Bahá’í News/Issue 245/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS |
| Bahá’ís of the United States |
| NO. 245 | BAHÁ’Í YEAR 108 | JULY, 1951 |
“The most joyful tidings is this,” He (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) wrote later in a Tablet ... “that the holy, the luminous body of the Báb ... after having for sixty years been transferred from place to place by reason of adcendency of the enemy, and from fear of the malevolent, and having known neither rest nor tranquillity has, through the mercy of the Abhá Beauty, been ceremoniously deposited, on the day of Naw-Rúz, within the sacred casket, in the exalted Shrine on Mt. Carmel.”—From God Passes By
The Shrine of the Báb[edit]
“The construction of the Mausoleum of the Báb, synchronizing with the birth of that State (i. e., Israel), and the progress of which has been accompanied by these successive manifestations of the good will and support of the civil authorities will, if steadily maintained, greatly reinforce, and lend a tremendous impetus to, this process of recognition which constitutes an historic landmark in the evolution of the World Center of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh—a process which the newly-formed Council, now established at its very heart, is designed to foster, which will gather momentum, with the emergence in the course of time of a properly recognized and independently functioning Bahá’í court, which will attain its consummation in the institution of the Universal House of Justice and the emergence of the auxiliary administrative Agencies, revolving around this Highest Legislative Body, and which reveal the plenitude of its potentialities with the sailing of the Divine Ark as promised in the Tablet of Carmel.
“I can not at this juncture, overemphasize the sacredness of that Holy Dust embossed in the heart of the Vineyard of God, or overrate the unimaginable potencies of this mighty institution founded sixty years ago, through the operation of the Will of, and the definite selection made by, the Founder of our Faith, on the occasion of His historic visit to that Holy Mountain, nor can I lay too much stress on the role which this institution, to which the construction of the superstructure of this Edifice is bound to lend an unprecedented impetus, is destined to play in the unfoldment of the World Administrative Center of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and in the efflorescence of its highest institutions constituting the embryo of its future World Order.”
“To participate in the erection of the superstructure of an Edifice at
(Continued from page 1)
once so precious, so holy; consecrated to the memory of so heroic a Soul; whose site no less than the Founder of our Faith has selected; whose inner chambers were erected by the Center of His Covenant with such infinite care and anguish; embossed in so sacred a mountain, on the soil of so holy a Land; occupying such a unique position; facing on the one hand the silver-white city of Ákká, the Kiblih of the Bahá’í world; flanked on the right by the hills of Galilee, the home of Jesus Christ, and on its left by the Cave of Elijah; and backed by the plain of Sharon and beyond it, Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest Shrine in Islám—to participate in the erection of such an Edifice is a privilege offered to this generation at once unique and priceless, a privilege which only posterity will be able to correctly appraise.”
Devotion, Cooperation, Sacrifice[edit]
Beloved friends:
The Faith of God is quickened within the individual soul when the soul becomes aware of its devotion to the Manifestation in whom God stands revealed.
Out of this devotion is generated the energy by which the Bahá’í grows to maturity and learns the right use of his qualities and attributes. Devotion, alone, a miraculous event as we behold in the saints and martyrs, can not accomplish the whole purpose of the Bahá’í Revelation, though without devotion we remain spiritually inert and worthless to the Faith.
To act effectively in the Bahá’í community the believer needs to develop knowledge, understanding, and capacity for cooperation. His devotion to Bahá’u’lláh must contribute to the unity of all Bahá’ís in their service to God and to mankind. Cooperation in all community affairs is the sign that his devotion is real.
But Bahá’í unity does not suppress the individual in any aspect of his spiritual life, even though it does mean discipline and self-renunciation in matters of action. To adapt one’s self to the community so completely as to become a mere mechanical cog in a social machine would seriously cripple and distort the sound growth of human personality. This suppression and distortion exists in totalitarian societies, where the motive of devotion to God is replaced by arbitrary concepts of service to the state.
Devotion to Bahá’u’lláh, continuously renewed by prayer and meditation, remains as the creative fire within the soul in all stages of development. Where a community suffers from lack of cooperation, the remedy is for the individual believers to deepen in devotion until they realize that the mission of faith in God today is actually the creation of an organic community. Devotion to Bahá’u’lláh produces devotion to the Bahá’í community and effort to release its mysterious blessings for mankind.
Serious and soul-searching thought is necessary today to appreciate how profoundly the daily life of a Bahá’í and that of a Bahá’í community is being transformed by the call for sacrifice resounding throughout the Bahá’í world in the voice of the appointed Guardian. Bahá’ís without undue effort can attend study classes and community meetings, serve on assemblies or committees, and perform the duties involved as members of their local community. Without excessive zeal and capacity Bahá’ís are devotedly performing duties arising from their national community.
But now a new and greater duty rests upon every Bahá’í — to serve the Bahá’í world community by contributing to the consolidation of the Bahá’í world center in the Holy Land. The range of our cooperation is now extended to embrace that world unity of which the Guardian is the guide and executive, and the formation of the Universal House of Justice is the ultimate goal. Only by sacrifice can we follow the Guardian’s lead along this highway crossing all national frontiers, the highway which alone leads to world order and peace.
Today we contribute to the holy Shrine of the Báb. Tomorrow other objectives will be indicated. Whatever the specific undertaking, what we perceive as our mission hereafter is to make possible that international institution which Bahá’u’lláh has endowed with the divine power to establish peace.
Therefore it is far more than a matter of a Fund. It is infinitely more than a matter of wealth. What has been given to a small and poor community is the greatest gift of God, the gift of sacrifice. Beyond what we have understood as cooperation is this final testing of the soul. By sacrifice the individual outdoes his human personality. He passes beyond himself because his devotion to Bahá’u’lláh in the hour of crucial test will not admit the possibility of failure in doing what a divine Faith must do. Therefore let us pause in our daily round long enough to grasp the immensity of the mission conferred upon Bahá’ís. By our donation of funds in the spirit of understanding and love we assure the creation within the Bahá’í community of the Universal House of Justice. The more conscious our understanding, the more ardent our sacrifice. The more ardent our sacrifice, the sooner will this world of disaster, torment and desperation become the world of unity, of justice and of peace.
“Let the Spirit Flow Into the Entire Community”[edit]
The following words were written by the Guardian, through his secretary, in a letter addressed to Mrs. Dwight M. Wood, February 16, 1951.
