Bahá’í News/Issue 552/Text
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| Bahá’í News | March 1977 | Bahá’í Year 134 |
Blessed Beauty released from ‘Akká:
Centenary approaches
Mazra’ih
Construction Seat House of Justice begins[edit]
Construction of the Seat of The Universal House of Justice on Mt. Carmel is underway.
The first concrete for the foundation level was poured February 17, the World Center reported. A contract for construction of the main structure was signed by The Universal House of Justice on January 5. At that time it was reported that shipments of Italian marble for the five-and-a-half story building had begun to arrive in the Holy Land. Project engineers have set April 1979 as a target for completion of the main structure. The project has been called the greatest single undertaking of the Five Year Plan by The Universal House of Justice.
The first concrete was poured on February 17. Husayn Amanat, the architect, looks on, standing fifth from right to left.
| Contents |
Construction of The Universal House of Justice Seat begins | inside cover |
Atmosphere of challenge | 3 |
The efficacy of Bahia | 9 |
New books | 14 |
Around the world | 14 |
Cover: In the early days of June, 1877, Bahá’u’lláh’s confinement in ‘Akká was terminated, thus ending nine years of imprisonment there. The Blessed Beauty moved just north of the city, to the palace called Mazra‘ih, and remained there for two years before going to Bahjí.
Bahá’í News is published monthly for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í world community. Manuscripts submitted should be typewritten and double spaced throughout; any footnotes should appear at the end. The contributor should keep a carbon copy. Send materials to: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A.
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Copyright © 1977, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Believers report experiences International Teaching Conferences[edit]
Approximately sixteen thousand believers from all parts of the Bahá’í world attended the eight Bahá’í International Teaching conferences called by The Universal House of Justice to be held at the midpoint of the Five Year Plan. Two of those believers have submitted articles about their respective experiences and impressions to Bahá’í News.
The conference held in Nairobi, Kenya in October is the subject of the article by H. Elsie Austin, an American believer.
Robert Walker wrote the article about the conference in Bahia. He is a pioneer in Brazil, and teaches at the university in Porto Alegre.
Their reports follow in chronological order.
Atmosphere of challenge[edit]
Nairobi, Kenya[edit]
by H. Elsie Austin
Inspiring words of The Universal House of Justice which stated the purpose of the International Teaching Conference in Kenya during this Bahá’í year characterized the setting and the atmosphere of the African Conference held during October 15-17.
“In Nairobi, the challenge of Africa and the tremendous potentialities of that Continent for the development of the Bahá’í community should be in the forefront of the participants’ deliberations, linked with the consideration of similar opportunities of the Indian Ocean ...”
The atmosphere of challenge was everywhere. It was in the atmosphere of the conference site, that fast-growing capital city of Kenya, 1,828 meters above sea level, turbulent with the changes, the dislocations and the adjustments of old and new Africa. One sensed challenge in the structure of the magnificent Nairobi Conference Center so symbolic in its architecture of Kenya’s past and present, combining in the architectural design the massive avant-garde cylindrical structure with the ancient cube of Kenya’s traditional rural hut. Again, challenge was in the spirit of the Bahá’í conference, a warming inclusive esprit, which linked persons from 61 countries with the solid representation of Africans, in its way symbolically ending the historic isolation of that continent and firmly linking it in destiny and aspiration with all continents, nations, and peoples of our world. And finally, the challenge was apparent in the fact that in the infinite and interesting variety of colors, cultures, concepts, and languages, there was an unusual presence and participation on the part of African men and African women which seemed to signify their growing awareness of their responsibility in collaboration with the friends of all lands, to carry forward the progress of human civilization in the light of Bahá’u’lláh’s principles of Unity and Justice.
The Nairobi Conference was structured to provide a wealth of information and deepening. Talks by the representatives of The Universal House of Justice, by the Hands of the Cause, and by the Counselors and Board members gave the friends a very realistic view of what was needed in African areas to achieve the Five Year Plan goals. The conference sessions, chaired by African friends from various areas, gave us an opportunity to comprehend the differences and yet to appreciate the dignity, sincerity, and thoughtfulness of African friends who have taken leadership roles in the Faith. Conference translations were given in four official languages: English, French, Persian, and Swahili. A team of translators functioned for each language, and in their excellent
Clockwise: Hands of the Cause William Sears, Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, John Robarts, and Enoch Olinga attended.
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operations managed to convey to their respective audience segments all the fire and enthusiasm of each speaker.
