Bahá’í News/Issue 441/Text
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| No. 441 | BAHA’I YEAR 124 | DECEMBER 1967 |
The Universal House of Justice Announces Convocation First Oceanic Conference[edit]
OCCASION HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY BIRTH BLESSED BEAUTY WE CONTEMPLATE WITH HEARTS OVERFLOWING GRATITUDE INESTIMABLE BOUNTIES CONFERRED BY GOD THROUGH HIS SUPREME MANIFESTATION ENSURING FULFILMENT GLORIOUS LONG PROMISED KINGDOM NOW EVOLVING WOMB TRAVAILING AGE DESTINED CONFER PEACE UNDREAMT FELICITY MANKIND. ANNOUNCE CONVOCATION TWENTY-THIRD TO TWENTY-FIFTH AUGUST 1968 FIRST OCEANIC CONFERENCE BAHÁ’Í WORLD PALERMO SICILY HEART SEA TRAVERSED GOD’S MANIFESTATION CENTURY AGO PROCEEDING INCARCERATION MOST GREAT PRISON. TWOFOLD PURPOSE CONFERENCE CONSIDER MOMENTOUS FULFILMENT AGE-OLD PROPHECIES TRIUMPH GOD’S MESSENGER OVER EVERY GRIEVOUS CALAMITY AND CONSULT PLANS PROPAGATION CAUSE ISLANDS LANDS BORDERING MEDITERRANEAN SEA. PARTICIPANTS INVITED HOLY LAND IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CONFERENCE ATTEND COMMEMORATION ARRIVAL LORD HOSTS THESE SACRED SHORES RECONSECRATE THEMSELVES THRESHOLD HIS SHRINE PROSECUTION GLORIOUS TASKS AHEAD.
(signed) UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
Haifa, Israel
November 12, 1967
Universal House of Justice Announces Resignation of Dr. Lutfu’llah Ḥakim[edit]
The following letter, and the accompanying photograph of Dr. Luṭfu’lláh Ḥakím, addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies is published at the request of the Universal House of Justice.
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
After a lifetime of devoted and self-sacrificing service to the Cause of God Dr. Luṭfu’lláh Ḥakím has asked the Universal House of Justice to accept his resignation from that Institution because his health and advancing age make it increasingly difficult for him to participate as effectively as he would wish in its work.
The Universal House of Justice has regretfully accepted Dr. Ḥakím’s resignation, but in view of the imminence of the next election, has asked him to continue to serve as a member until that time, and Dr. Ḥakím has kindly consented to do so.
Having served the Master Himself in the Holy Land, as well as accompanying Him during His historic visits in England and Scotland, and been intimately associated with Shoghi Effendi in his youth, Dr. Ḥakím was called again to the World Center by the beloved Guardian in 1951 for important service at the World Center and was later appointed to the first International Bahá’í Council, of which he was the Eastern Assistant Secretary. He continued to serve on that body and then on the Universal House of Justice with undiminished devotion but with increasing difficulty during the subsequent sixteen years, earning the love and admiration of his co-workers.
Please share this announcement with the friends in your area.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
Bahá’í World Center
Haifa, Israel
October 15, 1967
Faith Takes a Significant Step at UN[edit]
The Universal House of Justice on October 17, 1967 cabled that on the
“MORROW SIX INTERCONTINENTAL CONFERENCES INAUGURATING PROCLAMATION PERIOD ANNOUNCE BAHÁ’Í WORLD SIGNIFICANT STEP DEVELOPMENT RELATIONS UNITED NATIONS THROUGH ASSUMPTION BY UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE FUNCTION REPRESENTATION BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CAPACITY NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION AT UNITED NATIONS. TAKE THIS OCCASION EXPRESS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY UNITED STATES AND MILDRED MOTTAHEDEH GRATEFUL LOVING APPRECIATION MANY YEARS DEVOTED. TIRELESS SUCCESSFUL SERVICES AS REPRESENTATIVE AND OBSERVER RESPECTIVELY.”
With this announcement a new chapter in our international relations has opened, as the Universal House of Justice itself formally assumes direct representation with the United Nations, operative through its Bahá’í International Community Office. The United States National Spiritual Assembly, as delegate for the Guardian, the Hands of the Cause and the Universal House of Justice continues its own national representation with the United Nations non-governmental organization through the U.N. Department of Public Information.
The office of the Bahá’í International Community continues in the 866 UN Plaza Building, immediately adjacent to the United Nations.
This vital work of the Bahá’í World Community began with the United Nations Charter meeting in 1945 in San Francisco. It has continued in a fruitful and expanding way through crises of the Faith abroad and through crises of the United Nations itself. Mrs. Mottahedeh has been the redoubtable representative of the Bahá’í International Community and its accredited observer, through more than twenty years of intense activity designed to call attention to the Faith, and to gain recognition of its role and destiny. In 1965 a permanent office was opened in the new UN Plaza Building, with part-time staffing, but with a corps of volunteers available to support the Faith in its many objectives.
Far more intensive efforts are under way at the United Nations. Even greater support of UN activities by the world Bahá’í Community is anticipated.
Panama City[edit]
Artist’s rendition of Panama House of Worship.
Laying of Cornerstone Highlights Conference[edit]
THERE WAS WARMTH and color everywhere, spreading itself like a gentle breeze in a garden of flowers. There was warmth in the laughter of greeting, in the dark, gentle eyes of Indians of many tribes — Guaymi, Kunas, Caribs, Guajiros, Mayas and others from faraway Peru, Bolivia and elsewhere — meeting each other for the first time since the great migrations of centuries ago that sent them on separate paths. Most of all there was warmth in the hearts, reflecting itself in the happy faces of Bahá’ís who came from all over Latin America and other parts of the world. There was thanksgiving too, for this was the first Intercontinental Conference ever to be held in Latin America and 239 Indian brothers and sisters in their beautiful, graceful dress were sharing in this historic event. There was a cornerstone of the Panama Temple to be dedicated in that land which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had said would “unite the East and the West, the North and the South”; and surely there was unity at this great festival that opened the Conference.
There were two Hands of the Cause of God, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, representative of the Universal House of Justice and Jalál Kházeh of South America. Beautiful gifts were presented to Rúḥíyyih Khánum at that opening festival — a colorful bead collar, a hat — there were Peruvian ponchos, jewelry and other items brought for the friends also, one of the many signs of the skill and artistry of the Indian people.
Capacity of the Indians[edit]
Rúḥíyyih Khánum was herself overcome by the joy and radiance that abounded among the 660 believers assembled for the Conference. She said:
“My heart is so full that I can hardly catch my breath. . . . When I saw the faces of all the Bahá’ís here as I came into this room I rejoiced. But when I saw the faces of the Indian Bahá’ís something a little different happened. I wonder if in our human frailty and smallness, we realize the greatness and the implications of some of the Words of Bahá’u’lláh. We cling to His Words, we follow Him, we love Him, we want to serve Him but we forget that each one of His phrases is the Word of God Himself. And when I looked at the Indian Bahá’ís here tonight I remembered the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which, although they are not quite the same as the Words of Bahá’u’lláh are, nevertheless, an
animating influence in the Cause of God for all time. He said that if the indigenous peoples of the Americas would accept this Revelation they would have an effect on the world equal to that which had been produced when the Arabians had accepted the Prophet Muḥammad.
A hot sun shining down on the gathering at the Panama Temple site.
“In our present world we forget the influences of the past. We are lost in the 20th century and we forget our history; but when the people of the Arabian Peninsula accepted the Manifestation of God, Muḥammad, they produced an influence in the world that went deep into China in the East and that brought about the Renaissance in Europe. It would perhaps not be too much an exaggeration to say that one of the waves released by the Renaissance was the colonization by Europeans of the Americas. These are all a part of history. So we may well ask ourselves what will be the repercussions from the Indian Bahá’ís who accept Bahá’u’lláh in the Western Hemisphere? According to the Words of the Son of Bahá’u’lláh, they will release an impetus that will travel all over the world because that is the implication of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Words. When I heard that tonight a great many more Indian Bahá’ís were present than had been anticipated I rejoiced and I hope that our Indian brothers and sisters who are here tonight and who will be here throughout this Intercontinental Conference whether they happen to be from Panama or from other countries of Latin America, will carry back to their own people, whether they are Bahá’ís or not, the spirit of this Conference and the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh’s Message.
Architect Peter Tillotson (from London) and Hand of the Cause ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum at laying of cornerstone in Panama.
“We make a great mistake in this world when we think that unity in the concept of Bahá’u’lláh means uniformity. . . . When you analyze it, the people of the world today, whatever political block they belong to, whatever party they adhere to, whatever religion they follow, they think the best thing would be if everybody was like themselves; but this is not the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. God created us different. This is our honor, this is our blessing, this is our distinction. It means that each group of the human race has developed its own capacities. It has its own gift to bring to the family of human beings.
“So I ask particularly the Indian Bahá’ís to remember this and to be immensely proud of their past and immensely proud of being Indians. They remember as I am sure I remember that it was the white people who did a great deal to destroy their history. They made them feel that the history of the white man was greater than the history of the red man. But this is not the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. The Message of Bahá’u’lláh is that they have a great future and they have great capacity.
“I want them to know that their Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, rejoiced when the news reached him of every single Indian Bahá’í. He could not wait to speak about it. He would tell it to all those who served at the World Center, he would tell it to the pilgrims, and then he would cable it to the Bahá’í world. This was a very sincere act on his part, it came from the depths of his heart. The Bahá’í world, which after all is a world of its own which exists all over the planet now, is waiting for more Indian Bahá’ís to enter the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. They want them to teach their own people more, they want them to increase by the thousands. Who knows, when we have enough Indian Bahá’ís in the Western Hemisphere under the shadow of Bahá’u’lláh, perhaps they will be the ones to carry the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh to the white population of this Hemisphere!
“You Indian friends are like a great tree that has its roots in the soil of all the Americas. To the degree to which your people accept Bahá’u’lláh, you will bear your fruit. It will be good fruit and when the white man eats it he will be a better white man.”
Twenty-Three NSA's Represented[edit]
The formal opening of the Conference was on Saturday morning. In the afternoon Jalál Kházeh addressed the representatives of twenty-three American National Assemblies, Auxiliary Board members, and all of the believers on the “Praise and Glory of Bahá’u’lláh,” again emphasizing the special privileges of this particular Conference. Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke again in the evening on the banishment and imprisonment of Bahá’u’lláh and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. This was followed by a showing of “Carmel, the Mountain of God”, the film sent by the Universal House of Justice, and also the CBS television program, “And His Name Shall Be One.”
