Bahá’í World/Volume 20/The Hands of the Cause of God
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II THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD
1. THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD AND THE EXTENSION OF THEIR FUNCTIONS INTO THE FUTURE
A. THE RULERS AND THE LEARNED
In every society and community of human beings there are those Who are revered for their learning and Wisdom, and there are those Who are invested With authority to govern. In religious communities it has been usual for the legislative and governing authority to be held by the learned Who have thus, as priests or as doctors of religious law, combined both capacities in the same persons. Other communities have, only too often, been riven by the conflict between Church and state, between priests and kings, or, in more modern terms, between intellectuals and the establishment. In the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh these two extremes, of the over—concentration of authority on the one hand and of division and conflict on the other, are eliminated. The way this is achieved is one of the unique features of that Order and confers unimagined benefits upon the Bahá’í community.
In the Kitab—i-‘Ahd (The Book of the Covenant) Bahá’u’lláh wrote, ”Blessed are the rulers and the learned in Bahd. ” The Guardian, interpreting this passage, stated on 4 November 1931:
In this holy cycle the ‘1earned’ ate, on the
one hand the Hands of the Cause of God,‘ '
and, on the other, the teachers and diffusers of His teachings Who do not rank as Hands, but Who have attained an eminent position in the teaching world. As to the ‘mlers’ they refer to the members of the
Local, National and International Houses of Justice. The duties of each of these souls Will be determined in the future. (Translated from the Persian.)
Since those words were written the Bahá’í Administrative Order has developed rapidly and is now functioning throughout the World. Under the supreme authority of the revealed Law of God the Bahá’í community is governed by its elected institutions: Local and National Spiritual Assemblies and the Universal House of Justice, While the institutions of the ‘leamed’, Which exercise no governing authority over the believers, are accorded an exalted rank Which enables them to exert their benefioent influence over all parts of the community. Commenting on this feature of 'the Bahá’í Administrative Order, the Universal House of Justice wrote in its message of 24 April 1972:
The existence of institutions of such exalted rank, comprising individuals Who play such a Vital role, Who yet have no legislative, administrative or judicial authority, and are entirely devoid of priestly functions or the right to make authoritative inteipretations, is a feature of Bahá’í administration unparalleled in the religions of the past...
Developing this theme, the Universal House of Justice referred in that same message to a letter written on behalf of the Guardian on 14 March 1927, to the Spiritual
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 625
Assembly of Istanbul, in Which he expounded the Bahá’í principle of action by maj ority vote. In this letter Shoghi Effendi points out how, in the past, it was certain individuals Who ‘accounted themselves as superior in knowledge and elevated in position’ Who caused division, and that it was those ‘Who pretended to be the most distinguished of all’ Who ‘always proved themselves to be the source of contention’. He praises God that Bahá’u’lláh had Withdrawn authority from ‘the unyielding and dictatorial Views of the learned and the wise’, rejected the assertions of individuals, even though recognized as the most accomplished and learned among men, as authoritative criteria, and ‘ordained that all matters be referred to authorized centres and assemblies’. Thus the institutions of the learned in the Bahá’í Faith, While invested With high rank and exercising invaluable moral authority and influence, have no executive power other than in the direction of their own institutions.
The difficulty of establishing a clear understanding of this administrative concept, new in the history of religoin, is reflected in the concluding passage of the message of the Universal House of Justice, of 24 April 1972, quoted above:
...The newness and uniqueness of this concept make it difficult to grasp; only as the Bahá’í community grows and the believers are increasingly able to contemplate its administrative structure uninfluenced by concepts from past ages, Will the Vital interdependence of the ‘rulers’ and ‘learned’ in the Faith be properly understood, and the inestimable value of their interaction be fully recognized.
Only now, as these two arms of the worldernbracing system of Bahá’u’lláh begin to function in their separate but complementary roles towards a common achievement, are intimations caught of the divine beneficenoe of that system.
B. THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD
Bahá’u’lláh Himself created the institution of the Hands of the Cause and appointed a few of His followers to serve Him as Hands in His own lifetime. In the T ablet Of the World He refers to the Hands of the Cause in words descriptive of the station of service to Which they are called:
Light and glory, greeting and praise be upon the Hands of His Cause, through whom the light affortz'tude hath shone forth and the truth hath been established that the authority to choose rests with God, the Powerful, the Mighty” the Unconstrained, through whom the ocean of bounty hath surged and the fragrance of the gracious favours of God, the Lord of mankind, hath been diffitsed. We beseech Himexalted is He—-—t0 Shield them through the power oins hosts, to protect them through the potency oins
dominion and to aid them through His indomitable Strength which prevaileth over all created things. Sovereignw is God’s, the Creator of the heavens and the Lord Of the Kingdom ofNameS.
The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá contains many references to the Hands of the Cause, including explicit definitions of their station and functions, as well as various admonitions addressed to them:
Salutation and praise, blessing and glory rest... upon the Hands of the Cause of God that have diffused widely the Divine Fragrances, declared His Proofs, pro‘ claimed Hts Faith, published abroad His Law, detached themselves from all things but Him, stood for righteousness in this world, and kindled the F ire of the Love of God in the very hearts and souls oins servants;... the Hands of the Cause of God
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must be ever watchful and so soon as they find anyone beginning to oppose and protest against the Guardian of the Cause of God, cast him out from the congregation of the people of Bahá and in no wise accept any excuse from him...
The Hands of the Cause of God must elect from their own number nine persons that shall at all times be occupied in the important services in the work of the Guardian of the Cause of God. The election of these nine must be carried either unanimously or by majority from the company of the Hands of the Cause of God and these, whether unanimously or by a majority vote, must give their assent to the choice of the one whom the Guardian of the Cause of God hath chosen as his successor...
O friends! The Hands of the Cause of God must be nominated and appointed by the Guardian of the Cause of God. All must be under his shadow and obey his command. ..
The obligations of the Hands of the Cause of God are to (liffiise the Divine F ragrances, to edifiz the souls of men, to promote learning, to improve the character of all men and to be, at all times and under all conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things. T hey must manifest the fear of God by their conduct, their manners, their deeds and their words. This body of the Hands of the Cause of God is under the direction of the Guardian of the Cause of God. He must continually urge them to strive and endeavor to the utmost of their ability to diffuse the sweet savors of God, and to guide all the peoples of the world, for it is the light of Divine Guidance that causeth all 'the universe to be illuminecl. T 0 dis regard, though it be for a moment, this"
absolute command which is binding upon everyone, is in no wise permitted, that the existent world may become even as the Abhá Paradise, that the suiface of the earth may become heavenly, that
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contention and conflict amidst peoples, kindreds, nations and governments may disappear, that all the dwellers on earth may become one people and one race, that the world may become even as one home.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá did not Himself appoint any additional Hands of the Cause. He did, however, refer to certain outstanding teachers of the Faith as Hands.
During the first three decades of his ministry as Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi designated f certain outstanding Bahá’ís as Hands posthumously. Then, in December 1951, he raised twelve living believers to this exalted tank, a development of the Administrative Order Which thrilled the entire Bahá’í world. In February 1952 he appointed a further seven, and in 1957 eight more, bringing the total number to twentyseven.1 In these brief six years the Guardian not only established this institution on a firm foundation throughout the world, With a body of four Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land to act as the liaison between himself and the Hands in each continent, but he brought into being in each continent two Auxiliary Boards, one for the protection and one for the propagation of the Faith, to act as the ‘assistants, deputies and advisers’ of the Hands of that continent.
The epic story of how in November 1957, the Hands of the Cause of God, called by the Guardian the ‘Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic World Commonwealth’, rallied the grief—strieken and stunned Bahá’ís of the world, guided them to the Victorious accomplishment of the Ten Year Crusade Which he had launched, and convened the members of the National Spiritual Assembhes for the first election of the
. Universal House of Justice in April 1963,
has been told in befitting detail in Volume XIII of this pub1ication.
1 See ‘The Institution of the Hands of the Cause of
Go'd’, The Bahá’í World, vol. XIII, p. 334. L
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C. THE CONTINENTAL BOARDS OF COUNSELLORS
The establishment of the Universal House of Justice in 1963 ushered in a new phase in the evolution of the institution of the Hands of the Cause. In October 1963 the House of Justice decided ‘that there is no way to appoint or legislate to make it possible to appoint a second Guardian to succeed Shoghi Effendi’. Therefore, among the first questions which it was necessary for it then to consider were the manner in which the institution of the Hands of the Cause was to continue to perform its appointed functions, the relationship which should exist between the House of Justice and the Hands of the Cause, and how the indispensable functions of the Hands of the Cause could be extended into the future, since, according to the text of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Hands of the Cause of God must be nominated and appointed by the Guardian Ofthe Cause of God.
Following consultation with a conclave of the Hands in October—November 1964, the Universal House of Justice announced to the believers in its message of November 1964 the following decision:
There is no way to appoint, or to legislate to make it possible to appoint, Hands of the Cause of God.
Responsibility for decisions on matters of general policy affecting the institution of the Hands of the Cause, which was formerly exercised by the beloved Guardian, now devolves upon the Universal House of Justice as the supreme and central institution of the Faith to which all must turn.
That same message announced increases in the number of the members of the Auxiliary Boards for propagation in Every continent, and the Hands were requested to appoint one or more members of each Auxiliary Board to act in an executive capacity on their behalf and in the name of each Hand, for the direction of the work of the Boards. The message continued:
The exalted rank and specific functions of the Hands of the Cause of God make it inappropriate for them to be elected or apappointed to administrative institutions, or to be elected as delegates to national conventions. Furthermore, it is their desire and the desire of the House of Justice that they be free to devote their entire energies to the vitally important duties conferred upon them in the Holy Writings.
At the same time the House of Justice confirmed the request of the Hands of the Cause that, henceforth, members of the Auxiliary Boards should be freed from administrative responsibilities, including service on committees and as delegates to conventions.
On 21 June 1968 the House of Justice announced by cable to the Bahá’í world the decision to establish eleven Continental Boards of Counsellors for the protection and propagation of the Faith and, in a written message issued on 24 June, outlined in detail the nature and scope of this action. Because of its great significance to the evolution of the Administrative Order, the entire text of this message is quoted:
The majestic unfoldment of Bahá’u’lláh’s world—redeeming administrative system has been marked by the successive establishment of the various institutions and agencies which constitute the framework of that divinely—created Order. Thus, more than a quarter~of~a—century after the emergence of the first National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’í world the institution of the Hands of the Cause was formally estab1ished, with the appointment by the beloved Guardian, in conformity with the provisions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ‘Will and Testament, of the first contingent of theSe high—ranking officers of the Faith. Following the passing of the Guardian Of the Cause of God, it fell to the House of Justice to devise a way, Within the Administrative Order, of developing
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‘the institution of the Hands of the Cause with a View to extension into the future of its appointed functions of protection and propagation’, and this was made a goal of the Nine Year Plan. Much thought and study has been given to the question over the past four years, and the texts have been collected and reviewed. During the last two months, this goal, as announced in our cable to the National Conventions, has been the object of prolonged and prayerful consultation between the Universal House of Justice and the Hands of the Cause of God. All this made evident the framework within which this goal was to be achieved, namely:
The Universal House of Justice sees no way in which additional Hands of the Cause of God can be appointed.
The absence of the Guardian of the Faith brought about an entirely new relationship between the Universal House of Justice and the Hands of the Cause and called for the progressive unfoldrnent by the Universal House of Justice of the manner in which the Hands of the Cause would carry out their divinely-conferred functions of protection and propagation.
Whatever new development or institution is initiated should come into operation as soon as possible in order to reinforce and supplement the work of the Hands of the Cause while at the same time taking full advantage of the opportunity of having the Hands themselves assist in launching and guiding the new procedures.
Any such institution must grow and operate in harmony with the principles governing the functioning of the institution of the Hands of the Cause of God.
In the light of these considerations the
Universal House of Justice decided, as,
announced in its recent cable, to establish Continental Boards of Counsellors for the protection and propagation of the Faith. Their duties will include directing the Auxiliary Boards in their respective areas, consulting and collaborating with
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National Spiritual Assemblies, and keeping the Hands of the Cause and the Universal House of Justice informed concerning the conditions of the Cause in their areas.
Initially eleven Boards of Counsellors have been appointed, one for each of the following areas: Northwestern Africa, Central and East Africa, Southern Africa, North America, Central America, South America, Western Asia, Southeastern Asia, Northeastern Asia, Australasia and Europe.
The members of these Boards of Counsellors will Serve for a term, or terms, the length of which will be determined and announced at a later date, and while serving in this capacity, will not be eligible for membership on national or local administrative bodies. One member of each Continental Board of Counsellors has been designated as Trustee of the Continental Fund for its area.
The Auxiliary Boards for protection and propagation will henceforth report to the Continental Boards of Counsellors who will appoint or replace members of the Auxiliary Boards as circumstances may require. Such appointments and replacements as may be necessary in the initial stages will take place after consultation with the Hand or Hands previously assigned to the continent or zone.
The Hands of the Cause of God have the prerogative and obligation to consult with the Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies on any subject which, in their View, affects the interests of the Cause. The Hands residing in the Holy Land will act as liaison between the Universal House of Justice and the Continental Boards of Counsellors, and will also assist the Universal House of Justice in setting up, at a propitious time, an international teaching centre in the Holy Land, as anticipated in the Guardian’s writings.
The Hands of the Cause of God are one of the most precious assets the Bahá’í
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 629
world possesses. Released from administration of the Auxiliary Boards, they will be able to concentrate their energies on the more primary responsibilities of general protection and propagation, ‘preservation of the spiritual health of the Bahá’í communities’ and ‘the Vitality of the faith’ of the Bahá’ís throughout the world. The House of Justice will call upon them to undertake special missions on its behalf, to represent it on both Bahá’í and other occasions and to keep it informed of the welfare of the Cause. While the Hands of the Cause will, naturally, have special concern for the affairs of the Cause in the areas in which they reside, they will operate increasingly on an intercontinental level, a factor which will lend tremendous impetus to the diffusion throughout the Bahá’í world of the spiritual inspiration channelled through them—the Chief Stewards of Baha’u’llah’s embryonic World Commonwealth.
With joyful hearts we proclaim this further unfoldment of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh and join our prayers to those of the friends throughout the East and the West that Baha’u’llah may continue to shower his confirmations upon the efforts of His servants in the safeguarding and promotion of His Faith.
A clarification of the status of Counsellors and their relationship to National Spiritual Assemblies was made by the House of Justice in a letter to a National Spiritual Assembly in May 1975:
...(it) must be one of warm and active collaboration, a full sharing in the excitement and the challenge of the teaching work and the establishment of living and growing Bahá’í communities... While the role of the Counsellors is normally to advise, encourage and reinforce, and they have no legislative or administrative authority, they nevertheless occupy a rank superior to that of the National Assembly or its members and each individual
Counsellor is a high officer of the Faith entitled to the respect, honour and courtesy due to his rank. Each country which is privileged to have a resident Counsellor should prize that privilege. Each National Assembly which has a Counsellor at hand for frequent consultations should, without relinquishing any portion of its divinely assigned authority, call upon him often for his Views and accord great weight to his advice.
On 8 June 1973 a further directive was sent to the Continental Boards of Counsellors which answered the need discussed by the Counsellors during their sessions in the Holy Land, at the time of the International Convention of that year, for some method to enable their institution to reach more deeply into the fabric of the Bahá’í world community. The House of Justice authorized each Board of Counsellors, at its discretion, to permit Auxiliary Board members to appoint assistants, whose duties would be to activate and encourage Local Spiritual Assemblies, to call the attention of Local Spiritual Assembly members to the importance of regulartmeetings, to encourage local communities to gather for Nineteen Day Feasts and Holy Days, to help deepen their fellowbelievers’ understanding of the teachings, and generally to assist the Auxiliary Board members in the discharge of their duties. The advice, at that time, was to proceed gradually with this new step so that experience could indicate the most effective manner of its operation. Since then, as a result of the proven value of this expanded service, appointments of assistants in each zone have been steadily and rapidly augmented. The letter of 8 June 1973 stated that
- ‘believers can serve at the same time both as
assistants to Auxiliary Board members and on administrative institutions’.
Adjustments to the number of Continental Boards of Counsellors are made as the Universal House of Justice deems necessary, entailing adjustments to zones assigned to
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the Boards, to the number of Counsellors and to the number of Auxiliary Boards and Auxiliary Board members.* Thus the institution operates at all levels throughout the world, reaching into the basic structure of local community life and exerting its
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encouraging and uplifting influence upon the lives of individuals and the deliberations of institutions, constantly watching over the security of the Faith, pointing the way to the promotion of its best interests, and to the ever wider dissemination of its healing message.
D. THE INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE
Assurance of the extension into the future of the appointed functions of protection and propagation conferred upon the Hands of the Cause was accomplished by the establishment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors. However, that Vital goal having been accomplished, the problem remained of ordering the work of the new institution so that it would grow organically with the Faith itself.
In a letter addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies on 24 June 1968 the Universal House of Justice confirmed that ‘the relationship of Continental Boards of Counsellors to National Spiritual Assemblies will follow the pattern of the relationship between the Hands of the Cause and National Spiritual Assemblies, outlined by the beloved Guardian in various communications’.
The cablegram addressed by the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies on 21 June 1968 announcing the establishment of Continental Boards of Counsellors had contained a reference to the ‘future establishment international teaching centre Holy Land foreshadowed writings beloved Guardian.’
In October 1971 the Hands of the Cause were notified that after the International Convention for the election of the Universal House of Justice during Rid Van 1973, their presence in the Holy Land for a period of time in order to consult on a number of
important subjects would be most welcome. ‘
- In November 1980 the thirteen Boards of Counsellors
were consolidated into five, each continental Board having two Auxiliary Boards, one for protection and one for propagation; and each Auxiliary Board member having assistants as needed and authorized.
The foremost topic would be the establishment of the international teaching centre about which the Hands had previously been requested to submit their written Views. The Universal House of Justice, in its letter to the Hands of the Cause in October 1971, cited, amongst others, the following three quotations from the Guardian which anticipated the evolution of the World Administrative Centre of the Faith on Mount Carmel and the establishment there of an international teaching centre as the seat of the Hands of the Cause of God:
...it must be clearly understood, nor can it be sufficiently emphasized, that the conjunction of the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf with those of her brother and mother incalculably reinforces the spiritual potencies of that consecrated Spot which, under the wings of the Báb’s overshadowing Sepulchre, and in the Vicinity of the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, which will be reared on its flank, is destined to evolve into the focal centre of those world-shaking, world-embracing, world-directing administrative institutions, ordained by Baha’u’llah and anticipated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and which are to function in consonance with the principles that govem the twin institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. Then, and then only, will this momentous prophecy Which illuminates the concluding passages of the Tablet of Carmel be fulfilled: Ere long will God sail His ark upon thee (Carmel) and will manzfest the people of Bahd who have been mentioned in the Book ofNames. 1
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In this great Tablet Which unveils divine mysteries and heralds the establishment of two mighty, majestic and momentous undertakings—one of Which is spiritual and the other administrative, both at the World Centre of the Faith“ Baha’u’llah refers to an ‘Ark’, Whose dwellers are the men of the Supreme House of Justice, Which, in conformity With the exact provisions of the Will and Testament of the Centre of the Mighty Covenant is the body Which should lay down laws not explicitly revealed in the Text. In this Dispensation, these laws are destined to flow from this holy mountain, even as in the Mosaic Dispensation the law of God was promulgated from Zion. The ‘sailing of the Ark’ of His laws is a reference to the establishment of the Universal House of Justice, Which is indeed the Seat of Legislation, one of the branches of the World Administrative Centre of the Bahá’ís on this holy mountain. It will be housed in a separate building near the International Archives building, now under construction, on a site in the neighbourhood of the Shrine of the Báb, and overlooking the sacred and illumined Monuments. In the neighbourhood of these two stately edifices and two mighty Institutions (i.e. the Archives Building and the edifice for the House of Justice), another edifice Will gradually be erected Which Will be the Seat of the Guardianship, the Centre Which will inteipret, expound and prepare commentaries on explicitly revealed laws, and Will reinforce and supplement the 1egis1ative body. Yet another edifice to supplement these three edifices Will be the Centre for the propagation and teaching of the liaith, the Seat for the Hands of the Cause, Who, in accordance With the explicit text of the Will and Testament are charged With the
Shoghi Effendi, letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, 21 December 1939; see Messages to America, pp. 32«33.
security, the preservation and protection of the Cause, the safeguarding of the unity of the community, the promotion of God’s religion and the spread of His Word. These majestic and mighty edifices, Which Will be constructed gradually in accordance with a beautifu1 and unique style of architecture around the sacred Monuments, are all considered as branches of this highly-exalted, finnly—grounded and broadly-based World Administrative Centre of the followers of the Cause of Him Who is the Lord of this Age and the Ruler of Creation.1
The raising of this edifice (International Bahá’í Archives) Will in turn herald the construction, in the course of successive epochs of the Formative Age of the Faith, of several other structures, Which Will serve as the administrative seats of such divinely appointed institutions as the Guardianship, the Hands of the Cause, and the Universal House of Justice. These edifices Will, in the shape of a far-flung arc, and following a harmonizing style of architecture, surround the resting places of the Greatest Holy Leaf, ranking as foremost among the members of her sex in the Bahá’í Dispensation, of her brother, offered up as a ransom by Baha’u’llah for the quickening of the world and its unification, and of their mother, proclaimed by Him to be His chosen ‘consort in all the worlds of God’. The ultimate completion of this stupendous undertaking Will mark the culmination of the development of a world—wide divinely-appointed Administrative Order Whose beginnings may be traced as far back as the concluding years of the Heroic Age of the Faith.2
On 5 June 1973, following the Interna tional Convention and the consultations With
Shoghi Effendi, letter in Persian to the Bahá’ís of the East, Naw—RI'JZ 111 (1954).
