Bahá’í News/Issue 490/Text
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| No. 490 | BAHA’I YEAR 128 | JANUARY, 1972 |
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The Universal House of Justice Announces Thirteen New National Spiritual Assemblies to be Elected
—THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
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Relationships and Functions of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies[edit]
Address given by Counsellor Edna M. True at the North Atlantic Conference in Reykjavik, Iceland on September 5, 1971 and published here at the instruction of The Universal House of Justice.
In his cablegram of June 4, 1957, one of his very last
Messages to the Bahá’í world, the beloved Guardian
called, with marked emphasis, for the closest collaboration of the Hands of the Cause and National Spiritual
Assemblies, referring to them as “the two Institutions
occupying, with The Universal House of Justice, next to
the Institution of the Guardianship, (the) foremost rank
in the divinely ordained administrative hierarchy of the
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
Continuing, in this same Message, Shoghi Effendi asserts that “the security of our precious Faith, the preservation of the spiritual health of the Bahá’í communities, the vitality of the faith of its individual members, the proper functioning of its laboriously erected institutions, the fruition of its worldwide enterprises, the fulfilment of its ultimate destiny, all are directly dependent upon the befitting discharge of the weighty responsibilities now resting upon the members of these two institutions ...” (MBW, 123)
Both the content and the tone of this vital Message emphasize profoundly the great importance of our understanding, as clearly as possible, the subjects we are now considering, namely, the functions and relationships of these two Institutions, as a necessary first step toward realizing the nature and scope of the constant and close collaboration called for by the Guardian in this stirring message—a collaboration which is so essential to the health and progress of our beloved Faith.
The most fruitful approach to our task, it seems to me, is to reflect together on the true nature and theory of operation of Bahá’u’lláh’s Administrative Order, of which all the Institutions, including the two with which we are presently concerned, are inseparable, component parts. To do this, we must clear our minds of all former concepts of organization which we have heretofore experienced or known, and open our hearts, even more than our intellects, to a wholly new theory, completely unique and different from any hitherto practiced, either in former religious dispensations or governments. As the Guardian has told us:
“A word should now be said regarding the theory on which this Administrative Order is based and the principle that must govern the operation of its chief institutions. It would be utterly misleading to attempt a comparison between this unique, this divinely-conceived Order and any of the diverse systems which the minds of men, at various periods of their history, have contrived for the government of human institutions.” (WOB, 152)
“The Administrative Order ... it should be noted, is, by virtue of its origin and character, unique in the annals of the world’s religious systems.” (GPB, 326)
It is the Guardian who, in his World Order Letters addressed to the early believers—at the very beginning of his ministry—has, with such painstaking care, loving patience and understanding, clarified for us the vital necessity, the unique characteristics, the unimaginable dynamic power, and assured accomplishment of Bahá’u’lláh’s Administrative Order. It is through this inexhaustible source of infallible knowledge that we have been enabled to at least glimpse the character and manner of the operation of this unique instrument bestowed by God for the fulfilment of His ultimate purpose for mankind.
What, then, are the basic features of this supreme Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh?
That the “bedrock” on which it is founded is “God’s immutable Purpose for mankind in this day.” (WOB, 156)
That it is divine in origin and authority.
“It should be remembered by every follower of the Cause that the system of Bahá’í Administration is not an innovation imposed arbitrarily upon the Bahá’ís of the world since the Master’s passing, but derives its authority from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is specifically prescribed in unnumbered Tablets, and rests in some of its essential features upon the explicit provisions of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. It thus unifies and correlates the principles separately laid down by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and is indissolubly bound with the essential verities of the Faith.” (WOB, 5)
That it is vitally necessary.
“... the Spirit breathed by Bahá’u’lláh upon the world ... can never permeate and exercise an abiding influence upon mankind unless and until it incarnates itself in a visible Order, which would bear His Name, wholly identify itself with His principles, and function in conformity with His laws ...” (WOB, 19)
That it is unique and different from any other organization of the present or the past.
That it operates solely on the spiritual principles and the laws embedded in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
That it provides all the essentials for the establishment of the Faith and for the fulfillment of its ultimate purpose.
“... the apostles of Bahá’u’lláh in every land ... have before them in clear, in unequivocal and emphatic language, all the laws, the regulations, the principles, the institutions, the guidance, they require for the prosecution and consummation of their task.” (WOB, 21)
In this Order personality and prestige, wealth, intellectual prowess and material power are not needed for its progress and success. In the words of the Guardian:
“... the Cause associated with the name of Bahá’u’lláh feeds itself upon those hidden springs of celestial strength which no force of human personality, whatever its glamour, can replace; ... its reliance is solely upon that mystic Source with which no worldly advantage, be it wealth, fame, or learning, can compare; ... it propagates itself by ways mysterious and utterly at variance with the standards accepted by the generality of mankind ...” (WOB, 51)
In contrast to the organizations of the world, the success and progress of the Bahá’í Administrative System is through the spiritual growth and development of those who are responsible for the actual functioning of its institutions. Such development by the individuals is attained by following the spiritual laws and principles upon which it is based.
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It is vitally important for us to know and fully understand that the inexhaustible and dynamic spiritual
power inherently existing in this New World Order can
only be released through the attainment and practice of
spiritual qualities. The regenerating spirit of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, flowing freely throughout this System, will continue to strengthen and renew those operating within it, enabling the Cause to progress to its ultimate purpose and mission.
“... This Administrative Order, as it expands and consolidates itself, will ... demonstrate its capacity to be regarded not only as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World Order destined to embrace in the fullness of time the whole of mankind.” (WOB, 144)
The Hand of the Cause Horace Holley, whom the Guardian called the “Champion Builder of the Administrative Order”, has said:
“The administrative aspect of the Bahá’í Cause is in reality no mere set of external regulations but the very fruit of its universal spirit. Bahá’í administration is nothing less than a worldwide ethics, the special characteristic of which is to transform subjective faith into positive cooperative action—unifying the whole being of each believer through his unity with his spiritual brothers.” (Introduction, BA, P.viii)
How few are the specific administrative directives given by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and then the beloved Guardian; and in contrast, how detailed are the guidelines of how we are to serve! In delineating the spiritual qualities we should practice, the Beloved Master listed them as “conditions,” and the Guardian pointed them out as being “obligations incumbent upon the members of consulting councils”—thus implying that the desired results could not otherwise be obtained. Let us briefly review some of these conditions:
“The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the members of the Assembly ... Should harmony of thought and absolute unity be nonexistent, that gathering shall be dispersed and that Assembly be brought to naught.
“The second condition:—They must when coming together turn their faces to the Kingdom on High and ask aid from the Realm of Glory.
“They must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their views.
“They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, ...
“The honored members must with all freedom express their own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought of another, nay, he must with moderation set forth the truth, and should differences of opinion arise a majority of voices must prevail, and all must obey and submit to the majority ...
“In short, whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with love and purity of motive, its result is light, and should the least trace of estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness...” (BA, 22)
Let us remember that at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Ascension the organization (of the World Order) was fully defined but not yet established. It became the responsibility and life work of the beloved Guardian to erect the institutions of this Administrative Order, according to the laws and principles embedded in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. (WOB, 147 and 195)
Speaking of the Master’s Will and Testament, the Charter of this New World Order, the Guardian wrote in a letter to an individual in March 1930:
“The contents of the Will of the Master are far too much for the present generation to comprehend. It needs at least a century of actual working before the treasures of wisdom hidden in it can be revealed...” (Quoted by The Universal House of Justice in letter dated December 7, 1969)
Any review of the activities of the Faith during these fifty years since the Master’s passing confirms these statements, for we cannot help but be aware of two clear facts:
1. That the functioning of this mighty Order is in its very, very beginning stages, and
2. That we stand too close to the beginning of this unique System ordained by Bahá’u’lláh to be able to fully understand its potentialities or the interrelationships of its component parts.
Dear friends, far from discouraging those who are presently serving in the Cause, these statements should spur them on to greater endeavor, and deeper faith. For throughout the Writings we are promised that through our increased efforts to function more and more according to the spiritual laws which govern the operation of this divine System, our understanding of its greatness and power will deepen, and our accomplishments will grow in quality and extent.
It is the process of applying these spiritual laws and ideas to every aspect of Administration and of translating them into practical action that, to me, presents the greatest challenge facing the body of believers and particularly those who serve on the Institutions of this Cause. To me also, it is this aspect of Administration that is the least understood and most urgently requires our prayerful study and concentrated efforts to comprehend and demonstrate.
As we consider the functions of the two Institutions before us, let us bear in mind, with particular emphasis, that they are severally component parts of the same living organism, and not separate institutions each with its own exclusive, clearly defined responsibilities. In fact, in reviewing the functions of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies, we will find that while certain responsibilities have been assigned to each of these institutions, others are shared in common, even though these may be more in the special province of one or the other.