Dedication of Cornerstone[edit]
Sunday morning came and the moment of dedication had arrived. Would it rain? It was the rainy season. But the sun shone bright and hot as the seven buses, many private cars and taxis arrived at the foot of the hill and the path leading to the Temple site. The believers walked about 250 yards to the place where the Temple is to be built in an area called Cerro Sonsonate. Spanish, French, English, Arabic and Guaymi — these were the languages of prayer. Peter Tillotson, the young English architect of the future House of Worship, not a Bahá’í, pledged his best. Dr. Tejada Mora, attorney for the Panama National Assembly and Raul Arango, engineer and original owner of the land, also spoke.
Hand of the Cause ‘Amatu’l—Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum laying cornerstone of Panama Temple. A piece of the ornamentation of the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette was sent by the National Assembly of the U.S. and is standing beside the dedication stone at the right.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum, after laying the cornerstone, a native stone found not far from the site, and placing within it the sacred dust and roses brought by her from the tomb of Bahá’u’lláh, observed that Shoghi Effendi himself had stated that the first place in Central America to have a House of Worship would be Panama. The Temple, she emphasized, was for all peoples, not for the Bahá’ís alone.
Viewing of Portrait[edit]
The afternoon brought the most moving event of the Conference, the viewing of the portrait of Bahá’u’lláh. It rested on gold fabric brought from Iran, placed over a red silk cloth. Just before the viewing, Rúḥíyyih Khánum placed red and white roses beside the picture. Then the friends slowly came forward. There was a blind Indian friend who stood before the photograph he could not see with his physical eyes. Rúḥíyyih Khánum guided his fingers over the frame so that he might experience the richness of this moment and see with his inner vision.
This day, so full and profound, was concluded with a public meeting where at least 150 guests joined the Bahá’ís to fill the hall and to hear Oscar Sierra I, National Assembly member from Guatemala, speak on the meaning of Bahá’u’lláh’s coming and His Message for humanity.
Literature, Publicity Discussed[edit]
On Monday, October 9, Hooper Dunbar, Auxiliary Board member, led a discussion on literature and mentioned
One of the Conference sessions showing many Indian friends.
the need to translate into the native languages for many of the poorer peoples. It is important, he said, that the translations reflect the teachings uniformly. Copies of all materials to be translated for any part of Latin-America should be sent through the respective National Assemblies to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in Argentina. The Spanish translation of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh was announced. Rúḥíyyih Khánum said that the words of Bahá’u’lláh are different from any other words — they are food for the soul of man and when people eat of these words their souls grow. In translating for the Indian peoples we should always give them some of this precious food.
Eduardo Perez de Leon of Mexico opened an afternoon consultation on publicity, asking that publicity on the Conference be utilized in all countries, as specified by the Universal House of Justice. Board member Artemus Lamb of Mexico concentrated attention on radio, since TV is only available in large cities and on limited scale. Even the poor people generally have access to radios. It is important to develop good relations with radio stations, he said, and to try to acquire free radio time for public service. Sometimes this can be accomplished through arranging interviews with a visiting Bahá’í and through current Bahá’í events of public interest. Fred Berest of Panama’s National Assembly mentioned a radio program of five minutes a day, five days a week which costs only $15.00 per month, after which the tapes are given to small village stations.
Blind Indian teacher, Alberto Perez with Quentin Farrand of El Salvador.
A strong appeal for pioneer teachers to go into the mountain areas was made by Rose Mangopis of Nicaragua. “Let’s get moving,” she said, “and go into the mountains to teach Bahá’u’lláh’s laws!”
Need for Universal Giving[edit]
Margot Worley, Board member from Brazil, quoted from the Guardian’s writings on the Fund. No individual, she said, was functioning fully in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh unless he supports the Fund, no matter how modestly. Mr. Kházeh spoke of the need for the new, infant national communities to gradually grow into maturity and to become completely self—supporting.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum said: “It seems to me that we should remember that just the way it does not matter what we eat, every human being eats with his mouth; the same thing is true of everything else we do in this world. Sometimes people say, ‘Well, we had to give to the church in the past, or, we belonged to some society and they were forever asking for funds and now that we are Bahá’ís we do not want any more of that.’ They say, ‘That was the past and we are the future.’ But the fact remains that all of us — families, communities, tribes, municipalities, nations — we all have to live by means. The whole Bahá’í system has to go forward also through making certain expenditures because we live in a material world and have to live with material means.
“We have no choice, so that it seems to me that everybody can grasp this point and certainly our Indian friends can grasp it with the same understanding that we do because they are men and we are men and it is understandable to everybody. The most precious thing has already been emphasized here — that everybody should give. This is because this one peso or one penny or one centavo or whatever your smallest denomination here is, that you gave to your Faith makes the work go along. Personally, I do not think anything in the world has the value of the contributions of the poor. No matter how much a rich man gives, he never succeeds really in giving because he is like a spring, he is fortunate enough to always have something coming out of the bottom of the well, he never really sacrifices. “There is a tribe in Africa that lives in the desert and has so little water that they have to catch the dew, drop by drop, and one sip of that means the difference between life and death, so we see how precious this is. This is like a poor man’s money. I think that we should sometimes remember that people who live in primitive societies are making the transition from a society that lives on barter and exchange of goods to our way of money. They have very little money but still they can give that one penny and it is their blessing to do so.”
Temple Contributions[edit]
Over $80,000 has been contributed toward the building of the Temple by National Assemblies and individuals,
(Continued on page 10)
Bahá’í friends surrounding Hands of the Cause Jalál Kházeh and ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, in center.
Above, left to right: Board member Ruth Pringle of Panama and translator Peter McLaren, member of National Spiritual Assembly of Venezuela; Hand of the Cause, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and translator Allan Pringle with chairman Alfred, Osborne in background; Rúḥíyyih Khánum with secretary of National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, Leota Lochman, at the National Center. Below: Banquet at the Hilton Hotel in Panama. Over 150 attended, including many dignitaries who were honored guests.
(Continued from page 8)
it was announced, and many contributions were received during the Conference. Architect Peter Tillotson designated two years as building time, once the preliminaries are completed. National Assembly of Panama secretary, Leota Lockman, gave tribute to Bahá’í consulting architect, Robert McLaughlin, of the U.S.A., and to Paul Thiele of Hawaii who supervised the building of the road. The Kuna Indian tribe of Panama donated $93.21 to the Temple Fund and an equal amount to their National Assembly Fund from the sale of molas, large pieces of beautifully designed fabric.
Two Banquets Held[edit]
A banquet at the Hilton Hotel, to present Rúḥíyyih Khánum, entertained many dignitaries of Panama, various foreign embassies and members of the press. Another banquet was held at the Lions’ Club Camp on the outskirts of the city. It was a joyous, festive evening. There were colorful decorations, beautiful costumes, an excellent meal, dances and songs by many tribal groups.
The publicity generated by the Conference was good. There were thirty-five press stories and photographs used in local papers, two features appearing the Saturday after the close of the Conference; a five-minute TV coverage of the dignitaries’ banquet; two TV interviews; five TV news stories; five radio news stories, a ten-minute radio roundup interview of four personalities at the Conference, a UPI press interview sent throughout Latin America and a press interview by the Copley newspapers to be distributed during Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s coming Latin American tour.
A number of people became Bahá’ís as a direct effect of the Conference, many of whom were moved by the spirit of the Indian Bahá’ís and by the joyful unity of so many people — all of which are only some of the visible manifestations of that invisible essence, the power of the love of Bahá’u’lláh.
Plans for the House of Worship[edit]
The National Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Republic of Panama have purchased five acres of land where the House of Worship is to be erected. It is in the area known as Cerro Sonsonate, about six miles outside of Panama City, and is on a mountain-top projecting upward 700 feet and overlooking Panama City. When the structure is completed some three or four years from now, art from every part of Latin America will be represented, and the rounded dome and nine-pointed Bahá’í star featured in the design will be visible to incoming air, ship and auto traffic from all directions.
At one side of the building there will be a man-made lake and fountain, and the entire structure will be surrounded by specially designed gardens and terraces. The parking lot will be made in such a way that it will not be seen by people inside the building. There will be only one level — the gallery floor — as well as a wide walkway around the building. Although the nine sides will be open, there will be an overhang of fourteen feet placed in such a way that the rains and winds will not get inside or cause any structural damage.
Banquet at the El Panama Hotel. Left to right: wife of Ambassador from Israel, Panama’s Minister of Education, Hand of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum, Ambassador to Panama from Israel, and wife of the Minister of Education.
A cable to the Universal House of Justice evoked the following reply, read at the Conference:
“DEEPLY MOVED LOVING SENTIMENTS STIRRING MESSAGE OFFERING PRAYERS THANKSGIVING COMPLETION FORMAL LAYING BY ‘AMATU’L-BAHA OF CORNERSTONE MOTHER TEMPLE LATIN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES EXTOLLED GUARDIAN’S PEN AS EAGER WARMHEARTED SPIRITUALLY-MINDED STAUNCH ASSOCIATES IN EXECUTION DIVINE PLAN STOP DELIGHTED LARGE PARTICIPATION REPRESENTATIVES INDIAN TRIBES WHOSE FUTURE DESTINY CLEARLY FORESHADOWED BY AUTHOR SAME PLAN STOP MAY THIS CONFERENCE HELD MEETING POINT TWIN OCEANS GALVANIZE VAST AREA IT REPRESENTS GENERATE SPIRITUAL FORCES THAT WILL OPEN NEW CHAPTER IN EVER UNFOLDING INFINITELY GLORIOUS LATIN AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í HISTORY.”
Hands of the Cause ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Jalál Kházeh, followed by Ethel Revell of Haifa, arriving at Panama airport.
Chicago/Wilmette[edit]
On the steps of the House of Worship the friends wait for the doors to open for the first service.
Over Two Hundred Souls Arise to Pioneer[edit]
From EVERY CORNER of the continent, dawn as by a magnet to its spiritual heart, the travelers came, 3,000 in number. Some on the way since early dawn, many all through the night — turning into the quiet streets near the shore of the Lake — in the pale Windy sunlight, under the high thin clouds and olive-toned leaves of early autumn — past the splash of the fountains in their fluttery circles of late blooming petunias — quietly they gathered. All the flowers of His garden together — the rich dark ones and the delicate oriental ones, accenting the rank and file of the occident.
They assembled in happy expectancy to share, as the fitting beginning of the momentous Conference, the service of Commemoration in the Most Holy House of Worship in the Bahá’í world.
The Service of Commemoration[edit]
The Service began with the ringing voice of the Hand of the Cause of God Taráẓáu’lláh Samandari chanting in Persian the words of Him to Whose voice he had once listened as a youth. Then in the English tongue came words from Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings, “Magnified be Thy Name, O my God, for that Thou has manifested the Day Which is the King of Days . . . ”
And again — “Many a chilled heart, O my God, hath been set ablaze with the Fire of Thy Cause . . . How many are the strangers . . . how numerous the thirsty ones . . .”
