Bahá’í World/Volume 19/Survey by Continents

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[Page 147]

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INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT Bahá’í ACTIVITIES

140, 141 AND 142 OF THE BAHA’I ERA 21 APRIL 1983—20 APRIL 1986

1. SURVEY BY CONTINENTS

BASED ON REPORTS OF THE CONTINENTAL BOARDS OF COUNSELLORS

A. AFRICA

AFRICA comprises fifty mainland countries and nine major islands and island groups. Many countries struggled during this period with economic instability, political strife, social crises and/or natural disasters. Within this crucible, the Bahá’ís of Africa endeavoured to win the goals of the Seven Year Plan and to respond befittingly to the suffering of the Bahá’ís in Iran. They witnessed glimmerings of the Faith’s gradual emergence from obscurity and attained new levels of maturity and cohesiveness.

Forty-three National Spiritual Assemblies administered the affairs of the Faith with three administrative committees temporarily serving the Bahá’ís of Zaire. Included in this number were the newly formed National Spiritual Assemblies of Cape Verde, 1984, with its seat in Praia; Ciskei, 1985, with its seat in Bisho; Equatorial Guinea, first established in 1973 and re-established in 1984, with its seat in Malabo; Gabon, 1984, with its seat in Libreville; Mali, 1985, with its seat in Bamako; and Mozambique, 1985, with its seat in Maputo.

The number of Local Spiritual Assemblies rose to over 7,200 and localities where Bahá’ís reside to more than 35,000. In Algeria, the Congo, Egypt, Libya and Niger the Faith remained banned.

Proclamation, Public Relations and the Media The Seven Year Plan called for national com munities to foster cordial relations with those

in authority and to make the aims and purposes

of the Faith widely known. The persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran provided a powerful, if grievous, instrument for proclamation activities, particularly in governmental circles. As resolutions were considered by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and later by the General Assembly, Bahá’í representatives met with concerned officials in their countries in an attempt to evoke the sympathy and enlist the support of their respective governments for the relief of the Iranian community.

Activities of Bahá’í communities in support of programs related to United Nations activities provided further opportunities for contact and collaboration with those in governmental authority. Bahá’í youth responded enthusiastically to the United Nations’ designation of 1985 as International Youth Year, with a wide range of activities. A successful eight-day exhibition in the Central African Republic was opened by the Minister of Information, Youth, Arts and Culture, whose favorable comments about the Faith were broadcast on national radio and television. The Bahá’í youth of Mauritius organized a series of well-attended lectures on topics relevant to youth. In Cote d’IVoire, Bahá’ís participated in a government-arranged conference for over 2,500 youth from throughout the world.

The United Nations conference ending the Decade for Women was held in Nairobi, Kenya in July 1985. A ten—member delegation representing the Bahá’í International Community

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In the Central African Republic, the nation ’s Minister of Information, Youth, Art and Culture, standing centre in uniform with beret, listens to Counsellor Httsllang Ahdieh explain the panels of a Bahá’í' exhibit held in the Bangui for eight days in June 1985.

participated in the official government conference, while more than fifty Bahá’ís, including a number of African believers, attended the Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations. The Bahá’í community of Kenya in collaboration with the Bahá’í International Community office in New York, hosted three receptions for delegates and Forum participants, two at the Nairobi Bahá’í Center and one in a private home. An excellent display on ‘Women in Development’ attracted considerable attention as did a workshop conducted by Dr. Jane Faily on management skills for women. Thousands of copies of Bahá’í statements presented at previous world and regional United Nations conferences on women were distributed along with a brochure on the ‘Spiritual Foundation of Equality’.

Bahá’í representatives participated in numerous other conferences sponsored by the United Nations, as well as meetings on several international organizations, for example: the Governing Council Session of the United Nations Environment Program in Nairobi, Kenya; sessions of the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; the Regional Preparatory Conference for the Decade of Women

in Arusha, Tanzania; and the World Peace through Law Conference in Lomé, Togo. Extensive, systematic and comprehensive proclamation efforts were made on national, regional and local levels in conjunction with the International Year of Peace in 1986 and the distribution of the Peace Statement of the Universal House of Justice. Fifty-one Heads of State and three territorial Heads in Africa received the statement, with seventeen of these presentations having been made to the Heads of State in person. Widespread publicity often resulted, as was the case in Benin, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Uganda. In Benin, after receiving the statement, the President requested the Chief of Protocol to organize a press conference at which the Bahá’ís were asked to explain its content to the media. In Mozambique, Bahá’ís featured prominently in a Peace Parade organized by the Government. The independent status of the Faith became increasingly recognized, as evidenced by the spontaneous inclusion of Bahá’ís in activities organized in the realm of social and economic development. In Burkina Faso, Bahá’ís were called over the radio, together with representatives of other religions, to participate in a

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vaccination campaign launched by the Ministry of Health. In Sénégal, the Bahá’ís were invited by the Ministry of Culture to submit a statement which would assist the Government in elaborating its policy toward cultural development. In Swaziland, following a natural disaster, Bahá’ís were entrusted with distribution of relief supplies in collaboration with an international development agency.

Legal incorporation of the national Bahá’í communities in the Cape Verde Islands and in Guinea was achieved, with the incorporation document in Cape Verde clearly recognizing the Faith as an independent religion. Mention should be made in this context of the tireless efforts of Dr. ‘Aziz Navidi, who lent invaluable assistance in these and other important legal matters throughout the continent.

Given the immense potential of mass communication, more concerted efi”orts were made to use the media effectively. Regular Bahá’í radio programs were broadcast in seven countries including the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Zaire. At the same time periodic use of radio increased throughout the continent. In Reunion Island, officials at one radio station were so impressed with the quality of occasional Bahá’í programs that they invited the Bahá’ís to broadcast a regular program. A Radio Advisory Team based in Nairobi continued its services in providing encouragement and professional advice to national communities interested in expanding their use of radio. In Liberia, after receiving authorization from the Government, work began on constructing the first Bahá’í radio station in Africa.

Teaching and Consolidation

The Guardian called teaching and consolidation twin processes and said that they must proceed simultaneously. Emphasis during this period was placed on improving the quality of the teaching work and insuring that consolidation activities formed an integral part of all teaching efforts. As this period coincided with the closing years of the Seven Year Plan, the teaching work intensified markedly. Twenty—seven countries achieved their teaching goals with another five attaining at least ninety per cent. Dramatic increases were noted in Chad and Sierra Leone where the number of Assemblies nearly tripled during the course of the

Plan. Botswana and Lesotho, whose goals trailed rather hopelessly through most of the Plan, rallied in the last year and finally achieved their mark. In Angola, the Comoro Islands, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, and Sao Tome Island, renewed activity and visits by traveling teachers resulted in significant growth. The Cape Verde Islands, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Mali, all with new National Spiritual Assemblies, made steady progress.

Teaching methods varied from country to country and even within a country from area to area. Book exhibitions or presentations at fairs and agricultural shows continued to be widely used in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Togo, and Zimbabwe. Song and dance festivals in Zaire attracted crowds of 2,000 to 3,000 people.

As a result of the emphasis on improving the quality of the teaching work, individual teaching was stressed at summer schools and deepening courses. The ‘Teaching Booklet’ developed in Honduras by Counsellor Ahmadiyyih proved an eifective aid for individual teaching and was translated into vernacular languages in Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, and other countries.

Special teaching projects of varying scope, duration and purpose were characteristic of the period. A series of projects among the Giriama tribe along the coast of Kenya resulted in the formation of nearly a hundred Assemblies. The Bundibugyo region of western Uganda proved particularly successful, with hundreds accepting the Faith.

The artificial national boundaries of the countries of Africa, created during colonial times, resulted in the division of tribal groups along such borders. Border teaching projects and collaborative efforts in the translation and production of literature were, therefore, mutually beneficial. Among the countries taking part in these joint projects were Angola and Zambia; Botswana and Bophuthatswana; Cameroon and Chad; Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Senegal; and South Africa and Swaziland.

Africa has long received the support of pioneers from the older, well-established communities of the Americas, Asia and Europe, and this process continued. In addition, several African countries including Chad, the Central African Republic, Ghana, Mauritius, and Niger sent pioneers to other African countries. Nearly

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one hundred African believers from almost all countries arose as homefront pioneers to open new areas and strengthen weak communities.