The establishment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors (eleven in number) was announced by The Universal House of Justice in its cablegram to the world of June 21, 1968:
(WE) REJOICE (TO) ANNOUNCE (THE) MOMENTOUS DECISION (TO) ESTABLISH ELEVEN CONTINENTAL BOARDS OF COUNSELLORS (FOR THE) PROTECTION (AND) PROPAGATION (OF THE) FAITH ... (THE) ADOPTION (OF) THIS SIGNIFICANT STEP FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH (THE) HANDS (OF THE) CAUSE (OF) GOD ENSURES (THE) EXTENSION (INTO THE) FUTURE (OF THE) APPOINTED FUNCTIONS (OF) THEIR INSTITUTION ... DETAILS (OF THESE) NEW DEVELOPMENTS (ARE) BEING CONVEYED BY LETTER. FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING (AT THE) HOLY THRESHOLD (FOR) DIVINE CONFIRMATIONS (IN THIS) FURTHER STEP (IN THE) IRRESISTIBLE UNFOLDMENT (OF THE) MIGHTY ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER (OF) BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
In this cable, and in the letters which followed, the
Counsellors are “charged with specific functions relating to the protection and propagation of the Faith in the
areas under their jurisdiction.” The Universal House of
Justice also stated that:
“They will operate in a manner similar to that set forth by the beloved Guardian for the Hands of the Cause in his communications outlining the responsibilities they are called upon to discharge in collaboration
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with National Spiritual Assemblies.” (Letter of The Universal House of Justice addressed to
the Continental Board of Counsellors, June 24, 1968)
However, the responsibility for expulsion and reinstatement remained vested in the Hands of the Cause.
“The authority of expulsion and reinstatement will be exercised by the Hands of the Cause of God, subject in each instance to the approval of The Universal House of Justice.” (Letter of The Universal House of Justice addressed to the Continental Board of Counsellors, June 24, 1968)
In general, therefore, the functions of the Continental Boards of Counsellors include propagation of the Faith; protection of the Faith; appointment and direction of Auxiliary Board members; trusteeship of the Continental Bahá’í Fund; and consultation with the National Spiritual Assemblies.
And, since the announcement stating the appointment of the Continental Boards of Counsellors insures the extension into the future of the appointed functions of the Institution of the Hands, it is assumed that the following obligations of the Hands of the Cause as set forth in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá apply to them: To “diffuse the Divine Fragrances”; to “edify the souls of men”; to “promote learning”; to “improve the character of all men”, and to “be at all times and under all conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things. They must manifest the fear of God by their conduct, their manners, their deeds and their words.” (W and T, 13)
In delineating the functions of the National Spiritual Assemblies, the Guardian has stated in general:
Their immediate purpose is to stimulate, unify and coordinate the manifold activities of the believers and the Local Spiritual Assemblies;
They exercise full authority over the Local Spiritual Assemblies in their province;
They are to initiate measures and direct in general the affairs of the Cause in the whole country or nation;
They direct the vital matters affecting the interests of the Cause in their country, such as the matter of translations, publication, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, organizing and administering the teaching work and other similar undertakings that stand distinct from strictly local affairs; and
It is the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world who elect The Universal House of Justice.
In addition, as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in His Most Holy Book:
“... It behooveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly....” (BA, 21)
The beloved Guardian emphasized that
“... Theirs is the duty to purge once for all their deliberations and the general conduct of their affairs from that air of self-contained aloofness, from the suspicion of secrecy, the stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertiveness, in short, from every word and deed that might savor of partiality, self-centeredness and prejudice. Theirs is the duty, while retaining the sacred and exclusive right of final decision in their hands, to invite discussion, provide information, ventilate grievances, welcome advice from even the most humble and insignificant members of the Bahá’í family, expose their motives, set forth their plans, justify their actions, revise if necessary their verdict, foster the sense of interdependence and co-partnership, of understanding and mutual confidence between them on one hand and all Local Assemblies and individual believers on the other.” (BA, 143-144)
In considering the relationships of these two important Institutions—the Continental Boards of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assemblies—we should keep in mind that:
Bahá’í Administration is founded on institutions, laws and principles embedded in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation;
All of its institutions are divinely ordained—are integral, inseparable components of a living organism, inter-dependent and inclusive, not independent and exclusive; and that
The health, strength and success of each is closely affected by the condition of the whole. As The Universal House of Justice wrote:
“The Bahá’í world community, growing like a healthy new body, develops new cells, new organs, new functions and powers as it presses on to its maturity, when every soul, living for the Cause of God, will receive from that Cause, health, assurance, and the overflowing bounties of Bahá’u’lláh which are diffused through His divinely ordained Order.” (WG, 38)
In communications from The Universal House of Justice since the appointment by them of the Continental Boards of Counsellors—some of which have been addressed to the National Assemblies and the Boards of Counsellors jointly; others specifically to one or the other—the Supreme Body has explained and clarified many important aspects of the relationships of these two Institutions.
It is completely clear that in Bahá’í Administration the National Spiritual Assemblies are the “administrators” of the affairs of the Cause in their respective countries.
In one of the letters of The Universal House of Justice addressed to both the Counsellors and the National Assemblies, it is clearly stated:
“The Counsellors are responsible for stimulating, counselling and assisting the National Spiritual Assemblies, and also work with the individuals, groups and Local Assemblies.” (Letter of The Universal House of Justice, October 1, 1969)
And further:
“It is the responsibility of Spiritual Assemblies, assisted by their committees, to organize and direct the teaching work, and in doing so they must, naturally, also do all they can to stimulate and inspire the friends... It is, however, inevitable that the Assemblies and committees, being burdened with the administration of the teaching work as well as with all other aspects of Bahá’í community life, will be unable to spend as much time as they would wish on stimulating the believers.
“Authority and direction flow from the Assemblies, whereas the power to accomplish the tasks resides primarily in the entire body of the believers. It is the principal task of the Auxiliary Boards to assist in arousing and releasing this power. This is a vital activity...”
In this same letter The Universal House of Justice points out that:
“Assemblies sometimes misunderstand what is meant by the statement that Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members are concerned with the teaching work and not with administration. It is taken to mean that they may not give advice on administrative matters. This is quite wrong. One of the things that Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members should watch and report on is the proper working of administrative institutions. The statement that they do not have anything to do with administration means, simply, that they do not administer. They do
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not direct or organize the teaching work nor do they
adjudicate in matters of personal conflict or personal problems... if an Auxiliary Board member
finds a Local Spiritual Assembly functioning incorrectly he should call its attention to the appropriate
Texts; likewise if, in his work with the community,
an Auxiliary Board member finds that the teaching
work is being held up by inefficiency of national
committees, he should report this in detail to the
Counsellors... Similarly, if the Counsellors find
that a National Spiritual Assembly is not functioning properly, they should not hesitate to consult
with the National Spiritual Assembly in a frank and
loving way.”
Again, in this same letter:
“It is the Spiritual Assemblies who plan and direct the work, but these plans should be well known to the Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members, because one of the ways in which they can assist the Assemblies is by urging the believers continually to support the plans of the Assemblies.”
And in a letter, addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies The House of Justice stated:
“With the rapid development of the work of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and their Auxiliary Boards, it is increasingly important that there be a maximal sharing of information from each national community with them. Your most effective collaboration depends largely upon the thoroughness of your mutual exchange of information ...
“We ask that you keep the Continental Board of Counsellors of your area completely and specifically informed of national activities of teaching and consolidation through such actions as placing the Board of Counsellors, and Auxiliary Board members assigned to areas within your jurisdiction, on mailing lists for circular letters to Local Spiritual Assemblies, schedules and programs of summer schools, conferences and institutes, etc.” (Letter of The Universal House of Justice, March 25, 1969)
In another letter sent on the same date to all Continental Boards of Counsellors the Supreme Body stated:
“Information transmitted by National Spiritual Assemblies and their committees to Continental Boards of Counsellors and their Auxiliary Board members should be as complete as possible. Conversely, a maximum of material from the Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members’ reports should be made available to National Spiritual Assemblies.”
In regard to Conferences, the Hands of the Cause Residing in the Holy Land wrote to the Continental Board of Counsellors in North America on March 14, 1971 as follows:
“... we felt it would be useful to distinguish between those conferences involving joint consultation of the Hands of the Cause, the Counsellors, the Auxiliary Board Members and representatives of National Assemblies on the one hand, and on the other the type of deepening conferences which are not primarily for consultation, but which are designed to meet a need for deepening the believers, and the programs of which are geared to this objective.