And yet again — “Release yourselves, O nightingales of God, from the thorns and brambles of wretchedness and misery . . . now is the time to gaze on His beauty . . . to hearken to His voice . . .”
Young voices welled into the dome of the Temple of Light.
All turned toward the Holy Land as the Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts recited the beautiful Tablet of Visitation, “. . . the glory which hath shown forth from Thy most effulgent Beauty rest upon Thee, O Thou Who are the Manifestation of Grandeur . . . through Thee . . . the Beauty of the Unseen hath shown forth above the horizon of creation . . .”
In the hush that followed Mr. Samandari, clasping to his breast with both arms the portrait of Him Who is known as the Glory of God, walked to the table and placed the portrait beside a bouquet of deep red roses. Row by row and one by one every person in the Temple filed past that table. Each had his precious moment to gaze at the photograph of Bahá’u’lláh.
Thus, with hearts lifted and illumined by prayer, and refreshed by the unique privilege of viewing the likeness of the Beloved, the friends began the historic days of the Conference.
An Evening of Commemoration[edit]
The Grand Ballroom of the Palmer House in Chicago was full at the opening of the meeting, Thursday evening, for commemoration of the momentous events in Adrianople one hundred years ago. On the platform were seated the three Hands of the Cause and members of their Auxiliary Boards in North America. Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Velma Sherrill introduced the Hands of the Cause: Mr. Tarázú’lláh Samandari, representative of the Universal House of Justice at this historic Conference; Mr. Zikru’lláh Khádem, who had been sent to the United States by the beloved Guardian; Mr. John Robarts, recently returned to Canada from Africa.
After the singing of one of Bahá’u’lláh’s poems by Mrs. Jaleh Khádem, accompanied on the violin by Dr. Parvis Muvak, Mr. Khádem spoke of the great privilege the believers of today have in being able to deliver to all the world the message of Bahá’u’lláh rejected by the rulers of the earth one hundred years ago. He introduced Mr. Samandari, a member of one of the oldest families in the Faith, who (Mrs. Marzieh Gail interpreting) gave loving greetings from the Universal House of Justice. This is a precious Faith, he pointed out, a Faith the like of which appears, not once in 1,000 years, but once in 500,000 years, a Faith which came to the whole world, not just to one people.
The momentous message from the Universal House of Justice to this Conference was read by Mr. Robarts after which Mr. Samandari continued with an admonition which had been emphasized by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, by Shoghi Effendi, and by the Universal House of Justice: you must know the value of these days. He spoke of the sacrifices made by the Exalted Báb and His Letters of the Living, and by Bahá’u’lláh for almost fifty years. He quoted Shoghi Effendi as saying that all the peoples of the world must pass through three stages: they must suffer for what their hands have wrought; they will awaken after a punishment which will burn away the drunken fumes from their brains; and then they will come into the Cause of God in troops. He spoke of the importance of teaching (“begin tonight” Mr. Khádem interpolated), urged each one to deepen in understanding of the Faith by concentrating on the Holy Tablets, and to remain firm and united.
In closing he told the moving account of being in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh just seven days before His passing. As the Blessed Beauty lay in His bed, He spoke of the importance of preventing disunity and unhappiness among the Bahá’ís, of investigating the motives of people, and of being alert. It will take strength to meet the great upheavals which the Guardian has said were certain to take place: first in the Holy Land; second in Persia; and third in America. The friends must be steadfast and detached, they must be the teachings, and must immediately obey the commands of the Universal House of Justice.
To Proclaim the Cause of God[edit]
Throughout the day and evening of Friday, the Conference continued in the Ballroom of the Palmer House, under the glittering many tiered crystal chandeliers of the room’s sumptuous decor. The theme on this day was “World-Wide Proclamation — A New Dimension”
From the opening morning prayers, raised in concert with the beautiful musical supplication of “Alláh-u Abhá
At the commemorative celebration at the Palmer House in Chicago: Hand of the Cause Tarázú’lláh Samandari, representative of The Universal House of Justice, rises to address the friends for the first time.
by the California Victory Chorus, to the climactic afternoon’s reading of President Johnson’s letter of greeting to the conference, sent through the delegation of the U.S. National Assembly, the day was one of a rising spiritual elan.
There were loving cabled greetings from around the world. A thrilling roll call of nations brought to their feet representatives of the far-flung sovereignty of the Greatest Name as well as those Knights of Bahá’u’lláh who carried His banner to distant outposts.
Mr. Khádem gave an overwhelming account from Nabil’s unpublished narrative telling of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh’s last night in Constantinople when, in reference to the royal Ottoman firman banishing Him still further, to the “land of mystery”, He vowed that With the twelve followers then with Him He would “overthrow their dynasty and establish the Kingdom of God on earth.” That night everyone could see the great power emanating from Bahá’u’lláh. Then in a poignant tribute of remembrance Mr. Khádem chanted two verses from the Tablet of Naw-Rúz revealed on that night, a group of Persian friends chanting the response as the original faithful twelve had done.
“Look what happened through twelve that night, and now with one hundred thousand think what will happen to the world!” exclaimed the beloved Hand.
Glenford Mitchell, Chairman of the National Teaching Committee, followed with a stirring appeal for each individual to recall the “contract” into which he entered when signing the declaration card, and emphasized such potent phrases from the message from the Universal House of Justice as—“the time is ripe”; “the hundred years respite having ended”; “as humanity enters the dark heart of this age of transition”—he discussed the burgeoning population with its growing preponderance of youth and pointed out the special opportunities for Bahá’í youth to teach, remembering as their models the illustrious first believers who were all under thirty years of age. The responsibility of the entire Bahá’í community at this time is to take the Message to the “byways and back alleys of the world,” he said.
Robert Moul of Alaska.
Dr. Suheil Bahá’í of Canada
Dr. David Ruhe of the United States
In Alaska[edit]
Speaking for Alaska Robert Moul, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, gave a detailed resume of their proclamation plans, the highlights of which include: preparation of special pamphlets for direct mailing to villages unreached by the usual communication media; preparation for mass mailing in two Indian languages of A Message to the Native Peoples of Alaska; presentation to 130 Alaskan personages of the book, The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh; posters, spot radio announcements and a television show.
In Canada[edit]
Canadian National Spiritual Assembly member Dr. Bashru’í presented a broad picture of that country’s spiritual heritage and gave details of their plan for six annual phases of proclamation, each directed towards a particular segment of the population. Delegations are being sent to thirty-four religious organizations to present The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh and on October 15 a copy of this book is being presented to the Prime Minister. Ten thousand clergymen are receiving a series of four letters from the Canadian Bahá’í community, these letters to be dispatched at eight week intervals. Proclamation material will be sent to Indian Chiefs of Councils and Reservations and there will be a special emphasis on Bahá’í teachings on social justice in the hope that eventually the majority of the Canadian Bahá’í membership will be Indians.
United States[edit]
Highlights of the American proclamation plan, given by National Spiritual Assembly Secretary, Dr. David Ruhe, include: presentation to President Johnson of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh; mailing to ten thousand national leaders the booklet Bahá’u’lláh: His Call to the Nation; fully capitalizing on the UN’s 1968 Human Rights Year beginning with the issuing of a statement on Human Rights during this Conference; publicity on the Mark Tobey exhibit (at Roosevelt University, Chicago during October) and the six-continent radio-telephone hook-up at this Conference.
Statement from President Johnson[edit]
The crowning moment of the day was the reading of the letter from President Johnson to the conference. It said, in part: “I am pleased. . .to acknowledge the growing good you do. Yours has been a work of love. You have sown seeds of righteousness and justice, and humanity will reap rich harvests from your toil. Your purpose is the purpose of America, your hope the hope of men of goodwill everywhere. . . .All thoughtful and farsighted men respect the mission of your faith. For every one of us look forward to that day when the earth will truly be one country — and mankind its citizens.”
The Public Meeting[edit]
That evening at the public meeting in the Ballroom an overflow crowd numbering well above three thousand, including many guests, heard Bishop James A. Pike, well-known Episcopalian clergyman, and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, former Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, speak on, respectively, “Qualm and Quest” and “Bahá’u’lláh: His Call to the Nations.”
Bishop Pike instantly commanded attention with an opening series of humorous remarks about the world political scene and a gracious acknowledgment that “We’re very fortunate there is in the world . . . an inclusive Faith . . .” After exploring current trends of religious interest among the avant-garde youth who are “seeking a short-cut to mystical experience”, Bishop Pike’s summation included an admonition to the Bahá’ís to emulate Bahá’u’lláh, Who promoted truths unpopular in His time and even endorsed the religion whose adherents persecuted Him. “Carry on. Say it loud and clear,” were his parting words.
Dr. Kazemzadeh, historian, scholar and writer, prefaced his delivery of the message of Bahá’u’lláh with a
comment on the historical significance of His Call to the nations as constituting a turning point in world history. He called special attention to Bahá’u’lláh’s counsels of justice and peace and His plea to world rulers to reduce armaments and use the money to relieve the plight of the poor. The summation of the talk affirmed Bahá’í belief in the inevitability of a New World Order and brought a standing ovation from the audience.
The Nine Year Plan[edit]
On Saturday the scene of the Conference became the Continental Room of the Conrad Hilton Hotel. Here as in the previous sessions the spirit rose from climax to climax until one was sure it could rise no higher, only to be thrilled by the next great climax.
Hand of the Cause John Robarts spoke movingly of the Tablets of the Divine Plan which are instructions from God Himself, and in which the North American Bahá’ís are given the responsibility of taking the Faith to all parts of the world. The prayers which are in these Tablets should be used by the friends daily. Had this been done fifty years ago there might have been masses of believers today. A power has been infused into the world by the Universal House of Justice by
U.S. delegates bearing proclamation message to the President of the United States, at Dulles International Airport (left to right): Dr. Dwight Allen, Dr. Sarah Pereira, Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, Arthur Dahl. Below: Dr. Firuz Kazamzadeh speaks at the public meeting. Behind him are Bishop Pike and Dr. Pereira, chairman.
which the Faith will advance on the unknown seas of proclamation, but the results depend ultimately on the efforts of the individual Bahá’ís.
The Call Connecting Six Continents[edit]
As Mr. Robarts finished speaking it was announced that the telephone hook-up with the other Intercontinental Conferences was ready. For the first time in history a conference call was made connecting six continents simultaneously. What a thrill it was to hear Dr. Daniel Jordan speak words of greeting and then to hear similar greetings from each of the five other continents. Over 350 Bahá’ís and six National Spiritual Assemblies of Australasia were gathered in Sydney for this great event. In Frankfurt there were 1600 believers. More than 700 Bahá’ís gathered in Panama were thrilled about the laying of the cornerstone of a new Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. From New Delhi came the greetings from 3,000 of the Bahá’ís of Asia. Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga spoke on behalf of Bahá’ís gathered in Kampala.