Visits by international traveling teachers, and especially those of extended duration, assisted the proclamation, teaching and consolidation work and were a source of joy and encouragement for the believers.

Consolidation, including the chronic problem of lapsed Assemblies, remained the major challenge. Poor communications, widespread illiteracy, insufficient literature, and limited funds

’ tested the resourcefulness of the believers and

institutions in deepening the communities. In addition to the traditional methods of visits to communities by traveling teachers, the holding of deepening courses, institutes and seasonal schools, innovative approaches were also tried.

In Malawi a ‘messenger system’ was developed with marked success. Individual messengers were appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly and assigned to work with several Assemblies in a given, nearby area. At regular regional conferences under the guidance of National Spiritual Assembly representatives, the messengers were trained and received assignments including distribution of letters and conveyance of information to the various communities. Instead of a letter simply being given to the secretary of the Local Assembly, the messenger called a meeting of the entire community, read the letter, discussed it with the believers and answered any questions. This

very personal method of communication resulted in an increase in the number of reports and -letters from local communities to the National Spiritual Assembly, increased contributions to the National Fund, and increased interest and activity among the believers at the local level.

The regular use of mobile institutes in Cameroon and Kenya was extended to include the Central African Republic, Chad, Malawi, Mauritius, Transkei, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, while several other countries began the process of acquiring vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with audio-visual items and other materials, and serving as visual symbols of the Faith, traveled throughout each country. Deepening institutes were conducted, and assistance was given with the teaching work.

Seasonal schools over holiday periods were held regularly in many countries. These offered intensive courses for the study of the Faith and provided an occasion for strengthening the bonds of unity and fellowship. In southern Africa summer schools were often international in character. In Cameroon they were held extensively throughout the country in as many as nine separate localities and as often as four times a year. Permanent institutes were further developed and expanded in Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Liberia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

These continuous efforts to deepen the friends resulted in an overall increase in the percentage

In Céte d’Ivoz're, Bahd’z's gathered for a deepening institute held during July 1984 in the new National Hazz'ratu’l-Quds at Abidjan.

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of communities shouldering responsibility for electing their Assemblies, holding Nineteen Day Feasts and regular Assembly meetings, organizing diverse local activities and contributing to the Fund. The growing maturity of the believers and institutions was evidenced by the everincreasing numbers of African Bahá’ís who arose to pioneer internationally or on the homefront or were actively involved in the teaching and administrative work,_the more effective functioning of national and local administrative bodies, greater collaboration between the Continental Board of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies, and increased financial self-sufi‘iciency. Nearly twothirds of all National Communities supported their internal financial needs.

Literature Emphasis was placed in all deepening efforts on regular use and deep study of the Sacred Writings of the Faith. An essential corollary to this and all aspects of consolidation is the production of Bahá’í literature, particularly in vernacular languages. In addition to national efforts at translation and publication, the Publishing Trusts in Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda increased their output. Words of God, a brief compilation of prayers and extracts from the Sacred Writings prepared by the Universal House of Justice, was translated into nearly a hundred African languages. Other major works were also realized: the Kitdb-i-Iiqdn in Xhosa and Afrikaans, Inspiring the Heart in Yoruba, the Hidden Words and T he New Garden in Setswana and Malagasy. Both Madagascar and Rwanda made significant strides in translation. The increased use of literature subvention funds made a marked contribution to the production of Bahá’í literature. As National Spiritual Assemblies became more familiar with the methods of using these funds and more aware of their availability, the literature needs in each country were more adequately met. Parallel with literature, many countries experimented with cassette recordings both of extracts from the Sacred Writings and of music, and with the development of locally produced filmstrips and slide programs. The Audio-Visual Center for Africa, based in Cote d’Ivoire, made available a series of posters and other materials. At least thirty national communities were

involved in the production and administration

of correspondence courses. Courses ranged from general introductions to the history, teachings and administration of the Faith, to specialized subjects such as family life, prayer, and life after death. Regularly produced national newsletters helped disseminate information about activities throughout the Bahá’í world and were a source of deepening and encouragement.

Properties

National Bahá’í Centers were acquired in Bophuthatswana, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, and Transkei. Completion of the construction of the National Center in Burundi was a signal achievement for that community. The beautiful nine-sided National Center in Equatorial Guinea attracted considerable media attention. Regional centers were acquired in Abomey, Benin; Bata, Equatorial Guinea, and other countries. The Samandari Teaching Institute in Chad was completed and a permanent institute acquired in Zimbabwe.

Women

The Seven Year Plan called for national communities to initiate and implement programs which would stimulate and promote the full and equal participation of women in all aspects of Bahá’í community life. Serious attention was given to this goal through the appointment of National Women’s Committees in almost all countries and the organization of conferences and institutes for women on a national and local level. In addition to presentations on the spiritual teachings and principles of the Faith, programs often included opportunities for learning practical skills to improve the quality of women’s daily lives. For example, conferences in Kenya covered Bahá’í principles regarding the equality of men and women, Bahá’í family life and teachings concerning the education of children, in addition to information and practice in tree—planting, the making of tie-dyed cloth, energy conservation, and the use of improved seeds. Women in several Bahá’í communities in Kenya were so stimulated by what they learned at a national women’s conference that they formed local women’s co-operatives and self-help groups.

An excellent series entitled ‘A Bahá’í Program for Mothers’ prepared under the auspices of the National Women’s Committee in Kenya was published by the Bahá’í publishing agency of

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In Nigeria,

the ofice stafi’ of the National Bahá’í Centre are mostly youth who volunteer to work part-time.

E g.

In Bophuthatswana, a television crew takes notes

for a Bah(i’z' programme

which is about to be recorded in February 1986.

In Benin,

Bahd’z' women from 18 countries gather for an interregional women ’s conference held in Cotonou in 1984.

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that country. The series included six booklets designed to be used by rural women, with a Teacher’s Guide and Mother’s Booklet for each topic. The topics included were: ‘Creating a Spiritual Home’, ‘Teaching about Religion’, ‘Teaching Good Character’, ‘Using Good Discipline’, ‘Learning at Home and at School’, and ‘Raising Healthy Children’. Displayed as part of the Bahá’í International Community exhibition at the Forum Conference in Nairobi, at the close of the United Nations Decade for Women, the books attracted the favorable attention of women participants from around the world.

Two major inter-regional women’s conferences were held: one in Cotonou, Benin with participants from eighteen countries, and a second in Yaounde, Cameroon which generated widespread publicity. Newsletters for women were produced in Cameroon and Zaire, while several other countries included women’s pages in their national bulletins. The number of women serving as members of National and Local Assemblies, as Auxiliary Board members and assistants, and as delegates to National and Regional Conventions increased, though the figures are not yet proportionate to either the number of Bahá’í' women or women in the general population.

Youth

Youth continued to be a dynamic and integral part of the work of the Faith throughout the continent. Their devotion, enthusiasm and determination served as an example to all. They were often in the vanguard of the teaching and consolidation activities, serving as homefront pioneers, traveling teachers, children’s class teachers, and even as assistants to the Auxiliary Board members. Most of the special teaching projects relied heavily on the participation of youth. Special mention should be made of the youth volunteers from Europe and the Americas who gave one to two years of voluntary service to assist in running the mobile teaching and audio-visual institutes in Africa.

Many countries established National Youth Committees, and national and regional youth conferences were annual occurrences. The deeply moving messages of the Universal House of Justice during International Youth Year were a source of guidance and inspiration unveiling a new vision in the statement, ‘Youth Can Move

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the World’. Youth bulletins were produced in Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Kenya, and Zaire.

Children

All countries struggled to provide more systematically for the Bahá’í education of children. Efforts were made to establish regular children’s classes, to provide training for teachers, to produce appropriate teaching materials, and to insure consistent follow—up. Several new approaches evolved. In Senegal, a children’s conference was successfully held during the Intercalary Days, bringing together over one hundred children from five localities. Sénégal also produced and administered a correspondence course for children. In Benin and Ghana, cultural dance and music groups for children were formed.

The Universal House of Justice appointed a Central and East African Regional Development Committee whose members were drawn from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The initial mandate of this committee was to develop and publish a graduated curriculum for child education in Africa, to assist National Spiritual Assemblies in the region in the training of teachers, and to provide encouragement and follow-up to those involved in Bahá’í child education.

