Bahá’í World/Volume 31/The Year in Review

The Bahá’í World
Volume 31

The Year in Review -

f the imprisonments and indignities Bahé’u’lléh unjustly Osuffered during His life, perhaps none was more terrible than confinement in the Sfyéh-C_hél. the “black pit." De— scribing the conditions, Bahé’u’lléh wrote, “No pen can depict that place, not any tongue describe its loathsome smell. Most of these men had neither clothes nor bedding to lie on. God alone knoweth what bcfcll Us in that most foul—smelling and gloomy place!" History was made in that prison, despite those inhuman condi— tions, as Bahé’u’lléh received the intimations of His divine mission. Shoghi EfTendi wrote, “Bahé’u’lléh lay wrapped in the gloom of the S(yéh-Qfi] ochhran, His feet in stocks, His neck Freighted with chains, and surrounded by vile and wretched criminals," but it was there that the “most glorious and momentous stage in the Heroic

Age of the greatest religious Dispensation in the spiritual history of mankind" was ushered in}

‘ Bahé'u‘lléh. Epistle m the San oftln %{f(Wilmette. IL: Bahé’f Publishing Trust. [995), pt 21.

1 Shoghi Eﬂ'endi, Menage: to America: Selected Letter: and Cabltgnvm Addressed to the Ruhr! Z: quanh America, 1932—ty46 (Wlmette, 1L: Bahi‘l’ Publishing Committee. 1947), pp. 99—100.

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In October 2007., US Congressman Mark Steven Kirk recalled the 150th anniversary of Bahé’u'lléh’s imprisonment in the Sfyéh—Lhél with a statement to Congress that recalled not only His sufferings, but also the triumphs that resulted from it:

On the 150th anniversary of Bahzi’u’lléh's imprisonment and the founding of the Bahé’l' Faith, we salute along with the American Bahai’f community the ideals of universal brotherhood, peace, cooperation, and understanding espoused by Bahai’u'lléh. These are Bahé’i values, they are American values, and they are universal values. I also would like to recognize the immense sacrifices that many around the world have made striving to ensure that true liberty and justice for all becomes not just an American dream.

but also a global realityx‘

That global reality is being actualized by the Faith’s more than five million members, spread throughout nearly every country in the world.

Throughout the history of the Faith, crisis and victory have been intertwined, with the persecutions and sufferings oFthe community matched by its advancement. Neither imprisonment nor tragedy has been able to extinguish the ﬂame of Bahé'u’llaih's Cause. Instead, it has ignited growing and vibrant communities. Whether through establishing educational programs, contributing to social and eco' nomic development, or advancing processes ofunity, the Bahé’t’s are actively engaged in creating a better, more prosperous world for all humanity. Though the scope and sheer number ofactivitics makes a complete record impossible, this article offers a briefsurvey of some highlights of the activities in the past year.

Advancement ofWomen

Despite the advances made in recent decades, sexual inequality re— mains a problem in all nations. The energy wasted keeping women from their rightful place in society has had the effect not only of depriving them of the opportunity to contribute fully to society,

5 Congressman Mark Steven Kirk, 16 October 2001, to the 107th Cong, 1nd session, Cangrmiana/ Retard: Extensions afRzmar/ex. pp. 21906—07.

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but also of retarding the progress of all people. 'Abdu’l-Bahé made this clear in His statement. “Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and attained. the highest social development of mankind is not possible.”'1

In the United Kingdom, a 13-year—old Bahé’f, Anisa Fadei, used that quotation in her presentation to the annual “Girls Speak Up” conference, held on 7 December 2002 at the Cranfield Management Development Centre in Bedfordshire. More than 100 people from around the United Kingdom attended the conference. which was organized by the British Association of Bahé’f Women.

Miss Fadei's paper, titled “Prosperity,” reﬂected one of the central themes identified by conference organizers. Other young Bahé'i women speakers offered papers that elucidated the key themes, including talks titled “Citizenship,” “Partnership," and “Informa— tion Technology." Workshops and panels on related themes gave participants an opportunity to explore the topics further, with each participant requested to put forward action points that could be presented to decision makers in the country.

Expert presenters oﬂcred responses to panel discussions, and among the responders were Soroptimist member Valerie Evans, CHE, a former elected chair of the Women's National Commission and cur— rent chair of the UK Gender Statistics Users Group; Roz Ozborne of the Royal College ofNuxses and a member of the Women‘s National Commission Steering Group; and Dr. Val Singh, Senior Research Fellow in organizational behavior and a lecturer associated with the School of Management at the University of Cranfield.

Additional presentations at the event were made by the Bahé'f Oﬂice ofSocial and Economic Development and the Bahé'f Agency for Social and Economic Development—UK, Sotoptimist international of Bedford, and the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association). Artistic elements included paintings by women artists displayed at the art gallery and entertainment by two young Indian dancers. Support for the conference was given by the United Nations Devel- opment Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the Bedford County Council,

‘ 'Abdu'l—Bahé, T/It Promu/gatian of Univtrml Peace: '[izl/e: Delivered by Xba'u'l-Ba/nl during Hi: Visit to the Uniml 5mm and Canada in 1912, rev. ed. (Wilmette, IL: Bahé'f Publishing Tmst, 1995), p. 76.

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and the Cranfield Centre for Women Business Leaders; Jordans Cereals and the Marks and Spencer’s national chain store provided sponsorship.

ln Cyprus, Bahzi’f Suha Vakil Fanaiean took part in a televised two-hour debate as part of activities for United Nation’s Women’s Day on 8 March 2003. Mrs. Fanaiean shared Bahé’l perspectives on the station of women and the value of the family during the live show. Other local Bahé’f women attended forums and panel discus— sions organized For the day. They also supported other activities of like-minded organizations and received an invitation from the newly formed nongovernmental organization (NGO) Urban Women to offer workshops at two distant villages.

Women of all ages were attracted to the workshops, which used stories, visual aids, symbolic elements, and music to portray the purpose of life as an individual woman and as a member of both a Family and a world community. One village project drew more than 55 people, many ofwhom stayed for several hours asking ques— tions and sharing their experiences, and in another village a similar response came from the 45 attendees there. National television in Cyprus reported on the workshops, and participants said they were deeply affected by the programs because of their appeal to the heart and the soul,

Bahé’fs in Zimbabwe also participated in International Women’s Day, taking part in an event that drew more than 2.000 people to Harare’s International Convention Center. A Bahfi’l banner proclaim- ing “Bahé’l’ Faith fosters Equality of Man and Woman: Without Equality the Bird of Humanity Cannot Fly” hung at the entrance to the main hall. The event opened with Bahé'l' and Christian prayers. Bahé’ls also distributed 300 copies of the Bahé'l International Community‘s pamphlet entitled “Hw/Alos and Gender Equality,” a topic of particular relevance in Africa and one of the themes of the celebration’s discussions.

