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Bahá’í News

June 1977

Bahá’í Year 134

Six new pillars
of Universal House of Justice
are formed at Riḍván

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Persian believer martyr for Faith On June 10 the National Spiritual Assembly received the following message from the Universal House of Justice: “The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Irán has reported that a 37-year-old man, Mr. Ruḥu’lláh Taymúrí-Muqadam, a steadfast pioneer for some 20 years in Fáḍil Abád in the Province of Gurgán, has been martyred at the hands of misguided people of that village. “Some members of a fanatical element of the area had been plotting against the Faith and had collected money to finance a large-scale attack on the Bahá’ís. “In starting the campaign they went to the house of Taymúrí and attacked him and his sister. The blows of a knife and other weapons caused the death of Mr. Taymúrí and serious injury to his younger sister, Miss Parvín Taymúrí. “Fortunately, the authorities in Irán have arrested the assassins and they now await trial. At present, the area is calm and the government has the situation under control. “The National Spiritual Assembly reports that it is confident that this persecution in the cradle of the Faith will attract divine confirmations and will bring new victories to the steadfast and devoted believers in the land of Bahá’u’lláh.”

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Contents

Persian believer martyr for Cause	inside cover
Hand of Cause Paul Haney’s Mérida address on Fund	2
Progress report on House of Justice construction	4
Six new National Assemblies formed at Riḍván	5
Around the World	10

Cover photo

The healing rays of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh grew stronger at Riḍván as six new pillars of the Universal House of Justice were formed: one in Africa, one in the Caribbean, one in Europe, two in the Pacific Ocean, and one in South America.

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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.

Change of address should be reported directly to Office of Membership and Records, National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A. Please attach mailing label.

Subscription rates: one year, US $8: two years, US $15.

Second class postage paid at Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

Copyright © 1977, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

[Page 2]

‘Lifeblood’

Hand of Cause Paul Haney explains duty and privilege of contributing to the Funds

The following is an address by the Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney at the Bahá’í International Conference, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, February 5, 1977.

Every Bahá’í knows that our beloved Guardian has referred to our contributions to the various Funds as the lifeblood of the Bahá’í institutions ordained by Bahá’u’lláh which we are striving to develop and strengthen.

It is a self-evident truth that no organism can function without its lifeblood, and the rapidly expanding institutions and activities of the Cause are no exception to this physical law.

However, the concept of giving our material means for the advancement of the Faith has been raised to a new dimension and a new concept in this Dispensation. When a new Manifestation of God appears, a transformation takes place as a result of the spirit released by His life and teachings, and even words take on new meanings.

Two of the words that take on new meaning and significance in this great Day of God are Funds and Contributions. Another is work, which has been raised to an act of worship when performed in the spirit of service.

The compensation we receive for our work is a material thing, but when we contribute a portion of it to the Funds of the Cause in a joyous spirit of love, and above all with the element of sacrifice, those contributions become spiritualized and the material substance transformed into something that confers a spiritual bounty upon the giver.

Our beloved Guardian has told us that contributions to the Fund constitute a practical and effective way whereby every believer may test the measure and character of his faith, and prove in deeds the intensity of his devotion and attachment to the Cause.

Shoghi Effendi also has given us certain basic principles to be applied in relation to contributions to the Funds of the Cause. I shall mention four of these and quote briefly from his writings on these subjects:

1. The voluntary character of Bahá’í contributions.

“...I feel urged to remind you of the necessity of ever bearing in mind the cardinal principle that all contributions to the Fund are to be purely and strictly voluntary in character. It should be made clear and evident to everyone that any form of compulsion, however slight and indirect, strikes at the very root of the principle underlying the formation of the Fund ever since its inception. While appeals of a general character, carefully worded and moving and dignified in tone are welcome under all circumstances, it should be left entirely to the discretion of every conscientious believer to decide upon the nature, the amount, and purpose of his or her contribution for the propagation of the Cause.”

2. No pressure must be exerted.

“Shoghi Effendi has repeatedly stated that no pressure should be used upon the friends, and psychological pressure falls under that category. But there is much difference between such gatherings often used by religious bodies and a true, quiet,

[Page 3] prayerful atmosphere when a person is, of his own accord, aroused to make some sacrifice.”

3. Only Bahá’ís may contribute to the Funds for the work of the Cause.

“Non-Bahá’ís cannot contribute to our work or do it for us, so really our first obligation is to support our own teaching work, as this will lead to the healing of the nations.”

4. Universal participation.

“The institution of the ... Fund, so vital and essential for the uninterrupted progress of these activities must, in particular, be assured of the wholehearted, the ever-increasing and universal support of the mass of believers, for whose welfare and in whose name these beneficent activities have been initiated and have been conducted. All, no matter how modest their resources, must participate.”

We all know the power of prayer, but I wonder if we realize how we can draw upon this power to enable us to give more to the Cause. We can not only pray for greater means in order to support it more liberally, but we can also pray to have the things in us, in our characters, that hinder us from giving—be they fear of the future, worry, greed, selfishness, or self-indulgence—transmuted into their opposite qualities—trust in God, reliance upon Him, generosity, unselfishness, and self-sacrifice.

