Bahá’í World/Volume 19/The Hands of the Cause of God

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THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 473

2. THE WORK AND TRAVELS OF THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE

THE Hands of the Cause of God, freed in 1968 of administrative duties, were able increasingly to devote their efforts to serving as standard-bearers for the Bahá’ís of the world in support of the teaching activities launched by National Spiritual Assemblies and other institutions of the Bahá’í Faith.

During the course of the Seven Year Plan, no less than in the teaching plans that preceded it, these remarkable individuals have been fonts of inspiration, encouragement and reinforcement. Their contribution to the achievement of the goals and the influence of their example upon the Bahá’í friends takes effect on numerous levels, both manifest and intangible. Their universal services in protecting the Cause of God; in proclaiming its truths; in deepening the knowledge of its adherents; in galvanizing the rank and file to greater heights of accomplishment; in awakening to an appreciation of the Bahá’í Cause a large segment of the public, often uninformed of its true nature and its relevance to the spiritual and social perils confronting society; and in presenting Bahá’í literature to Heads of State and others in authority, have continued unabated.

Not alone through their travels, but also through their consultation, their presence at gatherings large and small, including inaugural

Conventions of new National Spiritual Assemblies and the annual Conventions of established national communities, their correspondence, their writings and addresses, their association with Bahá’í pilgrims and their interaction with Bahá’ís in the field, often in farflung and remote areas, they have . . . dz‘flused widely the Divine Fragrances, declared H is proofs, proclaimed His Faith, published abroad His Law, detached themselves from all things but Him, stood for righteousness in this world, and kindled the Fire of the Love of God in the very hearts and souls of His servants. . .

In the period covered by this volume of The Bahd’z' World, the years 140, 141 and 142 of the Bahá’í Era, (21 April 1983 to 20 April 1986), the Bahá’í community was robbed of the services of the Hand of the Cause shu‘a‘u’llah ‘Ala’i Who passed away 16 November 1984, on his ninetysixth birthday.

Although these pages lack scope to chronicle the full range of the services of the Handssome frail or in ill health but of undiminished spiritual power let the following excerpts culled from Bahá’í International News Service bulletins, and other sources, suggest in brief outline some of their major travels as well as a few of their other activities which are less amenable to documentation.

1983

April

Bangladesh: Bahá’í books were recently presented to libraries, newspaper editors and notables T hief in the Night by the Hand of the Cause William Sears was given to

three libraries (From report received June 1983)

T aiwan : The National Spiritual Assembly has announced the publication of the translation into Chinese of Release the Sun by the Hand of the Cause William Sears. (From report received April 1983)

May

Canada: On returning from the International

Convention, the Hand of the Cause John Robarts turned his attention to Canada’s National Convention in Guelph, Ontario. He made a moving appeal for special contributions over and above regular gifts in order to remove Canada’s financial deficit and start the new year with a clean slate. The appeal resulted in one hundred per cent participation by those attending the meeting . . . The next task the Hand of the Cause set for himself and his wife Audrey was a month of travel teaching in Indian areas of Canada. With Indian believers as local coordinators, a schedule was set up for Mr. Robarts beginning with the Eastern Canadian Native Council at Tyendinaga on 3 J uly. (F rom report received August 1983)

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Dominica/St. Lucia: Between 20 May and 30 May the three National Conventions which gave birth to two new sustaining pillars of the Universal House of Justice were successfully accomplished in a spirit of excitement, optimism and enthusiasm . . . The Hand of the Cause of God thkru’llah _Kh__adem contributed immensely . . . his abiding love for the beloved Guardian knit all hearts together. His presence, example and participation had a profound effect. Important new contact was established with sympathetic people of prominence through radio, television and the press. (From report received 27 June 1983)

India: The Visit of the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone to New Delhi in May resulted in an interview in the Hindustan Times published on 15 May . . . The news article pointed out that Mr. Featherstone has travelled to ninety-six countries of the world thus far to assist in propagating the Bahá’í Faith. (From report received June 1983)

Macau/Hong Kong: Stepped-up activity has been noted in both Macau and Hong Kong since the visit of the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone last January. Counsellor Rfihu’llah Mumtází paid a three-day Visit to both places in May, learning of the increased pace of the work in Macau . . . A surge in enrolments in both Hong Kong and Macau has been reported in the two months since Riḍván . In Macau, five of the new members are boatdwellers. They constitute a new locality, the region’s twenty-first, Macau Marine. (From reports received 21 June and 7 July 1983)

Excerpts from cabled messages from National Conventions:

Cameroon Republic: DEEPLY GRATEFUL INSPIRING RIDVAN MESSAGE. DELIGHTED LISTEN TAPED COMMENT AMATULBAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM BRINGING CLOSER LINK HOLY LAND.

Canada: CANADIAN CONVENTION BLESSED

PRESENCE BELOVED HAND CAUSE JOHN ROBARTS

.. INSPIRING CHALLENGING MESSAGE BELOVED HAND CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS . . .

Dominica: HAPPY ANNOUNCE FORMATION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY DOMINICA PRESENCE HAND CAUSE KHADEM COUNSELLOR PRINGLE

THE Bahá’í WORLD

SECRETARY PARENT NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY FIRST PIONEER DOMINICA BILL NEDDEN. . .

France: HAND CAUSE UGO GIACHERY COUNSELLOR AGNES GHAZNAVI . . . OVER TWO HUNDRED PARTICIPANTS ENKINDLED ENCOURAGED BY RIDVAN MESSAGE MOVED BY EXHORTATION TO ACTION BY HAND CAUSE.

St. Lucia: . . . SUCCESSFUL SPIRIT FILLED CONVENTION RESULT PRESENCE HAND CAUSE KHADEM REPRESENTATIVE YOUR AUGUST BODY . . .

United States: ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED BELIEVERS ATTENDING . . . CONVENTION ENRICHED BY PRESENCE HAND CAUSE GOD WILLIAM SEARS. . .

June

Virgin Islands: On 8 June the Legislature of the US. Virgin Islands passed a resolution condemning persecution of the Bahá’í community in Tran. Senator Bent Lawetz, in introducing the bill, said that the first correspondence from the Bahá’í community had elicited his sympathy, but that he felt moved to introduce the resolution protesting the atrocities after taking time to read a book the Bahá’ís had sent himA Cry from the Heart by William Sears . . . (From report received June 1983)

July

Asia: With customary vigour the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone and his wife, Madge Featherstone, moved briskly through engagements in eight countries in three months, Visiting more than twenty-five communities of Bahá’ís, widely varied in culture, language and custom. Leaving for Bombay on 6 April, the Featherstones were to Visit India twice—before and after the International Convention—Greece, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore and three major islands of Indonesia, ending up in their own Australia the first week of J u1y. The trip featured high-level state Visits to Indonesia in company with Counsellor John Fozdar; participation in the National Conventions of both India'and Nepal; Visits to the New Era School, the Bahá’í Youth Academy at Panchgani and the nearby Institute of Rural Technology with staffs, students and teachers all benefiting from the active

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The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l—Bahd Rúḥíyyih fldnu172 (left) with His Highness Malietoa T anumafili II, following the arrival of the Hand of the Cause in Apia, Western Samoa, in August 1984 on the occasion of the dedication of the first Mashriqu’l-Aglhkdr Of the Pacific Islands.

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l—Bahd Rdhzjtyih fldnum (centre) paying a courtesy visit to Indira Gandhi, the Prime M inister oflndia (left), at the Prime M inister ’s Secretariat in New Delhi on 20 October 1984. The Hand of the Cause is accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nak_hjavc2m’.

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role of Mrs. Featherstone as well; carrying news of the International Convention to remote places; sessions of advice and encouragement to National Assemblies; and always, in many places, press and radio coverage of the activities of the energetic Visitors. (From reports received through 2 August 1983)

Australia: EXTRAORDINARY JOY TOTAL UNITY EMANATING FROM HISTORIC FIRST CONFERENCE NORTH TROPIC CAPRICORN BLENDING ABORIGINAL ISLANDER AND AUSTRALIAN COMMITMENT T0 RENEW EFFORTS TO SPREAD FAITH BEYOND GOALS. UNMARRED HAPPINESS EXCELLENT MEDIA COVERAGE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC MEETING. HAND CAUSE GOD FEATHERSTONE JOINED ONE HUNDRED FIFTY BAHAIS ATTENDING FROM

~ ALL PARTS AUSTRALIA (Cablegram received 5 July 1983)

Austria: A cable from Innsbruck gave the good news that one thousand five hundred participants from forty countries were in attendance at the International Youth Conference held from 23—26 July in the capital of the Austrian Tyrol. It expressed joyous thanks for the inspiring message from the Universal House of Justice and gratitude for the presence of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum. The youth cabled: RECEPTIVE HEARTS MINDS AND SPIRITS RESPONDED TO THE WISDOM LOVING ADVICE AND ENERGIZING ENCOURAGEMENT OF AMATULBAHA. MANY POINTS RELATING DIRECTLY TO THE SITUATIONS FACING BAHAI YOUTH IN TODAYS WORLD WERE CLARIFIED .. Direct results of the conference included: ten newly-enrolled Bahá’ís, thirty-six offers of international pioneering and an equal number of offers for national pioneering; ninety offers to travel teach en route from the conference and more than two hundred offers to travel teach before Riḍván. (Cablegram received 27 July 1983)

Bermuda: The Bahá’í community of Bermuda achieved a new level of proclamation on 9 July through their commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb. The National Spiritual Assembly presented copies of A Cry from the Heart by William Sears to members of parliament-w—forty in the House of Assembly and eleven Senators . . . The book by Mr. Sears, and A Crown of Beauty, were given to the

THE Bahá’í WORLD

Premier of Bermuda, the Hon. J ohn W. Swan, the presentation receiving major coverage by radio, television and newspapers. (From report received July 1983)

Canada: LAND DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR YUKON TEACHING INSTITUTE BEING HELD ANNIVERSARY MARTYRDOM THE BAB PRESENCE HAND CAUSE JOHN ROBARTS (From cablegram received from the Spiritual Assembly of Whitehorse, Canada, 7 July 1983)

Europe: On 19 July 1983 Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum left the Holy Land to attend a series of events to which she had been invited. The first of these was the European Youth Conference in Innsbruck, Austria . . . Amatu’l-Bahá was the soul and the heart of this gathering. She poured out her love, her Wisdom, her encouragement, as well as her words of admonition and advice The Mayor of the city of Innsbruck, at a reception given by him in honour of the Faith, met with Amatu’l-Bahá and representatives of the different nations attending the conference. Later, addressing the entire conference, he praised the high standard of conduct of Bahá’í youth . . . During the one week she spent in Vienna, after the conference, Amatu’l-Bahá gave a radio interview in German with a journalist, resulting in the publication of an excellent article. She also spoke to over one hundred and fifty Bahá’ís who had gathered in Vienna The next item on her itinerary was the Cyprus Summer School held on the Turkish side of the island . . . Over one hundred and fifty believers from ten different countries attended the five-day school and enjoyed the participation of the Hand of the Cause . . . On two successive evenings, Amatu’l-Bahá spoke to over three hundred believers who had travelled from all parts of Turkey to be with her during the three days she spent in Istanbul . . . The last part of Amatu’l-Bahá’s journey took her to Italy where she was the special guest at the twentysecond Summer School of Italy held in Fuscaldo in the southern Province of Calabria. After all the years of hoping for this privilege, the friends were overjoyed with her presence. Over eight hundred attended and one hundred and fifty children had their separate school. Fifty non-Bahá’ís also attended the Summer School, seventeen of whom embraced the Cause and added