During the program the organizing committee. which included the Bahé'l' representative Flora Teckie, was introduced to the gather- ing. The group sang a song and was asked to offer support and good wishes to the gathering. Mrs. Teckie explained that the equality of women and men is a prerequisite to world peace and wished the par- ticipants peace and prosperity on behalf of the Bahfi'ls of Harare.

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Wmmz a! the Bar/i Imtimtr in Indore, India. [mm pmaiml skills. surly a5 dressmaking. t/m! br/p [/1an to gain selfirslttm. bet‘nmrfimmrial/y independmt. and (lid I/m'r village communities.

The principle ofequality between women and men animates many Bahé’f social and economic development efforts, and when the Bahé‘f community in the United Kingdom was invited to present a project highlighting its contributions to the environment, it chose one that has offered training and empowerment [0 more than 1,300 women. The Barli Development Institute for Rural Women (BDIRW), based in Indore. India, focuses on giving poor young women literacy training. practical knowledge of health. nutrition and sanitation. skills for income generation, and an awareness of village—level envi- ronmental conservation.s

The BDIRW works to enable women to become agents For social change and “pillars" of their families and communities through a holistic approach to education that provides each trainee with leader— ship training courses in such subjects as literacy, tailoring, agriculture. environmental awareness, and self—esteem. Its spiritually oriented curriculum empowers women as they examine caste, tribal, and

‘ For a report on (he BDIRW, sec Tb: Bahd’i Warld 2000—2001, pp. 219—27.

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class prejudices in the light of Bahé’i principles such as the oneness of humanity, equality of women and men, respect for diversity, and service to the community.

The presentation was part of a special gathering held in honor of the Golden jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Organized by the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), the event sought to explore the religions’ understanding of the place of humanity in creation. Bahé‘i representatives joined with leaders of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism to celebrate the significant role that religious can play in caring For the environment. Held 13 November 2002 in London’s historic Banqueting House in Whitehall and titled “Our Place in Creation,” the event featured the presentation of a series of environmental projects to Her Majesty, as well as a program of- sacred artistic, musical, and dance performances by representatives of each religion.

In Istanbul, Turkey, three Bahé’l’ women, including two mem— bers of the National Spiritual Assembly, were invited to attend the Women Parliamentarians Conference on “World Peace and Cooperation," held from [7 to I9 October 2007.. It was the fourth

Tl]! Tondad Public High School Dam? Troupe pnfbrms at the opening of the new Balati’i radio station in 314146, Philippines, on 26 November 2002.

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annual international conference organized by the Marmara Group Foundation, a prominent Turkish NGO supported by the First Lady of the Turkish Republic, Semra Sezer. The invited speakers and attendees came from a variety of backgrounds and included women parliamentarians, academics, Turkish and foreign office members of embassies, and many representatives of NGos from neighboring countries such as Albania, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, HungaTy, Israel, Romania, Russia, and Turkmenistan. The Baha’i women, who were acknowledged for the excellence of their presentations, particularly highlighted the importance of the education ofchildren in achieving peace.

Social and Economic Development

The contributions of Baha’i communities to social and economic development diﬂ'er both in their nature and character. Their efforts, though, are united by their aim (O uplift not only the social and material circumstances of people but also their spiritual condition. Ultimately. they reﬂect the fundamental purpose of religion. “to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind, a trans— Formation that shall manifest itself both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions.""

In Bulac, Philippines, more than 300 people, including local officials and nearby residents, attended the inauguration ceremony for the Baha’i radio station, which will feature programs designed to promote social and economic development in the community at large. The 16 November 2002 event featured speeches by visit— ing Baha’l' dignitaries and local officials, as well as performances by children and youth from nearby schools.

The station currently has a full-time staffoffour, and as volunteer personnel gain experience the station will increase its offerings, with the goal of including short—term courses, seminars, and workshops in its broadcasts.

Local government oﬂicials praised the establishment of the sta— tion, which is located in a rural district about 30 kilometers from

‘9 Baha‘u'lléh. The Kitéb—i—iqin (\Vilmerte, tL: Baha'f Publishing Trust. 1993), P- 240-

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the city of San Jose on the main island of Luzon. It will provide programming designed not only to assist in social and economic development but also to promote moral, spiritual, and human resource development in Bahé'l communities by aiding in the or— ganization of spiritual activities. Specifically, the station will help to encourage the holding of study circles, devotional meetings, and children's classes.

Due to the Hat topography of the region, the new Philippines station is able to reach a wide area, encompassing the entire province of Nueva Ecija and a portion of the Tatlac and Pangasinan prov— inces—a potential listenetship of more than 2.3 million people. Six other Bahé’l radio projects operate similar stations in Bolivia, Chile. Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and the United States.

Development efforts are not always the result of projects and plans. howevet—sometimes they are an immediate response to an immediate need. When the Mt. Page volcano in Papua New Guinea erupted in August 2007., the local government of Kimbe turned to the Bahé'i' community For assistance in housing some 200 people from Galilo village who were displaced by the disaster. The large Bahé'i center in Kimbe provided shelter to many of them, and the local Bahé’fs tried to make their stay as pleasant as possible by pro- viding food, tents, and other necessities. Bahé'is from neighboring communities in Garu and Kambili also contributed food.

The hospitality of the Bahéi’fs also included inviting the displaced villagers to Bahfi’i functions held at the center. For most of them, it was their first encounter with the Faith. As a result of the experience, several of them became Baha’Ts.

After the Provincial Disaster Committee declared it safe for people to return to their homes, it requested a “farewell night” with the Bahé‘fs 0F Kimbe to be held on 21 November to show its appre— ciation and gratitude, William Hosea, a government representative and member of the Provincial Disaster Committee, conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the government and thanked the Bahé’f com— munity For its support and sacrifices.

Most long—term Bahé’l projects are Focused on creating sustainable practices, and therefore ensuring protection of the environment and natural resources. At an interreligious conference in Germany, three representatives of the Habit community ofTered their perspectives

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Student: in I/Irﬂﬂb grade u! the Pub: I’m?” (It'llage 5117001. a 811/in '1’-run rdumn'mm/ inimuivr in rum] [iolivia‘

on the contribution of religion to environmental protection. The goal ofthc mceting, thd 6—7 May 2002 under the auspices of the German Federal Environment Ministry, was to widen the dialogue on cnvimnmL-nta] issues between the government and various reli- gions in Gcrmany.

Gottfried Orth, dirccmr of the Ernst Langc Institute for Ecu— menical Studies, chaired the meeting. and other participants included three representatives of the Catholic and Protestant churches; the general secretary of the Central Muslim Council and a Muslim scientific adviser; and a member of the council of the Buddhist Union and two other Buddhists. Also present were observers from the World Conference ofReligions for Peace and a group represent» ing the Earth Charter. The dialogue was designed .15 a follow-up to 21 meeting ofc-B environmcnt ministers and religious leaders in Trieste in March 2001, at which religious leaders appealed for governmcms to give environmental concerns a higher priority.