“When criticism and harsh words arise within a Bahá’í community, there is no remedy except to put the past behind one, and persuade all concerned to turn over a new leaf, and for the sake of God and His Faith refrain from mentioning the subjects which have led to misunderstanding and inharmony. The more the friends argue back and forth and maintain, each side, that their point of view is the right one, the worse the whole situation becomes.
“When we see the condition the world is in today, we must surely forget these utterly insignificant internal disturbances, and rush, unitedly, to the rescue of humanity. You should urge your fellow-Bahá’ís to support you in a strong effort to suppress every critical thought and every harsh word, in order to let the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh flow into the entire community, and unite it in His love and in His service.”
Reorientation[edit]
Beginning with this issue, Bahá’í News will endeavor to reflect the important international affairs of the Bahá’í World Community and to reorient the interest of the Bahá’í reader as a member of that Community. Its particular concern will be to present developments at the Bahá’í World Center in the Holy Land, while continuing to serve as the medium through which the National Spiritual Assembly communicates its statements and plans to the Bahá’ís of the United States.
Under this policy news items of local and personal interest will become the province of the local and regional bulletin.
National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.
National Treasurer, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois
Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Bahá’í News Editorial Office—see notice elsewhere in this issue.
National Projects[edit]
The National Projects Committee announces that the fall series of Public Meetings and Follow-up Meetings in the Two Year Plan will consist of:
- Religious Education Week—Sept. 24 - Oct. 1
Theme: “World Religion—The Keystone of Education.”- “The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His Glory, and this cannot be attained save through the Knowledge of His Divine Manifestation.” (Words of Wisdom)
- United Nations Week—Oct. 22-28
Theme: “World Religion—The Essential of World Unity.” - Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh—November 11th
Theme: “Bahá’u’lláh—The World Redeemer.”
It is the hope of the committee that there will be unified action on this across the country. Bulletins will be forthcoming for each meeting.
It was thought advisable to select just three meetings for the fall series, in view of the fact that World Religion Day follows so soon afterwards.
The Handbook is available through the Bahá’í Publishing Office, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, at 75c per copy.
Bahá’í Delegation Meets Israeli Prime Minister[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly is gratified to announce to the friends that three of its members, accompanied by the Vice-President of the International Bahá’í Council, Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, held an interview with His Excellency David Ben-Gurion, Prime Minister of Israel, and members of his party, on Saturday, May 19, in the Prime Minister’s suite, Hotel Ambassador East, Chicago.
Arranged in advance by Mr. H. B. Kavelin who made contact with the Prime Minister’s secretary while the party were in New York, the interview was gratifying to the Bahá’ís in showing the sympathetic attitude and respect which the heads of the new State feel for the Faith. The Guardian desired the National Assembly to meet His Excellency and inform him of the great interest taken by American Bahá’ís in the progress of Israel.
The Prime Minister received the delegation, consisting of Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, Miss Edna M. True, Mr. Leroy C. Ioas and Mr. Horace Holley, in a very friendly and cordial manner. He seemed particularly interested in Mrs. Collins’ association with the Bahá’í international center in Israel, and extended her an invitation to call on her return to Haifa. A number of questions were asked about the Faith, for example, how it had been introduced into America, what effects had followed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit here in 1912, and the extent to which the Faith has spread in other lands. His Excellency thoroughly approved the broad view of religion expounded in the Bahá’í teachings, and declared that the State of Israel upholds the principle of religious liberty. Discussion was free and informal.
The Bahá’í party brought to the interview a selection of Bahá’í literature, the architect’s sketch of the Shrine in color, and a framed photograph of the Bahá’í House of Worship. These were presented, together with a letter addressed to His Excellency by the National Assembly.
The believers found Mr. Ben-Gurion liberal in outlook and conscious of the need for brotherhood and religious tolerance. The Prime Minister’s press representative issued on the same day a release to newspapers and radio stations in which the interview was outlined. The text of this statement follows:
“The Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. David Ben-Gurion, this morning received four members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís in the United States who expressed to the Prime Minister their gratitude for the Government of Israel’s exemplary treatment of their World Headquarters and their World Leader Shoghi Effendi Rabbani.
“The representatives were Mrs. Amelia Collins, Vice-Chairman Bahá’í International Council who lives in Haifa; Miss Edna M. True, Recording Secretary; Mr. Horace Holley, Secretary; and Mr. Leroy C. Ioas, Treasurer.
“For almost an hour the Prime Minister and his guests discussed the spiritual content of the Bahá’í Faith and its spread throughout the world. The Prime Minister was particularly interested in the manner in which the Bahá’í faith was introduced into the United States. He expressed surprise when he was informed that there are Bahá’í centers in over 175 cities in the United States and that there are 2500 such centers throughout the world. He was told that the Bahá’í faith has been accredited to the United Nations within the International Non-Governmental Organizations of the United Nations.
“Prior to their departure the Bahá’í representatives presented to the Prime Minister a photograph of the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette which is the national shrine for the Bahá’í faith in the United States. He was also given a letter expressing the Bahá’í appreciation for the Government of Israel’s understanding of their problems and the good wishes of the Bahá’í faith for the development of Israel.”
It only remains to report that a warm invitation was extended the Prime Minister to visit the House of Worship. He stated that he would be very pleased to do so but his many appointments made this impossible.
“We Are Prepared”[edit]
A Progress Report[edit]
The May issue of Bahá’í News carried a complete summary of the financial requirements of the program which the American believers have assumed for the current year.
This program involves a total goal of $450,000, consisting of the following items:
National Bahá’í Fund | $175,000 |
Temple Landscaping | 75,000 |
Shrine of the Báb | 200,000 |
The National Bahá’í Fund must support all objectives of the current Seven Year Plan, with the exception of the payments on the contracts for the Shrine of the Báb and the cost of Temple landscaping. The sole source of the National Bahá’í Fund is contributions from local Assemblies, groups, and individual believers.
The $275,000 necessary to meet the Shrine payments and Temple landscaping must be met by individual responses to the Resolve Plan. Contributions under this Plan are to be made directly to the National Treasurer.
At the end of the first two months of the current year, here is where we stand:
| Budget | Contributions | |
| Requirements | Received | |
National Bahá’í Fund | $29,166 | $23,680.44 |
Resolve Plan* | 45,834 | 12,442.04 |
| $75,000 | $36,122.48 |
*Includes requirements for meeting both the Shrine contract payments and Temple landscaping costs.