The African friends from various areas in their own special and delightful ways gave us creative intervals of relaxation from the tightly structured sessions. They presented the colorful and sparkling traditional dances and songs of their areas. These presentations not only afforded eye and ear enjoyment, they also made us reflect upon the basic importance and role of songs and dances in African cultures and stimulated creative thinking on the tremendous teaching potential they may have for spreading the concepts and principles of the Bahá’í Faith.
The Conference Committees had done their work well. Registration went off smoothly and efficiently. The many visitors were never without help from an efficient, courteous, and thoughtful group of young Bahá’í guides, distinguished by bright yellow bands that said “Nairobi Bahá’í International Conference.” Well acquainted with the conference and city facilities, they helped everyone.
Bus transportation to carry the friends from one point to another for programmed events had been thoughtfully arranged and operated smoothly. The Conference Committee seemed to have thought of everything.
Publicity for the Bahá’í conference was effective. The two important daily papers carried special feature articles, and an excellent program of interviews was developed for the radio-television coverage. The East African Standard, one of the widely circulated dailies, carried a fine special supplement on the Faith which in pictures and lead articles brought out its world aspects and its attractiveness for all nations and peoples.
The Bahá’ís themselves attracted publicity. Charged with that unique and special spiritual electricity which is generated whenever a large company of friends get together, the Bahá’ís, in and out of the conference, generated a spirit of such elation and happiness in being together that they attracted attention wherever they were, by their willingness to include others instead of excluding them.
The evening before the conference formally opened, a Unity Feast had been arranged at the large State Fair grounds, known as Jamhouri Park. Many of the Bahá’ís were accommodated in the quarters for guests and exhibitors. Others coming from the hotels and places in the city of Nairobi rode a procession of buses to the park. It was evening when we reached
The friends visited with Dr. Muhájir between sessions.
the park not a light was on because of an unfortunate incident in which a fallen tree had severed the main power line. Though in the terms of the outside world we were all a host of strangers, the fire and enthusiasm of Bahá’í love replaced the electric lights. No one seemed fearful or dismayed to the extent of leaving or feeling
very unhappy. Instead, the buses kept their lights on, and the friends seated themselves in audience stands and with most loving courtesy and cooperation heard the much-loved Hand of the Cause, Dr. Muhájir, who in spite of the difficulties spoke to us most impressively on the worldwide teaching efforts of the Faith. The Bahá’ís one and all displayed that event in the most beautiful ability to adjust to unforeseen difficulties with discipline, courtesy, and kind humor. The conference began the following morning.
Early on the opening day, African friends and children were at the conference bringing in songs their enthusiasm about the Faith. After prayers, the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya, Mr. Nekesa, presented the four Hands of the Cause attending the conference: Raḥmatu’lláh Muhajir, Enoch Olinga, John Robarts, and William Sears. Each of the Hands of the Cause had at one time been pioneers, three of them on the African continent. Mr. Olinga represented The Universal House of Justice. Representatives of the International Teaching Center, fourteen Counselors, and Auxiliary Board members were presented to the friends.
The high point of the first session of the morning was the reading of the Message from The Universal House of Justice. Before Mr. Sears began reading, he informed the friends that even as the Message was being read, the members of The Universal House of Justice were linked with the conference in prayer at the Holy Shrines. The assembled friends in Nairobi listened raptly.
Later, on the opening day, the conference received an official welcome from the State of Kenya given by the Prime Minister, N. Munoko. Mr. Munoko observed that the Bahá’í International Conference was the fourth in a series of religious conferences held in Nairobi, where religious tolerance is practiced. He said it is encouraging to have a community like the Bahá’ís aiding the government through the promotion of unity and peace among people. The Minister closed with the famous official “Harambe” salute to the President and to the Bahá’ís. Mr. Sears presented
Top to bottom: Believers shared happy moments; Dorothy Nelson represented the National Assembly of the United States; Counselors were presented; a government official welcomed the Bahá’ís to Kenya.
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three Bahá’í books to Mr. Munoko. As the Minister left the hall, the friends softly sang “Alláh-u-Abhá”.
‘Aziz Yazdí, representative of the International Teaching Center, addressed the friends concerning the history of the Faith in Africa. He recalled the historic services which the great and esteemed martyr teacher of the Faith Hayder Ali had given in Africa, of the persecutions and torments he had received in Egypt and in the Sudan, where he went to teach the Faith in accordance with the Báb’s instructions. He recalled the services of Sheikh Abdi Yazdi, a Persian Bahá’í who became the first non-African Bahá’í to die in Africa, and spoke of the Tablet which Bahá’u’lláh wrote upon hearing of his death, a Tablet in which he poured great bounties upon the people of Africa.