'l'hc final memorandum, jointly drafted by the participants and accepted at the end of the conference, established the common ground between them on the issues of nature and the environment and the need for a common responsibility for action. The joint

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memorandum identified clcmcms such as love, justice, and ethics as :1 Rmndation for sustainable development.

The memorandum cxprcsscs the commitment to cominuc the dialogue locally, regionally, and at the European level. and [he religious communities pledged to cnntinue the process ofdiscussing cnvironnwnml issues both inside and outside their own communities. A book containing the statements of the various religious communi- ties was also prepared.

1n the United Kingdom. “'I‘ranquility Zones” have been growing in popularity since they were first conceived by [he Balhé'l' commu- nity in Swindon. They are spaces created for praycr, meditation, and reﬂection and have been provided as a service for police. hospitals. and businesses as well as For the general public. Recently they have been used in youth empowerment projects, and in 2001 a Tran- quiliry Zone was introduced as part ofa pilot program run by the Trowhridgc Probation Service in an cfibrr to rcducc rc()f}bI)L{illg. Thc pmgmm alsn includes group and unc-on-onc counscling. medical attention. literacy lessons. storytelling, and an and color therapy.

Each week, a Bahé'l' member of (he Probation 'lL-um sets up .1 Tranquiliiy Zone room. which is prepared with cushions. ﬂowers.

Ba/vri '1'; in Finland oﬂé’r lilemmrr (II a 6001/] 1/1017]ng mu/Iirt/mirﬂm'mz/

in Helxinl’i in May 2002.

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and candlcs. Thu 10 young offendcrs, joined by the other stuff. .er cncourngcd In view lhcmsclvcs in :crms ohheir spirinml cnpncilics. Gcntlc music is played throughout the session and rhc m'cmll atmo- sphere aids in taking the youth on :1 meditative journey with music. storics. and quotations from Ihc Bahd'i sacred wrirings. Introducing the spiritual component of prayer and meditation imo the rchahilimtion process has been praised by participants, sum: and loud governmcm fur its cffectivcncss. In addition [0 cxpdnding [ht numhcr ofclicnts who usc the room, [he Probation Scrviuc plans to usc ix for a 10-minute meditation session at (he and Munch day.

(L'In'lz/rm partiri/mlv in Al lfiI/ni '1' flux; at [/29 Alm/ml’ I ’ulmri (frmrrjbr

Imrgm/ [:‘dmminn :{f'lm/Igmrmx PFUﬂ/t’ in 5mm: Rum. limzr/nr.

Racial Unity

The Bah.“ Faith rcprcscnls one of the most divcrsc cnllcctiuns of. people on lhc plancl. Though [hay come from more Khan 2,000 ethnic and tribal huckgmunds‘ their difiL-rcncc uf'mlur and culture is not a cause for separation. but rather a rich and diverse heritage of humanity {0 hr celebrated. Both within Bahd'i mmmunities and in the world around thwn, Bahé' 1's strive (0 create :1 society free from

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A participant at t/J!‘ Aﬂa-Dexrmdams Gathering, held in Brazil in 2003. display: a mask he made during 2/]? Afiirzm mask workshop.

racial prejudice where “humanity is one kind, one race and progeny, inhabiting thc same globe.”7

From 31 January to 2 February 2003, more than 170 Brazilian Bahzi’fs came together to foster personal transformation and promote the principle ofthc oneness ofhumaniry. Deepening unity, increasing self—esteem, and enhancing spiritual understanding were the themes of the “Afro—Descendants Gathering," held in the regional Bahzi'i' center in Salvador, Brazil.

In order to better understand racial prejudice and how it operates in today's society, thc participants spoke in a session about their per- sonal experiences of day-to-day discrimination. Then they examined the contributions made by “Afro-descendants" to technological and scientific development in both ancient and modern times. Partici- pants also studied selected Bahé’i principles such as the oneness of the human family and the need for unity in diversity.

This was the seventh such gathering in Brazil since 1996, and similar initiatives in the United States—the Black Men's Gather— ing and the more recent Black Women‘s Gathering—shared the

7 ‘Abdu'l‘Bahé, Promulgrztinn of Urzit/erml Pram p. 118.

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Partiviptmtx at (I [mining institute mmpaign fbr indigenom people: lleM in W/akpala, South Dakota. United 5mm, in 2002,

objectives ofthc Brazilian meeting. Nearly 100 attendcd the 16th annual Black Men's Gathering, held at the Green Acre Bahé'l' School in Eliot, Maine. The week-long conference, held the last week of july 2002, included participants from Kenya, the Gambia. and Suriname.

The fourth annual Black Women’s Gathering was held at Louhel— en Bahd’l' School in Davison, Michigan, from 27 m 29 September 2002. Fifteen women participated in the weekend. which was filled with prayers, singing. music. fellowship, and consultation.

Discussions at both gatherings included sharing experiences common [0 people of African ancestry and learning new ways to progress beyond feelings of victimization. Also expressed was the desire to include more forms OFMrican—American culture in Bahei’l’ events and the need to attract more people of African descent to (he Bahé'l’ Faith.

The Black Men‘s Gathering ended with a procession and memo— rial program presumed at the graveside of Hand ofrhe Cause oFGod Louis Gregory and his wife Louisa Gregory.

Louis Gregory. an early American Bahé‘l' who was a leader in promoting racial harmony. was also honored by the local Bahzi'l

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community of Charleston. South Carolina, through the creation of a museum in his Former home.

Born in 1874, Mr. Gregory was a successful lawyer and rising star among early black intellectuals who grappled with issues of race relations in the United States at the turn of the century. In 1909, he embraced the Bahé’i Faith and turned his energies towards promoting unity among the races. He was posthumously given the title Hand of the Cause of God in 1951 as a result of his efforts in promoting the aims of the Faith.

The Louis C. Gregory Bahé’l’ Museum was dedicated in a two- day celebration in February 2003, which was attended by more than 300 people. Dedication program highlights included a multicultural arts presentation, two workshops on race relations, a tour of the mu— seum and nearby sites important to Mr. Gregory, and a devotional gathering. The museum, which resides in a two—story house in the heart of the Charleston peninsula, is the first museum in the city dedicated to a single person.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country whose short history has been marred by constant ethnic tensions, Landegg International University’s Education for Peace program (EFP) is creating bonds among the different groups. The program has been running for more than two years and now involves more than 6,000 students, xo,000 parents, and 400 teachers. It offers training in conﬂict resolu— tion, democracy, ethics, and leadership, and aims to create mutual respect and understanding among the country’s people. Operating within the school system, it is integrated into the curriculum and is designed to assist in reconciling the rifts among the country’s main ethnic and religious groups—Catholic Croats, Orthodox Serbs, and Muslim Serbs.

Parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, and students are a.“ crucial to the project, as they strive to create an atmosphere of peace ‘and mutual understanding. Lessons are consolidated through artistic expression, and participants go on to educate the wider community through creative presentations that include poetry and dance. Some of the teachers involved with the project have started to write a curriculum acceptable to members of all three ethnic groups. At present, each has its own curriculum, and education is strictly segregated.

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The government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been so impres- sed with the project's efficacy that it issued a statement on the Education for Peace program to the heads of state and heads of delegations at the United Nations Special Session on Children, held in New York 8—10 May 2002. Within six years, the program will be introduced into all schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina, eventually reaching over a million participants. It will also be offered to many French- and English—spcaking African countries in the coming year and is being started in two private US schools.

Another country where the Bahfi’is are helping to address long— standing racial and cultural issues is Australia, where events held in conjunction with National Reconciliation Week. from 27 May to 3 June 2002, included a special service dedicated to reconciliation between indigenous and other Australians.” Bahé’fs, members of the Manly Pittwater Warringah Aboriginal Support Group, and the public joined together in the service, held at the Baths“ House of Worship near Sydney. Australia, on 26 May. Featured were readings from the scriptures of the major world religions and a performance by the Bahé’f Temple Choir. The reception included reading of the prayer distributed for National Sorry Day by the Aboriginal and Islander Commission of the National Council of Churches.

The service was preceded by a reception at which Ann Thomas, a native woman of the Biripi tribe, shared her thoughts on reconcili— ation. “Reconciliation at this time means a lot," she said. “but it can only be by the spirit." The Bahé'i' Faith, she said. offered a means for all Australians to work together in unity.

Education

The upliftment of humanity begins with its education. Instruction in the arts and sciences, particularly with attention given to moral development, is the means by which people understand themselves and their environment, and create an “ever-advancing civiliution." Bahé’f schools and educational projects are dedicated to uplifting the minds and spirits and each year expand in both enrollments and

" For more information about reconciliation efforts by the Bahé'l community in Ausrralia. sec pp. 120—11.

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prominence as more people become attracted to the principles and methods that animate Bahé'l' education.

At the opening ceremony for two new Internet-ready buildings, the Ocean of Light International School in Tonga earned high praise from Crown Prince Tupouto’a Tupou V for its technologi- cal advancement. The school is owned by the Bahzi'i’ community ofTonga and its curriculum. which is dedicated to developing not only intellectual but spiritual potential, is based on Bahé’i' principles; it aims to raise up students committed to the service ofhumanity. The school fosters the spiritual development ofits students through classes in spiritual values in the primary schnal and moral education in the high school.

“The opening of the buildings could not have come at a better time in Tongu’s history because for the first time this school is break- ing new ground in using the technology to mitigate the negative effects of the economy,“ Prince Tupoutn’a said in a speech at the ceremony on 25 January 2003. The Prince said he would Follow the progress ()fthe school with "much interest and great affection."

The official opening of the new buildings was followed by a luncheon and entertainment for the 600 guests, who included Prince

C/JI'lt/rm take part in a race a: part oanr/d Health Day mm”: (II the

Louis (iregmjy Mmmria/ Hzl/m' '1 511700! in Yilliiig, Uganda. in April 2002.

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Tupouto'a's brother. the Honorable Maatu, and his wife Alaileula, the granddaughter ol‘His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II. the Head of State of Samoa.

Located on the outskirts of Nuku'alofa, the capital city ofTonga. the school opened in 1996 and started its program with only nine students. During its seven years of operation the school has out— grown its rented facilities. Now the two new buildings will provide some 2,000 square meters of space for classrooms, laboratories, and a library. Classes are available For students ranging in age from 3 to [6, but a 12th grade will be added in 1004 and high school diplomas will be awarded to graduates. Currently 250 children are enrolled at the school. About 80 percent are from Tonga. but the student body also includes children From Australia, Canada, Japan. New Zealand, and the United States.

Another lnng-standing Bahzi'i education proicct, FUNDAEC, was honored by the Club of Budapest with a “Change the World—Best Practice Award" for its achievements in providing high school educa— tion and training to more than 50,000 people living in rural areas in Latin America. In a speech at the award ceremony, Peter Spiegel. the Secretary—Gcncral 0f the Club of Budapest, characterized the project

Fr nu II II

l’artiriplmls in u Baha’ ’1' Had}! t'ircle in Bahia, Brazil. 1m- tmining mattriulr d(trelaper/ at tlje Rubi Institute in Colombia,

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as “the most considerable revolution of education in the twentieth century,) because of its efforts to assist people in developing countries to actively engage in the development process.

The project is known as SAT (which stands for Sistema de Apre— ndizaje Tutorial, or “System for Tutorial Learning”). It is a tutorial learning program based on a series of interactive workbooks that enables trained tutors to offer a high—quality secondary educational program in rural areas with minimal overhead cost. In most cases, even the tutors themselves lack formal education.

SAT is keyed to the realities of rural life and based on the needs of the local 'residents, aiming to strengthen local economies and com— munal identity. It oﬂ'ers students a high school education that not only provides them with theoretical knowledge, as most traditional educational curricula do, but also allows them to become economi- cally independent and to serve their communities.

The “Change the World—Best Practice Award" was given to four international educational projects during the awards ceremony, held at the historic St. Paul’s Church in Frankfurt, Germany, on 6 Octo— ber 1002. Some 1,000 people attended, including honorary Club of Budapest members actor Sir Peter Ustinov and author Paulo Coelho, who were granted the Club's Planetary Consciousness Award. Also at the event was Istvan Hiller, personal assistant to the Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy, whose presence reinforced the support of the Hungarian government for the Club's efforts in promoting the emergence of planetary consciousness.

Bahé’l’ education efforts axe not solely focused on elementary and high school education. At the University of Bari, the second— largest university in Italy, a permanent course on Bahé’i—inspired ethics and economics was established in March 2003. Giuseppe Robiati was appointed as the coordinator of the course. A member of the Bahé’f community of Italy and the European Bahé‘i Business Forurh, Mr. Robiati is a businessman with extensive experience in engineering and business management and in the fields of human resources and economics. The course was approved by the Academic Senate and the Rector of the University of Bari in July 7.002 and began in March. The “Ethics and Economy: Towards a New World Order” course consists of 10 seminars focused on essential Bahé’f Values such as consultation, justice, equality, universal education,

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A :mdy rin'lr in 7}”qu :11 [Ire AxsotizzlioI/fbr tlu’ Unity nfMankim/ in Amrdyn, june 2002.

and the unity ofscicncc and religion as they relate to the world of business and economics.

And in Switzerland. scholars and academics from 10 countries attended the Second International Conference on Modern Religious Movements in Judaism. Christianity, Islam, and (he Bébl’ and Balm”! Faiths, held at the Landcgg International University campus 27—29 Novembcr 2001. II was the second in a series of conferences jointly convened by lmldcgg and the Hebrew University ofjerusalcm."