Shoghi Effendi, letter to the Bahá’ís of the world, 27 November 1954; see Messages to the Bahá’í' World, p. 74.
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the Hands of the Cause, and less than a month after the Counsellors had left the Holy Land to resume their services within their zones, the following announcement was cabled by the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies:
ANNOUNCE ESTABLISHMENT HOLY LAND LONG ANTICIPATED INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE DESTINED EVOLVE INTO ONE THOSE WORLD SHAKING WORLD EMBRACING WORLD DIRECTING ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTIONS ORDAINED BY BAHA’U’LLAH ANTICIPATED BY ‘ABDU’L-BAHA ELUCIDATED BY SHOGHI EFFENDI STOP 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 STOP CALLING UPON HOOPER DUNBAR FLORENCE MAYBERRY AZIZ YAZDI PROCEED HOLY LAND ASSUME THIS HIGHLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE STOP OFFERING PRAYERS HEARTFELT GRATITUDE SACRED THRESHOLD THIS FURTHER EVIDENCE ORGANIC EVOLUTION ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER BAHA’U’LLAH.
It was followed three days later by this expanded announcement to the Bahá’ís of the world:
The centennial year of the revelation of the Kitab-i—Aqdas has already witnessed events of such capital significance in the annals of the Bahá’í Dispensation as to cause us to contemplate With awe the rapidity with which Divine Providence is advancing the Cause of the Most Great Name. The time is indeed propitious for the establishment of the International Teaching Centre, a development which, at one and the same time, brings to fruition the work of the Hands of the Cause
residing in the Holy Land and provides for its extension into the future, links the institutions of the Boards of Counsellors even more intimately with that of the Hands of the Cause of God, and powerfully reinforces the discharge of the
rapidly growing responsibility of the Universal House of Justice.
This International Teaching Centre now established, will, in due course, operate from that building designated by the Guardian as the Seat for the Hands of the Cause, which must be raised on the are on Mount Carmel in close proximity to the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.
The duties now assigned to this nascent institution are:
To co-ordinate, stimulate and direct the activities of the Continental Boards of Counsellorsz-and to act 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 to be able, from the background of this knowledge, to make reports and recommendations to the Universal House of Justice and give advice to the Continental Boards of Counsellors.
To be alert to possibilities, both within and Without the Bahá’í community, for the extension of the teaching work into receptive or needy areas, and to draw the attention of the Universal House of Justice and the Continental Boards of Counsellors to such possibilities, making recommendations for action.
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.
All the Hands of the Cause of God will be members of the International Teaching Centre. Each Hand will be kept regularly informed of the activities of the Centre through reports or copies of its minutes, and will be able, wherever he may be residing or travelling, to convey suggestions, recommendations and information to the Centre and, whenever he is in the Holy Land, to take part in the consultations and other activities of the Centre.
' In addition, we now appoint Mr. Hooper
Dunbar, Mrs. Florence Mayberry and
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Mr. ‘Aziz Yazdi to membership of the International Teaching Centre, with the rank of Counsellor. These believers, who have been serving with distinction on the Continental Boards of Counsellors in South America, North America and Central and East Africa respectively, will henceforth reside in Haifa and will, together with the Hands present in the Holy Land, constitute the nucleus of the operations of the Centre.
Authority for the expulsion and reinstatement of Covenant-breakers remains with the Hands of the Cause of God. All such matters will be investigated locally by the relative Continental Board of Counsellors in consultation with any Hand or Hands who may be in the area. The Continental Board of Counsellors and the Hands concerned will then make their reports to the International Teaching Centre where they will be considered. The decision whether or not to expel or reinstate will be made by the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land who will, as at present, submit their decision to the Universal House of J ustice for approval. . ..
The decisions now announced are the outcome of deliberation extending over a number of years, reinforced by consultations with the Hands of the Cause of God, and especially with the Hands residing in the Holy Land who were requested in 1968 to assist the Universal House of Justice in the establishment of the International Teaching Centre, a task that now increases in magnitude as that Centre begins its work
One of the first tasks assigned by the Universal House of Justice to the International Teaching Centre was to devise the broad outlines of the global teaching plan'to begin at Riḍván 1974 and conclude five years later at Riḍván 1979. This comprehensive and detailed survey of the entire Bahá’í world
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community provided an opportunity for the Teaching Centre to become thoroughly acquainted with the conditions, needs and potentialities of the one hundred and thirteen national Bahá’í communities which made up the Bahá’í international community at Riḍván 1973. A greatly increased flow of Vital information from the Continental Boards of Counsellors was called for by the International Teaching Centre, which promised, in turn, the development of an increasingly close relationship between itself and the Boards through a similarly increased flow of materials from the Teaching Centre. At the request of the House of Justice the Teaching Centre also evolved a plan for international collaboration on travelling teaching proj ects. The divinely ordained institution of the Hands of the Cause of God, having been brought into active reality by the Guardian of the Faith according to the directives of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament, was confronted in its infancy with an appalling crisis in the life of that Faith whose protection was its prime duty. During the interregnum between the passing of the Guardian and the election of the Universal House of Justice, the Hands of the Cause as its Chief Stewards, maintained the integrity and unity of the Faith. The functions of protection and propagation appointed to this great institution have now been extended into the future in a manner consonant with the principles of the Faith. The Continental Boards of Counsellors with their attendant Auxiliary Boards for protection and propagation, the assistants to the Auxiliary Board members, all c0~ordinated and kept in relationship to the Universal House of Justice by the International Teaching Centre, form the fabric of the appointive arm of the Administrative Order of the Faith, which will in increasing measure exert its spiritualizing influence upon the development of the Bahá’í community and of all mankind.
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2. THE WORK AND TRAVELS OF THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE
THE Hands of the Cause of God, freed in 1968 of continental 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 Six Year Plan, no less than in the teaching plans that preceded it, these remarkable individuals were 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 took effect on numerous levels, both manifest and intangible. Their universal service 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, 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
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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...difi’used widely the Divine Fragrances, declared His 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 oins servants...
In the period covered by this volume of The Bahá’í World, the years 143—148 of the Bahá’í Era (21 April 1986 to 20 April 1992), the Bahá’í community mourned the tragic loss of six of these precious souls. The following is a record, in chronological order, of the beloved Hands of the Cause Who passed away during this period: thkru’lláh Khádem (November 1986), Dr. Ugo Giachery (July 1989), Jalal Igazeh (February 1990), H. Collis Featherstone (September 1990), John Robarts (June 1991), and William Sears (March 1992).
Although these pages lack scope to Chronicle the full range of the services of the Hands—some frail or in ill health but of undirninished 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.
1986
April
MONACO: In a letter addressed to Bahá’ís in every land in April 1986, the Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery said, “The Seven
Year Plan has just ended in the midst of celestial strains and the plaudits of the Divine Concourse, ushering in With grace and joy another plan, the Six Year Plan
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(1986—1992) which will pass into history bearing the name of ‘Aocomplishment and Triumph.’...l have served the Faith of God for many decades, and 1 am going to hand down the secrets of my blessed wife and myself to all of you. Devote your life to the service of the Cause of God. The highest station man can aspire to is that of service... ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in a Tablet addressed to the North American believers in 1898, said that ambition that is not applied to the service of mankind is an abomination...” (From The American Bahá’í', August 1986)
June
UNITED STATES: The Hand of the Cause J ohn Robarts was the honoured guest at the Southeastern Regional Bahá’í Youth Conference held 18—22 June 1986 near Huntsville, Alabama. This first American Regional Youth Conference of the Six Year Plan was attended by approximately 150 Bahá’ís from various Southern States. Held at Alabama A and M University, a school dedicated to the advancement of the minorities, the conference dedicated much of one day to the issue of racial harmony. Bernice King, the daughter of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who spoke on ‘Civil Rights Today’, was visibly moved as she accepted a copy of The Promise of World Peace, Gayle Morrison’s biography of the Hand of the Cause Louis Gregory, and a silver commemorative plate engraved with the admonition found in the Bahá’í Writings, close your eyes to racial difi’erences and welcome all with the light of oneness. (From The American Bahá’í', August 1986)
July
SWEDEN: Bahá’ís attending the Swedish Summer School in Solbacka in July wrote, "The friends were richly blessed by the penetrating wisdom and delightful humour of our beloved Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery in whose honour a 90th birthday party was held. There were approximately 120 participants including friends from at
least 12 other countries.’ (From report of Summer School Committee 10 August)
CANADA: On 30 July, reporting to the Universal House of Justice, the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih ghénum described a month of intense and productive activity in the Canadian north. A Montreal Visit held two outstanding events, first a very cordial meeting for almost two hours on the Kahnawake Mohawk Reserve with Grand Chief J oseph Norton and Chief Eugene Montour. On 3 July a large gathering of Montreal Bahá’ís was held in the new Local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, located at the east end of Pine Avenue. (The historic Maxwell House, the Bahá’í Shrine, is at the extreme west end of the same street.) In Québec City Amatu’l-Bahá gave two talks in French, one for the public and one for the Bahá’ís. She was interviewed on radio in English and for a Quebec newspaper in French. She travelled in the private plane of a Canadian Bahá’í with the same crew of friends as in a 1982 Visit to the north. Her own enthusiastic account is given in the following excerpts from her message.
“July 7th Violette [Mrs. Nagavéni] and I left Québec City... and flew to Frobisher Bay where we attended part of Spirit North Council before continuing our journey. I consider entire Frobisher Bay events could not possibly have been better... Over 100 believers and guests attended, approximately 60 percent native Eskimos and Indians...
“Moving commemoration Martyrdom beloved Báb held outside on hill overlooking unbelievably beautiful Frobisher Bay full of scintillating pack ice, touched all hearts, and I was able share petals from Threshold Bahá’u’lláh’s Shrine in Bahjí with friends. . . .
“‘Radio and newspaper coverage was complete, English but also in Eskimo, some broadcasts nationwide, others Northern region only, and aroused local and throughout North strong opposition clergy various denominations . . . .
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“On 11th July... flying on to Baker Lake for one night and having very happy meeting group devoted pioneers there and also some important Eskimo elders. Three-day Visit Yellowknife, present administrative centre Northwest Territories, highly successful, large unity Feast included friends from as far as British Columbia and Alberta; following night... dinner reception attended by outstanding leader, Stephan Kakfwi, president of Dene Nation Who... became very friendly; on this occasion a number of prominent politicians and other leaders including members of the legislature were present, radio interview and newspaper publicity also excellent...
“Had wonderful visit With Whitehorse and other friends at large, well-attended meetings, one huge potlatch dinner over 250 present, many non-Bahá’í leaders, another equally large public meeting in Whitehorse. We stayed three nights in beautiful new well~built, well-designed Yukon Institute, pride of the North and used not only by Bahá’ís but on befitting occasions facilities rented to suitable organizations creating excellent impression Faith. At special lunch the Commissioner for Yukon Territory, the Mayor of Whitehorse, the Minister of Health and Human Resources, the leader of the opposition, a member of the legislature, and three ranking representatives of the Council of Yukon Indians, as well as the captain of Salvation Army in the Yukon, were among distinguished guests. Radio and newspaper coverage was likewise excellent.
“We interrupted Whitehorse stay to fly above the Arctic Circle to Inuvik...spending one night there With devoted group pioneers and local friends, returning next day to Whitehorse via Old Crow, small, charming entirely native Indian Village mostly hunters and fishermen unreachable byroad and on no regular airline, a great relief to have pleasant sociable evening with many of their leaders at potlatch dinner in their meeting hall...
“We flew July 19 to Pincher Creek, Alberta, for happy event official opening new Peigan Bahá’í Centre in heart Blackfoot
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Indian area, attending large powwow first night, and following day impressive auspicious opening ceremony presided over by Chief Crowshoe Who is the only surviving chief of those five Chiefs who gave me the name Natuocist in 1960 on the Peigan Reserve. Over 300 were present from all parts Canada, including members Canadian National Spiritual Assembly... Afternoon 20th, official dedication new centre took place, a deeply religious Indian pipe ceremony presided over by Chief Crowshoe, lasting over one hour, created remarkable feeling spiritual oneness. I was permitted smoke sacred pipe with small group tribal leaders, unique honour rarely conferred on a woman. Feel very strongly world—wide community Bahá’ís especially pioneers, teachers, must learn show proper respect profound customs and spiritual associations indigenous peoples if we desire share bounties Bahá’u’lláh’s message with them. All too often, alas, we neglect follow beloved Master’s footsteps who showered deep love and understanding, sincere praise and respect on those of different backgrounds. Such loving respect other people’s way and deep feeling essential if we intend pass healing cup this Revelation to other lips...
“Arriving let [Regina, Saskatchewan]... for three-day Visit first night addressed over 150 Bahá’ís... next day after early television interview was received officially by delegation representing Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan at the Legislative Building built by my father and uncle 1908—10.... It was a happy, gracious, cordial occasion followed by some of these officials attending formal luncheon... Mayor Larry Schneider Who had proclaimed that week official Peace Week in Regina in honour of the Bahá’í Peace Message from the Universal House of Justice. A personal representative of the absent Premier... prominent Indian Heads of various bands in the Province as well as other dignitaries were present.”
There followed an interview on CBC radio, a newspaper interview, a public talk
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for 200 persons, and a final day spent at Fort Qu’Appelle and a lunch with prominent Indian leaders, especially women. In the afternoon Bahá’ís and friends gathered on a beautiful 70—acre property Where an Institute will be built for native and other Bahá’ís and their friends to meet, study, and conduct activities related to the progress of the Faith in Canada. One stop was made in the United States at the prior request of the National Spiritual Assembly. Rúḥíyyih Khánum complied with the wish that she meet the believers on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, the location of a massive teaching plan carried out for the previous two years by US. Bahá’ís. “We slept at the Oglalla Community College”, she wrote, “and held a large potlatch and powwow in this important centre in the heart of Sioux Indian territory. Sioux believers and others from as far away as Navajo Reservation [Arizona] ensured a most happy and memorable evening for us all. This important reservation now has 19 Local Assemblies, one of the all-Indian ones showering me with special gifts. Having left for the North from Quebec City July 7th, we arrived in Toronto on July 25th tired but blissful, our cup mnning over with love from all our dear ones.” (Based on report received from the Hand of the Cause 30 July)
AUSTRIA: On 1 August a telex reached the World Centre from “the beautiful mountainous area of Spital” where 160 Bahá’ís and their guests from 8 countries enjoyed the Austrian Bahá’í Summer School for 7 days: UNIQUE SPIRIT HONOURED AND ENRICHED THROUGH PRESENCE HAND OF CAUSE OF GOD MR. FURUTAN AND HIS BELOVED WIFE...’
SWITZERLAND: The Bahá’í Youth Movement in Europe made a beginning in July when youth from 15 countries gathered at Landegg Centre, Switzerland, for a conference organized by the Austrian National Youth Committee... The movement now boasts a newsletter (in English) emanating from Doetinchem, the Netherlands, head office of the movement, and fed by reports
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from groups in many parts of Europe. The second issue of the publication gives an account of the original conference at which the movement was born and tells of the inspiration the participants received from the presence of the Hand of the Cause ‘AliAkbar Fun'ltan who was accompanied by Mrs. Furiitan and whose presence was ‘a source of joy and enthusiasm that prevailed in that school.’ (Based on Bahá’í Youth Newsletter)
August
NORTHERN IRELAND: The second Northern Ireland Bahá’í Summer School at Inniskillen was an inspiring occasion. One hundred and thirty participants attended. The guest of honour, the Hand of the Cause John Robarts, brought great warmth to the sessions. The theme of the school “And I Saw A New Earth” paid tribute to the memory of the Hand of the Cause George Townshend. A sculptured portrait of Mr. Townshend was sent to his son, Brian, in recognition of his historic donation of the Townshend library to the Faith. (Message from the participants received 15 August)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: What a wonderful two weeks the Irish Bahá’í community has just experienced with the Visit of the Hand of the Cause of God J ohn Robarts. His tour of Ireland has touched the hearts of all those who met him. His stories about prayer have fired us With a deeper faith in the power of prayer and a greater confidence in the key role which it will play in our teaching endeavours... Mr. Robarts was present for two programmes of teaching conducted in the Limerick/Clare region on weekends. One of these, a Peace Concert organized by the Bahá’ís, drew an attendance of approximately 200 non—Bahá’ís. (From Feast Newsletter 8 September)
CANADA: The Eleventh Annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies was held from 20—24 August on the campus of the University of Westem Ontario, London, Ontario, with approximately 2,000
The Hand Ofthe Cause of God John Robarts (right) and his wife, Audrey, (secondfrom left)
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planting a tree during their visit to Northern Ireland in August 1986.
participating. The largest annual conference to date had as its theme ‘Beyond the Quest for Peace: Creating a New World Order’ and was planned to mark the United Nations International Year of Peace. The keynote speech opening the sessions was given by Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum. A guest of the conference was Dr. Ervin Laszlo of the Club of Rome who, with Amatu’l—Baha and other dignitaries, took part in a Native Indian peace pipe ceremony which is seldom performed outside Native communities and rarely with non-Native participants.... An auxiliary conference for young people was addressed by the Hand of the Cause Dr. ‘Ali—Muhammad Varqa, who “showered his young audience with universal love and visibly increased their love of learning about the Faith and the solution it offersyfor the 1118 of humanity.” (From message received 7 September) ‘ '
ITALY: The participation of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khanum and Counsellors Leo Niederreiter and Sohrab Youssefian inspired the 25th Italian Summer School in Sicily, held from 31 August
to 7 September 1986. Amatu’l-Bahá, accompanied by members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy, presented The Promise of World Peace to the President of the Region of Sicily in a dignified official ceremony. The attendance of 1,000 Bahá’ís from 25 countries created a great proclamation opportunity on local and national television, the broadcasts giving rise to new requests for information about the Faith. (From repofi received 9 September)
October
AUSTRALIA: A specia1 service in the Australian House of Worship in Celebration of the International Year of Peace was held on 19 October 1986 with the participation of the Governor General of Australia, Sir Ninian Stephen, who read from Isaiah 221—5. Lady Stephen was also present at the service. Approximately 850 people attended and, simultaneously, a programme for 200 children took place in a marquee on the Temple grounds. The National Spiritual Assembly cabled that it was overj oyed that the beloved Hand of the Cause Co11is Featherstone was
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well and able to participate by escorting the distinguished guests into the House of Worship. (From report received 24 October)
November
WORLD CENTRE: WITH SORROWFUL HEARTS ANNOUNCE PASSING INDEFATIGABLE FEARLESS DEFENDER FAITH, DEEPLY LOVED HAND CAUSE ZIKRULLAH KHADEM. HIS STERLING SERVICES TO THE CAUSE, HIS TOTAL CONSECRATION TO TASKS ASSIGNED TO HIM BY BELOVED GUARDIAN, HIS OUTSTANDING EFFORTS AS NEEMBER NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEIVIBLY CRADLE FAITH, HIS VALUABLE, SOULUPLIFTING STHVIULATION IMPARTED BODY BELIEVERS NORTH AMERICA, PARTICULARLY UNITED STATES Bahá’í COMMUNITY, HIS UNTIRING ENDEAVOURS THROUGH HIS TALKS AND WRITINGS IN SAFEGUARDING COVENANT AND IN INSTILLING APPRECIATION LOVE FOR SHOGHI EFFENDI, SHED UNDYING LUSTRE OVER PERIOD HIS ADMIRABLE STEWARDSHIP CAUSE GOD. OFFERING PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS RADIANT SOUL ABHA KINGDOM. URGB HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS HIS NAME AT ALL HOUSES OF WORSHIP AS WELL AS IN ALL LOCAL Bahá’í COMMUNITIES. (Message from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies 13 November)
UNITED STATES: The Hand of the Cause of God D_hikru’llah Qadem was laid to rest, Skokie, Illinois, following a 10:00 am. service attended by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears; members of the Continental Board of Counsellors, Dr. Wilma Brady, Mr. Robert Harris, Mrs. Lauretta King, Mr. Donald 0. Rogers, Mr. Fred Schechter, and Mr. A1turo Serrano; the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies Of the United States and of Canada; and members of the Auxiliary Board and of the committees of the National Assembly. fiive hundred sorrowing friends joined in paying tribute to the departed Hand of the Cause. (From Bahá’í International News Service, No. 160, November 1986)
CANADA: Two Hands of the Cause, Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad Varqa and Mr. John
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Robarts, were honoured participants in an historic meeting in Québec City, on 23 November, sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Quebec City for all the believers in the Province. The Covenant was the subject of the successful gathering. (Message from the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Quebec City received 26 November)
December
INDIA: THE PLACING OF SACRED DUST HOLY SHRINES BY AMATULBAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM THIS AUSPICIOUS DAY HAS ,.SANCTIFIED OUR MASHRIQULADHKAR HAS BROUGHT TO INDIA PRICELESS BOUNTY AND DEEPLY STIRRED PROJECT TEAM NOW DISBANDlNG TO YIELD THANKS SACRED THRESHOLD UNIQUE PRIVILEGE RAISE MASHRIQULADHKAR AND TO EXPRESS HEARTFELT GRATITUDE ENCOURAGEMENT 1N SPIRATION BELOVED UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE THROUGHOUT CONSTRUCTION PERIOD. DEEPEST LOVE JOYOUS MOMENTOUS DEDICATION. (Cable dated 24 December 1986 from Indian Temple Project)
On the morning of 24 December 1986, Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum, on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dedicated the first Bahá’í House of Worship of the Indian Subcontinent, in the presence of 400 illustrious guests including the Hands of the Cause William Sears and Collis Featherstone. Eight thousand Bahá’ís from 114 nations, With Indian believers from every State and Territory, were present for three consecutive services of dedication held that day, ending at six in the evening. On the afternoon of 23 December, thousands had gathered at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi for a unity feast at Which Amatu’l—Baha read a message from the Universal House of Justice. At a press conference held on 22 December, Rúḥíyyih Khánum captured the hearts and minds of India’s press and media representatives with her dynamic style and incisive responses to questions. On the morning of 27 December, dawn prayers were held at the House of Worship. Services of worship open
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to the public were held for the first time on 1 January 1987.