The telephone company’s communications engineer was almost as excited as the Bahá’ís. This moment was a forceful reminder of the first telegraph message “What hath God wrought?” on the night of the Declaration of the Báb, and was a fitting event for the centenary of Bahá’u’lláh proclamation. Many present thought of Hand of the Cause Mr.Khádem’s favorite quotation, “Oh Lord, increase my astonishment in Thee!”
Slide Program[edit]
The morning session ended with a beautifully narrated slide program, prepared and presented by the Centenary Committee, showing highlights of the role played by North American Bahá’ís in the spread of the Faith. The story of early American believers, skillfully woven together into an inspiring presentation of past victories was a challenge to go on without faltering to win the victories assigned by the Universal House of Justice today.
Winning the Balance[edit]
In the afternoon the three National Assemblies gave illuminating reports of the Nine Year Plan goals of their countries, the progress made to date, and their needs to win those remaining. Mrs. Beverly Kolstoe drew a striking picture of the vast, varied country of Alaska. Michael Rochester outlined clearly the assets of the Canadian Bahá’ís as well as their problems of geographical barriers and ethnic diversity. Dr. Dwight Allen presented the U.S. picture with attractive and informative charts of progress and needs. In all three countries the administrative goals such as legal recognition, incorporation of local assemblies, and translating and publishing of literature seem to be well in hand. For the goals of opening new localities, forming new assemblies, and meeting foreign pioneering commitments, however, Bahá’ís who are willing to arise and move to serve Baha’ullah are needed in all three countries. Indian teaching, as well as teaching all minority groups, is emphasized in all three countries, and examples of successes in one place are valuable as guidance for others.
Hand of the Cause Tarázú’lláh Samandari on the second day of the Conference.
The Hands of the Cause[edit]
After a beautiful musical interlude by a Bahá’í choral group, the afternoon program was presented by the Hands of the Cause. A Tablet by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the father of Hand of the Cause Mr. Samandari, read both in English and Persian, stated that He was waiting for the souls who would work ceaselessly day and night for the Cause. Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Florence Mayberry in introducing the Hands referred to the National Spiritual Assemblies as generals, the kind who go into the thick of battle with the troops, and characterized the Hands of the Cause as Standard Bearers who go out ahead, but who want their followers to catch up with them and who are continually calling them to come ahead.
Hand of the Cause Mr. Khádem spoke of the rich heritage of the North American Bahá’ís as spiritual descendants of the Dawn Breakers, and reminded them that the Universal House of Justice would not have given them the tasks if it were not possible for these valiant believers to meet them. Hand of the Cause Mr. Samandari, With Mrs. Marzieh Gail as interpreter, referred to the telephone communication, quoting a poet who wrote, “This is only the tracing of the dawn. Wait until you see what the morning brings.” He called for sacrificial services on the part of all believers, recalling the ceaseless labors of the beloved Guardian and reminded the believers that today the Universal House of Justice waits anxiously for the Bahá’ís, particularly the young believers, to arise to serve the Faith.
An Evening of Happiness[edit]
At seven in the evening of Saturday, October 7, the foyer outside the Continental Room of the Hilton Hotel
Dr. Daniel Jordan sends telephone message as Hands of the Cause Zikru’lláh Khádem, John Robarts and Tarázú’lláh Samandari, at left, and members of three National Spiritual Assemblies, below, listen.
in Chicago was the scene of a happy milling crowd awaiting the small miracle achieved by the Hilton caterers — who were able to metamorphose the huge assembly room of the Intercontinental Conference sessions into a festive, candlelit banquet hall in less than two hours.
No one seemed to need the reminder, but Master of Ceremonies Arthur Dahl called attention to the fact that this banquet was the opportunity for Bahá’ís to pause in their work and enjoy each other’s company — that life is to be enjoyed and everyone should be happy and can be so when he knows that in spite of the grimness of the times, there are counterforces working right now to build a wonderful world. And so, this night, the Bahá’ís did enjoy art, music, poetry and humor.
The magnificent voice of young Thomas Paul, bass, who has appeared with all the major American symphonies, winning significant awards, gave a thrilling recital of songs including two of the lovely scriptural verses set to music by Charles Wolcott, “Blessed is the Spot” and “O Thou by Whose Name.”
Edwin C. Berry, Executive Director of the Chicago Urban League, who has written extensively on, and is considered one of the outstanding creative thinkers in the field of race relations, who has spent years in social work, taught in nine universities, and has been named Chicagoan of the year — spoke on “The Current Dilemma”. He reminded the audience that he does not condone violence but he does understand it. Referring to the fetish of “law and order”, he wisely indicated that it should read “law and justice”, and that an impossible burden has been placed on police who must keep order in an unjust society. He pointed out the vast difference between suppressing riots and eliminating their cause. Hitler, too, he said, had a society with order, but no justice. In conclusion he spoke for his people, that “We do not seek more (than everyone’s right to be the person he was meant to be) . . . but we will settle for no less!”
The Bahá’í answer to Mr. Berry’s appeal had already been prepared for distribution on Sunday morning, but that statement by the National Spiritual Assemblies of North America was so right and timely an answer that it was read then and there — the statement, “Human Rights are God-Given Rights.”
Robert Hayden, one of the faculty of Fisk University, an award-winning poet and Poetry Editor of World Order
magazine, gave the first public reading of the beautiful verses he had composed especially for this Intercontinental Conference, “And All the Atoms Cry Aloud.”
Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh spoke of “The Coming Century”, yet another reminder that “Now”, indeed, “is the time for very great things,” even in the contingent world. “For a hundred years, now, Bahá’u’lláh has unrolled for sensitive hearts His mighty message —ushering in the day of justice and world unity — Bahá’ís have barely understood the implications of His words, when He referred to ‘advancing civilization.’ ”
She reminded the audience that Bahá’u’lláh spoke of unreligious things like free commerce between countries . . . He spoke of the dignity of labor . . . She pointed out that the Bahá’í concept of world language is not simply the bare business of one utilitarian international language, but the whole concept of intercommunication of ideas. There is room in this brave, new world only for unity, never for prejudice. World government is the only logical conclusion of this burgeoning new civilization. “A new race will inhabit the earth,” she said, “linked in love — rising at last after the years of struggle to the brink of maturity. The Great Wind of God is changing the earth — the world of the future will look upon the past century as a century of travail that gave birth to a beautiful civilization.”
Music Festival[edit]
Following the banquet, a music festival taking as its theme, “Sounds of a New World”, featured a number of highly talented young Bahá’ís and the Southern California Bahá’í Chorus. The enthusiastic performers began with a monologue to musical accompaniment.
The musical monologue was followed with selections by the Chorus and various popular young singers. And thus with music in the modern vein did the evening of joy and relaxation come to a happy conclusion.
Onward to Victory[edit]
The last session, held Sunday morning was, like the first, given over to the Hands of the Cause of God and rose to great heights of power and dedication.
Mr. John Robarts made a heartfelt appeal for more fervent use of prayer, begging those in the audience to say the Greatest Name for him while he was speaking. He told stories of how the power of intense concentration in prayer to remove personal difficulties had changed the course of the Faith in Canada to miraculous success in teaching. Dedication and love are not enough. Pray, he said, and God will send the hungry, waiting people to you.
Mr. Samandari spoke (with his son Dr. Samandari interpreting) on the necessity for prayer. He told of being in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh with two or three others when he was sixteen years old. As they were leaving, Bahá’u’lláh said to them, “Pray for Us. Pray for Us.”
Pioneer volunteers crowd the platform during the closing moments of the Conference. Below, left: Hand of the Cause Tarázú’lláh Samandari observes as they announce their names and intentions. Right: a young pioneer offers his services.
Prayer is not just saying or reading the words; it is heartfelt feeling.
He quoted from Bahá’u’lláh to show the greatness of this day, spoke of the enormous quantity of His Writings, and then brought home the responsibility to each of us. The result of these Conferences will be, he said, that each will gain from them whatever he should. Each must make a new covenant with Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice that he will bring one soul to the Faith.
He spoke at some length about detachment from material goods, warning that wealth is ephemeral. Whatever is given to the treasury of Bahá’u’lláh will be protected and will remain when all else is swept away. The needs for the Faith in the Holy Land are enormous, the duties of the Universal House of Justice are great and are expensive, but the world will be changed by their activities.
The Pilgrimage to Adrianople[edit]
He told of the pilgrimage to Adrianople of the six Hands of the Cause delegated by the Universal House of Justice to represent them at the Conferences. Before they left Haifa they gathered at the Holy Shrines praying for the Bahá’ís throughout the world. The six delegates flew to Istanbul, where they stayed one night before going on to Adrianople, accompanied by the National Spiritual Assembly of Turkey and two Auxiliary Board members. In Adrianople the six Hands of the Cause, alone in the House of Bahá’u’lláh, read together the Súriy-i-Mulúk. On the following day the other believers (members of National Assembly of Turkey, of local Assembly of Adrianople and two Auxiliary Board members) were present and a reception was held in the home of one of the believers. The house of Bahá’u’lláh, he said, is very beautiful and is exactly
as it was in His time. It has been a silent teacher in all Turkey. The holy places in Adrianople are owned by the Bahá’ís, are looked after by the Assemblies and are in excellent condition.
At the end of Mr. Samandari’s talk a prayer was movingly recited with the pure simplicity of childhood, by a little girl — his great granddaughter.
The Closing[edit]
After a summary of the Conference ably presented by Dr. Peter Khan, Auxiliary Board member, the audience was permitted to see, in a beautifully arranged slide program, the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Adrianople, the places sanctified by His presence in ‘Akká, and all the Holy Shrines and gardens at the World Center.
The great surge of the spirit, which had risen steadily throughout the Conference, now reached its peak, a spirit expressed not in noisy emotionalism, but in deep and quiet dedication. The points Peter Khan had brought out in his review of the Conference brought home to all the realization that they stand on the threshold of years without precedence, that much of the future welfare of mankind rests in their hands, and that on leaving the Conference they face a world of turbulence in which only the Bahá’ís can proclaim the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh, that the Promised One has come.
It was in that spirit that the friends listened and silently participated in the message from this Conference to the Universal House of Justice, read by Mrs. Janet Smith of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska. It was in that spirit that 216 believers rose, quietly, deeply moved, but without fanfare to answer the call of the Hands for pioneers.
The friends left the Conference with a deep sense of gratitude to all those who, working quietly and obscurely, had made this meeting possible; to the Hands of the Cause of God, who had stirred them out of their lethargy and deepened their awareness; and above all to the Universal House of Justice for its guidance of the friends in six Conferences throughout the world, friends linked together by an indissoluble bond.