The National Spiritual Assembly is confident that the flow of Contributions will be stepped up to the level required to meet the greatly accelerated rate of progress on the Shrine construction work. The believers will be interested to learn that during this two months period the National Treasurer, had on instructions from the Guardian, transmitted $56,000 for Shrine construction work, as contrasted with the original schedule, which called for payment of $31,000 during this period.
Further progress reports will appear regularly in Bahá’í News.
Loyalty to Government[edit]
When a great social crisis sweeps through a civilization, moral values become impaired. In the crisis of our own time, members of the Bahá’í Faith go on record as firmly upholding the principle of loyalty to government.
More than eighty years ago Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, set forth this cardinal principle: “In every country or government where any of this community reside, they must behave toward that government with faithfulness, trustfulness, and truthfulness.”
Loyalty to government, in the Bahá’í view, is an essential spiritual and social principle. “We must obey and be the well-wishers of the government of the land...” “The essence of the Bahá’í spirit is that in order to establish a better social order and economic condition, there must be allegiance to the laws and principles of government.”
This allegiance is part of the strong emphasis on integrity of character found in the Bahá’í teaching. “Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts.” “Beautify your tongues, O people, with truthfulness, and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty. Beware, O people, that ye deal not treacherously with any one. Be ye the trustees of God amongst His creatures, and the emblems of His generosity amidst His people.”
Without integrity of character in its citizens and without loyalty to government, a nation will find itself torn asunder and unable to function as an organic society. Not only do the Bahá’í teachings obligate members to be loyal to their government—they also specifically forbid them from taking any part in subversive political and social movements.
(This statement on Loyalty to Government has been prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly to fill an important need of material covering this subject and made available in a form suitable for distribution by local communities and individual believers. It is sound public relations policy to make the Bahá’í position known to key persons and key organizations of the community. The statement has been printed on a sheet of letterhead size, copies of which can be ordered from the Publishing Committee at the rate of ten for 25c.)
On Bahá’í Participation In International Conferences[edit]
In September, 1950, the National Spiritual Assembly submitted to the Guardian its understanding of the policy under which Bahá’ís can take part in international conferences concerned with peace and world federation or world government in general. At that time the Assembly recorded the following: “That Bahá’í cooperation can be extended to peace and world unity conferences where the Bahá’í attitude can be presented without restriction, and where the Bahá’í participants are not involved in any political or radical action contrary to the Bahá’í principles establishing loyalty to civil government and non-participation in subversive movements.”
Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, approved this statement of policy in a letter dated March 29, 1951: “He feels that the statement which your Assembly made in your letter to him ... regarding Bahá’ís cooperating with peace and world unity conferences covers the subject adequately. There is no reason to draw a line of demarcation as to whether the type of world federation being promoted by a certain society involves governments or peoples. The point is that if it is not allied to any particular political faction, and is not either ‘eastern’ or ‘western’ in its projects, the Bahá’ís may appear as speakers on its platform and give it moral support.”
In Memoriam[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.
- Mrs. Caroline Blazek Daugherty, San Francisco, Calif. April 18, 1951
- Miss Emma Thompson, Eliot, Maine. June 3, 1951
- Mr. George M. Beaty, Spokane, Wash. April 14, 1951
- Mrs. Mary Alice Irish, Kansas City, Mo. April 29, 1951
Marriages[edit]
Mrs. Priscilla Chaffey (non-Bahá’í) to Mr. Churchill Ross, April 28, 1951
[Page 5]
Convention of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles, April, 1951, at London.
News from Other Lands[edit]
From the Convention Report of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles we get an excellent summary of the events which are linking the whole Bahá’í world together in this new international phase of the Faith: the building of the Shrine of the Báb, which calls for sustained and generous contributions from National Assemblies and individual believers everywhere; the Africa project, which is the first international teaching project, participated in by four National Assemblies; and the establishment of the International Council, which “could lead eventually to the initiation of undertakings involving the collaboration of all the National Assemblies, and ... pave the way for the formation of the International House of Justice, which could launch enterprises embracing the whole Bahá’í world.”
Meanwhile the horizons of the established National Assemblies have been widened. “The German National Assembly have been told that soon ... they will have the responsibility of carrying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to ‘the neighboring territories situated in the Balkan Peninsula, the Baltic States, and further afield the vast stretches now enveloped in darkness, and whose teeming millions hunger for the Light of God’s saving grace and redemptive powers.’ The attention of the Australasian Community has been directed to future teaching in the islands of the Pacific. Meanwhile, the Indian Bahá’ís have been working in virgin territories in South East Asia; the Persian and Iraqi Communities have carried on their work in the Arabian Peninsula and in Afghanistan; the Canadian Bahá’ís are extending their activities to Greenland; the Egyptian Community continues its work in North Africa and the Sudan.”
The British Bahá’í Journals have given us glimpses of Africa from the two pioneers already established there, Jalal Nakhjewani and Claire Gung. The latter, located at Lushoto in Tanganyika, describes the country in winter as very beautiful. “I can hear the waterfall all day and night only fifty yards away. It has rained so far every day ... it is like an English summer. The roses are in bloom, fresh strawberries are out.” Then she adds: “Have we got a hairdresser who wants to come out? There is none here. If we want a haircut or a perm., we have to go to Dar or Tanga and wait till a boat comes in, and go on board ship.”
The German Bahá’ís have been preparing for the great task which the Guardian has assigned them for the future by consolidation and unification. The symbol of their unity is the new Administration Building in Frankfort, which is now almost completed. “Today the house is roofed: the apartments are rented. Even though not entirely finished, the most important part has been accomplished and the beautiful part of the work is that all participated in it.” The great difficulty was, of course, financial, and in February it seemed that the work would have to stop. But unexpectedly funds were forthcoming, the friends made further sacrifices, and the work went on. “The financial report for the year 107 indicates the difficulties of this period. It was distressing to ask for the sacrifices of the friends, but it was wonderful to experience the cooperation of so many. Many a life’s saving was tendered and many a young, struggling family gave all. Many sold jewelry and other possessions in order to help the common fund.” This enterprise, although apparently local, had its international aspects. “Here the Guardian must be mentioned,” the German friends write gratefully. “As initiator of the work, he supplied the major portion of the means for it and advised us in every crisis. In addition to his assistance, we had help from the International Bahá’í Community, and the many contributions in all lands.”