Participants came from Australia, Canada, France, Liechtenstein, Iran, Israel, Spain, 'l‘urkclv. the United Kingdom. and the Uniled States. l’rofcssor M05116 Sharon, holder of the Chair in Bahé‘l' Studies at the Hebrew University. cochaired the conference with Dr. HB. Danesh, Landcgg's Rccmr. I’rofcssor Sharon opened the conference with an addrcss on ”Millennialism: Significance ofthc Nineteenth Century" and the following day presented his ideas on “The l’mblcm of Rimal."

" A rcpnn on [he Firs! International Conference nn Modern Religious Move- mcms in Judaism. Christianity. Islam, and (he Bébi and Bahd’i Faiths um he found in Hm [fillui’l Wm/dzooo—zoal, pp. 103—07.

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In total, 17 papers were presented on a wide range of topics including “New Forms of Moving towards the Unity between Faith and Reason in the Catholic Chutch.” “Modern ‘Hebrew Christians’: An ‘Imagined Community,m “Baht“ Education in Shiite Iran.” and “The Silences of God."

In addition to formal presentations, the conference featured mu- sical performances and a banquet. All papers from the conference will be made available on Landegg’s Web site. and the dates for the third conference, to be held at the Hebrew University ofJerusalem. are forthcoming.”

Arts

‘Abdu'I—Bahé eloquently expressed the high station of the arts in His statement that “in this wonderful new age. art is worship. The more thou strivest to perfect it, due closer wilt thou come to God."” There is no distinct category of“Bah;i‘f art"; rather Baha"! artists, musicians. and performers strive to express aspects of divinity in their work and thereby contribute to the continual growth and maturation of human culture.

In New York City, a week—long Festival of the Arts was held from 26 June [0 2 July 2002. The project was an initiative of Global Music. Inc., a Bahé’f—owned company. and other individuals. The highlight was a concert by the Voices of Bahfi Choir, 3 sso—voice group composed of Bahé‘fs from some 2.4 countries, at Carnegie Hall. Voices of Bahé has performed in a variety of incarnations at more than 80 concerts in 30 countries over the past 10 years. The entire choir actually consists of more than 1,000 members, but since its first performance at the Second Bahé'l World Congress in 1992, seldom have more than 200 performed together.

The Bahé'l Gospel Singers, also featured at the World Congress, performed in an event at the Manhattan Center, as did well—known Persian performers who showcased an evening of Persian music.

“’ Landegg’s Web site can be found at hrtp://www.landegg.cdu/.

" ‘Abdu’LBahé, in “The Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith,” The Compilation 0f Campilatiam, vol. 3 (lngleside, NSW: Bahé'f Publications Australia 1000), p. 22.

[Page 61]YEAR IN REVIEW (n

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62 THE BAHA’I’ WORLD 2002—2003

Other events included a theater festival at the 47th Street Theater and a four—day conference on the arts at the Hotel Pennsylvania. The conference on the arts focused on the role of the arts as described in the Babe“ writings and applied in the Bahé’l’ community. It in— cluded talks, music, drama, dance, and devotions in an attempt to highlight the spiritual and transformative power ofcreative endeavor. The theater festival showcased the growing theatrical talent that has emerged within the Bahé’l’ community in recent years.

The eﬂcects of the festival even carried over to other countries. After being informed that two Belgian Bahé’is had performed in the Voices of Baha’ choir at Carnegie Hall, a Belgian national radio sta— tion, Radio Musique 3, aired four programs on the Faith and Bahai’l’ choral music. The 20—minute shows concluded on 1 September after being aired four consecutive weeks on the station’s “Chorissimo” pro— gram, Which focuses on Belgian amateur choirs. The shows included information about the Faith and the New York event, interviews With Belgian singers Lorraine Hetu and Concetta Difranceseo, and music by Tom Price, the conductor ofVoices 0f Bahé, and Van Gilmer, the conductor of the Bahé’i Gospel Singers.

Throughout the worldwide Bahzi’f community, arts workshops have contributed both to developing identity within the community and t0 spreading the message of the Faith. One such workshop, Geraefio Viva, based in Portugal, performed in front of some 500 people in Lugo, Spain, as part of the “World Citizenship” program organized by the Bahzi’l' community there. The group’s performance was part of a Festival ofdances from around the world that took place during the last week of]uly. The newspapers El Progrem and La Voz de Calida published articles and photographs of the performance.

In July and August, three members of the Geraeéo Viva group visited Brazil to help in training workshops for Brazilian youth. The structure of the training hinged on both physical and spiritual elements, with the participants learning dance steps and dramatic techniques in addition to studying the Bahé’f writings and focusing on generating love, cooperation, and unity within the group. The dances that the participants learned to perform dramatize Bahé’l' principles.

Public presentations were held after each training session, with the largest in Bahia, where close to 400 people gathered to watch the

[Page 63]YEAR IN REVIEW 63

youth perform. In all, seven Bahé'f communities in four diFFerent Brazilian states benefited from the training workshops. ln Sic Paulo, the training was held at the Soltaniéh Bahé't’ Educational Center. where both Babe“ and non‘Bahé’f young people who completed the training were asked to reproduce it in other cities. The newly trained youth were also invited to make a public presentation for 200 people during a conference in Rio de Janeiro held by the Unit'ed Religions Initiative.

An Australian group, Artworks Visual Arts Theater, Inc.. received a grant from the Department of Immigration, Multicultural, and Indigenous Affairs to promote harmony in diversity in schools throughout Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Among the aims of the grant, which is worth approximately AU$50,000, are to aid in the elimination of racism and prejudice and to help build a peaceful future for children.

Artworks is a perforating arts and workshop group whose pro- grams are meant to empower young people. Its widely acclaimed techniques are based on a combination of painting. drama, and contemporary dance. Thanks to the grant, the five—yearrold group will be traveling to some 60 schools in total, performing shows about harmony and Facilitating workshops where students can learn to use the arts to promote understanding and unity. About half of the schools involved also sponsored extended workshops culminating in community arts performances by the students themselves. Part of the project. known as “Harmony in Diversity Project 2.003,” will focus on Aboriginal schools in the Northern Territory.

Another arts group, Phoenix Theater, organized a tour for its performance of a play about human rights in )uly 2001 with the encouragement of the National Spiritual Assembly of Greece. The group of 11 youth inaugurated the tour with a performance at a multicultural school in Athens, attended by some 100 people, mostly from the Turkish-speaking minority.

Other performances included shows in Vol05, Thessaloniki. Larissa, and Kalamaria, which drew a crowd of close to 170 people. The municipality of Larissa assisted with the preparations for the show there, where more than [00 people attended—despite adverse weather conditions during the outdoor show.