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to the already overflowing cup of happiness and exultation . . . Amatu’l—Baha was away from the Holy Land for a very fruitful and busy eight weeks and returned to Haifa on 13 September. (From report received September 1983)

The Netherlands: In June and July the Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery paid Visits to two of Scandinavia’s four Summer schools and spent time in the Netherlands where he Visited every community, holding more than ten meetings. Up to one hundred friends were attracted to gatherings where he ‘awakened a new spirit in the hearts of the believers,’ the National Assembly reported. In informal meetings with individuals, it was stated, he covered a wide range of topics, ‘answering questions and sharing his great Wisdom and vast experience. Addressing groups, he spoke of the goals of the Seven Year Plan, encouraging greater participation.’ The Dutch national community was greatly moved by the Hand of the Cause who gave so freely of his time and energy despite limited strength. (From reports received through 14 August 1983)

August

Greenland: Assigned to Denmark to develop with a View to a National Spiritual Assembly’s being formed eventually, Greenland began the second phase of the Seven Year Plan with one Local Assembly (in Nuuk), six localities and a high level of participation among its small band of devoted believers. Since the visit to Greenland of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum last spring, and with the arrival of two new pioneers from Canada, ‘spiritual floodgates have opened on this country, as can be witnessed by recent unprecedented growth, individual interest in the Faith near fever peak in some areas, and an increasing degree of awareness among the general public . . . The Visit of the Hand of the Cause had a profound and far-reaching effect. Several have enrolled, most of them students at the college. They come from localities all over the country so we have the beginnings of a true national community developing here . . . These new souls have begun the critical work of translating the Writings into Greenlandic working together as a group so that, as they put it, “we can translate the spirit as well as the words.” (From reports received through 23 August 1983)

477

September

Australia: INSPIRED GATHERING OVER FOUR HUNDRED FRIENDS MILDURA NATIONAL CONFERENCE. BLESSED BY THE PRESENCE OF HAND OF CAUSE COLLIS FEATHERSTONE COUNSELLORS KHAN AND STEVESON. IMPRESSIVE OPENING OF CONFBRENCE SUPPORTED BY CITIZENS MILDURA MAYOR LOCAL DIGNITARIES AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. INTERESTED MEDIA ACHIEVED WIDEST POSSIBLE COVERAGE. CONCURRENT ADULT AND VITAL YOUTH CONFERENCE OUTSTANDING SUCCESS. BELIEVERS JOYOUSLY DEDICATED ACHIEVE ALL GOALS. NEW VISION NEW SPIRIT COMMITMENT DETERMINATION TO PERSEVERE UNTIL FINAL VICTORY ASSURED . . . (Cablegram received 5 September 1983)

United States: The annual Green Lake Conference held each autumn in Wisconsin cabled the World Centre on 19 September: WITH FULL HEARTS DEEP COMMITMENT FOLLOW BANNER HOISTED BY BELOVED SUPREME HOUSE JUSTICE GRATEFUL ASSURANCE PRAYERS SUCCESS HOLY SHRINES. HAND CAUSE KHADEM COUNSELLOR BURAFATO NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEMBER FIVE AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS HOST OF ASSISTANTS VOW IN CONCERT WITH WORLDWIDE BAHAI FAMILY MIRROR FORTH BEAUTY LIGHT BAHAULLAH FOR ALL TO SEE EXCEED REPLACEMENT IRANS LOST ASSEMBLIES HERE IN WEST AS LIGHTHOUSES DESTINED ILLUMINE WORLD ENVELOPED EVER INCREASING DARKNESS. (Cablegram received 19 September 1983)

October

Sierra Leone: Border teaching began in Sierra Leone on 9 October with two three-month extension projects dedicated to the Hands of the Cause Enoch Olinga and Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir . . . (Report received October 1983)

December

M alawi: F orty-three adults and eight children gathered in Limbe, Malawi from 22 to 28 December for the Bahá’í Summer School where they Viewed the film ‘Pilgrimage’ and discussed plans for seven teaching projects undertaken in the name of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga.

United States: On Wednesday, 28 December—three days before its 31 December

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deadline—the National Spiritual Assembly announced the thrilling news that the goal of $1,000,000 for the construction and operation of radio Station WLGI in South Carolina had been met. This accomplishment was made possible by an unprecedented outpouring of funds

THE Bahá’í WORLD

from Bahá’ís across the country following a dramatic taped appeal by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears that was broadcast in more than a thousand Bahá’í communities at the Feast of Masa’il (12 December) . . . Reported in Bahd’z' News (U.S.A.) March 1984

1984

January

Uganda: Soon after the lifting of the ban on the Faith in early 1979, the community of Chelekura, Uganda decided to build a permanent Bahá’í Centre measuring twenty-two by forty-five metres. The whole community, including small children, were involved in the construction. Dedicated Bahá’í women carried water (to be used in brick-making) on their heads early in the morning before going to the field, and late in the evening after returning. Youth spent long hours preparing the mud and molding the bricks. In all, over 25,000 bricks were made by hand. The friends expect to complete and dedicate the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in loving memory of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga before the end of the Seven Year Plan. (From report dated 5 January 1984)

February

United States: The Hand of the Cause William Sears highlighted the Los Angeles Youth Conference held at the University of Southern California on 25 February 1984 with his talk on the 2 J anuary letter from the Universal House of Justice. With words of love, inspiration and cheer, he urged the youth to respond to the appeal contained in that letter . . . (From report received 25 April 1984)

M arch

World Centre: Princess Gcenaphi of Swaziland was received as a pilgrim on 19 March 1984 accompanied by Chief J ohannes Dlamini and a group of nineteen other Bahá’ís, including native believers and pioneers, from Swaziland The Visit of the Princess marked the first time a member of a reigning royal family had come on pilgrimage to the World Centre. Princess Gcenaphi is a daughter of the late King Sobhuza 11; her young brother is designated to

succeed his father when he comes of age.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, who had met the Princess and her father during her tour of Africa some years ago, held a reception at the Master’s house in honour of the royal Visitor and her fellow Bahá’ís from Swaziland. Among those in attendance were the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furfitan, members of the Universal House of Justice and Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre. The occasion was memorable not only for the spirit of loving welcome and joy that Rúḥíyyih Khánum injected into it, but also for the Vibrant responses of the honoured guests who enthralled the gathering with singing, traditional dancing and the playing of drums. (From Bahá’í' International News Service, No. 134, March 1984)

Sierra Leone: At Riḍván 140 there were only fourteen Local Spiritual Assemblies in Sierra Leone. At the end of 1983, Sierra Leone decided to mobilize to achieve the goals. Teaching teams were formed and projects were started dedicated to the memory of the late Hands of the Cause Enoch Olinga and Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. Their aim was to consolidate the Victories achieved and win additional goals of ten new Local Spiritual Assemblies and the opening of ten new localities by Riḍván 141. The first phase of the project ended triumphantly with ten new Assemblies, eight of them formed in the last two months, and with five hundred enrolled in the Faith (From report received 15 March 1984)

Trinidad and Tobago: OVERJOYED GRATEFUL BLESSING VISIT BELOVED HAND CAUSE COLLIS FEATHERSTONE MRS. FEATHERSTONE COUNSELLOR RUTH PRINGLE. FRIENDS INSPIRED URGED

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The Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts (thirdfi'am left) and Mrs. Audrey Robarts (third from right) at the [and dedication ceremony for the Yukon Bahá’í Teaching Institute in Whitehorse, Canada, on 9 July 1983.

The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery (centre), with Mr. Fritz Semle, one Of the first Bahá’ís in Switzerland (left), and Mr. Massih Sabet (right) at Landegg Academy in 1984.

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480 THE BAHA I WORLD

GREATER SERVICE. COURTESY CALLS PRESIDENT CLARKE TOBAGO HOUSE ASSEMBLY CHAIRMAN ROBINSON GAVE IMPETUS OUR PROCLAMATION EFFORTS. TV RADIO PUBLICITY SUCCESSFUL. PUBLIC CELEBRATION NAW RUZ WONDERFUL EVENT CAPACITY ATTENDANCE (Cablegram received 26 March 1984)

Barbados: The Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone met with GovernorGeneral Sir Hugh Springer, of Barbados, during his three-day Visit, 27—29 March, to the Bahá’í community. Mr. Featherstone was accompanied by the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly who presented a copy of The Bahá’í World, V01. XVII, to His Excellency. In addition to addressing the friends and assisting with making tapes for the Bahá’í radio programmme, Mr. Featherstone was interviewed by television, radio and newspaper reporters and segments of one of his television interviews was broadcast later that night during the ‘National News’ programme. (From report received 4 July 1984)

April World Centre: Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum, accompanied by Mrs. Violette

Namavani, will be leaving the Holy Land on 18 April 1984 on an extensive tour of several countries in Asia and Australasia. She will be attending the first Convention of the Bahá’ís of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on behalf of the Universal House of Justice. Also in the course of her journey she will act as the representative of the House of Justice on the occasion of the dedication of the House of Worship in Samoa. (From an announcement dated 10 April 1984)

The Hand of the cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furl’itan, who will represent the Universal House of Justice at the first Convention of the Bahá’ís of the Canary Islands, will leave the World Centre for this purpose on 16 April 1984. (From an announcement dated 10 April 1984)

Excerpts from National Convention Cables:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: REJOICE INFORM SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION HISTORIC CONVENTION PORT BLAIR ANDAMAN NICOBAR ISLANDS BLESSED PRESENCE HAND CAUSE AMATULBAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM MRS. NAKHJAVANI COUNSELLORS BOMAN SORABJEE AFSHIN. . .

Canary Islands: HEARTS FILLED WITH EMOTION HISTORIC OCCASION FIRST ELECTION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY GRATIFYING PRESENCE HAND CAUSE ALI AKBAR FURUTAN REPRESENTATIVE SUPREME BODY COUNSELLOR HENUZET. ..

Martinique: HAPPY OFFER NEW PILLAR TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE. IN PRESENCE OF THE VERY REVERED HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD DR.‘ VARQA VERY LOVED COUNSELLOR DR. SARAH PEREIRA. ..

French Guiana: WITH JOY ANNOUNCE FORMATION SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF BAHAIS OF FRENCH GUIANA PRESENCE APPRECIATED HAND CAUSE DR. VARQA COUNSELLOR KING ... EXCEPTIONAL SPIRIT UNITY ENTHUSIASM.

Grenada: AT OUR NEWLY ACQUIRED NATIONAL HAZIRATULQUDS HISTORIC FIRST NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ELECTED IN TRULY SPIRITUAL ATMOSPHERE. THOUGH SADDENED ABSENCE OF HAND OF THE CAUSE ZIKRULLAH KHADEM THANKFUL PRESENCE OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVE COUNSELLOR RUTH PRINGLE.

