the islands.

‘In September 1975 we were overjoyed and greatly aided by a three-week visit from the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone who, accompanied by Mrs. Featherstone, visited Abaiang, North Tarawa and Tabiteuea. An important event during Mr. Featherstone’s stay

[Page 274]274

was the reception tendered in his honour by the National Assembly to which the Governor and all top officials were invited. The Governor engaged Mr. Featherstone in conversation for almost four hours and received with appreciation a copy of The Bahá’í World. Mr. and Mrs. Featherstone were interviewed on Radio Tarawa. In addition to meeting with the National Assembly on two occasions, Mr. Featherstone participated in the dedication of the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at Betio and Bikenibeu.

‘Some events which have furnished publicity for the Faith have been a book stall where Bahá’í books are displayed and sold at the Queen’s birthday celebration every year and radio and regular weekly newspaper publicity for such events as the annual convention, the arrival of Bahá’í visitors, and United Nations activities. The twentieth anniversary of the coming of the Faith to this colony was celebrated and publicized and at the time of the separation of the Ellice Islands on 1 January 1976 the Bahá’ís were requested to include a Bahá’í prayer in the worship service commemorating this event. The departure of Mrs. Mabel Aritiera, a pioneer to this colony for fourteen years, and her attendance at the international convention for the election of the Universal House of Justice and at the Bahá’í conference in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1974, resulted in an article and photograph being printed in the Government newspaper. The National Assembly is fortunate in having a five-minute programme on the radio each Saturday evening, and a series of morning five-minute talks every weekday morning for one week in each six-week period.

‘A project with which the National Assembly is proceeding slowly is the presentation to leading Government officials of an attractive information kit containing quotations from Bahá’í Writings and statements on such Bahá’í principles as non-involvement in politics, loyalty to Government, etc. Members of the National Assembly sit on various governmental advisory committees for religious broadcasts, welfare, family planning, and religious education in elementary schools.

‘Since Riḍván 1973 the following translations have been made: God and His Messengers in Gilbertese; The Hidden Words (Arabic) in Gilbertese; Light for all Regions in Ellice; Appendix Notes to Release the Sun in Ellice; God’s Great Plan in Gilbertese; and a book of

THE BAHA’l WORLD

children’s prayers in both Gilbertese and Ellice. These are to be printed soon by the new Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Fiji.

‘Five communities have morning prayers; the friends of Bikenibeu gather every day for dawn devotionals.

‘A number of Observances have been held in commemoration of United Nations activities. A lunch was tendered by the National Assembly for United Nations specialists working in the islands. An art contest was sponsored in elementary schools on the topic of United Nations work here, with prizes being given by the Govemor’s wife. Pictures of this event were sent to the UNICEF office in New York.

‘Mr. Samuel Tranter of Canada was appointed a member of the Auxiliary Board and two assistants were named in the period.

‘President Hammer DeRoburt of the Republic of Nauru, while on a briefvisit to Tarawa, graciously accepted a copy of The Bahz'z'z' World which was presented to him by a believer from Nanumea.’

NEW ZEALAND

‘In April 1974 the National Spiritual Assembly awaited with happy expectancy a meeting with the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Australasian zone to discuss the goals of the Five Year Plan. A telegram from the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone stating “BEST WISHES PRAYERS CONSULTATION COUNSELLOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPLICATION FIVE YEAR PLAN . . .” gave, at the outset, that spiritual impetus and encouragement that these “edifiers of the souls of men” never fail to impart. Counsellor Howard Harwood reminded us that we only get what we expect, that New Zealand should expect a great deal and, in View of the situation in the world, we should launch the Five Year Plan rapidly.

‘For our homefront, plans were made to achieve the consolidation of Local Spiritual Assemblies, for the purchase of local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, for the opening of new localities and for extending our contact with the Polynesian population. To date in the plan, five additional Spiritual Assemblies have been incorporated: Bay of Islands, Palmerstone North, Christchurch, Dunedin and Tauranga. One more, Gisborne, is in process. The two local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds called for in the plan have been acquired, in the communities of Wanganui and Whangarei,

[Page 275]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

.£‘ :mhfi

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BAH? 3}.

Some participants in the National Youth Conference of New Zealand held in Hamilton; 29— 31 August 1975. Twenty Of the 200 youth who altended arose to serve as travelling teachers tofulfil a goal of the Five Year Plan.

respectively. Three new Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed: Mt. Eden, Onehunga and Thames. Twenty new localities have been opened so far and the youth have been specially encouraged to assist in this area of extension. ‘The Polynesian Goals Committee, whose main task is to keep in constant touch with the many friends from the Pacific now resident in New Zealand, is tackling this assignment successfully. Closer contact with our Polynesian friends has given us a Spiritual Assembly in Onehunga on which eight Tongan believers serve. A Maori Advisory Committee was formed in May 1976 and plans have been made for a meeting in August to be attended by members of this committee, representatives of the Continental Board of Counsellors, and members of the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching Committee. Translations of prayers and of The Hidden Words into Maori have been made and sent to the World Centre.

‘A romantic story began to unfold following the visit of the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone and Hawke Bay friends to the home of Mr. Maurice Chambers in Havelock North. Mr. Chambers’ association with a Dr. Felkin who had met the beloved Master, and the former’s quiet acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh in 1914, is an early chapter, hitherto unknown, in the history of the Cause in New Zealand.

‘On the international front we have had the bounty of being able to assist the friends of the North West Pacific Ocean with the achievement of their property goals.

‘Our gratitude goes to all pioneers and to the thirty youthful travelling teachers who visited the Pacific last year. Reports of their achievements have warmed our hearts.

‘The great bounty bestowed upon us by the Universal House of Justice in granting us the honour of hosting the International Teaching Conference to be held in Auckland in January

[Page 276]276

1977 has opened many doors for the proclamation of our beloved Faith. Early in 1976 His Excellency Sir Edward Denis Blundell, Governor-General of New Zealand, granted the Bahá’ís an audience and with gracious courtesy received The Bahá’í World, vol. XV, and a verbal explanation of the mission of Baha’u’llah.

‘Opportunities for the use of radio and television have considerably increased. Three radio interviews have been recorded and three interviews were televised. One of these, an hourlong interview featuring Mr. Barry Crump, a New Zealand Bahá’í who is well known as an author, resulted in a number of enquiries about the Faith.

‘Bahá’ís took a leading role as delegates to national conferences and similar gatherings of various organizations relating to child care, Maori welfare, play centres and education for the deaf. Bahá’ís also played a prominent part at one national convention for women and presented a paper on the Faith.

‘Some additional recognition was accorded us by Government departments. The Inland Revenue Department granted us notable exemptions from income tax and the Department of Justice, in a letter dated 30 March 1976, stated that in view of the well—established credentials of the Bahá’í community it is agreeable to gazetting Bahá’í marriage ofliciators without the hitherto usual yearly formality of renewal of application by the individual.

‘Much still remains to be done. Although conscious of the world upheaval following in the wake of God’s major plan, we are confident that we shall execute the part of His minor plan entrusted to us and stand ever grateful for the loving guidance and the unerring wisdom of His Universal House of Justice.’

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

‘The community of Papua New Guinea felt it had come of age in 1973 when, for the first time, it sent delegates to the international convention for the election of the Universal House of J ustice. Lopena Vera of Papua and Lundeng Capenias of New Ireland were the first representatives of their respective races to visit the Holy Land. The members of the National Assembly were able to attend the international convention with the knowledge that all goals for Papua New Guinea in the Nine Year Plan had been completed. The teaching work had progressed faster than anyone

THE BAHA’l WORLD

had ever dreamed it would. Sixty-seven Local Assemblies were formed, thus more than doubling the goal of that plan.

‘The annual national convention in 1973 was the largest ever held in the country, with seventysix delegates. During the year the House of Justice approved our request to change the system of electing delegates from Local Assembly Areas. The following year an electoral unit system was employed. The initial problems, such as some tribal groups not being represented, were countered by gradually increasing the number of regions which totalled eighteen by 1976. The regional system proved to be a considerable improvement over the previous method, firstly by reducing expenses and secondly by increasing the sense of responsibility of the delegates. It also brought to light a greater number of believers of capacity.

‘The first youth conference of Papua New Guinea was held in Sogeri in November 1973 with approximately forty youth and visitors in attendance. In various communities, and particularly in Port Moresby, there are now youth who have been raised as Bahá’ís. These young people have a marked sense of responsibility towards helping with the work of the Faith.

‘Auxiliary Board member Mosese Hokafonu of Tonga visited various communities in Papua New Guinea in December 1973 and attended teaching institutes in Madina and Sogeri. The first appointment of a Papua New Guinea Auxiliary Board member, Lundeng Capenias of Madina, was announced towards the end of the year.

‘A Papuan couple, Saino and Koivoi Aumo, became caretakers of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Lae. Saino was the first believer from Mountain Brown and had initiated the teaching work in his home village. Mountain Brown subsequently became a fertile teaching field. The teachings spread like a bush fire from village to village. As the Faith spread, Missions began to complain, particularly about Mission teachers educating the children of Bahá’ís. This problem had arisen in other districts, such as Talasea and Siane, and contributed to inactivity in both cases. However, in Mountain Brown, after some negotiations, the problem was solved by Local Spiritual Assemblies paying Mission teachers who had previously been paid by contributions to the Mission. Another solution emerged which was even more satisfactory and which probably

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ILAIKIM OLSEM , OLCEDA K

AINKMN MAN

r BUNC \JANTA‘M

Some Bahá’ís ofLae, New Guinea, who marched in a parade in observance of Independence Day;

17 September 1975. The Bahá’ís— the only multi-racial group participating?received enthusiastic

applause as they passed the official dais carrying a banner reading: ‘Bahá’ís long to see the diverse penples living in Papua New Guinea become united as one people.’

contributed to the spread of the Faith in Mountain Brown: many teachers, known as “Pastors”, themselves became Bahá’ís.

‘Subsequently the Faith began to spread to the coastal region near Mountain Brown where people of the same language group were living. By 1976 there were more than fifty villages with sufficient believers to form Local Assemblies. Other fertile fields were found in the mountain region in the centre of Papua, and in the north in an area known as Afore.

‘The annual convention in 1974 was attended by the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone. Held in Sogeri, it was a stirring occasion, blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause and inspired by the new Five Year Plan. In consultation with the National Assembly after the convention, Mr. Featherstone urged us to quickly proceed with proclamation plans, to preserve and consolidate the victories already won and to launch an immediate widespread expansion of the community.

‘The Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir visited Papua New Guinea briefly in March 1974 and consulted with the National

Assembly on the F ive Year Plan. He urged the National Assembly to consider purchasing Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the major towns and assisted with the planning of opening many new islands and districts in a visionary far-flung campaign. It proved too expensive to purchase Centres in the maj or towns but to date seven villages have built local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and eight more have commenced construction of their Centres.

‘Restrictions concerning the use of land have handicapped us in obtaining a suitable Temple site but an unexpected bounty fell to us through the generosity of a Bahá’í family who donated their home and garden in Sogeri for use as a national endowment.

‘The use of radio as a means of teaching and proclamation has not yet developed adequately. However, many news items about the Faith have been broadcast. The activities of travelling teachers have been reported on the radio. Several attacks on the Faith have been reported in nation-wide broadcasts and as a result the Bahá’ís were given an opportunity to present

the true spirit and purpose of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

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' \

Mrs. Elti Kunak of Papua New Guinea was

awarded the British Empire Medal in June

1975 in recognition of her work with women’s clubs in the Bismarck Archipelago.

‘A new type of teaching activity was inaugurated in December 1974 with the arrival of youth teaching teams from overseas. The first team came from Australia. The youth travelled to various centres, enrolled more than one hundred believers, and opened up a new district, the J immi Valley in the Western Highlands. The following year three teams came, two from New Zealand and one from Australia. This time more ground was covered and the teams stayed for longer periods. Their sacrificial efforts to assist the teaching work were greatly appreciated by the National Assembly and the believers. The youth encouraged the singing of songs with Bahá’í themes. A youth string band is now functioning in New Ireland.

‘The year 1975 was an eventful and historic year for Papua New Guinea. The country achieved independence on 16 September and a series of events affecting the Bahá’í community seemed to arise out of this. In May, Auxiliary Board member Dr. Peter Khan of the United States, accompanied by his wife Dr. Janet Khan, visited Lae and Port Moresby. Dr. Peter Khan

THE BAHA’l WORLD

spoke at public meetings in both towns. These lectures were attended by hundreds of students and visitors and both meetings had a dynamic and almost electric effect on the audiences—a very positive proclamation.

‘In June 1975 when the Queen’s Birthday Honours List was announced, everyone rejoiced to learn that Mrs. Elti Kunak, of Madina, New Ireland, who was among the first to embrace the Faith when it came to New Ireland in 1957, had been awarded the British Empire Medal for her work with women’s clubs. The distinguished and truly remarkable believer who has never received any formal education was a member of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Madina village and the first local woman to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘Independence celebrations held all over Papua New Guinea became a means of proclamation for the Faith and the believers in various communities participated in different ways. In Kwikila, the Bahá’ís were the only people to attend the celebrations in national dress. In Rabaul, a colourful float, skilfully decorated and carrying nine children of different races, proclaimed the unity of mankind. In Lae, a marching group dressed in colourful traditional costume, representing nine different races or tribes, and bearing a banner inspired by the Bahá’í teachings, marched in the independence parade; two believers played traditional flutes. The banner expressed the idea that all peoples in Papua New Guinea should work together in unity. In New Ireland a Bahá’í choir sang at the official ceremony and Bahá’í prayers were read.

‘A special issue of the Bahá’í newsletter, commemorating independence, told the story of the development of the Faith in Papua New Guinea and was illustrated with photographs of Bahá’ís and Bahá’í events. It was sent to the Governor-General, all Government ministers, heads of Government departments and other dignitaries, and to councils and schools. The edition produced very favourable comments from various sources.

‘Publications in the period included a newsletter in English; a newsletter—booklet called Kundu published approximately every three months in Pidgin and Motu; a simple teaching book in English, Kingdom Comes, by Geoff Heard; and a book of prayers and readings in Melanesian Pidgin, for use at Feasts.

‘The first conference sponsored by the

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Continental Board of Counsellors was held in Lae in July 1975 with Mr. Suhayl ‘Ala’i, Miss Thelma Perks, Mr. Howard Harwood, Miss Violet Hoehnke and believers from six districts in attendance. After the conference, Counsellors ‘Ala’i and Hoehnke travelled to Rabaul for an exposition organized by the Local Assembly. In November, Counsellor Hoehnke pioneered to a homefront goal, Mt. Hagen in the Western Highlands. Three Local Assemblies have now been formed in villages near Mt. Hagen, their membership including representatives of tribes not previously represented in the Faith.