MALAYSIA: After participating in the dedication of the Temple at New Delhi in December, the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, accompanied by his wife, travelled to Malaysia on 30 December, where he spent an active ten days. He spoke to several communities in the Kuala Lumpur area, in Selangor, and in Negri Sembilan—gatherings of up to 100 persons. Mrs. Featherstone also addressed some community groups. In the capital, Mr. Featherstone and Counsellor Chellie Sundram held consultation with five members of the National Spiritual Assembly. On another occasion, Mr. Featherstone met with 70 members of the Auxiliary Boards and of National and State Teaching
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Committees. A proclamation meeting was arranged at the Pure Life Society on 9 J anuary at which 80‘100 teachers and pupils were shown the Videotape the Featherstones had brought of the special 19 October peace service in the Sydney Temple, and heard a talk on the Faith. Another gathering addressed by Mr. Featherstone was the Interfaith Fellowship which met in a Bahá’í home. A stop in Singapore for one night was the occasion for a talk to a roomful of believers who gathered to greet the Hand of the Cause. From there the Featherstones went to Adelaide and Melbourne, where Mr. Featherstone addressed the Australian National Youth Conference. (From report received 15 February from the Hand of the Cause)
1987
J anuary
THAILAND: The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum returned to the World Centre on 2nd February 1987 after the dedication of the India Temple, and then left again to Visit Thailand. In less than a month Amatu’l—Baha, accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nak_hjavéni, criss—crossed Thailand from south to north and east to west, fulfilling an active schedule prepared for her. She spoke to seven major gatherings of Bahá’ís and the public; held personal interviews with at least eight officials and dignitaries; addressed the media in two cities; held consultations with the Spiritual Assembly; and met with the rank and file of the believers in city and Village. In Bangkok Amatu’l—Baha was cordially received by the Minister of Education, who ale held the portfolio of Religious Affairs, and discussed with him the interests of the Faith in Thailand. She met with the Governor of Bangkok, addressed a small gathering of notables at a World Religion Day meeting and reception, and gave interviews to press and television.
At the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds she engaged in consultation with the Spiritual Assembly on three occasions. Near the Eastern Border, during what she called “the highlight” of her trip, Amatu’l—Bahá Visited the refugee camps of Khao-I—Dang and Site 2 South, where there were large communities of Bahá’ís, numbered in the thousands, who had enrolled there since mid-1984, having fled war-torn areas of other southeast Asian countries. Though able to meet with relatively few of the many Bahá’ís in the immense camps, she was impressed with the sincerity and devotion to the Cause of those who were able to come to the gatherings. In Yasothon, in the northeastern region of Thailand, Amatu’l-Bahá Visited the Yasothon Bahá’í School and had “three happy Village meetings” in the area. She also met with the Governor of the Province in his home. In Songkhla Province, in the far south, she spoke to a conference for believers of the southern region attended by two members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Asia, Dr. Chellie Sundram and Dr. Iraj Ayman. Five hundred believers
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came from Malaysia and thirteen from Singapore, travelling many hours by bus. In Songkhla, Amatu’l-Bahá met With‘ the Deputy Governor who, “like all Thai officials”, she wrote, “was couiteous, cordial and interested”. The Hand of the Cause addressed an audience of more than 700 at the Simakron Wirot University at a peace conference sponsored jointly by the University and the Bahá’í community, sharing the platform with a professor of sociology. For joint consultations with the three Spiritual Assemblies Amatu’l—Baha was joined by the two Counsellors. The meetings included Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, and members of national teaching committees. She was able also to make a trip to an active Bahá’í community on Tha Wa Island before leaving the southern region. Chiengmai, in the far north near Burma and Laos, is an important city with an active Bahá’í community. There Amatu’l-Bahá met with the Vice-Governor, was cordially received by the president of a teacher training college, and was invited to address students of a comparative religions class. She also met local Bahá’ís and friends at a large gathering, and addressed local dignitaries at a luncheon. On leaving Thailand, Amatu’l-Bahá noted that in this “immensely promising area”, pioneers can make an effective contribution. (Based on a telex from the Hand of the Cause received 26 J anuary)
April
UNITED STATES: The 78th Bahá’í National Convention, held 23—26 April 1987 within the sacred precincts of the Mother Temple of the West in Wihnette, Illinois, was imbued with a maturity of deliberation and a sense of purpose perhaps unprecedented in the history of the American Bahá’í community... This year’s Convention was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, who delivered the closing address Sunday morning, exhorting the friends to follow in the hallowed footsteps of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to emulate
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His teaching methods as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Master’s historic Visit to North America... Mr. Sears, who attended most of the Convention sessions and who is to be present 27 June at the Souvenir Picnic in Teaneck, New Jersey, urged his audience to appreciate the glorious privilege of living in this day, and to seize the opportunity now to follow the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and carry the Message of Baha’u’llah to every corner of this country and around the world. (From The American Bahá’í’, June)
May
CANADA: Dr. Varqé attended a Unity Conference held in Kingston, Ontario, in May, “contributing greatly to the love and inspiration” felt by the 200 who gathered for the meeting. (From report in Bahá’í' Canada, August 1987)
May/June
AFRICA: In the months of May and June, the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone, accompanied by Mrs. Featherstone, travelled to eight countries of Africa, Visiting Bahá’í communities and inspiring the friends “in his usual lively and informative way”, in the words of an Auxiliary Board member, recording the visit. Going first to Mauritius for the National Convention on 1 May, Mr. Featherstone was able also to make a three—minute TV news recording while there, and to Visit the communities of Flacq, Camp de Masque (where they celebrated his 74th birthday), Mare d’Albert, and Plaint Magnien. He also gave a press conference. On 8 May the F eatherstones went to Zimbabwe, where meetings were held in Harare and Bulawayo. In Bulawayo they called on the Deputy Mayor and presented a copy of The Promise of World Peace; and in the evening at the Bahá’í Centre, whose rooms were filled to capacity, about 80 Bahá’ís attentively and gratefully listened to Mr. F eatherstone’s discourse on the greatness of the Cause and the blessings of
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1." mg 42%;; «I
The Hand of the Cause H. Collis eatherstone, and Mrs.
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adge F eatherstone,
with friends gatheredfor the National Convention in Mauritius; 1 May 1987.
serving it. Malawi believers gave heartfelt thanks for the gift of Mr. Featherstone’s four-day Visit, beginning on 15 May. Meetings at the centre brought eager believers from the north and centre of the country to hear his talks on the institutions and on progressive revelation, both illustrated by charts. A talk 011 Bible prophecy had the believers busy taking notes. Mrs. Featherstone gave an inspired talk on the role of women in the world today. Choirs from several communities entertained at the meetings, to the F eatherstones’ great delight. T0 Mwinilunga, Zambia, a remote but fertile and receptive area in the heart of Africa, the Featherstones were taken in an aircraft chartered by the National Assembly. “As the plane carrying the Hand of the Cause approached the air strip”, African Highlights for June relates, “the huge crowd of Bahá’ís Solourfully
dressed, started to dance. It was an unforget‘é'
table view. They were welcomed by almost 400 adults and over 100 children who had dressed most colourfully and were happy and excited to see their distinguished guests. These Bahá’ís had come from 19 Assembly
areas, and some had walked as far as 80 kilometres to see the Hand of the Cause. As the Featherstones stepped from the plane, the joyful crowd rushed toward them and flanked them, touched them, shook hands with them and showed them their heartfelt love and appreciation.” In Lusaka, Zambia, Mr. Featherstone talked to Rotarians, and was interviewed on radio and television. The five—minute programme in which he talked of world peace, removal of prejudice, and progressive revelation was shown after his departure from Zambia. After eight days of a tight schedule Which took them to four provinces, the Featherstones left Zambia, “their exemplary, dedicated and tireless service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh an inspiration to the friends in Zambia”, as reported in African Highlights. On 27 May in Tanzania, the Hand of the Cause met with the National Spiritual Assembly, the Auxiliary Board members and' assistants. At a public meeting on peace held on 30 May, Mr. Featherstone addressed a full hall and answered many questions. He shared the platform with a speaker from the United Nations Development
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Programme. In Kenya, on 31 May, he was met by all members of the National Spiritual Assembly. He Visited the towns of Kusumu, Change (meeting with 451 Bahá’ís), and Kakamega. In Uganda 011 5 June, the Featherstones were met at the border by Mrs. Vi Gilbert, a member of the Auxiliary Board, and taken to Tororo where she teaches at a school for girls. The next day they went to Kampala where they stayed in the former home of the Hand of the Cause Miisé Banani which later became the home of the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga. On 7 June they Visited the House of Worship for morning service and met with the believers in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the afternoon. On 10 June the Featherstones arrived in Ethiopia where Mr. Featherstone met many believers in the course of several days. Mrs. Featherstone spoke to the women on many occasions and also addressed general gatherings of the friends. (Compiled from various reports received through July)
June
CANADA: Two Hands of the Cause, Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad Varqa and Mr. John Robarts, were present in Montreal for three days in June when 60 Bahá’ís from all parts of French Canada met in a Francophone Policy Conference to consult on two themes put forward by the National Assembly: teaching the Faith and building the Bahá’í community in the Province of Quebec. They spoke with the friends assembled at the Bahá’í Shrine (the Maxwell Home) during the two evenings Of the Conference. Dr. Varqa told of the period of the Ten Year Crusade after the passing of the Guardian when the Hands of the Cause executed his Plan. He encouraged the study of the Tablets Of the Divine Plan, Writteii by ‘Abdu’l—B aha after His visit to North America. Mr. Robarts spent precious moments recalling happy memories of 1948 when he was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada. He reminded the assembled friends of the
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bounty of meeting in the Shrine hallowed by the presence and the prayers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Francophone group noted the presence “in spirit” of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum, who, in a cable, appealed to the Québec believers to arise and vindicate the unique position of the first place where the Faith was established in Canada in 1902. She recalled her mother’s great love for the French—speaking people and her wish to see the French-Canadians embrace and serve the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. (From Bahá’í International News Sewice, N0. 169, August—September 1987) HUNGARY: A number of Bahá’ís participated in a scientific conference organized by the International Society for General Systems Research in Budapest, Hungary, from 1—5 June 1987. At the request of the Universal House of Justice, Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum headed the Bahá’í delegation which included Mrs. Violette Nak_hj avani and Dr. Janet Khan from Haifa, and Dr. Ingeborg Franken and Dr. .Udo Schaefer from Germany. The conference, held in a city visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and much admired by Him, attracted some of the foremost systems scientists from Eastern Europe and the West. They were drawn from such disciplines as mathematics, physics, engineering, economics, management, and the biological and social sciences. A featured speaker was the President of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. At the conclusion of the conference, the Bahá’í delegation met informally with some of the members of Dr. Lazlo’s Research Group to discuss subjects of mutual interest. As a result of this meeting, Dr. Laszlo requested that materials on aspects of the Bahá’í Faith be sent to all members of his Group. (From report received 11 June from Dr. J anet Khan) "UNITED STATES: More than 1,000 Bahá’ís and their guests gathered on 27 June 1987 at the Wilhelm properties in Teaneck, New Jersey, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Unity Picnic hosted there by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His historic visit to
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North America in 1912. The day-long event was but one of about 1,500 such picnics held across the country at the request of the Hand of the Cause William Sears, whose presence greatly blessed this one. The keynote address was presented by Mr. Sears, who presented a plaque to Mayor Bernard E. Brooks of Teaneck for his work in promoting unity among all the people in that city. (From Bahá’í News, August)
UNITED STATES: As part of its commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the first Souvenir Picnic in Teaneck, the Bahá’í Public Information Office of Northern New J ersey produced a Video recording including 1ive narration and original still photographs of the first picnic which was hosted by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Hand of the Cause William Sears agreed to narrate the Video. Its premiere showing took place during the Diamond Jubilee picnic in Teaneck on 27 June. (From T he American Bahá’í', August)
July
FINLAND: Summer School 1987 held in Salo on 10—18 July was honored by the Visit of Mr. Featherstone, one of the principal speakers who inspired the school sessions. Attendance came to 224 adults, youth, and children. Public outreach was a main feature of this school: a public meeting advertised in the newspaper, Bahá’í participation in a concert of internationa1 songs and a second public meeting held at the school. (From report received 18 August from the National Spiritual Assembly of Fin1and)
SWEDEN: Three Hands of the Cause of God were present at the Scandinavian Bahá’í Summer School which opened in Sweden on 19 July and marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the separate National Spiritual Assemblies of the' Scandinavian
countries 'and Finland. The Hands of the"
Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery, ‘Ali Akbar Furi'ltan, and H. C011is Featherstone participated in the gala event with 500 believers from Scandinavia and many other countries of Europe, the Americas and Africa. (From
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Bahá’í International News Service, No. 169, August—September 1987)
August:
UNITED KINGDOM: Dr. Giachery attended the landmark Youth Conference held at Manchester University in the United Kingdom in August, with 1,300 participants from 42 countries. “The Conference has been great1y blessed by the presence of our beloved Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery. His sacrificial participation in View of ill health has been a tremendous source of inspiration.” (F rom report from the participants received 15 September)
ITALY: Reports from events enriched by the attendance of Hands of the Cause include the 26th annual Summer Sehoo1 of Northern Italy, attended by Mr. Furútan who gave the 440 friends present a “new Vision of the great horizons of the historic fourth epoch of the Fait ”. (From telex received 30 August from the participants)
GERMANY: Participants in the German Summer School at Kastell Windsor held from 2—9 August telexed their loving appreciation of the participation of Mr. and Mrs. Furfitan. During the school, handcrafted items made by the children were sold to provide three scholarships for the Anis Zuni'izi School in Haiti. (From telex received 12 August from the participants)
CANADA: The Hand of the Cause William Sears visited a11ten provinces of Canada and two territories in just eleven days, from 30 August to 9 September—the period corresponding to Abdu’l-Bahá’s sojourn in Canada seventy-five years ago. The trip was a “matchless tour de force of love, inspiration and encouragement”, as reported in Bahá’í Canada for November. In spite of poor health, Mr. Sears jouineyed from coast to coast and through the northern territories, “a living demonstration of the capacity of the spirit to triumph over physical limitations.” Some highlights of the 11 days were: firesides in Montreal, in French and English, where Mr. Sears shook the hand of each
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 645
child present and gave each one a souvenir; nightly firesides in Halifax and throughout Nova Scotia; Bahá’ís from the entire province of Winnipeg gathered at the new Bahá’í Centre; over 1,000 attending the Calgary event; a moving meeting in Vancouver in which the friends were urged to become more heroic, more saintly, and appreciate their station as Bahá’ís; a presentation to the Hand of the Cause by children of Whitehorse in which they gave their impressions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in prose and poetry; and a two-day conference for the Northwest Territories; two new believers embracing the Faith in Toronto during the Visit of the Hand of the Cause. (From Bahá’í' Canada for November)
September
CANADA: “Kaa-Taan” or “Strong Man” was the tribal name given to the Hand of the Cause William Sears by a small band of Tlingit Indians during his Visit to Lake La Berge near Whitehorse, on 6 September 1987. Hazel Lovelace, who served as spokesman for the Eagle and Raven Tribes, expressed her feelings about the consultation that proceeded the presentation. “We wanted to shower our love on Mr. Sears... but we didn’t have anything to offer him. Nothing but our love. So we decided to adopt him and give him a Tlingit name.” As tradition dictated, Laurie Hill of the Raven Tribe was chosen to announce the name three times, with the audience repeating the name, thereby acknowledging their affirmation and acceptance. Mr. Sears was also presented with an Eagle vest and wool lap blanket by his new tribal family. Jens Lyberth chanted and played a traditional Eskimo drum as part of the ceremony. (Based on report in Alaska Bahá’í News, J anuary 1988)
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: The Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone and Mrs. F eatherstone, continuing a journey that began in April and took in 18 countries, arrived in Honolulu on 12 September. In a five-day stay, Mr. Featherstone addressed a capacity crowd at the National Bahá’í Centre
on Oahu, Visited Maui on 14 September, the Big Island of Hawaii on‘ the 15th, and returned to Oahu on the 16th to meet over dinner with the Chinese Teaching Committee and to give an interview to the religion editor of the Star-Bulletin. This resulted in a ten—inch article in the Saturday edition. (From Hawaii Bahá’í News for October~November)
October
CANADA: In late October and early November, Amatu’l—B aha Rúḥíyyih I__{___hénum Visited Canada, speaking to the friends in Montreal and Toronto while she was there. On 1 November, the Hands of the Cause of God J ohn Robarts and Dr. ‘Ali—Muhammad Varqa joined more than 250 Bahá’ís from the Montreal area, Quebec City and Ottawa at the Montreal Centre to greet Rúḥíyyih Khánum, who spoke to the friends in English and French about the need for teaching the Faith, and the education of Bahá’í children. In Toronto, she spoke on the same subjects on 5 November... (From Bahá’í Canada, Vol. 9, No. 11, January)
UNITED STATES: “Let’s All Get Involved” was the theme, and the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears the featured speaker, at a regional mini—youth conference held from 30 October to 1 November 1987 in Tucson and sponsored by the District Youth Committee of Southern Arizona. Mr. Sears met each of the 50 young people from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and California, all of whom agreed that the event was helpful in deepening their understanding of the Faith through talks and workshops. (Based on report in T he American Bahá’í', April)
November
FRANCE: The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khanum’s Visit to France was primarily undertaken in memory of her mother, May Maxwell, who established the Faith there and was the first Bahá’í in Europe. Arriving on 11 November 1987, during her 33—day tour she Visited 17 communities, attending a two-day National
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Teaching Conference held in Paris; seven regional gatherings throughout the country; and a National Youth Conference in Lyon. She gave all of her talks in French. Throughout France the Bahá’ís took full advantage of Amatu’l-Bahá’s Visit to invite friends and relatives who were not Bahá’ís to attend special meetings and receptions; as a result a number of those already interested accepted the Faith. On her arrival in Paris, accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nalihjavani, all nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly met Amatu’l—Baha at the airport, where she had a three-hour stopover en route to Nice, the first place she Visited. On successive weekends, Regional Teaching Conferences were held in Nice and Marseille, with more than 140 attending from 21 localities in Nice, and 80 friends from 11 places in Marseille. Coverage by the media in France is difficult to obtain; however, in Marseille, Amatu’l—Baha had a press interview with a well-known columnist published in one of the big papers of southern France. This was followed by a number of other articles published in different cities. The third Regional Conference was in Annecy on the Swiss border; over 200 friends participated, mostly from Switzerland. A social evening and concert concluded the events, attended by the Deputy Mayor of Annecy and his wife. His remarks to the gathering were cordial and full of praise for the teachings and objectives of the Bahá’ís. A meeting for the friends in the Chambéry district took place in the home of a believer in Chapareillan. From Annecy, Rúḥíyyih Khánum went to Lyon to address a National Youth Conference attended by more than 100 people from all parts of France, Switzerland, and Belgium; many excellent questions were asked. A meeting and dinner also took place with
45 Bahá’ís from Lyon and neighbouring“
communities. The National Assembly had arranged for the Hand of the Cause to have a number of interviews with officials in Paris. Madame Albanel Delagard met With Rúḥíyyih _K‘hanum on behalf of the Prime
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Minister of France. Madame Delagard was in charge of Religious Affairs. She was very intelligent, very agreeable, and evidently had little knowledge of the Faith, but was very interested in the material Amatu’l—Baha was able to show her, and particularly to note that the Bahá’í International Community had recently joined the Conservation and Religion Network of the World Wide Fund for Nature. Another important engagement in Paris was with Madame Simone Veil, representative of the Republic of F rance in the European Parliament and formerly its President. On that body she had raised her voice publicly in defense of the persecuted Bahá’ís of Persia and was keenly interested in events affecting the Faith in that countiy. She was very interested to hear from Rúḥíyyih Khánum the hist01y of the relationship of the Faith with the State of Israel. A National Teaching Conference took place in Paris 28 and 29 November, the largest of its kind ever held. Between 450 and 500 people attended from all parts of France and other countries, including the Counsellor, Dr. Agnes Ghaznavi, and a number of Board members. In addition to talks given by Amatu’l—Baha, the gathering was addressed by Counsellor Ghaznavi and by members of the French National Spiritual Assembly, all of whom underlined the needs of the Six Year Plan. There was a remarkable sense of oneness and enthusiasm, to which, undoubtedly, the spirit of the many Bahá’í youth present contributed. The Paris Local Spiritual Assembly, after entertaining Rúḥíyyih Khánum at lunch, touchingly commemorated her Visit by going to the Eiffel Tower for a photograph in the same place where, 75 years ago, the beloved Master had been photographed. Also in Paris, Amatu’l—Baha and Mrs. Nagavani were able to attend the meeting in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds commemorating the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. About 200 of the friends were present at the beautifully conducted meeting. The National Spiritual Assembly rented a hall in Paris for a general meeting which about 100 people