“In the case of the first category, that is conferences called for joint consultation, these are very properly sponsored and called or convened by Continental Boards of Counsellors.
“In the case of other conferences for encouraging, inspiring or educating the friends, while it is highly desirable to call such conferences in cooperation with National Assemblies, each institution supporting the other, the Continental Boards of Counsellors are fully authorized to call conferences of this type when they deem them necessary.
“The statement of principle outlined above makes it very clear that the sponsorship of deepening conferences is a proper function of the Counsellors. As stated, it is highly desirable that projects of this type be sponsored in cooperation with the administrative bodies, but it is also clear that The House of Justice wishes the Continental Boards to be free to call conferences of this type when they deem them necessary, regardless of whether there is joint sponsorship.”
CONCLUSION[edit]
As important and necessary as is the understanding of the functions and specified relationships of these two Institutions, the Continental Boards of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assemblies, the Writings of our Faith clearly show that of still greater import and significance is the spirit in which their members serve. When the relationship between them is one of mutual understanding, of confidence and trust, of sincere love and cooperation; when in their deliberations and actions they are following the precepts and guidelines which have their source in divine wisdom and which have been so clearly and so fully delineated for them, any matters or questions which arise in regard to their respective functions can be frankly and openly discussed and all issues easily and amicably resolved.
Such a relationship, we must recognize, is unique to this divinely-ordained Administrative Order. The secular world is increasingly characterized by destructive competition between institutions—when there are two legislative bodies, they maneuver against each other for power; legislative bodies compete with the judiciary and with the executive branch.
In contrast, the relationship between Bahá’í institutions is one of warm cooperation and collaboration, based upon genuine love and dedication to a common goal. It resembles a marriage, in that there is space for each partner to grow and develop; there is mutual respect and encouragement, and differences are settled by taking counsel together in an atmosphere of loving understanding.
So close are we all to the ways and standards of the world, it is difficult to wholly believe in the efficiency of spiritual means for practical accomplishments. Our human intellect can so easily guide us to other ways which, in its light, seem more desirable and effective. In one of their precious messages (May 27, 1966) The Universal House of Justice gives us such understanding and wise counsel in this respect:
“Service to the Cause of God requires absolute fidelity and integrity and unwavering faith in Him. No good but only evil can come from taking the responsibility for the future of God’s Cause into our own hands and trying to force it into ways that we wish it to go regardless of the clear texts and our own limitations. It is His Cause. He has promised that its light will not fail. Our part is to cling tenaciously to the revealed Word and to the institutions that He has created to preserve His Covenant.”
And so, dear friends, we can see that such collaboration as the Guardian has asked for between the two Institutions calls for far more than our human idea of cooperation—even loving cooperation. It is a matter of spiritual growth, and for this, we need divine wisdom. But we are blessed, so greatly blessed to have for our assistance all the guidance needed. Ours is the clear task of striving to understand and obey that guidance.
To all of the other qualities and virtues needed on our journey must be added faith—unshakable faith in Bahá’u’lláh’s divinely ordained Administrative Order and in its inherent, dynamic spiritual power to fulfill every aspect of His worldwide Mission. As Shoghi Effendi so wisely counselled the early believers, soon after he became the Guardian of the Faith:
“Is not faith but another word for implicit obedience, wholehearted allegiance; uncompromising adherence to that which we believe is the revealed and express will of God, however perplexing it might first appear, however at variance with the shadowy views, the impotent doctrines, the crude theories, the idle imaginings, the fashionable conceptions of a transient and troublous age? If we are to falter or hesitate, if our love for Him (the Master) should fail to direct us and keep us within His path, if we desert Divine and emphatic principles, what hope can we any more cherish for healing the ills and sicknesses of this world?” (BA, 62-63)
Abbreviations Used in References:
MBW—Messages to the Bahá’í World, 1950-1957, by Shoghi Effendi.
WOB—The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, by Shoghi Effendi.
GPB—God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi.
BA—Bahá’í Administration, by Shoghi Effendi.
WG—Wellspring of Guidance (Messages of The Universal House of Justice).
W and T—Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Prayer at Time of Catastrophe[edit]
The people of Guatemala on September 14, 1971 at 3:00 p.m. witnessed a tremendous display of nature’s power. Huge columns of smoke and gravel began rising from the volcano Fuego, a short distance from the town of San Pedro Yepocapa, Chimaltenango. Within a few minutes the upward torrent of smoke, rocks and gravel had reached an elevation of 35,000 feet. Eighty percent of the houses in the town were destroyed and for miles around the corn and coffee crops were destroyed.
As the streets began filling with lava and gravel, Felipe Cortez, Bahá’í telegraph operator of San Pedro Yepocapa, moved his telegraphic equipment to the roof of the office and thus managed to keep communication open with the outside world for the following forty-eight hours. He remained on the roof during the downpour of debris from the volcano.
Jorge Cirón of Chimaltenango, Guatemala.
Felipe on the roof of his telegraph office in San Pedro Yepocapa.
Felipe Cortez and his family, all Bahá’ís.
“When I felt completely exhausted at 3:00 a.m.” explained Felipe, “I invoked the name of Bahá’u’lláh. With
all my heart I invoked His mercy so that the volcanic
action might stop. An hour later the eruption ceased. I
don’t know if it was a coincidence, but I prayed with
complete faith and devotion.”
Felipe Cortes is considered a hero for he refused to abandon his post to which he was entrusted, and kept the communication open, even though it involved neglecting his own home, which fell to the ground. His family Felipe had left to the care of God.
Another Bahá’í who lives on a ranch near the city of Chimaltenango, Jorge Cirón, helped by making radio appeals to supply the people with food and clothing. Jorge went in to the disaster area with firemen on the first truck, daring the hazardous road which was narrow and steep, and filled with loose rock and gravel.
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IN MEMORIAM
Mrs. Morassa (Yazdi) Rawhani CONVEY ABDUL VAHAB RAWHANI AND FAMILY DEEP SORROW PASSING MORASSA KHANUM RECALL HER ASSOCIATION HEROIC AGE DEDICATED SERVICES PIONEERING FIELD PRAYING SHRINES PROGRESS HER SOUL. —THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
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Mrs. Morassa (Yazdi) Rawhani
Mrs. Morassa (Yazdi) Rawhani was born in 1887 and named Akkawiya (the one who belongs to ‘Akká) by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. She was the granddaughter of Hadji Abderrehim Yazdi, one of the first bearers of the Sacred Standard. Born in the fortress of ‘Akká, she grew up in the Sacred Household under the shelter of the Greatest Holy Leaf.
With her mother, she moved to Alexandria, Egypt where for a few months she was in charge of cleaning the private room of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and was asked by Him several times to sew some of His clothes. She was entrusted to be the Early Prayer Reader of His private quarters.
Mrs. Rawhani was the first woman to become a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria, Egypt, and dedicated her time to deepening the women in her locality.
In February 1957, as authorized by the Guardian, she arrived as a pioneer to Rabat, Morocco. She actively participated in the formation of two Assemblies, that of Rabat and Sale, and although of advanced age, she was occupied in deepening the friends and teaching the children in these two localities.
She remained conscious to the last moment of her life, and passed away on October 6, 1971. Her burial in the Bahá’í Cemetery at Rabat, Morocco was attended by a large number of believers of Morocco, the majority native believers; also in attendance was a representative from the Íránian Embassy in Rabat.
Pioneer Institute in Wilmette[edit]
Participants at Pioneer Institute held in Wilmette, Illinois, in
November, 1971, readying to leave for their posts. Left to right
standing rear: Larry Gates, Marjorie Pierson, Cary Folk, Ralph
Folk, Carol Terry, and Patricia Finley. Left to right seated
front: Dennis Trisker, Don Berkman, Jean Goss, Trish Preuitt,
Ken Roedell, David St. John, and Charles Garman and Martha
Garman.
Historic Wilmette Meeting[edit]
Picture Jew, Catholic, Protestant, Unitarian, Bahá’í, clergyman, layman, young and old, and every category that the environs of Wilmette can produce all climbing the steps of the Bahá’í House of Worship on Thanksgiving morning to share in the first Bahá’í sponsored and hosted village-wide Thanksgiving devotions. It’s true—almost 600 Wilmette residents, neighbors, and holiday guests joined in praise and thanksgiving at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 25, 1971 for this history making spiritual exercise.
Residents who had never visited the House of Worship as seekers came as worshippers. Neighbors who had never shared prayers together felt the unity of the service that went far beyond the limited notion of an interfaith program. Guests who came had the privilege of not only visiting a landmark but partaking of spiritual substance during their visit. Bahá’ís of Wilmette had the bounty of teaching the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh locally through the uniting of friends and neighbors to hear the words of the Psalms, the Gospel of Jesus, from a Sura of the Qur’án, and prayers of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. All Scriptures were read by Wilmette people. Readers ranged from the Mayor of the village who read ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s “prayer for America” to a ten-year old girl (“I’m a Bahá’í in my heart”) raising her pure young voice in “O God, refresh and gladden my spirit...”
