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INTRQDUCTIQN
11 1995-96, two world—embracing events—the Fourth World
Conference on Women, held in China, and the United Nations’ fiftieth anniversary—engaged the particular attention of the Bahá’í international community, and The Bahá’í World 1995—96 features maj or articles about Bahá’í participation in both. Other milestones Within the Bahá’í community are also noted: the formation of five new National Spiritual Assemblies and the gathering of members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors from around the world to deliberate With other senior officers of the Bahá’í Faith about the growth and consolidation of the Bahá’í community.
The Wide—ranging work of the Bahá’í International Community, a United Nations-accredited nongovernmental organization Which represents the collective voice of national Bahá’í communities throughout the world, is also highlighted here, as are activities undertaken by Bahá’ís in their local and national communities. A survey of the media coverage of the Bahá’í Faith, as well as updates on the situation of the persecuted Bahá’í community of Iran and the progress of the construction proj ects on Mount Carmel at the Bahá’í World Centre are also included.
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THE Bahá’í WORLD
Aside from reporting on significant events in Which the Bahá’í community is involved, The Bahá’í World offers selections from the Faith’s sacred writings, this year focusing on remedies to pressing social problems, and highlights from major communications of the Universal House of Justice.
In the “Statements and Essays” portion of the volume, the reader Will find major documents prepared by Bahá’í International Community agencies during the year, including T uming Point for All Nations, Which was Widely disseminated during the United Nations’ fiftieth anniversary, and the statement made at the Fourth World Conference on Women. A maj or philosophical essay by Wendy M. Heller on the religious foundations of civil society can also be found here, as well as “World Watch,” an article reflecting on contemporary social concerns from a Bahá’í perspective. Rounding out this section is a profile of a social and economic development proj ect undertaken by Bahá’ís in Brazil.
Finally, the volume contains a collection of “Information and Resources” for those Who Wish to obtain statistics on the Bahá’í world community, locate various agencies in the directory provided, learn about new publications, have a basic reading list of Bahá’í books, or use the glossary to become more familiar With specific Bahá’í terminology. Brief memorial sketches of noted Bahá’ís from around the world are also located here. Those wishing to read a general discussion of the Bahá’í Faith and its worldwide community can consult the “Introduction to the Bahá’í Community” at the beginning of the volume.
The Bahá’í World volumes have been published at varying intervals since 1925, offering an authoritative account of the activities and achievements of the international Bahá’í community. In 1992, the series was revamped to appear on an annual basis, to include many more color photographs, and to be more accessible to the general reading public. Each volume covers the period from Riḍván—an annual twelve—day festival in the Bahá’í Faith that commences on 21 Aprilwto Riḍván and seeks to provide a representative survey of the international undertakings, the achievements, and the perspective of this worldwide community.