Mr. Yazdi also mentioned the heroic souls of the West who had arisen to answer to the call from the Beloved Guardian. He mentioned that the first teaching plans in Africa had united four National Spiritual Assemblies, those of Britain, the United States, Iraq, and Persia. These National
Left: Dr. Muhájir surrounded by friends in tribal dress. Above: Mr. Sears and his wife arrived in Nairobi.
In areas hit by political crises the African friends have shown great courage and perseverance.
Assemblies were responsible for planning the first African conference. Today there are 34 National Assemblies in Africa.
During the afternoon of the first day, members of the Continental Board for Africa discussed the challenges awaiting Bahá’ís in Africa. In some areas Local Assemblies have grown, but in others Local Assemblies have been lost because of extreme need for teachers and settlers to work with the friends, especially in village areas. Important statistics were given on the needs in West, East, and the Indian Ocean areas of Africa.
In areas hit by political crises the African friends have demonstrated great courage and perseverance. An example of this is seen in the friends from such countries as Ethiopia and Uganda. The Ethiopian friends could not attend the conference, but they cabled their determination to achieve their goals and pledged themselves to victory. The same message came from Reunion Island, in the Indian Ocean. In many of these areas Bahá’ís are carrying on with almost no outside help.
The second day[edit]
Saturday, October 16, continued the momentum of the first conference day. During the morning session Hands of the Cause Dr. Muhájir, Mr. Robarts, and Mr. Sears addressed the friends with messages that were at once deeply stimulating and urgent.
Mr. Sears recalled the Guardian’s words to him on one of his visits to Haifa. The Beloved indicated that teaching was the answer to every problem the believers encounter. “If you have personality difficulties on a Local Spiritual Assembly, the need is for more new believers. New believers through individual teaching is the answer to every problem. Drown your troubles in a sea of new believers.”
Mr. Robarts, who had spent 13 years as a pioneer in Africa, told the friends that giving is a spiritual responsibility. He said
Above: The skyline of Nairobi; Left: Tribal dancers performed.
Below: Friends gathered at the Bahá’í Center.
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the amount given is not the most important factor, but rather the degree of sacrifice and the unity of the friends.
Dr. Muhájir urged the friends to consider the importance of the opportunity in our times to contribute to the rebuilding of the Houses of Worship in India and Samoa. He said building is the theme of the kingdom and it is the privilege of our generation to build.
Dr. Muhájir reminded the conference that ninety percent of the populace in Africa, Asia, and India live in rural areas. That is where the teachers need to go. It is a very good thing for the faith to have entire villages become Bahá’í.
He stated that every five years the Faith has doubled its membership and will continue to do so if teaching is vigorously pursued. If we work with the momentum of this force, we can surpass our teaching goals, he said. He stated that teaching families has brought results on several continents. In Korea, 1600 new believers resulted from six months of teaching by this method. Again in southern Chile, 200 families brought in 2000 Bahá’ís. In Bahia, Brazil, through this vigorous teaching campaign there are now areas where streets have Bahá’í names and many children know Bahá’í prayers by heart.
At the end of the second day, Mr. Olinga called for those who had volunteered to pioneer, and soon the stage was full of friends who were willing to serve and had served. It was an inspiring thing to see the dear faces of many colors, from all parts of the world who had left their homes in the service of the Faith.
The third day[edit]
Sunday, October 17, the final day of the conference, brought presentations on the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life, the role of Bahá’í youth, the emancipation of women, and the Bahá’í family.
Thelma Khelghati, recently appointed Continental Counsellor for West Africa, spoke of the standards of the Bahá’í family as evidenced in the lives of the early believers.
The historic and deeply significant Nairobi conference was closed with remarks by Mr. Sears that the friends return to their respective areas and win the goals.
Left: Believers chat at the Unity Feast. Below left: Bahá’ís wait for a session to begin. Below: A scene from the Kenyan country side.
The efficacy of Bahia[edit]
by Robert Walker
“Likewise the city of Bahia, situated on the eastern shore of Brazil. Because it is some time that it has become known by this name, its efficacy will be most potent.”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Truly, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s promise has been and continues to be fulfilled. Bahia, which opened her arms to the first stalwart pioneer to the virgin soil of South America, and whose sons and daughters were among the first to enter the Cause of God in troops, has gathered together “the believers and maid-servants of the Merciful” from the five continents of the earth
for the seventh International Teaching Conference of the Five Year Plan, over sixty years after the Master’s momentous call was issued in the first of the Tablets of the Divine Plan.