The unity of the Bahá’í world in sacrifice is the keynote of the present. A letter from A. Faizi to the Geneva Bureau, written during the fast, shows how the Community of Bahrein, established with such difficulty by the Persian pioneers, is responding to the call for international endeavor. This Community of 35 (including children) called a meeting of thanksgiving on receipt of the news of the establishment of the International Council,
[Page 6]
and, as a sign of their gratitude, contributed what is
equivalent to $320 for the Shrine of the Báb. “If you
knew,” Mr. Faizi writes, “how very poor the friends in
this place are, you would know that they have given all
that they had. Our tailor offered his gold ring of the
Greatest Name.” During the fast, he goes on, the friends
almost always have supper together. “Everyone brings
his own food, men and women sit on the floor, and the
children in the yard, and have our food with the mention of God and His great Cause.”
Already the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand have been able to do teaching work in the islands of the Pacific. Gertrude Blum, in a letter from Auckland, writes: “A very thrilling event that took place in the last year was the establishment of a Group in the Fiji Islands, in the City of Suva. The message was first brought there by one who, sadly enough, became associated with a Covenant breaker. Alvin went there five months ago and established it on a Bahá’í administrative basis. They are radiant believers, six Moslem Indian believers, one who was educated by Christian Missionaries. The Christian and Muslim, man and wife could never discuss religion in their home; now they talk of nothing else. They have two children, Bahá’í youth, who are very enthusiastic too. We feel sure they will be an Assembly soon.”
The Blums have been working in Christ church, South Island, New Zealand, in an attempt to establish a study group there.
Sacrifice for the Shrine of the Báb was stressed at the National Convention in Cairo, April 28-30. The following means were suggested.
- 50 per cent of the savings of the local Assemblies to be contributed at the end of the year.
- All believers, including youth and children should cooperate in contributing.
- To use the “one-dish-meal” idea in Bahá’í families once a week and contribute the savings.
- Nineteen-Day Feasts: water may be served instead of refreshments and the amount saved be contributed to the Shrines.
- Pledges: each Assembly to pledge a certain sum for the Shrines.
In the carrying out of their Five-Year Plan the Egyptian Bahá’ís established an Assembly at Mehalla-Kebira during Ridvan and two centers in Sudan.
The Egyptian Government has given recognition to Bahá’í marriages.
Public Relations in India[edit]
The March number of India and Israel, a magazine published in India, carries an illustrated two-page spread entitled “The Bahá’í World Faith. A World Religion.” At the top is a sketch of the design for the Shrine of the Báb, and below a photograph of that part of the Shrine which is completed.
The editor’s note mentions Haifa as the spiritual center of the Faith and speaks of the cordiality manifested by the Government of Israel towards it. There follows a reprint of the address given by Lord Samuel, at one time High Commissioner of Mandated Palestine. at the Bahá’í session of the World Congress of Faiths, held in London in 1936. In a box is given ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy about the development of Haifa and its harbor, accompanied by three pictures, one of Haifa in 1914 and two of that city at the present time, to show how that prophecy has been fulfilled. At the end there is a statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma telling of the formation of the Bahá’í International Council and its significance.
This article indicates a great advance in prestige for the Cause in India, and its origin is interesting. We quote from the Bahá’í News Letter of India, Pakistan, and Burma. “A decade ago, if we begged the editors of the newspapers to publish a small article on the Cause, they usually turned a deaf ear and some of them openly said that they did not like to meddle with religious matters. Now, however, we find that the editors beg us to give the news about the Cause. A few days ago, Mr. F. W. Pollack, the Editor of India and Israel came to see us and to get information from us about the Cause. He was attracted by a lecture given by Prof. Abdul Majid Khan, ex-Indian counsul at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the Cause. He wrote to the Professor and wanted further information. The Professor gave him our address. He came and saw us. We placed our entire address. He came and saw us. We placed our entire library at his disposal. He took some notes and a few photographs. He wanted the photographs of the Báb’s Shrine, and we requested Ted Cardell of England to send him those photographs. The result was that a beautiful illustrated article on the Bahá’í Faith was published in the March, 1951, issue of the magazine.”
European Teaching News[edit]
Two new Assemblies have been established this Riḍván: one in Florence and one in Naples, making a total of 15 LSA’s in our ten goal countries and bringing to 375 the number of newly declared believers. There are now 34 localities with Bahá’ís in our European teaching field, a sign that the extension work in all 10 goal countries is making good headway.
In the course of the past years 36 Bahá’í members (in addition to the present 375) have been transferred from our goal countries to other countries, and four have passed away.
Three Bahá’í weddings have been reported from Denmark and the first Bahá’í wedding was performed in Portugal.
Heartening reports have been received of the inspiring teaching work done by our interregional circuit teachers and of the efforts in all centers to develop and consolidate our nascent Interregional Committees “foreshadowing the closer integration of the ten goal countries ... through the eventual formation of regional National Assemblies.”
At this time our European centers are working hard and making plans in preparation for the forthcoming European Teaching Conference in Amsterdam August 31 to September 3 and the immediately following Summer School beginning September 4 and extending through the Sunday afternoon session of September 9. “The whole promises to be a glorious opportunity to work and study together, to share experiences and discuss joint responsibilities, to partake the spiritual inspiration and bounties, carrying back in each community a new enthusiasm and dedication for the tasks ahead.”
“The American Believers Are Showing Their Dedication”[edit]
“He feels that the American believers are showing their dedication to the Faith and to all of its many-sided activities, through the support they are giving to this holy enterprise at the World Center of the Cause. It is surprising to see how the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh flow out to the friends, and enable them to do ever more for His Cause. Truly, the work, on not only a spiritual plane, but on the physical plane too, is fed from unseen springs.”
United Nations Conference at Istanbul[edit]
The Bahá’í International Community was represented by delegates from four countries at the UN Regional Non-Governmental Organizations Conference held in Istanbul, Turkey, April 9 to 13, 1951, for the Middle Eastern countries. In addition there were one International Bahá’í delegate and three observers.
On Monday, April 9th, at 8:45 a.m. the Bahá’í contingent gathered at the beautiful Yildiz Palace, a magnificent residence of the former Sultan ‘Abdu’l-Ḥamíd, place of the conference, and prayed together.