Social and Economic Development

Prior to the period under review scattered efforts in the field of social and economic development had been made with the establishment of tutorial schools in some countries and the organization of Bahá’í education centres in Za'1're. The message of the Universal House of Justice of 20 October 1983, encouraging all communities to expand their regular activities to include social and economic development, gave direction and impetus to these initial stirrings. Communities, institutions and individuals began exploring ways and means to extend their endeavors.

The number of tutorial schools on the continent increased, with Kenya, Swaziland and several other countries establishing pre-primary or nursery schools. In Tanzania, an agricultural secondary school was established. The William Masehla Institute in Zambia was a unique project where students were invited for extended periods of two to three months. Instruction was given on the teachings of the Faith in the morning and on agriculture, health, and car [Page 154]154 THE Bahá’í WORLD

ha...

In Botswana, Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre Hooper Dunbar visiting the friends in a village in July 1984.

pentry in the afternoon. Students worked to produce food for the institute which is situated on a farm, thus defraying part of their expenses. Health education programs were started in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Swaziland and Uganda.

In Zaire, the Bahá’í Education Centres expanded their literacy programs to include agricultural initiatives such as the use of improved seeds, and also fish breeding. Noteworthy success was achieved among the Pygmies in Goma, Northeast Zaire, where they were taught to build homes, cultivate the land, and read and write, as well as being helped to educate their children. The Bahá’ís of Moissala, Chad were deeply involved in relief work following the political upheaval in that country, distributing food and medicine, and later establishing the Ḥakím Dispensary.

Continental Board of Counsellors, Auxiliary Boards and Assistants

Visits in 1984 and 1985 by Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre, Hooper Dunbar, Magdalene Carney, and Isobel Sabri were of great assistance to the Counsellors in their functioning. After meeting with the Counsellors, Mr. Dunbar travelled extensively in central, eastern, southern, and western Africa. Dr. Carney was a member of the delegation attending the United Nations

conference that ended the Decade for Women, and Mrs. Sabri was involved in intensive efforts to revitalize Uganda.

The Board of Counsellors was strengthened by the appointment of eight new African Counsellors including, for the first time, three African women. Collaboration with National Spiritual Assemblies increased, and the work of the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants became more effective. The efforts of Auxiliary Board members to train their assistants and direct their work reinforced national teaching and consolidation activities. Through the administration of the Subvention funds for audio-visual materials, literature and special teaching projects, the Counsellors were able to stimulate and participate in these vital areas of the development of the Faith more effectively.

The Guardian wrote through his secretary: ‘Africa is truly awakening and finding herself, and she undoubtedly has a great message to give and a great contribution to make to the advancement of world civilization. To the degree to which her peoples accept Bahá’u’lláh, will they be blessed, strengthened and protected.’ The efforts of the believers and the development in the Faith throughout the continent during this period were a direct and dynamic contribution to Africa’s achieving its destiny.

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B. THE AMERICAS

AT THE close of the Seven Year Plan there were forty—one National Spiritual Assemblies in the western hemisphere, approximately 6,500 Local Spiritual Assemblies and more than 26,500 localities. Three new National Spiritual Assemblies were formed at Riḍván, 1984: French Guiana with its seat in Cayenne; Grenada with its seat in St. George’s; and Martinique with its seat in Fort de France.

4 During the period being reviewed three great losses were visited on the hemisphere. On 21 October 1983, Mr. Raul Pavon of Ecuador, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, passed away in Lima, Peru while traveling on behalf of the Faith. His spirit of service to the indigenous peoples of Latin America and his work in establishing Radio Bahá’í in Ecuador left not only an indelible memory but also engendered a spirit of renewed dedication to teaching. Less than seventeen months later, another indefatigable servant and member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, Mr. Lloyd Gardner of Canada, passed away on 5 March 1985, shortly after becoming ill while on a teaching trip in Latin America. The Seven Year Plan came to a close with one more grievous loss, the passing after a long illness of Mr. Angus Cowan, a former member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, whose tireless services to the indigenous peoples of North America and whose all-encompassing love will be keenly missed in the teaching field. The loss of these three outstanding servants of Bahá’u’lláh was deeply felt throughout the hemisphere.

Proclamation, Public Relations and the Media

Increased public awareness of the Faith, including a greater comprehension of the nature of Bahá’u’lláh’s claims and of His fundamental teachings, resulted from the relentless and cruel persecution of the believers in the cradle of the Faith. The continued executions and imprisonment of the Bahá’ís in Iran, and the increased use of torture against them, served to attract unprecedented attention and sympathy from the authorities and the general public throughout the hemisphere, and such acts of persecution received widespread coverage in the media. The Faith itself and the activities of the friends became news in the Americas.

It was estimated that on 28 July 1983, thirteen million television sets in the United States were tuned to the national news program, ‘20/20’, which included a twenty-minute segment on the situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran. With increased awareness of the serious violation of human rights in that country, more nations of Latin America spoke out for the protection of the Bahá’ís, and many of these same nations voted in favor of United Nations resolutions condemning the persecutions. An outstanding diplomat from Venezuela was appointed Special Representative of the United Nations to investigate the situation in Iran.

The extraordinary statement by the Universal House of Justice to the peoples of the world, The Promise of World Peace, issued at the outset of the United Nations International Peace Year (1986), provided the Bahá’ís with an unparalleled opportunity for further proclamation to Heads of State, authorities, prominent persons, and people at all levels of society. National Assemblies presented the Peace Statement to Heads of State in almost every country in the Americas. Among the many positive responses was the moving and perceptive message addressed to the Universal House of Justice by the President of Colombia, Dr. Belizario Betancur, who wrote, ‘On United Nations Day your beautiful and noble publication came into my hands I share with you and with the entire world the hope for the peace to come . . . I thank you profoundly for having sent me a document of such great beauty, import and eloquence.’

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, heading the delegation representing the Bahá’í International Community, presented the Peace Statement to His Excellency Javier Perez de Cuellar, Secretary-General of the United Nations at the U.N. headquarters in New York City.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska literally covered that State with the Peace Statement. In response to the request of the Bahá’í's, the Governor proclaimed 1986 as the Year of Peace in Alaska, and the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court requested the Bahá’ís to make their presentation in court so that it would appear in the court record.

The President of the United States received

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In Jamaica, Dr. John Martin, the Custos of St. Andrew ( a Jamaican official), opens the annual

1;;

Convention of the Baha ZS of Jamaica. The event, held on 27 April 1985 in Kingston, marked the 25th anniversary year of the Jamaican National Spiritual Assembly.

the entire membership of the National Spiritual Assembly as special guests at a public ceremony commemorating Human Rights Week, citing forcefully the plight of the Bahá’ís of Iran. On the following day seven of the nine Justices of the United States Supreme Court personally received copies of the Peace Statement presented by the chairman and the treasurer of the National Assembly.

Other examples of large-scale proclamation resulting from the International Peace Year took place in Venezuela where there was wide use of announcements placed in public buses and posters showing Bahá’í concepts related to peace; and in Barranquilla, Colombia, where a highly successful public forum with representatives of five world religions speaking on ‘Religion, Source of Peace’ resulted in unprecedented local and national publicity in all types of media.

In Guyana, distribution of the Peace Statement to every member of the President’s Religious Advisory Committee in January 1986 inspired the Committee to hold the First National Inter-Religious Assembly. On April 13th in the National Cultural Center an overflow crowd of more than 5,000 people, rep resenting all the major religions of the country, heard President Hugh Desmond Hoyte interrupt his prepared speech and spontaneously express admiration for the efforts of the Bahá’ís to promote peace. He also praised the beautiful Bahá’í display which he had just seen in the foyer. Upon termination of the program hundreds flocked to the Bahá’í table to ask questions and receive literature.

Proclamation of the Faith through radio, television, and the press increased steadily in most countries. Chile was a unique example. Dramatic recordings of various selections from Hidden Words were played on the hour, all day every day for several months on twenty-eight radio stations throughout the country. The Bahá’í radio stations in Ecuador and Peru continued excellent proclamation as well as educational and cultural programs, and also provided other forms of community service. In 1984, Radio Bahá’í of Caracollo, Bolivia, was inaugurated, bringing to three the number of radio stations owned and operated by the Faith in South America. And on 23 March 1985, the voice of Hand of the Cause of God William Sears proclaimed, ‘This is WLGI, 90.9 megahertz, the voice of the Louis Gregory Institute.