Over 1300 believers from 37 countries gathered at the Castro Alves Theater from January 27 to 30. Seventeen indigenous tribes of the Americas were represented, including the Bush Negroes of Suriname.
The Conference was illumined by the presence of three Hands of the Cause of God: Mr. Enoch Olinga, the official representative of The Universal House of Justice; Mr. Paul Haney; and Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir. Also in attendance were six members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in South America: Mrs. Lenora Holsapple Armstrong, Mr. Paul Pavón, Mr. Athos Costas, Mr. Donald Witzel, Mr. Masu’d Khamsi, and Mr. Peter McLaren. Twenty Auxiliary Board Members and 47 National Spiritual Assembly representatives were also present.
The first session of the conference was opened by the Governor of the State of Bahia, Professor Roberto Santos, who expressed his profound admiration for the unity shown by the Bahá’ís of different backgrounds and races, coming from all
Left: The Message from The Universal House of Justice to the Bahia Conference was read by Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, and translated into Spanish and Portuguese. Below: Mr. Olinga presented the representative of the Bush Negro peoples of Suriname, Saban Kwajani.
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parts of the world. He said “This Conference will be an historic event for Bahia.”
In the inspiring message from The Universal House of Justice, a call was raised to the believers of South America to “unite all the divinely-ordained instruments of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh in executing a symphony of victory in all the unfinished goals of the Five Year Plan, winning thereby the good pleasure of the Blessed Beauty. The importance of “attracting to the Cause large numbers of indigenous peoples” as well as “members of every stratum of society,” the “greater utilization of radio broadcasting,” the “increase of the number of pioneers and travelling teachers” and the “wider dissemination of Bahá’í literature” were also stressed.
Mr. Enoch Olinga gave an outline of the progress of the Five Year Plan throughout the world. As a high point, at the end he offered to Mr. Habib Taherzadeh, in the name of The Universal House of Justice, a copy of the newly published Selections from the Writings of the Báb. Mr. Taherzadeh, the compiler and translator, pointed out the timeliness of its publication, referring to the promise of the Báb that when the Cause of Him Whom God
Top: Hand of the Cause Mr. Olinga paid a courtesy call to the governor of Bahia, Roberto Santos, right. Also present were Elisabeth Olinga, Continental Counsellor Masud Khamsi, Margot Worley who represented the Bahá’ís of Bahia, and Valiollah Vahdat, Bahá’í Press Officer. Left: Habib Sabet, shown with Ecuadorian believers, appealed for contributions to the Fund. Above: A young Persian couple were among those who attended the conference.
will make Manifest (Bahá’u’lláh) will be widespread throughout the world, then the people of the world will come to appreciate His own writings.
Mrs. Leonora Holsapple Armstrong, the dearly loved “Mother of South America,” traced the early history of the cause in these countries. She recalled the arrival of Martha Root, the first person to pronounce the name of Bahá’u’lláh in this continent. She arrived in 1919, travelling at the request of the beloved Master. Mrs. Armstrong, deeply moved, said that her whole life would not be enough to thank Bahá’u’lláh for that day, the day of the Conference.
A panel coordinated by Counselor Masu’d Khamsi, with the participation of eleven National Spiritual Assemblies and many indigenous believers, presented an account of the accomplishment of the goals of the Five Year Plan. Mr. Khamsi mentioned especially the communities of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Paraguay as having won their locality goals.
On the first day of the Conference, Counselor Paul Pavón raised a call for pioneers and travelling teachers in order to hasten the accomplishment of the remaining goals.
“The Great Plan of God for Mankind” was the title of the Public Conference, announced on the local radio stations and in the newspapers of Bahia. Panelists included members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, Peru and Brazil, as well as Dr. Victor de Araujo, representative of the Bahá’í International Community at the United Nations.
Mr. Dorian Seabra, member of the Brazilian National Spiritual Assembly and currently serving in the mass teaching area in Bahia where 5,600 new believers recently enrolled, spoke on proclamation of the Faith and the need for using mass media for this purpose. He mentioned that the first step toward success in a mass teaching is to believe in its effectiveness.
A well planned and complete set of literature for expansion and consolidation was presented by Mr. Gustavo Correa, representative of the Audio-Visual Department of the Colombian NSA.