As at the time of registration the delegate from Írán had not arrived, Mr. and Mrs. R. Y. Mottahedeh contacted Dr. Faryar, the Director of the U.N. Information Center in Teheran, and he proposed that Mr. Rafi Mottahedeh should act as a delegate of the N.S.A. of the Bahá’ís of Írán. In that way the Bahá’í communities of the Middle East and Near East were completely represented. The registration was as follows: Mrs. R. Y. Mottahedeh, International Bahá’í delegate; Mr. R. Y. Mottahedeh, delegate from Írán; Mr. Kamel Abbas, delegate from Íráq; Mr. Mohammed Mustafa Soliman, delegate from Egypt and Sudan; Mr. Mecdi Inan, delegate from Turkey; and the Bahá’í observers were Mr. Semi Doktoroglu and Miss Ulgan Inan from Turkey and Miss Farakhou Samadea from Írán.
The Conference was opened by His Excellency, the Governor of Istanbul. Prof. Gokdogan of the Teknik University of Istanbul was elected Chairman and Mr. R. Bokhari, the Director of the U.N.D.P.I. of Cairo, Egypt, was elected Secretary, and Mrs. R. Y. Mottahedeh was elected Vice-Chairman.
Although the Bahá’í delegates had no intention of speaking, the Secretary asked Mrs. Mottahedeh to ask one of the Bahá’ís to speak and she suggested Mr. Soliman who made a short speech which proved to be the magnet which attracted many participants in the Conference to inquire about the Bahá’í Faith.
Three committees were formed and the delegates were asked to indicate which committee they would like to work on. The Bahá’ís felt able to participate in two of these committees and their long experience in Bahá’í committee work made our delegates better equipped than other delegates at the Conference to participate in the work of these committees.
Upon the opening of the first committee’s session, Miss Sureyya Aga-Oglu, of the University Women’s League, and a Turkish lawyer, asked the Chairman if some information would be given about the Bahá’í Community as she did not know anything about it. Mr. R. Y. Mottahedeh made a short presentation of the Faith and its principles, and after the first session of the two committees, delegates and observers of the N.G.O. asked many questions and accepted the pamphlets provided by the Bahá’ís of Íráq.
On April 12th the Bahá’í delegation invited Mr. Daniel Auster, the delegate of the UN Association of Israel, who is also the Mayor of Jerusalem, to lunch at the Park Hotel, and were very gratified to hear the many complimentary remarks about how much the Bahá’ís are contributing to the beauty of Israel in the gardens of Mt. Carmel.
The resolutions of the committees were drafted on April 12th and it can be stated that the Bahá’ís contributed greatly to the work of these committees and acted as a coordinating point between all factions and were able by useful resolutions to assist the future work.
On the evening of the closing day the Bahá’í delegation arranged a dinner party for some of the Turkish delegates and UN personnel. This was a warm and friendly occasion and enhanced the relationship between our Turkish Bahá’ís and some of the Turkish delegates of other organizations.
During and after the Conference wide publicity was given to the Faith by the press and Bahá’í delegates were frequently besieged by reporters.
Of historic significance is the fact that the Bahá’í delegates were officially received at the reception given by the Governor of Istanbul for the assembled delegates. Also that Prof. Gokdogan, the Chairman of the Conference, called a meeting of the Non-Governmental Organizations of Turkey and at that meeting announced that the Bahá’í Community of Turkey is officially recognized by the D.P.I., UN, and is invited to work with the other non-governmental organizations.
The closing day of the Conference was blessed by a cable from the Guardian of the Bahá’ís, as follows: “Deepest appreciation fervently praying success.”
National Assemblies Elected[edit]
The results of the election of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria for the year 108 is as follows:
- Dr. Eugen Schmidt, Stuttgart, Chairman,
- Günther Heyd, Hamburg, Vice-chairman,
- Ruprecht G. Krüger, Frankfort, Secretary,
- Julius Henseker, Plochingen, Treasurer,
- Anna Grossmann, Neckargemund,
- Dr. Heide Jäger, Stuttgart,
- Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Stuttgart,
- Adolf Spieth, Stuttgart,
- Johanna Freifrau von Werthern, Frankfurt.
The members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand for the present year are:
- Mr. S. W. Bolton, Chairman
- Mr. H. C. Featherstone, Vice-chairman,
- Miss Gretta S. Lamprill, Secretary,
- Mrs. D. Dive, Treasurer,
- Miss K. Crowder, Recording Secretary,
- Miss E. Dawe,
- Mr. F. M. Khan,
- Mr. A. Blum,
- Mr. S. P. Bolton Junior.
Action on Convention Recommendations[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly makes its report to the Bahá’ís of the United States on action taken on the recommendations voted by the delegates at the Forty-Third Annual Convention.
While the Convention deliberations are recorded in the order in which the consultation proceeded at the consecutive sessions, this report presents the recommendations under general group headings.
First, those related to State Conventions. There were four on this subject summarized as follows:
1. That a separate national committee be appointed to develop and compile methods for promotion of State Conventions. The National Assembly voted on this that State Convention arrangements are its spiritual and administrative responsibility and not to be delegated to a committee. In planning the 1952 Conventions the Assembly will impress their importance upon the believers.
2. That more time be allowed for consultation prior to the election; that Convention Committees assume more responsibility for arranging hospitality for believers attending the Conventions. Here the action was to adopt the policy that in the State Convention Agendas, the election will be placed approximately at the mid-point of the session.
3. That the State Convention be held at a time when unfavorable weather will not prevent full attendance. Voted to set the date of the 1952 State Conventions on Sunday, December 2, 1951.
4. The recommendation that the State Convention be continued through two days was not approved for adoption during the austerity period.
Next, the recommendations concerned with improvement of the National Convention. There were many suggestions and recommendations on this subject.
1. That delegates make a report in the electoral district they represent, and that Regional Teaching Committees call a meeting where such reports can be made. This idea has been conveyed to Assemblies, Area National Teaching Committees and Regional Teaching Committees.
2. That a committee be appointed to collect teaching devices and aids for exhibit at each Annual Convention. Action: the National Assembly encourages Assemblies, Teaching Committees and individual believers to send to the National Assembly any new and original teaching devices or aids which have been developed, including new ideas for teaching.
There were about twelve suggestions which are under special consideration in connection with the planning of the 1952 Convention.
Great interest was felt in the consultation concerning the Bahá’í education of children.
1. That local Assemblies provide a program for observance of Bahá’í Holy Days for children. This recommendation has been referred to the Child Education Committee.