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attended. After Amatu’l—Baha’s talk many questions were asked. On another occasion, about 80 Bahá’í youth had an evening meeting with Amatu’l—Baha following a dinner with her at the National Centre. In addition to all the Paris activities, Rúḥíyyih Khánum was able to have two meetings with communities near Paris. In Rouen, a very active and devoted group of friends, many of them refugees from Iran, entertained her and all the friends at lunch. In La Celle—SaintCloud, some 50 people gathered in the home of one of the believers to greet the Hand of the Cause. After the eventful days in Paris, Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum left for Bordeaux where the small but active . community had arranged an interview with the Mayor, Jacques Chabon Delmas, who had previously been Prime Minister of France, and who then was Speaker of the House of Representatives. They met in his private office at City Hall, where Amatu’l-Bahá was able to introduce Mr. Delmas to the Faith. He had, however, heard of the persecutions in Iran, which he strongly deplored. He was also interested to learn that the Bahá’í International Community had just been accepted, on an equal basis with other world religions, into the WWF Network on Conservation and Religion. It was an extremely cordial interview. After Bordeaux, Ruhi’yyih Khanum went to Nantes to participate in the fifth Regional Conference, which had about 100 friends attending from 11 localities. In Nantes, she was deeply touched to meet a member of the Auxiliary Board from Niger, whom she and Mrs. Nagavani had met on their African safari, and who had come all the way from Niger just to see her again. From Nantes Rúḥíyyih Khánum went to Rennes, the capital of Brittany. Then, crossing the country once again, she weht to Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament, which was the last of her engagements in France. Two interviews with officials had been arranged for her in Strasbourg. The first was with Madame Knorr, who was in charge of religious affairs and education in
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the local government of the Department of Alsace. She spent a long time with Rúḥíyyih Khánum, showing a lively interest in the Faith. The other interview was with Mr. Hoeffel, a Senator, who is also the President of the Conseil General of the BasRhin District. After introductions, he said to Rúḥíyyih Khánum, “What can I do for you?” “Do for me?”, she asked. “I didn’t come here to have anything done for me; I don’t want anything.” He looked absolutely astonished; he had evidently thought he had an appointment With somebody who had some kind of a demand, or a petition, or a complaint. Rúḥíyyih Khánum went on: “I have come here to pay my respects to you as a member of the Government; I haven’t come to ask for anything; I don’t want anything at all.” He was really taken aback and said, “Well, won’t you sit down?” They had a worthwhile and pleasant chat about the Faith and mention was made of the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran. Amatu’l-Bahá spent two nights in Strasbourg, Where the local Bahá’ís held a dinner in her honour in their Bahá’í Centre on the first evening, followed by an informal and happy meeting with all the friends. On the second night, over 200 friends from France, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland, gathered... Returning to Paris, Amatu’l-Bahá had a long meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly during which she not only commented on her trip and experiences in France, but expressed her deep conviction that it was the time to push forward as never before With teaching the Faith, as there was new receptivity stirring in the land. The next day, the entire National Spiritual Assembly saw her off most lovingly at the airport, just as they had greeted her so lovingly on her arrival. (Based on report from the Hand of the Cause received 2 February 1988) UNITED STATES: A crowd of 1,000 or more Bahá’ís gathered on 29 November 1987 in the auditorium of the Los Angeles Center to greet the Hand of the Cause William Sears, who had promised that he
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would be present to celebrate the triumphant march of the Los Angeles teaching campaign “even if he had to be carried in on a stretcher.” Mr. Sears had come from his siCk—bed, but despite his discomfort he lit up
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the room with his humor and inspired his hearers to a new and deeper resolve to conquer the hearts of the populace of the City of the Angels. (From The Los Angeles Bahá’í' Journal, J anuary)
1988
J anuary
AUSTRALIA: From every State in Australia, 360 youth went to Perth in J anuary to attend a national youth conference, a highlight of which was the participation of the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone. Proclamation activities and favourable media coverage were specially noted in the report, the Youth Year of Service was said to be gaining momentum, and a teaching team set out from the conference to Visit most parts of Western Australia. (From Bahá’í International News Service, No. 174, February)
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: A capacity audience that included Virtually every active Bahá’í 0n the island of Kauai joyously greeted the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and Marguerite Sears... 011 the evening of 15 January. Mr. Sears’ stay in the Islands produced wonderful results in the Hawaiian Bahá’í community and inspired the deliberations of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia and the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii, both bodies receiving the benefit of his Vision of the grandeur of the Cause of God and the majesty of its institutions. Mr. Sears’ separate meetings with each were followed by a joint meeting of the Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly, which exemplified the growing collaboration between institutions characteristic of the Fouith Epoch. The National Assembly praised the bEhind—the scenes Bahá’í workers in Kauai who helped‘
to make the weekend with the Hand of the Cause “dynamic, inspiring, joyous, and radiant with overpowering spirit.” In Oahu, on 23 January, in an informal meeting, Mr. Sears inspired the Bahá’ís with
promises of Victory. A giant fireside teaching event hosted by the National Teaching Committee was held in the National Center on the evening of 30 J anuaiy and the Bahá’ís were invited to bring interested seekers to hear this beloved guest—speaker. Major newspapers of both Kauai and Oahu interviewed the Hand of the Cause. (From telex reports received from the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii through 6 March)
February
UNITED STATES: Mr. Sears addressed the 25th Anniversary Council Fire in Tucson, Arizona, on 26—28 February. Six hundred were in attendance for the meeting to commemorate the Great Council Fire held in southern Arizona in 1963. Mr. Sears’ talk emphasized the references to American Indians in the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi and spoke of Bahá’u’lláh’s promises of Victory for all Bahá’í teachers. (From telex received 6 March report from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States)
AUSTRALIA: The Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone visited the Erriba Community development experiment in Tasmania, Australia, in February to officially open the Albert Benson Memorial Cottage, a hospitality centre named after one of the founding members of the NW. T asmania Bahá’í community. The presence of the Hand of the Cause and the strength ‘and assurance in his addresses kept his audiences inspired and spellbound. Approximately 80—100 people attended the ceremony... (From Bahá’í International News Service, No. 175, March 1986) ‘
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April
GERMANY: About 1,200 believers gathered in Stuttgart on 9 April at a special conference honouring the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l—Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum. Also present were member of the International Teaching Centre, Counsellor Anneliese Bopp, Continental Counsellor Ursula Mühlschlegel, and members of the National Spiritual Assembly. The conference, the largest national Bahá’í conference ever held in Germany, took place during the festivities related to the 75th anniversary of the Master’s Visit to that country. The participation of the Hand of the Cause, in particular her address to the Bahá’ís in the German language, stirred the entire community. The candid, challenging elucidations relating to “how to present the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the public”; “our Bahá’í life”; and “our dedication to the Cause”, inspired the audience with new insights and the awareness that “entry by troops” needs to incorporate changes in the current approach to presenting the Faith. Nearly 900 friends and guests gathered on 10 April at the historic Kurhaus in Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart, for the gala event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Germany... In her ceremonial address Amatu’LBahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum loving1y recalled the time she spent in Germany in 1936—37 and the early followers of Bahá’u’lláh in that land. Counsellor Anneliese Bopp, Dr. Massoud Berdjis, and Werner Gollmer spoke of the life, teachings and travels of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Press conferences were attended by major newspapers and broadcast services. (From telex received 12 April from the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany)
AUSTRIA: On 16 April the 'AuStrian community celebrated the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to Vienna in the presence of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Counsellors Ursula Mühlschlegel and Leo Niederreiter, and friends from many parts of Austria and Europe. Rúḥíyyih Khánum 10V
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ingly encouraged the Austrian community to teach with greater effort and awareness, and to live the Bahá’í life.
On 9, 10 and 17 April, a most festive commemoration to mark the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Budapest was held in that city with Amatu’l—Baha attending. (From teleX received 18 April from the National Spiritual Assembly of Austria)
PAKISTAN: The Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone were present for the joyful inauguration of a National Teaching Conference in Hyderabad, Sind, Pakistan, on 15 April. Counsellor Sébir Afaqi, members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and three members of the Auxiliary Board also gathered with Bahá’ís from 36 different centres in Pakistan. The conference participants reviewed the achievements of the first phase of the Six Year Plan and consulted on second-phase goals to be announced at the forthcoming National Convention. (Telex received 18 April from conference participants)
J uly
CHINA: On 19 July,Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum, accompanied by Mrs. Violette Na_khjavéni, left the Holy Land for a longanticipated, private Visit to China. Beginning in Canton, they travelled to Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Guilin, and finally returned to Canton. (From report received October from the Hand of the Cause)
August
HONG KONG: Following her trip to China, Amatu’l-Bahá travelled to Hong Kong for five days where she held a press conference; a private interview with a Bahá’í reporter from the South China Post newspaper; an interview with a columnist for the Hong Kong T attler; and a large meeting at which she addressed the Bahá’ís of both Hong Kong and the adjacent New Territories, stressing the supreme importance of teaching the Faith. She also met with the
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devoted travelling teachers from Malaysia, of Chinese background, who were very actively engaged in the teaching work. At a luncheon given by the National Spiritual Assembly, at which Counsellor Bijan Farid, and some Auxiliary Board members were present, Amatu’l-Bahá again spoke of the urgency of teaching.
The highlight of Amatu’l—Baha’s Visit to Hong Kong was a large, formal banquet the Spiritual Assembly gave in honour of the passage by the Hong Kong Legislative Council of “the Bahá’í Ordinance” to incorporate the Faith by act of Parliament. The guests of honour——in addition to Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih K__hanun1—were Mr. Desmond Lee Xu Tai, a member of the Legislative Council who proposed the vote in favour of the Bahá’ís, other Hong Kong notables, and a number of Bahá’ís, including a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Japan. The occasion opened with a traditional Chinese ceremony, followed by speeches by Amatu’l-Bahá and two Council members, music, and a memorable Chinese dinner. Amatu’l—Baha was presented with a beautiful painted porcelain plate, designed by a very well—known Chinese artist. After dinner a Videotape of the San Francisco Peace Conference was shown on wellplaced television sets throughout the dining hall; it attracted much praise and admiration from everyone, particularly the guests. (From report received October from the Hand of the Cause)
MACAU: During a three-day Visit to Macau, Amatu’l-Bahá officially opened a newly acquired Bahá’í Centre in one of the most densely populated areas. This joyous event was preceded in the traditional Chinese way, by a lion dance, with its amusing antics accompanied by' a rterrifying
explosion of firecrackers in the public street.‘ '
Amatu’l—Baha also met with all the Bahá’ís in a large meeting and spoke to them about the importance of teaching in Macau and the influence this would have on the neighbouring areas. The highlight of her
THE Bahá’í WORLD
Visit was the official opening of the Bahá’í school called School of the Nations, which occupies the entire second floor of a large modern building. Although it had been in operation for the past few months, the friends took the opportunity of her Visit to hold a reception in the School and officially and ceremoniously inaugurate the institution. Many prominent and influential members of the public were among the invited guests. In her speech, Amatu’l—Baha spoke of the important role of the teacher in society, as stressed by the Bahá’í teachings, and the great importance of moral and spiritual education for children. She stressed the point that while the School is run by Bahá’ís, and spiritual and moral concepts will be taught, the Bahá’ís will never force their beliefs on the children or try to change the children’s religious convictions. In addition to the above events, there was a well—attended press conference. (Based on a report from Mrs. Nag avani)
TAIWAN: Ever since the exciting news of “entry by troops” in Taiwan, Amatu’l—Baha had longed to see for herself what was happening there. She therefore arranged a five-day Visit to some of the new teaching areas. The Counsellors in Asia took advantage of her Visit and called a three-day conference for their Auxiliary Board members and assistants. Three of the Counsellors particularly concerned with this area were able to attend: Mr. Rl’ihu’llah Mumtází, Mr. Bijan Farid, and Mrs. Shantha Sundram. At this conference Amatu’l—Baha strongly emphasized that nothing must be allowed to slow down the dynamic spiritual impetus of mass teaching. In Taipei, Amatu’l—Baha was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lien Chan. She presented him with an exquisite copy of the Hidden Words in Chinese and English, in a special box of silk brocade. He was very impressed by it and astonished to hear that the book was produced in Taiwan by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust! She also presented him with a special copy of the Peace Statement, in Chinese.
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During the very cordial interview she stressed that Bahá’ís are non-political and obedient to their governments. When Amatu’l—Baha thanked him for the generous time he had given her, he said, “It is I who must thank you to have honoured me with this audience.” Amatu’l—Bahá had a long interview on a feature programme on the national radio, and two press conferencesone in Taipei and one in a new teaching area in the south, Taitung. She also had a long, dynamic and enlightening meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly. It had been nine years since her previous Visit to Taiwan; it rejoiced her heart to see so many old friends, particularly in the large meeting With the Taipei Bahá’ís. Among the happiest events of this short Visit were her meetings with the friends—most of them new Bahá’ís—in the communities of Keelung, Chiayi, and Taitung. These are all areas of mass teaching. In Keelung, prior to the warm official greeting by the Mayor of the city, amid music and firecrackers, she was received by the local Bahá’ís in their Centre and given a delicious dinner provided by all the friends. In Taitung, the Magistrate of the county, who is also the Mayor, officially welcomed her and highly praised the Bahá’ís in his county. The joy, the excitement, and the encouragement Amatu’l-Bahá poured into these meetings created great hope and promise for the immediate future of the Faith in Taiwan. (Based on report from the Hand of the Cause received October)
THAILAND: The Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone undertook a two—and—a—half—month—long trip through Asia starting in August. They spent the first three weeks Visiting schools, local
dignitaries, and Bahá’ís in refugee camps‘
and communities throughout Thailand. After their arrival in the country on 26 August, two days were spent meeting with the Bahá’ís of Bangkok. From there they flew to Ubon Ratchathani, in southeast Thailand, before travelling 100 kilometres by bus
to the Yasothon Hotel. After an evening with the local Bahá’ís, Mr. Featherstone presented the Peace Statement to the Governor with an information folder on the Bahá’í Faith, both in the Thai language. During the same day two talks were given; one at a school and one to a gathering of Bahá’ís. The following day, before returning to Bangkok to take the flight to Vientiane, Laos, they visited Kumngen Village and were shown the skillful weaving of the local craftspeople and were showered with the loving hospitality of the community. (Based on report from the Hand of the Cause received 2 October)
September
LAOS: Two Auxiliary Board members, eight members of the Spiritual Assembly of Laos, members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Vientiane, and other members of the Laos Bahá’í community made up the enthusiastic group which welcomed Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone with bouquets of red roses at the Vientiane airport on 1 September. After the first evening meeting with members of the Auxiliary Board and the Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Featherstone began a series of deepenings on many different topics to capacity audiences in the National Centre, and Mrs. Featherstone spoke on the Vital role of women to the progress of the Cause. Humorous stories from the widelytravelled Visitors punctuated each session and Mr. Featherstone often supplemented his talks with illustrated charts, photographs, brochures, photocopies of newspaper cuttings, and underlined passages from Bahá’í books. Four senior government officials of Sikhottabhong District expressed their open
appreciation for the deepening session they
attended, in which Mr. Featherstone explained the' Bahá’í teachings on loyalty to government and the Faith’s involvement in United Nations Non—Govemmental Organization activities through the Bahá’í International Community. On 5 September
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the Bahá’ís of Ban Nonsavanh (formerly Ban Hongsouphaph), a Village eight kilometres east of Vientiane, stood to greet their special guests as they entered the local Bahá’í Centre. Mr. Featherstone spoke about the principles of the Faith and the paramount importance of teaching the Cause in order to see these principles realized. He also emphasized the value of presenting the Peace Statement to government officials and leaders of thought. Local officers attended this meeting and Mr. Featherstone again explained the Bahá’í teachings on loyalty to government and the Faith’s involvement with United Nations NGO activities. The permission given for the Hand of the Cause and Mrs. F eatherstone’s Visit to Ban Nonsavanh was of great significance as this area is usually firmly barred to foreigners. The report concludes, “The incomparable husband and wife teaching partners left Vientiane on 8 September, garlanded by a group of friends”. (From report received on 23 November from the Spiritual Assembly) THAILAND: Returning to Thailand on 10 September, the F eatherstones were taken to a refugee camp, the population of which was approximately 180,000 people, mainly Cambodians. They met with the Local Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í community in this camp. At another meeting a short distance away, a translator facilitated for the Khmer, Vietnamese, and Chinese speaking audience. At a meeting on the following day, in a different camp, which had just formed its Local Spiritual Assembly, 100 people gathered to listen to the Visitors. At the opening of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the afternoon the Hand of the Cause read a message from the Universal House of Justice. After Visiting the refugee camps the Featherstones travelled to Chiang Mai in the rnorth ‘of
Thailand. As a result of a meeting with the' '
owner of a newspaper, a large photograph
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and article about the Faith were published. During the same day a meeting was arranged with the Deputy-Govemor Of Chiang Mai Province. He responded very favourably to the presentation of an information folder on the Faith and the Peace Statement, both in the Thai language, and remembered warmly his meeting With Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Iihanum in the past. (From report received 2 October from the Hand of the Cause)
N ovember
CANADA: One hundred and thirty Bahá’ís from all parts of the French—speaking province of Quebec gathered at a conference for unity, protection, and teaching. The conference was inspired by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali—Muhammad Varqa... (From Bahá’í International News Service, No. 189, December 1988)
JAPAN/KOREA/TAIWAN/MALAYSIA: The Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone returned to Australia on 9 November after spending the last month of their Visit to the Asian Bahá’í communities, in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Throughout their busy soj cum in Korea, Mr. and Mrs. Featherstone presented talks at the National Teaching Conference, were interviewed by the press, and presented the Peace Statement to the Chancellor of Kyung Hee University. Mr. F eatherstone met with Counsellor Kim Myung Jung and members of the Auxiliary Board, and when speaking at the many gatherings with the Bahá’ís, always stressed the importance of teaching. In Taiwan Mr. and Mrs. Featherstone spoke at firesides, participated in a conference at the university in Taichung, and uplifted the friends at many gatherings before making a short Visit to
’ Malaysia en route to their home in Australia.
(From report received 29 December from the Hand of the Cause)
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Amatu ’l—Bahd Rdhz’yyih [Lhdnum presents a copy Ofthe Peace Statement to the Governor ofMacau during her visit to that territory in April 1989.
. > , ‘ , A , -& , 1‘ The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery with Mrs. Lilian Alaz' (left) and T osi Maliatoa (right) during the National Convention held in Apia, Western Samoa, in April 1989.
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1989
February
UNITED STATES: The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears lent brilliant support to the “Vision to Victory” conferences sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly. He was among the distinguished speakers Who addressed the gathering held at Pasadena City College which attracted an audience of approximately 2,000. (From The American Bahá’í', March)
April
SAMOA: The Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery arrived in Western Samoa on 16 April to a moving, formal welcome by the Head of State, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II. “His Highness walked a long distance to the plane While a very large crowd of arriving and departing passengers and their friends watched... Accompanying His Highness was the acting Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice, who also extended a warm welcome to Dr. Giachery and placed a garland of flowers upon him.
“Dr. Giachery was immediately ushered to the royal limousine Which was awaiting him. Scores of Bahá’ís lined the road of exit from the VIP area waving...as the limousine passed slowly by.” The Malietoa expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed on him and the people of Samoa by the visit of Dr. Giachery, and the acting Prime Minister referred to the occasion as touching and unforgettable. (From report received through Continental Board of Counsellors 18 April)
MACAU: Amatu’l-B aha Rúḥíyyih Khánum represented the Universal House of Justice on the occasion of the formation of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ísof Macau. Three representatives of the
Meena Datwani Tsui, and Choy Choong Yew also participated, as did a representative of the National Assembly of Australia, Phillip Hinton; of Japan, Abbas Katirai; and of Malaysia, Lilly Ong.
“mother” -. Assembly of Hong Kong, Steven Townsend,"
“Honoured by the presence of our much loved and cherished Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum,...eight of the nine delegates and 131 believers participated, among them Harry Yim, the first Chinese believer of Macau; Counsellor Bijan Farid; some early pioneers and guests from other countries.
“The Convention was preceded by two highly significant events. One, the presentation by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum of the Peace Statement to the Governor of Macau. The other, a formal dinner...honou1ing Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Iihe'mum and the inaugural election of the Spiritual Assembly of Macau, attended by the Chief of the Cabinet of the Governor of Macau, who was the Governor’s representative; officials of the Xinhua News Agency...and other Government officials and community leaders. The Chief of the Cabinet expressed high regard for the Faith and support for our ideals and work.