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Bravo.’ Later that day official opening ceremonies were held at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina, for WLGI, the first Bahá’í radio station in North America. The keynote speaker for the event, which attracted 600 people, was the director of South Carolina’s Division of Rural Improvement who was introduced by the Mayor of Hemingway. Also in 1985 the National Spiritual Assembly of Chile obtained government approval and an assigned frequency for yet another Bahá’í radio station. Construction of buildings and transmission facilities was initiated. On 29 January 1986, the first broadcast on Radio Bahá’í, Panama, took place, bringing to five the number of Bahá’í radio stations in the Americas. Permission has been granted for gradual progress by Radio Bahá’í Panama towards a twelve-hour broadcast day.

On 21 October 1983, the Republic of Panama issued a postage stamp in its Libertad de Cultos (Freedom of Worship) series bearing the picture of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Panama. The other three stamps in the series show a synagogue, a Catholic church and a mosque, all historic sites in Panama.

Proclamation of the Faith through Bahá’í exhibits and booths at fairs and book festivals also proved highly successful in a number of countries. For example, at the Bahá’í booth in the International Book Fair of Cordoba, Argentina, tens of thousands of people received information and literature while hundreds heard detailed explanations of the Faith, purchased books, or enrolled in a Bahá’í correspondence course.

Expansion and Consolidation

Integration of expansion and consolidation activities was a primary objective during the period under review. The expansion-consolidation campaigns developed in Colombia were adapted successfully in several other countries, resulting in the enrollment of thousands of new believers, substantial increases in the numbers of Bahá’í families, local community activities, and classes for children and youth.

During 1985 and 1986, nineteen National Spiritual Assemblies in the Americas, in collaboration with the Continental Board of Counsellors, carried out in their respective countries the ‘We Cannot Fail Them’ teaching project,

dedicated to the beloved martyrs and persecuted Bahá’ís of Iran. Teams of local Bahá’í teachers, aided by experienced teachers from other countries, focused intensive efforts on expansion, deepening, and Bahá’í community life as they traveled from village to village, sometimes remaining in one village for two weeks or more before continuing on. The results were outstanding in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Guyana.

The nine courses of the first level of studies of the Ruhi Institute program of Colombia have been utilized successfully in several other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, having also been translated from Spanish into English and French. These courses focus not only on deepening the believers but confirming them in the service of the Cause. Work has begun on preparation of nine additional courses for the second level.

An active expansion and consolidation program in Uruguay brought excellent results. Energies of pioneers and traveling teachers were combined in many localities throughout the country, bringing about new enrollments, strong local communities and active Local Spiritual Assemblies.

The Association for Bahá’í Studies, under the aegis of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly, expanded its activities markedly during this period. Internationally known figures outside the Bahá’í community began to participate as speakers at its annual conferences, attracting the favorable attention of various academics. A textbook on the Faith was requested by the Association and was published by Harper & Row in 1984, The Bahd’z' Faiththe Emerging Global Religion by William S. Hatcher and J. Douglas Martin.

On 20 December 1983, the legislature of Newfoundland, Canada, recognized Bahá’í marriage, thereby completing the goal of recognition in every province and territory in Canada. This victory followed the visit of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum to the Province of Newfoundland in 1982. During the 1983 televised Christmas message of the Lieutenant-Governor, he spoke of the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

Youth In response to the inspiring call of the UniVersal House of Justice to youth to participate

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in the United Nations International Youth Year (1985) and to ‘move the world’, energetic youth activities attracted further attention to the Faith. International youth conferences were held throughout the continent which galvanized an increasing number of youth into action. A youth pilgrimage to the Holy Land from the United States in 1983 was such an outstanding success that it has become an annual event. And when the Universal House of Justice called for ‘youth year of service projects’, the National Spiritual Assemblies of Bolivia, Colombia, Panama, Paraguay, and the United States created the first series of projects, with youth from the five countries participating. The projects began with a program of study and training at the Ruhi Institute in Puerto Tejada, Colombia. This training at the start of projects is continuing. Youth from many countries of Latin America and North America come together for study of the Holy Writings followed by field experience in tutorial schools along with continued study and spiritual vitalization. Then they disperse for their year of service in various countries of Latin America.

Among the multitude of youth activities, a

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few outstanding events were the International Youth Conferences held in Anchorage, Alaska, in June, 1983; in London, Ontario, Canada, in August, 1984; in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., in July, 1985; and in Lima, Peru, in August, 1985. Almost 700 participants from twenty countries and twenty-four different Indian tribes and ethnic groups gathered in Anchorage; almost 2,000 youth from fifty-two nations met in London, blessed with the presence of three Hands of the Cause of God, Mr. ‘Ali-Akbar Furutan, Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqa and Mr. John Robarts; over 5,000 from forty—two countries attended the unique ‘triple conference’ for parents, youth and children in Columbus; most of Latin America was represented in Lima where public forums attracted hundreds of Peruvian youth to discuss Bahá’í perspectives on issues of the day. Again the beloved Hand Dr. ‘AliMuhammad Varqa was present, having traveled from Canada to participate in that important gathering. Counsellors Farzam Arbab and Athos Costas were also present.

A Bahá’í youth theatre troupe known as El T eatro de Pan y Paz (the Theatre of Bread and Peace) was established in Peru, affiliated with

In Dominica in 1985, Inuit Bahá’í' travelling teacher from the Northwest Territories of Canada, Miss Delores Springgay, fifth from left, visits the village of Salybia in the territory of the Carib people.

[Page 159]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT Bahá’í ACTIVITIES ~ 159

Radio Bahá’í in Puno. The group has been highly successful in proclamation and in promoting development among rural people. A border youth camp held during school holidays at the border between Suriname and Guyana has become an annual event usually attended by nearly one hundred youth, followed by an exchange of traveling teachers between the two countries for teaching projects in the border area.

Indigenous Teaching

Following the highly successful first phase of Camino del Sol (Trail of Light), in which indigenous believers from North America traveled through Central and South America in a program of teaching and cultural exchange, the Continental Board of Counsellors and several National Spiritual Assemblies in the Americas again collaborated in launching the second major phase of this important project. This time indigenous Bahá’ís from several countries of Central and South America formed three teams which traveled extensively in Central America, the United States, Canada and as far north as Alaska, blazing a path of love, spirituality, excitement, and humor.

After these two initial phases involving largescale movement north and south, ‘Trail of Light’ was next focused on projects within national areas or on international exchanges with indigenous believers travelling to nearby countries, forming teaching teams with indigenous believers of those countries. These included movements from Costa Rica and Panama to Mexico, from Argentina to Chile, and activities in Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. The effect was outstanding in cities and towns as well as in rural areas.

Bringing the Faith to new tribes of Latin America is a continuing objective. A unique achievement in 1985 was the arrival of a ‘Trail of Light’ team of indigenous Bahá’í teachers from Panama, Colombia and Venezuela in the remote town of Nabusimaque, the ancient capital of the Arhuaco tribe in the mountains of northern Colombia. Although this tribe has tried to isolate itself from outside influences, the traditional leaders warmly welcomed both the Bahá’í teachings and the cultural exchange between tribes, and eagerly invited the indigenous Bahá’ís to return. During a subsequent visit the first Arhuaco believers were enrolled.

On 9 July 1983, the Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts joined Mr. Johnny Johns, an elder of the Tlingit Tribe, in turning the sod at the dedication of the National Teaching Institute in the Yukon Territory of Canada. One year later, on 9 July 1984, close to five hundred people gathered for the dedication of the newly completed Yukon Bahá’í Institute. Present were the Hands of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqa, and John Robarts Mr. Johns and other native elders, the Territorial Commissioner, the Mayor of Whitehorse, and executive members of the Council for Yukon Indians.

The Hands of the Cause of God

The hemisphere was blessed in having six Hands of the Cause resident there and by three others visiting for long periods during the years being surveyed. Their continual outpouring of loving guidance combined with their urgent calls to arise were powerful agents assuring the accomplishment of the Seven Year Plan goals. Mr. William Sears and Mr. John Robarts were continually involved in assisting the Canadian community, and Mr. Dhikru’lláh Khádem and Mr. Sears proved tireless in not only urging the believers of the United States to accomplish their goals but in traveling themselves continually throughout the country lending their assistance to the friends directly. Advancing age and failing health‘ did not deter these standard-bearers from fulfilling the mission assigned to them by the beloved Guardian.