M artinique and French Guiana: The believers of Martinique rejoiced in welcoming the Hand of the Cause Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqa, the representative of the Universal House of J ustice, to their inaugural Convention which was held from 20—22 April A unity feast was held during Dr. Varqé’s Visit, and some non-Bahá’ís in attendance . . . Dr. Varqa was interviewed in a live radio broadcast lasting one and one-half hours, and answered the many questions which were telephoned in by the listeners On 23 April, the Hand of the Cause represented the Universal House of Justice at the inaugural Convention of F rench Guiana. He was able to address the friends on several occasions and took particular pleasure in Visiting some Village believers. Some parts of the Convention were broadcast and televised and the Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Eberhard Friedland, the first to bring the Faith to French Guiana, was interviewed. Another television program consisted of an open invitation to the populace to participate in a musical evening with the Bahá’ís. (From report received 19 June 1984)

May United States: The conference of Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members held from 11 [Page 481]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 481

13 May 1984 in Lincolnwood, Illinois was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause thkru’llah Khádem and by the message from the Hand of the Cause William Sears and enriched by the representative of the International Teaching Centre, Dr. Peter Khan . . . (From report received 14 May 1984)

WE HASTEN TO SHARE WITH UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE THE JOY OF VICTORY. TODAY MAY 23, 1984 AT 4:35 P.M. EDST, RADIO STATION WLGI WENT ON THE AIR IN TEST BROADCAST THAT BEGAN WITH TAPED STATEMENT BY HAND CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS. (Cable dated 23 May 1984)

T rinidad and T obagoz On 22 March the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone, accompanied by his wife, Counsellor Ruth Pringle and National Spiritual Assembly member Mr. Hasan Jamalabadi, paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and presented him with a copy of the Bahá’í book A Crown of Beauty. His Excellency Ellis Clark ‘welcomed the party and spoke of the national anthem of Trinidad and Tobago which states that all religions have equal rights and a place in the nation.’ Picking up the theme, Mr. Featherstone talked about Bahá’ís as citizens of the world. That same day Mr. Featherstone was interviewed for both radio and television, the programs reaching a wide audience in the region and resulting in an appreciative response.

Mr. Featherstone travelled in South America beginning in February, moving from Chile as far north as Panama. Everywhere he went he met dignitaries and prominent persons, spoke on radio and television and was interviewed by the press. After leaving Trinidad and Tobago he Visited Barbados where he was received by His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Hugh Springer, who accepted a copy of The Bahá’í World, vol. XVII. Mr. Featherstone’s continued travels took him to Guyana and to Suriname where he met with President Ramdat Misier, had radio and newspaper interviews and met particularly with Bush Negroes; to French Guiana, where he again attracted the notice of the media and met people in authority; and to Brazil where the Bahá’ís happily gathered round him. (From reports received April through May 1984)

Korea: Having motored over 2,000 kilo metres, stopping at twelve locations in Korea, the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum described the Korean people as a ‘most endearing race’. In a cablegram to the World Centre on 22 May she spoke of many gatherings that were held including two public meetings with resultant publicity and of fruitful, loving consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly. (Report Received 22 May 1984)

Cook Islands: After completing his successful Visit to Suriname, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile where he met with the friends and obtained excellent publicity in the press, on radio and in television interviews of from ten minutes to more than a half—hour in duration, the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone flew to Tahiti where he met Counsellor Owen Battrick and Auxiliary Board member Ruth Hamish and other friends. From the Society Islands the Hand of the Cause proceeded to the Cook Islands, cabling on 31 May: BOUNTY PARTICIPATE LARGEST PUBLIC MEETING HELD RAROTONGA COOK ISLANDS SUNDAY 27 MAY OVER 400 PRESENT The Hand of the Cause was received by Sir Thomas Davis, Prime Minister, in a thirty—minute cordial interview. (From report received 3 June 1984)

June

Germany: After representing the Universal House of Justice at the inaugural Convention of the Canary Islands, the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furfitan Visited communities in Europe. The National Spiritual Assembly of Germany cabled on 12 June: FRIENDS GERMANY GRATEFUL FOR VISIT BELOVED HAND CAUSE ON SATURDAY 9 JUNE 400 FRIENDS PARTICIPATED IN A MEETING AND WERE DELIGHTED TO HEAR MR. FURUTAN’S ENCOURAGING TALK. (Cablegram received 12 June 1984)

Marina Islands: In Rota Island, Rúḥíyyih Khánum met with the Mayor, who received her warmly. The largest gathering of believers ever held in Saipan took place during her Visit, in addition to a public meeting well attended by guests of Bahá’ís. Remarkable contact was achieved with officials. Amatu’l—Baha was according a forty—minute interview with the President of the Senate and also met the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant-Governor. In

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Guam she was cordially received by the Governor and held numerous meetings with the National Spiritual Assembly, the friends and the public. Justice Richard Benson of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia accompanied Amatu’l-Bahá and Mrs. Violette Nafirjavani from Guam to Yap where the Hand of the Cause addressed two meetings and met the Paramount Chief of the outer islands and his son, the Lieutenant-Governor of Yap. In Palau, where she spent five nights, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum was granted a twentyminute interview with the President, and also met the Vice-President. This lap of the journey completed, the Hand of the Cause and her companion set off for Truk, Ponape, Majuro and a month-long Visit to Papua New Guinea. (Cablegram received 8 June 1984)

July

South Pacific: Prior to the dedication of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Samoa, Ri'lhiyyih Khánum completed three months of arduous travel from Korea through many islands and countries of the South Pacific. Using various means of travel, including a l4-metre dugout canoe, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum spared no effort to Visit believers in outlying Villages. During a forty-five minute plane stop at Funafuti, Tuvalu, en route to Fiji, she and her companion, Mrs. Violette Namavani, made a brief Visit to the Bahá’í Centre for ‘prayers, addresses and loving gifts.’

In her cable to the Universal House of Justice about her two-week Visit to Fiji, Ri'ihiyyih Khánum reported that she ‘renewed old ties.’ In Suva, excellent press and radio interviews marked the Visit. She was received by GovernorGeneral Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau for one-half hour and had a cordial one-hour interview with the Indian High Commissioner, Chitilenchery Pathiyil. A reception tendered in her honour by the National Spiritual Assembly was attended by many notables including the Minister for Foreign Aflairs, Jonati Mavoa, and the Ombudsman for Fiji, Sir Moti Tekaram. In addition to meeting with the National Assembly, pioneers and youth, a large meeting was held near Suva in Navuso Village Which was attended by a prominent Paramount Chief, the local Methodist pastor and believers from many places.

Ri'ihiyyih _Khanum spoke many times during a three day conference held at the Bahá’í Institute during her Visit to Tarawa Island, Kiribati. She described her 48-hour Visit to the Malaita Islands, in the Solomons, as being so packed with events that it felt like a one-month experience. Extensive media coverage was given in the Solomons including two radio interviews of one-half hour each. Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s half—hour interview with Prime Minister Solomon Mamolini was described as most cordial. At a dinner party she met the Minister of Finance and the Chief Police of the entire nation, as well as other notables. Accompanied by the Knight of Baha’u’llah Gertrude Blum, she Visited the grave of Alvin Blum. She also met with the National Spiritual Assembly.

Bahá’ís of many communities of Papua New Guinea had the opportunity to meet with Rúḥíyyih Khánum, as she travelled by helicopter, canoe and other means to Visit isolated jungle areas. Particularly joyful gatherings were held in the Mt. Brown and Gulf area. These Visits were soul-satisfying, the Hand of the Cause reported, for she slept on the floor of native huts—‘a reminder of the wonderful days of my trip to Africa’.

In Port Moresby Amatu’l-Bahá was interviewed repeatedly on radio and. by the press thus obtaining ‘probably the largest concentrated proclamation ever received.’ She was courteously received by the Governor-General Sir Kingsford Dibela who, with many other high—ranking officials, attended the banquet held in Rúḥíyyih _Khanum’s honour. (Based on various reports)

Canada: Native believers in traditional dress were part of an audience of five hundred Bahá’ís who gathered for the dedication of the Yukon Bahá’í House, 6—8 July 1984 at Whitehorse, Yukon. The friends were blessed with the presence of the Hands of the Cause Dr. ‘AliMuhammad Varqa and J ohn Robarts at the formal dedication, and heard a taped message from the Hand of the Cause William Sears. The cabled message to the Universal House of Justice from the conference stated: OVERWHELMED EVIDENCES POWER UNITY COMPLETION MAGNIFICENT BUILDING ONE SHORT YEAR. HEARTS UPLIFTED PRESENCE HANDS OF CAUSE VARQA ROBARTS. (From report received 28 July 1984)

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India: Named in memory of the Hand of the Cause Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, a teaching project in Bhind, North Madhya Pradesh, India has enrolled 73,000 new believers in less than three months. More than twenty years ago, mass teaching started in this area which is densely populated and has the highest literacy level in the State. (From report received 23 July 1984)

Norway: Counsellor Hartmut Grossmann and Mrs. Grossmann, Auxiliary Board members Gerd Strand and Polin Rafat, and seven members of the Norwegian National Spiritual Assembly participated in the Bahá’í Summer School held in Geilo from 5—12 July One of the highlights of the Summer School was the children’s performance of The Wonder Lamp, a play by the Hand of the Cause Abu’lQasim Faizi. (From report received 4 September 1984)

August

Canada: Almost 2,000 youth from fifty-two countries, deeply moved by the sacrifice of the martyrs and determined to vindicate their sacrifice, rededicated themselves to the goals of the Seven Year Plan when they attended the International Bahá’í Youth Conference in London, Ontario, 25—27 August. Inspired by the presence and Vision of the Hands of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furi’ltan, Dr. ‘Ali-Muharnmad Varqa and J ohn Robarts, the youth cabled the Universal House of Justice their promise to CARRY FORTH THE MESSAGE FOR WHICH THE WORLD so DESPERATELY CRIES .. . (From report received 9 September 1984)

‘To Move the World’ was the theme of an unusual conference held in Halifax, Nova Scotia in memory of the Hand of the Cause Louis Gregory. Participants included the Hand of the Cause J ohn Robarts, Counsellor Sarah Pereira, Dr. William Roberts and guests H. A. S. Wedderburn and Dr. P. Anthony Johnstone. Mr. Wedderburn spoke on his experience with early integration eflbrts in Nova Scotia and his respect for the Bahá’ís whom he has met, especially the Hand of the Cause Rt'lhiyyih Khánum; and Dr. Johnstone, speaking on ‘Unity in Diversity’, stated that to his knowledge ‘nowhere in Canada or America is any group but the Bahá’í Faith working actively for the

483

oneness of the races.’ (From letter received 16 August 1984)

Republic of Ireland: OVER 430 PARTICIPANTS IRISH SUMMER SCHOOL DEEPLY TOUCHED PRESENCE HAND OF THE CAUSE ZIKRULLAH KHADEM APPRECIATIVE PARTICIPATION COUNSELLOR TAHERZADEH (Cablegram received 22 August 1984)

I taly: For one week, from 18—25 August, three hundred and fifty Bahá’ís from fourteen countries enjoyed the wonderful spiritual atmosphere of the North Italy Summer School, graced by the presence of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery and other distinguished participants. The message of the Universal House of J ustice announcing more martyrdoms in Tran was read at an evening session. Dr. Giachery spoke eloquently . . . seven persons, including a girl of fifteen, asked to be accepted as Bahá’ís. Dr. Giachery assured all assembled that this was the fruit of the sacrifice of the Persian Bahá’ís. He also shared with the friends moving recollections of the beloved Guardian . . . (Based on cable received 30 August 1984)

September

T onga, Australia, India: The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum in a cable dated 14 September 1984 described her ‘ three~day Visit to Tonga where she was received by His Majesty King Taufa—Ahu Tupou who, in a most sympathetic manner, enquired about the persecutions of the Bahá’ís in Tran In Perth, Amatu’l-Bahá was received by Dr. Gordon Stanley Reid, Governor of Western Australia. In addition, she met with more than three hundred Bahá’ís from more than forty centres On 10 October it was learned that during her Visit to Calcutta, Rúḥíyyih Khanum attended a two-day Victory Conference which was addressed by Lt. General S. K. Sinha. The Governor of Bihar, Sir A.R. Kidwai, gave a special tea reception at the palace for about forty guests, including Ministers of the State Government, many eX—Ministers and other notables, and a Bahá’í delegation. Amatu’l-Bahá gave a lecture at the Khoda-Baksh Oriental Library, Visited Bhagwatipur District where she addressed faculty and students and Kanhauli College, and laid the cornerstones for the Enoch Olinga Girls’ School and the Rahma

[Page 484]

The Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone took this photograph of his wife, Mrs. Madge Featherstone (standing I 3 from right), with the Bahá’ís Of Pikosa Village in Papua New Guinea 011 4 October 1984.