“We are confident that the formation of the first ...Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Macau has infused a new spirit into the entire community and lent greater impetus to the new challenges and opportunities that face us at the present time, particularly in the field of teaching.” (Report received from the Convention 1 May)
UNITED STATES: The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears participated in the 80th annual Convention of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, sharing with his “unfailing spirit” remembrances of the exemplary lives of service of former member of the Universal House of Justice Mr. H. Borrah Kavelin, and the late Mrs. Edna M. True. (From report received
,30 April from the National Assembly)
GERMANY: This year’s National Convention was enriched by the participation of the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali Akbar Furl'itan, who spoke one evening about the needs of the Fund. (From report received 2 May from the National Spiritual Assembly)
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CANADA: The atmosphere of the Canadian National Convention was lifted by the presence and participation of the Hands of the Cause Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad Varqa, William Sears, and J ohn A. Robarts. (From report received 4 May from the Convention)
May/June CHINA/MONGOLIA/HONGKONG/MACAU: F ollowing the Convention in Macau,
Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum made an historic trip to mainland China, where she was met with great courtesy. In Beijing, Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih ILhénum showed slides from her “Green Light Expedition” to 27 prominent Chinese guests. One of these distinguished persons invited her to his home for lunch, and showed sincere friendliness towards her. Beginning 15 May, she spent one week in Ulaan Baatar, capital of the People’s Republic of Mongolia. She had been invited to give lectures about her travels and about world peace to students of English at a university. “Mongolians are a singularly fine, very impressive, talented and upright, distinguished people”, she said. On 22 May, Amatu’l—B aha Rúḥíyyih Khánum travelled to Shanghai where she stayed for five nights. There, she dined in the home of the Dean of the Department of Foreign Languages of a prominent university. While in Shanghai she also attended a concert where one of China’s best—known artists performed. After the concert the Hand of the Cause met the singer, whom she was happy to meet again during another part of her journey. From Shanghai, Amatu’l-Bahá Rfihi'yyih ghénum Visited as a tourist the beautiful lake city of Hangzhou for three nights, then spent four nights in Xi’an. On 3 June she returned to Beijing, and on 4 June serious troubles began in thatcity. However, Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih K_haiium did not experience any difficulties. On 6 June the Hand of the Cause flew to Dalian, where she again showed the slides of her “Green Light Expedition” and met With a number of prominent people of the area. She stayed in Dalian until 14 June, then flew to Hong
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Kong and back to Macau. During this second Visit to Macau, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum was very active, meeting with the new Spiritual Assembly and With other believers. While in Macau she also had the opportunity to “modestly participate a few times in the mass teaching activities which have been so successful in Macau. This success is largely due to the hard—working task force teams’ efforts.” The Hand of the Cause also met twice with the Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong to discuss plans for their teaching work. (From reports from the Hand of the Cause of God received 15 June and 4 July)
UNITED STATES: The following are excerpts from a book review of Run to Glory! by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, recently published by Naturegraph: “The newest book from the gifted pen of the Hand of the Cause... is a heartwarming and hilarious adventure tale filled with drama, suspense, and excitement. While it is not a book that makes specific reference to the Bahá’í Faith, it is filled with the spirit of the revelation.” The book draws upon some of Mr. Sears’ own background and childhood experiences. “This is a book to be read aloud and enjoyed by the whole family...”.
AUSTRALLA: The Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Madge Featherstone attended the first intensive teaching institute ever held for Aboriginal and Islander people in Australia. There were regularly scheduled talks and activities, with the indigenous friends taking an active part and asking many questions. Altogether 55 people attended the institute, of Whom 25 were of Aboriginal and Islander descent, while the remainder included Indians, Persians, and Maoris, as well as other Australians. “The friends left with the desire for“ more such gatherings.” (From report from the National Spiritual Assembly)
J uly WORLD CENTRE: Deeply grieved loss valiant, indefatigable, dearly loved distinguished
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Hand Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery. His passing in course historic Visit Samoa adds fresh laurels to crown already won during ministry beloved Guardian, and reinforces spiritual distinction vast Pacific region, already blessed by interment four other Hands. His magnificent accomplishments as Member at Large of International Bahá’í Council in connection raising superstructure Shrine of the Báb, which prompted Guardian to name one of the doors of that noble edifice after him, his painstaking efforts in promoting on the local, national and international levels, paramount interests of the Faith, his notable achievement in establishment Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly on eve launching Ten Year Crusade, his outstanding qualities of zeal, fidelity, determination and perseverance, which characterized imperishable record his arduous 1abours—«a11 combine to richly adorn annals Faith over periods his superb, assiduous exertions, and undoubtedly assure him bountififl reward in Kingdom on High. Advise all National Spiritual Assemblies hold befitting memorials gatherings his name, particularly in Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs in
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recognition his unique position, splendid services. (Message from the Universal House of Justice to all National Assemblies 7 July) WESTERN SAMOA: The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery was laid to rest at noon on Wednesday 5 July in Tiapapata, Apia, Western Samoa, at a beautiful spot overlooking the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and the blue Pacific Ocean. His interment followed a deeply moving service at the Ancillary Building near the House of Worship. The Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, attended the funeral services, as did the Prime Minister, four Ministers of Cabinet, and many other non—Bahá’í dignitaries. Also present were four Counsellors, five Auxiliary Board members, representatives of six national communities of the Pacific, and more than 200 believers from many parts of Samoa. The Samoan Bahá’í community exerted every effort to ensure that the beauty, dignity and high quality of the service were befitting of the exalted rank of the dearly loved Hand of the Cause of God. Counsellor Suhayl Ala’i, in an eloquent and loving
with fi'iends at the Aboriginal Bahá’í' Institute in Forsayth, Australia. June 1989.
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eulogy, spoke of Dr. Giachery’s unique relationship With the growth of the Faith in Samoa. Prayers were read in Italian, Persian, English, Maori, Tongan, Fijian, and Samoan, and the Temple choir provided inspiring music. (From report received July from the National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa) UNITED STATES: The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and Mrs. Marguerite Sears have recordedxa story about the pets in their lives, along with many humorous accounts of their experiences serving the Faith. Read by Mr. and Mrs. Sears, this set of four cassette tapes is a “tribute to all of the four-legged, feathered, and finned friends of the Bahá’í world—those ‘servants of the servants’ who have brought love, warmth, and enthusiasm into the lives of pioneers and Bahá’ís everywhere.” The set of four tapes, called “Tokoloshe!”, is being distributed by the Hawaiian Bahá’í National Library. (From Bahá’í International News Service, No. 204, 31 July 1989) PHILIPPINES: Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum made a 33-day Visit to the Philippines as part of her extended trip to the Far East. The tour, which began on 8 July, was organized by the National Spiritual Assembly, in consultation with Counsellor Vicente Samaniego. The itinerary “reached saturation point in exploiting every single possibility, whether media, meetings with highest officials, lectures at universities, or the five Bahá’í Regional Conferences”. Of these five conferences, attended by over 1,000 believers from almost 100 localities, the first, in San Jose, Mindoro, was the most dramatic. There, police and military personnel on motorcycles escorted the Hand of the Cause from the airport, where she had been met by about 100 Bahá’ís, directly to the office of the Mayor of San José. Rúḥíyyih Khánum was introduced to the Mayor who along with the Vice-Mayor, and a crowd of believers and bystanders received her most cordially. Some hill tribesmen attended the Regional Conference in Mindoro, as did many local
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believers. During the conference a banquet was offered to local notables, which was attended by the Vice—Govemor, the Mayor, and others. On another occasion the Governor visited Rúḥíyyih Khánum, welcoming her warmly and praising the Bahá’ís. The Visit to a Bahá’í conference in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, was equally successful. Both the Governor of the State and the Mayor of the City received the Hand of the Cause very kindly, and a large press conference was held with 27 journalists and publishers attending. This meeting lasted three hours and included ’an exceptionally friendly discussion of the Faith. Rúḥíyyih Khánum Visited Kisolon Village in Mindanao, whose Bahá’í Vice-Mayor received her officially in the Municipal Offices. This reception was followed by a meeting, entertainment and lunch in the small, beautiful local Bahá’í Centre in Kisolon. Following these three days in Mindanao, Rúḥíyyih Khánum visited Cebu City for three days, where the third Bahá’í conference was held. In Cebu City she was cordially received by the Governor of the State, as well as by the young Mayor of Cebu City who accepted the courtesy call in spite of his obvious preoccupation and exhaustion. The Bahá’ís felt sorry for the Mayor and prayed for him during their conference. The Hand of the Cause inadvertently mentioned this in her press conference and it was reported in the newspapers, along with other favourable articles on the Faith. The fourth Bahá’í conference was held in Baguio, in the mountains of the Philippines. In spite of the monsoon season, and a hurricane that had preceded her arrival, the Visit by Rúḥíyyih Khanum to this area was happy and eventful. Again she met the Governor, the Mayor, the Vice-Mayor, and other officials. A small but friendly press conference produced good publicity for the Faith... As Manila is the pivotal aiiport city in the Philippines, Rúḥíyyih ghémum spent about two weeks in the capital. On 9 July, the day after her arrival in the country, she was one
65 8 THE BAHA’t WORLD
Visit by the Hand Ofthe Cause of God H. Collis Fea
%
therstone and his wife to
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in AuguS11989.
of the key speakers at the Philippine World Peace Congress. Her talk on “Peace and Ecology” was well received. In both Manila and Baguio, the Hand of the Cause gave a number of talks at various prominent women’s societies and many universities. Although her subject was usually “Peace”, inevitably it was possible to give highlights of the Bahá’í Faith and its teachings. In Manila, a veiy important meeting was he1d with the Chief Justice of the Philippines, Marcello Feman, who received Rúḥíyyih Khánum in his chambers. Another important Visit was with the Speaker of the Senate, Jovito Salonga, who received the Hand of the Cause in his office in the Senate building. (From reports received 16 and 21 August from the Hand of the Cause and received 14 August from the Spiritual Assembly of Macau)
August
THAILAND: The Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone, and Mrs. Madge Featherstone, Visited the Bahá’í community of Thailand 15—16 August. With Thailand’s Spiritual Assembly member Siripom Pillay,
the Featherstones paid a courtesy call on Chow Pramoolpol, President of the Private School Teachers’ Association of Thailand and member of the International Task Force on Literacy. This Visit initiated efforts by Bahá’ís to co-operate with other non-governmental organizations in Thailand to fulfil goals set for the United Nations’ International Year of Literacy. Mr. Featherstone also addressed the Bahá’í friends who had gathered for a special meeting at the Bahá’í Centre. “We are very grateful and long to welcome them once again.” (From report received 17 August from the Spiritual Assembly of Thailand)
VIETNAM: On 17 August, the Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone flew to Ho Chi Minh City for a historic series of meetings with the Bahá’ís there. No Bahá’ís from the West
‘ have been able to Visit Vietnam for many
years, and the friends of that country were filled with joy by the contact. About 50 Bahá’ís from Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces gathered enthusiastically each day to hear the inspiring talks by the Hand of the
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Cause. Mr. Featherstone shared news of progress of the Faith around the world, and presented the Bahá’ís of Vietnam with copies of letters from United Nations’ offices officially addressed to the Bahá’í International Community. He showed them photographs of the plans for the Are on Mount Carmel, and extended to them the love of the Universal House of Justice. Some of the Bahá’ís in Vietnam are school teachers, and Mr. Featherstone talked with them about the help they could give with plans for the United Nations International Year of Literacy in 1990. The Hand of the Cause also read parts of the Bahá’í pamphlet entitled “Disarmament and Peace”, and spoke about the Lesser Peace to come in the future. The Bahá’ís of Vietnam were deeply grateful for the guidance and encouragement given them by the Hand of the Cause. The Featherstones stayed in Ho Chi Mihn City for one week, leaving on 25 August. (From report received 5 September from the Hand of the Cause) UNITED KlNGDOM: The Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar Furutan Visited the Bahá’í community of the United Kingdom during the month of August. He spoke first at the “Peace Moves ’89” youth conference, held in Sheffield from 4~8 August, then met with Bahá’ís across the country. Mr. Furutan talked with hundreds of the friends during separate meetings in London, Liverpool, and Edinburgh. He addressed two Vital subjects: Ḥuqúqu’lláh, and the privilege and obligation of every Bahá’í to teach the Faith. “This he did with so much love, encouragement, and his unique brand of humour... His words penetrated our hearts and moved us to begin the process of personal transformation in order that we may fulfil the vision of the Universal House of Justice of us as the spiritual conquerors of this blessed continent.” Mr. Furutan also attended the national memorial service for the late Hand of the Cause, Dr. Ugo Giachery, held in Manchester on 20 August. He shared some of his personal memories of Dr. Giachery, illustrating Dr. Giachery’s spirit of devotion and total
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dedication to the Cause of the Blessed Beauty, and especially to his beloved Shoghi Effendi. (From report received 18 September from the National Spiritual Assembly) TAIWAN: The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum made a five-week—long tour of Taiwan, after her arrival there on 9 August from the Philippines. During her stay she travelled about 2,000 kilometres, driving around the entire island to Visit key centres of intensive Bahá’í teaching activity. The Hand of the Cause spent an average of three nights in each of six cities on Taiwan: Taichung, Kaohsiung, T ainan, Taitung, Chiai, and Hualien. Meetings were also held in Tsaotun and Keelung; and in local Bahá’í Centres in these cities she met many new Bahá’ís, some of whom had only been Bahá’ís for a few weeks, or a few days, or even a few hours! In each of the six cities she Visited, as well as in the capital city of Taipei, Rúḥíyyih I__{_hanum was cordially received by the Mayors in their offices. She also called upon a number of high Government officials, each of whom she presented with a beautiful Chinese~English edition of the Hidden Words and a Chinese edition of the Peace Statement. Of her meetings, perhaps the most important were the interviews the Hand of the Cause had with the Minister of the Interior for Taiwan, and with the SecretaryGeneral of the National House of Representatives. Rúḥíyyih Khánum also held six press conferences during her stay, which resulted in favourable publicity for the Faith. Upon her arrival in Taipei, a special meeting was held for the Hand of the Cause with about 400 Bahá’ís, including 35 travelling teachers from abroad who were very enthusiastic about their teaching experiences in Taiwan. At the end of her Visit a similar meeting took place, as well as a gathering attended by most of TaiWan’s pioneers. Taiwan has a large native tribal population on the east coast of the country near Taitung. Bahá’í pioneers live in the Village of the Beinan tribe, and Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum
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spoke with these people in their community hall. She told them of the great importance the Bahá’í Faith places on the preservation of cultural identity for minority peoples, and of how a list of all tribes represented in the Faith is carefully kept at the Bahá’í World Centre. On another occasion, Rúḥíyyih Khanum met three deaf Bahá’ís during an outdoor meeting. She invited them, with an interpreter in sign language, to come to the hotel in which she was staying and they all spent a happy evening together. In Tainan, the Hand of the Cause Visited and prayed at the graves of Mr. and Mrs. Suleimani, longstanding and devoted pioneers to Taiwan. Each evening, meetings were held in their home which is now a Bahá’í Centre. Toward the end of her Visit, Rúḥíyyih Kharium attended the two-day Bahá’í Summer School in Taiwan. Counsellor Bijan Farid was present, as were about 140 participants of whom about 53 were new Bahá’ís. In all, Amatu’l-B aha Rúḥíyyih Khánum met about 1,700 Bahá’ís during her tour of Taiwan, with almost 100 new believers being enrolled on the joyous occasions of her meetings. (From reports received 21 and 29 September from the Hand of the Cause)
September
HONG KONG: Following her visit to Taiwan, Amatu’l-Bahá Ruliiyyih Eghénum went to Hong Kong, where she spent two weeks. During her Visit there she met with the Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong and was the guest of honour at a large and happy meeting with the local believers. She Visited a number of centres in the New Territories, meeting Local Assembly members and many new believers. In Hong Kong, She had two radio interviews, and shared the platform with the Head of the Office of the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees“
during a celebration of International Day of Peace. (From reports received 21 and 29 September from the Hand of the Cause) UNITED STATES: The Hand of the Cause William Sears was the special guest at the
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Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, held in Green Lake, Wisconsin, from 15—17 September 1989. On a stage set to look like a living room to which all had been invited, Mr. Sears shared stories about teaching and about early believers. The theme of the conference was “Coming of Age: Rights of Passage”. On the final day of the gathering, Mr. Sears gave an address citing the promises of victory given by the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith. (From Bahá’í International News Service, 30 September)
October ,1
CHINA: On 16 October, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum ended a 17—day Visit to China—her fourth journey to this country. During this tour, she travelled with Native American Bahá’í Kevin Locke and his daughter who were in China to present a series of performances of traditional Native American hoop dances. Rúḥíyyih Khánum flew first to Chongqing, where the Lockes were scheduled to dance for five consecutive nights. The Hand of the Cause was received by the Vice—Mayor, who welcomed her to the city on behalf of its 14,000,000 inhabitants. From Chongqing, Rúḥíyyih Khánum travelled to Chengdu, then flew to Guiyang, in Guizhou Province, where she spent seven nights. Upon her arrival at the airport for Guiyang, situated 30 kilometres from the city, she was met by two officials of the city’s Cultural Bureau. Guizhou Province is largely a tribal area, and the Hand of the Cause was taken by officials of the Cultural Bureau to Visit an ethnic museum, a batik factory, a dance studio, and an art institute. She was also taken on an all-day excursion to a town where Buyi and Miao tribal people live. The Lockes performed their hoop dances for the tribal people, who, in turn, performed their traditional dances for the Visitors. A highlight of Rúḥíyyih Ehénum’s Visit to Guiyang was a gathering of about 25 prominent people who went to meet her at her hotel. Among those present were the
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Chief of the Art Section of Guiyang’s Cultural Bureau; the Manager of the Society of Calligraphers and Chinese Traditional Painters of Guizhou; the Chief of the Academy of Traditional Chinese Paintings and Research of Old Calligraphy; the Deputy Director of the Society of Education, Department of the Guizhou Provincial Museum; a member of the Council of the Artists’ Association of China; the Director of the Guiyang Foreign Affairs Office; the Executive Vice—Chairman
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of the Union of Philosophy and Social Science of Guizhou Province; the Director of Guizhou’s Cultural Bureau and Chairman of the Board for Arts Flaming in Guizhou; and a member of the Council of the Chinese Traditional Opera Society. The meeting was very cordial. On leaving China, the Hand of the Cause returned to Macau before continuing on to Hong Kong on her return j ourney to the Holy Land. (From report received 22 October from the Hand of the Cause)
1990
J anuary
NEW ZEALAND: The Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Madge Featherstone attended the Pacific Bahá’í Youth Conference in Auckland. Addressing the Conference, Mr. Featherstone stressed the importance of teaching. Twenty-three youth arose to volunteer a year of service to the Faith and more than 60 offered to travel and teach. (From report dated 4 January from the Hand of the Cause)
TONGA/FIJI: After the Pacific Bahá’í Youth Conference in New Zealand, Mr. and Mrs. Featherstone flew to Tonga and Fiji Where they both addressed the believers, telling them of the greatness of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and the importance of this present time. They told of the urgency of the teaching work and shared with the friends the exciting news of the large-scale enrolment now taking place in a number of locations around the world. (From report dated 4 January from the Hand of the Cause)
February
ARGENTINA: As a prelude to her participation in the conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the passing of her martyr-mother, May Bolles Maxwell, Amatu’l—B ahé Rúḥíyyih Ig‘hénum Visited the Toba communities in Chaco, Argentina, from 17—20 February. Upon her arrival in Camp Medina, Toba Indian Bahá’ís choked
the road as they came toward her car. Soon she and her company were engulfed by the friends. Singing, dancing and embracing her, they had gathered from many distant communities on the third day of a special “campaign” to welcome Rúḥíyyih Khánum, named by them, “Chi—I—Shi” (the Morning Star). In the mornings, the Hand of the Cause joined the Toba friends under the shade of the trees to study the prayers from a newly published translation into the Toba language of the “Words of God”, Which they learned by heart. At these meetings with Bahá’ís and their friends, eight souls embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. In the evening the meetings were large gatherings of 150—200 people and lasted well beyond midnight. Amatu’l-Bahá spoke to them on many subjects, including their place in the Faith, future civilization, women, children and youth, Bahá’í Centres, and socioeconomic deve1opment. An exchange of gifts expressed the love to and from the Toba people. Praying, singing and tribal dancing 1inked together the hearts of the Toba Bahá’ís, their friends and Amatu’l-Bahá‘, Rt’ihiyyih Khánum. (From report through the International Teaching Centre received 27 February)
WORLD CENTRE: DEEPLY GRIEVED ANNOUNCE PASSING STAUNCH TIRELESS PROMOTER FAITH HAND CAUSE GOD JALAL KHAZEH. HIS STRENUOUS ENDEAVOURS CRADLE FAITH
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t t i f,
Amatu ’l—Bahd Rdhz’yyih @dnum meeting Argentina ’5 President, Dr. Carlos
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Menem, during the ‘Uniting the Americas ’ conference. 26 February 1990.