‘Near the mid-point of the F ive Year Plan it is apparent that the teaching goals are almost completed. Enough locations with sufficient believers already exist to form the required number of Local Assemblies. The incorporation goals are almost complete. Sufficient local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to fill this goal have been completed or commenced. Teaching in the Highlands—particularly in the Papuan Highlands—is again progressing. Travelling teachers have gone to Australia to assist with Aboriginal teaching. The practice of holding dawn prayers is operating in some villages. The acquisition of a Temple site, and consolidation, are still problems. The remaining goals which the National Assembly has under active consideration are the development of radio teaching and the dispatching of pioneers to the New Hebrides.

‘The Faith in Papua New Guinea is firmly established and although deepening lags behind there are many firm, dedicated believers throughout the country. The relationship of the Bahá’í community with the Government at the present time is favourable and the Constitution allows freedom to practise religion and freedom to teach religion. The future appears to be promising for the progress of the Cause of God and the establishment of its institutions.’

SAMOA

‘The Bahá’ís ofSamoa experienced the bounty at Riḍván 1973 oflearning of the announcement to the Bahá’í world community that His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II had become the first reigning monarch to accept Baha’u’llah. The travel of four members of the Samoan National Spiritual Assembly to the World Centre to participate in the election of the

279

Universal House of Justice also added to the spiritual blessings showered on the Samoan Bahá’í community.

‘F ollowing the Samoan national convention, a very difficult teaching trip was undertaken by Mr. Tumanuvao White to the Tokelau Islands, an extension teaching goal assigned to Samoa. Later his wife, Manasesa, journeyed there after her husband returned to Samoa, and the result of their efforts was the formation of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of F akaofo at Riḍván 1974. Other Victories won for the Faith during this period included the translation and printing of the first of four parts of the Samoan edition of Gleanings from the Writings of Bahz'z'u 'lláh, and the formation of a Regional Audio-Visual Committee with sister National Assemblies in the Pacific area. J ohn and Violeti Ott ended the teaching effort for the year by opening Anu’u Island to the Faith.

‘The Five Year Plan had a unique beginning in Samoa when the friends gathered for the national convention in 1974 were greatly honoured by the visit of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II who graciously consented to be photographed with the believers. Contact with His Highness by delegates and other friends attending the convention stirred many to redouble their efforts to teach the Cause and brought them a greater awareness of the significance of the Faith.

‘In August, the Hand of the Cause William Sears Visited Samoa after attending the International Youth Conference in Hawaii. Much excellent publicity was obtained for the Faith including a front page article which appeared in the newspaper in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Mr. Sears’ visit to Samoa helped spark awareness of the need to purchase a new Temple site and the need to recruit pioneers to replace those who had been unable to remain at their posts. Within a few months the teaching work in Western Samoa was reinforced through the arrival of two pioneers from Hawaii, two from Australia and one from Japan; some pioneers from the United States later settled in American Samoa.

‘During December and January a visiting youth teaching team from New Zealand helped to renew interest in teaching and contact on the village level. During the intercalary days and the beginning of the Fast, the Hand of the Cause William Sears once again visited Samoa and met

[Page 280]280

.A is.

His Highness Malietoa Tanumqfi/i II of Western Samoa (front row, fourth from the right) held

THE Bahá’í WORLD

L ' ' fl . m .

areceptian in/1011ozn‘qft/ze Hand QfI/Ie Cause William Seurs(fift/1fi'0m 1116 right) during M 1‘. Sears” visit in August 1974.

at length with the National Spiritual Assembly and members of the community. His effort bestowed fresh and badly needed inspiration and guidance for winning the goals of the Five Year Plan and aided in dispelling the pall that had settled as the result of the departure of a number of pioneers. Riḍván 1975 found a determined contingent of delegates attending convention and participating in the consultation.

‘As a result, in part, of the arrival of pioneers, a new spirit of dedication and teaching began to manifest itselfthroughout Samoa. In November a new local Centre was dedicated in Sasina, Savaii Island, Western Samoa. This was a great victory, as it was located in a village which had shown much opposition to the Faith for many months.

‘A very active National Proclamation Committee began televising a series of thirteen shows prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii with the Hand of the Cause William Sears as moderator. This series was complemented by a weekly fifteen-minute radio broadcast each Sunday morning. An influx of

newly awakened souls began to respond to this excellent proclamation activity. Several new publications in the Samoan language were published including excerpts from The Advent of Divine Justice, a small prayer book, and the first publication by a Polynesian Bahá’í author, Searching for the Truth, by Auxiliary Board member Tumanuvao White. The presentation by the National Spiritual Assembly in December of a gift of medical supplies to the hospital in Apia—a gift made possible through Dr. Larry Beers and the Hawaiian National Assemblyresulted in excellent publicity in the newspapers.

‘Another youth teaching team from New Zealand came to Samoa in January and provided excellent follow-up teaching to the successful summer school which had been held in Apia in late December. Seventeen travelling teachers from many different countries participated in the teaching work in Samoa during the year and made valuable contributions.

‘In March a second local Centre was dedicated in Page Pago. Mrs. Filifili Tuiamalo sacrificed her home to make this gift, and the release of

[Page 281]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

IflfiLJJF

A Five Year Plan goal was fulfilled through the acquisition ofa local Hagiratu’l-Quds (shown above) in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Dedication of the Centre took place 21 March 1976.

spirit due to this sacrificial gesture brought a new momentum to the teaching and proclamation work. The dedication service was attended by Mr. Suhayl ‘Alá’í, Auxiliary Board member Tumanuvao White and the entire body of the National Spiritual Assembly. The year ended with the election of twenty Local Spiritual Assemblies, a considerable increase in membership of the Bahá’í community, and a growing sense of urgency to win the goals of the Five Year Plan.

‘One of the most important goals was won during the year, the purchase of a twelve and one-quarter acre site for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár to be built in Samoa.1 The property is located high on the mountainside overlooking Apia and the Pacific Ocean; an excellent caretaker’s cottage already existed on the site. This goal was achieved through the unified efforts of the entire community 'and the loving co-operation of the institutions of the Faith. The deed was signed on 31 October 1975.

‘This brief summary of the activities in Samoa in no way reveals to the reader the majestic power of Baha’u’llah in fulfilling His purpose in

' See ‘The First Mashriqu’l-Adhkiar of the Pacific Islands”, p. 489‘

the hearts of the people of Samoa, a power which has raised up the first reigning monarch to embrace His Faith, is rapidly working toward the erection of the first Temple of the Pacific islands, and is enthroning His love in the hearts of troops of light-seeking souls in these tropical islands in the mid-most heart of the ocean.’

SOLOMON ISLANDS

‘During the years 1973—1976 we were visited by the Hands of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone and Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. Dr. Muhájir spent a week with us just prior to the commencement of the Five Year Plan and assisted the National Spiritual Assembly to take measures to launch the plan. Mr. Featherstone visited the Solomons in September 1975. While here he addressed the friends in Honiara and he dedicated the first national institute building in Auki, Malaita, the island where most of the Bahá’ís are located. The institute has since served as a means of deepening many new believers in the Faith.

‘A project of special significance was the series of “Heroes and Victory Conferences” held in Honiara in December 1974 and April 1975. At

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Participants in the first Ba/zd’z' Women ‘3 Conference of the Solomon Islands, held at Auki Village, Malaita Island; 8—9 February 1975.

the December gathering the believers deepened their knowledge of the teachings and were invited to participate in a three-month teaching project. They were encouraged to gather again in April to report on their activities. More than thirty teachers arose at the December conference and carried the Faith to fifteen new areas including some islands not previously opened to the Cause. Following this series, the first National Teaching Conference was held in Honiara.

‘The first Bahá’í Women’s Conference was held in February 1975 at Auki. More than ninety enthusiastic Bahá’í ladies attended. The opening roll call revealed that twelve villages were represented by as few as one and by as many as twenty-seven women. The conference coordinators were deeply impressed by the quality of the consultation and the degree of participation. This conference marked a new stage in the development of the Faith in the Solomons and since that time participation by Bahá’í women in the teaching and administrative work of the Faith has greatly increased.

‘Equally significant has been the increased participation of Bahá’í youth. Local youth groups have been formed in areas where there

are strong Local Spiritual Assemblies. These youth groups visited each other, organized singing bands and entered music competitions. One group was invited to record some songs with Bahá’í themes for the local radio station. Another music group from Hau Hui participated in and won a singing competition held at the Catholic Centre at Buma, Malaita, competing against music groups of various denominations from other parts of Malaita. This event was given radio news coverage. In September 1975 the first National Youth Conference of the Solomons was held in Auki. In attendance were more than one hundred and fifty youth from ten areas, two members of the Auxiliary Board and eight National Spiritual Assembly members. More than five hundred people attended a public proclamation programme held in conjunction with the conference. Significantly, the youth met all the expenses arising from the conference, including the cost of their food and transportation.

‘Two Bahá’í schools were operated by the National Assembly during this period; however, due to changes in the Govemment’s education policy, both schools were closed. Later in 1975, a tutorial school at Laulasi, site of a previous

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Bahá’í school, was re-opened and operated by the National Assembly.

‘Approaches were made on three separate occasions to have a Bahá’í programme on the radio but permission for this was not granted. However, an achievement and a consolation was our being accorded the opportunity to announce Bahá’í Holy Days and related activities in a programme devoted to “church” news. More recently, news items and interviews with Bahá’í visitors to the Solomons have been broadcast on the national news by Solomons Radio. The National Assembly also, for a time, published quotations from the Bahá’í Writings in the recently established weekly newspaper.

‘One new publication was produced during the period, a translation into the Langa Langa language of The Lord of the New Age. A supplementary goal was achieved in 1976 through the provision of a pioneer family to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands (now Tuvalu). Through the signing of an agreement between land owners and Local Assemblies in village areas, land may be leased for the construction of local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Ten such sites are to be obtained in the Five Year Plan. Two have been acquired in the period and another three are in process.

‘There has been a large increase in the number of localities opened to the Faith and the total allocated in the Five Year Plan was achieved in this period. However, the provision of deepening classes was a major task and some areas slipped back because of lack of these. Perhaps the most significant developments during this period were the activities of the youth and the increased involvement of Bahá’í women in community activity, the latter being an even more remarkable development in an area where traditionally women have played a passive role.

‘In 1974 and 1975 the National Assembly sponsored activities commemorating United Nations Day. One such event was attended by the Governor of the Islands, members of the Council and other leading dignitaries. During the Auxiliary Board members’ conference held in Honiara in 1974 a reception was held at the Bahá’í Centre to provide an opportunity for Government ministers, heads of Government departments and religious leaders to meet visiting Bahá’ís. Through these means closer liaison with Government officials was established.’

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SOUTH WEST PACIFIC OCEAN

‘Since 1972 the territory under the jurisdiction of this National Assembly has comprised New Caledonia, the New Hebrides Islands and the Loyalty Islands. The general trend of this threeyear period has been one of consolidation rather than of widespread expansion. At the close of the Nine Year Plan at Riḍván 1973, the area had attained its allotted goals of ten Local Spiritual Assemblies, of which four were in New Hebrides, three in New Caledonia and three in the Loyalties. Overseas, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tahiti, Society Islands, had been formed. By Riḍván 1976 the number of Local Assemblies in the area totalled nine—five in New Hebrides, three in New Caledonia and one in the Loyalties—and the Local Assembly of Tahiti was also maintained.

‘In October 1976 the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone visited Port Vila, New Hebrides and Noumea, New Caledonia.

‘Significant teaching activities of the period include:

‘1. A marked emphasis on teaching through the use of displays and audio-Visual materials. In both New Hebrides and New Caledonia, particular use was made during 1973—1974 of “Expos”, or portable public displays that were set up in several centres including Port Vila, Erakor, Fila Island, Lenakel, Whitesands, Port Resolution, Norsup and Luganville (New Hebrides), and in Noumea, Robinson and Yaté (New Caledonia). Use was also made of the portable Bikoh projectors, and of filmstrips purchased from the International Bahá’í AudioVisual Centre. In New Caledonia and the Loyalties the teaching work was greatly assisted by the showing of Bahá’í movie films, under the guidance of a National Audio-Visual Committee.

‘2. A notable expansion of the Faith on the island of Tanna, New Hebrides, leading to the formation of a new Local Spiritual Assembly at Whitesands, Tanna, at Riḍván 1974.

‘3. Attempts by various Local Spiritual Assemblies to teach in extension goal areas allotted to them by the National Spiritual Assembly in accordance with the Five Year Plan objectives.

‘4. The holding of National Teaching Conferences in Port Vila in October 1974 and October 1975 ; and in Nouméa and its suburbs in

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April 1974, April 1975 and February 1976; together with summer schools held in Thio, New Caledonia, in December 1975 and Fila Island, New Hebrides, in January 1976. ‘Consolidation of the community has been aided by a number of weekend schools and institutes held in various centres. These have been organized by the Local Spiritual Assembly concerned or by the National Teaching Committees, and the teachers for the most part have been local believers. The National Teaching Committee of New Hebrides has begun a correspondence course on the Faith suitable for both teaching and deepening. Several communities have been strengthened by the movement of pioneers. Eleven Bahá’ís pioneered on the homefront, settling for limited periods of time in Tanna, Erakor, Maré and Ouvéa; one pioneer went to Tahiti ; and nine pioneers arrived from Canada and one from the United States to settle in Noumea, Yaté, Lifou, Port Vila and Tahiti. The National Spiritual Assembly has endeavoured to send its members to consult with the various Local Spiritual Assemblies on a regular basis, thus forging stronger communications with the grass roots of the com

“m , o. 'v‘

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munity. Attempts have been made in two localities to initiate community meetings for dawn prayers.

‘All Local Spiritual Assemblies have been given goals of fostering special activities for Bahá’í women, youth and children. Two “Women’s Congresses” were held during December 1975, in Erakor, New Hebrides, and in Maré, Loyalty Islands, at which the entire attendance comprised Bahá’í women. The education of Bahá’í children through regular classes has been carried out on a small scale in five localities.

‘The period 1973—1976 has seen an increase in the use of the mass media for the proclamation of the Faith. Regular announcements of Nineteen Day Feasts and monthly public meetings have been made on Radio Noumea since 1974. Radio Vila has broadcast several items about the Faith during its transmissions in Pidgin. These announcements have included Feast notices, an interview with two Bahá’ís on the nature of the Faith, the playing of four five-minute tapes of Bahá’í talks and music, and a considerable amount of publicity for the official opening of the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of New Hebrides.

)

Mrs. Bertha Dobbins, the first Bahá’í to settle in the New Hebrides (for which service she was named

a Knight ofBahci’u’l/a’h by Shog/n' Effendi). with C ommissioners R . Gauger (right) and J . C hampion

(left) at the dedication of the national Hagiratu’l-Quds Of the New Hebrides, in Port Vila; 2 April 1976.

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In 1973 the New Caledonian press published a photo of Melanesian and other delegates to the third international convention in the Holy Land. Regular advertisements are now being inserted in the two newspapers of the New Hebrides. An impressive proclamation of the Faith which reached a large audience was made through a Bahá’í float entered in Port Vila’s first Agricultural Show in 1973, and through Bahá’í participation in an inter-Faith service held in Noumea cathedral in 1975. The Faith’s links with the United Nations have been emphasized by public meetings held in Port Vila in 1973 and in Noumea in 1974.