Auxiliary Board member Sergio Couto, who, heeding the call of the beloved Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir, arose to begin mass teaching in Bahia, pointed out the importance of having a well-trained and organized teaching group, preferably living at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the mass teaching area. In recognition of his devoted services to the Faith, Dr. Muhájir offered him his Bahá’í ring, and Mr. Olinga offered him his golden pen. With these two precious gifts Mr. Couto said that he would feel protected and enabled to enroll many, many more Bahá’ís. A tender moment occurred when Mr. Couto called to the stage a little girl of seven years of age, from the mass teaching area, who had offered to pioneer to Africa, inspiring her mother and sister to follow suit.
At the next session, Mr. Olinga praised the glorious future of the indigenous people in the Faith. Representatives of seventeen tribes were called to the stage to tell of their experiences in the Faith and to present some native songs. A bouquet of beautiful flowers was offered to them by the Persian friends.
Mr. Glenford Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, spoke on the need for the education of children and the role of Bahá’í youth in the Five Year Plan. He quoted Bahá’u’lláh’s words: “Teach unto your children the words that have been sent down from God, that they may recite them in the sweetest of tones. This standeth revealed in the mighty Book.”
“In his inmost desire and as his sacred obligation to serve this Cause and to construct with all his power a divine civilization on earth, each Bahá’í transforms money into the life-blood to lay the corner stone of the Institutions of the Cause.” This was the message of the Treasurer of the Brazilian National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Shapour Monadjem, in a slide program.
Another call for pioneers, travelling teachers and contributions to the fund, with special emphasis on the needs of the
Above: Hand of the Cause Paul Haney addressed the friends on the meaning of the construction of the Seat of The Universal House of Justice. Below: Mrs. Enoch Olinga received flowers from a young believer in native Bahiana costume.
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Amazon region, was raised by Mr. Olinga and Dr. Muhájir. As a result, there were 111 offers of pioneering and travel teaching. Some teaching trips commenced immediately following the Conference.
With the encouragement of Mr. Habib Sabet, who addressed the friends in an energetic way, 465 contributions toward the construction of the House of Justice were made, and $290,000 was offered to be used for various funds. Universal participation was stressed, and besides the large offers of some of the wealthy friends, many contributions of handicrafts, land, cattle, and jewelry, as well as money, were received.
One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation by Hand of the Cause Paul Haney on the spiritual meaning of the erection of the seat of The Universal House of Justice. Mr. Habib Taherzadeh, with the help of visual aids, described the progress that has been made.
An interesting slide program on the development of radio communication was given by Mr. Dean Stephens, radio broadcast consultant of The Universal House of Justice. This presentation showed the importance of this medium in reaching the masses and the most remote areas, for both teaching and consolidation.
Representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ecuador, pioneers in the field of radio communication, made a brief report on program development. Bahá’í programs are now broadcast by seven Ecuadorian radio stations, covering almost fifty percent of the population.
Miss Mercedes Sanchez, Peruvian Auxiliary Board member, awakened the women to their important role in the Faith. In her inspiring and enthusiastic speech she mentioned many woman pioneers who opened countries in South America.
Excellent publicity was obtained during the Conference, with coverage by nine television and seven radio programs and eighteen newspaper articles. After the Conference, a report appeared on a national television program, and features are expected in two national magazines.
A unique feature of this Conference was the extensive utilization of publicity materials. Three color posters were produced in Portuguese, and one was produced in an English version for world-wide distribution. Through a silk-screen process, one thousand copies of each were reproduced. Five thousand stickers, both transparent and opaque, were prepared, showing the Bahá’í/Bahia conference symbol. Fifty thousand small stickers (usable as decorative stamps) were also made. Two picture postcards were created and three thousand of each were printed. Two thousand name tag holders were prepared for the Conference, together with 2100 folders and 500 bags.
Over 1300 believers from 37 countries attended the Bahia conference. Mr. Olinga and Mr. Haney are seated in the second row.
A number of T-shirts were printed with the conference symbol. Large banners were posted throughout the city, and there was an attractive display at the airport. Through the self-sacrificing collaboration of the Bahá’ís, the total cost for materials production was kept to under $4000.
Sixty new believers was the immediate harvest of the Conference. Who can calculate the future results?
On the last evening, Mrs. Leonora Armstrong said that this had been a happy Conference, a meeting of the hearts which like mirrors reflect the attributes of the Kingdom of Bahá’u’lláh. She mentioned the first message the Guardian sent to the Bahá’ís of Bahia asking them to persevere in their efforts, not considering the smallness of their numbers, because the time would come when Brazil itself would recognize the call of “Ya-Baha’u’l-Abha!”