After more than seventy years of ‘uninterrupted dedicated service’, the Hand of the Cause of God §hu‘a‘ú’llah ‘Ala’i passed away in Arizona, U.S.A., on 17 November 1984. His presence in the southwest of the United States during the last years of his life had added a special blessing to the entire hemisphere.

An outstanding event for Latin America was an extensive visit in the early months of 1984 by the Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone, accompanied by his wife, Madge. Mr. Featherstone untiringly promoted the Cause from Chile to Panama and on the islands of the Caribbean through personal interviews with authorities, including the President of Trinidad and Tobago, the President of Suriname, and the Governor-General of Barbados, on the radio and television and in the press,

[Page 160]160 THE BAHA

as well as at receptions and dinner parties for dignitaries and prominent persons. He met with hundreds of believers at meetings, institutes, conferences and schools.

Another major inspiration for South America was the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum at the International Teaching Conference held in January, 1985, in Manaus, capital of the State of Amazonas in northern Brazil. Her talks, filled with perception and Wisdom, inspired the hundreds who attended them. From this conference, she journeyed to Bahia State, in eastern Brazil, to participate in a historic conference with chiefs

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and leaders of indigenous tribes of the region. Later on, she visited Panama and laid the cornerstone of the Guyami Institute in Solay, Chiríqui Province.

An increasingly powerful and effective spirit of co-operation developed between and among the many agencies of the Faith during this period, adding to an already firm foundation of mutual support, and offering a glimpse of the possibilities for future cooperative activities. A significant understanding of the process of inter-agency consultation and dependency helped create the spiritual environment for most of the victories.

In Canada, the ‘Two Wings Conference’ brought over 450 young Bahá’í's to Toronto in February 1986 to discuss the equality of men and women.

I)!

In Guyana, a Regional Baha 1 Children ’s Conference brought 200 children from 25 communities to the National Haz_'z'ratu’l-Quds in Georgetown in 1984.

[Page 161]r);

In Nepal, the first national Baha 1 Youth Conference was held in October 1985 and was attencied by about 120 Bahá’ís from 10 districts.

C. ASIA

ASIA is the continent where some of the greatest achievements of the Cause of God were recorded in the period under review. Many of the developments in teaching, proclamation, and the emergence of the Faith from obscurity were the direct results of the sacrificial services of the dearly-loved believers in Iran. It is the steadfastness and sacrifices of these. heroic souls which brought the Cause before the attention of the world and its highest consultative forums. Every community can only confirm its great indebtedness to the national Bahá’í community of Iran, whose National Spiritual Assembly was disbanded, and all of whose institutions were dissolved by order of the Government of that country in the autumn of 1983.

Proclamation, Public Relations and the Media During the three years being surveyed, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia continued frequent radio broadcasts directly about the teachings of the Faith. Sarawak in East Malaysia had regular radio broadcasts in the English, Chinese and Iban languages; these had commenced in 1969. The Philippines started frequent radio broadcasts in Mindanao, Cebu and

.Iloilo. Thailand, too, commenced broadcasts

on Bahá’í Holy Days in Chieng Mai and Yasothon.

In almost all countries in Asia newspapers and magazines mentioned the Faith on occasions too numerous to recount. The most common subject was the persecution of the friends in Iran. In addition, the believers have taken many opportunities to proclaim the Cause.

Sri Lanka had the area distinction of obtaining the maximum publicity for World Religion Day when the Government of Sri Lanka issued a special postal stamp to commemorate this day. The stamp had as part of its design, the symbols of all the major religions including the Bahá’í Faith. The Government of Sri Lanka also proclaimed World Religion Day, the third Sunday in January, as an annual national event.

The Universal House of Justice announced in 1985 the establishment of a regional office of the Bahá’í International Community to be aifiliated with the Economic and Social Com: mission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand. The Bahá’í community has participated in the activities of ESCAP for

[Page 162]162 THE BAHA

several years and became an officially recognized body with other NGOs there. In 1985 and 1986, Bahá’í delegations officially submitted papers for consideration by other delegates.

The Government of Pakistan officially listed the Bahá’í Faith as a non-Muslim minority, thus greatly promoting recognition of the independent character of the Faith.

In Malaysia and Singapore, the Government accepted Bahá’ís as assistant registrars of marriage and gave legal recognition to Bahá’í marriages.

India, Malaysia and Taiwan showed a marked increase in the number of publications put out by their Publishing Trusts. Taiwan, especially, produced Chinese publications of superb quality. Words of God was translated into almost all the major languages of Asia and large numbers of this prayer book were distributed among the believers.

Expansion and Consolidation

A new National Spiritual Assembly was established in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands were opened during the Ten Year Crusade, and for many years the community was lovingly served by the National

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Spiritual Assembly of India. In 1984, the Universal House of Justice announced the establishment of the new Assembly. This community saw an increase in the total number of Local Spiritual Assemblies from 6 to 25, an increase of 317 per cent.

Another dramatic increase in Local Spiritual Assemblies was in Bangladesh which went from 40 to 200: 400 per cent. In Nepal the increase was from 20 to 40: 100 per cent.

Asia also formed the largest number of Local Spiritual Assemblies: 17,504, which was 53 per cent of the world’s total.

The number of children’s classes grew from 394 to 1,361, an increase of 245 per cent during the Seven Year Plan.

India

The continuing vast increase of the Bahá’í community in India required administrative response to meet its challenges. The Universal House of Justice permitted the establishment of appointed State Teaching committees which later evolved into elected State Bahá’í Councils. These Bahá’í Councils were institutions unique to India. Their membership, nine in number, is elected by the members of the Local Spiritual

In Burma, a Ba/ia z children’s class in Daidenaw was photographed in February 1985.

[Page 163]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT BAHIX

In Hong Kong, a group

of Bahá’í youth, one disguised as ‘Mr. Tree’, visited a children ’s hospital in August 1985 and handed out seedlings for the children to plant.

I ACTIVITIES 163

In India, in 1985, a

group of Bahá’í' musicians and entertainers based at New Era School in Panchgani travelled around the country teaching the

Faith.

In Laos, members of

the National Youth and Children ’s Committee are seen meeting in Vientiane in October 1983.

[Page 164]164 THE Bahá’í WORLD

Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of each State from the entire membership of the State, and the election is confirmed by the National Spiritual Assembly in the same way as it confirms Local Assembly elections. The State Bahá’í Councils, in addition to carrying out the policies of the National Spiritual Assembly, also take initiative for the promotion of the Faith in their States and carry out their own decisions within the area of authority vested in them by the National Assembly. They have the authority to deal with administrative matters within the

' State, including the appointment of State Com mittees for teaching, publishing and other functions. They supervise, on behalf of the National Assembly, the smooth and eificient execution of the plans for each State.

Reports trickled in from village communities of social changes taking place. A Bahá’í peasant farmer wrote that on the marriage of his son, he refused to take dowry from the bride, as it was contrary to Bahá’í teachings, and instead took advantage of the gathering of the bridal party to teach the Cause, emphasizing the principle of the equality of the sexes. Another report came in of a Local Spiritual Assembly being so respected in a village, even by the non-Bahá’ís, that two feuding groups came to the Assembly for mediation, promising to abide by their decisions. The quarrel was resolved amicably and the parties decided to live together in peace.

Mother Temple of the Indian Sub-continent

Progress continued on the building of the Mother Temple of India. An international seminar for pre-stressed concrete was held in New Delhi in 1986, and the Temple was chosen as the best example for practical study. Its novel design and unique architectural and constructional features received universally favorable comments from visiting professional and public figures from all parts of the world. Believers from many countries came forward to offer their contributions-to ensure the completion of the work. The innumerable problems of labour relations and utilization, building materials and techniques, and design detail were gradually and successfully overcome, mainly through the unstinting and dedicated labors of Mr. Fariburz Sahba, the architect.

Chinese Teaching The Chinese people are most simple-hearted

and truth-seeking . . . Truly I say the Chinese are free from any deceit and hypocrisies and are prompted by ideal motives, said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. One quarter of the world’s population is of the Chinese race. The Universal House of Justice stresses the importance at this time of teaching people of Chinese origin wherever they may reside. Thirty—four countries outside the mainland of China have formed Chinese Teaching Committees with this objective. Bahá’ís have organized communities in Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. They are active in teaching among the Chinese locally and in sending traveling teachers to other countries.