2. That the Child Education Committee propose a handbook on training of children and youth. (The Committee is already preparing a handbook, and this particular suggestion has been referred to it.)
3. That the scripts and Temple slides used for teaching children be reviewed and made generally available. Since the Temple is still in process of completion, no action was taken and revisions are not possible during austerity.
4. That the Projects Development Committee handbook include material suitable for children. The purpose of this recommendation is achieved in the handbook being prepared by the Child Education Committee.
5. That free copies of “The Child’s Way” be given to Bahá’í parents. A statement has been prepared for Bahá’í News about subscribing to this publication.
6. That a notice be published in Bahá’í News explaining how child education material can be obtained. The foregoing action covers this recommendation.
Recommendations related to Bahá’í Youth:—
1. That some committee prepare a study outline for youth suggesting the conduct of meetings, material related to the Bahá’í calendar and observance of Feasts and Anniversaries and Holy Days; and material for teaching youth in different age groups—15 to 18 years, and from 18 to 25 years of age. This matter has been referred to the National Youth Committee.
2. That a member of the Area Youth Committees be appointed to the Area National Teaching Committee or the Regional Teaching Committee. This policy has been carried out wherever possible.
3. That the Youth Committee structure be patterned after the regional areas. The appointment of Youth Area Committees embodies this idea as far as possible with the youth personnel available at this time.
4. That youth teaching be coordinated with the national Teaching Plan. All enrolled youth are part of this work by their local or regional membership, but the National Youth Committee has been requested to emphasize in its bulletin the importance of the plan of preparation.
5. That the areas assigned to Area Youth Committees coincide with the areas of the Area National Teaching Committees. The Area Youth Committees have been appointed on this basis.
6. That local Assemblies, where there are no youth in the community, appoint a youth representative to make contact with the Area Youth Committee, and maintain activities to attract young people to the Cause. A statement along these lines has been prepared for Bahá’í News.
7. That suitable classes for study of the Will and Testament be conducted for youth who are prepared to make declaration of their faith. The National Assembly has prepared a statement on this matter for publication in Bahá’í News.
There were also recommendations related to the Schools.
1. That a School representative be appointed in each community to supply information about the School programs, and that Regional Teaching Committees bring this information to the attention of believers outside the local communities. All necessary information about the Schools has already been published in Bahá’í News and the School Committees have prepared and distributed excellent printed programs. It is hoped that local Assemblies, Area National Teaching Committees and Regional Teaching Committees will stress School attendance in their contact with believers.
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2. That the School Committees provide courses in arts
and crafts and in parent workshops. The National Assembly is writing the School Committees to study and
report on this recommendation.
3. That the Public Relations Committee arrange for a field representative at each School to provide news items, and stories and photos which might have national or international news value. The National Assembly has written the School Committees to carry out this idea and provide material for Bahá’í News and for use by Public Relations Committees.
With reference to National Teaching:—
1. That the National Projects Committee prepare an Institute book on Bible prophecy. The National Assembly feels that this recommendation expresses an important need, and a special committee has been appointed to survey the available literature on this subject and recommend a compilation.
2. That the National Assembly provide means for developing closer cooperation among believers living in areas bordering Canada and Mexico. The idea is approved but the National Assembly does not feel that any new committees should be appointed to make formal administrative arrangements for this purpose at present.
3. That the National Projects Committee be directed to make available Ruhíyyih Khanum’s two plays, “The Divine Spark” and “A Spiritual Assembly’s Growing Pains”. These plays have been included in the file of manuscripts held for publication at the end of the austerity period.
4. That the handbook for Area National Teaching Committees and Regional Teaching Committees be brought up to date and issued in loose leaf form. A committee has been appointed to make the necessary revisions and additions.
Recommendations concerning the National Fund:—
1. That contributions made to the Guardian for the Shrine be recognized as contributions for religious purposes and therefore deductible in income tax reports. The National Assembly explains that the Treasury Department does not extend such exemption to donations sent by the individual donor outside the United States.
2. That the Resolve Plan be extended for another two years. This recommendation has been approved, and the Resolve Plan for the current year has been issued through Bahá’í News.
3. That the rugs in Foundation Hall (except the one given by the Guardian) be sold for the benefit of the National Fund. Action has been taken to sell these rugs, except those which might have a particular sacred significance.
Questions related to the noncombatant status of Bahá’í draftees were considered at length.
1. That Bahá’í youth called to military service seek identification as Bahá’ís and be officially recorded as members of the Faith. A statement concerning this will be published in Bahá’í News.
2. That Assemblies, Area N.T.C.s and R.T.C.s pay particular attention to their responsibility for explaining to Bahá’í youth their spiritual obligation to observe the Guardian’s directions concerning Bahá’ís in military service. A letter emphasizing this responsibility was sent to these committees and to Assemblies in February.
3. That the National Spiritual Assembly make another effort to obtain separate identification for Bahá’í serving in the armed forces, so that their label will be “Bahá’í.”
4. That the National Assembly answer the question: What is the duty of a Bahá’í having noncombatant status if ordered by his commanding officer to bear arms and engage in acts of killing? The answer: The first duty of the Bahá’í is to obtain noncombatant status, his right under the law. Having obtained this status he has spiritual obligation to pray that he will not be confronted by some circumstance or situation under which he might feel impelled to engage in combatant action.
5. This recommendation concerns teaching and not noncombatant status, but has reference to the United States military establishment: that a small prayer book be prepared for distribution to all military bases in the United States on approval by the responsible authorities. The action taken was to prepare a letter to Bahá’ís in the armed forces, enclose a copy of “Communion with God” and offer to give additional copies if the believer can place them in the hands of fellow soldiers who express need for spiritual assistance.
The remaining recommendations are more general in nature:—
1. That lists of believers capable of serving on committees requiring specialized technical knowledge be obtained from local Assemblies, ANTCs and RTCs. A statement is being prepared for Bahá’í News requesting believers to supply such data to the national administrative headquarters.
2. That instruction sheets be sent to local Assemblies clarifying the relationship between Assembly, R.T.C and A.N.T.C. and national committees. This information is being compiled and will be made available.
3. That a reference library be established with facilities for answering questions concerning matters already explained in Bahá’í publications. A committee has been appointed to gather material for such a library.
4. That information on the functions, responsibilities and authority of the various teaching committees appointed by the National Assembly be sent to all local Assemblies at the beginning of each Bahá’í year. The friends are advised that committee functions are defined in the annual Bahá’í Directory. It is not feasible to publish any statement attempting to define every possible application of committee relationships.