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The group’s final performance was on 13 July at a gypsy camp in a former military base outside ofThessalonikit The performance was arranged by Arsis, an organization for the support of disadvantaged youth, as part of an emerging cultural program. A large crowd from the local gypsy community attended, and after the performance the gypsy children and youth mingled with the Phoenix members in a spirit of warmth and friendship.

News coverage of the performances included stories in local newspapers and a large article in the Thessaloniki—based newspa— per, the Sunday Angeliafizrax. The national television channel ERT 3 broadcast part of the performance in Thessaloniki and interviews with participants,

Member: aft/Je Phoenix Theater group on their tour in Greer: in 2003.

Involvement in the Life of Society

Though the Bahai’i' Faith is Fundamentally nonpoiitical in Character. its aims embrace the whole of humanity, and work with govern— mental and civil bodies, collaborating on projects and promoting the Faith’s social ideals, is a key aspect ofits activities. Involvement with the United Nations and other international organizations, and dialogues with governments and leaders of thought, are means by

[Page 65]YEAR IN REVIEW 65

which Bahé‘l’s strive to contribute to the discourse of society by elucidating the position of the Bahé’f Faith and demonstrating how the Bahé'l’ teachings create the basis for a civilization founded on peace, unity, and justice.

In the Solomon Islands, the National Spiritual Assembly met with Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeu during the first week of July 2002. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the nature and status of the Bath?“ community in the Solomon Islands. and to explain the role of the National Assembly in administering the af— Faits of the community. The Assembly also used the opportunity to present examples ofthe work of Bahé’l's around the world. including the projects on Mount Carmel at the Bahé'f World Centre and the recent letter of the Universal House of Justice to the world's religious leaders. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation of the sup— port for peace that the Bahé'i community had shown throughout the recent difficulties in the country. specifically mentioning efTorts Bahé’l’s had made in villages throughout the islands.

The Baha”! community in India hosted a visit of the country’s President, Dr. Abdul Kalam. to the Bahé'f House of Worship in New Delhi on 18 March 2.003. It was the first official visit by an Indian Head of State since the Temple was opened in December 1986. Dr. Kalam was joined by Deputy Prime Minisrer La] Krishna Advani and Mrs. Advani, and Defense Minister George Fernandes. During the visit. Dr. Kalam also met brieﬂy with representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly oflndia and the Continental Board of Counsellors.

Member: af 1/7:- National Spiritual Assrmbly aft/Jr Solomon Islandj. during theirju/y 2002 merring with Prime lW/niner Sir Allan Kenmkeza (bark raw. thirdfi‘am rig/JI).

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66 THE BAHA’I’ WORLD 2002—2003

The President also visited the Temple’s recent addition, an infor— mation center for Visitors that features a visitor’s gallery, comprising a main auditorium with a seating capacity for more than 400 people and two 7o—seat auditoriums. The gallery focuses on the history of the Baha’i Faith, its philosophy, and the development activities of Baha’fs around the world. On display are photographs, text, and films on the history of the Faith, and excerpts from Baha”! holy writings. The auditoriums screen films on the Temple itself as well as on the Baha’i Faith.

Annually, more than three and a half million people visit the Temple, making it one of the most visited sites in the world. Other prominent visitors have included the Prime Ministers of Norway and Sri Lanka, the President of Iceland, the Vice—Ptesident of Uruguay, and the Daiai Lama.

In Puerto Rico, the Babe“ community gave support to Inter— national Peace Day celebrations held on I November 2002. Bahé'fs participated in three events for the day, which is an observance cre— ated by the Puerto Rican legislature. The events included a Harmony for Peace celebration at the botanical gardens in San Juan, a Walk for Peace in Rio Piedtas, and a Commitment for Peace rally in San Juan’s Central Park. The activities were organized by the Coalition against Family Violence, with support from various other civic and humanitarian organizations.

The first event brought together political leaders and young stu— dents who called for peace in Puerto Rico and in the world. Among the speakers was Yolanda Zayas, the Secretary of Family Affairs in Puerto Rico, who said that in order to achieve peace, work must begin in the family. She called for reﬂection on what each individual might contribute to create a world in harmony. The activity ended with an artistic presentation by the choir of the University of Puerto Rico.‘

The Walk for Peace was a trip by public and private school stu— dents along the Streets of the Rio Piedras section of San Juan to the Puerto Rico Art Museum, and the celebration of Peace Day ended at San Juan‘s Central Park with a gathering of religious leaders from many faiths who made a “Commitment for Peace.”

In Kosovo, Global Perspectives, a Baha’f-inspited NGO, was asked to host moral leadership seminars in the region. The invitation

[Page 67]YEAR IN REVIEW ()7

came due to the success ()fGlobaJ Perspectives' first seminar, which brought together 35 people from the region‘s diverse ethnic groups. Although participants in that seminar, who came from groups that are historically antagonistic. started the seminar by avoiding Contact. they ended with warm embraces.

The project is subsidized and supported by the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Organization for Secu- rity and (Ioopcration in Europe (OSCE), the Embassies ofthe United States and Germany. and the Ministry of Education and Culture of Kosovo. It was initiated by the Global Motion Social Dance Theater,

1 group that aims to raise awareness of social problems and is dedi-

cated to advancing education ofits peers through the arts. The group is particularly relevant in Kosovo, where close to 40 percent of the population is under 10.The dance group takes youth between 15 and [8 through a zo-scssion process ofsocial. moral. and artistic training. to launch them as active agents of personal and social change.

Another ongoing effort in which the Bahzi'l's are involved is the newly Formed Center for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities in Norway. Although still in the development stages, the center aims to combine studies of the Holocaust with an examination

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68 THE BAHA’f WORLD 2002—2003

of the role ofreligious minorities in the modern world. It was formed at the instigation of the Jewish community and the Norwegian gov— ernment, and founded by the University of Oslo. It will contribute new research, educational and informational activities, exhibitions, and conferences on the t0pic.

Britt Strandlie Thoresen, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahé’is of Norway, was elected to represent religious minorities on the center’s council. Mrs. Thotesen chairs the work— ing group that plans the themes to be discussed and the religious minorities to be presented at the center.

During a study trip by the center’s six board members to the United States, the Baha’i International Community’s Office at the United Nations helped arrange a meeting with more than 20 like- minded NGO representatives, and during a trip to England, Bahé'is there arranged for the representatives to meet with Brian Pearce, leader of the Interfaith Network of Great Britain, Sandra Barath, from the Oxford Interfaith Centre, and representatives of the Beth Shalom Centre near Nottingham. Mrs. Thotesen also told Katusha Otter Nilsen, coordinator of the Norwegian center, about the work of Landegg International University, and in July Mrs. Otter Nilsen attended a course on “Religion and Conﬂict Resolution" there.