Dr. Muhájir pointed out that each country had contributed to the success of the conference in a different way: Bolivia with indigenous teaching, Ecuador with radio programs and mass teaching, and Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina with literature, and that the result of these experiences had been an exchange of valuable information which will contribute to the spread of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings in South America.
Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney mentioned five key words from a Message of the Guardian: the honor conferred by Bahá’u’lláh upon the people of the Cause, the obligation to obey his laws, the power released to remove obstacles, the opportunities created to teach the Cause and the promise of guidance to all who would arise for this purpose.
A “captain” of one of the jungle areas of Surinam, speaking in Arawak, expressed the sentiments of all the believers present: “As I am here and I look around, I see that I would have been a stranger in this land. But it is not so. What has brought us together is the message of Bahá’u’lláh.”
This truly was an historic conference, bringing together in unity peoples of many nations and races. Surely, it will be a cause of inspiration to the friends in South America and throughout the Bahá’í world for decades to come.
Below: Members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil meet after many years. On the left is Habib Taherzadeh, and on the right is Margot Worley.
New Books[edit]
Bahá’í education topic of compilation[edit]
The Universal House of Justice has compiled a selection of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi which relate to child-rearing and education. Bahá’í Education: A Compilation also contains excerpts from the talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
In the introduction to the book, The Universal House of Justice said: “The proper education of children is of vital importance to the progress of mankind.” The book contains practical advice concerning classroom structure and other aspects of formalized education.
Around the World[edit]
Alaska
Feast topic of conferences[edit]
Simultaneous Nineteen Day Concept Conferences were held on December 4-5 in Anchorage and Juneau, Alaska. The conferences were attended by over 40 representatives from 22 Bahá’í communities.
The friends deepened on the Writings regarding Feast, studied segments of a dramatized Feast, discussed personal preparation for Feast, administrative responsibilities, readings, report presentation, and refreshment ideas.
The suggestions resulting from consultation on these topics will be compiled and distributed to believers in every area of Alaska, said a spokesman for the National Spiritual Assembly.
Musical program attracts attention of NAACP[edit]
A program called “The History of the Negro through His Music” was sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Tanana Valley, Alaska, on December 28, and attended by 50 people, 20 of whom were not Bahá’ís. The program was a musical history of the Negro, as sung by Blu Mundy.
At the end of the program, the minister of a local church, the majority of whose members are Negro, thanked Blu saying that she had taken the Negro cause further than he had himself. As a result of the Bahá’í-sponsored program, Miss Mundy appeared on two local television stations in four programs.
Two of the programs, 15 minutes in length, were sponsored by the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and featured interviews with Miss Mundy by the show host. Another program, also sponsored by the NAACP, was a half-hour of Miss Mundy at the piano, telling part of her musical story. The fourth program on which Miss Mundy appeared was a daily interview show.
Besides having the opportunity to mention the Faith on four programs, Miss Mundy was able to build bonds of respect with several members of the local chapter of the NAACP. These same individuals, who are not Bahá’ís, expressed interest in buying the video-tape of Miss Mundy for re-broadcasting on other special occasions throughout the year.
Austria
World Religion Day celebration geared to young and old[edit]
Austrian Bahá’ís celebrated World Religion Day (January 16) at the Hilton Hotel in Vienna, where Bahá’í materials were displayed in several conference rooms.
The afternoon portion of the celebration, intended for youth, attracted over 100 people. Ingo Hofmann of Munich, Germany, spoke on the history of religion; a film on the Bahá’í International Teaching Conference in Paris was shown; and two Austrian Bahá’ís played modern guitar improvisations.
The evening program was also attended by over 100 people. Dr. Hofmann spoke on the unity of mankind, and a piano and violin recital of classical music followed.
Public concerts part of winter school[edit]
The Austrian Bahá’í Winter School, held January 1-9 in the Youth Hostel on Salzburg, was attended by 110 Bahá’ís from several countries, including Continental Counsellor Anneliese Bopp and Auxiliary Board members Anna Grossman and Iradj Pourahimi.
While the school was in session, two public concerts were given by the Dawn-breakers, an Austrian music group. One was given in the goal town of Mattsee, and the other was given at the youth hostel itself, where Dr. Schmitt, a German Bahá’í, also spoke. These activities were reported in the press and over national radio.
Belize
Bahá’í marriage laws recognized[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Belize has reported that in a recent speech before Parliament, portions of which were broadcast over Radio Belize, the Premier of Belize, George C. Price, said that the marriage laws of the Bahá’í, Christian, and Muslim religions are recognized by the government.