Wherever specific problems of coordination or duplication of functions arise they can be submitted to the National Assembly for clarification.
5. That the National Projects Committee compile a list of organizations, with brief statement on the aims and purposes of each, suitable for contact by committees needing outside speakers. The National Assembly refers the friends to the general principle given by the Guardian concerning non-Bahá’í organizations. Beyond this the Assembly feels that it is impossible to classify officially the existing national organizations. Local branches of national organizations can differ widely, and each case is to be judged locally in the light of the Guardian’s direction.
6. That the National Assembly clarify the relationship of local Assemblies to the UNESCO organization. There is no official relationship between the Bahá’í Community (local, national or international) and the UNESCO branch of United Nations, and therefore it
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would not be suitable for any local Bahá’í body to initiate its own direct contact. However, if a local or regional UNESCO group invites attendance or cooperation, the local Assembly is free to respond. (Usually such opportunities are reported to the National Assembly by the Bahá’í United Nations Committee.) A statement on the official relationship between the Bahá’í Community and United Nations is to be published in Bahá’í News.
7. That the statement on loyalty to government be approved and referred to the Public Relations Committee for use as a press release. This has been done. The original statement on loyalty has also been made available, is announced elsewhere in Bahá’í News.
The Duluth, Minnesota, Assembly sponsored this exhibit for ten days in the window of the First and American National Bank. The tree of the flags of all nations and the book “Hands Around the World” were contributed by the local Girl Scout Office.
American News[edit]
The Washington, D.C. Center was the meeting place for Youth from nine states. The “oldsters” of the Community gave all the material help needed and then stepped aside and let the “youngsters” conduct the conference in their own way. The general topic was “Goals for the New Year”. One remark from a Youth: “It’s funny about sharing spiritual enlightenment, isn’t it? The mature can’t give what they have, by talk; but they can stimulate it in the immature just by listening and letting the immature ones air their knowledge.... The really mature person doesn’t even try to ‘tell’ the immature one, does he? Listening is the real sign of maturity—not a lot of talk.”
Rumor in Cameron, West Virginia, said that weekly firesides conducted by a believer were Communistic. To counteract this, a few cards giving the Teachings in regard to Communism were mailed to townspeople with an invitation to this meeting. Among those who attended were the young minister of the Christian Church, a Theological student, and one who was said to be the ring leader of the accusations. The severest critic seemed disappointed that he could find no greater fault than that we had a leaning toward pacifism.
Pasadena, California. Eleven communities consolidated their efforts and money in observing World Religion Day. A Bahá’í talk of “World Peace through World Faith” was introduced by quotations of prominent men of Science, Religion, and Industry on the need for World Unity and ways to achieve it. A discussion and Hebrew music provided by a Cantor and the Choir Mistress of a synagogue followed. An audience of approximately 400 expressed great satisfaction and interest.
The United Nations Chapter provided a speaker for an outstanding public meeting in the Athletic Club Auditorium. “There Shall Be Peace” was the central topic and a Bahá’í speaker participated, also. Another Bahá’í led about 350 people representing various races and religions in a lively discussion period.
Twenty Bahá’í Communities were entertained at a Naw-Rúz by the Pasadena Bahá’í. Accordion music by a strolling troubadour, community singing and a comedienne brought joyousness to the occasion. A panel of pioneers gave their experiences while teaching in South America and Europe and answered questions from the group.
Fifteen Bahá’í Youth spent a weekend at the Hamilton, Massachusetts, Center. On Sunday morning two of the Youth gave a radio broadcast on Bahá’í Education. The broadcast was repeated in another town that evening. The regular Sunday public meeting was conducted by the Youth. Time was spent in discussion on the Faith, sports, and making friends. Another weekend is planned for Rhode Island.
Fairbanks, Alaska has employment and Housing facilities for Bahá’í interested in living in Alaska. The Ladd Air Force Base, a 20-minute bus trip from Fairbanks, has openings for Civilian Office Personnel. Secretarial positions, for instance, pay annually from $2450-2650 plus 25% living allowance. Housing can be obtained on the base for $6 per two weeks. Meals can be purchased at reasonable prices in the Base cafeteria. For further details, contact the Alaska RTC Secretary, Evelyn G. Huffman, Box 857, Anchorage, Alaska.
Subjects for public meetings throughout the country included “God’s Plan”, “Spiritual Solutions for Today’s Problems”, “Don’t Fret, Fraternize!”, “Nineteenth Century Renaissance”, “Evolution of the Soul”, “Have You Religious Security?”, “The Big Scheme”, “A Biography of a World Prophet”, “The Coming of the Beloved”, “The Need for Global Planning”.
East Cleveland, Ohio, Bahá’ís invited their friends to hear Mrs. Eva Mae Barrow tell about the activities in the European goal countries.
Children presented the Naw-Rúz program at Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a pot luck supper attended by 21 non-Bahá’ís. Both radio stations and the newspapers gave free publicity. This community holds monthly pot luck suppers.
Three regular firesides and a regular class for deepening understanding of the Faith are held in Detroit.
The Niles Township group in Michigan had open house all day Naw-Rúz at the Love’s. Children were entertained in the afternoon and adults later.
A teacher training class in Albuquerque, New Mexico, decided that the answer to the question “What are you Bahá’ís doing?” might be
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We are:
- Serving as centers of hope.
- Striving to acquaint the world with the prophet for this day.
- Building a world community whose watchword is peace.
- Living the principle of the oneness of mankind with no racial, political, religious, national, or class barriers within our membership.
- Upholding the principle of loyalty to one’s government so that our evolution may be accomplished peacefully.
- Working to bring about mutual appreciation among the major religious systems of the world.
- Developing and testing techniques of consultation and group action.
- Making great efforts to eliminate prejudice of all kinds.
- Erecting local, national, and international institutions to which a harrassed humanity may turn for shelter if it chooses.
An Indianapolis Bahá’í whose work is taking him to
Wichita, Kansas, is cooperating all that he can with
the Bahá’ís in the community while he is there. Association with Bahá’ís from other communities with
different teaching experiences and suggestions are helpful to any group. Wichita has been running weekly ads
and having increased publicity with responses to their
notices. Recently a woman called who had been a
roommate of Martha Root’s in Paris when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
was there. After almost 30 years she was contacting
the Faith again.