Academe The Thai Bahá’í Community arranged to have a course of Bahá’í Studies organized and included in its curriculum by Mahidol University in Bangkok. The University authorities also authorized a textbook on the Faith to be prepared for use of the graduate students. Bahá’í scholarship was further promoted by the Bahá’í Academy in Panchgani, India. This institute has been operating for many years and conducts in-depth studies of the Holy Writings. Malaysia also initiated Academy Courses in 1985 to follow the pattern evolved in India and other countries. This activity was entrusted by the Spiritual Assembly to a special task force. Operating from the Balakong premises, this task force will surely continue to play a significant role in the consolidation of the Faith in that country. An ‘Open University’ concept of correspondence education in various subjects of the Faith was developed by this task force. Singapore successfully pursued teaching activities in senior secondary schools in Singapore and at Singapore University.

Refugees

Large numbers of refugees from lndochinese countries sought shelter in Thailand. Many thousands of Laotians, Kampucheans, Vietnamese and Chinese were residing in temporary camps there. Within two years, more than six thousand enrolled in the Cause of God. Some were given asylum in other countries, but many remained confined to camps. Their progress there in organizing classes open to all and offering their services to the camp authorities earned the friendly approval of the United Nations

[Page 165]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT BAHA’I ACTIVITIES

High Commission for Refugees. A number of Local Spiritual Assemblies have been formed in these communities.

The Philippines followed a similar pattern by having Bahá’í communities established in Bataan, where a transit camp for refugees was based. Hong Kong also had an influx of Vietnamese ‘boat people’, as such refugees are often termed. The Hong Kong community associated

165

with these refugees in open and closed camps, and they helped visiting Bahá’ís to go to these camps. Many of the refugees were Bahá’ís from Vietnam who had fled that country.

Iranian Bahá’í refugees sought shelter in Pakistan, escaping from the religious persecution in their native land. They were confined to camps, and the Supreme Body lovingly assisted with their care.

D. AUSTRALASIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS

Overview

The dedication of the Mother Temple of the Pacific in the midmost heart of the Pacific Ocean; the extraordinary respect accorded by His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, the first reigning monarch to accept the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, in welcoming to the shores of Samoa the representative of the Universal House of Justice, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; the historic and arduous journey of Amatu’l-Bahá through some fifteen island territories of the vast Pacific Ocean and through the rivers and mountains of Papua New Guinea; the organic growth of the Faith towards maturity through the objectives of the Seven Year Plan, which raised the number of localities to approximately 3,000; the excitement and the joy generated throughout the region by the historic message of the Universal House of Justice, The Promise of World Peace; the unprecedented success and recognition derived from the Peace Exposition so effectively organized in the shadow of the House of Worship, in Sydney, Australia; the marked participation of Bahá’í youth and Bahá’í women in the affairs of the Faith; the establishment of machinery for the advancement of social and economic development; the closer ties of the International Bahá’í Community with the work of the South Pacific Commission; the initiatives taken by the Bahá’í communities, and the historic actions taken by several governments in support of the persecuted Bahá’ís of Iran—these mark the highlights of the three-year period, ending at Riḍván 1986, in the vast, receptive zone of Australasia, the great ‘water hemisphere’ claspin g to its heart the many islands of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.

House of Worship Dedication

Activities associated with the dedication of the House of Worship in Western Samoa at the end of August 1984 generated a wave of visits by Hands of the Cause and Counsellors as well as movements of pioneers and traveling teachers through the many island communities. These followed and amplified the activities resulting from the International Conference in Canberra in 1982. Not only in Samoa but in most of the countries visited by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone audiences with Heads of State occurred, such as that with King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, his brother, and the Prime Minister in Tonga. Much media interest arose, and relations with civil administrations were cemented.

Proclamation, Public Relations and the Media Within a little over one year the promulgation of the Peace Message from the Supreme Body to the peoples of the world vastly accelerated contacts with leaders, authorities, judiciaries and many organizations. In the Mariana Islands the Legislature of Guam passed a resolution of tribute to the Bahá’í initiative, dispatching copies to the President of the United States of America, to the Secretary General of the United Nations, to the Pacific Governors’ Council, and to the Association of Legislatures. The President of the Marshall Islands responded favorably and directly to the Universal House of Justice. In the Cook Islands the Prime Minister, Sir Thomas Davis, expressed his wish, later fulfilled, to visit the Holy Land to consult with the House of Justice. The Grand Chief of Noumea, New Caledonia, requested a special meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly, while in Australia the

[Page 166]In the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Sir Thomas Davis, KBE, (centre) and Minister for Internal Aflairs Dr. T eariki Matenga (left) receive Dr. Hamid Farabi, Ba/1a’z' travelling teacher from Trinidad on the occasion of Dr. Farabi’s visit to Rarotonga in 1984.

National Director of the International Year of Peace stated publicly that ‘The Bahá’ís have given vision to the Peace Movement.’ In Papua New Guinea, the entire text of The Promise of World Peace was published in six installments in consecutive editions of a national newspaper. Support for the persecuted friends in Iran continued to require frequent contacts with governments, which have, in general, been both sympathetic and active within the United Nations organization and its agencies. Some l,500 Iranian believers reached Australia between 1983 and 1986, and the civil administration continued to be generous in its social services. The national Bahá’í community has been deeply involved with their resettlement. New Zealand was starting to accept such immigrants at a significant rate. Many other states made positive representations, notably the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, who wrote directly to the Prime Minister of Iran. Generally relations with the media showed

rapid and increasingly spontaneous development, as the Faith was emerging as a vibrant and significant source of ideas and action. Many communities had regular free time-slots on radio stations, often government-owned, with others paying for regular television announce ments. Newspapers requested interviews and information as a matter of routine reaction to what was now seen as newsworthy material.

Teaching and Consolidation

Two features of the teaching and consolidation efforts throughout the Region were the increased participation by indigenous believers, in both their own and nearby communities, and the strengthening relationship between the two arms of the administrative order. In Papua New Guinea, which had the largest Bahá’í population in Australasia, the rapid expansion was greatly assisted by the friends from Malaysia, while Papua New Guinean friends helped in northern Australia, Tongans in Micronesia, and Maoris from New Zealand in the Cook Islands. Many members of the Auxiliary Boards for Propagation and Protection of the Faith were appointed from among the indigenous believers. They, in turn, worked closely with the National Spiritual Assemblies and national committees to train office-bearers, convention delegates, and traveling teachers. The functioning of Spiritual Assemblies and all aspects of their administration benefited greatly from this close cooperation. In most countries it was vitally

[Page 167]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT BAHA’I ACTIVITIES

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[Page 168]168

necessary for consolidation to be effected in order to enable the communities to cope with a massive increase in the enrollment of new believers. The teaching work was given frequent injections of inspiration and encouragement through the visits of many friends en route to and from the Samoan Temple dedication, and some notable results occurred. In the Solomon Islands, for example, the hitherto pagan areas of East and West Kwaio, which have long resisted the efforts of missionaries, were opened to the Faith. A community meeting house

'(maneaba) was constructed near the office of

the National Spiritual Assembly in Kiribati at considerable sacrifice by the believers.

French Polynesia, which had been under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly of New Caledonia, was transferred to the newlyelected National Assembly of the Cook Islands at Riḍván 1985. This was providential in View of the political unrest in New Caledonia.

Also in 1985, two other new National Spiritual Assemblies were formed, that of the Eastern Caroline Islands, with its seat in Pohnpei, and that of the Western Caroline Islands, with its seat in Yap. This brought to seventeen the number of ‘pillars’ of the Universal House of Justice in this region.

W.

’ at

In Hawaii, a group of Baha

THE BAHA

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Youth

Bahá’í youth rapidly and very effectively came to the fore in Australasia. Much inspiration was derived from the International Youth Conference in August 1985 on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, which received excellent recognition by civic leaders. Many of the pioneers and traveling teachers were youth. In Vanuatu, when the Bahá’ís were invited to participate in a conference during the International Year of Peace, a youth was chosen to represent the Faith. One youth conference there was sponsored by the Bahá’ís, and a youth wrote a special song for the occasion. Much of the enthusiasm, inspiration, and effort called forth by the Peace Exposition at the House of Worship in Sydney early in 1986 was manifested through the many youth who worked as members of the various committees.