Only when it was over did one realize that all the events of this North American Conference had been arranged to bring him closer to Bahá’u’lláh. He had looked upon His face as recorded by an actual photograph; had seen and heard one who had looked upon His living face and heard His voice, and had been shown the places where He had walked. The Universal House of Justice, that supreme, infallible vehicle of divine guidance today, had focused the light on Bahá’u’lláh alone. Seeking no glory for themselves, they had taken loving care to enable each one to “gaze on” His “beauty and observe whatsoever is in” His “book.”
Hand of the Cause John Robarts closes the Conference.
Arthur Dahl speaks with guests at the reception opening the exhibit of Mark Tobey paintings from the Dahl collection. The exhibit was co-sponsored by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and Roosevelt University as part of the Centennial Observances.
Frankfurt[edit]
The Frankfurt House of Worship.
Fifteen Countries of Europe Unite on Proclamation Plans[edit]
THE PRAISE OF GOD was raised in many languages in the heart of Europe as 1700 Bahá’ís participated in the Intercontinental Conference in Frankfurt/Main, Germany. All of western Europe was represented. There were 255 from the British Isles. Nineteen came from Turkey, five from Iceland, and over a hundred from Irán. African voices, Middle Eastern voices, North and South American — even Pakistanian and Indonesian voices blended with their Western brothers’. One by one they viewed the precious portrait of Bahá’u’lláh. Together they greeted Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney, arriving from Adrianople, the special representative sent by the Universal House of Justice. His guidance for proclaiming the Faith in Europe came in clear, purposeful words to those gathered in the Jahrhunderthalle (Centenary Hall), so appropriately named for the occasion!
Fifteen National Assemblies Consult[edit]
Fifteen countries sent representatives to consult upon the plans for Proclamation, their individual plans and the coordination of those plans with others. The prayers in whatever language brought a unity of worship, and all worldly differences of a groping humanity were forgotten, drowned out by the tide of love through the power of Bahá’u’lláh. Berbers of North Africa had combined to weave a rug of many colors to send with a friend as a gift, its bright reds and blues bringing a warm note of joy. The intercontinental telephone hookup was a physical evidence to all of a growing interdependence
as hundreds of nations and thousands of hearts were united for a few moments.
Joyous faces from many lands gather in front of the House of Worship near Frankfurt, Germany.
Four Hands of Cause Present[edit]
In addition to Mr. Haney, three other Hands of the Cause of God were present: Dr. Hermann Grossmann whose illness permitted him to attend only one day; John Ferraby and Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel. Twenty-one Board members were there. Europe hastened on its busy path while the Bahá’ís began to comprehend more the immense significance of this day as the Conference unfolded. Mr. Haney read the message from the Universal House of Justice. His commentary on the suffering of Bahá’u’lláh in Adrianople brought an expectancy to the Conference and placed an urgency underneath the joy and thanksgiving. Bahá’ís alone have been given the vision to understand the reality of today’s world and yet have no fear. He called for a vision of the greatness of the Cause and “a faith within to fulfill our responsibilities.” Mr. Haney quoted from the Message sent by the Hands of the Cause to the Frankfurt Conference of 1958: “The work of Bahá’u’lláh remains to be completed. No one generation will achieve this. Great moments require great deeds.”
All Must Participate[edit]
Dr. Mühlschlegel encouraged a dedication that would not fade as the Conference ended and as the weeks passed, but rather a total offering to the great things that were happening in the world. “As we become more aware of these great movements of history, as we begin to see how this age is the greatest event since the time of Adam, when man became aware of himself, so will we be able to take the action that fits the times.” The action required is teaching, pioneering and travel teaching. With this in mind, Dr. Mühlschlegel quoted a passage by Shoghi Effendi: “A11 must participate, however humble their origin, however limited their experience, however restricted their means, however deficient their education, however pressing their cares and preoccupations, however unfavorable the environment in which they live. . . . The field is indeed so immense, the period so critical, the Cause so great, the workers so few, the time so short, the privilege so priceless, that no follower of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, worthy to bear His name, can afford a moment’s hesitation.”
John Ferraby stressed most powerfully the need of
the day for heroic deeds, as repeated by the Universal House of Justice in recent messages. When people empty themselves completely so that all they offer comes from God, then will their teaching be effective, he said.
As the news of the Conference began to come through on radio and in the newspapers, the Bahá’ís centered their consultation on the Nine Year Plan. John Ferraby introduced this discussion with a probing study of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan, the teaching charter and basis of all later Plans. He spoke of the two great movements revealed in these Plans: the movement within the Bahá’í world community and movement in the outside world seen in the founding of the United Nations and developments that would eventually lead to the Lesser Peace, and then the coming of the Most Great Peace of Bahá’u’lláh.
Following a survey of the financial needs of Europe by Charles MacDonald, Paul Haney brought the Funds into a world perspective. He said that the greatest flow of Bahá’ís was coming from the undeveloped countries where capacity to give was very small, thus placing extra responsibility on Bahá’ís of Europe for the financial needs of the world. He also referred to the needs of the World Center in respect to its maintenance and development.
Inside the House of Worship, Langenhain.
Victories and Goals[edit]
Some of the good news shared was the success of the Faith in Iceland, the nine pioneers ready to form an Assembly on Rhodes, the developments in the Balearics. The goals to be won are still many. Special stress was laid on the importance of the islands around the mainland of Europe, those of the North Sea and the islands off Scotland and Eire. The need for pioneers, for traveling teachers, for sacrificial giving, the need to generate universal participation became sobering responsibilities, almost overwhelming in relation to the seemingly few available to carry on the tasks. Slowly, through the fear that the tasks were too great, came the realization that not the few souls but only the power of God would win the objectives. Some results were immediately apparent — several volunteered to pioneer, some started on their way. New confidence was engendered to sail with greater confidence upon the “unknown sea” of Proclamation.
Public Events Attract[edit]
A full conference hall heard Paul Haney give clear answers to a troubled world at the public meeting held on Sunday evening. Just prior to the opening of the Conference a reception was held at the Continental Hotel attended by a number of dignitaries, including Prof. Dr. Ernst Benz, professor of comparative religion at Marburg who had spoken on the Faith on a series of national broadcasts. A press conference attracted
Dr. Barres, Director of Social Studies at Palermo.
History — Past and Future[edit]
The spirit of this European Conference is best summed up in the words of an observer: “The significance of this Conference and the others with which it was linked in so many ways — by phone, by love, by common worship and purpose and by a common authority on earth that had called them together — was in fact too much for people to realize and fully understand. Its place in history is dimly seen as we look back at the history of God’s renewed religion that had been brought into Europe by His Manifestation at the turmoil of a century in which a bewildered continent lost its empires and its glory, at the sacrifice of those who had labored to bring the new truth; but its true significance will be seen . . . after the spiritual rebirth of Europe is apparent, not only to Bahá’ís in the spirit of such momentous gatherings, but to everyone.”
Youth — a Present and Future Strength[edit]
A special session was devoted to youth. Charles Ioas of Spain, Auxiliary Board member, stressed their “energy, enthusiasm, imagination and spirituality” on which is based the “future strength of the Faith.” The representatives from the twelve countries consulted on the special message of the Universal House of Justice to youth. The youth present showed their practical approach to the real challenges when they asked the adults to give them more intense moral education to help them live up to the required standards. This education, they said, must be frank and allow the youth to freely discuss the pressures they feel today in the outside world. Inter-religious round tables, special group trips to goal towns, literature with quotations relevant to youth, holiday teaching — these were just a few of the ideas generated.
Between sessions at Frankfurt Conference.
Hand of the Cause, Paul Haney, at the European Conference in Frankfurt, Germany.
The Intercontinental Conference in Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt, Germany.
Telefon Ringgesprach—intercontinental phone hookup.
Dr. Ernst Benz, professor of comparative religion, and Anneliese Bopp, national secretary, at the reception, discussing a program on the Bahá’í Faith by Dr. Benz which was presented six months ago by the Bavarian Broadcasting Co.
Reception in Hotel Intercontinental attended by invited dignitaries.
At the picture post card booth.
Kampala[edit]
Bahá’í House of Worship near Kampala, Uganda in Africa.
Conference Imparts New Spirit of Courage[edit]
THE INTERCONTINENTAL CONFERENCE for Africa was unique in the highlights it produced and the emotions it evoked in the more than 450 Bahá’ís from twenty-four nations gathered in the Lugogo Stadium Clubhouse, Kampala, Uganda. Scenes lively, joyful, refreshing and sad, moving but inspiring, combined to raise the spirits of all to renewed heights of awareness, enthusiasm and determination.
A great drum sounded the call to consultation at the beginning of each session and prayers rose in innumerable tongues, chants and choruses of the believers of Africa — black, white, brown. Here and there simultaneous translations conveyed knowledge of the wide representation of tribes and peoples. The weather was warm and sunny, the flowers colorful and sweet-scented. The messages and greetings that poured in from the Holy Land, the other Conferences, many parts of Africa and friends around the world brought a warm feeling of oneness. And the news was good — encouragingly good. Yes, there were problems, many and serious problems.
But there was accomplishment, victories too — handsome victories won by believers and communities laboring in difficult circumstances.
When it was over it seemed that the believers of Africa were poised, ready and eager to flood this vast continent with the swelling tide of proclamation that “the wilderness, the mountain, the valley, the forests, the prairies and the seas” should resound with the Name of the Lord.
Removing the Difficulties[edit]
This had not been an easy Conference to arrange. A large committee had labored for months over details without number. For a period the government had refused permission for the selected dates as it was also the season for celebrating independence in Uganda. One by one the members of the committee were stricken by illness or personal crisis. But through it all was seen the finger of God — opening the long-closed door of radio, attracting journalists and photographers from
home and abroad to a fine press conference and to cover the events of the weekend, providing sponsors for a four-page Bahá’í supplement in the daily English language newspaper, offering a program on television through which Mr. Furútan and Mr. Olinga introduced the Faith, sending a Bahá’í writer and a photographer from the American magazine, Ebony, to cover the Conference in meticulous detail.
Twenty-Four Countries Represented[edit]
On the first evening the friends gathered for registration and to join in a unity feast punctuated by laughter and loving spirit. The choirs of Kenya and Uganda sang. Greetings were exchanged as the roll call of countries was read. When all had finally arrived, seventeen countries in Africa were represented, two in the Indian Ocean and five from other parts of the world. Tape recorded messages from the other Conferences were heard. A great banner was arrayed across one wall announcing the purpose of the Conference, and the auditorium was embellished with numerous Bahá’í photographs including a large colored reproduction of the design of the Pamana House of Worship.