There was an assemblage of voices representing different choirs from Wilmette churches whose members chose to give arduous rehearsal time with the Bahá’í choir in preparation for this all-Wilmette Thanksgiving, singing a hymn of thanks and the Randall Thompson “Alleluia” in the thrilling acoustical setting of the Bahá’í House of Worship. The visitors also heard the Bahá’í choir singing “Is There Any Remover of Difficulties Save God?” and “Blessed Is the Spot” ... new to their ears, but a joy to their hearts.
What brought these hundreds of residents to this Holy spot on this busy national secular holiday? What made this day special? The village of Wilmette, Illinois was founded one hundred years ago. The site for the Bahá’í House of Worship was selected on Thanksgiving day
Wilmette citizens who participated in Thanksgiving Day worship service, left to right: Glenford Mitchell (Bahá’í), Richard
Marks (Presbyterian), Mayor James Schwietert, Steve Lieberman (Jewish), Wayne Welch (Bahá’í), Mrs. Joan Wallace
(Episcopalian), and in foreground ten year old Janet Neidig
(“I’m really a Bahá’í”), Margo Marks (Bahá’í youth), and Mrs.
Mariko Aki (Congregationalist). Each one read, from the scriptures on thanks and praise.
Nearly 600 worshippers representing almost every facet of the
residents of Wilmette shared in devotions in the Bahá’í House
of Worship on Thanksgiving morning. This precedent-setting
occasion may well become a valued village tradition!
1907.* These two events provided the Bahá’í community
of Wilmette the historic opportunity to initiate and
carry out the first village-wide religious event in the
planned program for Wilmette’s Centennial year. An
invitation went out early in the autumn to all churches,
synagogues, civic organizations and groups to share
worship on Thanksgiving morning—a gift to the community by the Bahá’ís of the town. The clergy generally
supported the Bahá’í invitation, many publicizing the
invitation to the whole community in their own congregations. The Centennial Commission was enthusiastic,
particularly because of the Thanksgiving related significance in local history.
Prayers, plans, programming, posters, personal invitations all proceeded as excitement mounted in anticipation of the day. It was a clear, brisk day, and the turnout was large and diverse, a truly blessed day. Only forty-five minutes—neighbors reading from holy writings, the serenity of the setting, the joy of unity of local voices raised in song; but those who shared it will not forget Thanksgiving in Wilmette’s Centennial year, nor be unaware of the brief time they knew true unity with neighbors of various religious persuasions. Each worshipper carried home a program of the devotions which included the beautiful words of the 100th Psalm and Bahá’u’lláh’s short prayer for Unity. Hopefully, they carried, too, a taste for a continued search for the greater unity which is promised by God to all.
* In 1907 Mrs. Corinne True visited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land and asked regarding a Temple for America. Encouraged by the words of the Master “Make a beginning and all will come right”, upon her return to Chicago, a committee was formed which searched in all sections for a suitable site. The unanimous decision of the committee for the Wilmette site was made on Thanksgiving, 1908.
Major James Schwietert of Wilmette consulting with Caswell
Ellis, co-ordinator of the Bahá’í House of Worship; Mrs. Arlene
Jennrich, Secretary of the Local Assembly of Wilmette; and Jeff
Norman, Wilmette youth in the New Trier High School Bahá’í
Club. The Mayor’s question as to why the words “Most Great
Peace” were capitalized, led to a brief fireside.
Hong Kong Teaching Campaign[edit]
During the Oceanic Conference held at Sapporo, Japan on September 2-5, 1971, the idea of staging a forty-day teaching campaign in Hong Kong was originated.
After consultation of Hands of the Cause Dr. Muhájir
and Mr. Furútan, and Counsellors of the Northeast and
Southeast Asian Continental Boards and the National
Spiritual Assemblies of Northeast Asia and of Malaysia,
the dates of October 20th and November 28th were designated for the teaching effort to help propel the Hong Kong
community toward the completion of its Nine Year Plan
goals.
The celebration of the birth of The Báb on the evening of October 19th was blessed with the attendance of Hand of the Cause Mr. Furútan who could only stay for a short stop over on his way to the Holy Land. He gave a talk to the friends and took with him to the Holy Land the list of goals established for the teaching campaign.
The immediate goals for Hong Kong include the opening of nine new areas to the Faith, two of which would have at least nine believers for the future establishment of Local Spiritual Assemblies, also fifty new Bahá’ís to be enrolled in the Faith.
The Bahá’ís of Hong Kong are being assisted by fellow Bahá’ís and pioneers from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Laos, and the United States. Mrs. Mae McClinton from Ohio stopped in Hong Kong for ten days before continuing on to her pioneering post in Swaziland. Mr. Yan Kee Leong of the Southeast Asia Continental Board of Counsellors and Mr. Vicente Samaniego of the Northeast Asia Board were in Hong Kong for the entirety of the forty-day campaign. Mr. Philip Marangella of Japan was also in Hong Kong for the full forty days, also pioneers Charles Duncan of Korea, Ray Cooprider of Taiwan, and Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Betty Fernandez of Malaysia.
Three travel teaching trips to three of the five goal islands headed by Counsellor Yan Kee Leong have resulted in those three islands being opened to the Faith. On the largest island three communities have been established, two of which have ten and twelve believers. The people of the small villages on the outer islands of Hong Kong are very friendly and receptive to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
Tai O Village on October 25, 1971. Left to right: Charles Duncan,
Yan Kee Leong, Vicente Samaniego, Mr. Sun Fat, who is the first
Bahá’í on Lantao Island, where there are now twelve believers.
Lantao Island, Tai O Village, on October 26, 1971. On left, Mr.
Chan and Mr. Wong, Vic Samaniego (with glasses) and behind
him Mrs. Yoong. Charles Duncan at right and standing behind
him Yan Kee Leong. Mr. and Mrs. Yoong enrolled on this day
and that night a slide show was given at their home and the
two men on the left enrolled.
In addition to the rural areas, contacts were made
with the three main college campuses of Hong Kong.
The president of one college was given Bahá’í literature
over tea, and one college had a special week of open
forums which a few Bahá’ís attended and participated
in as members of the audience. One student organization is planning to help us to hold a campus meeting for
which as many as 200 students may be expected.
The cities of Hong Kong and Kowloon are being exposed to the Faith through newspaper articles and advertising, public meetings, and distribution of a new Bahá’í pamphlet in Chinese complete with business reply card. One fellow first heard of the Bahá’í Faith by reading an article about it in a newspaper a couple of weeks earlier, and then meeting a teaching team in a city park distributing literature, and then attending a public meeting celebrating the birth of Bahá’u’lláh. At that public meeting he enrolled along with five high school youth, three of them Chinese. To the Bahá’ís in attendance at the meeting it seemed to be the beginning of finding the radiant Chinese youth who will teach the Faith soon to their fellow Chinese!
Public meetings are now being scheduled for five communities outside of Hong Kong and Kowloon. With publicity, slides, and 50,000 copies of the new Chinese pamphlets we hope to make the name of Bahá’u’lláh known to many people throughout Hong Kong.
Thus far in the campaign five new areas have been opened to the Faith (including three islands), and both goals of establishing two communities of at least nine Bahá’ís each have been completed. Also a total of forty-nine Bahá’ís have been enrolled in the Faith to date. Consolidation is now being both enthusiastically planned and undertaken, and will be continued in the future entirely by the local Bahá’ís of Hong Kong and four new pioneers from Malaysia who are settling in Hong Kong.
Summer Projects of Youth of the United States[edit]
Projecteer Laurie Schaeffer is at lower right in Bluefields, Nicaragua, with Bahá’í friends at an institute.
Projecteer Armando Ramirez (with hat) plays guitar for Nicaraguan children in Managua.
This past summer saw a flood of youth from the United
States travel to Switzerland, Samoa and ten Latin American countries to participate in Summer Projects. Over
eighty youth in all traveled to these far-flung places to
carry the banner of Bahá’u’lláh to the waiting masses.
The results of their efforts are still being assessed by the
receiving countries, as hundreds and hundreds of new
believers are welcomed into the Faith as a result of the
teaching campaign launched by these National Assemblies and carried out by the enthusiastic youth.
Such victories have been won that many more countries are planning to sponsor just such projects next year and young people are already volunteering their time and resources to make next summer one of victory. The United States International Goals Committee is working with Assemblies to set up organized and meaningful projects so that every moment of the volunteers’ time will be put to fruitful use. Adult coordinators will be recruited to accompany each team.