The Hand of the Cause of God Qllikru ’llcih Khddem, (front, second from right) with friends attending a Pioneering Institute at the National Bahá’í Centre in Evanston, Illinois, USA, in 1985.

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tu’llah Muhájir Institute . . . Later, in Santiniketan, she laid the cornerstone for the future buildings of the Glory School.

United States: A mass teaching project on the Sioux Reservations in South Dakota, begun in the summer of 1983 and continued this year, is yielding exciting results. More than two hundred and fifty believers have enrolled and have had the bounty of Visits from many distinguished Bahá’ís, including the Hand of the Cause D_hikru’llah @adem . . . (Report received 25 September 1984)

Sikkim: Commemorating World Peace Day, a delegation from the Local Spiritual Assembly of Bangkok was received on 27 September 1984 by the Governor of Bangkok, Admiral Tiarn Makarananda. Dr. Tawil Panalaks, Vice-Chairman of the Bangkok Assembly, presented the Governor with two books in English, An Introduction t0 the Bahd ’z’Fczith and All T kings M ade New by the late Hand of the Cause J ohn Ferraby . . . (From report received November 1984).

October

Canada: A cable sent 3 October 1984 from a conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan stated, in part, JOYOUS MEMORIES HAND CAUSE [ENOCH] OLINGA AT QUAPPELLE INSTITUTE AND PRESENCE NEWLY APPOINTED AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBER SHIRLEY LINDSTROM POTENT FORCES REMINDERS DESTINY BELOVED [INDIAN] FRIENDS .. .

Cape Verde Islands: News was received from the National Spiritual Assembly of the enrollment of more than five hundred believers during the teaching plan named in honor of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga . . . (Cablegram received 1 October 1984)

India: Two thousand volunteers . . . are participating in the teaching projects in the Bhind area of Northern Madhya Pradesh . . . Between 1962 and 1984, thousands of people in this area have had the boon of hearing, meeting and talking to the Hands of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rt'lhiyyih ~Khánum, Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, Mr. Enoch Olinga, Mr. fiu‘a‘u’llah ‘Ala’i, Mr. ‘Ali-Akbar Furfitan and Mr. Collis Featherstone . . . In memory of Dr. Muhájir, a

485

special project is being conducted from 23 May to 12 November under which consolidation assistance will be given to two hundred Local Spiritual Assemblies in wholly Bahá’í Villages by teams from ten Area Teaching Committees . . . (F rorn Report received 12 November)

November

India, Sikkim: After spending six nights in Bhutan, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum and her travelling companion, Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani, proceeded to Sikkim where they spent seven days. Rúḥíyyih Khanum met with the National Spiritual Assembly, Visited the Bahá’í school in Gangtok, addressed a successful public meeting and laid the cornerstone for another Bahá’í school on the Ranipur Temple land.

On returning to New Deihi on 19 October, Amatu’l-Bahá was received by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and then attended a conference held at the Temple site where more than four hundred friends from fourteen countries had gathered.

On 21 November all the Bahá’ís serving at the World Centre had the joy of meeting with the beloved Hand of the Cause on her return to the Holy Land following seven months of travel. (From various reports).

Boliva: The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Bolivia has forwarded to the World Centre the greetings of one hundred and five indigenous Aymara-speaking Bahá’ís who attended a recent conference named in honour of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih _Khanum. The message was signed with the individual signatures of all believers who attended.

Ghana: Sixteen Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed and two hundred and ninety-one persons were enrolled as Bahá’ís during the recent teaching project ‘Entry by Troops’ named in honour of the late Hand of the Cause Paul Haney. The project was centered in the Enchi District in the Western Region and extended from 15 July to 13 September. (From report received 7 November 1984)

United States: The station of Baha’u’llah and the significance of the martyrs and their sacrifices were the major subjects chosen by the

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Hand of the Cause ~I_)_hikru’llah _K_hadern for his addresses to a gathering of one thousand Bahá’ís in the high-school auditorium at Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The conference, sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly in cooperation with other local communities, attracted Bahá’ís from Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and from all parts of Oklahoma. (From report received November 1984)

A ‘Month of Firesides’ competition announced in the November issue of Youth Hotline, a publication of the National Youth Committee of the Bahá’ís of the United States, explains that the district holding the largest number of firesides, on a per capita basis, during the Bahá’í month extending from 3—23 November, Will receive the prize of the presence of the Hand of the Cause William Sears and his wife, Marguerite, for one week in that district next year.

Canada: Three Hands of the Cause of Godthkru’llah Lhadem, J ohn Robarts and ‘AliMuhammad Varqa—were among the 1,150 people present in Ottawa on 2—4 November for the ninth annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies which was dedicated to the memory of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. Each of the Hands addressed the conference and the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furt’itan presented a paper entitled ‘Shoghi Effendi and the Countries of the East’, which was read on his behalf by Dr. A. M. Ghadirian. The Hasan M. Balyfizi memorial lecture, ‘Shoghi Effendi: Expounder of the Bahá’í Faith’, was prepared by Mr. David Hofman and presented by his daughter, Dr. May Hofman Ballerio. (From report received December 1984)

United States: On 19 November 1984 funeral and burial services for the Hand of the Cause of God Shu‘a‘u’llah ‘Ala’i were carried out with utmost beauty, simplicity and reverence, attesting to the loving attention given the planning by members of his immediate family. Some one hundred and fifty Bahá’ís and friends gathered at the Arcadia Funeral Home in Phoenix, Arizona at one o’clock in the afternoon. They faced a simple polished wood casket bearing the earthly remains of the Hand of the Cause. At the head of the casket rested a small woven symbol of the Greatest name, above it on the

wall, a larger framed symbol. On one side of this was placed a framed, full-length photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and on the other, in the shape of a bird in flight, a framed calligraphic rendering of the names of all the Hands of the Cause. Atop the casket lay long-sternmed red roses, a gift of the Continental Counsellors serving in the United States. Around it were banks of floral arrangements forming a fragrant, lovely frame. The service included a musical rendition of a passage from the Hidden Words, 21 reading in English and chanting in Persian Of the Tablet to Mr. ‘Ala’i from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, reading of messages from the Universal House of Justice and the Counsellors and of a tender biographical tribute to the services of the Hand of the Cause. Selections from the Sacred Writings were also read. Burial was in Camelback Cemetery, just east of Phoenix. The granddaughter of the Hand of the Cause expressed loving gratitude on behalf of the family and commented that this day was the ninety—sixth anniversary of his birth.

Mr. ‘Ala’i had spent the last months of his life in Arizona where he received the devoted attention of members of his family. He participated as honoured guest in a Bahá’í gathering in February commemorating the thirtysecond anniversary of his appointment to the rank of Hand of the Cause. He passed away on 16 November only a few hours after having been taken to the hospital. The cabled message from the Universal House of Justice extolled his MORE THAN SEVENTY YEARS UNINTERRUPTED DEDICATED SERVICES THRESHOLD BAHAULLAH. (From report received 28 January 1985)

December

Italy: Dedicated to the memory of the Hand of the Cause fihu‘a‘u’llah ‘Ala’i, the Winter School held in Italy drew an attendance of three hundred and seventy people, eighty of whom were youth. They consulted enthusiastically on a program for International Youth Year.

Zaire: The Regional Women’s Committee of North-eastern Zaire has established, in the local language, a women’s magazine entitled M artha Root in honour of that outstanding Hand of the Cause.

India: Thirty-one Bahá’ís from India and abroad carried out a teaching project named for

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the Hand of the Cause Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir in Rohtak, Haryana for two months, ending on 8 December. In the period, 4,500 people were contacted with the Teachings and 145 of them embraced the faith. They are students, teachers, farmers, labourers, businessmen and Village heads. They live in twenty-three Villages. Assemblies were formed in seven villages and

two plots of land were donated for construction of Bahá’í buildings. One hundred and twentyfive teachers at five Village schools were given the message of Baha’u’llah. In three colleges of Rhtak City, one hundred and thirty professors and lecturers and hundreds of students heard of the Faith. (From report received 4 February 1985) .

1985

January

Brazil: Two history-making conferences were held in Brazil in J anuary 1985 and were attended by the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum. From 10-13 January the ‘Bahá’í International Conference of the Amazon’ took place at the Opera House in Manaus, capital city of Amazonas State in western Brazi1. The second conference was ‘Bahá’ís of the Indian Nations of the Northeast’ and was held on 18-20 J anuary in Aguas Belas, Pernambuco, a village of the Fulni’o tribe.

The International Amazon Conference marked the tenth anniversary of the Green Light Expedition. It drew an attendance of three hundred and fifty friends from twenty-eight countries and resulted in exceptionafly wide coverage in the media. Some 2,500 posters were distributed throughout Manaus.