Hands of Cause Speaks[edit]
Mr. Kolonerio Oule, chairman of the National Assembly for Uganda and Central Africa, opened the Conference on the first day, welcoming and greeting the friends. The Hands of the Cause of God started the Conference along its threefold path of celebrating the Centenary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh to the rulers of the world, of opening the six-year period of worldwide public proclamation of the Faith, and of deliberating on the progress of the Nine Year Plan in Africa.
Most ably representing the Universal House of Justice, Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furútan read the inspiring message sent by that Supreme Institution of the Faith to the six Intercontinental Conferences. He spoke of the arduous life of Bahá’u’lláh in Adrianople and the Revelation of the Súriy-i-Mulúk. He told of the moving experiences of the Hands of the Cause on the pilgrimage to the house of Bahá’u’lláh in Adrianople. He was followed by Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, speaking with eloquence and learning about the history and scope of Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation.
Commemoration in Temple[edit]
On the afternoon of the first day the believers were taken by bus to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár on Kikaaya Hill where they attended a special service of celebration and to view the portrait of Bahá’u’lláh. On a far crest of that same hill the new national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for Uganda and Central Africa and a teaching institute have just been completed. The Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds is a circular building having a round central auditorium surrounded by a group of offices, a library, archives room, publishing room, guest room and kitchen. Following the service, Mr. Furútan dedicated the new buildings designed by Bahá’í architect Patrick Robarts, who spoke briefly about their construction. Hassan Sabri explained the history of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Uganda. Sacred relics of Bahá’u’lláh from the national archives were on view as the believers passed through the auditorium.
Hands of the Cause Mr. Olinga and Mr. Furútan greet friends in the temple gardens.
The flowers of the human garden.
The new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at dedication.
In the evening the friends were privileged to see the
exquisite slide productions with sound, “Carmel, Mountain of God,” and “International Bahá’í Convention and World Congress 1963” and the film, “And His Name Shall Be One.”
Proclamation Plans[edit]
The second day of the Conference was given to reports of plans and consultation on methods of proclaiming the Faith in Africa. The subject was brought into sharp focus through the thought-provoking words of chairman William Masehla and speaker Elsie Austin, who put definition to public proclamation and its techniques and stressed the role of individual responsibility in the teaching work. As the representatives of the national assemblies reported on their plans and progress, it was clearly seen that much thought and effort had gone into the preparations for this great campaign and that each assembly is dealing with the situation in its own region with a fine blend of audacity and wisdom. Step by careful, well-planned step, the Name of Bahá’u’lláh will be carried from the cities to the towns, villages, homes, and hearts of the people. The high and the low, rich and the poor, literate and the illiterate, religious and pagan, young and old, men and the women — all will hear His Message. That is the plan.
Public Meeting and Reception[edit]
At 5:30 p.m. on the afternoon of the second day a public meeting was held in the main auditorium of Makerere University College. Approximately 500 people were present to hear Mr. Furútan and Mr. Olinga speak. Over 1,000 invitations had been sent to leaders in government and public life in Uganda. Each invitation had been accompanied by a letter, a specially prepared pamphlet giving extracts from His Teachings, and a brief statement of the history and purpose of the Cause. Following the public meeting a reception for 250 people was held at the new state hotel, attended by representatives of the government, the diplomatic corps, the clergy, educational institutions and the business and professional communities.
The Spur of Enthusiasm[edit]
Saturday was a day of sober reflection on the problems and prospects of fulfilling that “lion’s share” of the Nine Year Plan so confidently given to Africa by the Universal House of Justice. As the friends listened to chairman Hassan Sabri and the reports from each national assembly, they must have marvelled; for whereas the Plan is orderly and methodical, destined to anchor the Faith in every land, the ways by which God aids His Cause are mysterious and fascinating. Believers are imprisoned, persecuted, and the Faith gains inner stength and outer recognition. New nations are disrupted, torn asunder with strife, and the Bahá’í refugees plant the banner of Bahá’u’lláh in their foster homelands. Pioneers are badly needed here or there; none appears, but a Bahá’í is transferred across the world in his profession and fills the breech. A white pioneer dies, is buried in a black burial ground, and the barriers of race tumble. A Bahá’í cemetery is acquired. The sweet spur of enthusiasm far exceeds goals — nine local assemblies where five were wanted in the harsh heartlands of prejudice; twenty assemblies called for, 102 formed where breathes the air of freedom.
New believers have been contacted; large numbers enrolled; national and local assemblies formed; temple and endowment lands acquired; schools, institutes, Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds erected; whole institutions launched; communities incorporated; legal recognition obtained; languages translated; literature published and disseminated; summer schools started; funds contributed; women, youth and children trained and the believers deepened. The friends all over the continent are active in the service of this precious and sacred Cause.
Cable from World Center[edit]
The previous day a cablegram had been sent to the Universal House of Justice by the Conference. The following reply was read on Saturday:
“Deeply moved loving sentiments. Recall with profound emotion message beloved Guardian occasion 1953 Conference wherein he extolled pure hearted spiritually receptive indigenous people Africa whom Bahá’u’lláh compared with the pupil of the eye through which the light of the spirit shineth forth and for whose conversion both the Guardian and the Master before him yearned and labored.
Praying fervently Holy Shrines this conference may weld participants and the communities they represent as well as entire vast continent into one mighty instrument energetically campaign promotion propagation divinely ordained Universal Faith Bahá’u’lláh.”
The Canadian National Assembly had sent a beautiful illuminated and framed Tablet which was presented by their representative Roger White. A cablegram of greeting and encouragement was received from the only remaining believer in Africa who met Bahá’u’lláh — Mrs. Murassah Yazdi Rowhani.
Day of Maturity[edit]
On Saturday afternoon Elton Smith, of Kenya, chaired the consultation on the Nine Year Plan. Mr. Mazibuko of South Africa said, “Although it was the pioneers who carried the Faith to Africa, it is the African believers who must now arise and carry the message to their fellow-Africans.” He emphasized the vital role in the teaching work played by the African Bahá’í women in his area in training children and holding firesides in the home. “The future of the Faith lies with our youth and children. If we are in love with our Faith, we cannot resist teaching and spreading it.”
Mr. Mooten of Mauritius said, “An army cannot march on an empty stomach, and the Faith cannot progress without funds. The Universal House of Justice has called for universal participation in contribution to the Fund. A child, for a time, is dependent on his parents, but when he reaches maturity he becomes self-supporting.”
Mr. Mukalama of Kenya reminded us, “If it were possible for the Master to walk in the street, or from place to place, teaching and winning hearts for the Faith, we should not be too proud to follow His example.”
Saturday evening the believers crowded into the auditorium in the hope of hearing the intercontinental telephonic greetings to be exchanged by the six Conferences. The loudspeakers were connected to the telephone. First the Kampala operator, then London — a long pause — repeated apologies from London, (prayers),
White Plains, New York and finally Chicago. Mr. Olinga conveyed the message from Africa. Then silence. Nothing was received. It was a low point.
William Masehla from South Africa.
Representative from Indian Ocean, Mr. Mooten
Speakers’ platform with Conference drum (right), symbol of sending news in Africa and used it to call sessions to order.
The Day of God[edit]
But later that evening high spirits prevailed during the “traditional welcome” accorded the representative of the Universal House of Justice and the Hands of the Cause, hosted by Auxiliary Board member, Max Kenierezy. The choirs, some in customary dress, sang in the warm and exhilarating tempos of Africa. An orchestra of hand-carved African instruments played by skilled, blind musicians put ear to the heartbeat of Africa. A group of Ugandan children performed a small play, “The Day of God.”
On the last day the children performed again in a brief series of recitations and prayers. Mrs. Helen Wilks, Auxiliary Board member for Swaziland, displayed and explained the visual aids she has devised for training and encouraging children in the Cause.
The Day of Days[edit]
Sunday brought the Conference to a climax and conclusion. It started in the morning with an inspiring talk by Auxiliary Board member Pouva Murday, chaired by Auxiliary Board member Aziz Yazdi, on the spirit of love and devotion which can carry the believers and the Cause through to total victory in the Plan. This was followed by a statement, lighted with sage humor, by Jack McCants of America, speaking on the role of the Hands of the Cause in the achievement of the plan.
On Sunday afternoon there were four Hands of the Cause, together for the first time during the Conference, under the chairmanship of Auxiliary Board member Oloro Epyeru. ‘Ali-Akbar Furútan, representative of the Universal House of Justice, admonished us to be united and to obey the Law of God if we would win victory for Bahá’u’lláh. “Love is the essence of all religions and the greatest gift of God to humanity. Bahá’u’lláh declared that the principle teaching of His Cause was the unity of humanity, and that all His laws, ordinances and teachings were to bring about unity.”
Enoch Olinga reminded us that though we are far apart we are one in spirit and this will be our strength.
Auxiliary Board members Belete Worku from Ethiopia and Aziz Yazdi from Kenya with Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furútan, representing the Universal House of Justice.
Mixed singing group from South Africa and Kenya.
Left: Auxiliary Board member Pouva Murday from Malagasy Republic, talks on accomplishing goals of the Nine Year Plan. Seated, from left: Conference chairman Koloneiro Oule and Auxiliary Board member Aziz Yazdi. Center: Solomon Tanyi from the Cameroon Republic. Right: waiting for the intercontinental phone hookup. Left to right: Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, Margaret Clayton and technician.
“ ‘Great mercies and blessings’, said the Master, ‘are promised unto you provided your hearts are filled with the fire of love, that you live in perfect kindness and harmony, as one soul in different bodies. . . . Take no thought of yourselves or your lives, whether you eat or whether you sleep, whether you are comfortable, whether you are ill or well, whether you are with friends or foes, whether you receive praise or blame — for all these things you must not care at all. You must die to yourselves and to the world. Behold a candle, how it weeps its life away drop by drop in order to give forth its flame of light. . . . As you have faith so shall your powers and your blessings be.’ ”
William Sears was seriously ill, en route for major surgery, only able to leave his bed long enough to attend the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár service and to pour his heart and spirit into that final magnificent exhortation with which we were sent forth to “mount our steeds.” He said: “The Universal House of Justice said in its inspiring message that humanity is ‘entering the dark heart of the age of transition.’ The beloved Guardian told us that we were being swept into the vortex of unprecedented disasters, undreamed of afflictions and sufferings. The world around us is suffering. It is tragic, but the real tragedy is that the Bahá’ís within the community may fail to respond to His exhortations to accomplish the task before them. . . . Unless we are Bahá’ís outwardly and within, we cannot win the victories. . . . Sometimes we appear outwardly devoted and active, but inwardly we are not dedicated at all. We go through the motions but our hearts are not in it. The fire seems to have gone out. We can fool other people, but we cannot fool Bahá’u’lláh. Sometimes we can fool ourselves, but not for long. No man is happy without the love of God in his heart. . . . “ ‘One thing and one thing only,’ said the Guardian, ‘will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely the extent to which our own inner lives and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.’ ”
The Hero of Africa[edit]
And then, as we were all there, gathered to hear the words of these “stewards” of the Faith of God, beloved Áqá Ján our “dear father” as he is known here, Músá Banáni, was carried down the stairs and into the auditorium in the arms of a loving friend, was gently placed in his wheelchair and taken to the speakers’ platform. Every believer rose to his feet in spontaneous, deeply sincere love, respect and honor. Here was the hero of Africa, scarred but unbent and unwavering. Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. Banáni — sixteen years a pioneer to Africa and in the twilight of his life, ill and almost blind with diabetes, paralyzed on his right side by a devastating stroke, and now straight from bed, his left leg amputated above the knee three weeks ago to quench the angry thrust of gangrene. We sang, “Alláh-u-Abhá” when he came; we listened intently while his daughter, Violette Nakhjavani, translated his message; we admired his stern self-control as he sat in obvious pain throughout the talks of his fellow Hands. An era seemed to have ended. We sensed it. Would he ever come amongst us like that again? Never mind — we have lived with the towering example of his dedication, loyalty, obedience, sacrifice, service and long-suffering. Is this not blessing enough? Are these not the lessons which no eloquence can teach? How great the wisdom of God — that here amongst the simple, unlettered people of Africa He placed a giant who would, without the aid of words, teach all Africa the meaning of the word “faithful.”