Most of the projects this past summer took place in rural areas where unsophisticated, open-minded people were quick to embrace this new Cause, the “return of Christ” for whom they have been waiting. The youth spoke, sang and attempted, by their example, to display the oneness of humanity and the validity of Bahá’u’lláh’s Message. They were warmly received in the most humble of homes.
The European projecteers also had the bounty of attending the Youth Conference which was held in Fiesch, Switzerland. There, in the company of their fellow youth from Europe, they studied, sang and had the bounty of hearing addresses by Hands of the Cause and Counsellors.
Plans for next summer anticipate that more than two hundred youth will travel to other countries to teach the Word of God. Truly, the “movement itself from place to place” is having a profound effect on the fortunes of the Faith all over the world.
Projecteer Owen Roscoe with Nicaraguan children in Managua, Nicaragua.
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Site of Youth Conference in Fiesch, Switzerland, which American projecteers attended.
American youth with pioneer Marjorie Siefert (center) in front of Bahá’í Center in Bern, Switzerland.
The President of Togo Receives Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation[edit]
On October 6, 1971, President General Etienne Eyadéma of Togo received a Bahá’í delegation which included Mr. and Mrs. Q. Ferdows, of Írán. They were warmly and graciously received by the President and enjoyed an interview of thirty minutes. Press photographers were present and the leading newspaper of Togo carried a report of the meeting with accompanying photograph.
A radio interview was also arranged at which the Faith was spoken of at length. The interview was broadcast at 8:00 p.m., a convenient time for listening.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferdows were granted written permission from the Ministry of Education to visit primary schools throughout the country, and full advantage was taken of this opportunity to give the Message to many students and teachers.
Youth Conference for Western Asia—New Delhi, India—August 27-30, 1971[edit]
From fourteen states of India and eleven neighboring countries came Bahá’í youth of Asia, youth who were answering the call to build a new world. Countries represented were Írán, Arabia, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Ceylon, Nepal, Pakistan, Lebanon, Thailand and Sikkim; Indian states represented were: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Gujerat, Mysore, Maharashtra, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Madras, Delhi and others, with 338 persons attending.
Counsellor S. Vasudevan presented the Message of The Universal House of Justice and told that The Báb sent one of His followers to India, and now, 128 years afterward, youth of India were asked to spread the Message.
Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir urged the youth to remember this conference for years to come and reminded them that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had given the important duty of teaching the Faith to youth, and that in a few years the youth will organize the teaching work all over the world.
A letter was read from Hand of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum who expressed her regrets for being unable to attend although India was dear to her heart. She said that the world was rushing away from God and that there was not a single moment to be lost. She urged the youth to arise and teach and serve while there was time; thus their lives would not be wasted but blessed.
Auxiliary Board member Mr. B. Afshin spoke on the theme of the conference: “Pioneering—Challenge to Bahá’í Youth.” He said that now was the time for youth to rise and lead society to the path of righteousness. “Youthfulness,” he said, “passes quickly, so let us make use of it as quickly as we can as we are not always young.”
Topics for discussion were teaching, deepening, the Fund and how to establish better relationships with neighboring countries.
Counsellor Vasudevan spoke on “New Dimensions of Teaching”. He said teams of two or three would travel throughout India. This talk was followed by youths who narrated their experiences.
The National Committee on Proclamation of India sent the volume The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to most of the dignitaries of India. The response was excellent. There was good coverage of the conference by press and TV. A modest newspaper advertisement brought 250 inquiries immediately, others continued. This was followed by distribution of books and pamphlets and culminated in the introduction of a correspondence course. This indicated that the people of India are ready to receive the Message.
Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir outlined a nineteen-month teaching plan to include universities, colleges, districts, tribes, a literature campaign, newspaper advertisements and translations. Counsellor Chellie Sundram added “The whole future of these colleges lies in our hands.”
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A day was devoted to holding workshops which later
reported their findings and plans. Starting November 28,
a one-year proclamation plan features a book by
‘Abdu’l-Bahá to be presented to governors, mayors, libraries. Slides, badges, press kits will be made available
with the holding of exhibitions, press conferences, radio
talks and advertisements. A syllabus will be prepared
on “Bahá’í Moral Classes” for children. An inter-state
and inter-country student-teachers exchange was arranged in introducing the Faith to all the 2000 colleges
of India.
The workshop on Deepening reported that through Deepening the Fund prospers; we open the love for giving. If we love God, we will make sacrifices to contribute.
When the call for pioneers was made, forty-three youth responded and others promised to go at a later stage.
A pre-conference meeting of youth at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in New Delhi aroused great enthusiasm.
Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir said:
“Prayer is the key to success in teaching. When you see a person, do not see his outer form—whether he is short or tall, young or old, poor or rich, whether of this country or that religion. See in him the reality of a soul, and a heart ready to respond to God’s Message. Let your relationship with him be a spiritual tie through the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, not a personal contact merely. Let us not impress him with our personality or superior knowledge but with humility, love and dignity. Prayer prepares the ground and the heart for the person who receives the Message. Such a prayerful attitude is itself teaching the Faith. When you go out, avoid easy familiarity and superficial joking mannerisms among the group. Such an atmosphere and such a spectacle will not attract the people of this country. On the other hand joy and dignity will draw people....
“If a person declares, contact him the next day and invite him to the meetings for new believers to deepen themselves. Avoid arguments....”
Groups went to various colleges. Students gathered around each Bahá’í youth—asking questions and receiving what, to many of them were wholly unexpected answers. They had not thought of religion this way at all. Many principals of the colleges were delighted that the Bahá’í youth could come to the campus to spread the message of love and unity. Talks were arranged in classrooms.
There were nearly seven hundred and fifty youth declarations made within the last four days of the Conference. For a full week afterward, students stayed on. At the last count, declarations numbered around 2,000, and it is expected that the momentum will gather.
(From Bahá’í Newsletter of India, Vol. 1, No. 1 Oct. 1971.)
First Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Rajbolaram, India[edit]
A section of the participants at the Asia Youth Conference listening to the speaker with close attention.
Another section of the audience. In the front row (right to left)
are: Mrs. I. Muhájir, Miss Gisu Muhájir, Hand of the Cause Dr.
Muhájir, Miss Dilshad Majmi (Secretary of the National Bahá’í
Youth Committee of India) and Counsellor S. Vasudevan.
A section of participants from seven surrounding villages who attended the opening of the Rajbolaram Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
A group of the tribe of Lambadis from a nearby village who
attended the opening ceremony of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the
village of Rajbolaram.
The inauguration of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the village Rajbolaram (Andrah Pradesh, India) on September 20, 1971. Mrs. Zena
Sorabji represented the National Spiritual Assembly of India.
(At the table) Auxiliary Board member B. Afshin is on her left
and Professor Chaturvedi on her right. At the mike is Mr. R. B.
Faroody who donated the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
Bahá’í Summer Schools of the United States[edit]
Approximately 3,000 Bahá’ís of all ages attended the fifteen Bahá’í Summer Schools which were in operation in the United States this past year. Five of these were open for the first time. They were: Alabama-Georgia, Arizona-New Mexico, Eastern New York, North Florida, and South Florida.
The above schools conducted single sessions approximately one week in length as did the older schools: Carolinas, Oklahoma-Texas, North Central, Northwest Children’s Conference, Northwest, Rocky Mountain, and Southern California.
Longer sessions of from four to six weeks were conducted at the Davison, Geyserville, and Green Acre Schools which operate on Bahá’í-owned property in contrast to all the other schools which use rental facilities.
Attendance at the schools was limited almost entirely to Bahá’ís, although this was not by intention—all being welcome. Fifty per cent of the attendees were over twenty-one years of age, while the remainder was divided about equally between those under twelve and those between twelve and twenty-one.
Bahá’í schools are operated by committees which are appointed annually by the National Spiritual Assembly and are coordinated by the National Bahá’í Schools Committee. The schools are intended to be self-supporting, and, in order to meet expenses, charge minimum fees for room, board, general use, and maintenance of facilities. There is no charge for receiving Bahá’í instruction. Any surplus of funds is turned over to the National Bahá’í Fund.
Students at the schools last summer were generally enthusiastic about their experiences. They attributed their favorable reactions most often to the following factors: well-qualified teachers, pleasant surroundings, good food, a spirit of love and unity, well-coordinated children’s programs.
The committees in charge of the schools most frequently mentioned that increased attention to the following matters would improve the functioning of the schools: publicity, sleeping facilities, school location, classroom facilities, attendance costs.
The following photographs and excerpts from several of the school reports will provide a sampling of last summer’s schools. The friends are urged to make plans early for attendance next year. Notices will appear in the Bahá’í publications in the spring as to exact dates, locations, and costs.