‘Translations of Bahá’í texts and pamphlets have been made into the following languages: Fila Island, Erakor, Maréen, Tahitian and Pidgin. Publication of these, however, has been confined to a Pidgin version of the Short Obligatory Prayer and the Pidgin pamphlet Sam Stori Abaot Bahd’u'lláh. The Local Spiritual Assembly of Erakor has produced a cassette tape of several songs with Bahá’í themes in various languages.

‘One of the salient developments of the period has been the attainment of important property goals, particularly in New Hebrides. Measures have been taken to acquire a national endowment in Santo, New Hebrides. A site for the future Mashriqu’l-Ailkar of the New Hebrides was purchased in Port Vila in June 1975. Work on the construction of the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of New Hebrides was completed in April 1976. Also completed that month were the administrative formalities regarding the transfer to the Faith of the national endowment in Mare, Loyalty Islands.

‘Since 1974 the National Assembly has sought ways of fostering cordial relations with Government officials. In New Hebrides, Bahá’í delegations have met with the French Resident Commissioner and four District Agents. Both the British and French Resident Commissioners, together with other leading citizens and members of the new Representative Assembly of New Hebrides, attended the official opening of the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in April 1976.

‘Finally, one of the most significant and heartwarming trends of the period has been the development of a much closer collaboration between the National and Local Spiritual Assemblies on the one hand, and the Continental Board of Counsellors and their Auxiliary Boards

285

on the other. F ollowing the first meeting between the National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific and the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia in Noumea in February 1974, during a hurricane, came the appointment of the first two resident Auxiliary Board members in the area, and later, of four assistants.’

TONGA

‘Twice during the period from Riḍván 1973 to Riḍván 1976 the Kingdom of Tonga was honoured by visits from dearly-loved Hands of the Cause of God. On 21 December 1973 the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone, accompanied by his wife, arrived in Tonga for a week-long visit. Upon arrival, Mr. and Mrs. Featherstone, Counsellor Suhayl ‘Ala’i of the Australasian zone, and Auxiliary Board member Mr. Mosese Hokafonu participated in a twoday national conference held in the capital city, Nuku’alofa, which is located in the Tongatapu island group. Then Mr. and Mrs. Featherstone, Mr. ‘Alá’í, Mr. Hokafonu and others from the southernmost island group of Tongatapu flew to the northernmost island group of Vava’u, approximately two hundred miles away, to participate in the two-day national summer school programme. On 25 December, while in Vava’u, Mr. Featherstone delivered a very well received talk on the Bahá’í Faith at a public meeting in the major village, Neiafu, the first public presentation about the Faith ever held in Vava’u.

‘On 7 April 1974 the Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir spent a few days in Tonga. During his visit he participated in deepening classes and various teaching activities. An important highlight of Dr. Muhájir’s visit was his half—hour radio interview which was broadcast over the nation’s only radio station.

‘Formalized teaching activities have included national, area and local programmes. National activities were organized by the National Teaching Committees of Tonga or the Cook Islands or one of the other national committees; area activities were planned and implemented primarily by the Area Teaching Committee of Tongatapu, Ha’apai or Vava’u, as appropriate; and local programmes were carried out by Local Spiritual Assemblies or their committees.

‘In Tonga, beginning with Riḍván 1973, the national teaching activities held included one

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teaching conference, two teaching institutes and one summer school programme, representing twelve days of activities. Inthe same year, six area teaching institutes and two area deepening institutes were held in Tonga, representing ten days of activities, and one two-week teaching trip in the Cook Islands was completed. There were two local one-day institutes reported to the national office.

During the year 1974, one teaching conference and one summer school were held in Tonga and one seminar was held in the Cook Islands, collectively representing ten days of activities. In Tonga, area activities included twenty teaching institutes and two youth institutes resulting in thirty-seven days of teaching activities. Local and inter-community programmes reported numbered seven events requiring eight days.

‘The year 1975 witnessed three national events encompassing two teaching conferences, one summer school and one youth camp which represented a total of seven days of activities. On the area level there were eight teaching institutes, two deepening institutes and one women’s conference held, requiring a total of fourteen days. Nine local and inter—community events requiring fifteen days were reported during the year in Tonga. In Takitumu in the Cook Islands, the highly successful weekly “Bahá’í Family Days” were held where the friends came to gether for talks, study, films, slides, games, and fellowship.

‘A number of public meetings were held on area and local levels. On two occasions in Tonga there were showings of the Bahá’í Film Step by Step and the United Nations film One and a Half Dreams.

‘In September of each year a national Agricultural Show is held in each of the three major island groups of Tonga. The Agricultural Show is always attended by the King of Tonga and by Government, religious and school leaders, as well as the general public. In 1973 the Bahá’í youth assisted in preparing and manning the attractive Bahá’í booth at the Agricultural Show. In the following two years the National Youth Committee undertook complete responsibility for the planning, preparation and manning of the handsome Bahá’í booth which each year drew more enquiries about the Bahá’í Faith from passers-by including foreign visitors to Tonga.

‘United Nations Day Observances have been

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held in each of the three years being reviewed. These have been very successful in bringing recognition to the Bahá’í Faith. In 1973, fifty prominent persons including Government, religious and school leaders attended a formal observance of United Nations Day, the programme of which included talks by students of a local high school, a panel of United Nations specialists answering questions, a slide presentation on the United Nations buildings in New York, and refreshments. Seventy prominent leaders and dignitaries attended the impressive programme held at the International Dateline Hotel in 1974.

‘In 1975 high school students were invited to participate in an essay contest on the theme “Equality between Men and Women”. The prizes were presented to the three winners at a public meeting held in the major theatre in the capital city after an introductory talk by a local educator on the purpose of United Nations Day. The United Nations film Workshop for Peace was also shown as part of the programme.

‘Each year paid and free announcements concerning United Nations Observances were published in the newspaper or broadcast on the radio. Correspondence, invitations, and Bahá’í and United Nations literature were sent to leading citizens. Paid full-page statements on United Nations topics, in English and Tongan, were also employed in 1973 and 1974. In observance of Human Rights Day in December 1973 the full text of the Bahá’í brochure A Bahá’í’ Declaration ofHuman Obligations and Rights, in Tongan and English, was placed in our sole newspaper, The Tonga Chronicle. Generally there appears to be an increase each year in the interest shown in the activities of the United Nations. In 1973 only the National Spiritual Assembly sponsored the observance of United Nations Day, but in 1974 there were two cosponsors and in 1975 there were five cosponsors.

‘Mr. and Mrs. Sione Taufalele and their three children departed from Tonga on 31 January 1976 for their pioneering post in Tuvalu, in fulfillment of a goal of the Five Year Plan. This is the first time that Tonga has provided pioneers to other countries.

‘In the year 1975—1976 there was a great increase in the number of Bahá’í travelling teachers and visitors to Tonga, Niue Island and the Cook Islands. The record shows that during

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the past year nine visitors and seventeen travelling teachers came to these islands.

‘In 1973 a study guide entitled Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Faith was published in English. Also in 1973 publication was initiated in English and Tongan of the local Bahá’í newsletter called The New Dawn and later a bulletin called The Children's New Dawn, although regular publication ceased after the first year. The Administrative Handbook for Local Spiritual Assemblies was published in English in 1974 and in Tongan in 1976. During the past Bahá’í year two Bahá’í pamphlets were translated into Tongan and published; one guidebook for pioneers, travelling teachers and visitors was published in English; and one compilation by the Universal House of Justice was translated into Tongan.’

E. EUROPE

Seventeen National Spiritual Assemblies existed in Europe at the end of the Nine Year Plan (Riḍván 1973) and none came into being in the period under review. In its letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies at Naw-Rúz 1976, the Universal House of Justice called for the formation, at Riḍván 1977, of the National Spiritual Assembly of Greece with its seat in _ Athens. The responsibility for the establishment of this body rests with the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany.

Set out below are excerpts from the reports received from the national communities within the zone of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe. For the purposes of administering the work of the Board, the territory of Europe has not been subdivided.

AUSTRIA

‘The period from Riḍván 1973 to Riḍván 1976 witnessed a great expansion of Bahá’í activities in Austria. Through the increased activity and the growing universal participation of the friends the goals of the Nine Year Plan were not only won but were consolidated as well and the number of Bahá’ís at Riḍván 1973 was approximately double that of two years before.

‘The proclamation and teaching work spearheaded by the youth and also aimed particularly at younger people, concentrated in this

287

period, as before, around The Dawn-Breakers music group and featured a new portable exhibition, assembled after a Swiss model. In all major and in many smaller towns of the country this exhibition was shown for about a week. The exhibition in addition to showing pictures illustrating the history of the Faith also explained the basic teachings through many quotations. The climax of the week-long exhibition was usually a performance by The Dawn-Breakers. After a few introductory words the troupe began in turn to sing songs with Bahá’í themes and to explain the fundamental principles in suitably simple words. Generally a slide presentation with music and commentary was also given half—way through the programme, which outlined the fantastic possibilities open to man in today’s world through technological developments (space travel, atomic energy, medicine, etc.) and contrasted the potentiality for disaster. Thus it became clear how much humanity today is in need of further spiritual development. Additional songs and texts led to a fruitful exchange of thoughts with the public in a stimulating and sympathetic atmosphere.

‘In the midst of the teaching activity of The Dawn-Breakers on 4 April 1976, a young friend, Mehrdad Poostchi, ascended to the Abhá kingdom. His passing deeply touched the believers and his service and dedication were a special example for our community.

‘In 1975 the Bahá’í youth of Austria developed a further and very impressive teaching instrument, the theatre group Comet. With their play Fire in the Sky the friends portrayed, in an enormously effective way, through song, pantomime, lighting effects and slides, the principle of progressive revelation. Comet made numerous tours throughout Austria, accompanied by many friends. With the help of The Dawn Breakers and C omet it was possible to carry out a great number of teaching projects in Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany. Through conscientiously striving to raise the quality of their music The Dawn-Breakers even succeeded in having produced a long-playing record which was introduced and played several times on the Austrian National Radio and won a favourable reaction. The Dawn-Breakers were invited to appear several times on television and radio and during their interviews the aims and purposes of the group were always emphasized;

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nor did they miss any opportunity to perform at schools and major meetings.

‘In these three years the Austrian Bahá’í community met on many occasions in order to derive new enthusiasm for teaching the Faith from deepening and social contact. It began with a teaching conference in Altenberg/Linz in 1973 in which the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furt’ltan participated and where he spoke on the education of children. Meetings in spring and autumn, and regular winter schools, in turn followed. It emerged clearly on these occasions that the contributions of the Austrian Bahá’ís themselves improved continually and transmitted powerful impulses. A particularly strong impression was made also by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir who prepared our community for the Five Year Plan. In May 1974 at a teaching conference, more than a hundred friends were able to listen to the Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel, and soon afterwards, in 1975, the friends were twice blessed with the presence of the Hand of the Cause Abu’l-Qasim Faizi who eventually travelled throughout Austria and also held a weeklong enthusiastically received seminar on the Qur’án in Vienna. On this occasion we were

289

advised that each Bahá’í should deepen his knowledge of the Faith and perhaps even specialize in a particular aspect of the teachings in order to prepare ourselves for the eventual entry of the masses.

‘What then are the changes and developments effected from 1973 to 1976? Considered only statistically, not many, for the number of Bahá’ís remained about double that of 1970. There were some losses in membership and new believers were found through teaching methods that represented an improvement over those employed towards the end of the Nine Year Plan. Native Bahá’ís were in the majority with over sixty per cent; the proportion of youth, unfortunately, slightly declined, but in western Austria our community succeeded in making a lasting impression upon youth in the labouring class, a group with whom we had not previously succeeded in establishing contact.

‘The first contact with Gipsy families was made and maintained. Regular children’s classes took place and the children had their own programmes at schools and conferences. Our youngest ones have themselves contributed to Feasts through song and dance. The friends’ knowledge of the Faith has increased con

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The Dau'n-Breakers of Austria, a group ofBa/td’i musicians whose performances proclaimed the teachings of Balui’u’lla'lz on radio and lelevision and in live concerts.

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siderably and within the community the believers have come to know each other better. Contributingto this process have beenthe regular flow of Bahá’í communications, 21 well-staffed secretariat of the National Spiritual Assembly and mutual Visits between the institutions of the Faith. It should be mentioned here that the members of the Continental Board of Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members—and, since June 1975, also the assistants to the Auxiliary Board—have contributed immeasurably to the deepening of the friends. In this period the administrative order developed within Austria: there were more national committees than ever before with an increased number of younger friends serving on them. The number of committee meetings, and their duration, increased considerably. The resultant activities including lecture series, travelling teaching trips, public meetings, etc. embraced the whole country; and the Local Spiritual Assemblies and groups contributed, which in turn helped in their development. In fulfilment of the goals of the Five Year Plan, Local Spiritual Assemblies made efforts to enrich the life of the community through their own Feasts and morning devotionals.

‘We are happy to be able to record the successful development of mutual co-operation with the Swiss community in inter—community teaching projects.

‘Some special events during the period under review should be mentioned. In November 1974 a delegation from the National Spiritual Assembly was accorded a gracious interview by Dr. Rudolf Kirchschlager, President of Austria. The book The Proclamation of Bahd’u'lla’h was presented to him and there was a conversation in a cordial atmosphere of mutual appreciation.

‘During the United Nations International Women’s Year, 1975, Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, a distinguished Bahá’í from Singapore who represented the Bahá’í International Community at the International Women’s Year Conference in Mexico City, visited Austria, which provided a welcome opportunity for a press conference, radio interview and several public presentations in which other women also appeared as speakers to a greater extent.

‘From the end of 1975 until Riḍván 1976 a project was undertaken the aim of which was, as a first step, to present to all chief editors and editors throughout Austria a comprehensive

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and attractive press kit. As the Bahá’í Faith becomes increasingly well known and publicized, accurate and objective information will thus be available in newspaper files throughout Austria. F urther steps are planned in implementation of this project.

‘In the next few years it will be important to utilize even more effectively the potential, strength and capabilities which the Austrian Bahá’í community has built up for winning all the goals of the Five Year Plan.’

BELGIUM

Forming part of the area administered by the Regional National Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux countries, which had its seat in Brussels, from 1957 until 1962, the Bahá’í community of Belgium became an independent entity in the last year of that period. Belgium has a particular opportunity of promoting the oneness of the human race since its own population is divided linguistically and historically into three separate communities—Dutch, Flemish and French.

The period under review, Riḍván 1973—1976, was essentially one of consolidation rather than dramatic growth. The Belgian community was called upon in the Five Year Plan to adopt, in consultation with the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe, a teaching plan designed to lay firm foundations of the Faith in every Province of the country with a view to restoring all lapsed Local Spiritual Assemblies and strengthening all existing communities. The number of Local Spiritual Assemblies is to be raised to twenty. including one in each Province, and the number of localities where Bahá’ís reside is to be increased to one hundred. Assistance in these tasks is being given by pioneers and travelling teachers from a number of communities including Alaska, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States and believers from the Netherlands are assisting in establishing one Local Spiritual Assembly in each Flemish-speaking Province. Progress was made toward the accomplishment of these goals in the period being surveyed.