He said that a number of religions are practiced in the country, Belizeans enjoy freedom of choice in matters related to
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religion, and that this human right is protected by the Constitution of Belize.
Canada
First Western Arctic Winter School held[edit]
The eight members of the Bahá’í group of Inuvik, in Canada, organized the first Canadian Western Arctic Winter School which was held in their community on December 24-27.
Twenty-two believers attended the four-day session, thirteen from other towns, which meant journeys of thousands of miles in some cases.
A projected goal of $1,000 for the Fund was achieved on the third day and doubled by the end of the school.
During the conference, Ruth Eyford, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, conveyed a message from The Universal House of Justice that prayers for the school were being recited at the Holy Shrines. The Bahá’ís sent a message of appreciation to the World Center, and received a reply on the final day of the school which said The Universal House of Justice hoped “that waves of teaching will bring great strengthening to the Arctic communities.”
Bahá’í books to be available in public bookstores[edit]
Three selected Bahá’í books will soon be available in bookstores in Canada. The books are Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, The Divine Art of Living, and A Thief in the Night. A promotion package which may be used by Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups contains posters, brochures, newspaper and radio advertisements, and a display featuring A Thief in the Night.
Bahá’ís ordering the books for their placement in bookstores receive an instruction manual on how to contact bookstore managers and make arrangements for selling the books.
Bahá’í appointed to Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame[edit]
Donald R. MacLaren, of Vancouver, Canada, was recently named to the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. Mr. MacLaren is a founding member of the Air Cadet League of Canada and was active in commercial aviation. He formed several aviation companies, was a qualified pilot, and became the first employee of Trans-Canada Airlines, when appointed assistant to the president. He served with that airline until his retirement in 1959.
Columbia
Child teaches Faith via radio[edit]
A three-year-old Bahá’í child was interviewed on a half-hour radio show along with her parents during a teaching trip in Colombia. When asked to say something about the Bahá’í Faith, she quoted from The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh: “O Son of Spirit! My first counsel is this ...” The interviewer interrupted her, asking what her “counsel” was. She continued: “Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting,” and ended by saying “Bahá’u’lláh.”
The interviewer finally commented after a moment of silence that it was incredible that a three-year-old should know such things.
India
Assembly formed[edit]
The first Spiritual Assembly of Maksi, Shajapur, India, located in an area where intensive teaching is happening, was formed in February. The sign in the background reads “Bahá’í Local Spiritual Center.”
Liberia
Summer school attended by 48[edit]
The West Africa Summer School, held December 16-21, attracted 42 believers from Liberia and 6 from Sierra Leone.
The topics stressed at the school were the history of the Faith, characteristics of Bahá’í life, and the social teachings of the Faith.
In the middle of the week, the believers broke into four groups and taught in the nearby town of Bomi Hills. They also invited people to a public meeting to be held the following night.
Approximately 138 people attended the public meeting, where they saw a Bahá’í film and heard a talk on the basic tenets of the Faith.
The children learned a skit on progressive revelation during their classes, and presented it on the final day of the school.
Mariana Islands
Bahá’í Center site acquired[edit]
The site of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for the Mariana Islands has been acquired in Guam in the Sinajana-Ordot area. The Bahá’ís in the Mariana Islands contributed the funds and bought the land themselves.
They are now in the process of beautifying the site. A building will be raised on the land, which will serve as a District Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds until the National Assembly of the Mariana Islands is elected, at which time it will become the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
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Portugal
Minority group opened to Faith[edit]
Many declarations have resulted from the plan initiated in Portugal last August to teach the Faith among minority groups.
The first family to accept the Faith in Troia, Portugal, as a result of intense and regular teaching trips to the area.
New Bahá’ís of Troia, Portugal, with the pioneers and teachers who taught them the Faith.
Efforts have been concentrated among the thousands of refugees who have arrived in Portugal from Angola and Mozambique. One community in which local believers and pioneers taught the Faith was Troia, where 700 Angolans live.
Twice a week for five months the Bahá’í teachers taught and made friends with the people of Troia. During the first few months, 25 people became Bahá’ís. The teachers continued to visit Troia, deepening the new believers and teaching those who had not yet heard the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
Gradually, the new believers began to teach. They formed their own Bahá’í community. Each time the original Bahá’í teachers returned, they found the new believers had taken on more responsibilities. The Bahá’ís of Troia have since enrolled 10 believers.