Women

The United Nations International Decade of Women was supported by the Bahá’í communities, which gained recognition and continuing requests for co-operation from both governmental and non-governmental organisations with similar objectives. In many national administrations women played vital

asst

’z's gather with Counsellor Ben Ayala (standing Second from right) in 1986.

[Page 169]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT BAHA’I ACTIVITIES 169

roles, and more and more indigenous women were elected to both National and Local Assemblies. In Tonga a Women’s Day luncheon achieved strong civic participation and unprecedented publicity, while in the Solomon Islands the Bahá’í Women’s Committee worked closely with the official National Women’s Committee.

Social and Economic Development

Another area of Bahá’í activity, which grew rapidly as communities matured and gained confidence from their contacts with civil governments, was that of social and economic development. The projects ranged from running schools, often including local non-Bahá’í participation, to the growing of vanilla and sweet potatoes in Tonga, to initiation of social services such as youth centers and drug edu cation programs, to providing alternative life-style or farming seminars and workshops. The number of projects in Fiji increased from four to twelve in the three-year period. By 1986, seven projects were operating in Vanuatu.

Literature

The Fiji Publishing Trust prepared two items for printing, and twenty-six others were in various stages of development. The first translation of a compilation from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh was completed, and 2,000 copies were printed. Tapes of the translation in the Hindi language were distributed among the communities.

Through a joint editorial board, New Zealand and Australia recommenced publication of the quarterly magazine Herald of the South.

E. EUROPE

EUROPE is a relatively small continent; consequently, many statements about it are true of several countries rather than one only, and in the Bahá’í Faith what happens in one national community is paralleled in a number of others. It is easier therefore to talk about different kinds of development rather than about individual countries.

For several years there were nineteen

. National Spiritual Assemblies in western Eur ope, But in 1984 the twentieth was added with the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Canary Islands, where the community had been steadily growing.

During the three years of this review the European communities have had many visitors from other parts of the world. Most precious have been visits by the Hands of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, ‘Ali-Akbar Furutan, John Robarts, and by Dr. Ugo Giachery, the only Hand of the Cause resident in Europe who, despite his advanced years and delicate health, gave outstanding support through his many letters of encouragement, and his travels, especially to Scandinavia for which he had a deep atfection.

Proclamation, Public Relations and the Media The growth of public awareness of the Bahá’í

Faith in Western Europe continued in the three

years of this review. Mostly due to the outrage

and sympathy felt everywhere about the cruel persecution of the Bahá’ís of Iran, to whom we owe unending and boundless gratitude for their sacrifices, the Faith attracted a good deal of attention, and this was perhaps the most significant development of the Bahá’í community.

The news from Iran continued to be distressing, and both Bahá’ís and the public were shocked as each new announcement of further executions was made. Bahá’í Assemblies brought the situation again and again to the attention of their governments, members of national parliaments, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. The response of all these official bodies was good and, besides these diplomatic approaches, speeches were made and resolutions passed calling on the Iranian Government to respect the human rights of their Bahá’í citizens. Especially interesting was the occasion in the British House of Commons, when both a speaker and the member of the Government who replied, acknowledged the Faith as an independent world religion. Good press articles followed. Not only the National Assemblies but also Local Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís continued to take energetic action, calling the plight of the Iranian Bahá’ís to the notice of provincial, regional and local officials, members of parliaments and councils, universities, newspapers, and humanitarian organizations.

[Page 170]In Austria, President Rudolf Kirc/rsclzléiger (second from left) receives a delegation from the National Spiritual Assembly in the Hofburg in 1984.

In Germany, after the first broadcast concerning the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran, non-Bahá’í villagers of Langenhain spontaneously went to the House of Worship and prayed for the relief of the Iranian Bahá’ís.

Public notice of the Faith having grown so extensively, the Bahá’ís both nationally and locally seized their opportunities and endeavored to keep the attention of the public alive. Co-operation with other religions, celebration of United Nations’ special days, contacts with schools, public meetings and concerts, planting of commemorative trees—all were pursued with enthusiasm.

Certainly the Faith was treated with more seriousness and respect everywhere by the many organizations both religious and humanitarian. Invitations now came, both nationally and locally, to take part in a considerable number of functions: conferences, seminars and meetings, United Nations activities, peace campaigns, and help for the starving in the Third World, to name a few. Sympathetic non-Bahá’ís also took part in events organized by the Bahá’ís. Collaboration with other religious bodies increased, and the Faith was invited to be represented at various joint religious gatherings, perhaps the most prestigious being several in London in, or connected with, Westminster Abbey, as well as one in the Roman Catholic

Westminster Cathedral. Also noteworthy was the offer by a high official of the Church of Scotland for the Bahá’ís to hold one of their functions in the Church Assembly Hall in Edinburgh; as a result, a large Peace Conference was held there on World Religion Day in January 1986.

A course on the Bahá’í Faith was given in the faculty of Comparative Religion at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. A Naw-Rúz party in Ponta Delgada, Azores, with 140 participants, was shown on television. There was periodic mention of the Faith on the radio, including the BBC World Service, and even special programs on television. A special event was the production by the BBC of a fortyminute-long documentary in their ‘Everyman’ series, made with the collaboration of Bahá’ís in several countries, especially at the World Centre. This was not only seen by many millions but was marketed overseas, and an abridged version was shown in Canada and in Austria. This may well have been the most extensive proclamation of the Faith thus far.

Another event of importance was the ‘Band Aid’ campaign instituted by the pop singer, Bob Geldof, to aid the starving in Africa. Bahá’ís helped to collect money and also helped in the collection of a large stock of non-perishable foods, tins, and dry goods. The collection by

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the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom proved to be the largest amount from a single organization.

For the first time the Bahá’ís on the Cote d’Azur between Nice and Marseille participated in the flower parade with a float, which was highly praised by the Mayors of Cavalaire and Sainte-Maxine.

United Nations International Year of Peace

The announcement of this special year was given a heartfelt welcome by the Bahá’í community as being a vital step on the path towards the harmony of the human race within the pattern proclaimed by the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

The impressive statement prepared by the Universal House of Justice entitled The Promise of World Peace was received with tremendous enthusiasm by the European Bahá’ís. They derived great inspiration and understanding from it, and it has been the subject of close examination at many schools, at seminars, and in study courses.

But this message was addressed to all the people of the world, and the European Bahá’ís immediately set themselves to make it as widely known as possible. Every national community made arrangements to insure its presentation on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, in the special form provided by the Supreme Body, to all Heads of State in western Europe: kings, queens, and presidents. It was translated into all the principal European languages, as well as some less widely used such as Faroese, Greenlandic, and Irish, and was distributed to every possible quarter: to leaders of Government and of the various religious bodies, those prominent in education and the leading people in all the organizations involved in the welfare of the human race. Furthermore, the local Bahá’í communities acted with similar energy and presented copies of the statement to provincial, regional and local government and other officials, to religious bodies, universities, schools and to all the organizations working at the local level for the good of humanity.

With an audience of 2,500 listeners a proclamation concert of many choral groups involving 650 singers took place in Sundsvall, Sweden, a goal city, assisted by the United Nations Club. It had been preceded by a drawing contest among fifty school classes on the theme ‘The Earth is but One Country’.

l7l

The statement was, moreover, of great significance in publicity for the Faith, becoming the subject of public meetings and media articles. It provided a resounding answer to the comment sometimes received: ‘I thought the Bahá’ís were just people being persecuted in Iran.’ Now there was overwhelming proof that the Bahá’ís are everywhere and that the Faith offers something of the greatest importance to the whole of mankind. The Captains Regent of San Marino received the Peace Statement with great respect for the Faith. The event was officially filmed and shown on television the same day.

Teaching and Consolidation

Teaching activity, of course, continued everywhere with increased intensity in these three years which formed the last phase of the Seven Year Plan, and the energy was mainly directed towards the goals of the Plan. This involved not only the customary local teaching functions but also a wide and busy circulation of traveling teachers, some able to visit extensively in their own countries and some able to visit other countries.