The goal of utilizing to the fullest measure the services of Bahá’í youth was vigorously promoted through the holding of summer schools attended by large numbers of youthful Bahá’ís and the holding of an international youth conference in Oteppe in March 1975. The Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery, four European

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Counsellors and nine members of the Auxiliary Board were present together with Bahá’í youth representing eighteen countries. Attention is being paid to teaching among students and visitors from former Belgian colonies in Africa.

A vital contribution to the spread and establishment of the Faith in all Frenchspeaking countries of the world is made by Maison d’Editions Bahá’íes, the Frenchlanguage Bahá’í Publishing Trust for whose operation and development the National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium is responsible. An ever-increasing variety of Bahá’í literature, including the Sacred Text, is made available to the French-speaking communities around the world, a task in which Maison d’Editions Bahá’íes is greatly assisted by the National Spiritual Assemblies of France, Luxembourg and Canada.

(Based on various reports received by the World Centre)

DENMARK

‘The F ive Year Plan was received with some feeling of ease by the Danish Bahá’í community. The goals for our country, we felt, were within our capacity and we had a good will to accomplish them at the soonest possible date. Yet the previous year had proved to us beyond doubt that victories cannot be achieved without effort

ya

Participants in the Scandinavian Youth Conference. Vissinge. Fuen, Denmark; 12— 14 April 1974.

291

and cannot be maintained and consolidated without constant hard work and attention. Dark moments were experienced when pioneers, dear to our hearts, had to leave the country because the possibilities of finding jobs here sharply decreased. The newly-established Local Spiritual Assemblies were endangered, and even losses in membership were experienced as never before: in short, growing pains were felt and, with them, a certain fatigue.

‘Inspiration came to us through the Hands of the Cause of God who passed through Denmark on their way to other countries or who came as regular visitors. Dr. Ugo Giachery and Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel, accompanied by their wives, and Mr. Abu’l-Qásim Faizi, have visited Denmark several times during the period in question. Each of these dearly loved Hands of the Cause supported and stimulated the community; each of them called upon us to renew our efforts. Particularly poignant was the plea voiced by Dr. Giachery in 1974 that we should wish “to do something spectacular for the Faith.”

‘We felt the need and looked about for new means. One result was that the community of Nakskov established contact with the local board of adult education and the Bahá’ís were given an opportunity to participate in their teaching programme. This project was later

«,y i;

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The Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery is seen seated in the centre, with Mrs. Giachery.

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initiated in other localities where the Bahá’ís are giving lectures of general interest and in this way getting to know new people.

‘A series of teaching conferences was held and here new plans were made for proclamation. Teaching teams were established and the youth, in particular, went out as groups on their bicycles staying at youth hostels and in camping areas where they met new people and sought to determine where new efforts could be made. The youth also took a very active part in developing children’s classes. The need for suitable material for this purpose resulted in the production oftwo children’s books. These were developed and beautifully illustrated by a Bahá’í artist who is a member of the National Spiritual Assembly and herself the grandmother of two Bahá’í children. The youth also introduced a new teaching medium by creating a puppet theatre. This has been a great success and the possibilities for its use have not as yet been exhausted. The first song with a Bahá’í theme by a local believer came a few years ago. It is a charming tune that is easily learned but on the whole we are still a little shy about singing and feel that our community

‘53 15

.14

The acquisition th/ze Hugil‘am’l-Quds q/‘GocII/ulb, Greenland, in 1974. I/u‘oug/z r/zejoint efforts Of

1 ‘ ~~ ‘ .‘i- ‘ ~ . \ wk 1" . , u t :— . w" . Va” “‘.‘

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would require more trained musicians before music could serve as an effective means of teaching the Faith.

‘Travelling teaching has gained momentum during recent years. We are fortunate in being located at one of the crossroads of Europe and many friends from afar visit us. Now the Danish believers have started serving as travelling teachers too. Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Finland have been visited and thus closer bonds have been knit with the friends there. It would not be possible to establish closer bonds of affection between the Danish Bahá’í community and the Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Eskil Ljungberg, pioneer since 1953 to the Faroe Islands, and yet the special fund bearing his name which was developed by the National Assembly of Denmark for the dual purpose of assisting the teaching work in the Faroes and marking the ninetieth birthday of this valiant friend, made us all realize our deep respect for his devoted work. If possible, our love and admiration for Mr. Ljungberg deepened as a result of the glowing reports received from Anne Mulvad, the first child born of Bahá’í parents in Denmark, who

the National Spiritual Assemblies ofDenmark and Canada, fulfilled a goal of the Five Year Plan‘

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immediately after her twenty-first birthday pioneered to the Faroes where she remained until her education plans required her to return to Denmark.

‘Connections with the mass communications media have been established in these years. The beginning of the institution of the Regional Radios in the country has provided new possibilities for having the Cause mentioned. One of the first opportunities occurred on the Isle of Bornholm in the summer of 1975 and since that time short messages have been presented at a growing rate.

‘Dispersal of the friends from the capital of the country has been a very slow process here, and for years the only physical Bahá’í Centre was at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Now Centres have been established in rented premises in Odense and in Nakskov. In 1974 the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Godthab, Greenland, was procured as a joint effort of the Danish and Canadian communities, thus fulfilling one of the goals of the Five Year Plan.

‘The translation and publication of Bahá’í books and other literature is a steady and constant process in Denmark. Well aware that there is a need for publications of improved quality, our national policy is to provide for neat but inexpensive editions, often bound in heavy paper and reproduced very simply by rota print or offset, so that new and better editions can be made available to the friends without too great expenditure. Publications in the period include Danish editions of Gleanings from the Writings of Bahe'z 'u 'lláh (Part1), Some Answered Questions (a new, revised edition), a prayer book (a new and enlarged edition), The Dispensatz'on of Bahá’u’llz'zh, Principles ofBahd ’1’ Administration, Living the Life, the children’s books already mentioned, and a few introductory brochures.

‘The support of the Continental Board of Counsellors of Europe and the members of the Auxiliary Board and their assistants is highly valued and has been a constant help to us all.

‘When asked about their views on the trends observed in the Danish community in the period under review the National Spiritual Assembly stated that the beginning of the period 1973—1976 was marked by a storm that shook fruit from the tree but the impression is that the storm has now calmed leaving a more consolidated community which appears to be developing the maturity and strength that will

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help it to accomplish the cherished goals of the Five Year Plan.’

FINLAND

‘At Riḍván 1974 the National Spiritual Assembly adopted a number of goals which resulted, at the end of the year, in the establishment of Bahá’í groups in Oulu, northern Finland; Naantali, western Finland; and Kemi, Lappland. Six goal towns were adopted two of which, Lappeenranta and Mikkeli, were opened to the Faith.

‘In April 1974 Mrs. Dorothy Ferraby of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe consulted with the National Spiritual Assembly about the launching of the Five Year Plan and made a teaching trip to Helsinki, Turku and Mariehamn. In May of that year the meeting of the European Counsellors was held in Helsinki which provided an opportunity for consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly. Mrs. Betty Reed of the European Board visited Finland in January 1975, spoke in a number of centres in the country and participated in the national seminar in Naantali. Mr. Hadi Afsahi of Sweden, a member of the Auxiliary Board, visited Finland several times in 1974 during the course of his teaching trips. Travelling teachers during the year included Mr. Harper Pettypiece, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iceland, and Mr. Hans Ohman of Sweden who twice visited the west coast of Finland.

‘At the beginning of the Bahá’í year (NawRfiz 1974) a special committee was appointed to make preparations for the International Teaching Conference to be held in Helsinki in July 1976.

‘Proclamation and teaching activities in 1974 included a one-week teaching project in Mikkeli under the auspices of the National Youth Committee to work amongst the people there and especially amongst the local Gipsies; a oneweek teaching project in Lappland under the auspices of the National Youth Committee, with particular attention being paid to Vuotso; a deepening conference in Naantali on the subject of the Nineteen Day Feast, with consultation on inter-Assembly co-operation and a special event, a meeting with twenty-five non-Bahá’í children; a national teaching seminar in Vantaa on “The Family and the Mother’s Importance” with a public meeting, firesides, children’s classes and deepening courses; a proclamation project

[Page 294]294

in Mariehamn in collaboration with some Swedish friends, involving a book exhibition, the use of a music group, visits to youth clubs, courtesy calls on local dignitaries, the display of posters and literature in cafes, hotels, stores, schools and industrial plants, devotional gatherings and deepening classes for the Bahá’ís; a public meeting for children relating to UNICEF and in observance of United Nations Day, sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Savonlinna, with an attendance of about 480 children and adults, and similar meetings in other centres including Vantaa and Salo, with proclamation being achieved at the meetings and through press articles; a National Youth Conference with consultation concerning the role of youth in the teaching and administrative fields; and various seminars to deepen our knowledge of the teachings and to proclaim the Faith in goal towns.

‘Early in 1975 a special plan based on the message from the Universal House of Justice dated Naw-Rl'iz 1974 and designed to phase the goals of the Five Year Plan, was made by the National Spiritual Assembly for all local communities. The Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, accompanied by Mrs. Mühlschlegel, visited Finland in June 1975. Dr. Mfihlschlegel held valued consultations with the National Spiritual Assembly and participated in the teaching programme at the summer school in Jyvéiskyléi. Other distinguished visitors to Finland in 1975 included Mrs. Betty Reed and Miss Anneliese Bopp of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe, Auxiliary Board members Hadi Afsahi and Ake Johansson of Sweden, and Dr. Peter Khan of Australia.

‘A wide variety of proclamation activities took place in 1975. A special Bahá’í booth was established at the Northern Finland Trade Fair in Oulu. The booth featured a continuous slide show, an exhibition of Bahá’í literature in many languages, and maps showing the expansion of the Faith. Approximately one thousand introductory pamphlets in Finnish, many in Swedish and some in English were distributed to visitors. More than two hundred people requested additional information. Many flresides were held while the Trade Fair was on, and during the first week there were public meetings held every night.

‘A “River of Life” summer project was held during J uly and August 1975 in the Turku area of

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southern Finland, in Oulu and Kemi in northern Finland, and in the Varkaus area of eastern Finland. Friends from Sweden, the United Kingdom and Germany assisted in the northern project. Public meetings, films and an exhibition were part of the southern and northern projects; in the eastern project, in which twenty-three believers participated, singing groups visited a hospital, a retirement home, held an exhibition in a park, a public meeting, firesides and deepening classes.

‘The first teaching conference of the Five Year Plan was held in Helsinki in October 1975 under the direction of Counsellor Betty Reed. At least one member from each Finnish community attended the conference with a view to conducting “mini conferences” in their home communities.

‘A number of communities held Observances of United Nations International Women’s Year in October 1975. There was a public meeting in Savonlinna attended by members of parliament, civic officials and other dignitaries.

‘Early morning prayer meetings were arranged in 1975 in Helsinki, Kangasala, Mariehamn and Savonlinna.

‘A special committee prepared guidelines entitled “Requirements in Teaching the Bahá’í Faith to Bahá’í Children”. The outline was published and sent to communities and Bahá’í parents. Regular children’s classes were held in Espoo, Kangasala and Savonlinna.

‘The National Youth Committee arranged for lectures on the Faith in many schools throughout the country including Helsinki, Kangasala, Mariehamn, Savonlinna and Tampere. The committee was assisted in this project by the institutions of the Cause and some adult believers.

‘The winter school held in Mariehamn in December 1975 was attended by Counsellor Anneliese Bopp and many other believers from Finland and Sweden. A special meeting was arranged which provided an opportunity for consultation between the National Spiritual Assemblies of Finland and Sweden.

‘Bahá’í literature in Finnish was further enriched in 1975 through the publication in mimeographed form of excerpts from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, a children’s prayer book, and a number of brochures and compilations.

‘Preparations for the International Teaching

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Conference to be held in Helsinki occupied the time of many of the Finnish friends in the early months of 1976 and somewhat influenced all other activities. Some of the highlights of teaching activities in this period were the participation by the Bahá’ís in the Spring Fair in Savonlinna where several thousand people saw the Bahá’í booth and a considerable number accepted literature or asked for additional information ; the three-week effort of a travelling teacher from Finland who assisted with the teaching work in Alaska; and the project under which the Local Spiritual Assembly of Espoo presented copies of Bahc'z’u‘lláh and the New Era to leading citizens of that community, the acknowledgement received from one such person being especially favourable and friendly.

‘In J anuary 1976 there appeared the first issue of a Finnish-language Bahá’í magazine Maailmankansalainen (World Citizen) which will appear three times a year. The publication is designed for Bahá’ís and the general public and consists of editorial material on Bahá’í themes, originals and translations into Finnish of articles by Bahá’í authors, photographs and original artwork. The magazine is produced under the auspices of the National Assembly by Mr. Harri Peltola, a Bahá’í of Helsinki.

‘Translations into Finnish have now been made of God and H is Messengers and Thief in the Night.’

FRANCE

‘The French Bahá’í community has been very active and dynamic since the beginning of the F ive‘ Year Plan. Activities have been many and varied and an increasing number of the friends have participated in them. The summer proclamation in 1974 was held in Nantes and Corsica. Fifty people participated including four from the United States, one from Canada and one from Luxembourg. Six people became Bahá’ís in Nantes which meant that a new Local Spiritual Assembly could be formed immediately.

‘Two three-day institutes for Bahá’í teachers were held in the north and in the south of France. More than eighty believers attended these institutes, thus helping to form a solid base of informed people who can be used as either local or travelling teachers.

‘United Nations Day and Human Rights Day were commemorated by the Local Spiritual

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Assemblies of Lyon, Toulouse, Montrouge, Tours, Grenoble, Metz, Marseille and Monaco.

‘Exhibitions were held in several cities. In Lyon there was a fifteen—day exhibition at the University Law School and in Grenoble there was a four—day one at the University Library. Also in Grenoble there was a month-long exhibition in the front windows of the city’s youth information bureau. Monaco and Marseille also had exhibitions. These exhibitions were most helpful in realizing our objective of bringing the Faith to the attention of greater numbers of people. Also in 1974, the national Centre in Paris was completely renovated making it a more agreeable place to receive visitors and facilitating the holding of meetings.

‘The year 1975 was chosen by the United Nations as International Women’s Year. Two Bahá’í representatives attended a three-day symposium at UNESCO in Paris to inaugurate the year’s special events. Two Bahá’í representatives were also present at a four-day congress sponsored by Francoise Giroud, Minister for Women’s Affairs. President Valery Giscard d’Estaing attended the opening sessions and presented the inaugural address.

‘A special committee reviewed two manuscripts‘of books in which the authors wrote extensively about the Faith, corrected some notes written by Professor Desroches of the C.N.R.S. (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) destined to be incorporated into a future book, and reviewed references about the Faith in Quidencyclopedia and in a Dictionary of Religions.