Interfaith Activities

The activities of Baha’i communities to promote religious understand— ing are Founded on the idea that “There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, ofwhatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.”2 It is in this spirit that Baha’l's around the world recognize a kinship with worshippers from all religions and are involved in dia- logues that promote tolerance and unity. Most recently, the need for greater clarity on the relationship among the major religions was the subject of a letter written by the Universal House ofjustice addressed to the world’s religious leaders.”

‘2 Baha’u'llaih, CleaningJfiam the Writing: othz/Jti 'u'lld/J (Wilmette, IL: Baha’i Publishing Trust. 1994), p. 217. ‘3 For the text of the letter, see pp. 89—98.

[Page 69]YEAR IN REVIEW 69

Promoting understanding between religions was also the focus of a recent eﬂort by Bahfi‘fs in Peru. Their cooperation with the Peruvian human rights organization INTERDES has helped to en— ergize an ongoing interfaith collaboration aimed at winning wider governmental recognition for non—Catholic religions. The result has been the creation ofa Peruvian Interfaith Council, which will be the official liaison for non—Catholic organizations with the Ministry-of Justice. As well, the government has agreed to appoint a National Director oflnterfaith Aﬂ'aim, which will become a parallel position to the Directorate of Catholic Affairs within the Ministry ofjustice.

INTERDES. a nongovernmental organization with the full title of Ministerio lnternaeionai de Desarrollo (Ministry of International Development). had been seeking wider Freedoms for non-Catholic religions for several years but had worked mainly with evangelical Christian groups. Ultimately, some 15 difierent non-Catholic reli— gious organizations in Peru, including the Bahé’is, joined in asking the government, which has traditionally granted favored status only to the Catholic Church. to grant greater religious freedom for all.

World Religion Day, a celebration held annually since 1949. is a forum for religions to join together and celebrate their common ground. Since its inception by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, World Religion Day has grown in scope, with the list ofcountries observing the day in the past year including Albania, Austria, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Republic of the Congo, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithu- ania, New Zealand. Norway, Panama, Portugal. Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Vanuatu.

The celebration in the Republic of Mauritius, organized by the Catholic Church at the invitation of the Bahé’f community, was marked by the presence of the nation’s President, Karl OiTmann, and senior representatives of the Bahé'i’, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim faiths. Each ofthe religious mprcsentatives read prayers to the audience of 500 and spoke on the teachings of his or her respective religion, and each emphasized the same theme—that all the religions teach unity and peace.

Another commemoration, United Nations Day on 24 October 2002. created an opportunity for an interfaith discussion on world peace organized by the local Bahé’l' community in Buca. Cameroon.

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70 THE BAHA’f WORLD 2002—2003

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Sponsored by the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahzi'l's of Buea, the discussion Featured speakers representing Bahfi’l, Christian, Hindu. and Muslim perspectives. Each of the speakers stressed the importance of religion in contributing to peace and put a special emphasis on the need for religious tolerance. The Reverend Father Alosius ltuka Ndifor, secretary to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese ofBuen, said that peace begins with God because God is peace, and this can affect all of mankind if people open their hearts.

The role of religion was also the theme of a multifaith panel discussion in Jena, Germany. More than 100 people gathered at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena on 11 November 2002 for discussion on the topic of“}cws, Christians, Muslims, and Bahé’l’s: The World Religions’ Common Responsibility for World Peace." Sponsored by the Intercultural Council of Germany, the panel ex- plored ways religions could take joint responsibility for promoting international peace, both in relation to the world at large and to each other. The Intercultural Council of Germany was founded in 1994

[Page 71]YEAR IN R.EVI EW 71

by a group of governmental and nongovernmental organizations with the aim of promoting social integration.

Representatives of the Jewish, Evangelical Lutheran. Muslim, and Beth.“ communities took part, as did Prof. Udo Tworuschka, Chair of Comparative Religious Sciences at the University ofjena; Dr. Nadeem Elyas, President of the Central Muslim Council ofGer— many; and Christopher Sprung of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahé’is ofGermany. Dr. jfirgen Miksch, the Chairman of the Intercultural Council, hosted the panel.

Children and Youth

In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Efiendi, the plight of young people in the modern age is drawn in a dim but succinct light: “Life is not easy for the young people of this generation. They enter life with a heart full of hope, but find before themselves nothing but Failures, and see in the Future nothing but darkness. What they need is the light manifesmd by Bahi'u’lléh, for that brightens their soul and stimulates their vigor in facing difficulties.“ It is the bright— ness of hope that Bahé’f communities try to bring not only to their own children, but to the whole of the younger generation. in whose hands lies the Future of mankind.

More than a thousand people attended a Cambodian Bahé'f festival for children held on 30 March 2003 at the Psar Leur Bahé’f Center in Battambang. The event created an opportunity for children and youth of all social classes to meet each other and also to give provincial authorities an overview of the Bahé’f educational program for children. Children presented stories about ‘Abdu'l-Bahé, recited quorations from the Bahé’i writings, made drawings and displayed their art, performed traditional Khmer music and dance, and played games together.

Organizers of the Battambang event coped with the large crowd, though they were surprised at the turnout—they expected closer to the 400 people who had attended the previous year's festival. Several

“ Letter written on behalfofShoghi EiTendi, in “Youth." in The Compilation of Campibtinm. vol. 2 (Ingleside. Nsw: Bahé’! Publications Australia. 199i), p. 423.

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[Page 73]YEAR IN REVIEW 73

senior government oﬂicials were invited guests, including the Direc- tor of the Battambang Education Department and Battambang's Director of Religious Affairs. Among the Bahé'l guests were four members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahé‘is of Cambodia and two Auxiliary Board members. The festival followed another successful children’s festival, held in Saang on 27 March, an event that attracted another 400 participants. -

In Australia, Bahé'i education classes in state schools have been running for 15 years and have now grown to an enrollment of more than 4,000 students. The classes began in New South Wales and have since spread to the Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria. and Western Australia, where they are offered as an option within the religious education program in government schools. The Bahé'l education classes are based on the teachings of Bahfi’u'lléh and are designed to contribute (0 the awakening and development of the spiritual nature of every child attending the classes. complementing the traditional education provided by schools. Teachers of the classes are accredited and go through a standard approval process, which includes fulfillment of state education department requirements.

While the classes were originally started by Bahé’f parents who wanted their children to learn about their own religion, almost 90 percent of the students now attending the classes come from families of other religious backgrounds. The classes are open to all students re— gardless of their cultural or religious background, subject to parental approval. Many parents choose the classes for their children because they are attracted by the emphasis placed on the oneness of religion. Parents have also noted their appreciation of the focus placed on the development of virtues such as kindness, honesty, and lover.

Bahé‘f youth conferences offer opportunities for learning. sharing experiences. and gaining inspiration. More than 120 youth attended the national youth conference in Kampala, Uganda, from 23 to 28 December. Participants me from a variety of countries, including Burundi, Ethiopia, Italy, Kenya, the Netherlands. the Philippines, the Seychelles, Rwanda, the United States, and Zambia.