The second conference was described as equally outstanding. The maximum attendance was estimated to be 1,500, mostly Indians. Substantial delegations and leaders from eight Indian nations attended including four Bahá’í chiefs. The first prayers in the Fulni’o language were read. This is the only native language of the northeast that has been preserved. (From reports received through J anuary 1985)

Australia: Australian Bahá’ís held the first ever Aboriginal/Islander Seminar in January at Cairns, Queensland, With the participation of the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone. At its close on 30 J anuary, the National Spiritual Assembly reported by te1ex to the World Centre that Aboriginal and island believers will spearhead the movement to achieve five new Spiritual Assemblies in their areas to pave the way for further advances among both peoples in Victoria and Western Australia. Counsellor Tinai

Hancock was an active participant in the proceedings. (From report received 30 January 1985)

Panama: In a cablegram from Panama on 10 February, Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánurn conveyed news of a cordial interview with the President of Panama which was, in part, televised on a news program. During the fortyfive minute discussion, the President expressed interest in the National Spiritual Assembly’s plans for a radio station for the Guaymi area. Approval for the station is at present being sought from the Government. Other important events in which the Hand of the Cause participated were the laying of a cornerstone at Boca de Soloy (the location of the Muhájir Institute and site of the Guaymi Cultural Centre), a one-hour meeting on 5 February with the Minister of Government (during which Amatu’l-Bahá was accompanied by Counsellors Mas’ud Lghamsi and Ruth Pringle) and a yisit t0 the Governor of Chiriqui State. On her arrival in Panama, where Wide publicity had been obtained in advance, Amatu’l-Bahá was interviewed by three television stations. There was a public meeting, a Bahá’í teaching conference, two meetings with the National Assembly and a reception for prominent women. An excellent youth conference in which she participated drew an attendance of more than one thousand. (From cablegram received 10 February 1985)

Hawaii: The life of the Hand of the Cause Agnes Baldwin Alexander is the first of one hundred and twenty-seven biographies of ‘Notable Women of Hawaii’ appearing in a book of that title published by the University

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of Hawaii Press. The volume was edited by Barbara Bennett Peterson. Miss Alexander’s biography, which documents her seventy years’ service to the Bahá’í Faith, was written by Duane K. Troxel from existing Bahá’í sources including papers located in the Bahá’í National Archives of Hawaii and Japan.

February

Sikkim: The Temple Land School at Saramsa, Ranipul was inaugurated on 9 February by the National Spiritual Assembly of Sikkim . . . The newly-appointed principal, Mr. Ganesh Shenoy, credited the constant encouragement received from Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani and Counsellor Shirin Bornan with the realization of the auspicious event. (From report received 14 March 1985)

Spain: The announcement of the publication of Un Grito del Corazén, the Spanish translation of A Cry from the Heart, a book written by the Hand of the Cause William Sears, resulted in one 15-minute and one 45-minute live radio interviews about the Faith, and the appearance of a review of the book in the widely-read Sunday edition of the newspaper Lemme. (From Boletz’n de Informacio’n Bahá’í', F ebruary 1985)

France: The Local Spiritual Assembly of Nice inaugurated its Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on Naw-Rúz, in the presence of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery. In a telex dated 17 March 1985 it was stated that the attractive Centre would serve as a focus of activities for the region and the country.

T aiwan, Guam, Malaysia: On a Visit to Taiwan in March, the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone held a friendly meeting with Vice—President Lee, and another with the Minister of Interior Affairs. In Guam, on 7 April, he held a conversation with Governor Ricardo Bordallo followed by a meeting with the Speaker of the Legislature. The above-mentioned contacts furthered the friendly re1ationships between the Bahá’ís and leading figures in their countries. As always, Mr. Featherstone also gave his time and energies freely to meeting with the be1ievers.

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Malaysian friends report the benefits to many communities deriving from Visits by Mr. Featherstone and his wife during March. The Featherstones Visited Malacca, Seremban, Kuala Lumpur, Petaling J aya and Ipoh.

Western Caroline and Cook Islands: The historic inaugural Conventions of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Western Caroline Islands on 22 April and the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Cook Islands on 27 April were honoured by the presence of Mr. Featherstone, representing the Universal House of Justice. While Visiting the Caroline Islands he was received cordially by Governor Mangefel and Chief Roboman. (From reports received through 30 April 1985)

April

Grenada, T rinz‘dad and T obago: The Hand of the Cause mikru’llah @adem visited Grenada in April. The National Spiritual Assembly cabled the World Centre on 30 April stating that his moving and inspiring address to the community had uplifted the hearts of the friends. The National Convention of Trinidad and Tobago cabled the World Centre expressing joy in the attendance of Mr. Khádem at their National Convention. Mrs. __K_hadern was also in attendance as was Counsellor Peter McLaren and more than one hundred other friends.

Sierra Leone: Nine teaching projects named for the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga are in progress in countries Of Africa where there has been a great influx of believers. One such is taking place in Sierra Leone and many reports are being received recording the extraordinary devotion of the African women and men who are conducting the campaign. (From reports received through 30 April 1985)

Burma: A woman friendly towards the Bahá’í Faith, who works in curriculum development for the Department of Education, told Bahá’í Visitors that she is greatly impressed by Mr. ‘Ali-Akbar Furi’itan’s book, Mothers, Fathers and Children, and is translating passages into Burmese for use in some of the courses she is developing. (From report received 23 April 1985)

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The Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Madge Featherstone (centre) meeting with Baha'r’z's of T aiwan at the National Centre in March 1985.

4:!

The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery visiting the children during the Finnish Bahá’í' Summer School held in Kangasala in July 1985.

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Polynesia: T usitala, the in-flight publication of Polynesian Airlines, in its Autumn 1985 issue, carries a two—page article on the Samoan Temple with a dramatic aerial photograph of the completed building at Apia, Western Samoa. The article by Michael Day, a Bahá’í of New Zealand, is entitled ‘A Beacon of Unity’ and, in addition to describing the genesis, construction and purpose of the House of Worship, refers to the participation of the Head of State, and the Hands of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and H. Collis Featherstone, in the dedication ceremony. (From report received April 1985)

May

United States: From 15 May to 15 June 1985, thirty—five travelling teachers criss—crossed the State of Kansas in a massive teaching effort. The Visitors included the Hand of the Cause D_hikru’llah _I§_h_é1dem, seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly and four members of the Auxiliary Board. More than one hundred

separate activities were scheduled for twenty

cities and towns. The Hand of the Cause William Sears addressed sixty-two 1eaders of thought winning their hearts complete1y. With his wife, Marguerite, Mr. Sears Visited seven cities in nine days. Kansas won the ‘month of firesides’ competition last November, their ‘prize’ being the participation of Mr. and Mrs. Sears in their teaching work. (From report received June 1985)

Canada: The Hands of the Cause Jalal Kházeh, ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqa and J ohn Robarts met with all the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and representatives of its seventeen national committees, with three members of the Continenta1 Board of Counsellors in the Americas and twelve members of the Auxiliary Board, at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on 19 May 1985 in a spiritually-charged meeting during which Canada’s role in developing the World Order of Baha’u’llah was explored in depth. (From report received June 1985)

Pakistan: On 26 June the first course in a new socio-economic enterprise called the ‘Faizi Project’ began in Hyderabad. Brief courses in welding and in shorthand/typing are being offered by hired teachers, and study of the

THE Bahá’í WORLD

Teachings is conducted by friends from a nearby community. (From report received 10 July 1985)

United States: The International Youth Conference held in Columbus, Ohio from 3—7 July 1985, Which was graced by the presence of the Hand of the Cause D_hikru’llah Khádem, attracted 3,300 youth from forty-two nations and received extensive media coverage, inc1uding the broadcasting of portions of the conference, by Voice ofAmerica to Tran. Ohio State Senator Robert Ney participated, urging the youth, in both English and Persian, to ‘Move the World’. An award was presented to United States Congressman James Leach for his continued efforts in defense of the Bahá’ís in Tran. (From cab1e received 10 July 1985)

One hundred 1eaders of religious education and social organizations who make up the InterFaith Ministries attended a reception for the hand of the Cause William Sears during his Visit to Wichita, Kansas. Since that time there has been growing interest in the Bahá’ís and a great current of sympathetic understanding has surged. (From report received 12 July 1985)

August

Hawaiian Islands: The International Youth Conference on the garden island of Kauai, held from 8—11 August 1985, was a rare opportunity for youth across the vast Pacific region to draw close to one another. Three hundred attended from Australia, the Marianas, the Marshalls, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomons and Tonga. The Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone was the featured speaker, and Counsellor Ben Ayala also contributed to the success of the gathering. On opening night, representatives of the Governor of Hawaii and the Mayor of Kauai, and two members of the Kauai City Council attended and praised the Faith in their speeches . . . The conference participants heard a stirring message on tape from the Hand of the Cause William Sears on the theme ‘Youth Can Move the World’. (From cables received to 15 August)

Peru: Four hundred youth from seven countries and four native tribes were present at the Youth Conference in Peru heId from 2—5 August 1985. They expressed gratitude for the presence of the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Muhammad

[Page 491]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 491

The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Alz'—MLtlza171i11ad Varqd (left) in Lima, Peru, in August 1985, with Mr. Mooz/mn Martin and Auxiliary Board member Mercedes Sa’nchez.

Varqa and participation of members of the Continental Board of Counsellors, Dr. H. Ahmadiyyih, Dr. Farzam Arbab and Isabel P. de Calderon. Three evening events were an outstanding success, with more than eight hundred attending each night. The gathering culminated in the creation of eight national and international projects. (From cable received 7 August 1985)

Burkina: In Burkina Bahá’ís are carrying out a teaching project in the name of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga. Four Departments are the goals of the project, and nineteen native believers from five African countries are the teachers. (From cable received 10 September 1985)

Chad: For the opening of the teaching project named in honour of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, four travelling teachers spent eight days visiting communities in three subprefectures where they raised up five new Local Assemblies and opened five localities. There were one hundred and five people who accepted the Faith of Baha’u’llah. Similar successes were reported in other districts throughout the

country. The Bongor Assembly organized a program about marriage and the education of women and children, and invited several officials to attend. (Based on report received 12 September 1985)

November

United States: Transcending all presentations of the statement of the Universal House of Justice, The Promise of World Peace, has been that made on 22 November 1985 by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih ~Kganum to the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, J avier Perez de Cuellar, in New York. It was described by the House of Justice as an event whose significance will warm the hearts, evoke the admiration and inspire the appreciation of future generations.

Amatu’l-Bahá headed a delegation that included Dr. Victor de Araujo and Mr. Gerald Knight of the United Nations Office of the Bahá’í International Community. The delegation was assured by the Secretary—General that he had, on the day before, read a marked copy of The Promise of World Peace with the salient points highlighted. He called the statement beautiful and inspiring.

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On the first day of her stay Amatu’l—Baha addressed a luncheon whose guests included diplomats from twenty-one countries of Europe, Africa, the Americas and Australasia. Luncheons for Ambassadors and high officials of the United Nations Secretariat during the week brought participation by f orty-eight countries, some Ambassadors attending in person, others sending representatives. There was a reception for Non—Governmental Organizations, and various dinners were held. A luncheon and press briefing on 19 November for representatives of the major international news media was attended by all media having correspondents at the United Nations, except two, who were given separate briefings. The high level of interest was attributed to the presence of Rúḥíyyih Khánum. One correspondent formally and publicly expressed gratitude for the

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briefing, on behalf of the United Nations Correspondents’ Association.

Four radio interviews were held with Rúḥíyyih “Khanum, one of fifteen minutes’ duration for the BBC. foreign service, broadcast on 27 and 28 November, and two for United Nations Radio—one of them a women’s program and one for Radio UNICEF—and another interview was held with Radio Netherlands. All major wire services filed stories, and articles appeared in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and three times in one week in The New York Times.