‘In January 1976, Editions Robert Lafiont of Paris published La terre n'est qu’un seul pays (The Earth is But One Country) written by Mr. André Brugiroux, a French Bahá’í. In his book the author describes his six-year tour round the world, during which he became a Bahá’í. The volume has enjoyed a great deal of success and is now in its second edition. The author has also made a film of his journey in the narration of which he speaks at length about the Faith. Mr. Brugiroux is now making a lecture tour throughout F rance with his film. Audiences have been quite enthusiastic and have asked many questions about the Faith. Several people have become Bahá’ís as a result of reading the book.

‘On 21 and 28 March 1976, a member of the Public Information Bureau was interviewed on Radio France. The first broadcast dealt with

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‘Daauaelv

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.. " "' Bahaiox

Mr. Andre’ Brugiroux, a Balzd’z’ of France, autographing copies of his book La terre n’est qu’un seul pays at the Bahá’í booth, International Book Festival, Nice: May 1976.

progressive revelation, the principles and laws of the Bahá’í Faith, who are the Bahá’ís and what they believe; the second dealt with incidents from the lives of Baha’u’llah, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Táhirih, and an explanation of the Mashriqu’l-Afilkar. The broadcasts were heard all over France, in Switzerland, and even in Morocco. The accompanying music was chosen from recordings of Seals and Crofts and other recordings of songs with Bahá’í themes. There was also a television interview which it is expected will be broadcast sometime in the autumn. A small segment of a fireside was filmed, and then several believers were interviewed. The results of the efforts of the Bahá’í Information Bureau were most heartening. In collaboration with the National Teaching Committee the Information Bureau distributed to all Local Spiritual Assemblies a brief set of guidelines concerning contact with press, radio and television and the preparation of material for use in mass media. Press releases prepared for Bahá’í Holy Days, special events and Observances such

as United Nations Day were sent to Local Assemblies for use in regional newspapers; copies were also sent to national newspapers which are based in Paris. Good results were obtained in many local papers. As a result of presenting a news release to a radio station, members of the Spiritual Assembly of Toulouse were interviewed in a broadcast that lasted twenty minutes. A full length feature article on the Faith appeared in Le Monde in May 1976. It was an excellent article and it spoke quite positively about the Faith. Unsuccessful efforts have been made for several years to have the Faith mentioned in this prestigious newspaper and the appearance of this article represented an important breakthrough. Contact with mass media is most difficult in France so we were most pleased with this year’s fine results.

‘The passing of Mme. Laura Clifford DreyfusBarneyl on 18 August 1974 deprived the French community of one of its earliest and most

1 See ‘In Memoriam’, p. 535.

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distinguished believers. Obituary notices appeared in Le Monde and Le Figaro.

‘The French community was greatly honoured to have in attendance at the historic first National Teaching Conference of the F ive Year Plan the Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery, and Madame Giachery, Miss Anneliese Bopp of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe, various members of the Auxiliary Board and approximately one hundred and fifty other believers. The Hand of the Cause Abu’l-Qasim Faizi also visited France in 1975, addressing the friends in Paris and then participating in the

Bahá’í summer school in Normandy. The friends were delighted with his wisdom and great spiritual force.

‘Two special institutes for children were held in Grenoble and in St. Louis during the school holidays. The young people spent several enriching days together studying the teachings and taking part in recreational activities. These institutes were successful and much enjoyed by the children who participated in them.

‘In conclusion, one can observe that Bahá’í activity in France has greatly increased in the past three years, especially at the local level. In addition, there has been an enormous increase in

/

BAHA‘I INFORMAZLQJXS

M1: ..

WOCHE

297

articles published in the French press and an increase in opportunities to speak about the Faith on radio and television. Doubtless the International Teaching Conference which will be held in Paris in August 1976 will serve to augment this welcome trend.’

GERMANY

‘In the years 1973—1976 the German Bahá’í community had the privilege of welcoming the Hands of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar Furfitan, fllu‘é‘u’lláh ‘Alá’í, H. Collis Featherstone and Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir. They contributed to the deepening of the community and enriched our summer schools. In addition, the National Spiritual Assembly gained through consultation with the Hands of the Cause whose experience and wealth of wisdom aided in the proclamation work and in contact with the universities. In January 1974 the Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel and Mrs. Mühlschlegel, who is an Auxiliary Board member, took up residence in the immediate vicinity of the House of Worship. Their presence has been of inestimable value in the deepening and spiritual growth of the community and has benefited the Bahá’í friends from all over the world who visited the

\ .

\\

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4 WV: ‘.

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‘1“ ,- gt ' !.

The Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery, Mrs. Giachery, C ozmsellor Erik Blumenthal (centre) and

other Bahá’ífriends who attended the first Bahá’í Summer School of Greece held in Evia; 26—27 July 1975.

House of Worship and met them. Conferences of the European Board of Counsellors were also held in Langenhain, in the shadow of the House of Worship, as were meetings with representatives of all European National Spiritual Assemblies.

‘Among the essential teaching activities carried out during the period of this report were the following:

‘Upon the invitation of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel consultation was held on the topic “Opposition against the Bahá’í Faith”. Participants included Counsellor Anneliese Bopp, members of the German National Spiritual Assembly, members of the Auxiliary Board and some invited friends. The result of this session will be made available to the entire community within the framework of deepening classes and appropriate publications.

‘The summer and winter schools have constantly improved in their quality, in their quantity, and in the number of theirparticipants.

‘Considerable emphasis was laid upon the question of deepening the knowledge of the friends about the Bahá’í administrative order in special teaching sessions; the need to develop characteristic attributes of Bahá’í life—one of the themes of the Five Year Plan—resulted in the holding of weekend sessions and seminars on the topic of spiritual growth. This subject has been given close attention, as well, by many local communities.

‘The National Spiritual Assembly has named a National Co-ordinating Committee for Greece

in order to assist this country so that she may soon form her own National Spiritual Assembly.

‘Immediately after the announcement of the Five Year Plan it was carefully studied and the National Spiritual Assembly, in consultation with the Local Spiritual Assemblies, developed programmes for every Local Assembly. These programmes which are to be accomplished in phases, were designed to assure the successful completion of the entire plan and are constantly being followed by the European Board of Counsellors which strongly reinforces the efforts of the communities. Other activities in the period included pioneer conventions, seminars of the European Teaching Committee, a seminar for the teaching of minorities, and a meeting of the Continental Board of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assembly with all American Bahá’ís living in Germany.

‘During International Women’s Year (1975) special programmes were conducted in various communities. The brochure on this theme, published by the International Bahá’í Community, was translated into German and made available to the public.

‘The youth have worked actively in teaching projects and initiated their own programmes. A Bahá’í newsletter for youth has been published and a youth conference was held at Langenhain in February 1976 with two hundred and fifty participants. Especially noteworthy has been the teaching work at universities and schools where the Bahá’í Faith has been discussed within the framework of the religious instruction courses.

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At one student conference in which friends from other German-speaking countries participated the question of co-ordination and intensification of work at the schools, colleges and universities was discussed. As a result of the abovementioned activities, successful summer and winter schools were conducted the programmes for which were in part prepared and carried through by the Bahá’í youth.

‘In order to emphasize the special meaning of children’s education, national and regional children’s conferences were held and, in parallel sessions, seminars for adults were held on the subject of child education. Some time ago a “children’s week” was established in the summer at Lake Constance and this programme has now been expanded and extended to include a programme in northern Germany. In addition, special programmes for children were held at all summer and winter schools as well as at various national activities. Literature for Bahá’í children was enriched, an attractive children’s calendar was published, and a forum for the children was created within the framework of Bahá’í Nachrichten (German Bahá’í News).

‘At the local, regional and national levels efforts were continued to publicize the Faith

299

through the press, radio and television. News releases were sent to all the media and the Faith was referred to on various occasions, frequently in relation to the European House of Worship. It was also possible to show on television the film The New Day which deals with Bahá’í conferences in Padua and Plon. Special attention was devoted to school newspapers some of which printed articles on various aspects of the Faith.

‘Because many Gastarbeiter or guest workers from various European and other countries are living in Germany a special committee was created for teaching work among minority groups. An effort has been made to translate and publish, in various languages, appropriate introductory material.

‘The dedication of the new national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, located in close proximity to the House of Worship, took place within the period of this report. The national secretariat, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust (Bahá’í' Verlag), the national archives and the library are housed in the new Centre.

‘The Publishing Trust has increased its activities and brought out a variety of new materials, among the most important of which is

Participants in the Bahd’z' children’s conference held in Langen/min, Germany; 14 June 1975.

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the German translation of the first part of Nabil 's Narrative.

‘Increased efforts were made to expand and complete various community libraries which previously had no or relatively small holdings. Also, a few seminars for Oriental studies at universities, and teaching chairs for comparative religion studies, were provided with Bahá’í literature. A committee of the National Spiritual Assembly is working on the translation and publication of literature in eastern languages.

‘In order to overcome the obstacles hindering the incorporation of Local Spiritual Assemblies an attempt is being made to prepare Articles of Incorporation which are in harmony with the laws of the country as well as with the spirit of Bahá’í administration. In various Federal States the Ministry of Education has exempted children from attending school on Bahá’í Holy Days.

‘Also, in the public sector, it is increasingly being noted that the Bahá’í Faith is an independent religion with the aim of establishing the oneness of mankind; this is especially to be observed in the reports and commentaries on the various media.

‘In the period of this report the German community successfully completed its F ive Year Plan property goals abroad including the purchase of a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Lomé, in Windhoeck, and in Athens, and a Temple site in Barbados.

‘Characteristic trends in the time being surveyed include an increased awareness on the part of the friends of the power of prayer; heightened attempts at developing the distinguishing features of Bahá’í life, and a marked maturing of Local Spiritual Assemblies which was reflected in increased contributions to the national fund. The National Spiritual Assembly has sought to improve the effectiveness of the organization and co—ordination of Bahá’í activities through restructuring its administrative facilities, appointing key committees and delegating responsibilities.’

ICELAND

‘During the past three years, 1973—1976, the Bahá’ís of Iceland have had the bounty of the visits of two Hands of the Cause of God! Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir who encouraged us in the undertaking of a two-year youth campaign, and

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William Sears who attended a youth conference held at the end of that campai gn. Three of the five Counsellors for Europe have visited IcelandMrs. Betty Reed, Mr. Eric Blumenthal, and Miss Anneliese Bopp. Miss Bopp assisted the National Assembly in planning a filing system for use in the national office. Auxiliary Board member Hadi Afsahi also visited Iceland and helped to strengthen the bond between our community and the Auxiliary Board for Protection by explaining various aspects of protection of the Faith. He also assisted with a proclamation effort aimed at introducing the Faith to leaders of the Icelandic Government and local religious leaders. These visits greatly assisted and encouraged the fledgling Icelandic community and helped to prepare us for the tasks which face us at the present time.

‘The membership of the Icelandic community is very youthful and as a result almost all activities could be called youth activities. A few highlights that deserve special attention could be mentioned. The newly—formed Njardvik Local Spiritual Assembly held a deepening weekend in 1974 based on the study course “The Dynamic Force of Example”. Many youth attended and were spurred on to greater endeavour in their effort to live the Bahá’í life. A youth committee was formed and a two-year youth project launched in 1973, the aims of the latter being to enrol new believers, increase contributions to the fund, establish Bahá’í clubs in schools, send travelling teachers and pioneers to the Faroe Islands and host an international youth conference. All these goals were met to some degree.

‘Also during this time the word “Bahá’í”, the Bahá’í ring symbol and the symbol of “The Greatest Name” were officially registered with the Icelandic Government.l Total possession of our endowment land (Skogar) was gained in March 1975.

‘In the field of child education, a committee was formed to guide parents in educating children. This committee has translated into Icelandic a great deal of material and has published a bulletin The Bahá’í Garden, in both English and Icelandic.

‘The Keflavik community experimented with a new form of proclamation called an eve of joy : “Dost Thou Know Yet, or What?” The programme comprised the reading of old

‘See p. 372,

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301

rub. .

Participants in the first International Bahd’z' Youth Conference of Iceland; 9—12 July 1975. The

"4’1 ,‘. ', ‘ ,

Hand of the Cause William Sears and Mrs. Sears are seen on the extreme left, standing. Youth representing 9 countries were in attendance.

Icelandic sagas and excerpts from the Bahá’í Writings which conformed to the theme. Poems were read by a famous Icelandic actor and two well-known Icelandic opera singers performed. To follow up this event invitations were sent to all women’s societies and schools, offering speakers on the Bahá’í Faith.

‘With respect to mass media, a half hour of prime radio time was devoted to the reading of an article about the Bahá’í Faith. This was the second occasion on which the Bahá’ís received prime time on radio, the first being the occasion on which a section of Release the Sun was broadcast. A play about the life of Táhirih was presented at the International Youth Conference held in Njardvik and there is some hope that it may be presented on radio and television.

‘One compilation, two pamphlets, and one booklet were published in Icelandic during this time. The compilation “Bahá’í Stomskipan” (Bahá’í Administration) was produced with the assistance of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly. The two pamphlets “Bahá’í Trúin 0g

boéskapur hennar” (The Bahá’í Faith and its Teachings) and “Andleg lausn efnahagsméla" (The Spiritual Solution to the Economic Problem) were produced by the Bahá’í Information Service, a committee of the National Assembly. The booklet “Your experience as a Bahá’í” was translated into Icelandic and is now presented to each new declarant by the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘This has been a very productive period for the Bahá’í community in Iceland and the future holds even more hope.’

IRELAND

‘During the past three years the Bahá’ís of the Republic of Ireland have been blessed by visits from the beloved Hands of the Causeghu‘a‘u’llah ‘Alá’í, Paul E. Haney, H. Collis Featherstone, Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and Abu’l-Qásim Faizi—who have shed their love and inspiration on the community at summer schools and especially arranged weekends. Dr.

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The Hand of the Cause Paul Haney, Counsellor Betty Reed (centre, first seated row) and other Bahá’ífriends who attended the Irish Bahti’z' Summer School; August 1975.

Muhájir visited Ireland twice. In addition to visiting us, Mr. Faizi has greatly assisted the work of our Committee for Child Education through his booklet which has been widely used as a guideline for Bahá’í parents. The need for more comprehensive guidance for Bahá’í parents has been underlined during this period by the large number of children born into the community.

‘The work of the Five Year Plan was approached in a spirit of great enthusiasm and eagerness as the community rode on the crest of a wave of success, having achieved in the year 1973—1974 the formation of two Local Spiritual Assemblies, bringing the total to eight, four more than called for at the outset of the Nine Year Plan. Whereas before the period under consideration most co-ordinated teaching activities were centered in two or three areas of the country, the past three years have seen an increasing number of local events being organized and individuals embracing the Faith in all areas of the country where there are Bahá’ís. It is felt that the Local Assemblies are strengthening and developing steadily and in most cases

extension teaching goals have been responsibly and enthusiastically pursued. Two factors in particular have given the Local Assemblies the opportunity of maturing: opposition from the parents of Bahá’í youth and problems connected with those who have broken the laws of Bahá’u’lláh. Of the eight additional Local Spiritual Assemblies called for in the Five Year Plan, three have now been formed.