Green Acre School[edit]
Green Acre in Eliot, Maine, was blessed by the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912 and given great importance by Him and by the Beloved Guardian. This past summer, Hand of the Cause, Mr. ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, as well as various Auxiliary Board members and representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly, stimulated the hearts of those privileged to meet and hear them. Mr. Abdul Yazdi of Montreal enthralled his listeners with stories of his acquaintance with the Master.
As standards of morality decline in the world at large, the reality of the Bahá’í Faith is constantly being tested. Persistent effort by each Bahá’í to attain these standards, while having “infinite love for each other”, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá desired especially at Green Acre, is necessary
Northwest Children’s Conference at Leaburg, Oregon.
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Arizona—New Mexico Bahá’í Summer School, out from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
to unite the extremely diverse elements of humanity in attendance at the summer schools.
The Green Acre Council is currently restructuring both the educational program and the school’s operations to increase unity and efficiency and to meet the challenge of a larger and more diverse Bahá’í population.
Oklahoma/Texas Bahá’í Summer School[edit]
Once again, the Oklahoma/Texas Bahá’í Summer School was a wonderful week of Bahá’í love, fellowship and scholarship. For five brief days, Bahá’u’lláh’s banner flew over a close knit community of friends. A special bounty at this school was the presence of Mr. Fujita from Haifa and Mrs. Jean Randazzo, staff member of The Universal House of Justice.
From places as far away as Alaska, Mexico, and Panama the friends came, often overcoming great difficulties to reach the school. With enthusiasm and dedication, the friends listened to teachers, assisted in preparations and cleaning, participated wholeheartedly in activities, adjusted to necessary rules—each doing his part to create an ever-increasing atmosphere of unity and harmony. An excellent assemblage of teachers, including Auxiliary Board members and other capable Bahá’ís, shared their special knowledge of the Faith with the friends.
Northwest Children’s Conference[edit]
The Northwest Children’s Conference held two sessions for the first time this year. The first session in Astoria, Oregon, the original site of the Conference, had eighty-five people in attendance. The second session in Leaburg, Oregon, had fifty-six people including children and adults.
In both schools, classes were held for all ages from children aged three through fourteen to adults. They participated in study, devotions, arts and crafts, recreation and much Bahá’í community living. The purpose of the school was to enable children to experience Bahá’í community living and to attend Bahá’í classes. For adults it was an opportunity to share in child education, and to learn why and how children’s classes should be held.
South Florida School[edit]
An outstanding feature of the South Florida Bahá’í Summer School, held July 2-5 in Dade County near Miami at Camp Owaissa Bauer, was the active involvement of adults in the fascinating course, “Faith in Action”, provided by the National Bahá’í Schools Committee and enhanced by two capable teachers who alternated sessions. Diversity of approaches to the subject and supplementary materials from the Teachings did much to stimulate real interaction and active learning.
Another high point was a “Fun Night” which featured a “Bahá’í Quiz Show” staged in TV fashion, carefully researched, enthusiastically played by members from nine different communities, cheered on by spectators, and culminating in a prize—a Bahá’í book of his choice for the winner. The evening ended with dancing for everyone from tots to elderly.
Southern California School[edit]
The Southern California Bahá’í Summer School held its Eighth Annual Session July 3-10 at Idyllwild Pines Camp high in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains.
In addition to morning classes which were stimulating and thought provoking, there were elective classes and workshops in the afternoon. These were followed by planned recreational activities including swimming
Fujita and companions, taken at the Oklahoma-Texas Bahá’í Summer School.
Conifer Hill Summer School, July 2-5, 1971. A view of the pavilion where classes were held.
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At the South Florida Summer School, Dade County, near Miami.
and other sports and games. One youth class produced a
daily camp news bulletin called, “Unity Press”.
The after-dinner campfire was a time for family togetherness. Each early evening program was planned by children of different ages, with both adults and children participating in skits, songs, and “fun things”.
The deeply moving observance of the Commemoration of the Martyrdom of The Báb was a spiritual highlight of this year’s Summer School.
Conifer Hill School[edit]
The Third Conifer Hill Summer School, under the auspices of the Rocky Mountain Bahá’í Schools Committee, was held July 2-5. One-hundred-forty friends from Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado enjoyed the exhilarating mountain air, stimulating classes, and warm fellowship which prevailed. The weather was such that eating under the trees and sleeping under brilliant stars increased the pleasure. Even the classes, which were varied and received with great enthusiasm, were held in an open pavilion in the meadow.
Arizona-New Mexico School[edit]
The First Arizona-New Mexico Bahá’í Summer School was held August 1-7 at the Blue Triangle YWCA Camp in the Manzano Mountains seventeen miles east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. This historic first session
South Florida Summer School, held near Miami.
was blessed with beautiful surroundings, ideal weather,
fine teachers, and responsive attendees united in their
opportunities to make the week a memorable experience
in Bahá’í living. The facilities were simple, even primitive, but the contributions of the volunteers who helped
make camp living comfortable and meals delightful
more than made up for any physical limitations of the
camp. The three Auxiliary Board members who attended were a great inspiration to those attending.
Northwest Summer School[edit]
The theme for the Northwest Bahá’í Summer School held at Seabeck, Washington, June 26 to July 2, was “Faith in Action”. Using the materials prepared by the National Bahá’í Schools Committee, the course was presented to every age group with special adaptations for the pre-school and primary children’s classes. In addition, there were inspiring sessions on The Covenant, Bahá’í Morality, Administration and the Bahá’í Community, and anecdotes of Bahá’í teachers’ experiences for youth and adults. Children’s faces glowed with happiness as a result of the excellence of the classes and planned activities which filled each day.
Special events included two separate evening panels which shared the excitement of Mass Teaching and the Jamaica Conference with the friends. A glorious spirit of cooperation and participation permeated the school with a good balance between deepening and social activities.
Davison School[edit]
The fortieth year of the Davison Bahá’í Summer School saw a full and varied program, intensive study of the Teachings, and significantly increased attendance. A new technique, using a teacher-leader and an assistant resource person, was introduced to stimulate class discussions and thinking. Several very interesting workshops were incorporated into the program as well as the increased use of visual aids.
A highlight of one session was the visit of Hand of the Cause, Mr. ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, who spoke to an overflow audience twice daily on “Topics from the Old and New Testaments and the Qur’án”. Mr. Furútan also held an open question and answer period during his last class.
The school was climaxed by the traditional Labor Day Homecoming Weekend which was focused on the timely and vital subject of mass teaching. This was ably led by Mr. George Frye and Mrs. Kay Harris sharing their experiences of mass teaching in the South. The friends at the school capped the weekend with mass teaching in various neighboring towns, culminating with eight declarations in the Vassar area.
Rocky Mountain School[edit]
The Rocky Mountain Bahá’í Summer School was held at Lion’s Camp in the Beartooth Mountains, Montana, August 22-28. Seventy-nine radiant, prayerful souls—
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adults, youth, and children—worked together to make
this first Bahá’í Summer School in Montana one long to
be remembered.
The classes were all most inspiring with full participation. Still, there was free time for conversation, hiking, study, consultation, and meditation. After the evening class, there was much singing, fellowship, and prayers.
Registrations showed that nine states were represented. On the last evening a talent show was given with the youngest to the oldest person participating. This was truly a rewarding and memorable week for all who attended.
Georgia-Alabama School[edit]
The Georgia-Alabama Bahá’í Summer School was held July 3-6 at Camp John Hope near Fort Valley, Georgia. Seminar groups covered material ranging from the importance of the Bahá’í Revelation to the Bahá’í way of life, and finishing with the functioning of the Local Spiritual Assembly. Dwight Allen excited everyone with his conception of the changing, expanding role of the Local Spiritual Assembly while Thelma Thomas gave an understanding presentation about the Guardian.
The highlight of the school was the holding of an evening meeting in the nearby town of Marshallville in the back of a general store. Many Bahá’ís live there who were brought in by mass teaching, so this created an opportunity for Bahá’ís from different states, backgrounds, experiences and races to meet together.
Canadian Summer School at Clinton, British Columbia[edit]
From fifty-four localities in the United States and Canada, Bahá’ís came to the Canadian Bahá’í Summer School, held from August 15 to 21 at Clinton, British Columbia. Those in attendance numbered around 200 persons. Before the school ended, six new declarations were made.
After the school, two who attended were approached in a laundromat by two tourists from California who were eager to learn about the Faith. Before the evening was over they had made their declarations then stayed for another day of intensive teaching. They were sent off with books and pamphlets and names of Bahá’ís to meet in their travels. When the Clinton believers heard again, these new friends had visited in Prince George, were aglow with the Faith and were constantly being deepened.