Six hundred American Bahá’ís attended a meeting addressed by the Hand of the Cause on 24 November before her departure from New York. (Compiled from cables and reports received through 21 December 1985)

1986

January

Singapore: The Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone, having completed a Visit to Malaysia, arrived in Singapore on 17 January in time to attend the burial ceremony for Mr. Teo Geok Leng, the first Chinese

believer of Singapore. At the Bahá’í cemetery at Choa Chu Kang, Mr. Featherstone recited the Prayer for the Dead, and in the evening spent two hours with more than fifty Bahá’ís Who had gathered from various centres. (From Nineteen Day Feast Newsletter, Singapore, 7

The Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar FurLZtan visiting with youth during the Austrian Baha"z’ School held in Spittal am Pyhrn in 1986.

[Page 493]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH

493

3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE AND THE CONTINENTAL BOARDS OF COUNSELLORS

21 June 1968 REJOICE ANNOUNCE MOMENTOUS DECISION ESTABLISH ELEVEN CONTINENTAL BOARDS COUNSELLORS PROTECTION PROPAGATION FAITH THREE EACH FOR AFRICA AMERICAS ASIA ONE EACH FOR AUSTRALASIA EUROPE. . . The Universal House of Justice

24 June 1968 those who have been appointed to the first Continental Boards of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Faith: Northwestern Africa Husayn Ardikéni Fund), Maxwell. Central and East Africa Oloro Epyeru, Kolonario Oule, Isobel Sabri, Midhi Samandari, ‘Aziz Yazdi (Trustee, Continental Fund). Southern Africa Seewoosumbur-Jeehoba Appa, Shidén Fathi—A’zam (Trustee, Continental Fund), Bahíyyih Ford. North America Lloyd Gardner, Florence Mayberry, Edna True (Trustee, Continental Fund). Central America Carmen de Burafato, Artemus Lamb, Alfred Osborne (Trustee, Continental Fund). South America Athos Costas, Hooper Dunbar (Trustee, Continental Fund), Donald Witzel. Western Asia Masih Farhangi, Mas’ud K_hamsi, Hédi Rahme’tni (Trustee, Continental Fund), ManI’lghihr Salmémpfir, Sankaran-Nair Vasudevan. Southeast Asia Yan Kee Leong, (Trustee, Sundram. Northeast Asia Rfihu’lláh Mumtétzi (Trustee, Continental Fund), Vicente Samaniego.

(Trustee, Continental Muhammad Kebdani, William

@udérahm Paymén Continental Fund), Chellie

Australasia Suhayl ‘Alá’í, Howard Harwood, Thelma Perks (Trustee, Continental Fund). Europe Erik Blumenthal, Dorothy Ferraby (Trustee, Continental Fund), Louis He'nuzet.’ The Universal House of Justice

24 June 1968

‘. . . The number of Auxiliary Board members to be assigned to each continental zone is as follows:

Protection Propagation AFRICA Northwestern 3 6 Central and East 4 7 Southern 2— i 9 1 8 AMERICA North 4 9 Central 2 8 South 3— _1_(_)_ 9 27 ASIA Western 4 1 5 Southeastern 2 7 Northeastern _1__ _ 7 29 AUSTRALASIA 2 7 EUROPE 9 18’

The Universal House of Justice

10 July 1969

‘With great joy we announce that we have decided to increase the total number of members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Faith to thirty-eight by adding John McHenry III to the Continental Board of Counsellors in North East Asia and Mas’l’ld __I§h__amsi to the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America. . .

[Page 494]494 THE BAHA i WORLD

The members of the Universal House of Justice, Hands of the Cause, Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre and members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors in Haifa for a Counsellors’ Conference held 27 December 1985~2 January 1986.

/

The Continental Board of Counsellors for Africa in December 1985. Front row, left to right: Gila

M ichael Bahta, H usayn Ardekdm’, M abuku Wingi, H LZShang Ahdieh, Kassimi Fofana, 010m Epyeru,

Roddy Lutchmaya, Daniel Ramoroesi, T helma Khelghati. Back row, left to right: Peter Vuyiya,

Shidan Fat’he~Aazam, Lucretia Warren, Edith Senoga, Friday Ekpe, Beatrice Asare, M ihdz' Samandarz’, Zekrollah Kazemi.

[Page 495]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH

‘We also rej oice to announce the appointment of Mrs. Shirin Boman to the Continental Board of Counsellors of Western Asia to fill a vacancy on that Board. . .’

The Universal House of Justice

Riḍván 1970 . IN VIEW EFFECTIVE REINFORCEMENT THIS NOBLE WORK BY ABLE DEDICATED CONTINENTAL BOARDS COUNSELLORS THEIR AUXILIARY BOARDS TOGETHER WITH GROWING NEED AND EXPANSION WORLD COMMUNITY ANNOUNCE AUGMENTATION VITAL INSTITUTION THROUGH APPOINTMENT THREE ADDITIONAL COUNSELLORS IRAJ AYMAN WESTERN ASIA ANNELIESE BOPP BETTY REED EUROPE AND AUTHORIZATION APPOINTMENT FORTYFIVE ADDITIONAL AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS NINE AFRICA SIXTEEN ASIA TWO AUSTRALASIA EIGHTEEN WESTERN HEMISPHERE. . . The Universal House of Justice

5 June 1973 ANNOUNCE ESTABLISHMENT HOLY LAND LONG ANTICIPATED INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE DESTINED EVOLVE INTO ONE THOSE WORLD SHAKING WORLD EMBRACING WORLD DIRECTING ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTIONS ORDAINED BY BAHAULLAH ANTICIPATED BY ABDULBAHA ELUCIDATED BY SHOGHI EFFENDI. MEMBERSHIP THIS NASCENT INSTITUTION COMPRISES ALL HANDS CAUSE GOD AND INITIALLY THREE COUNSELLORS WHO WITH HANDS PRESENT HOLY LAND WILL CONSTITUTE NUCLEUS ITS VITAL OPERATIONS. CALLING UPON HOOPER DUNBAR FLORENCE MAYBERRY AZIZ YAZDI PROCEED HOLY LAND ASSUME THIS HIGHLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE. . . The Universal House of Justice

8 June 1973

‘The number of zones has been raised to twelve by the new zone of South Central Asia. ..

‘The number of Counsellors is now raised to fifty—seven by the appointment of Mr. Friday Ekpe and Mr. I_)_hikru’llah Kazimi in Northwestern Africa, Mr. Hfishang ‘Ahdiyyih and Mr. Peter Vuyiya in Central and East Africa, Dr. Sarah Pereira and Mrs. Velma Sherrill in North America, Mr. Rowland Estall and Mr. Paul Lucas in Central America, Mrs. Leonora Armstrong, Mr. Peter McLaren and Mr. Rafil Pavon in South America, Mr. Dipchand Khianra and Mrs. Zena Sorabjee in South Central Asia, Mr. Firaydl'm Mimaqiyan in

495

South-eastern Asia, Mr. Richard Benson and Miss Elena Marsella in North-eastern Asia and Miss Violet Hoehnke in Australasia. Dr. William Maxwell who has been rendering distinguished service as a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Northwestern Africa has been obliged to return to the United States. . .’

The Universal House of Justice

7 October 1973 ‘. . . the number of Auxiliary Board members throughout the world is to be raised to two hundred and seventy, of whom eighty-one Will serve on the Auxiliary Boards for the Protection of the Faith and one hundred and eighty-nine will serve on the Auxiliary Boards for the Propagation of the Faith. In all there will be fiftyf our Auxiliary Board members in Africa, eightyone in the Western Hemisphere, eighty—one in Asia, eighteen in Australasia and thirty-six in Europe.’ The Universal House of Justice

30 September 1974 ‘. .. Mrs. Salisa Kermani was appointed by the House of J ustice to the Board of Counsellors for South Central Asia in place of Mr. Vasudevan who is presently furthering his education in the United States. Mr. John McHenry has returned to the United States He has tendered his resignation as a Counsellor. . .’ International Teaching Centre

6 January 1975

‘. .. The decision has been taken, therefore, after consultation with the International Teaching Centre, to break the present zone of Northwestern Africa into two separate zones of Northern and Western Africa, to each of which will be transferred parts of the Central and East African zone. . .

‘Because of the creation of a new Board1 for Northern Africa, the Counsellors in this and the one for Western Africa must be regrouped, new appointments made to the Northern Board, and the number of Auxiliary Board members increased. We decided, therefore, that the Board for Northern Africa will consist of Mr. Muhammad Kebdani, already serving as a Counsellor, Mr. Muhammad Mustafa, and

IRaising the total to thirteen.

[Page 496]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 517

3. A PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE ANNUAL BAHA’T CONVENTION

Article VIII of the Model Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of a National Spiritual Assembly (see pp. 514—15) presents the essential elements which govern the election, functions and authority of the National Bahá’í Convention, the body which constitutes the electoral college for the National Spiritual Assembly of its country.

The purpose of consultation at the Annual Convention is threefold: to arrive at full and complete knowledge of the current conditions, problems and possibilities of the Faith in the country; to give the incoming National Assembly the benefit of the collective Wisdom, guidance and constructive suggestions of the assembled delegates; and to contribute to the unity, in spirit and in action, of the entire Bahá’í community.

Over the years, national Bahá’í communities have evolved procedures which are followed at their National Conventions, and Which vary according to the size of the Convention and the conditions of the country in Which it is held. The following is an outline of the elements of a typical procedure.

Order of Business

The initial business of the Convention follows an order dictated by the priorities of the busimess:

I Call to order by the Presiding Officer of the outgoing National Spiritual Assembly (this is usually the Chairman, but could be any member of the Assembly designated by it for the purpose).

I Prayer and devotional readings provided by the outgoing National Spiritual Assembly.

I Opening of the Convention by the Presiding Officer of the National Spiritual Assembly.

I Roll call of the delegates by the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.

I Election of the Chairman and Secretary of the Convention, and such other officers as may be required, by plurality vote in a secret ballot of the assembled delegates from among their own number.

I Adoption of the Agenda of Convention (see below).

I Reading of any message from the Universal House of J ustice.

The remaining business of the Convention follows the order of the Agenda Which is adopted, and includes the following elements, some of Which are distributed throughout the period of the Convention.

I Presentation of the Annual Report of the National Spiritual Assembly, including its financial report, supplemented by the annual reports of its Committees. It is desirable for these reports to be supplied to the delegates in writing in advance so that only supplementary reports need to be given orally at the time of the Convention. Among these reports, presentions may be made on special subjects by well-qualified members or representatives of the National Assembly or its Committees or by non-Bahá’í experts Whose exposition is necessary or desirable for the information of the delegates.

I Election of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. This, in accordance with the express desire of the Guardian of the Faith, should take place approximately midway during the Convention sessions so that the delegates will have the opportunity to consult with both the outgoing and incoming Assemblies.

I Approval of any messages from the Convention to the Universal House of Justice and other institutions, agencies or persons.

I Consultation on the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith both national and international. Referring to the role of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly in this consultation, Shoghi Effendi has written:

Banishing every vestige of secrecy, of undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness, from their midst, they should radiantly and abundantly unfold to the eyes of the delegates, by whom they are elected, their plans, their hopes, and their cares. They should familiarize the delegates With the various matters that Will have to be considered in the current year, and calmly and conscientiously study and weigh the opinions and judgements of the delegates. . . .