‘The development of the use of music in teaching has been a significant trend of this period. The emphasis in presentations and concerts has gradually moved from a music programme, with a cursory introduction to the Faith, to a more direct presentation of the Cause with music interspersed.

‘After a falling of? in the amount of “street teaching” and a decline in the enthusiasm with which this was approached, the National Spiritual Assembly held a training weekend for a number of believers who were taught how to coordinate teaching weekends with the emphasis on introducing, rather than teaching, the Faith in the street. The results of this are still being assessed but there has been a definite renewal of

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enthusiasm for this type of teaching and a new realization in the local communities of the urgency of spreading the Cause. Considerable work has been done in a provincial university where a large percentage of the student body has developed a respectful awareness of the Faith.

‘The goal of carrying the Faith to the Gipsies, or itinerant people, is being pursued by a few individuals appointed by the National Assembly. It is felt that their dedicated work will bring results in the future and already one or two migrant people have been told of the Faith.

‘During this period a pattern of two national conferences per year has emerged; a teaching conference is held in the autumn followed by a conference in the spring underlining the urgent needs for Riḍván.

‘During each of the years in question the percentage of pioneer moves on the homefront has been extremely high. At Riḍván 1976 there were very few adult Bahá’ís not residing in a strategic position in relation to the goals. The crowning achievement of these years has been the fulfilment of our overseas goal in Belgium by a radiant young believer. At the time of writing, final plans are being made for our two remaining overseas pioneers to move to their posts. The most important aspect of these pioneer moves, both internal and overseas, has been the spirit in which they have been made and the high degree of sacrifice which they have often entailed, especially in the past two years as opportunities for employment have decreased.

‘The international travelling teaching plan has been received with delight by the community and many believers have offered to serve in this way. At present plans are being made to send four teachers to West Africa and another young believer will travel in America and Canada this summer.

‘The National Assembly has itself consulted with approximately twenty Bahá’í youth about their expressed desire to plan their lives in such a way that they can serve the Faith to the utmost of their ability. A number of these youth have combined homefront pioneering and study, with a view to equipping themselves to pioneer abroad in the future.

‘The growth in membership has proceeded more slowly in the period under review than in earlier years and there has been some loss in our numerical strength through tests of faith

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but the overall pattern has been a strengthening and maturing of the community, one indication of this being a greater awareness of the Bahá’í fund and a much more universal participation in its support. The believers also have gradually become more and more aware of the necessity of turning to the Universal House of Justice and have been greatly uplifted and inspired by its letters.

‘Our joyous summer schools with their characteristic spontaneous flavour have remained the highlight of the Bahá’í year, especially as each has been graced with the presence of a Hand of the Cause. These schools, and an increase in the number of believers making pilgrimages to the Holy Shrines and returning radiant and filled with enthusiasm to serve Bahá’u’lláh, have diffused inspiration and love throughout the community.’

ITALY

‘In the period under review the Italian community welcomed visits by three Hands of the Cause—Dr. Ugo Giachery, who was present at the 1975 summer school at Vieste, Gargano and who participated in the inter—regional institute at San Zeno in April 1976; Mr. ‘AliAkbar Furfitan, who attended our summer school in 1974, and Mr. Abu’l—Qásim Faizi, who was present with Dr. Giachery at our 1975 summer school.

‘The National Teaching Conference has been held annually for the past thirteen years. The National Teaching Institute has also become a regular annual event. In 1975, for the first time, two institutes were held simultaneously in November, the one for northern Italy being held in Rimini, and the one for the south and the islands being held in Messina, Sicily.

‘In its annual report to the convention at Riḍván 1976 the National Spiritual Assembly observed that most of the activities planned have tended towards proclamation rather than teaching. Some examples are the various concerts given by concert pianist Maestro Alfredo Speranza and soprano Miss Minu Falahi, public performances by the Italian Dawn-Breakers and New Era music groups, and stands displaying Bahá’í books at the Rimini Book Fair and at Trade Fairs in Cagliari and Lecce.

‘Due to recent reforms in the education system and the initiative taken by local Bahá’ís, it has

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THE Bahá’í WORLD

Participants in the Bahd’z' teaching conference held in San Zeno, I tal y ; 16‘ I 9 April 1976. The Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery and Mrs. Giachery are seen in the centre.

been possible to present the Faith in two schools in Cagliari and one in Alessandria during the Religious Education classes.

‘Assigned the goal of collaborating with the Ticino Canton of Switzerland in the Five Year Plan, five meetings were organized jointly with the relevant committee to proclaim the Faith. The Italian Dawn-Breakers gave three concerts in Ticino and a conference was organized for World Religion Day. These activities were accompanied by announcements in the newspaper and on the radio.

‘Mrs. Agnese Boerio was appointed an official prison visitor by the authorities of the prison at Port Azzuro, Island of Elba. In addition to general counselling, Mrs. Boerio has been able to teach the Faith to many of the inmates one of whom has become a Bahá’í.

‘The Local Spiritual Assembly of Rimini organized a conference for United Nations International Women’s Year (1975). A panel of Bahá’í speakers gave talks on the role of women in the home, at work and in society. A report of this event was broadcast on the national noonhour television news and on the local station, Telerimini.

‘The National Youth Committee launched a

two-year youth campaign at an important youth symposium and adopted significant goals. The project has been instrumental in fulfilling pioneering goals, stimulating travelling teaching activities, inspiring the holding of regional conferences, the raising of contributions and encouraging youth to make their pilgrimages. A record number ofeighty such requests was made last year.

‘A combination of several activitiescorrespondence courses for parents, study classes, special programmes for children during summer schools and various national gatherings, publication of the children’s journal La Sveglia—contributed to creating a basis for the fulfilment of the very important goal relating to the education of Bahá’í children.

‘Excellent progress has been made toward the fulfilment of the goal of extending the use of mass media. The most outstandin g programmes were “Ore Venti”, a thirty-minute “talk” programme at peak viewing time on the national television network and the reference made to the Rimini conference on the noon-hour news. The programme shown on “Ore Venti” was initiated by the compiler of the broadcast who approached the National Spiritual Assembly about the

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possibility of broadcasting a programme entirely devoted to the Faith. The interviewer opened the programme with a reading from Gleanings from the Writings of Bahiz’u 7151/2. Professor Alessandro Bausani, a member of the National Assembly, was asked to speak about the history of the Faith and the administrative order. Miss Manuela Fanti was asked to explain how and why she had become a Bahá’í. The programme ended with the interviewer reading an extract from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Undoubtedly this was the widest proclamation of the Faith yet achieved in Italy. Telepiombino, which transmits in the area of Leghorn and the Island of Elba, broadcast a news feature about Riḍván on 20 April and followed this up with a half-hour interview with Bahá’ís on 30 April. Teleumbria also presented an interview in conjunction with the youth symposium held in Perugia in May 1976. Radio interviews have been obtained on many local stations on the mainland and the Island of Sardinia. Some of these have lasted for an hour while others were a series of programmes on the same station.

‘The newspaper articles at national and local level are too numerous to mention. An important fact to note here is that in most cases the journalists approached the Bahá’í institutions for information with the result that many of the articles are of a high standard.

‘In the period being surveyed publication was initiated by the National Spiritual Assembly of an attractive magazine, Opinioni Bahá’í, published periodically, which it is hoped will evolve into an increasingly effective instrument for reaching the public, taking its place with its sister publications World Order, La Pensée Baha'z'ie, Bahá’í Briefe, Herald of the South and Maailmankansalainen.

‘The translation of The Dawn-Breakers has been completed and is being revised in preparation for publication. The compilations “Living the Life” and “Pattern of Bahá’í Life” have been translated and are being published under a single cover under the title Guida Per Una Vita Bahá’í. Some prayers, including the Short Obligatory Prayer, have been translated by a Gipsy friend of the Faith into Sinto, a Gipsy language.

‘Bahá’í marriage has been recognized by Italian law1 with minor stipulations that are easily met. Through the munificence ofa Bahá’í

‘See p 375.

305

family the city of Perugia has acquired its own Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, an achievement supplementary to the Five Year Plan. Perugia is an important centre because many newcomers to Italy including pioneers attend introductory courses in Italian at the university there.

‘More Italian believers than ever before have arisen topioneer during the Five Year Plan. An added stimulus has also been given to the Italian community by believers who have been forced through circumstances beyond their control to return to Italy from Eritrea.

‘In conclusion thirty Local Spiritual Assemblies have been established, with ten remaining to be formed in order to meet the goal, and one hundred and fifty-six localities have been opened to the Faith out of a total of two hundred called for in the Five Year Plan.’

LUXEMBOURG

‘Riḍván 1973 saw the victorious conclusion of the Nine Year Plan during which the required eight local Spiritual Assemblies were established, twenty-five localities were opened to the Faith thus surpassing by five the goal assigned, and the number of believers increased five-fold, mainly through the acceptance of the Faith by native Luxembourgers and foreign migrant workers. The year 1974 was devoted to strengthening the foundations of these achievements and continuing to expand the Luxembourg Bahá’í community which now had larger resources of spiritual and material strength.

‘During the period from Riḍván 1973 to the anniversary of the declaration of the Báb, an intensive proclamation project was launched involving the holding of a press conference and three “International Peace Concerts” with young Bahá’í musicians from seven countries participating, which resulted in large articles in the press, the appearance of some of the musicians on television and the first radio interview of fifteen minutes’ duration with three representatives of the Bahá’í community.

‘Consolidation activities during this year were extensive. A number of one-day institutes were held, classes for children and youth were conducted on a regular basis, a summer school was held in Wiltz and the second winter school was held in the seventeenth century castle of Ansembourg where, henceforth, all the yearly summer and winter schools would be held. The

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visits of the Hands of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furfitan and Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir were sources of inspiration and greatly aided in reinforcing our efforts to consolidate our gains.

‘Teaching activities were directed to securing the existing Local Spiritual Assemblies and were principally carried out through the teaching projects of the National Youth Committee.

‘Human Rights Day was observed as well as World Religion Day, the programme for the latter observance involving a panel of speakers of various religious backgrounds. A Naw-Rt'lz dinner was held with one hundred and twentyfive participants.

‘Among the major accomplishments of this year were the revision of the Articles of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly;1 the transfer of title of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, endowment land and Temple site to the name of the National Assembly; and the incorporation with new by-laws of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Luxembourg,2 followed the next year by the incorporation of the Local Assemblies of Esch-sur-Alzette and Ettelbruck.

‘Also in the period under review a new and permanent format was adopted for Bulletin Bahá’í du Luxembourg, the newsletter of the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘The ties linking the National Spiritual Assembly with the Continental Board of Counsellors were strengthened through the meeting held by the latter body in Luxembourg, the presence of individual Counsellors at the winter school and for special consultation on the Five Year Plan launched at Riḍván 1974.

‘The Five Year Plan was enthusiastically received by the members of the Luxembourg Bahá’í community who eagerly arose for the preparation of a national teaching project to be implemented in all four new goal towns where a Bahá’í exhibition was shown, proclamation meetings and firesides took place, and courtesy calls were paid to local authorities. Bahá’í youth from the United States, Canada and various European countries assisted in this project.

‘An important element of the teaching activity during the first two years of the F ive Year Plan was the constant flow of travelling teachers to Luxembourg, among them an enthusiastic group of youth from Belgium; teachers from Portugal who shared their knowledge with the

‘See p. 354. Z See p 364.

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Portuguese friends living in Luxembourg; the entire Bahá’í community of Bonn, Germany who made regular weekend visits; and an individual believer from Germany whose visit resulted in the declaration of five Yugoslav families (in total some twenty-five people) living in Diekirch.

‘Another important aspect of these two years was the constant development of courteous relations with governmental authorities and non-governmental organizations. In September 1974, Dr. Victor de Araujo, accredited representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations, paid a short visit to Luxembourg and, following a press conference, a luncheon was held, the guests including representatives of the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of the Interior. As a result of this, the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly and his wife were invited to a reception organized by the Government in honour of Mr. Kurt Waldheim, Secretary-General of the United Nations. On 18 November 1975 a copy of The Bahc'z‘z' World, vol. XIV, was presented to His Excellency Gaston Thorn, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, who was then serving as chairman of the thirtieth plenary session of the United Nations. During December an especially successful programme was arranged for United Nations International Women’s Year as a result of which contact was established with representatives of many government ministries, cultural organizations and press organs, including the church-owned Luxemburger Wort. Arising from these activities the Bahá’ís were invited to send representatives to congresses, meetings or general assemblies of various organizations including the Esperanto movement and the World Union for the Protection of Life.

‘The 6 September 1975 issue of Luxemburger Wort carried a remarkable, lengthy, favourable and informative article on the Bahá’í Faith written by two non—Bahá’í journalists.

‘During the first two years of the Five Year Plan regular classes for children and youth were held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and special events were organized for children in observance of Naw-Rt'iz and the birth of Baha’u’llah. Youth seminars organized totally by youth themselves in the spring of 1974 and 1975 contributed much to unifying the efforts and deepening the knowledge of the young believers.

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‘In the period under discussion Luxembourg was twice blessed by visits of the Hand of the Cause Abu’l-Qásim F aizi, who first came to give a four-day seminar on “The Qur’án and Islam” and then to participate in the summer school of 1975. The winter school of 1974 was graced by the presence of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel. During a short visit to Luxembourg in April 1975 the Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery participated in a deepening seminar for the delegates to the fourteenth national convention and spoke on the life of the beloved Guardian at a general meeting of the friends.

‘The members of the European Board of Counsellors, during their numerous visits, shared their inspiring thoughts with the friends, at summer or winter schools, at the annual teaching conferences held in January and at meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly during consultation between the two bodies.

‘In the international teaching field, the Luxembourg Bahá’í community assisted the friends in Alsace-Lorraine by participating in their activities, and in April 1976 Luxembourg sent its firstypioneer in the Five Year Plan to the French Antilles, thus fulfilling one of its international goals in this plan.

. .1 3 ~43 , 1W 3‘ ”Mb 4. .g, =5

4

307

‘The foundations for the successful accomplishment of the goals of the Five Year Plan have thus been laid during the three years under consideration and the entire Luxembourg community is confident that through the concerted efforts of all the friends the goals set by the Universal House of Justice will be met.’

THE NETHERLANDS

‘The Dutch Bahá’í community was greatly privileged to have the Hands of the Cause mikru’lláh K_h2'1dem, H. Collis Featherstone, Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and Abu’l-Qásim Faizi visit their country during the period 1973—1976. They travelled throughout the country visiting communities, groups and isolated friends, inspiring them and gladdening their hearts, speaking about the beloved Guardian, heightening their love and understanding of the greatness of Shoghi Effendi, bringing a keener awareness of the role of the western believers and thrilling the friends by describing the wonders that have taken place in the Bahá’í world community. In addition, the Hand of the Cause Paul E. Haney and representatives of the European Board of Counsellors participated in the Bahá’í Youth Conference held in Steevensbeek in August 1975.

w. ’ um‘t "~v- 3; ‘ ~ abut

Some Dutch Bahá’ís who participated in the summer teaching project in southern Holland; 1975.