HOLY LAND LATIN ANIERICA AND WORLDWIDE TRAVELS AFTER PASSING BELOVED GUARDIAN SET SHINING EXAMPLE OF UNSHAKEABLE DEDICATION AND COURAGE, OF UNDEVIATING LOYALTY AND PERSEVERANCE‘ IMPERISHABLE RECORD HIS STERLING SERVICES AS GIFTED TEACHER DEFENDER CAUSE NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. HIS NOBLE SPIRIT NOW ABHA KINDGOM WILL UNDOUBTEDLY INTERCEDE BEHALF PERSIAN BAHA’I COMNIUNITY WHOSE VITAL INTERESTS HE SERVED WITH SUCH HIGH DISTINCTION OVER SEVERAL DECADES. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES FOR PROGRESS HIS ILLUMINED SOUL IN REALMS 0N HIGH. ADVISE FRIENDS EVERYWHERE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS HIS HONOUR PARTICULARLY ALL HOUSES OF WORSHIP. (Cable from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies 25 February 1990) CANADA: The Hand of the Cause of God
Jalal @ézeh passed away in “Toronto," Ontario, on 21 February. His funeral and subsequent interment were held at 1:00 P.M. on 27 February in Toronto. Prayers were recited in both French and English and chanted in Persian. Dr. Hossain Danesh,
Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, offered remarks at the service, which was attended by approximately 200 to 250 people. Following the grave-side service many friends remained to greet Mr. Ehézeh’s daughter, Nura, and other members of the family. On the same evening at 8:00 PM. a memorial service for Mr. ~Kházeh was held in a large auditorium at the Ontario Science Centre attended by some 500 people. Music, both performed and recorded, was played throughout the memorial service. Also heard were taped excerpts from two speeches given by the Hand of the Cause which accompanied a series of slides showing Mr. Qézeh at different times during his later life. (From report received 11 March from the National Spiritual Assembly)
March
AUSTRIA: The Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar Furl’ltan travelled to Austria from 7—16 March to attend a joint meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly and its Teaching Committees for Eastern Europe.
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Detailed consultation was held on teaching, and everyone was very enthusiastic. Eleven youth who had recently accepted the Faith in Eastern Europe made a special trip to Vienna to be with Mr. Furutan. The Hand of the Cause of God met with them twice, and a young lady who had accompanied them from Hungary accepted the Faith. On 10 March, Mr. Furutan spoke to 250 friends gathered from all over Austria about the importance of teaching, especially at this crucial time. (From report received 30 April from the Hand of the Cause)
March/April
SOVIET UNION: On 16 March the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Fun'itan left Austria to Visit the Bahá’ís in the Soviet Union. Before his departure, Mr. Furutan said, “My heartfelt wish for many years has been that once again my eyes might behold the vast rich land of Russia, especially because in 1930 I received a letter from the beloved Guardian which he penned himself, stating the following: ‘It is my hope that you will, in the future, be able to render great services in
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Russia.”’ Mr. Fun'itan and his group visited Ashqabad, Tashkenthushanbe, Samarkand, Mary, Moscow, Leningrad, and Murmansk. A total of 15 days were spent in Ashqabad, where 25 meetings were held with the friends, including three especially for youth. The Minister of Religious Affairs attended one meeting. Mr. Furutan also visited the site of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár several times, and said prayers at the resting place of the first martyrs of Ashqabad, Nabil-i—Akbar, Aqa Shaykh Muhammad—‘Ali, Jinab-iGulpaygani and others. In Tashkent, the Hand of the Cause Visited two elderly Bahá’í women and their non-Bahá’í families. Family members accepted literature about the Faith from him, promising to study it. In Dushanbe from 27~30 March, Mr. Furi'itan met with about 25 Bahá’ís and gave a lecture in Persian on psychology at the University of Dushanbe. About 400 people heard him explain the principles of the Faith. On 30 March the Hand of the Cause went to Samarkand, where he remained until the first day of April. The friends in this historic city, who are mostly from very old Bahá’í
The Hand of the Cause Mr. ‘AZi—Akbar F unitan is shown in Dushanbe, T ajikistan,
Soviet Union, visiting with members of the Mamedoffamily in March 1990.
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families, are very spiritual and dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh. There are about 25 of them. Two youth from Baku went to Visit Mr. Furt'itan. He was able to spend a long time with them and explain the teachings in detail. In Moscow on 19 April, Mr. Furutan was interviewed by an official of Soviet Television for a half—hour programme about the Bahá’í Faith. Also in Moscow, the directors of the Progress Publishing House offered to translate and publish Mr. Furutan’s book Mothers, Fathers and Children into Russian and Asiatic languages. Mr. Furutan wanted to Visit Moscow University, Where he had studied in his youth. The student who acted as his host and guide liked him so much he suggested that he attend a seminar to be held at the Institute of Psychology and Pedagogy. Mr. Furfitan was prepared to see about 30 people but found over 300 students gathered. He addressed the group on the relationship of psychology to religion from a scientific point of View. In addition he was able to speak for some 20 minutes directly on the Faith. A woman in the audience whose particular interest was the connection of science and religion asked to interview him later in order to write an article for a journal. The highlight of his Visit was the election of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Moscow in the presence of 30 friends. The following message was telephoned to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany on 24 April and relayed to the Universal House of Justice by electronic mail: “After 60 years, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Moscow has been reformed in the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar Furutan. ...the Local Spiritual Assembly was honoured to meet with the Hand of the Cause and Counsellor Polin Rafat. Heavy agenda and great responsibilitiesflrawait us.
Yours in His service, the Local Spiritual".
Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Moscow.” On 24 April in Leningrad, Mr. Fun'ltan spoke to 36 members of the Society for the Advancement of Peace. The audience seemed most interested and asked many questions. On the
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25th, ten teachers were invited to hear about the Bahá’í teachings on education. In Murmansk on the 26th, an announcement on television news welcomed “a great personality of the Bahá’í Faith, ‘Ali-Akbar Furutan”, and suggested the Viewers watch for an interview at a later date. The next day, Murmansk television and Radio sent reporters to interview the Hand of the Cause, and all discussion was about the Faith. Mr. Furt'itan was invited to address the Murmansk Institute of Pedagogy, the school of Marxist—Leninist studies on 28 April. Faculty members and'trainee teachers were enabled to hear about Bahá’í education for more than one and a half hours. On the Ninth Day of Riḍván, he attended a happy gathering held in Moscow Which included a performance by a prize-winning cellist. Mr. Furutan and his party arrived in Vienna on 30 April, and on 1 May about 200 friends from all over Austria met for a happy reunion with him before his return to the Holy Land. (From reports received 30 April and 7 May from the Hand of the Cause)
May
CANADA / UNITED STATES /AUSTRALIA: The Hands of the Cause of God Dr. ‘AliMuhammad Varqé, William Sears and H. Collis Featherstone attended the National Conventions of Canada, the United States and Australia, respectively.
August/September
SPAIN: The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum left the Holy Land at the end of August for a trip which included attendance at two conferences. The first was a women’s conference
held in Madrid, Spain, from 30 August to
3 September. Counsellor Agnes Ghaznavi attended 'as did over 400 Bahá’ís from 20 countries. By the end of the conference, five people had declared their belief in Baha’u’llah. The second conference took place from 7—9 September in Bastia,
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Corsica, and welcomed about 500 attendants from 15 countries. Counsellors Agnes Ghaznavi and Louis Hénuzet were present. In Bastia the large and handsome Municipal Theatre was placed at the disposal of the Bahá’ís. During the three evenings of the conference, cultural entertainment was well attended by many Visitors. During the conference three people embraced the Faith. Publicity for the Faith was unprecedented in both countries. In Spain, Amatu’l—Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum was received by the Deputy Governor of the Province of Madrid, Signore Vincente Tudor, for a most cordial interview. In Corsica, the Mayor of Bastia, who is also the Corsican member of the French Parliament, gave a reception at the municipality for the Bahá’í delegation to the conference. (From reports received 10 September from the National Women’s Committee of Spain and an individual)
September
WORLD CENTRE: DEEPLY GRIEVED ANNOUNCE PASSING VALIANT HAND CAUSE GOD COLLIS FEATHERSTONE WHILE VISITING KATHMANDU, NEPAL COURSE EXTENSIVE JOURNEY ASIA. HIS NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS STAUNCH, FEARLESS DEFENDER COVENANT, HIS UNCEASING COMMITMENT PROPAGATION CAUSE ALL PARTS WORLD, ESPECIALLY PACIFIC REGION, HIS UNREMITTING PERSEVERANCE FOSTERING ESTABLISHIVIENT LOCAL, NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER, HIS EXEMPLARY DEVOTION TO WRITINGS FAITH, HIS OUTSTANDING PERSONAL QUALITIES UNSWERVING LOYALTY, ENTHUSIASM, ZEAL AND DEDICATION, DISTINGUISH HIS MANIFOLD SERVICES THROUGHOUT MANY DECADES. OFFERING PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES BOUNTIFUL REWARD HIS RADIANT SOUL ABHA KINGDOM. ADVISE FRIENDS EVERYWHERE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS, PARTICULARLY 1N MASHREQU’LADHKAR, RECOGNITION HIS MAGNIFICENT ACHIEVEMENTS. (Message from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies)
NEPAL: The Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone passed away on
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Saturday morning, 29 September 1990, in Kathmandu, Nepal. At the time of his passing, Mr. Featherstone was on an extensive trip he had undertaken on behalf of the Faith. He had left his home in Australia on 14 September, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Madge Featherstone. They were to attend a youth conference in Lahore, Pakistan, spending a few days in New Delhi, Rawalpindi and Karachi en route. Their plan had been to Visit Bahá’í communities in Bangladesh and Malaysia on their way back to Australia, where they were due to arrive in mid—November. Mr. Featherstone was buried in a peaceful spot overlooking rice fields and surrounded by mountains in northeast Kathmandu. Mrs. Featherstone, their son, three daughters and two sons—inlaw were able to attend the funeral, as were representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Australia, India, Nepal, and Thailand, and more than 50 Nepalese Bahá’ís. For the first time mediauboth English and Nepalese newspapers—wpublished articles on the Faith in relation to the passing and funeral of the Hand of the Cause of God. (From Bahá’í International New Service, No. 232, 31 September 1990)
ASIA: During the last week of September, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Ighémum Visited Sakhalin Island in the Soviet Union as part of an extensive journey through Asia. During the first week of October she Visited Tibet. From Tibet, Amatu’l—Baha travelled to Beijing, China, then went on to Dalian, in the northeastern region, to Visit the Bahá’ís there. Next she went to Tianjin and gave a lecture at Nankai University, where both Martha Root and Agnes Alexander had spoken. After these Visits, Rúḥíyyih ghénum spent four days in
'Hainan, the southernmost province of China.
She went to both ends of Hainan Island and, as the Governor himself was away at the time, she established cordial relations with the Deputy Governor, who gave a dinner in her honour. Travelling north again, she spent three days in Guangzhou (Canton) where
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she held continuous meetings for two nights with the believers Who, she found, are “firmly rooted in the Faith and eager and devoted”. Leaving mainland China, Amatu’l-Bahá held meetings with the Spiritual Assemblies of both Macau and Hong Kong, as well as with various local Bahá’í communities. She had radio and press interviews, and attended a large banquet in Hong Kong Which was held to celebrate the Birthday of Baha’u’llah on 12 November. (From report received 14 November from the Hand of the Cause)
November
UNITED STATES: The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqa Visited several Bahá’í communities in southern Califomia in November at the invitation of the National Spiritual Assembly. In his talks Dr. Varqa explained the significance of the times and the importance of achieving the goals of the Six Year Plan. Dr. Varqa also spoke to Bahá’ís in Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine, and Oceanside about the role the
The Hands offlze Cause of God Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqd and William Sears
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buildings of the Arc Will play in the process of the maturation of institutions, the interrelatedness of the various agencies at the Bahá’í World Centre, and the urgency of increasing the number of adherents of the Faith. Counsellor Fred Schechter travelled to several of the communities to help welcome and introduce the Hand of the Cause of God. (From report received 17 December from the National Spiritual Assembly)
On 22 November, Dr. Varqa went from southern California to Tucson, Arizona, Where he joined the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears at the third annual Desert Rose Bahá’í School. The School was sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly of North Pima County, and was attended by 738 Bahá’ís from 20 states, as well as from Canada, England, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Mexico. The School this year was dedicated to the Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone, and the devotional opening was dedicated to Counsellor Hidéyatu’llah Ahmadiyyih. Each of the Hands in attendance addressed the friends on several
W 4 . M m 'zu
surrounded by many of the Children and youth who attended the Desert Rose Bahá’í School held in T ucson, Arizona, in November 1990.
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occasions, and two public meetings were held in conjunction with the School. (From
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report received 13 December from the Desert Rose Bahá’í School)
1991
April
ROMANIA: Amatu’l—B aha Rúḥíyyih K_hé.num represented the Universal House of Justice at the Convention in Romania... Arrangements for a 40—minute—1ong national television programme covering the Convention activities included an interview with the Hand of the Cause. A dynamic press conference was held with 24 journalists and media representatives. There were also interviews with two important journalists. Accompanied by Mr. Sohrab Youssefian and Mrs. Violette Nagavani, Amatu’l-Bahá was received by both the Minister for Religious Affairs and Director General, responsible for Bahá’í affairs who was very cordial. Rúḥíyyih Khánum was also received by the Mayor of Bucharest and had a pleasant and informative interview with him. A sumptuous banquet offered by the Bahá’ís was attended by about 60 people, including the Ambassador to Romania from Venezuela, and many government officials, prominent professors, intellectuals, and writers. It was a great success. Following the Convention, Amatu’l—Bahá Rúḥíyyih _K___hérium Visited the grave of Queen Marie of Romania with the Counsellor and National Spiritual Assembly members. (From report received 2 May from the Hand of the Cause of God)
SOVIET UNION: “The Convention was greatly blessed and enriched by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar Furutan as the official representative of the Universal House of Justice who, moregthan 60 years after his exile from Moscow, witnessed with his own eyes the historic election and formation of the first ‘Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Soviet Union’. “In the three major addresses he
gave to the Convention in the Russian language, he re1ated some of his early experiences in Moscow; spoke about the spiritual importance of the election of a National Spiritual Assembly for the largest country of the world; reflected the high expectations of the beloved Guardian concerning the progress of the Faith in the Soviet Union; and prepared the delegates for their heavy responsibility. “Mr. Furutan also read, in Russian, the message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the USSR for Riḍván 1991. “On the eve of the Ninth Day of Riḍván... Mr. Fun'itan gave a special address, followed by a banquet given by the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany to which close friends of the Faith and journalists were invited. (Excerpts from a report by the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany)
CZECHOSLOVAKIA: “In one chorus of universal jubilation the 110 participants drawn from 13 countries and from the length and breadth of Czechoslovakia, gathered in Prague...for the first annual National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Czechoslovakia, extend to you on this auspicious occasion their profound love and deepest appreciation for your unfailing guidance.
“Blessed beyend measure by the inestimab1e presence of our beloved, precious Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. ‘Ali—Muhammad Varqa...we have witnessed, here in the soul of Central Europe, with overwhelming feelings of joy and thanksgiving to the Blessed Beauty for the continued outpourings of His abundant grace, the birth of the child of this Convention—the first National Spiritual Assembly of Czechoslovakia.” (From report received 30 April from the participants)
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~///"Dlr’ :;
The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears meeting with the friends in
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Worcester, Massachusetts, in October 199], to encourage them to fill their goals for the Six Year Plan. Mr. Manny Reimer is seated left.
June
WORLD CENTRE: WITH SADDENED HEARTS ANNOUNCE PASSING MUCH-LOVED STAUNCH PROMOTER FAITH, KNIGHT OF BAHA’U’LLAH, HAND CAUSE JOHN ROBARTS. HIS DISTINGUISHED ADMINISTRATIVE TEACHING, PIONEERING ACTIVITIES IN HIS NATIVE CANADA, IN AFRICA AND EUROPE, DURING MINISTRY BELOVED GUARDIAN AND SUBSEQUENTLY ON WORLD SCALE THROUGH HIS INTERNATIONAL TRAVELS WERE SOURCE ABUNDANT INSPIRATION COUNTLESS FRIENDS MANY LANDS. HIS RELIANCE AND EMPHASIS ON PRAYER IN ALL EFFORTS PROMOTION CAUSE AND HIS SUSTAINED SERVICES PATH LOVE FOR BLESSED BEAUTY WERE CHARACTERIZED BY SPIRIT CERTITUDE, SELF-EFFACEMENT AND VIGOUR WHICH SET A STANDARD OF STEWARDSHIP THAT HAS ENRICHED ANNALS FAITH. HE HAS ASSUREDLY EARNED EOUNTIFUL
REWARD ABHA KINGDOM. PRAYING HOLY‘
SHRINES PROGRESS HIS RADIANT SOUL ADVISE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERJNGS IN HIS HONOUR THROUGHOUT WORLD INCLUDING ALL HOUSES WORSHIP. (Message from the House of Justice to a11Nationa1Assemblies 19 June)
CANADA: The Hand of the Cause of God J ohn Robalts passed away on Tuesday afternoon, 18 June 1991, in Quebec, Canada. Mr. Robarts was buried on 22 June in Rawdon—a sma11 French Canadian town north of Montreal. Between 250 and 300 people were present at the grave-side, as well as at the gathering later in a local hall. (From Bahá’í International News Service, No. 250, 30 June 1991)
November
UNITED STATES: In mid—November, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears concluded a historic tour of five areas Chosen by the National Spiritual Assembly as among the most prominent centres of teaching activity in the country: Boca Raton, Florida; Worcester, Massachusetts; Telleson, Arizona; San Francisco, California; and Portland; Oregon. The unifying theme of his tour was the spiritual assistance available to all those Who arise to teach the Cause of God. Surveying the century-and-a—half of almost uninterrupted divine guidance enjoyed
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by the Faith since its inception, Mr. Sears recalled the promises of Victory given by the Bab and Bahá’u’lláh, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, and by the Universal House of Justice. “With all this guidance at our disposal, and with the sure promises of assistance from our Lord, we should be able to work miracles in the teaching field,” he said. (Report from The American Bahá’í' for January 1992)
December
CANADA: On 10 December, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Iihémum was an honored guest at a banquet which accompanied the private opening of the Exhibition of the Architecture of Edward and W. S. Maxwell, in the presence of His Excellency, The Right Honourable Ramon J ohn Hnatyshyn, Governor General of Canada. Sponsored by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, it was opened to the public on 13 December. It remained in Montreal for three months, and then travelled to several other locations across Canada. Among the items included in
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the Exhibition, alongside original paintings, drawings and models of buildings, was a professionally made, finely detailed model of the Shrine of the Báb.
Following the exhibition opening Amatu’l—Bahá cabled: OPENING LAST NIGHT AT MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS OF THE EXHIBITION OF THE ARCHITECTURE OF EDWARD AND W.S. MAXWELL BY GOVERNOR HNATYSHYN AND ATTENDED BY APPROXIMATELY 600—700 INVITED GUESTS WAS FOLLOWED BY MUSEUM BANQUET FOR ABOUT 70 SPECIAL GUESTS, ALL GREAT SUCCESS.
(From report received 11 December from the Hand of the Cause)
BERMUDA: The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum spent 12 days in Bermuda, from 21 December to 1 January. Her visit included a “...happy reunion at the National Centre with the island community...and a meeting with its mature and harmonious National Spiritual Assembly was rewarding in every way.” (From report received 13 J anuary from the Hand of the Cause)
1992
J anuary
CANADA: From Bermuda, Amatu’l-Bahá flew to Canada on 2 January. There she had two meetings with the friends in Toronto“ one meeting on 2 J anuary and the other on 3 January—which she described as “...outstanding in warmth and enthusiasm. I feel the Canadian Bahá’í community is united, consecrated, and alert to winning its goals with a dynamic spirit that cheers my heart. The promises and hopes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for my native and much—loved land are beginning to bear fruit and this harvest ”will undoubtedly enrich the entire Bahá’í world. The first meeting [in Toronto], ostensibly for the Persian speaking friends, was attended by over 1,000 and the following night 2,000 came. There was an unusually joyous warm feeling on both occasions and
I felt a strong determination to Win Canada’s goals and raise the standard of Victory. This new highly multiracial and ethnic Canada must surely hold unique possibilities for becoming a showpiece for the pattern for future society designed by Bahá’u’lláh, and I hope she will fulfil the destiny ‘Abdu’l-Bahá foresaw for her in The T ablets Of the Divine Plan...” (From report received 13 J anuary from the Hand of the Cause)
March
WORLD CENTRE: OUR HEARTS DEEPLY SADDENED, Bahá’í WORLD GREATLY DEPRIVED, BY PASSING HAND CAUSE GOD WILLIAM SEARS, VIBRANT, CONSECRATED, STOUT-HEARTED STANDARD-BEARER FAITH BAHA’U’LLAH. HIS MORE THAN HALF-CENTURY UNBROKEN SERVICE MARKED BY UNFLINCHING DEVOTION
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TO BELOVED GUARDIAN, INFECTIOUS ENTHUSIASM FOR TEACHING, GALVANIZING SENSE DRAMA, DISARMING HUMOUR, SPECIAL LOVE FOR CHILDREN, UNFLAGGING DETERMINATION IN FACE DIFFICULTIES. HE WILL EVER BE REMEMBERED FOR DEDICATING FULL RANGE HIS CREATIVE AND ENERGETIC CAPACITIES AS WRITER, EDITOR, LECTURER, RADIO AND TELEVISION PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, TO HIS VARIED SERVICES AS TRAVELLING TEACHER TO NUMEROUS COUNTRIES PARTICULARLY IN THE AMERICAS, AND AS PIONEER TO AFRICA WHERE HE WAS MEMBER OF AUXILIARY BOARD AND THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY SOUTH AND WEST AFRICA WHEN IN 1957 HE WAS ELEVATED RANK HAND CAUSE. HE LATER SERVED AS MEMBER, BODY HANDS HOLY LAND. HIS LOSS ACUTELY FELT IN NORTH AMERICA WHERE HE EXPENDED LAST MEASURE HIS EBBING STRENGTH PROMOTION TEACHING ACTIVITIES. DYNAMIC EFFECTS HIS WORK ENDURE THROUGH HIS MANY BOOKS AND RECORDINGS. GENERATIONS TO COME WILL REJOICE IN RICH LEGACY LEFT THEM THROUGH HIS HISTORIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS ILLUSTRIOUS SOUL ABHA KINGDOM. ADVISE FRIENDS THROUGHOUT WORLD COMMEMORATE HIS PASSING. REQUEST BEFITTING MEMORIAL SERVICES IN HIS HONOUR ALL HOUSES WORSHIP. (Message from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies)
UNITED STATES: The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears passed away on Wednesday, 25 March 1992, in Tucson, Arizona, and was buried on 28 March in Tucson. The funeral procession was over one mile long, with about 330 Bahá’ís and other friends joining his family at the graveside. (From Bahá’í International News Service, No. 267, 31 March 1992).?