The conference had sessions on topics such as heroes and hero- ines of the Bahfi’i' Faith, marriage and chastity, and the Five Year Plan. The evenings were enlivened by celebrations that included music, dance, and dramatic performances. Following the formal sessions,

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participants dispersed from the conference in an organized effort to spread the Bahé’i teachings in the area.

“Changing Times” was the theme of the European Youth Semi— nar, held at the Townshend International School in the Czech Republic from 26 December 2002 to I January 2003. One hundred and eighty youth from more than 20 countries attended, to discuss topics such as the Bahé’f standard of life and ethics, the situation of the world and solutions from the Bahei’l’ writings, Bahé’f scholarship and its practical implications, the Five Year Plan, and Century 0f Light, a document prepared by the Universal House ofJustice that describes the emergence of the Baha”! Faith against the background of the turmoil of the twentieth century. Other issues related to top— ics about living the Bahé’l’ life, such as Bah.“ marriage, the equality of the sexes, career management, and socioeconomic development, were presented and discussed in various talks and workshops.

Another large youth conference was held in Norway from 17 to 21 April 2003. The Nordic Youth Conference, titled “Learning in Ac— tion,” gathered 169 participants, with most coming from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Through group consultation and workshops, participants examined such topics as “The Time We Live In,” “You and the Minor Plan,” and “Youth at the Forefront.”

.- L.

Childmz at the Ehin‘h Centerfar Extellmte in Mexico, in October 2002.

[Page 75]YEAR IN REVIEW 7;

Community Development

Unity is the motivating principle of the Bath“ Faith—a unity that not only binds together individuals but also creates the framework for a new society. Bahé'is strive to create unity in the world around them and in their own communities; In more than 200 countries and territories and in thousands oflocalitjes they are establishing models of unified life based on consultation, learning, and growth.

On 28 and 29 June 2002, the national Bahé'i community in Zambia had cause for celebration as it marked 50 years since the Faith was first introduced to the country. The celebrations were officially opened by the Honorable Lackson Mapushi, Minister of Home Affairs. Bahai’f visitors included Counsellor—membcr of the International Teaching Centre Dr. Firaydoun Javaheri, Continental Counsellors Enos Makhele and Maina Mkandawire, and Daphne Masetlha. widow of the late William Mmutle Masetlha, a prominent member of the early Baha"! community in Africa.

More than 300 participants from 7.8 regions of Zambia and [7 other countries gathered for two days of “golden jubilee" com— memorations. Events included personal recollections recounted by many Bahé'i’s about the early history of the Faith in Zambia. Spe— cial acknowledgement was also given to the unique positions held by Eric Manton and Christopher Mwitumwa in the history of the Faith in Zambia.

The community was inaugurated in 1952, when Eric Manton and his son Terry arrived from the United Kingdom as the first Bahé'is in what was then known as Northern Rhodesia. Mr. Manton and his son eventually settled in Lusaka, where he became known For his loving manner and his ideals of peace. His closest Zambian companion was Christopher Mwitumwa, who accompanied him to Nyasaland (now Malawi) where they met other Bahé'i's. On their return in late 1954. Mr. Mwimmwa declared his belief in Bahé’u'lléh and thus became the first Zambian to embrace the Bahé’i Faith. The first National Spiritual Assembly formed in 1967. and the country is now home to nearly 15,000 Bahé’is, with more than 80 Local Spiritual Assemblies.

For Bahé’i’ communities, particularly in countries where the Faith has only recently been established, becoming legally incorporated

[Page 76]76 THE BAHA‘I’ WORLD 2002—2003

Somr qu/u' pttrtit‘ipmm :zt tlxr 50th mmiurrmry rrlebmriml anmn/n'n's

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adds to thc prestige and independent character of-thc Faith and has many advantages For the Bahi’x’s in those countries. It increases [In- inﬂuence ofthc National Spiritual Assembly and allows the body In hold property. cuter into contracts. and can lead [0 [llt‘ rccognitiun of Bahé’l’ marriage ceremonies, holy days. amd other community matters.

On [2 June 2002. the Estonian Balni’l' communities in Piirnu. Narva, and Tartu were registered :15 legal bodies by the Estonian Interior Ministry. Registering at least two local communities was a necessary requirement For the incorporation of thc national com» munity‘ whose legal status is as a union of local communities in accordance with Estonian law. The registration] of the national community, which has only existed in the years sincu the collapse of the Soviet Union, followed 0n [7 June.

TWO communities in South America, Peru and Chile. gained legal incorporation in December 2002. The National Spiritual Assembly of Peru was registered as a legally incorporatcd entity and the Chilean National Spiritual Assembly was oFficially recognized by the Ministry ofjustice under the new Law of Religious Worship.

The national governing body Ofthe Bah'é’l’ community in Chile played a part in another major dcvclopmcnt in September 2007.

[Page 77]YEAR IN REVIEW 77

when it called For the submission of designs for a new continental Bahzi'l’ House of Worship. The building, to be constructed southeast of Santiago, will be the eighth House ofWorship in the wor|d. The call came after an announcement in 1001 by the Universal House ofjustice that efforts should begin to build what would be known as the “Mother Temple of South America."

The announcement specified requirements for the design of the building; it must be nine-sided. it should have an auditorium capable of seating at least 500 people, and its primary feature should be a dome 40 to 4; meters tall. Design submissions must also include basic landscaping features, as the surrounding gardens are a key feature of. the other Temples. There are currently seven Houses of Worship. and the design ofeach is unique, with most reﬂecting the culture of the lands in which they were built.

The Temples themselves are meant to be not only beautifiil struc- tunes but also places to commune with God in silence and reverence. Their Arabic name. Mas_hriqu'l—A®kér. means “dawning place of the mention of God." In the future. each Bahé'i House oFWnrship will be the central feature in a complex designed to provide .1 variety of community services such as health care and education, open to use by Followers of any religion.

The Bahzi‘f community of Hungary. having grown from some 70 Buhzi’i's in 1990 to more than 1,200. inaugurated its new national

Rzrriripams in a Ru/ri xmq’y t‘irt‘la' in Bulgaria.

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Bahé’l' center designed to accommodate the growth of the commu- nity. A reception was held on 27 November 2002 and more than 50 people attended, including two members of the Hungarian Parlia— ment, representatives of the Prime Minister’s OH‘ice, a representative of the Ministry of the Interior, a pastor from the Unitarian Church, a representative of the Club of Budapest, and several national media personalities.

The celebration opened with the reading ofa congratulatory letter from a former President of Hungary, Arpad Gena, who conveyed his appreciation and support to the community. The guest of honor was Istvan Szalay, State Secretary for Religious Affairs, who remarked that the Bahé’l community is unique in its promotion of harmony and stability among the population. Peter Komh. the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Hungary, said that acquiring the new Bahé'f center was “a turning point” in the life of the Hungarian community.