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A colouredposter produced by the Bahá’ís Of the Netherlands and posted in public transport centres throughout the country during the period 1973 to 1976.

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‘At Riḍván 1973 the community comprised eighteen Local Spiritual Assemblies, thirty-two groups and thirty-two isolated centres. Many young people had been attracted in recent years and with one-eighth of the believers being under twenty-one years of age, the mainstay of the corps of active believers and teachers was youth.

‘Holland witnessed remarkable teaching activities when carefully organized summer teaching projects brought Bahá’ís together in areas in the north and south which had to be opened to the Faith.

‘A notable event of the period was the considerable enrichment of Bahá’í literature in Dutch, an accomplishment which reinforced the believers in their individual efforts to deepen their knowledge of the Faith, to make singular efforts to serve the Cause and to develop strong Local Spiritual Assemblies. Dutch translations of the following English titles were published: God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi; The Bahá’í Faith—An Introduction, by Gloria Faizi; Christ and Build 'u ‘lláh, by George Townshend; Rose of Love (a small gift—booklet of selected prayers); The Greatest Gift (originally published in Canada); and A.B.C. of the Bahá’í Faith, an outline of basic facts about the World Order of Baha’u’llah. In addition, a series of new introductory pamphlets was developed, as well as a “Bahá’í Newspaper” for proclamation purposes, issued at regular intervals and widely used for publicity throughout the country.

‘In the period covered by this survey Bahá’í students at Nijmegen University started the first Bahá’í Student Club of the community. In Delft, another university city, students were invited by the Bahá’ís to a series of lectures on various subjects related to the Faith.

‘A noteworthy event took place when, during United Nations International Women’s Year in 1975, the women of the Bahá’í community were represented at an exhibition on the theme of equality of men and women. Articles were published in the newsletter about the role of women in Bahá’í history. Active programmes for the education of Bahá’í children were pursued, approximately half the communities holding regular classes for Bahá’í children.”

NORWAY

‘Our numerically small and scattered Bahá’í community has been blessed with the visits of

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several Hands of the Cause during this short period. In their different and very personal ways the beloved Hands Ugo Giachery, ‘Ali-Akbar Furfitan, Adelbert Mfihlschlegel, Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir and Abu’l-Qásim Faizi have all favoured us with a unique combination of practical advice and spiritual inspiration. Likewise, the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe, through the visits of its members Mrs. Dorothy Ferraby, Mrs. Betty Reed and Miss Anneliese Bopp, has provided the community with great assistance.

‘At the outset of the Five Year Plan, local and travelling teaching was reinforced through a series of teaching conferences throughout the country, followed by a number of “Bahá’í Week” projects aimed at reaching the public. These projects, averaging in length five days each, were arranged in Lillehammer, Svolvaer (Lofoten), Trondheim, and Bergen, and culminated in Oslo with the most comprehensive proclamation programme in the history of that Local Spiritual Assembly.

‘In the northernmost part of the country, teaching among the Lapps has been expanded, the conference held in J okkmokk, Sweden in the summer of 1974 providing an important impetus. Some few Bahá’ís are living in Samiskspeaking regions at present.

‘Winter and summer schools have concentrated on the third general objective of the Five Year Plan, “The distinctive character of Bahá’í life”, including the application Ofthe1aws of Baha’u’llah to our daily lives.

‘Among the many travelling teachers who have visited Norway the song group Windflower has been universally commended for its beautiful musical presentation of the message of Baha’u’llah.

‘As a final point relating to significant general teaching activities we should record the happiness of the Norwegian Bahá’í community in being able to assist the Bahá’ís of the Faroe Islands by sending two travelling teachers and one pioneer. The pioneer subsequently returned to Norway.

‘The United Nations International Women’s Year has been observed in several local communities. Two major events took place in Oslo with female Bahá’í speakers and artists.

‘A slight increase in the number of young Bahá’ís at the outset of the period provided new possibilities for teaching students in high schools

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and institutions of higher learning. The National Youth Committee arranged a successful national youth conference which has born visible fruits. At the end of the period the committee concentrated on establishing radio contacts and preparing a Bahá’í journal for youth.

‘At the Scandanavian summer school which was held in Norway in 1975, a summer school entirely for children was arranged for the first time, with a complete and separate programme of its own, in addition to the regular school. Further efforts to facilitate the spiritual training ofchildren resulted in the production of much needed teaching materials in Norwegian including God and His Messengers and a small prayer book.

‘Our use of mass media has been restricted thus far mainly to the press which has, for the greater part, given varied and liberal coverage to the Faith. At the end of the period, however, efforts to approach a specific radio programme resulted in a short interview and selections from recordings of Seals and Crofts were broadcast. The possibility of publicizing the Faith through local radio stations seems increasingly promising. Television is still difficult, although we had a breakthrough in 1972, and the Bahá’í Information Office (Proclamation Committee) is devoting much effort to increasing opportunities for its use.

‘In this period one book has been published, the Norwegian translation of Paris Talks; also a translation of selected texts has been produced to be sold with the prayer book for children. The National Spiritual Assembly has published a stencilled compendium of excerpts from the Writings relating to living the Bahá’í life. Finally, the first of a series of new pamphlets has been produced by the Bahá’í Information Office.

‘A characteristic trend of the period was the increase in opposition and challenges to confrontation from people of Christian background. A number of attacks against the Faith have been launched through newspapers, Christian periodicals, in lectures, and by individuals at public meetings and Bahá’í booths 0r exhibits. These have served to underline the need for us to reflect in our lives the principles of the Faith of Baha’u’llah and to demonstrate by deeds more than words the spiritual truths enshrined in His Revelation.

‘By Riḍván 1976 eight of the required twelve Local Spiritual Assemblies had been f ormed and

THE BAHA’l WORLD

thirty-three out of a total of forty-five localities had been opened to the Faith. At intervals there has been a Bahá’í in Spitsbergen where the goal is to establish a permanent group. A supplementary achievement of the Five Year Plan was accomplished toward the end of the period under review through the establishment of our Bahá’í Publishing Trust.’

PORTUGAL

‘Riḍván 1973—1974. The Nine Year Plan came to a triumphant conclusion in Portugal. Under a victory campaign organized and launched by the National Spiritual Assembly in consultation with the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, the message of Baha’u’llah was taken far and wide throughout Portugal, a task in which the Portuguese community was aided by numerous pioneers and travelling teachers from all over the world. The following year was one of consolidation and assessment which allowed a clear picture of the growth of the Faith in the past years to emerge. The task was enormous since this small community had increased six-fold in such a short time, practically overnight, and a time of reorganization and consolidation was necessary for the health of the whole community.

‘Riḍván 1974—1975. The Five Year Plan was greeted with enthusiasm and excitement in Portugal. The Bahá’í community which for many years had operated under circumstances which stifled its capacity for growth was suddenly freed from those restrictions as a result of dramatic political changes which occurred on 25 April 1974. Although unable to hold its national convention due to the temporary turmoil that followed, the community elected its new National Spiritual Assembly by correspondence and later a National Teaching Conference was held attended by Mrs. Betty Reed of the Continental Board of Counsellors. In a new atmosphere of freedom the National Spiritual Assembly, through the National Teaching Committee, immediately launched plans to proclaim the Faith to the Portuguese public. These proclamation efforts culminated in a large teaching project in the town of Setubal where a Local Spiritual Assembly had been established. A local newspaper and poster campaign were used to attract people and, for the first time, a banner was hung across the main street of Setubal proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith and inviting the public to a meeting. More than

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"3 mm a niv UNtLtuyg

tat tau:

Some Bahá’ís of Lisbon, Portugal, with one of the rented streetcars on which they toured the city during their observance ofNaw-RLZZ ; 1976. Members Of the public were attracted to the happy group and some joined the tour seeking information about the Bahá’í Faith.

two hundred interested people attended the meeting, the programme for which consisted of a slide presentation and an address by Behrouz Masreur who was, at that time, a member of the Auxiliary Board.

‘The National School Committee organized two national schools which were both attended by fifty or more friends. These were held, together with other events, to impress upon the friends the importance of the Five Year Plan, its goals, and Portugal’s part in it. Classes were also held dedicated to Bahá’í youth, the education of children, and Bahá’í administration. Both schools were honoured by the presence of Counsellor Anneliese Bopp who, as always, was the source of much inspiration and illumination.

‘During that same year Portugal was blessed with the presence of two Hands of the CauseDr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, on 20 J uly, and later, Abu’l-Qasim Faizi.

‘As 1975 was proclaimed International Women’s Year by the United Nations, the National Assembly developed a comprehensive pamphlet especially for women, containing an outline of the Bahá’í teachings on the role of

women. This pamphlet, Ano Internacional da Mulher, was compiled and distributed to the women of Portugal through an organized teaching plan.

‘In addition to publishing the abovementioned pamphlet, a new pamphlet for teaching was produced as well as the first Portuguese prayer book (adapted from the Brazilian) and an “Open Letter” which was used for teaching. Steps were also taken to make available for sale in book stores throughout the country a translation of The New Garden. That same year, articles about the Faith appeared in four newspapers throughout Portugal.

‘The task of achieving recognition of the Bahá’í Faith as an official religion in Portugal, a process which had begun many years before, was again taken up with new determination. As it was a goal given top priority in the Five Year Plan the National Assembly believed that its achievement was within our grasp and efforts to accomplish it were intensified.

‘In summary, this was a year of new hope and gathering strength for the Portuguese Bahá’í community. As the National Spiritual Assembly

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led the way forward into the Five Year Plan there was a new feeling of expectation and confirmation and a new faith that the Cause of Baha’u’llah had, once and for all, taken firm root in Portuguese soil.

‘Riḍván 1975—1976. This year was blessed with victory no sooner than it had begun. Through the divine confirmations and the determined efforts of the National Assembly the greatest goal of all was achieved on 22 December 1975, the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly, by a Dispatch of the Ministry of Justice.1 That this event has attracted further divine confirmations and lent a new spiritual strength and determination to the Portuguese community, there can be no doubt. As a result, many new doors have been opened. Through the joint efforts of the National Assembly and local communities four new Local Spiritual Assemblies were raised up during the year, thus bringing the total to eleven and completing the national goals for that year. Invaluable assistance was received from international travelling teachers from a number of countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and Mozambique.

‘Summer, winter and spring schools were held this year. The largest of these was the summer school which took place in a small mining town in the mountainous region of the country. The school was graced by the presence of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery and his dear wife. Other regional schools were held during the year in the north, centre and south of Portugal. Not only was much valuable information shared and studied at these gatherings, but they served to foster a better sense of Bahá’í unity throughout Portugal.

‘The largest part of the Portuguese population lives along the coastal region of the country where the majority of Bahá’ís also reside, leaving the interior a bit isolated. The National Youth Committee developed and carried out a plan under which they visited isolated parts of Portugal to assist the isolated believers who are geographically separated from the mainstream of Bahá’í activities. The youth arose and leading the way travelled to visit these isolated friends thus setting a praiseworthy example for the rest of the Bahá’í community.

‘New translations were completed thus en 'See p. 361.

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abling us to share with the friends a wider range of Bahá’í material. Some of the works translated dealt with Bahá’í marriage and individual goals. There was a wider distribution of the pamphlet Ano Internacional da Mulher.

‘A mid-year National Teaching Conference was held during which the National Teaching Committee presented the progress on the goals to that date.

‘In conclusion, the past year witnessed a slow but sure growth of the Portuguese Bahá’í community and a strengthening of the administrative order, the crowning point of which was the legalization of the National Spiritual Assembly. The national committees functioned better than ever and were a great asset to the National Assembly. Four new Local Assemblies were formed, thus completing the goal of that year, and a number of people became followers of Baha’u’llah through contact on a personal level. It was a year of hard-won victories for a community which through all the years of its existence and until only recently had many obstacles placed in its way. Although still required to observe discretion in large-scale teaching programmes, the external situation is now stabilizing and thus our hopes are raised that the Faith of Baha’u’llah will surely fulfil its destiny in Portugal as it has already begun to do. ’

SPAIN

“The Spanish Bahá’í community was grateful to receive visits from a number of Hands of the Cause in the period under review. Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir was with us early in 1973 and ‘Ali-Akbar Furntan in September of that year.Abu’1-Qasim Faizi visited in May 1974 and Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel in July. Dr. Ugo Giachery attended the summer school in July 1975.

‘Some of the most important teaching activities are as follows. In the summer of 1974 an intenstive teaching project was launched in the localities of Sevilla, Malaga and Guadalajara. This entailed the holding of public lectures, expositions of the Faith, the publication of announcements in the press and on radio. In the cities of Santander, Granada, Badajoz, La Palma and Villamarchante (Valencia)direct teachingamongthe people took place.

“During Easter week of 1975 a group ofyouth made a teaching trip to the cities of Leon,

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Some participants in the first Bahá’í Youth Conference of the Canary Islands held in Santa Cruz; 29 March 1975.

Ponferrada, La Corufia, Santiago de Compostela, Luarca, Oviedo and Inca.

‘In the summer of 1975 another teaching campaign was held in the localities of La Corufia, Oviedo, J aén, Sevilla and Badajoz and, in December, in Oviedo and Inca. The following April another project was launched in Castellén.

‘In addition to their important participation in the above-mentioned teaching activities, the Bahá’í youth organized and took the leading role in other national events including eight schools held in the summer, winter or spring, and in seven teaching institutes.

‘Under the direction of the national committee concerned with child education, seven contests have been held on aspects or teachings of the Faith, with the participation of the children. Special Classes for children were held during summer, winter or spring schools. In September 1975 a four-day national children’s school was held.

‘Television Espafiola included a reference to the Faith in a documentary film which was the first in a series of films about non-Catholic confessions in Spain. The four-minute segment about the Faith was filmed at the national Bahá’í

Centre during a meeting of the Madrid community which was called for this purpose. The interior and outer garden of the Centre were filmed and there were interviews with some of the believers. The programme was broadcast on 26 July 1974.

‘On 23 March 1975 Television Espafiola broadcast a thirty-minute film of the Bahá’í musicians Pancho and Kamel who perform under the name Dia Prometido (Promised Day). The greater part of the programme was devoted to a comprehensive outline of the Faith and the reading of prayers and Writings of Bahá’u’lláh with appropriate musical interludes. On another occasion the same friends, Kamel and Pancho, participated in a second programme on Television Espafiola and spoke about the Faith; this programme was of shorter duration.

‘Our National Audio-Visual Committee has prepared five texts for publicity in press and on radio in connection with the teaching campaigns; sixty dossiers with Bahá’í material for presentation to officials and the press; and sufficient material for two expositions. New publications in Spanish were The Dawn of the Promised Day, The Splendour of the Promised

[Page 314]314

Day, The Great Day of God and The Administrative Order and Bahá’í Teachings; and, in Basque, Bahá’í Fedea. Thief in the Night was translated into Spanish and published.