April
POLAND: Poland’s first National Convention was an “immense success”. Held in Warsaw from 24 to 26 April, it was attended by more than 150 friends including almost the whole Polish Bahá’í community and
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guests from an estimated 34 countries. “At the Convention, we had the honour of the presence of the representative of the Universa1 House of Justice, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum, who, through her talks and advice, attracted our attention to what is essential for the development of our young Bahá’í community in Poland.” (From Convention reports)
BALTIC STATES: One hundred Bahá’ís from the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and 10 other countries attending the historic first Convention (25—26 April)... announce with uplifted hearts and gratitude, the formation of the first Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Baltic States. The Convention was blessed with the participation of the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali Akbar Furfitan whose message of love and encouragement from the Universal House of Justice emphasized the spiritual significance of the formation of this pillar of the administrative order of Baha’u’llah 0n the threshold of the Holy Year. Mr. Furútan spoke in the Russian language when conveying the love and greetings of the Supreme Body to the friends. The Convention was held in Tallinn, Estonia, on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The beautifully decorated hall with the Greatest Name and a portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gracing the walls was filled to capacity despite the freezing cold and snow. (From Bahá’í International News Sewice, No. 270, 15 May 1992)
GREENLAND: The Hand of the Cause of God Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqa attended the first National Convention of Greenland on 25 April. Seventy-six years after the revelation of The Tablets of the Divine Plan, the desire of the Beloved Master concerning the rise of the call of God in the “icy regions of far Nort ”, was fulfilled by the establishment of that National Spiritual Assembly. (From Bahd’z' International News Service, No. 270, 15 May 1992)
BULGARIA: Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum represented the Universal House of Justice at the first National Convention of Bulgaria,
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The Hand of the Cause Dr. ’Ali—Muhammad Varqd wzth Bahá’í' cheldren in
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Nuuk, Greenland, in‘April 1992.
held in Sofia from 1 to 3 May... During the Convention’s last evening, Ri’ihiyyih ~Khz'mum spoke with the friends about Shoghi Effendi. The meeting opened with music and ended with music, highlighted by Violin and accordion beautifully played by new Gypsy Bahá’ís.... “We are extremely grateful for the inspiration and encouragement so generously shared by your much loved representative, Amatu’l—Baha Rúḥíyyih Khánum. She enabled us to Visualize the bri11iant future of the Faith in this country, which is already so richly blessed by the sacrifices made by Georg Adam Benke and Marion Jack.” (From Bahá’í International News Service, No. 270, 15 May 1992) HUNGARY: “With our heaits full of joy we send you our deepest love and admiration from our first National Convention in Budapest, blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali Akbar Furi'ltan, Counsellor Louis Hénuzet, and representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Austria.” The
Convention was held on 1 and 2 May, with about 150 to 170 friends attending including some 70 Hungarians and Bahá’í friends from 19 countries all over the world. “The Hand of the Cause of God A. A. Fun’itan inspired the Convention with his unique talks, and the love and guidance of the Universal House of Justice was always felt.” (From Bahá’í International News Service, No. 270, 15 May 1992)
UKRAINE: The first Convention of the Bahá’ís of the Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, which took place in Kiev 0n 1 May, was held in an atmosphere of devotion and dedication... “The momentous message of the Supreme Body uplifted the hearts and inspired the friends with greater awareness of their responsibilities for the tasks that lay ahead.” The message was foliowed by comments from the Hand of the Cause of God‘Dr. ‘Ali-Muhammad Varqé, who represented the Universal House of Justice. (From Bahá’í International News Sewice, No. 270, 15 May 1992)
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3. HANDS OF THE CAUSE WHO REPRESENTED THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE AT CONVENTIONS FOR THE ELECTION OF NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES
Listed below are the Hands of the Cause Who represented the Universal House of Justice at inaugural Conventions held in the period 1986—1992, the name of the new National Spiritual Assembly, its seat, the parent or sponsoring National Assembly, and the dates of the Conventions.
RIDVAN 1989
Amatu’l-Bahá Rfihl’yyih Qfinum Macau—Macau (Hong Kong) Apr 1129—30
RIDVAN 1991
Amatu’l—Bahá Rúḥíyyih Ehénum Romania—Bucharest (Germany) April 26—29
‘Ali-Akbar Furl’ltan USSR—Moscow (Germany) April 26—29
‘Ali—Muhammad Varqé Czechoslovakia—Prague (Austria) Apr 1127—28
RIDVAN 1992
Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih flfinum Poland—Warsaw (Germany) Apr 1124—26 Bulgaria—Sofia (Germany) May 1—3
‘Ali-Akbar Furl’ltan Baltic States—Tallinn, Estonia (Commonwealth of Independent States, Baltic States, and Georgia) April 25—26 Hungary—Budapest (Austria) May 1—2
‘Ali-Muhammad Varqé Greenland—Nuuk (Denmark) April 25—26 Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova—Kiev (Commonwealth of Independent States, Baltic States, and Georgia) May 1—2
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4. 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 A frica Husayn Ardikéni (Tmstee, Continental Fund), Muhammad Kebdani, William Maxwell. Central and East Africa Oloro Epyeru, Kolonario Oule, Isobel Sabri, Mihdi Samandari, ‘Aziz Yazdi (Trustee, Continental Fund). Southern Afiica Seewoosumbur—Jeehoba Appa, Shidén Fath~i-A’zam (Trustee, Continental Fund), Bahíyyih Ford. North America Lloyd Gardner, Florence Mayberry, Edna True (Trustee, Continental Fund). Central America Carmen de Burafato, Altemus Lamb, Alfred Osborne (Tmstee Continental Fund). South America Athos Costas, Hooper Dunbar (Tmstee, Continental Fund), Donald Witzel. Western Asia ' Masih Farhangi, Mas’fid ghamsi, Heidi Rahméni (Tmstee, Continental Fund), Manfigihr Salménpfir, Sankaran—Nair Vasudevan. Soutlzeasz‘Asia Yan Kee Leong, ghudérahm Paymén
- r
(Trustee, Chellie Sundram. Northeast Asia Rfihu’lláh Mumtézi (Trustee, Continental Fund), Vicente Samaniego. Australasia Suhayl ‘Alá’í, Howard Harwood, Thelma Perks (Trustee, Continental Fund). Europe Erik Blumenthal, Dorothy Ferraby (Trustee, Continental Fund), Louis Hénuzet. The Universal House of Justice
Continental Fund),
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 3 _§ 9 1 8 AMERICA North 4 9 Central 2 8 South 3 .19 9 27 ASIA Westem 4 1 S Southeastern 2 7 Northeastern _1_ l 7 29 AUSTRALASIA 2 7 EUROPE 9 1 8
The Universal House of Justice
10 JULY 1969 With great joy we announce that we have decided to increase the total number of
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members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Faith t0 thirty-eight by adding John McHenry III to the Continental Board of Counsellors in North East Asia and Mas‘fid Qamsi to the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America. . .
We also rejoice 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
RIDVAN 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 APPONTMENT THREE ADDITIONAL COUNSELLORS IRA] AYMAN WESTERN ASIA ANNELIESE BOPP BETTY REED EUROPE AND AUTHORIZATION APPOINTMENT FORTY FIVE ADDITIONAL AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS NINE AFRICA SIXTEEN ASIA TWO AUSTRALASIA EIGHTEEN WESTERN HEMISPHERE...
The Universal House of Justice
5 JUNE1973 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 UPdN HOOPER
DUNBAR FLORENCE MAYBERRY AZIZ YAZDI"
PROCEED HOLY LAND ASSUME THIS HIGHLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE. . .
The Universal House of Justice
THE BAHA’t WORLD
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. D_hikru’lláh Kézirm’ in Northwestern Africa, Mr. H11§hang ‘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.~Raú1 PaVén in South America, Mr. Dipchand Khianra and Mrs. Zena Sorabjee in South Central Asia, Mr. Firaydfin Miflaqiyan in Southeastern 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 OCTOBER1973 ...the number of Auxiliary Board members throughout the world is to be raised to two hundred and seventy, of Whom eightyone 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 fifty-four Auxiliary Board members in Africa, eighty—one 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 Justice to the Board of Counsellors for South Central Asia in place or Mr. Vasudevan Who is presently furthering his education in the United States. Mr. John McHenry. . .has returned to the United States
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH
...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 North—western Africa into two separate zones of Noxthern 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 Mustafé, and Mr. ‘Imad Sébirén. The Board for Western Africa will consist or Mr. Husayn Ardikani (Trustee), Mr. Friday Ekpe, Mr. D_hikru’lláh 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 respective1y...
The Universal House of Justice
17 MARCH 1976
The membership of six of the Boards of Counsellors has been increased by the appointment of one additional Counsellor in each case,‘ as follows: Western Africa, Mrs. Thelma Khelghati; Southern Afgica, Mr. William Masehla; South Central Asia, Mr. Burhani’din Afflin; North—eastern Asia, Mr. Hideya Suzuki; Australasia, Mr. Owen Battrick; Europe, Mr. Adib Taherzadeh. ‘The number of Auxiliary Board members
1 Raising the total to thirteen.
675
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 Justice 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 Continental 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 MEM BERSHIP BOARDS BY 297 RAISING TOTAL TO 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 APPONTMENT CONTINENTAL BOARD COUNSELLORS SOUTH-EASTERN ASIA. ..
The Universal House of Justice
29 J UNE 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
[Page 676]
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4 JULY 1979 JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT COUN SELLOR 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 Will, at one and the same time, accord greater discretion and freedom of action to the Continental Boards of Counsellors 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 Counsellors 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 on 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 Southeastern Asia, together with the present zone of North—eastern Asia without the Hawaiian Islands and Micronesia.
4. Australasia, comprising the present zone of Australasia plus the Hawaiian Islands and Micronesia.
5. Europe.
.1 Those who are now appointed as Coun-v
sellors to serve on these Continental Boards for the next five years are: Africa: Dr. Hfishang Ahdieh (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mr. Husayn Ardekani, Mr. Friday Ekpe, Mr. Oloro
THE Bahá’í WORLD
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 Samandari, Mr. Peter
Vuyiya, Mrs. Bahíyyih Winckler.
The Americas: Dr. Hidayatu’lláh 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‘fid K_hamsi,
Mrs. Lauretta King, Mr. Artemus Lamb,
Mr. Peter McLaren, Mr. Rafi} Pavén,
Dr. Sarah Pereira, Mrs. Ruth Pringle,
Mr. Fred Schechter, Mrs. Velma Sherrill,
Mr. Donald Witzel.
Asia: Mr. Burhani’d-Din Afflin, Mrs. Shirin
Boman, Dr. Masih Farhangi, Dr. John
Fozdar, Mr. Zabihu’llah Gulmuhammadi,
Mr. Aydin Gfiney, Mr. Dipchand Khianra,
Mr. Rfihu’llah Mumtézi, Mr. S. Nagarat nam, Mr. K_hudarahm Payman (Trustee of
the Continental Fund), Mr. Managihr
Salmanpfir, Mr. Vicente Samaniego,
Mrs. Zena Sorabjee, Dr. Chellie Sundram,
Mr. Hideya Suzuki, Mr. Yan Kee Leong.
Australasia: Mr. Suhayl ‘Alá’í, 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. Hart mut Grossmann, Mr. Louis Hénuzet
(Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mrs.
Ursula Mühlschlegel, 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 the devoted labours they have rendered‘and are rendering in the path of the Cause. These dearly-loved believers are: Mr. Seewoosumbur—Jeehoba Appa, Dr. Iraj Ayman, Mr. Rowland Estall, Mr. Howard Harwood, Miss Violet Hoehnke, Mrs. Salisa
[Page 677]
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH
Kermani, Mr. Paul Lucas, Miss Elena Marsella, Mr. Alfred Osborne, Miss Thelma Perks, Mr. Heidi Rahmani, Mr. ‘Iméd 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 allotted to each continent is as follows:
Protection Propagation Afriea81 99 Ame1‘icas54 1 17 Asia99 1 17 Australasia18 27 Europefl 3_6 Totals279 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 DISTIN GUISHED 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
677
Aféqi to the Continental Board of Counsellors 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 Bahá’u’lláh.
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 perfomi 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 Maybeny is leaving the World Centre, bringing to an end her highly valued services on this institution. Four new Counsellor members have therefore been appointedzDr. Magdalene Carney, Mr. Mas‘i'id Qamsi, 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—Baha Ri'ihiyyih ~~K_l_12'mum and ‘Ali-Akbar Fun’itan and Counsellors Anneliese Bopp, Hooper Dunbar and ‘Aziz Yazdi.
" We have further decided, as foreshadowed in preVious announcements, to institute a five-year term for the Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre. Each term will start on 23 May immediately following the International Bahá’í Convention,
[Page 678]
678
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 relations—matters which must increasingly occupy the attention of the Universal House of Justice—we 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:
- T0 assume full responsibility for coordinating, stimulating and directing the Continental 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 Justice: and the
Continental Boards of Counsellors to such”
possibilities, making recommendations for action.
- To determine and anticipate needs for literature, pioneers and travelling teachers and to work out teaching plans, both
THE Bahá’í WORLD
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 International Deputization Fund.
- To administer an annual budget that will be provided from the Bahá’í International Fund, allocating therefrom to the
Continental 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 years, as that of the Universal House of Justice. Now, most befittingly, it will serve as the office of the International Teaching Centre until the permanent building for that mighty institution can be raised on Mount Carmel in close proximity to 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 Monadj em In Australasia: Mrs. Joy Stevenson
The Universal House of Justice
4 AUGUST 1983 DEEPLY MOURN LOSS OUTSTANDING PRO MOTER FAITH WILLIAM MASEHLA. The Universal House of Justice
24 OCTOBER 1983 DEEPLY DEPLORE LOSS ZEALOUS SERVANT
CAUSE BAHA’U’LLAH RAUL PAVON DISTINGUISHED PROMOTER FAITH AND INDEFATIGABLE
[Page 679]
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH
WORKER IN TEACHING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES LATIN AMERICA.
The Universal House of Justice
6 DECEMBER 1983 ...announces with pleasure the appointment of the following Continental Counsellers: In AfricasMr. Mabuku Wingi In the Americas: Mrs. Isabel P. de Calderén. The Universal House of Justice
RIDVAN 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 worldwide 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, commencing 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 Board; 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.
679
The membership of the Continental Boards of Counsellors as now appointed is: Africa (18 Counsellors): Mr. Hfishang Ahdieh (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mr. Husayn Ardekéni, Mrs. Beatrice O. Asare, Mr. Gila Michael Bahta, Mr. Friday Ekpe, Mr. Oloro Epyeru, Mr. Shidan Fat’he-Aazam, Mr. Kassimi Fofana, 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 Maneho Warren, Mr. Mabuku Wingi.
The Americas (17 Counsellors): Dr. Hidéyatu’lláh Ahmadiyyih, Mr. Eloy Anello, Dr. Farzam Arbéb (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Dr. Wilma Brady, Mrs. Isabel P. de Calderon, Mr. Rolf von Czekus, Mr. Robert Harris, Mrs. Lauretta King, Dr. Peter McLaren, Mr. Shapoor Monadjern, Mrs. Ruth Pringle, Mr. Donald 0. Rogers, Mr. Fred Schechter, Dr. Arturo Serrano, Mr. Alan Smith, Dr. David R. Smith, Mr. Rodrigo Tomés.
Asia (19 Counsellors): Dr. Sébir Aféqi, Mr. Burhéni’d—Din Afshm, Dr. Iraj Ayman, Mr. Bijan Fareed, Dr. J ohn Fozdar, Mr. Zabihu’lláh Gulmuhammadi, Mr. Bharat Koirala, Mr. Rfihu’lláh Mumtézi, Mr. S. Nagaratnam, Dr. Perin Olyai, Mrs. Rose Ong,. Mr. Ehudérahm Paymén (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mr. Masih Rawhéni, Mr. Vicente Samaniego, U Soe Tin, Dr.Ilhan "Sezgin, Mrs. Zena Sorabjee, Dr. Chellie J. Sundram, Mr. Michitoshi Zenimoto. ‘
Australasia (9 Counsellors): Mr. Suhayl ‘Alá’í, Mr. Ben Ayala, Justice Richard Benson, Dr. Kamran Eshraghian, Mrs. Tinai Hancock, Mr. Lisiate Maka, Mrs. Gayle Morrison, Dr. Sims Naréqi, Mrs. Joy Stevenson (Trustee of the Continental F und).
Europe (9 Counsellors): Dr. Agnes Ghaznavi, Mr. Hartmut Grossmann, Mr. Louis Hénuzet (Trustee of the
[Page 680]
680
Continental Fund), Mrs. Ursula Mfihlschle gel, Dr. Leo Niederreiter, Mrs. Polin Rafat,
Mr. Adib Taherzadeh, Mr. Adam Thorne,
Mr. Sohrab Youseffian.
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 outstanding capacities and experience to be sources of stimulation and encouragement 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. Manti Qihr Salmanpfir, Mrs. Velma Sherrill,
Mr. Hedeya Suzuki, Mrs. Bahíyyih Win ckler, 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 Bahá’u’lláh.
The Universal House of Justice
24 OCTOBER 1985
At this time When the Bahá’í world is facing the challenge of the International Year of Peace, 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
THE Bahá’í WORLD
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 to 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, ‘AliMuhammad 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 obj ectives.
This new process, whereby the national goals of the next Plan are to be largely formulated by National Spiritual Assemblies
[Page 681]
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH
and Boards 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 OUTSTAND ING PROMOTER CAUSE ANGUS COWAN. The Universal House of Justice
25 MAY 1986
...On the Day of the Covenant, 26 November 1986, a new term of five years will begin for those appointed to the Auxiliaiy Boards. In preparation for that event, we find it propitious to announce the following decisions.
As from last Riḍván, Turkey has been transferred from the area of responsibility of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Asia to that of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe. Counsellor Ilhan Sezgin is, therefore, a member of the European Board of Counsellors. It has also been decided to increase the size of the European Auxiliary Board for the Protection of the Faith to 36 members, which is the same as the number currently authorized for the Propagation Board in the continent.
In View of the growth of the Bahá’í community and its emergence from obscurity, we have decided to make the following further changes in the number of members of the Auxiliary Boards, to be effective from 26 November 1986:
~*rr
Present Added . New Numb er Number Number AFRICA Protection 8 l 9 90 Propagati on 99 9 10 8 AMERICAS Protecti on 54 9 63 Propagation l 17 0 1 l7
681
AS IA Protection 99 0 99 Propagation l 17 9 126 AUS TRALAS IA Protection 27 9 3 6 Propagation 36 9 45 EUROPE Protection 36 0 36 Propagation fl 2 __3_6_ TOTAL 7—02 fl £6 Protection 297 27 324 Propagation 405 27 432
This fuither expansion of the institution of the Auxiliary Boards reflects the recent increase of the number of Continental Counsellors from 63 to 72 and is required by the marked growth in the size of Bahá’í communities, a grewth which it is confidently expected will accelerate during the Six Year Plan as the impact of the Faith’s emergence from obscurity begins to make itself evident in a growing interest in its teachings by people in all walks of life.
The Universal House of Justice
18 MAY 1988 REJOICE ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT COUN SELLOR MEMBERS INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE FOR FIVE—YEAR TERM BEGINNING 23 MAY 1988: DR. FARZAM ARBAB, DR. MAGDALENE CARNEY, MR. HARTMUT GROSSMANN, MR. MAS‘UD KHAMSI, MRS. LAURETTA KING, MR. DONALD ROGERS, MRS. ISOBEL SABRI, MRS. JOY STEVENSON, MR. PETER VUYIYA. VIEW SUPREME IMPORTANCE ACCELERATION TEACHING WORK THIS STAGE FORMATIVE AGE NUMBER COUNSELLOR MEMBERS NOW RAISED TO NINE. EXPRESS PROFOUND GRATITUDE MR. ‘AZIZ YAZDI AND MISS ANNELIESE BOPP FOR THEIR ASSIDUOUS DEVOTED SELF-SACRIFICIN G SERVICES TEACHJN G CENTRE OVER SO MANY YEARS.
The Universal House of Justice
' 30 MAY 1988 The burgeoning potential for immediate progress in the field of teaching, affirmed by the expectant and resolute spirit displayed at the Sixth International Convention, and the
«wm_ __R,v_.,_,:a ~,_‘ a,,_,—‘M.M .