Bahá’í Women in Vietnam[edit]
About seventy Bahá’í women throughout the country met in Saigon on September 5, 1971 to discuss “The Role of Women Bahá’ís in Society Today”. On this occasion, various matters concerning teaching, consolidation, contribution, education, social welfares were studied.
A Women’s Committee was established with these duties:
1) To assist in deepening and organizing the Bahá’í women throughout the country.
2) To teach the women, to educate the children.
3) To organize social activities such as to assist the poor, the sick or the victims of war, of flood etc.
Events in Chile[edit]
Copiapo, Chile: New Bahá’ís in this city opened three months
earlier shown with Counsellor Athos Costas and pioneer Mark
Schreiber. There are thirty-two new Bahá’ís on the Island of
Mocha, enrolled when Spanish-speaking Kathleen Meyer recently visited there for a week.
CHILE: The Bahá’í summer school, held at Peña Blanca, taken
on October 12, 1971. Included are Counsellor Athos Costas and
pioneer Mark Schreiber.
Summer School in Dublin, Ireland[edit]
Bahá’í Summer School held in Dublin, Ireland in July 17-29,
1971, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the British
Isles. Some of the friends from six countries are shown. Mrs.
Horace Holley is in the center.
Continental Board of Counsellors’ deepening Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas[edit]
The Continental Board of Counsellors for North America held a Deepening Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas,
on November 26, 27 and 28. It attracted more than 500
people from thirty states and four other countries. The
speakers included Hand of the Cause Mr. Zikru’lláh
Khádem, Continental Board of Counsellor’s member
Miss Edna True, National Spiritual Assembly representative Miss Magdalene Carney, and Auxiliary Board
members Mrs. Jane McCants, Mr. Paul Pettit, Miss
Thelma Thomas, and Mrs. Velma Sherrill. Along with
its broad spectrum of deepening themes, it included the
commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the passing
of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Coverage of the conference was featured on television newscasts and covered by the newspapers.
Publicity and Preparation[edit]
During the days prior to the conference, several things happened that seemed to foretell its impact not only on those in attendance, but on the city in which it was held. A local radio station has a calendar of events around the world. An announcer read off the list for November 12, and asked listeners to vote for the event they would like to hear more about so they could place a long-distance phone call to the place of that activity, and broadcast the conversation. One of the events listed was the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, which received more votes than any other. The station phoned the Bahá’í Public Information Office in Wilmette and talked with Tony Pelle. The announcers mentioned the coming broadcast of the call all day long and the discussion of Bahá’u’lláh’s birthday was heard throughout the region.
Having just received a copy of the Bahá’í Peace Program, Governor of Arkansas, Dale Bumpers had just sent this reply:
“Thank you for sending me the Bahá’í Peace Program. I became familiar with the Bahá’í some years ago in Chicago. I visited the very beautiful Bahá’í Temple and thought it was great.” Signed, Dale Bumpers, Governor of Arkansas.
Then 10,000 copies of the monthly publication of Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind in Little Rock were sent out including a photograph and explanation of the presentation by the Local Assembly of Braille Bahá’í books to the agency’s library. And on the day of the opening of the conference, a letter to the editor appeared in the major newspaper which spoke of the “Revelation” that included the “outpouring of the Holy Spirit from 1863 to 1892” and pointed out “this is an historical fact and you have in your press library a book that contains this history: God Passes By, adding that anyone who reads it “will get a true picture of the Day in which we are living ...” It was written by Mr. Homer Holmes, who pioneered to Arkansas twenty-eight years ago and has become familiar to readers in the area with his letters which often boldly proclaim the principles and name the central figures of the Faith. Bahá’ís holding a commemoration of the Day of the Covenant the day before the conference in a newly opened area outside of Little Rock reported a group of new declarations.
In such an atmosphere of public attention and with the weeks of pre-planning by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Little Rock, and the excitement of arrival of carloads of Bahá’ís from far and near, the conference convened on Friday night, November 26, at the auditorium of Philander Smith College, a school where Hand of the Cause Louis Gregory had spoken in years past. Hardly had the conference begun than one of the college students from Africa, who had been talking with the Bahá’ís as they arrived declared his Faith.
Opening of the Conference[edit]
The conference was opened by Mr. Albert J. Porter, Chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly and Conference Coordinator. He introduced the evening’s chairman, Mrs. Sherrill. After stirring music and devotional readings,
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Mrs. Sherrill pointed out that the purpose of any
conference must be to think in the direction of offering
God’s teachings to the world. Mr. Khádem spoke of this
as an historic occasion and of the station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
and of how we must beseech to serve Bahá’u’lláh with
all our time and resources. Miss True extended greetings
from the Continental Board of Counsellors. Miss Carney,
in her word of greeting from the National Spiritual Assembly said she was “glad to be here—this is home.”
And the four Auxiliary Board members were introduced.
Miss True spoke on the Bahá’í Covenant, describing the line of authority from the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, to The Universal House of Justice, dealing in the second part of her address with the part of the individual in the Covenant. Afterwards Mrs. Sherrill asked the new believers who had enrolled during the past year to stand, and about half of the audience arose.
After the session the friends returned to their hotel rooms, with many enjoying the hospitality of the local friends who opened up their homes. Some had as many as thirty people spread out in sleeping bags across living rooms and bedrooms. Even in the homes many sang and prayed together and deepened from the Writings.
Saturday morning’s newspaper announced, “Bahá’ís Holding Three-day Meeting In Little Rock,” and indicated that “The conference proposes to ‘deepen the Bahá’ís in their understanding and application of the Bahá’í Teachings of service to mankind.” It mentioned the regional and international growth of the Faith, the commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing, and the position of Bahá’u’lláh. As the Saturday morning session began, a reporter from another newspaper came and began a coverage by attending the session and interviewing persons for more than two hours.
After devotions and music, Mr. Khádem spoke of the life of Shoghi Effendi, sharing the intimate stories that vividly portrayed episodes in the life of the Guardian, and at the conclusion, at the request of the audience, Mr. Khádem led the singing of a song in Persian.
All of the persons attending massed on the steps of the college administration building for the conference photograph. In the afternoon, Mrs. Sherrill discussed the development of the Administrative Order; Miss Carney described The Universal House of Justice and the Nine Year Plan; Miss Thomas spoke of the need for universal participation; Mr. Pettit discussed the need for teaching the masses; and Mrs. McCants drew word pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Perfect Teacher. The afternoon talks were punctuated with the lights and cameras of local television stations filming the conference for the evening newscasts. During the question period, Mr. Khádem responded to inquiries concerning the Tablet of Carmel.
During the dinner break, many of those attending the conference watched the 6:00 p.m. newscast which showed the hundreds of people attending the conference and concluded with an interview with Mr. Khádem. The comprehensive and accurate coverage was handled by the weekend newscaster for the NBC outlet, Mr. Tom Collier, a Bahá’í.
Commemoration of the Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
The special evening session, lasting from 8:00 p.m. through 1:30 a.m. concentrated entirely on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, commemorating the 50th anniversary of His passing. Mrs. McCants began with a presentation on the life and station of the Master, pointing out that as the Báb’s Revelation was announced in 1844, the Person to carry forward the new Teachings was born at that very time. Dr. Allan Ward continued the evening with slides depicting the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from the time of His birth to His passing relating it to the world events throughout these years.
In the major address of the evening, Mr. Khádem said of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “Every moment of His life is significant,” and concluded the stirring presentation by saying of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “What a Father; what a Son!” The beautiful devotional readings concluded with the Tablet of Visitation for the Center of the Covenant, in that intense atmosphere of unified love that is a taste of the new world being born. While the conference was still in session, the 10:00 newscast on two television channels broadcast a report, filmed earlier, including interviews with pioneers in attendance.
Sunday morning’s newspapers brought an article that described the conference and spoke of the rapid growth of the Faith in Arkansas in recent months.
The conference continued on Sunday morning with Mrs. Sherrill’s discussion of the Plan of God and the Plan of the Bahá’ís. Miss Carney continued by speaking of the position of the Local Spiritual Assemblies. This was followed by Mr. Pettit’s presentation on the Bahá’í law of consultation, and Miss Thomas’ description of the response the individual can give to the call of Bahá’u’lláh, “if thou lovest My beauty ...”
Mr. Pettit extended the thanks of all in attendance to all the participants, and to the host assembly for its arrangements. He called attention to the fact that Howard Colby Ives, who first met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912 and recorded his experiences in the book Portals to Freedom, had, in his last pioneering venture of his life, established the Faith in Arkansas, and was buried just outside Little Rock. Among the believers in attendance were Mrs. Robbie Wilson, the first Arkansas Bahá’í taught by Mr. Ives and Mrs. Almo Lockheart, also taught by Mr. Ives, who has been actively participating in the mass teaching activities although she was born several years before Bahá’u’lláh’s passing.