That evening there was a final service at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in supplication for His blessing on the Proclamation and the remaining years of the Nine Year Plan. It was a warm, starlit night. God seemed very Close. We pledged ourselves to His work.
New Delhi[edit]
National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, New Delhi, floodlit at night for the Conference.
Events Spark First Bahá’í Press Conference in India[edit]
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN a multicolored garden of humanity surrounded by heartwarming smiles, radiant love and joyous companionship? These were to be found in the massive gathering of diversity of cultures, nationalities, language groups and religious backgrounds at the Intercontinental Bahá’í Conference held at New Delhi, attended by more than 3,000 Bahá’ís.
The Conference was held on the spacious and beautiful lawns of the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of India — a large, white, stately and imposing building. A huge tent made of multicolored cloth with the vivid, vibrant colors of India covered the entire area. The covered space provided seating capacity for over 3,300 people. The speakers’ platform was tastefully decorated with Indian and Persian carpets. Directly in front of the speakers’ platform was a carpeted area where the children of various Bahá’í schools usually sat.
During the first evening and the next day people poured into the grounds and all roads led to the National Bahá’í Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Messages of greetings by letters and cables started arriving in great numbers some days prior to and during the Conference. Busloads of Bahá’ís from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Mysore, Gujarat and other provinces, people from major cities and every nook and corner of India, including remote tribal representatives, participated. Bahá’ís from eighteen Asian countries and four western countries and even from Africa and Australia attended this most unique and inspiring gathering. They came by planeloads from Persia numbering about 400, including some people from the tribes. The next largest representation outside of India was from the Arabian countries.
On Saturday evening, October 7, the Conference was formally opened by Shirin Boman, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India.
Throughout the Conference three languages were used — Hindi, English and Persian, but prayers were heard in many different languages.
Four Hands of the Cause Present[edit]
Hand of the Cause of God A. Q. Faisi, representative of the Universal House of Justice, was introduced and greeted the friends. Hands of the Cause Dr. A. M. Varqá, General S. ‘Ala’i and Dr. Muhájir briefly addressed the Conference, saying that at the first Conference in New Delhi in 1953 there were only twelve National Spiritual Assemblies in the world but now we have eighty-one. A message to the Conference from Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander was read. Hand of the Cause for Asia, Dr. R. Muhájir, introduced the twenty-two Auxiliary Board members present of a total of thirty-six in Asia.
The National Spiritual Assemblies represented were: India, Ceylon, Arabia, Laos, Thailand, North East Africa, Philippines, Írán, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, South and Central Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. This session was covered by the Government of India newsreel department and a representative from London Television Company, in addition to many newspaper reporters and photographers.
Mr. Faizi Speaks[edit]
On Sunday, October 8, Mr. A. Q. Faizi spoke movingly of the meeting of the six Hands with the members of the Universal House of Justice in Bahjí, prior to leaving for Adrianople and then to the six Conferences. This was followed by his reading of the message from the Universal House of Justice.
The latest to enter the Faith, the Indian masses, were given the first opportunity to view the portrait of Bahá’u’lláh while Mr. Faizi stood in silent reverence.
A cable was sent to the Universal House of Justice and a reply received. A cable was also sent to ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum informing her of the acceptance of the Faith by Tibetans, much loved by her, and her cabled response was received.
Tapes of telephone messages of the Conferences, sent in advance to be played in case there was a breakdown of communications between the Conferences (which did occur), were played.
On Monday morning, October 9, with Mr. M. Salmanpour, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of Arabia presiding, Mr. Faizi spoke on the Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, and his thirty-six years of ceaseless labor. He said that the friends are well aware of their beloved Guardian but they do not realize fully the many things he did personally over a period of so many years that made it possible for the big victories to be won. He then asked the Indian teachers to come upon the platform. Among them was a badly crippled old man who must walk with crutches on the tips of his toes. This old man has gone through the villages of India enrolling thousands under the banner of the Faith. Also called to the stage were five of the first Tibetans to become Bahá’ís from among the Tibetan refugees in northern India.
The afternoon session was chaired by the representative of Iran, Jalel Sahihi, with representatives of participating National Assemblies speaking on Proclamation plans.
Food Minister Speaks[edit]
A public meeting featured the Food and Agriculture Minister of India, Jagjivan Ram, in the public hall of the spacious Vigyan Bhavan. The two Bahá’í speakers were Dr. M. Salmanpour and Shirin Fozdar. In summing up, the minister, Jagjivan Ram, spoke very highly and eloquently about the Bahá’í Faith and said that the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet for the present age, provided the foundation for a spiritual basis of universal peace and that in it one found all the ancient wisdom given for a modern age. He further said that in his opinion every rational person is a potential Bahá’í and wished the Bahá’ís all success in their endeavors.
Proclamation Book Presented to the President of India[edit]
On the evening of October 9, a delegation of four friends, including Mr. Faizi, had an audience with His Excellency the President of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain. The chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Shirin Boman, and the vice-chairman Dr. K. K. Bhargava, presented the Proclamation book compiled by the Universal House of Justice to the Head of the State of India, who received it with great respect and promised to read its contents.
The Proclamation book for the King of Nepal, sent by the Universal House of Justice to India to be presented to His Highness, was taken by the Auxiliary Board members Dr. (Mrs) Perin Oliyai and Mr. Lal Harvansh Singh to Kathmandu and presented to the king.
Deliberation on the Plan occupied most of the Tuesday sessions, with addresses by Dr. Varqá and Dr. Muhájir. Mrs. Sadaquat, representative of the Continental Pioneer Committee of Asia, and Vic Samaniego, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Philippines, presided over the morning and afternoon sessions.
Visit to Deputy Premier of India[edit]
The Deputy Prime Minister of India, Mr. Morarji
Desai, received a delegation from the Intercontinental
(Continued on page 34)
Hand of the Cause General ‘Alá‘i being introduced to Mr. Morarji Desai, Deputy Prime Minister of India.
Bahá’í delegation presenting Proclamation book to the President of India. Left to right: Dr. K. K. Bhargava, Hand of the Cause A. Q. Faizi, His Excellency the President of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain, Shafigheh Featheázam, Shirin Boman.
Bahá’í delegation with Mr. Morarji Desai, Deputy Prime Minister of India.
Some of the friends with Bahá’í school children.
A group of Indian village Bahá’ís with two friends from abroad.
Conference on Tuesday at 3 p.m., consisting of representatives from countries literally encircling the globe. Mr. Faizi, General ‘Ala’i and Dr. Varqá were first presented, followed by the introduction of individuals from most of the thirty countries present at the Conference. As individuals were being introduced to him, Mr. Desai commented on the wide spread of the Bahá’í Faith. After these introductions Mr. Desai invited everyone to sit at a long conference table in his office where he gave a short talk stating that he believed in all religions, including the Bahá’í Faith. Mr. Faizi told him about a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in which he foretold of the future spiritual importance of India. General ‘Alá’í told of meeting Mr. Nehru some years ago and of his friendly attitude toward the Faith.
Dr. J. C. Sundaram, representative of the National Assembly of Malaysia chaired the Wednesday session after an address by Ishraq Khavart, internationally known Bahá’í teacher from Irán, the role of youth in teaching the Faith in Asia was discussed. Some of the youth spoke on their teaching experiences among the masses and urged other youth to come forward. During the Conference a special program was arranged by the youth to discuss teaching in colleges. Dr. Suzoki, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia, chaired an afternoon session highlighted by the Auxiliary Board members and the Hands of the Cause.
Mayor is Honored Guest[edit]
A reception for the dignitaries of India and abroad was held at the Hotel Oberoi Intercontinental at 5:30 pm. The guest of honor was the Mayor of Delhi. It was attended by about a thousand persons and the hall was packed to capacity. Mr. Faizi was the chief speaker and was well received.
Bahá’í Model Town — Talkatora Garden[edit]
One of the important features of this Conference was
the arrangements made to lodge and board the Indian
Bahá’ís at the Talkatora Garden, numbering well over
2,000. The whole ground, measuring over half a mile,
was covered with huge tents partitioned into eighteen
by thirty-six foot compartments to house the various
(continued on page 36)
Baha'is from southern India.
Representatives of the national assemblies being introduced to the Conference.
Tibetan Bahá’ís with Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi.
representations. Separate arrangements were made for women and children. A temporary telephone connection, first-aid camps supervised by Bahá’í doctors, loudspeaker connections and a reception and registration office were provided to make their stay a happy and memorable one. Night sessions were regularly held there for the benefit of the Hindi-speaking believers who came forward to relate their experiences of various ways in which they became Bahá’ís. Many volunteered as pioneers and teachers, including a number of very new Bahá’ís.
Some of the lions of mass teaching of the Cause of God in India such as Auxiliary Board members L. P. Lad and Dayaram Malviya and R. B. Tripathi (National Spiritual Assembly of India), Nathulal Malviya, Parthi Banjara, V. P. Gupta and Dr. R. S. Bhargava, as well as many others were at hand, ready to give their messages of greetings and welcome to the Conference, but due to the tight schedule of the program they contained their enthusiasm.
Last Scene[edit]
K. H. Vahji, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of India, has written: “This great Conference which was so anxiously awaited in the picturesque metropolis of India was all too quickly over. To most of us it all seemed like a beautiful dream come true in the garden of delight — the Bahá’í House of India. Some of the friends were heard to say, ‘Perhaps we may not be able to meet again,’ while friends of younger age promised to meet again at one of the interoceanic conferences. Thus came to an end yet one more great and glorious gathering reminiscent of the Bahá’í World Congress in London.”
Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir being garlanded by a Bahá’í village lady of India. Below: a group of Bahá’í ladies from Indian villages and abroad.
Part of the audience at the public meeting.
Press Symposium[edit]
Immediately after the Intercontinental Conference a press conference of India was organized for two days, October 12 to 13. It was the first conference of the press in the history of the Bahá’í Faith, and it is too early to evaluate the impact. The conference was honored by the chief guest, J. R. Mudholkar, president of the Press Council of India, who remarked: “ . . . All spiritual teachings speak of a common source for all creation. . . Yet, we continue to separate each other. . . . The only effective way in which man can hope to be saved from nuclear warfare is to launch a concerted spiritual movement for the regeneration of mankind. The Bahá’í Faith, from what I have been able to gather, contains a universal medicine. . . . It is my instruction to the representatives of the press here today to continue a regular discussion on this subject and to be the avant guarde of the new world which is to be ushered in soon. If the press serves humanity in this way, you would be focusing public attention upon the most important aspect of life — the spiritual development of man.”
The Conference consisted of twelve sessions comprised of panel discussions or lectures, talks by various Bahá’ís in which selected subjects were presented to the press. Each session was followed by questions or comments. The presentation of this conference of the press was under the guidance of Auxiliary Board member Keith de Folo. Hand of the Cause of God Mr. A. Q. Faizi is to be richly commended for the wise and thoughtful comments he provided at the conclusion of many of the press sessions. It was his calm and loving wisdom that provided the perfect background for every subject. He commanded great respect from everyone and his summing up always gave the subject a new and larger scope.
Sydney[edit]
Great Distances Bridged by Power of the Faith[edit]
PROCLAMATION IN AUSTRALASIA was sounded on an auspicious and joyous opening note! The Lord Mayor of Sydney gave a civic reception in honor of Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery and seventy Bahá’ís representing all areas of the Pacific and the Australian continent. This event, held at noon, Thursday, October 5, generated an ABC television program presented on opening night of the Conference, giving an extra stimulus to the extensive newspaper coverage. The Lord Mayor was deeply impressed at the wide representation of visitors coming from such a farflung area and by the tenor of the Bahá’í principles, and gave a warm welcome to the assemblage.
Hands of the Cause Greet Bahá’ís[edit]
The Conference itself opened with the introduction of Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery, representative of the Universal House of Justice, as well as Collis Featherstone, Hand of the Cause of God from Australia. Jeff Rodwell, National Assembly chairman, greeted the nine Auxiliary Board members, National Assembly members and other believers from Australia, New Zealand, Western and American Samoa, French Polynesia, British Solomon Islands, Fiji, Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Irán, Marianna Islands, New Hebrides, Portuguese Timor, Territory of Papua and New Guinea, Tonga, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, the Philippines, the United States of America, Canada and Great Britain.
Could anything but the love of Bahá’u’lláh bring together so many people from such distant and disparate areas in such joy and unity? There were over 350 of them from the twenty-one countries and islands — a true expression of the uniting power of the Faith. Later that evening the friends were shown the film, “And His Name Shall Be One,” from the CBS television program, “A Lamp Unto My Feet.”
Message from Universal House of Justice[edit]
On the morning of Friday, October 6, Dr. Giachery presented the message of The Universal House of Justice and spoke of the visit of the six Hands to the
holy places associated with the exile of Bahá’u’lláh to Constantinople and Adrianople. He expressed the hope that he might convey some of the emotions experienced on this journey, the first official pilgrimage to these places. He explained that with every step of the journey from Istanbul to Adrianople they contemplated the sufferings of Bahá’u’lláh, who had made the same journey one hundred years before. He mentioned the prayers of the Hands in the house of Riza Big, which has been rebuilt to its original condition, and the Feast of Mashíyyat with readings from the Súriy-i-Mulúk.
Review of Adrianople Events[edit]
Mrs. Viva Rodwell reviewed the events which transpired in Adrianople, culminating in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation of the Súriy-i-Mulúk. As background she gave an outline of European history and of the oppressed conditions of the masses, pointing out the relevancy of Bahá’u’lláh’s message to the leaders of the world. This review was followed with the reading of the Súriy-i-Mulúk and other Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh to the Rulers, interspersed with appropriate musical selections.
John Davidson gave a presentation of this history and scope of Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation, not only conveying the historical facts, but also the deep suffering of Bahá’u’lláh because of Mirzá Yaḥyá’s transgression and the subsequent oppression of Sultán Abdu’l-‘Aziz. In outlining the scope of Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation he summarized the major themes — firstly, the Divine Summons; secondly, Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of the future: “Now that ye have refused the Most Great Peace, cling yet to the Lesser Peace”; thirdly, the obligations imposed upon the recipients of His Epistles, the station of kingship; and lastly, His prophecies and warnings concerning the downfall of the kings and ecclesiastics.
Board member Miss Thelma Perks spoke on the monarchs and religious leaders and institutions which were the recipients of His message. Board member William Washington continued with the account of the
The Lord Mayor’s reception, Thursday, October 5, 1967. Left to right: The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery, James Heggie, Australian national secretary and Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone.
Members of the National Teaching Committee of Australia, Jolee Leedham and Jim Chittleborough consulting with Grenville Kirton and Mansell Morris.
Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Madge Featherstone at far end of the table in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, Sydney, along with the nine Australasian Auxiliary Board members, clockwise: Virginia Breaks, Niualeava Tuataga, Vi Hoenke, Marc Towers, Hugh Blundell, Howard Harwood, Margaret Rowling, Bill Washington, Thelma Perks.
effect of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the world, and Niualeava Tuataga terminated this session with a spirited and inspiring talk on the Faith.
The friends attending the Australasian Intercontinental Conference assembled outside the Sydney House of Worship.
Viewing of Portrait[edit]
On Friday night a special commemorative Temple service was held at which a youth choir sang selections of Bahá’u’lláh’s words. After the service the assembled believers viewed the portrait of Bahá’u’lláh brought from the Holy Land for this occasion. The atmosphere in the Temple was intense as each believer approached and gazed at the face of Bahá’u’lláh, recalling the words of Professor Browne, “. . . the face of Him on Whom I gazed I can never forget, even though I cannot describe it . . .”
Proclamation Books to be Presented[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, through its representative Mr. P. de Vogel, announced its plans to present the book, The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, to the Governor General, the Prime Minister, political leaders, religious dignitaries and people of eminence throughout Australia. These activities are to be accompanied by an intensive proclamation to all sections of the community. The representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand, Mrs. Butler, mentioned that a special Proclamation conference in Auckland was held prior to the Intercontinental Conference, which resulted in a plan being launched to culminate with a public meeting on November 12, the birthday of Bahá’u’lláh. Their plan included the presentation of 150 books to leaders and a special weekend festival on October 19-20.
Mrs. Freda Butler of New Zealand addressing the Conference.
Lillian Ala’i of the National Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific Ocean stated that with the distances involved in the South Pacific the difficulties of proclamation were evident. Two special copies of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh are to be presented to the King
of Tonga and the King of Samoa.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific announced plans to present the book, The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to fifty leaders and cabinet members, together with the pamphlet on loyalty to government.
Few Teachers — Long Distances[edit]
Mrs. G. Blum of the National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific Ocean spoke of the difficulties of teaching the Faith in Noumea and the New Hebrides. However, with the help of pioneers Mr. and Mrs. Battrick, who speak French, it is hoped progress will be made in these islands.
Mrs. Mabel Aritera of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands spoke of the excellent relationship developing with the magistrates in these islands, but explained that in over 2,000,000 square miles of sea there are only forty to fifty square miles of land. She mentioned the need for traveling teachers, as there have been only three visitors to these islands since 1953.
Dr. Claude Caver of the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii presented an inspiring program of events, some interesting features being a letter to all believers in Hawaii on the importance of proclamation, the formation of a national proclamation committee, a series of Sunday afternoon programs at the Waikiki band shell, the production of a four-page newspaper to be distributed free to all, an art exhibit at the Ala Moana shopping center and the presentations to leaders and religious dignitaries.
Public Meeting Precedes Phone Hookup[edit]
On Saturday evening a special public meeting attended by over 380 people was held featuring Dr. Giachery, Marc Towers and Stanley Bolton as speakers, with Alvin Blurn as chairman. Following immediately, seventy-nine friends gathered at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for intercontinental telephone hookup. This thrilling moment came at 2 am. Sunday morning and proved of great interest to the Australian newspapers.
The entire conference felt privileged to hear Dr. Ugo Giachery speak on the beloved Guardian whom he intimately portrayed to the friends on several occasions.
Special Consultation Held[edit]
During sessions the institutions of the Hands and National Spiritual Assemblies met together to discuss mutual plans and problems of teaching. The call for pioneers was raised during various sessions and by the closing session nineteen had responded, as well as a number who offered themselves for travelling teaching. The entire Conference was conducted in English. Special gratitude is due Mrs. Battrick, who translated many of the discourses into French for the indigenous Bahá’ís from French Oceania. It was unfortunate that the same could not be done for the three Portuguese friends from Portuguese Timor.
A public service was held at the Bahá’í Temple on Sunday, 3 p.m. This was preceded by the taking of an official photograph on the Temple steps. Over 400 people attended the service, a record since dedication. The Lindfield a capella choir sang, including three songs especially composed by one of their members for dedication, using words from Bahá’í Writings.
The Sunday night was given over to social activities and an address by Dr. Ugo Giachery, followed by the showing of the Carmel slides.
Poignant Hours of Conclusion[edit]
The last poignant hours of the Conference were unforgettable. The pioneers who have arisen came forward amidst applause and excitement and stood before the gathered friends as Mrs. Giachery read the prayer, “O Thou Incomparable God.” The chairman of the Australian National Spiritual Assembly returned and told of the presentation of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Chief Justice of Australia who was the first national dignitary to receive the book. Alvin Blum, pioneer to Honiara, raised the call to universal participation and spoke of the bounty of pioneering. Indigenous believers from New Guinea came forward to tell how they had accepted the Faith. Mr. Hamuel, a tribal chief from the Solomons, enacted the story of his people and his acceptance of the Faith with a sparkling vivacity and humor. An Australian aboriginal from the River Murray greeted the Conference on behalf of his people, and friends from Hawaii and New Zealand came forward to express their greetings. Then there was the poignancy of the Maori farewell and the words which carried everyone on wings of peace to the Land of the Long White Cloud.
The chairman spoke for everyone when he extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Giachery who had given a new vision of the grandeur of the Faith and a new spirit to uplift all hearts. “Surely, we have been blessed far beyond our deserving and can but turn to Bahá’u’lláh in praise and thanksgiving that He has brought us together in this Bahá’í family.”
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