The members of the Universal House of Justice, five Hands of the Cause OfGod, and Counsellor members of the International T eaching Centrejoin members of the Continental Boards ofCounsellors after the International Convention in Haifa, Israel, in May 1988.
Counsellor Beatrice Asare being welcomed by member of the Universal of Justice Peter Khan to a special reception heldfor Counsellors at the Seat of the International T eachz’ng Centre during the Sixth International Convention] in Haifa, Israel, 1988.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 683
From left to right: the Hands of the Cause of God Dr. ’Ali—Muhammad Varqd, William Sears, Amatu ’l—Bahd Rdhz'yyih IShdnum, ‘Ali-Akbar F urdtan and H. Collis F eatherstone visit the Mansion in Mazra ‘ih as part of the Counsellors szference in May 1988.
Counsellors Robert Harris and Arturo Serrano consult with Counsellor member of the International T eaching Centre Magdalene Carney during the Post Convention Counsellors Conference. Haifa, Israel, May 1988.
[Page 684]
684
awakening of a new consciousness among the believers as to the unusual possibilities and urgency of the times compel a further thrust in the development of the capacity of the International Teaching Centre to carry out its indispensable, sacred functions. Thus, with the benefit of recent consultations with the Hands of the Cause of God residing in the Holy Land, we have reached the decision, as announced in our message of 18 May 1988 to the Bahá’ís of the world, to raise the number of Counsellor members of the Teaching Centre to nine. This is one of a number of related steps responding to the necessity for new modes of action on the part of the Universal House of Justice and of the Hands of the Cause in relation to the work of the Teaching Centre, at this time of new opportunities and new challenges for the Cause of God occasioned by the growing maturation of the Administrative Order and rapidly accelerating change in the conditions of mankind.
The regular work of the Teaching Centre will be decided upon through consultative action of the Counsellors; and since corporate action is fundamental to the direction of the Teaching Centre, it will be necessary for a quorum of five Counsellors to be present at the World Centre at all times. ..
Released from the confining, day-to-day involvement in the administration of the work of the International Teaching Centre, the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land can concentrate to a greater degree on the unique services that they alone can render and, from the knowledge and perspective which over 30 years of uninterrupted service at the World Centre have given them, be able to advise the International Teaching Centre and the Universal House of Justice on those matters in which they feel that the work of
the Teaching Centre and the Counsellors”
throughout the world needs direction and development. In this regard, the Hands of the Cause may request reconsideration by the International Teaching Centre of a decision it has made.
THE BAHA’I WORLD
In the matter of protection, the current procedure should be maintained by which the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land, together with the two non-resident Hands designated to participate in their work, have the responsibility of deciding on questions of Covenant-breaking, or of the reinstatement of Covenant—breakers, for the ultimate approval of the Universal House of Justice.
These important adjustments in the operation of the International Teaching Centre, while affording the Hands of the Cause greater freedom from; administrative duties, preserve their prerogativesin influencing the development of the institution, and also make for a deeper exploration and wider manifestation of its functions, as amplified in our letter Of 19 May 1983 addressed to the followers of Baha’u’llah throughout the world.
The Universal House of Justice
16 JUNE 1988
Recent events have given rise to eleven vacancies in the membership of the Continental Boards of Counsellors. Mr. Adib Taherzadeh has been elected to the Universal House of Justice; Dr. Farzém Arbab, Mr. Harmut Grossmann, Mrs. Lauretta King, Mr. Donald Rogers, Mrs. Joy Stevenson and Mr. Peter Vuyiya have been appointed as Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre.
In addition, ill health has sadly made it impossible for Dr. Chellie Sundram to continue his services as a Counsellor for Asia, Dr. Iraj Ayman and Mrs. Thelma Khelghati have been compelled by circumstances beyond their control to leave, respectively, the continents of Asia and Africa in which they were serving, and Mr. Adam Thorne has had to resign, for personal reasons, from the Continental Board of Counsellors for Europe. We wish first to express our profound appreciation of the contributions these dear friends have made to the advancement of the Cause of God during their years of
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THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH
685
The members of the International Teaching Centre in front of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice in June 1988. Left to right: Mrs. Joy Stevenson, Mr. Hartmut Grossmann, Mrs. Lauretta King, Mr. Mas’ud Khamsí, the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, Dr. Magdalene Carney, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Mr. Donald Rogers, Mr. Peter Vuyiya, Dr. F arzam Arbáb, Mrs. Isobel Sabri.
service as Counsellors, and we pray that the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh Will surround them in all they undertake in the future.
We now have great happiness in announcing the appointment of the following believers as Continental Counsellors:
Africa: Mr. George Allen and Mr. Hizzaya Hissani
The Americas: Mr. Gustavo Correa, Mrs. J acqueline Delahunt and Dr. William Roberts.
Asia: Dr. Kim Myung-Jung and
Mrs. Shantha Sundram
Mrs. Violette Haake
Mr. Patrick O’Mara,
Mrs. Elisabeth Mfihlschfegel
and Dr. Shapoor Rassekh. Furthermore, as two of the Counsellors
now appointed to the International Teaching
Centre had been Trustees of their respective
Continental Funds, we now appoint Coun sellor Peter McLaren to be Trustee of the
Australasia: Europe:
Continental Fund in the Americas, and Counsellor Ben Ayala to be Trustee in Australasia.
The Universal House of Justice
16 JUNE 1988 WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS CONVEY TO THE
FOLLOWERS OF BAHA’U’LLAH THROUGHOUT WORLD JOYFUL NEWS FIRST MEETING NEWLY APPOINTED INTERNATIONAL TEACPHNG CENTRE. ON MORNING OF FRIDAY THIRD JUNE THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE AMATUL-BAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM AND ALI AKBAR FURUTAN, THE MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE AND THE NINE COUNSELLOR MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE GATHERED IN BAHJI AND ENTERED THE MOST HOLY SHRINE FOR PRAYERS BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE MANSION OF BAHA’U’LLAH WHERE THEIR FIRST JOINT MEETING WAS HELD IN ROOM ASSOCIATED WITH SHOGHI EFFENDI. ALL WERE ACUTELY CONSCIOUS OF THE INESTIMABLE BLESSING OF
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686
INITIATING THEIR CONSULTATIONS IN THESE SACRED PRECINCTS. IN THIS AND SUBSEQUENT CONSULTATIONS DURING THE DAYS WHICH FOLLOWED, THE TASKS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE 1N FACE OF THE TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHING NOW BEFORE THE BAHA’I WORLD WERE REVIEWED, AND NEW PATTERNS OF OPERATION WERE FORMULATED. REJOICE NEW VISTAS OPENING FOR VICTORIOUS PROMOTION CAUSE GOD.
The Universal House of Justice
30 OCTOBER 1989 The untimely passing of Mr. Roddy Lutchmaya on 25 September 1989 left a vacancy on the Continental Board of Counsellors in Africa. By the appointment of Mr. Gilbert Robert of Reunion to membership of that Board we have now filled this vacancy.’ The Universal House of Justice
29 AUGUST 1990 PROFOUNDLY DEPLORE TRAGIC CIRCUM STANCES SUDDEN PASSING DEARLY LOVED, WHOLLY DEVOTED, INDEFATIGABLE SERVANT BAHA’U’LLAH HEDAYATOULLAH AHMAD The Universal House of Justice
25 OCTOBER1990
It gives us great pleasure to announce the membership of the Continental Boards of Counsellors as from the Day of the Covenant, 26 November 1990. The number of continental Counsellors remains at 72, but 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: Afiica (18 Counsellors):
Dr. Hushang Ahdieh (Trustee of the
Continental Fund), Mr. George Allen,”
Mrs. Beatrice O. Asare, Mr. Gila Michael Bahta, Mr. Kiser Barnes, Mrs. Parvin Djoneidi, Mr. Mehraz Ehsani, Mr. Friday Ekpe, Mr. Shidan Fat’he-Aazam, Mr. Kassimi Fofana, Mr. Hizzaya Hissani,
THE Bahá’í WORLD
Mr. Zekrollah Kazemi, Mr. Muhammad Kebdani, Mr. Daniel Ramoroesi, Mr. Gilbert Robert, Mrs. Edith Senoga, Mrs. Lucretia M. Warren, Mr. Mabuku Wingi.
The Americas (17 Counsellors): Mr. Eloy Anello, Mr. Gustavo Correa, Mr. Rolf V011 Czékus, Mrs. Jacqueline Delahunt, Dr. Wilma M. Ellis, Dr. Peter McLaren (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mr. Shapoor Monadjem, Mrs. Linda Neufeld, Mrs. Ruth Pringle, Dr. William Roberts, Mrs. Isabel de Sanchez, Mr. Fred Schechter, Mr. Errol Sealy, Dr. Arturo Serrano, Mr. Alan: Smith, Dr. David R. Smith, Mr. Rodrigo Tomas.
Asia (17 Counsellors): Dr. Sabir Afaqi, Mr. Burhéni’d—Din Af§hjn, Mr. Fadfl Ardikéni, Mr. Jabbar Eidelkhani, Mr. Bijan Farid, Dr. John Fozdar, Mr. David Huang, Mr. ‘Abbés Katirai, Dr. Kim Myung Jung, Mrs. Lee Lee Ludher, Mr. S. Nagaratnam, Dr. Perm Olyai, Mrs. Rose Ong, Mr. Vicente Samaniego, Mrs. Kimiko Schwerin, Mrs. Zena Scrabjee, Mrs. Shantha Sundram (Trustee of the Continental Fund).
Australasia (10 Counsellors): Mr. Ben Ayala, Mrs. Beatrice Benson, Mr. Afemata Moli Chang, Dr. Kamran Eshraghian (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mrs. Violette Haake, Mrs. Tinai Hancock, Mrs. Betra Majmeto, Mrs. Gayle Morrison, Dr. Sinis Naréqi, Mr. Bruce Saunders.
Europe (10 Counsellors): Mr. Louis Hénuzet, Mr. Foad Kazemzadeh, Mrs. Elisabeth Mfihlschlegel, Mr. Patrick O’Mara (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mr. Nabil Perdu, Mrs. Polin Rafat, Dr. Shapour Rassekh, Mr. Paul Semenoff, Dr. Ilhan Sezgin, Mr. Sohrab Youssefian.
The following eighteen devoted believers Who are how being relieved of the onerous duties of membership on the Boards of Counsellors W111, as distinguished servants of the Cause, continue through their outstanding capacities and experience to be
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THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH
sources of stimulation and encouragement to the friends. 'Mr. Suhayl Ala’i, Mr. Husayn Ardekahi,
Justice Richard Benson, Mrs. Isabel de
Calderén, Mr. Oloro Epyeru, Dr. Agnes
Ghaznavi, Mr. Zabihu’llah Gulmuhammadi,
Mr. Robert Harris, Mr. Bharat Koirala,
Mr. Lisiate Maka, Mr. Rouhollah Momtazi,
Mrs. Ursula Mfihlschlegel, Dr. Leo
Niederreiter, Mr. Khudarahm Payman,
Mr. Masih Rawhéni, Dr. Mihdi Samandari,
U Soe Tin, Mr. Michitoshi Zenimoto.
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—sacrifieing services to the‘Cause of Baha’u’llah.
Throughout all the continents the influential and energetic services of the Counsellors have demonstrated the progressive development of their essential sphere of operation. The effective manner in which they inspire both the believers and institutions with a greater sense of vision and direction; the extensive consultations they carry out with National Spiritual Assemblies in the prosecution of the objectives of the Six Year Plan; the part they play in the vanguard of believers addressing the needs of the supplementary Two Year Plan in Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, Mongolia and China; the widespread support they offer to the consolidation efforts at the grass roots of the communities through the dedicated untiring effmts of their Auxiliary Board members and their assistants; the steady encouragement they lend to both the enrolment and deepening of youth and children; the generous assistance they extend to the teaching work through the allocation of subvention funds to special projects and the publication and dissemination of Bahá’í literature and audio-ViSual materials—in all these activities we witness the manifold evidences of the Vital role exercised by these highranking officers of the Faith in the protection and propagation of the Cause of God.
687
We are calling upon the Counsellors from all continents to gather at the World Centre from 28 December 1990 through 3 January 1991 for a conference to deliberate 0n the tasks and opportunities of the years immediately ahead, as we approach the end of the Six Year Plan and the observance of the Holy Year marking the Centenary of the Ascension Of Baha’u’llah and of the inauguration of His Covenant.
It is our fervent hope that from this Conference will flow a stream of guidance and inspiration to the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in every land, reinforcing a hundredfold their endeavours to achieve the triumph of the Cause of God.
' The Universal House of Justice
RIDVAN 1991
...We are delighted and encouraged beyond measure by the Vigorous beginning which the Boards of Counsellors have made as they entered the new term of their indispensable and highly appreciated services to the Bahá’í world. The fresh initiatives to which, with the whole-hearted encouragement and splendid support of the International Teaching Centre, they now bend their energies, augur well for a gratifying completion of the Six Year Plan. May their exertions be greatly bolstered by the increase, as of the Day of the Covenant this year, in the number of Auxiliary Board members to 846——9O more than exist at present. The world—wide community will certainly welcome the strength which this action will bring to the scope and quality of the spiritual duties assigned to the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, whose operation at the grass roots is a guarantee of the continued expansion and consolidation of our glorious Faith.
' The Universal House of Justice
14 MAY1991 Well nigh four decades have elapsed since the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, asked the Hands of the Cause of God
[Page 688]
688 THE Bahá’í WORLD
Members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Africa in 199]. Seated, left to right: Parvin Djonez’di, Friday Ekpe, Lucretia Warren, Edith Senoga, Muhammad Kebdanz', Beatrice Asare, Gilbert Robert. Standing, left to right: Shidan Fat’he-Aazam, Kassimi
Fofana, Mehraz Ehsani, Mabuku Wingi, Kiser Barnes, George Allen, Daniel Ramoroesi,
Zekrollah Kazemi, Gila Michael Bahta, Hdshang Ahdz'eh.
Members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas in 1991 . Front row, left to right: Jacqueline Delahunt, Isabel de Sanchez, Alan Smith, Eloy Anello, Wilma Ellis, Ruth Pringle, Rodrigo T omds. Middle row: Linda Neufeld, David Smith, Errol Sealy, William Roberts, Arturo Serrano. Back row: F red Schechter, Peter McLaren, Rolfvon Cze'kus, Shapoor Monadjem, Gustavo Correa. ( T 0p left is Mr. Robert Henderson.)
[Page 689]
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 689
residing outside the Holy Land to appoint, in each continent, resident Bahá’ís who would serve as members of an Auxiliary Board, referred to by him as a “Vital and indispensable organ of the embryonic and steadily unfolding Bahá’í Administrative Order”. . ..
In addition to the qualities usually sought in members of the Auxiliary Board, a primary characteristic called for at this time is a willingness to approach their work in a style and manner that will truly arouse and release the power that resides in the believers, thus enabling them to arise and serve the Cause with fervour and devotion reminiscent of the dawn—breakers of the Heroic Age. . ..
It is awe—inspiring to contemplate the invigorating actions that will devolve upon our arm of the Administrative Order in connection with the forthcoming festivities, commemorations, and celebrations of the Holy Year; also to realise that soon after the conclusion of these momentous events, the International Bahá’í Convention will take place during Riḍván 1993 and a new chapter in the prosecution of the Tablets of the Divine Plan will be opened. Considering the implications of these events for our institution, we have decided to request you to call, on our behalf, special conferences in regions of your continent for the members of the Auxiliary Boards sometime during January and February 1992. A member of the International Teaching Centre will join you and participate in these gatherings, which we envision may take up to five days. ..
As we contemplate the transition from the days in 1954 when thirty-six Auxiliary Board members were assigned for the entire Bahá’í world, to today when eight hundred and forty~six have been allocated and thousands of assistants appointed, we bow our heads in wonder at the developments in the Cause that have generated this tremendous increase. This fact bolsters our eagerness to reflect and consult with you on ways to make ever more effective and efficient the operation of this Vital agency of the Administrative Order.
International Teaching Centre
7 OCTOBER 1991
We are happy to announce the appointment of Dr. Payman Mohajer as a new member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Asia.
He is replacing Mr. S. Nagaratnarn who, due to ill health and personal circumstances, found it necessary to resign from the Board of Counsellors. His resignation was regretfully accepted and his many years of dedicated service in his capacity as a Counsellor are warmly remembered.
The Universal House of Justice
10 OCTOBER 1991
DEEPLY GRIEVED SUDDEN PASSING STALWART MAIDSERVANT BAHA’U’LLAH MEMBER INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE MAGDALENE M. CARNEY. HER WELL NIGH THREE DECADES UNBROKEN SERVICE CAUSE GOD EXERTED‘ WENSE INFLUENCE TEACHING WORK SOUTHERN REGION UNITED STATES, INVOLVED THIRTEEN YEARS MEMBERSHIP NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY THAT COUNTRY UNTIL HER APPOINTMENT IN 1983 TO INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE. INDOMITABLE FAITH, UNSWERVING DEVOTION COVENANT, SELFLESS SPIRIT, OPEN CANDOUR, WHOLEHEARTED COMMITMENT EDUCATION CHILDREN AND YOUTH ARE AMONG QUALITIES THAT WILL EVER BE ASSOCIATED WITH GOLDEN MEMORIES HER HIGHLY ACTIVE LIFE. ARDENTLY PRAYING HOLY THRESHOLD PROGRESS HER STERLING SOUL THROUGHOUT DIVINE WORLDS. ADVISE HOLD MEMORIAL SERVICES HER HONOUR ALL HOUSES WORSHIP AND IN BAHA’l commas THROUGHOUT WORLD.
The Universal House of Justice
16 APRIL 1992
The members of the International Teaching Centre returned from the Auxiliary Board conferences filled with admiration for the magnificent services that Auxiliary Board members and their assistants are rendering to the Cause everywhere. . ..
In each conference the greater part of the consultation revolved around the imperative to translate high ideals and ardent love into action. We have no doubt that the Auxiliary
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690 THE Bahá’í WORLD
Members Ofthe Continental Board of Counsellors for Asia in 1991. Seated, left to right: Sdbir A'quz', Lee Lee Ludher, ’Abbds Katirai, Kimiko Schwerin, Fáḍil Ardikdnz', Jabbar Eidelkhani. Standing: S. Nagaratnam, Shantha Sundram, Kim Myung Jung, Perin Olyai, David Huang, Rose Ong, Bijan Farid, Zena Sorabjee, John Fozdar, Burhdni ’d—Dz’n Afsjin.
Members offhe Continental Board ofCounsellorsforAustralasia in 1991. Seated, lefi‘ to right: Ben Ayala, Violette Haake, Sz'mis Nardqz', T inai Hancock, Kamran Eshraghian. Standing, left to right: Beatrice Benson, Gayle Morrison, Bruce Saunders, Afemata Mali Chang, Betra Majmeto.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH
Members Oft/1e Continenta
[Board of Counsellors for Europe in 199]. From left to right:
691
Polin Rafat, Solzrab Youssefian, Shapour Rassekh, Nabil Perdu, Paul Semenofif Louis Hénuzet, Ilium Sezgin, Foad Kazemzadeh, Patrick O’Mara, Elisabeth Mühlschlegel.
Board members and their assistants will be instrumental during the Holy Year in creating an atmosphere that Will generate manifold activities to emblazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh throughout every region. We ardently hope that the momentum gained during the Holy Year will usher the Bahá’í community into a period of unprecedented Victories during the Three-Year Plan. . .. International Teaching Centre
RIDVAN 1992 ...The advances in the consolidation of the Bahá’í administrative system are evident from the marked improvement in the internal development and collaborative efforts of its two arms.... The growth in confidence and strength of the Boards of Counsellors
and their auxiliaries, backed by a reinforced and vigorous International Teaching Centre, assured to the Spiritual Assemblies, whom they are charged to stimulate and advise, a buttressing indispensable to the welfare of the entire system; While the extension of the span of activities of the National and Local Spiritual Assemblies, themselves charged With guiding the destinies of their communities, significantly broadened the base of that system. Collaterally, the work of these institutions has facilitated and boosted the evolution of the Administrative Order. Even more: they have demonstrated a creative energy that bodes well for their» centinued maturation.
The Universal House of Justice
In Czechoslovakia, Counsellor Rzilm ’llcih Mumz‘dzi (standing right) visitsfi'z’ends
in Prague in December 1986.
In Suriname, Counsellor Jacqueline Delahunt (left) con.sults with Mrs. T erijy Madison during the National Convention held in Paramaribo
in April 1990.
In Hawaii, Counsellor Gayle M orrison (standing fifth from right) attending ajoim‘ meeting between the National Spiritual Assembly Oftl1e Hawaiian Islands and the Local Assembly of Honolulu held in
F ebruary I 98 7.
[Page 693]
In Korea, Counsellor
Kim Myung Jung
(standing third from
right? joins in celebrating the Seventieth
Anniversary of the
Introduction of the
Faith in Korea during
an event held in Seoul
on 18 F eburary 1992.
In Bophuthatswana, Counsellor member of the International
T eaching Centre Dr. Magdalene Carney (front left) meets joyful co~workers Counsellor Daniel Ramoroesi and Lally Warren O’mnt) and Auxiliary Board members Enos Makhele (back left) and Sohail Rowhani; 1989.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 693
In Guatemala, members of the Continental Board ofCounsellorS for the Americas and some Auxiliary Board members meeting with members of the National Spiritual Assemblies in Central America; I 990.
mlm; m“ ‘.