[Page 497]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 497

Mr. ‘Imad Sébiran. The Board for Western Africa will consist of Mr. Husayn Ardikani (Trustee), Mr. Friday Ekpe, Mr. Dhikru’llah Kazimi, and Dr. Mihdi Samandari (transferred from the Central and East African Board). ‘We are also increasing the number of Auxiliary Board members in Africa, adding 9 members to the Board for Protection, and 9 to that for Propagation, bringing the totals for that continent to 27 and 45 respectively. . .’ The Universal House of Justice

17 March 1976

‘The membership of six of the Boards of Counse11ors has been increased by the appointment of one additional Counsellor in each case, as follows: Western Africa, Mrs. Thelma Khelghati; Southern Africa, Mr. William Masehla; South Central Asia, Mr. Burhani’din Afshin; North-eastern Asia, Mr. Hideya Suzuki; Australasia, Mr. Owen Battrick; Europe, Mr. Adib Taherzadeh.

‘The number of Auxiliary Board members throughout the world has been raised from 288 to a new total of 378, 117 of which are for protection and 261 for propagation . . .’

International Teaching Centre

24 March 1976

‘. . . the Universal House of J ustice has authorized the appointment of ninety more Auxiliary Board members. . .’

On behalf of the Universal House of Justice

31 October 1976

‘The Universal House of Justice announces with pleasure that it has appointed three new Counsellors as follows:

Dr. Peter Khan—to the Continenta1 Board of Counsellors in Australasia

Dr. Hidayatu’llah Ahmadiyyih—to the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America

Mr. Angus Cowan—to the Continental Board of Counsellors in North America’

On behalf of the Universal House of Justice

24 March 1977

ANNOUNCE AUTHORIZATION INCREASE MEMBERSHIP BOARDS BY 297 RAISING TOTAL T0 675 OF WHICH 279 ARE AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS FOR PROTECTION AND 396 FOR PROPAGATION OF FAITH. . .

On behalf of the Universal House of Justice

29 August 1977 KINDLY CABLE MR IMBUM CHINNIAH . . . QUOTE INFORM YOU WITH PLEASURE YOUR APPOINTMENT CONTINENTAL BOARD COUNSELLORS SOUTH EASTERN ASIA. . . The Universal House of Justice

29 June 1979 . . . MOMENT PROPITIOUS ANNOUNCE DURATION TERMS SERVICE MEMBERS CONTINENTAL BOARDS COUNSELLORS AS ANTICIPATED IN ANNOUNCEMENT ESTABLISHMENT THAT INSTITUTION AND IN CONSTITUTION UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE. DECISION NOW TAKEN THAT TERMS WILL BE OF FIVE YEARS STARTING DAY COVENANT 26 NOVEMBER 1980 . . . The Universal House of Justice

4 July 1979 JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT COUNSELLOR ANNELIESE BOPP TO MEMBERSHIP INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE The Universal House of Justice

7 February 1980 DEEPLY GRIEVED UNTIMELY PASSING DEVOTED COWORKER INPERAJU CHINNIAH. . . The Universal House of Justice

20 October 1980 HEARTS SADDENED PASSING DISTINGUISHED COUNSELLOR LEONORA STIRLING ARMSTRONG. . . The Universal House of Justice

3 November 1980 ‘

‘ . we have decided that the time is ripe for a further step in the development of the institution itself that wil1, at one and the same time, accord greater discretion and freedom of action to the Continental Boards of Counse110rs in the carrying out of their duties, and widen the scope of each Board to embrace an entire continent. In accordance with this decision, the zones of the Continental Boards of Counse11ors will, from the Day of the Covenant of the year 137 [26 November 1980] be as follows:

1. Africa, comprising the areas of the four

present zones of that continent.

2. The Americas, comprising the present zones of North, Central and South America.

3. Asia, comprising the present zones of Western, South Central and South—eastern Asia, together with the present zone of North—eastern Asia without the Hawaiian Islands and Micronesia.

[Page 498]498 THE Bahá’í WORLD

The Continental Board of Counsellors for Europe in December 1985. Front row, from left to right, Sohrab Youssefian, Ursula Mühlschlegel, Agnes Ghaznavi, Polin Rafat, Hartmut Grossman. Back row, from left to right, Adam T home, ‘Adib T aherzadeh, Leo Niederreiter, Louis Hénuzet.

The Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia in December 1985. Front row, from left to

right: Joy Stevenson, T inaz' Hancock, Gayle Morrison. Back row, from left to right: Suhayl ‘Ala z, Sz'rtis Nardqz', Ben Ayala, Kamran Eshraghian, Richard Benson, Lisiate Maka.

[Page 499]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH

4. Australasia, comprising the present zone of Australasia plus the Hawaiian Islands and Micronesia.

5. Europe.

‘Those who are now appointed as Counsellors to serve on these Continental Boards for the next five years are:

Africa: Dr. Hfighang Ahdieh (Trustee of the

Continental Fund), Mr. Husayn Ardekani,

Mr. Friday Ekpe, Mr. O10ro Epyeru, Mr.

Shidan Fat’he—Aazam, Mr. Zekrollah

Kazemi, Mr. Muhammad Kebdani, Mrs.

Thelma Khelghati, Mr. William Masehla,

Mr. Muhammad Mustafa, Mr. Kolonario

Oule, Mrs. Isobel Sabri, Dr. Mihdi Sam andari, Mr. Peter Vuyiya, Mrs. Bahíyyih

Winckler.

The Americas: Dr. Hidayatu’llah Ahma diyyih, Dr. Farzam Arbab, Mrs. Carmen de

Burafato, Mr. Athos Costas, Mr. Angus

Cowan, Mr. Lloyd Gardner (Trustee of the

Continental Fund), Mr. Mas’t’ld Qamsi,

Mrs. Lauretta King, Mr. Artemus Lamb,

Mr. Peter McLaren, Mr. Ra1’11 Pavén, Dr.

Sarah Pereira, Mrs. Ruth Pringle, Mr. Fred

Schechter, Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Mr. Donald

Witzel.

Asia: Mr. Burhani’d-Din Afghin, Mrs. Shirin

Boman, Dr. Masih Farhangi, Dr. John

Fozdar, Mr. Zabihu’llah Gulmuhammadi,

Mr. Aydin Gfiney, Mr. Dipchand Khianra,

Mr. Rfihu’llah Mumtází, Mr. S. Naga ratnam, Mr. Khudarahm Payman (Trustee

of the Continental Fund), Mr. Manfiflihr

Salmanpfir, Mr. Vicente Samaniego, Mrs.

Zena Sorabjee, Dr. Chellie Sundram, Mr.

Hideya Suzuki, Mr. Yan Kee Leong.

Australasia: Mr. Suhaye ‘Ala’i, Mr. Ben

Ayala, Mr. Owen Battrick (Trustee of the

Continental Fund), Mr. Richard Benson,

Mrs. Tinai Hancock, Dr. Peter Khan, Mr.

Lisiata Maka.

Europe: Mr. Erik Blumenthal, Mrs. Dorothy

Ferraby, Dr. Agnes Ghaznavi, Mr. Hartmut

Grossmann, Mr. Louis Hénuzet (Trustee of

the Continental Fund), Mrs. Ursula

Mfihlschlegel, Dr. Leo Niederreiter, Mrs.

Betty Reed, Mr. Adib Taherzadeh.

‘A number of friends who have rendered highly valued services as Counsellors are not being reappointed for the coming term, and we wish to express here our profound gratitude for

499

the devoted labours they have rendered and are rendering in the path of the Cause. These dearlyIoved believers are: Mr. Seewoosumbur-Jeehoba Appa, Dr. Iraj Ayman, Mr. Rowland Estall, Mr. Howard Harwood, Miss Violet Hoehnke, Mrs. Salisa Kermani, Mr. Paul Lucas, Miss Elena Marsella, Mr. Alfred Osborne, Miss Thelma Perks, Mr. Hadi Rahmani, Mr. ‘Imad Sébirén, Miss Edna True . . .’ The Universal House of Justice

14 November 1980

‘The Universal House of Justice has requested that we inform the Boards that the number of Auxiliary Board members alloted to each continent is as follows:

Protection Propagation Africa 81 99 Americas 54 1 17 Asia 99 1 17 Australasia 18 27 Europe E 16 Totals 279 396’

International Teaching Centre

27 November, 1980 ‘In consideration of the extension of the area of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia we have decided to increase the number of Auxiliary Board members allocated to that continent by nine on each Board, raising the totals t0 twenty~seven Protection Board members and thirty-six Propagation Board members. . .’ The Universal House of Justice

24 June 1981

ANOTHER FOUR DISTINGUISHED BELIEVERS NOW GATHERED ABHA KINGDOM ON BEING MARTYRED . . . DR. MASIH FARHANGI MEMBER BOARD COUNSELLORS ASIA. . .

On behalf of the Universal House of Justice

17 August 1981

DEEPLY GRIEVED PASSING EMINENT DISTINGUISHED SERVANT BLESSED BEAUTY MEMBER BOARD COUNSELLORS AFRICA MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA. ..

The Universal House of Justice

13 May 1982

‘The Universal House of Justice announces with pleasure the appointment of Dr. Sabir Afaqi to the Continental Board of Counsellors

[Page 500]500 THE Bahá’í WORLD

Counsellor Shirin Boman and Dr. Perin Olyai (fifth and fourth from right in the second row, seated) with friends during the second Himalayan Bahd’z' Teaching Conference, held in Sikkim in 1984.

Counsellor Gila Michael Bahta (second from right) with a display created to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of the Bahd’z' Faith into Ethiopia. Others, from left to right: M ichael T ekle, T echeste Ahderom, Abayneh Merhatsion; in Addis Ababa, December 1983.

[Page 501]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 501

in Asia to replace Dr. Masih Farhangi, who was martyred last year.’ On behalf of the Universal House of Justice

19 May 1983

‘For ten years the International Teaching Centre has rendered invaluable services at the World Centre of the Faith, and it is with great joy that we now announce a number of major steps in the evolution of this Vital institution of the Administrative Order of Baha’u’llah.

‘Since the tragic death of Mr. Paul Haney there have been only two Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land. We have therefore decided to call upon Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad Varqa and Mr. Collis Featherstone to participate in the discharge of the special duties of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land when the occasion requires, as for example, in dealing with matters of Covenant-breaking. They will be able to perform these functions either by correspondence or by periodic sojourns at the World Centre.

‘We have decided to raise the number of resident members of the International Teaching Centre to nine. For reasons of health Mrs. Florence Mayberry is leaving the World Centre, bringing to an end her highly valued services on this institution. Four new Counsellor members have therefore been appointed: Dr. Magdalene Carney, Mr. Mas’fid ~Khamsi, Dr. Peter Khan and Mrs. Isobel Sabri, whom we now call upon to transfer their residences to the Holy Land, where they will join the Hands of the'Cause of God, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and ‘Ali Akbar Furfitan and Counsellors Anneliese Bopp, Hooper Dunbar and ‘Aziz Yazdi.

‘We have further decided, as foreshadowed in previous announcements, to institute a fiveyear term for the Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre. Each term will start on 23 May immediately following the International Bahá’í Convention, and the current term will end on 23 May 1988. Should circumstances prevent the Universal House of Justice from making new appointments at the end of any five-year term, the Counsellors will remain in office until such time as new appointments can be made.