The majority of the national communities won their goals for the formation of new Local Spiritual Assemblies and the establishment of Bahá’ís in new localities. However, though many pioneers went from Europe to the other continents, some of the overseas goals could not be completed, due to various difficulties and adverse conditions.

Especially noteworthy was the formation of a Local Spiritual Assembly in the little principality of Liechtenstein and also a Local Spiritual Assembly at Tromso in the far north of Norway some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle.

The first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed in Portoferraio on the island of Elba, Italy where Napoleon had been exiled in 1813. Also, the first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed in Rovaniemi, Finland on the Arctic Circle, ‘the Gate to Lapland’ as it is called.

The establishment and reinforcement of many Local Spiritual Assemblies owed a debt of gratitude to the Iranian believers who had come to Europe as refugees from persecution in their home country. These friends settled all over western Europe and gave most welcome help not only by adding to numbers but also through the influence of their special qualities.

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In Finland, the

first Local Spiritual Assembly of Rovaniemi was formed on 9 Mar'cl2 1985.

In France, the

National Hazlratu ’l- Quds in Paris is near the area in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed during His historic visit

to that city.

In Germany,

Bahá’í youth in the Frankfurt area formed a football club in 1983.

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The National Spiritual Assembly of Austria deserves special praise for its care and support of many of these refugees while they waited in that country until entry to their countries of final destination could be arranged.

The community in Denmark had great satisfaction in its efforts to help in Greenland, where it was entrusted with assisting the responsible National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. Especially in the last year of this period there was a very satisfactory increase in the number of new believers there. Greenland now has two Local Spiritual Assemblies, the beginnings of a foundation for the formation of a National Spiritual Assembly of its own.

The development of border teaching progressed well. The various countries of Europe touch each other at so many points, and a sharing relationship in teaching the Faith has grown up among the Scandinavian countries, along the long border between the Netherlands and Germany, and across Germany’s other borders with Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria. France worked with adjacent countries and so did Switzerland. The North Sea Border Conferences, which rotate among the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, continued very successfully. Norway, Sweden, and Finland operated a joint committee to work among the ethnic minority of the Same (Lapps).

There was good work done among the Romani in the south of Spain where two Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed, mostly of Romani. Many of the Romani traveled to other European countries during the summers.

Summer/ Winter Schools

Summer schools continued to be held regularly in every Bahá’í national community in Europe; indeed, some countries held several in diiferent areas. Winter schools and some spring schools took place in a number of countries. Attendances were large and enthusiastic. There were also some special summer schools for children, as well as some youth camps, notably in Iceland and Norway.

Youth

Youth activity continued and increased in this period. In the summer of 1983 an international youth conference, sponsored by the European Board of Counsellors, was held at Innsbruck, Austria, and attracted much eager partici pation, about 1,500 being present. The conference was honored by the presence of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, which made it a very special event for the youth. It gave a great impetus to the youth work in Europe. Those who attended were deeply inspired and passed their feelings on when they returned home. Many undertook immediate spells of traveling teaching. In all three years there were national youth conferences, together with other special events for youth such as youth camps. The youth taught actively wherever they were living, and this was especially true of the university and college students. In some countries special magazines for youth were produced; in others a section was reserved for youth in the national newsletter.

An attempt in one country to reach teenagers still at school by distributing packs of material about Human Rights to all secondary schools, with an ofi”er to comeand give further information if desired, achieved a good response.

1985 was declared by the United Nations to be the International Year of Youth, and Bahá’í youth everywhere in western Europe made special efforts to increase their relationships with other organizations working in the same sphere. In many areas committees were formed to promote the International Year of Youth, and often these had Bahá’í members. All through the year there were special activities: conferences, public meetings, concerts, approaches to schools, special pamphlets. Youth also made special efforts to take part in social and charitable projects; for example, in Greece they visited homes for the aged, and orphanages.

To commemorate the Year of Youth, an international youth conference, again sponsored by the European Board of Counsellors, was held in July 1985 at Antwerp, Belgium. About 1,200 were present and returned home refreshed and inspired by a very stimulating experience.

Children

Bahá’ís in Europe were now taking the Bahá’í education of their children with increasing seriousness. In almost every local community where there were even a few children, classes were held, and in Germany and Denmark there were special conferences for children. At large functions there were almost always special

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In Austria, an international youth conference in Innsbruck in July 1983 was attended by about

IJr

1,500 Baha IS

arrangements for the care of the children with studies and activities for them, and at the same time classes for parents and teachers of children’s classes. Books for various age-groups were being published in a number of languages, and Denmark produced a special prayer book for children and gave a copy to every Bahá’í child in its community. Many of the national newsletters had a special section for children, and study outlines and advice were provided for those working with them. The Thomas Breakwell School in London, which is becoming well known, was started in October 1984. It provides classes every Sunday for children from five to fifteen years from a wide area, and has become a model for similar efforts in other parts of the country.

Women

This period saw the end of the United Nations sponsored Decade of Women. Women continued to play a large part in Bahá’í activities both national and local and participated in non-Bahá’í events, such as radio talks expressing the Bahá’í point of view.

Publishing

As in the past, in most European countries, translations were made into the various languages, so that each community was able to

/9:

build up a wider range of Bahai literature.

from 40 coun tries.

France took the necessary steps for translation of The Dawn-Breakers and for republication of the Kitab-i-Iiqan by the Presses Universitaires de France; the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in Belgium published the French translation of Selections from the Writings of the Báb. The German Bahá’í Publishing Trust continued its activities, and a special committee worked on the publication of literature in Persian and Arabic. Several original works about the Faith in German also appeared. The periodical Bahá’í Briefe, suspended for a long time, made a welcome reappearance. Iceland produced several Icelandic translations and one original work. They also produced an introductory book in Faroese. Italy, Greece, and the Scandinavian countries continued to bring out new books and reprints. The Netherlands published a number of translations in Dutch and one in Frisian, or Friesich, the language of Friesland. Among the more unusual languages of Europe, translations were made into Same and Romansch. The United Kingdom Publishing Trust continued its work of producing new books and reprinting those out of stock, and the independent publisher George Ronald also provided a steady flow of books related to the Faith. Books with themes of interest to Bahá’ís, or related directly or indirectly to the Faith, were also published by New Era Press (later One [Page 175]INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF CURRENT BAHA’I ACTIVITIES

World Press), which was established on Cyprus in 1984, and by Horizonte Verlag, which became active in 1984~85, first in Austria and then in Rosenheim, Germany, and in Luxembourg.

Properties

The number of properties owned and used by the Faith in the various countries continued to grow. The National Spiritual Assembly of France settled into a handsome, new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in a select part of Paris, and the French community acquired two regional Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, in Nice and Strasbourg. The Republic of Ireland, already based in its larger and more dignified Ḥaẓíratu’l~Quds in Dublin, acquired a local building in each of the four Provinces. The United Kingdom acquired nine local buildings distributed over England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Even the small community in Iceland came into possession of three local properties.

In Germany, energy was devoted to restoration work on the Mother Temple of Europe at Langenhain, and also to the preparation of plans for one of its dependencies, a home for

175

the aged. There was a special gathering in the Temple on l3 September 1984 to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of its inauguration.

In Switzerland, there was a very special event when their lovely, new conference center at Landegg in the east of the country was inaugurated on 4—5 June 1983. This is a large property in beautiful surroundings overlooking Lake Constance (Bodensee). Bahá’ís from fourteen countries as well as prominent local non-Bahá’ís were present at the inauguration. The premises were soon in continual use for summer and winter schools, weekend and week—long courses, and seminars in several languages, which attracted visitors from the adjacent countries and even from further afield.

The Netherlands community acquired a fine property which, when restoration is completed, will provide premises not only for summer and winter schools but, since this is a small community, also conventions, conferences, and other national gatherings. It is situated in the forested eastern part of Holland on lovely grounds which also provide a very good camping site.

In the United Kingdom, one of London ’s distinctive, red double-decker buses in the Borough of Newham carries a banner reading ‘The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens’. The Local Assembly of Newham placed the banner as part of an anti-racism campaign in the area in 1985.

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One of a spray of roses moulded from dough by a Bahd’z' woman prisoner as a gift for her husband to commemorate their wedding anniversary which occurred during their term of imprisonment. The woman mixed the dough from her ration of bread and water. Subsequently, the floral arrangement was coloured and framed and presented to the Universal House of Justice.