Sierra Leone
21 accept Faith[edit]
Judith Conteh, the first Bahá’í woman to attend the Women Teachers College in Port Loko, Sierra Leone, was the hostess for a Bahá’í exhibition there on November 27. As a result of the exhibition and the public meeting that followed, twenty students and one lecturer became Bahá’ís.
Believers from Freetown, Magouraka and Makeni attended the exhibition and were warmly welcomed by the principal of the college, who offered her assistance to the Bahá’ís.
The exhibit opened at 10 a.m., but very few students stopped to view it. By late afternoon, Mrs. Conteh decided to personally invite students to the exhibition and the public meeting to be held that evening.
The invitation caused more students to view the exhibit, and to stay for the meeting, where a talk was given by Charles Bullock, Auxiliary Board member. That evening 21 people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. Even after the meeting was over, the new Bahá’ís stayed to sing song after song.
South West Pacific
Local Assembly result of teaching efforts[edit]
Three radio messages invited the friends of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands to a Regional Teaching Conference called by the National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific for January 29-30. Twenty-five Bahá’ís attended.
During teaching activities at the conference, one person declared in a town which had eight Bahá’ís, allowing the group to form a Local Spiritual Assembly and achieving a goal of the National Teaching Committee. Another declaration occurred in Noumea, where a woman of an ethnic minority accepted the Faith.
A public meeting was held at the conference which drew 45 people, six of whom were not Bahá’ís.
Twelve believers volunteered to travel to villages to teach the Faith, and the call for a Melanesian pioneer to Laroche was met.
United Kingdom
Youth volunteer talent for summer project[edit]
Each summer, under the guidance of the National Teaching Committee of the United Kingdom,
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Bahá’í youth volunteer to form a teaching group which tours the country and proclaims the Faith through music, mime, slides, and song.
Last summer the teaching group of 12 youth called itself Daystar. They toured South Wales and South-West England, performing in Bristol, Newton Abbot, Torbay, Bovey Tracey, Modbury, and Plymouth.
Both in Wales and the South-West, local Bahá’ís found the show so impressive they traveled with Daystar to the next town to see the show a second time. Several Bahá’ís encouraged communities which had not yet hosted Daystar to give the group increased publicity.
When Daystar reached Torbay, the local government said the group could only perform outdoors, at Babbacombe Down. The Bahá’ís were delighted to learn that the Guardian had visited Babbacombe Down, and was inspired by the red soil in the gardens to choose red paths for the World Center.
Many Bahá’í communities asked for repeat performances. The show differs each summer because the combination of talent differs with each set of volunteers.
Bahá’í opera star radio guest[edit]
Norman Bailey, a Bahá’í who is an opera star, was able to mention the Faith while a guest on the British Broadcasting Company’s radio show “Desert Island Discs” October 23.
Each week a different celebrity is featured, who must imagine himself lost on a desert island. He is asked to name eight records he would like to have with him in such a situation, and to talk about his ideas and career.
Mr. Bailey chose Seals and Crofts Year of Sunday as one of the records to take to the island “because it deals with the principle of progressive revelation.”
Toward the end of the half-hour program, Mr. Bailey was asked about his religious convictions. He explained the basic teachings of the Faith and said that he became a Bahá’í in South Africa twenty years earlier after hearing about the Faith from his piano accompanist.
At the close of the program, Mr. Bailey was asked to choose any writings other than the Bible or William Shakespeare which he would like to have with him on the island. Mr. Bailey chose Bahá’í Revelation and explained that it is a compilation of Writings by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The program was repeated nationally two days later. As a result of the program, inquiries about the Faith were received at the National Center.
United States
Falkland Islander visits Wilmette Temple[edit]
A Bahá’í resident of the Falkland Islands was invited by the National Spiritual Assembly to visit Wilmette on his way home from the International Teaching Conference at Bahia, Brazil, to refresh his spirits at the Temple.
The Falkland Islands, more than 6,000 miles distant from Wilmette, is under the sphere of administration of this National Spiritual Assembly. The object of the proposed visit was to help that island’s community understand the operation of Bahá’í Administration in the United States and to develop a sense of relatedness with it.
The believer invited was Dr. Robert Watson, a dentist who joined the Faith in the Falkland Islands a little less than three years ago.
In Wilmette, he met with staff of the National Center, viewed video portions of the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program, was informed of bookkeeping methods used by treasurers of Local Assemblies around the country, and toured the facilities of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
“I felt put in touch with how everything is done,” Dr. Watson said of his visit.
India
Bahá’í students present variety show[edit]
Students of the New Era Junior College in Panchgani, India, presented a variety show in February which played to a full house three nights in a row.