‘With the rapid growth of/the Faith, its emergence from obscurity, and the diversification of the activities that the believers in many lands must undertake in such fields as education, rural

development, radio and public relationsmatters which must increasingly occupy the attention of the Universal House of Justicewe have decided that the time is ripe to devolve increased responsibility upon the International Teaching Centre, in the fields of protection and propagation of the Faith. The duties of the International Teaching Centre, including those announced previously and those now being assigned to it, are as follows:

——To assume full responsibility for coor dinating, stimulating and directing the Con tinental Boards of Counsellors, acting also as liaison between them and the Universal

House of Justice.

—To be fully informed of the situation of

the Cause in all parts of the world and, from

this knowledge, to make reports and recommendations to the Universal House of

Justice and give advice to the Continental

Boards of Counsellors.

—To watch over the security and ensure the

protection of the Faith of God.

—To be alert to possibilities for the extension

of the teaching work and the development

of economic and social life both within and without the Bahá’í community, and to draw the attention of the Universal House of

J ustice and the Continental Boards of Coun sellors to such possibilities, making rec ommendations for action.

5' —--To determine and anticipate needs for literature, pioneers and travelling teachers and to work out teaching plans, both regional and global, for the approval of the Universal House of Justice.

—To direct the work of the Continental

Pioneer Committees.

-To administer the expenditure of the Inter national Deputization Fund.

.—To administer an annual budget that will

be provided from the Bahá’í International

Fund, allocating therefrom to the Con tinental Boards of Counsellors monies for

special teaching projects and literature subvention, and, when necessary, contributions

to the Continental Funds. . .

‘In the near future the International Teaching Centre will be moving into its new offices near the House of the Master, in the building which served for several decades as the Western Pilgrim House, later as the seat of the International Bahá’í Council and, for the past twenty

[Page 502]502

9

i WORLD

y

THEBAH

‘ ”vi“

(a

The Council Chamber in the seat of the International T eaching Centre in 1985.

[Page 503]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 503

years as that of the Universal House of Justice. Now, most befittingly, it will serve as the office of the Internationa1 Teaching Centre until the permanent building for that mighty institution can be raised on Mount Carmel in close proximity t0 the Universal House of Justice.’

The Universal House of Justice

27 June 1983 The Universal House of Justice announces With pleasure the appointment of the following Continental Counsellors: In Africa: Mr. Gila Michael Bahta Mr. Kassimi Fofana In the Americas: Mr. Shapoor Monadjern In Australasia: Mrs. Joy Stevenson The Universal House of Justice

4 August 1983 DEEPLY MOURN LOSS OUTSTANDING PROMOTER FAITH WILLIAM MASEHLA. The Universal House of Justice

24 October 1983 DEEPLY DEPLORE LOSS ZEALOUS SERVANT CAUSE BAHA’U’LLAH RAUL PAVéN DISTINGUISHED PROMOTER FAITH AND INDEFATIGABLE WORKER IN TEACHING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES LATIN AMERICA. The Universal House of Justice

6 December 1983 . . . announces with pleasure the appointment of the following Continental Counsellors: In Africa: Mr. Mabuku Wingi In the Americas: Mrs. IsabelP. de Calderén The Universal House of Justice

Riḍván 1984

‘ The International Teaching Centre, operating from its world seat, has provided loving and Wise leadership and direction to the Boards of Counsellors. Its sphere of service has been immensely extended by the assignment of new responsibilities and by raising the number of its Counsellor members to seven. The dedicated services of the Counsellors in all the continents, ably supported by the Auxiliary Board members, have been invaluable in fostering the spiritual health and integrity of the world-wide community. To develop further this Vital organ of the Administrative Order, it has been decided to establish a term of five years service for those

appointed to the Auxiliary Boards, commencin g November 26, 1986 . . .’ The Universal House of Justice

7 March 1985 DEEPLY GRIEVED UNTIMELY PASSING ESTEEMED LLOYD GARDNER STALWART DEFENDER INTERESTS FAITH AMERICAS. The Universal House of Justice

24 October 1985

It gives us great happiness to announce the membership of the Continental Boards of Counsellors as from the Day of the Covenant, 26 November 1985. The number of Counsellors has been increased from 63 to 72 and adjustments have been made in their geographical distribution in consonance With the development of the Faith around the world.

The membership of the Continental Boards of Counsellors as now appointed is:

AFRICA (18 Counsellors): Mr. Hfiflang Ahdieh (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mr. Husayn Ardekani, Mrs. Beatrice O. Asare, Mr. Gila Michael Bahta, Mr. Friday Ekpe, Mr. Oloro Epyeru, Mr. Shidan Fat’heAazam, Mr. Kassimi F ofana, Mr. Zekrollah Kazemi, Mr. Muhammad Kebdani, Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, Mr. Roddy Dharma Lutchmaya, Mr. Daniel Ramoroesi, Dr. Mihdi Samandari, Mrs. Edith Senoga, Mr. Peter Vuyiya, Mrs. Lucretia Mancho Warren, Mr. Mabuku Wingi.

THE AMERICAS (17 Counsellors): Dr. Hidayatu’flah Ahmadiyyih, Mr. Eloy Anello, Dr. Farzam Arbab (Trustee of the Continenta1 Fund), Dr. Wilma Brady, Mrs. Isabel P. de Calderén, Mr. Rolf von Czekus, Mr. Robert Harris, Mrs. Lauretta King, Dr. Peter McLaren, Mr. Shapoor Monadjem, Mrs. Ruth Pring1e, Mr. Donald 0. Rogers, Mr. Fred Schechter, Dr. Arturo Serrano, Mr. Alan Smith, Dr. David R. Smith, Mr. Rodrigo Tomas.

ASIA (19 Counsellors): Dr. sabir Afaqi, Mr. Burhani’d—Din Afflin, Dr. Iraj Ayman, Mr. Bijan Fareed, Dr. John Fozdar, Mr. Zabihu’llah Gulmuhammadi, Mr. Bharat Koirala, Mr. Rfihu’flah Mumtází, Mr. S. Nagaratnam, Dr. Perin O1yai, Mrs. Rose Ong, Mr. __K_hudarahm Payman (Trustee of the Continental F und), Mr. Masih Rawhani,

[Page 504]504 THE Bahá’í WORLD

~ J A banquet held in the House of ‘Abdu’l—Bahd in Haifa 0n the occasion of the Counsellors’ Conference held from 27 December 1985—2 January 1986. Seated, from left to right: member of the Universal House of Justice Glenford M itchell, Counsellors Beatrice Asare and David Smith, the Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery, and Counsellor Sohrab Youssefian.

Counsellor Hiddyatu’lláh Ahmadiyyih consulting during the Counsellork Conference held in Haifa from 27 December 1985~2 January 1986.

[Page 505]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH ~ 505

Mr. Vicente Samaniego, U Soe Tin, Dr. Ilhan Sezgin, Mrs. Zena Sorabjee, Dr. Chellie J . Sundram, Mr. Michitoshi Zenimoto.

A US T RALASIA (9 Counsellors): Mr. Suhayl ‘Ala’i, Mr. Ben Ayala, Justice Richard Benson, Dr. Kamran Eshraghian, Mrs. Tinai Hancock, Mr. Lisiate Maka, Mrs. Gayle Morrison, Dr. Siri'ls Naraqi, Mrs. Joy Stevenson (Trustee of the Continental Fund).

E UROPE (9 Counsellors): Dr. Agnes Ghaznavi, Mr. Hartmut Grossman, Mr. Louis Hénuzet (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mrs. Ursula Mfihlschlegel, Dr. Leo Niederreiter, Mrs. Polin Rafat, Mr. Adib Taherzadeh, Mr. Adam Thorne, Mr. Sohrab Youseflian.

The following nineteen devoted believers Who are now being relieved of the onerous duties of membership on the Boards of Counsellors, will, as distinguished servants of the Cause, continue through their outstandin g capacities and experience to be sources of stimulation and encour agement to the friends. Mr. A. Owen Battrick, Mr. Erik Blumenthal, Mrs. Shirin Boman, Mrs. Carmen de Burafato, Mr. Athos Costas, Mr. Angus Cowan, Mrs. Dorothy Ferraby, Mr. Aydin Gfiney, Dr. Dipchand Khianra, Mr. Artemus Lamb, Mr. Kolonario Oule, Dr. Sarah Pereira, Mrs. Betty R. Reed, Dr. Manfighihr Salmanpfir, Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Mr. Hedeya Suzuki, Mrs. Bahíyyih Winckler, Mr. Donald Witzel,

Mr. Yan Kee Leong. We express to each and every one of these dear friends our heartfelt gratitude and assure them of our prayers in the Holy Shrines for the confirmation of their highly meritorious and self-sacrificing services to the Cause of Baha’u’llah. The Universal House of Justice

24 October 1985

‘At this time when the Bahá’í world is facing the challenge of the International Year ofPeace, on the point of completing the Seven Year Plan and standing on the threshold of a new Six Year Plan, we have felt it important to call upon the Counsellors from all the continents to gather at the World Centre for a conference to deliberate on the tasks and opportunities of the years immediately ahead. This conference will take

place from 27 December 1985 through 2 January 1986 and is yet one more sign of the rapid advance and consolidation of the institutions of the Cause of God.’

The Universal House of Justice

1 January 1986

‘The presentation of the condition of the Bahá’í International Fund at the Counsellors’ Conference has precipitated many requests for information. . .

‘It is essential that the friends throughout the world be educated in the importance of the funds: local, national, continental and international . . . Such education can be greatly assisted by the Counsellors and their Auxiliary Boards, and should be adapted to the conditions of every Bahá’í community. . .’

The Universal House of Justice

2 January 1986

‘The eager expectation with which we welcomed t0 the World Centre, on 27 December, sixty—four Counsellors from the five continents to discuss, with the International Teaching Centre, the challenges and opportunities facing the Bahá’í world community, has, at the conclusion of their historic conference, been transmuted into feelings of deepest joy, gratitude and love.

‘Graced by the presence of the Hands of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Ugo Giachery, ‘Ali-Akbar Furfitan, ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqa and Collis Featherstone, the Conference was organized and managed with admirable foresight and efficiency by the International Teaching Centre. . .

‘The beloved Counsellors, strengthened and enriched by their experience in the Holy Land, will, as early as possible, consult with all National Spiritual Assemblies on measures to conclude triumphantly the current Plan, and on preparations to launch the Six Year Plan. In anticipation of those consultations, National Spiritual Assemblies will receive the full announcement of the aims and characteristics of that Plan, so that together with the Counsellors they may formulate the national plans which will, for each community, establish its pursuit of the overall objectives.

‘This new process, whereby the national goals of the next Plan are to be largely formulated by National Spiritual Assemblies and Boards

[Page 506]506 THE Bahá’í WORLD

of Counsellors, signalizes the inauguration of a new stage in the unfoldment of the Administrative Order. Our beloved Guardian anticipated a succession of epochs during the Formative Age of the Faith; we have no hesitation in recognizing that this new development in the maturation of Bahá’í institutions marks

the inception of the fourth epoch of that Age.’ The Universal House of Justice

March 1986 HEARTS GRIEFSTRICKEN PASSING OUTSTANDING PROMOTER CAUSE ANGUS COWAN. The Universal House of Justice