‘Considerable progress was made in relation to our property goals. A number of improvements were made to the Liria school including the construction of a dormitory building thus raising the sleeping capacity to eighty, an enlargement to the dining room and construction of a larger kitchen, the beautification of the gardens and the addition of 2,500 square metres of land at the school site. An endowment in Andorra was acquired and Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds were donated to the communities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Fuengirola.’

SWEDEN

‘The Swedish Bahá’í community was blessed by the visits of the Hands of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery, Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and Dr. Adelbert Mfihlschlegel in the summers of 1973, 1974 and 1975 respectively. They took part in various activities planned by the National Spiritual Assembly and by Local Assemblies and brought much inspiration and kindled the enthusiasm of the friends.

‘The significant teaching activities of the period from Riḍván 1973 to Riḍván 1976 may be summarized as follows:

‘Bahá’í literature displays were arranged in various parts of the country in connection with conferences, public meetings and the commemoration of United Nations Day, World Religion Day, Human Rights Day and the like. Altogether, more than fifty such exhibits were arranged, a few of which were of two weeks’ duration.

‘Approximately 1,600 religious science teachers and 175 school headmasters received Bahá’í information folders containing introductory material about the Faith. The students of more than one hundred schools throughout the country heard Bahá’í speakers who addressed them on the history and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.

‘Some thirty—four publishers of school text books on religion received a circular letter accompanied by an informative brochure inviting them to amend the incorrect information contained in the texts they published.

‘As a result of efforts on the part of the

THEBAHAfi WORLD

National Spiritual Assembly the Bahá’í literature placed in public and reference libraries will be classified as that of an independent religion.

‘With regard to spreading the message of Bahá’u’lláh among the Samish people of northern Sweden, the teaching conference held in the summer of 1974 in Jokkmokk, blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and attended by more than one hundred friends from ten countries, released tremendous inspiration for sustained teaching work in that vast arctic region. Various teaching teams undertook teaching trips of varying lengths of time among the gentle and loving Same people. The continuous efforts of our dear pioneers, Gail Ross and Ola Okfors, should always be brought to mind in connection with carrying the glad tidings of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation to these people. All these efforts brought fruitful result in that some of them have developed much interest in and respect for the universal teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.

‘The Swedish Bahá’í youth exerted strenuous and sincere endeavour during this period to teach and proclaim the Cause of God. A number of youth conferences were held throughout the country which made it possible for them to deepen their knowledge of the Faith and inspired them to undertake teaching trips to various parts of the country where they contacted different strata of society and presented the message of Bahá’u’lláh. Teaching activities in schools and the success of the Jokkmokk “Midnight Sun Youth Conference” were the result, in large part, of the efforts of these young and energetic followers of Bahá’u’lláh A group of young Bahá’í musicians calling themselves Unity performed at many meetings with inspiring songs.

‘On a number of occasions the Faith was mentioned on radio and television. However, the foremost activity in this regard took place on 12 February 1975 when a Bahá’í representative participated in a popular household programme called “The Open Evening”, by invitation of the television authorities who contacted the National Spiritual Assembly. A brief outline of the history of the Faith and its central teachings was presented on the programme which is normally viewed by a few million people.

‘Another significant aspect of efforts to increase the use of mass media was the resultant increase in articles on the Faith carried in the

[Page 315]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’l ACTIVITIES

press. During this period more than a dozen newspapers published articles about the Faith amounting in total to more than 2,700 column centimetres.

‘Our new publications produced in the period under survey were translations of The Covenant, Paris Talks and Children's Stories from the Dawn-Breakers, and The Sources of Inspiration, an original work by Mr. Sverre Holmsen of Sweden, all in 1973; a revised second edition of The H idden Words ofBalu'z ’u ’llz'zh, a compilation of quotations from the Writings of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a second compilation comprising excerpts from the Writings of the Master, and a brochure Equality Between Men and Women, all in 1974.

‘It should be stated that the constant love and care of our dear Counsellors Mrs. Betty Reed and Mrs. Dorothy Ferraby, as well as the unstinting assistance and constant collaboration of Auxiliary Board members Hadi Afsahi and Ake Johansson have been and are a source of inspiration and enthusiasm for the Swedish Bahá’í community.

‘As this report shows, the Characteristic trends of the period have been the deepening and consolidation of the Bahá’í community with simultaneous efforts to bring the Faith to every strata of society. This course of activities has assisted us to progress towards our goals of the Five Year Plan. We supplicate divine assistance for the realization of our unaccomplished goals.’

SWITZERLAND

‘Within three years, from 1973—1976, the face of the Swiss community has changed completely. The results have been the growth of a large nucleus of active and deepened believers, most of them youth, constituting the bedrock of three important and increasingly independent national committees, for teaching, youth and deepening; and the formation, at Riḍván 1976, of sixteen Local Spiritual Assemblies. Faced in 1974 with violation of the Covenant within the community, and with seeming indifference to the Faith on the part of the Swiss public, the believers doubled their efforts during 1975. A warm and unified national community has emerged, these characteristics being remarked upon by visitors to our summer schools in Vernamiége (1973), Arcegno (1974 and 1975) and the outstanding winter schools organized by youth such as the one in Sierre; and by guests at

315

the numerous institutes and national teaching conferences including the one held at the beginning of the Five Year Plan.

‘Bahá’u’lláh’s strengthening grace has flowed to our community through numerous channels: first of all through the vision and insight communicated by the indefatigable Hands of the Cause, some of whom, like Dr. Ugo Giachery, Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel and Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, we saw and consulted with several times. Also much appreciated by the Swiss community were the welcome visits of the Hands of the Cause flu‘a‘u’llah ‘Ala’i and Abu'l-Qasim Faizi in 1974, and ‘Ali-Akbar Furl’ltan in 1975. The International Youth Conference held in the summer of 1975 was highlighted by the presence of the Hand of the Cause Paul E. Haney.

‘The constant support and advice of all members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe, their help with institutes on teaching, administration and Bahá’í life, as well as the education of children, Local Spiritual Assemblies, and the Covenant, were most important for the growth and deepening of our community.

‘For the first time the movement of Bahá’ís in and out of the country has taken place to a significant degree. From 1974, a constant stream of pilgrims from Switzerland to the Holy Land brought back and conveyed the heightened awareness of our responsibility to carry the teachings of Baha’u’llah to a world in dire spiritual need. Switzerland sent out four pioneers to the African continent in 1975, Danielle and Jacques Pochon to Togo, and Charles and Martha Peyron to the Cameroon Republic. Twelve travelling teachers went to Italy, Belgium and Austria, and six to Africa, thus establishing strong spiritual and emotional bonds between our country and the host countries. There has been successful and encouraging inter-Assembly collaboration with France in relation to Franche—Comté and Annecy (which could establish its Spiritual Assembly), and with Austria in relation to Vorarlberg. Staunch support has been received from our friends from Italy for teaching in Ticino. This, together with the impetus generated by two summer schools and an International Youth Conference held in Ticino, has enriched our resources in this part of the country through the emergence of an Italian [Page 316]316

speaking community capable of organizing proclamation on a broad scale and conscious of its responsibility. A new maturity can be seen in the Swiss community: for the first time in the history of the Faith in this country the trend toward giving outweighs the expectation of receiving. One clear manifestation of this was the generosity of contributions to the construction of the seat of the Universal House of Justice; another, a fifty per cent increase in contributions on the national level in 1975. After the departure of more than forty pioneers from Switzerland in 1973 and 1974, a number of friends—mostly youth—began to pioneer within the country. The trend toward homefront pioneering grew in momentum in 1975 with a resultant growth of new communities and a strengthening of failing Local Assemblies.

‘Special mention should be made of some aspects of the Five Year Plan that have proved to be a special blessing to our country. The coming into being these last few years of many young Bahá’í families has created the need for strong children’s education committees. They are now tackling their tasks with vigour. A national institute on child education took place as well as several regional ones, children’s classes have been initiated in several additional communities, and the newly—created Children’s magazine Les Goutte/ettes is being ever more widely circulated within Switzerland and abroad. La Pensée Balzc'z'ie, a quarterly periodical edited in F renchspeaking Switzerland, is a valuable means of teaching and deepening not only for Switzerland but perhaps even more for French-speaking countries abroad. Several communities have instituted a regular weekly morning devotional programme and have had the satisfaction of finding unity and warmth growing firm roots in the community by this means.

‘Youth, stimulated by their strong National Youth Committee, have played a preponderant role in shouldering administrative duties and in teaching. They have mastered, with ease andjoy, the organization of successful institutes. Their faces are radiant. They are now ready to go out to meet other youth. They have already held very successful public meetings at the university clubs in Ziirich and Lausanne where well-known Bahá’í speakers have been listened to by attentive audiences. Voluntary extension teaching is taking place in ten goal towns; there is an unusually high degree of co-operation.

THE BAHA’l WORLD

‘Since 1973 the National Spiritual Assembly has issued Nineteen Day Feast letters on various subjects of interest. Their impact has been considerable. They have strengthened the bond between the National Assembly and the communities and enlivened consultation during the Feast.

‘A proclamation kit designed for distribution to officials, personalities in public life and journalists has been useful in Switzerland and immediately aroused the interest of other national Bahá’í communities. A series of pamphlets for youth is being produced, the first of which bears the beautiful title taken from the Words of Bahá’u’lláh : Versenkt euch in das M eer Meiner Worte(1mmerse Yourselves in the Ocean ofMy Words),’

THE UNITED KINGDOM

‘During the period under review, Riḍván 1973 to Riḍván 1976, the United Kingdom has had the great privilege of welcoming no fewer than eleven Hands of the Cause, two Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre, all the European Counsellors, and Counsellors from Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

‘There has been significant development in nine broad areas of activity:

‘1. Increase in number of Assemblies. At Riḍván 1973 ninety—nine Local Spiritual Assemblies were recognized in the United Kingdom and three had lapsed. Twenty-six new Assemblies were formed in three years, giving an average annual growth of nine per cent. Unfortunately, during this period, the three Assemblies in the Mediterranean (two in Cyprus and one in Malta) have lapsed due to adverse conditions in the islands.

‘2. Pioneers and travelling teachers. The significant growth in the number of Assemblies has been largely due to the movement of pioneers within the community, even while offers for overseas pioneering posts have been gradually building up to substantial numbers. Forty-nine pioneers have gone to twenty-three countries (not all within our Five Year Plan goals) and thirteen have been obliged to leave after short projects. Some thirty or more travelling teachers have carried out projects in ten countries in Europe and seventeen in Africa.

‘3. Teaching projects. A wide variety of teaching projects—local, national and

[Page 317]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF BAHA’l ACTIVITIES

317

‘Day-Star’—a group of United Kingdom Bahá’í youth who proclaimed the Faith through music and song.

international—have been planned and carried out. Two projects were given thematic names, “Islands ’73” and “Icebreaker”. Teaching was done among the Gipsies. There were projects implemented by local communities in cooperation with other Assemblies and groups in “clusters”, or implemented in association with other religions and organizations including the World Congress of Faiths, the United Nations, World Federalists, Esperantists, etc. There was a vast amount of teaching and activity with, as yet, little apparent result in the way of new enrolments. The community has, however, grown in experience and fellowship. A teaching pamphlet in Faroese was published. Successful teaching cohferences, national and local, including one in the Faroes, were staged.

‘4. Youth activities. A three-year youth campaign was launched in anticipation of the Five Year Plan, which helped to galvanize the youth to play their role in the plan. Winter and Easter schools, arts festivals, a “Serendipity” Camp, junior youth activities and the formation of Bahá’í Societies in universities have been carried out; individual youth have been helped

in their studies for deepening in the knowledge of the Faith; involvement in all the teaching plans has been encouraged, and teams of youth have carried out projects in the islands and in various places in Europe including a much—appreciated work activity at the House of Worship at Langenhain. Youth have made outstanding contributions to overseas travelling teaching, in the many music groups which have given great service to the Faith and in raising funds to achieve the financial goals.

‘5. Evolution of the national committee structure. In preparation for the “Programme for Victory” which was launched in February 1976, the committee structure was streamlined; instead of thirty—four committees involving the services of more than two hundred believers, there are now twenty-one committees with fewer than one hundred believers composing their total membership. Under the “Programme for Victory” the Local Assembly extension goals were phased and all existing Assemblies and groups were gradually brought into “clusters” with specific but temporary objectives to establish new Assemblies. This nation-wide

[Page 318]318

involvement in focused teaching and shared responsibility for achieving the expansion goals set by the National Assembly had an immediate invigorating effect on the whole community.

‘6. Emerging from obscurity. A wider use of local radio and area television stations with interviews for visiting speakers, leading to halfhour and even one-hour programmes on the Faith and to the use of Bahá’í Scripture in religious programmes; the giving of press luncheons to selected representatives of the media; local publicity in the press of Bahá’í events such as summer schools and weddings; active involvement by representatives of the National Assembly in the World Congress of Faiths, the Religious Education Council, the Inter-Faith Dialogue on Religious Education, the United Nations Association Religious Advisory Committee, the SHAP working party on “World Religions: Aids for Teachers”;1 the invitations extended to officers of the National Assembly to attend official functions such as those in Westminster Abbey for the annual “One People” service, the Commonwealth Day ceremony, the installation of the new Dean of Westminster, and the invitation for a Bahá’í speaker to participate in a symposium on the theme “Spiritual Paths to World Government” sponsored by the Association of World Federalists and held in a committee room of the House of Commons—are all evidences of the growing recognition of the Faith as an independent world religion and as a force for good to

'Scc p. 319‘

THE BAHA’l WORLD

be taken into account by the citizens of the United Kingdom.

‘7‘ Bahá’í Publishing Trust. In pursuing its part of the Five Year Plan the Publishing Trust has reprinted some twelve items of basic Bahá’í literature and released four new books, two new pamphlets and four compilations prepared by the Universal House of J ustice. Significant steps have also been taken in the establishment of a huge book warehouse at Ketton, near Oakham, the headquarters of the Trust.

‘8. Capital projects. Considerable success has been achieved in the purchase of capital goals but contributions for these have yet to flow in. The Barbados Temple site (in conjunction with the National Assembly of Germany); the New Hebrides Temple site; the Cyprus Temple site; the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the F aroes (in cooperation with Iceland) and in Malta (with Persia assisting); and the new warehouse for the Trust at Ketton, have all been purchased. One believer gave a beautiful two-acre Temple site in Edinburgh, and a pioneer couple to one goal town bought their house in the name of the National Assembly.

‘9‘ Communications. The Bahá’í Journal continues to be well received in many parts of the world and seventeen issues appeared during this three year period. The National Assembly sends to every Local Spiritual Assembly, group and isolated believer, as well as to some overseas residents, a compact inspirational newsletter for every Nineteen Day Feast. In November 1975 a magazine Intercom-Bahá’í was launched; it is published monthly and is available by subscription. It was very well received.”

[Page 319]WORLD RELIGIONS: A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS '

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