A Joplin, Missouri, Bahá’í has study classes every Thursday afternoon. Five women from the church in which she formerly had her membership called on her just before Easter asking her to attend the Easter class to swell its numbers to 100. She frankly told them what she had dedicated her life to and invited them to come to her class. Two came, and she feels more will come. An article in Driscoll’s column in a New York newspaper brought a letter from Carthage, Missouri, to the New York Assembly which forwarded the name to the Joplin Bahá’ís.
Miami, Florida. Members of the community made special calls during the Intercalary days upon all members who had not been able to attend meetings for some time. These calls were extended to nearby communities where there were isolated Bahá’ís. Youth participated in the presentation of the Naw Rúz ideas Tuesday evening. There were 51 present, with sweet pea boutonnieres and copies of “Prophecy Fulfilled” for guests. On the following day, William DeForge spoke in another Bahá’í home to 60, 45 of whom were not Bahá’ís. Some remained to ask questions until midnight. Mr. DeForge was also invited by the manager of the Roxy Hotel at Miami Beach to speak Sunday evening, March 11. After the usual Sunday entertainment at the hotel, and when the friends had thought they were forgotten, Mr. DeForge was announced and gave a ten minute summary of the Message to the 200 present, who listened with interest and respect.
Scranton, Pennsylvania, Bahá’ís send this interesting follow-up to the item “Bahá’í Books Dedicated in Universalist Church” which appeared in the April News. The Rev. Leon Simonetti, pastor of the church, keeps a copy of the Bahá’í World Faith on his altar and reads from it occasionally during his service. He has set aside a large room of the church for Bahá’í use for their meetings and has participated in Bahá’í public meetings in the church.
World Congress for World Federation[edit]
Three Bahá’í delegates represented the National Spiritual Assembly at the Fourth World Congress of the World Movement for World Federal Government held in Rome, Italy, April second to ninth, 1951—Alessandro Bausani, Mario Fiorentini and Ugo Giachery.
This delegation has made a very interesting report to the National Spiritual Assembly, accompanied by fifteen annexes in the form of printed programs and mimeographed bulletins issued by the Congress before or during the sessions. These included the List of Organizations, Delegates and Observers registered, Report of the Secretary General, Draft Report of the Constitutional Commission prepared as a basis for discussion by G. A. Borgese, and Reports of the various active Commissions.
The friends will recall that Mr. Giachery represented the Bahá’ís of the United States at the last Congress held in Luxembourg in 1948.
This impressive effort to unify the forces concerned with the “Lesser Peace” received the participation of about 100 organizations represented by 110 delegates and 65 observers, from 18 different nations.
The salient facts reported by the Bahá’ís are:—
“No draft constitution for a World Government should be submitted to vote at this Congress. The Permanent Commission should continue its work and submit a report to the next Congress.
“All World Federation organizations, in cooperation with all organizations which stand for peace, such as trade unions, professional, cultural and (introduced by the Bahá’í delegation) religious bodies, should launch an intensive campaign in their respective spheres to awaken the people and convince Governments that there is widespread support for the early creation of a World Federal Government.
“Institution of a supranational authority to guarantee the fundamental cultural rights of man and the creation of a world system of higher learning under the control of a ‘Cultural Chamber’, an integral part of a supranational ‘Court of Justice’. (Our delegation stressed the spiritual side of all basic education).
“The entire Congress appeared more mature than the one of 1948; with very few exceptions, every participant was conscious of the urgency of the solution of the political international chaos, manifesting great eagerness to find a permanent remedy. It is sad, however, to notice the little interest shown in spiritual remedies. The Bahá’í delegation had opportunity to distribute Bahá’í literature in Italian and particularly to the Vice-President of the Parliament, a former Premier of Italy and a few members of the Parliament.
“The Bahá’í delegates feel that the Faith has already many friends among the World Federalists and that further friendships can be developed by participation in regional meetings, exchange of speakers, use of the Federalist press and close cooperation in all non-political activities of the World Federalists.”
First Historic Conventions — Latin America[edit]
(Continued from June 1951 News)
Acclamation by Bahá’í World Community[edit]
“How blessed you are that the beginning of your work falls just in the new Bahá’í era, which began with the formation of the first International Bahá’í Council!” wrote the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria.
And the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada declared to their new sister assemblies: “On this destined occasion, presided over by the loving care of an all-bountiful Providence, our hearts are renewed by the further evidences of the miraculous and transforming powers latent within this glorious Revelation. In a world beset by darkness, more pervasive than mankind has ever known, the election of your National Spiritual Assemblies stands out as a beacon light proclaiming the advent of a new day. By this further manifestation of God’s omnipotence, we are renewed and re-assured,
Members of First National Spiritual Assembly of South America.
Members of First National Spiritual Assembly of Central America.
for the formation of yet other pillars of the Universal
House of Justice increases our collective strength and
provides an even greater manifestation of unity among
the sons of men.”
“Our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude,” declared the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Irán, “that, under the guidance of our beloved Guardian, and through the kind assistance of our brethren of the United States, a mighty pillar is raised in Central America to support the framework of His ever-expanding, divine Order, which is destined to rise above the ruins of this declining material civilization.”
And to the paean of joy, praise and prayer, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iráq added these words: “Now as the gigantic task is performed, the noble goal achieved and the vast regions of Central (and South) America have partaken of the graces of the Supreme Concourse in accordance with the Divine Plan conceived for those precious pioneering souls, we who gather in His city and as near to His sacred house and blessed Garden of Ridván, pray to Him and supplicate Him at this brilliant conclusion, that evoked our general admiration, to protect you, sustain and guide you to scale still higher and nobler heights and to expand your activities within and outside of your continent.”
BAHA’I NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. Copies are sent without charge to Bahá’ís throughout the United States, and to Bahá’í administrative bodies in other lands. Its purpose is to keep members of the Faith informed of international, national and local Bahá’í developments, and serve as an organ for the distribution of messages written by the Guardian of the Faith, the International Bahá’í Council, and the general announcements prepared by the American National Spiritual Assembly.
Reports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from national assemblies of other lands.
Bahá’í News is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1951-52: Miss Garetta Busey, Managing Editor; Mr. Kenneth Christian, Miss Mae Graves, Mrs. Doris Holley, Mr. Horace Holley, Chairman, Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, Mrs. Ruth Jones. Editorial Office, 503 West Elm Street, Urbana, Illinois, U. S. A.