As the last moments of the conference approached, and the friends longed for it somehow to continue longer, Miss True and Mr. Khádem addressed their last loving words to the friends. Then, standing hand in hand, everyone sang “Alláh-u-Abhá,” as a believer came forward to volunteer for pioneering services.
The friends began the journey back to their communities with renewed love in their hearts, and the inspiring words still ringing in their ears, grateful that Bahá’u’lláh had given them the bounty of belonging to such a Bahá’í family as this, and for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as their Exemplar.
The Reli-pops of Europe[edit]
The Reli-pop show consists of a group of four young traveling teachers who sing and play and give the Message. They appeared in Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Germany this past summer. They played for firesides or in public, and were flexible and spontaneous, but their playing was intended for the individual listener. Eddi, Hugo, Dick and Reza are all from different countries, and former members of the “Dawn-Breakers.”
Eddi told this story:
“In Liechtenstein we were on a large square singing a few Bahá’í songs when a big tourist bus stopped nearby. One told us a member of the tourist group happened to be a Bahá’í, who was on her way on foot to join the group at the square. When our friend who happened to be a black American arrived there was an indescribable greeting. For her fellow vacationers it was incomprehensible that a member of their group could be greeted in such a loving manner in a foreign country. The whole bus was immediately put at our disposal with its loud speaker system and we had a fireside.”
The Reli-pops planned to conclude their programs by presentations at Wuppertal and Cologne.
Summer School, Hustedt, Germany[edit]
The German summer school was held in Hustedt, a small village in the north of Germany. There were seventy-five participants from all over Germany. Among these people were members of the youth committees called specially for a meeting with Continental Board of Counsellor member, Betty Reed, to help launch the two year youth campaign in Germany by preparing specific goals to take to the European Youth Conference in Fiesch, Switzerland. There were many other youth, children, and adults. Auxiliary Board member, Anna Grossman and Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís’ of Germany, Dr. Bozorg Hemmati, attended.
More than half of the participants became involved in mass teaching efforts in the surrounding areas. Betty Reed suggested that the afternoon time be utilized in team effort. After prayers for success the teams went out into the area, and set about to share the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
This transference of words and principles into action had its effect. It brought upon the summer school many confirmations. About 600 people were contacted in word or writing. How far reaching the effect of this wonderful time in Hustedt will be only time can show us. We shall pray that from these days and from this work the heart of northern Germany shall be set aflame with the love of God.
Counsellor Betty Reed, with the German Youth Committee at the Hustedt, Germany summer school.
Participants in the summer school held in Hustedt, Germany, July 17-25, 1971.
Bahá’í News — Forty Years Ago[edit]
Issue No. 57 of BAHÁ’Í NEWS for December 1931 had as its first item: “The Guardian Has Called Us to Full Maturity”. The National Spiritual Assembly initiated a series of letters to be read at Feasts, related to the “New Plan for Unified Action” and quoted the Guardian in his Message of the year before, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh:
“It is an occasion for every believer to deepen his inner life, attain a higher standard of devotion and sacrifice, and bring order in his daily affairs. As the world plunges further into confusion and chaos, emergencies will continue to arise, until the friends of God are united and wholly active in their services to the Cause.”
In the editorial we find: “The present economic depression has little to do with our success or failure....”
Attendance at the public meetings in Foundation Hall of the Temple was reported as increasing. A large group of students from Northwestern University came to the Temple after 10 o’clock and remained until midnight. Speakers in Foundation Hall in October (1931) were Miss Pearl Easterbrook of Peoria, Illinois; Mrs. Corinne True, and Dr. Zia Bagdadi; and for November Mrs. Sarah Walrath was added. Mr. Edward Struven guided the friends through a tour of inspection of the newly installed machinery for heating and ventilating the Temple.
A letter from the Guardian to Mrs. Corinne True confirmed the accuracy of statements she made after returning from Haifa, and in addition he wrote: “Your staunch, unswerving faith, your boundless devotion and assiduous care to preserve the integrity and extend the bounds of the Cause, are among the most richly valued assets that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has in that land. Every visit you pay us in Haifa serves to confirm this conviction.” Among the statements brought back by Mrs. True were some concerning the Bahá’í Holy Days —“As to the Day of the Covenant (Fete Day of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá) the celebration of November 26th as the Day of the Covenant should be observed by the believers throughout the world.”
Miss Martha Root spent an exceedingly busy summer (1931). She addressed gatherings at Harvard University, Boston University, University of New Hampshire and Green Acre, and made plans to sail from New York for Europe the third week in January.
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era was translated by Mrs. Teresina G. Campani and Mrs. Emogene Hoagg into the Italian language.
The January 1932 BAHÁ’Í NEWS carried the story of teaching in the heart of Dixie. In response to the wish which was expressed by the Guardian for a white and black Bahá’í teacher to go together into the South, four persons undertook such travel. Philip A. Marangella of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Chauncey Northern of New York, a wonderful singer, spent a fortnight touring the South by motor. At Richmond University they were received by Dr. Samuel C. Mitchell, who had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the Lake Mohonk Peace Conference and had given the Message on many platforms. Mr. Marangella spoke at the University of South Carolina at Columbia, and in the same city, at Allen University and Benedict College. At Orangeburg, they appeared at Claflin University and State College. The singing of Mr. Northern added charm to these occasions. They also appeared at Enfield, North Carolina at Bricks Junior College, under the American Missionary Association,
The Wilmette House of Worship, showing the stage of construction it had reached by the winter of 1931-32, forty years ago.
where the President and his wife had been Bahá’ís for
many years, and have welcomed Bahá’í teachers.
In December 1931 Willard J. McKay of Pittsburgh and Louis G. Gregory of Atlanta (after his passing named a Hand of the Cause) spent eighteen days together, traveling mostly by bus and usually sharing the same room in a manner running counter to local tradition. There was not a single unpleasant incident, which they attributed to divine guidance and protection. At Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama, seven meetings were arranged for their three-day stay. Dr. George W. Carver, noted scientist declared that the Bahá’í way was the only way to unite humanity.
When the team of McKay and Gregory arrived at the Normal, Alabama State Institute for Colored Youth, two teachers had just been attacked by white hoodlums so that one teacher died a few hours later. This circumstance heightened interest in the Bahá’í message, and besides the chapel meeting, a special faculty meeting was called to hear more about the Faith.
At Nashville, Tennessee they appeared at Fisk University before five different groups. A student showed the travelers a thesis of 3,000 words about the Bahá’í Teachings which he wrote and used as a commencement address. The Jewish librarian asked that a Bahá’í group be started, which was seconded by the Curator, who had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in New York.
At Clarksburg, West Virginia a high school teacher arranged a meeting at his home and one at his school. The team appeared twice in Louisville, Kentucky at a church. At the University of Cincinnati, they were entertained at luncheon by Dr. W. O. Brown of the Department of Sociology who said of the effort to remove race prejudice: “Such a stand is now growing respectable ... When such work started in the South it had to be behind closed doors.”
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Special Days in Liberia[edit]
Members of the Local Bahá’í community of Monrovia and of the National Assembly of Liberia were well represented at the 26th Anniversary observance of the United Nations Day program held on October 24, 1971 at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia. It was attended by about 2,000 persons, including officials of the government, and prominent persons. The program was broadcast live over the national radio network.
Collaborating with the Bahá’ís on this occasion was a representative of the Liberian United Nations Association, and the Department of Education. There was excellent news coverage. Mr. William Enoanyi, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of West Africa, in his introductory remarks told of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh related to world peace.
The following evening the TV network of the nation showed “And His Name Shall Be One”, which brought many inquirers.
A well-attended meeting held at the National Headquarters of the Bahá’ís of South and West Africa yielded outstanding results in promoting interest among youth and stimulating their ideas about world peace. Participating in the program were Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í students in a panel discussion. This was followed by a talk by Mr. Jamshid Fanaiyan, Vice-Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Afterwards, the meeting broke up into smaller discussion groups which lasted late into the evening. Bahá’í Teachings related to peace were well publicized in the press.
Liberian United Nations Day program. Left to right: Mrs. J.
Badio, President of Liberian United Nations Association; Honorable A. B. Cummings, Under Secretary of Education for
UNESCO; Mrs. Joseph Morris and Dr. Joseph G. Morris, guest-speaker of the Department of Education; Mrs. G. Sanchez, Bahá’í
program co-planner; Mr. William Enoanyi, National Spiritual
Assembly Secretary; Mr. Jamshid Fanaiyan, National Spiritual
Assembly Vice-Chairman; Miss Simi, pioneer from Írán; Miss S.
Ashraf, member National Spiritual Assembly.
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