The duty and privilege of giving lies squarely on the shoulders of every Bahá’í because our Faith is the spiritual ocean that has bathed us with its healing and life-giving waters, and back into the ocean should go some token of our love for the Cause—some tangible thing that will enable it to spread out further, and reach other souls, and quicken them with its water of eternal life as it has quickened and transformed and revivified us.

In closing, I should like to leave you with these words from the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in which He reveals to us the meaning of the mystery of sacrifice:

“Verily, the Beauty of Abhá has destined for the servants who are pure and holy, a Station before which the greatest of the earth shall bow, and the necks of heroes bend in humility.

“Is there any blessing greater than this high Station? But the magnet for this glorious gift from the Majestic One is attained by the mystery of Sacrifice in the Path of God.

“A man should sacrifice all things—even his spirit, his body, his glory, his possessions, his self and his identity, and he should become humble and lowly, and then extend his wings over every believer in the world—nay, rather over all men in the Universe.

“This is the Station of the servants who believe and are pure and holy in the Kingdom of their gracious Lord. When the ray reaches the sun it becomes annihilated and vanishes; the drop when attaining the sea disappears, and a true lover when seeking the loved one becomes extinguished.

“So long as a man has not reached the Station of Sacrifice, he is deprived of every gift...The place of sacrifice is the field of severance, and when one reaches it, the verses of immortality will be chanted.

“Be ye entirely quit of yourselves as much as you can, and be ye attached to the Luminous Face; when ye attain to this Station of adoration, ye will find that all the world is under your shadow.”

---

The Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney (upper photo) spoke movingly of the privilege of sacrificial giving to the Bahá’í Fund during an address at the Bahá’í International Conference at Mérida, Mexico, in February. The conference was attended by many indigenous peoples (opposite) who had the bounty of seeing and hearing three Hands of the Cause: Mr. Haney, Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, and Mr. Enoch Olinga.

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Seat of the Universal House of Justice

Work is progressing well on construction of the seat of the Universal House of Justice on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. Since Riḍván 1976, when the excavation work was completed, the upper and lower basements and the foundation have been started. Photo 1 shows the upper and lower basements of the building which, when finished, will be approximately 230 feet long, 111½ feet wide, and 85 feet from the ground floor to the top of the dome. Photo 2 is another view of the upper basement wall. The drawing (3) is of work on the lower basement, looking toward ‘Akká. Photo 4 is a view toward the east of the general construction. Photo 5 shows a completed section of the upper basement walls.

[Page 5]

Six pillars added to House of Justice

New National Assemblies are formed at Riḍván in accordance with provisions of Five Year Plan

New Hebrides

The historic formation of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the New Hebrides took place at the National Convention held at the Bahá’í Center in Port Vila during the weekend of April 22-24.

Hand of the Cause A.Q. Faizí could only attend the last few hours of the Convention, having been delayed by a severe earthquake in the Solomon Islands. His presence added rich blessings to the occasion and constituted a fitting reward for those who had labored so valiantly to prepare for the birth of the new National Assembly.

The erection of this new pillar of the Universal House of Justice came almost 24 years after the Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, Bertha Dobbins, first set foot in these islands in 1953. It was appropriate that she could be present to witness the coming of age of the community that she has served so steadfastly over the years.

Also in attendance were Auxiliary Board members Arthur Dahl, Alick Soalo and Palene Hnaloane; Jean Sévin, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to the Tuamoutou Islands in French Polynesia; Madge Featherstone, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia; and some 60 Bahá’ís from the islands of Efate, Malekula, Santo and Tanna in the New Hebrides, and from New Caledonia. Counsellor Owen Battrick and his wife, Jeannette, were unable to attend at the last moment, owing to Jeannette’s ill health.

The National Assembly was elected by 19 delegates who represented 10 Local Spiritual Assemblies. Every delegate was present, and each contributed to the consultation and made suggestions to the incoming National Assembly.

The Convention opened on Friday evening with a session led by the Auxiliary Board, representing the institutions of the Hands of the Cause and the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia. Talks on the nature of a National Convention and the responsibilities of delegates were followed by music and singing.

Saturday began with the arrival just after dawn of a planeload of delegates and

In accordance with the provisions of the Five Year Plan, six new National Spiritual Assemblies came into being at Riḍván 1977—one in Africa, one in the Caribbean, one in Europe, two in the Pacific Ocean, and one in South America. Listed here are the Hands of the Cause who represented the Universal House of Justice at the inaugural Convention, the name of the National Spiritual Assembly, its seat, the “parent” or sponsoring National Assembly and the dates of the Convention. The entries are listed chronologically.
	Abu’l-Qásim Faizí—	H. Collis Featherstone—
	New Hebrides	Marshall Islands
	Port Vila	Majuro
	(South West Pacific Ocean)	(North West Pacific Ocean)
	April 22-24	April 23-25
	Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel—	Dhikru’lláh Khádem
	Greece	Surinam and French Guiana
	Athens	Paramaribo, Surinam
	(Germany)	(Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana)
	April 23-24	April 30—May 1
	Dr. ‘Alí-Muḥammad Varqá—	Enoch Olinga—
	French Antilles	Upper Volta
	Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe	Ouagadougou
	(Leeward and Virgin Islands)	(Ivory Coast, Mali and Upper Volta)
	April 23-24	May 2-3

[Page 6]

Mexico: ... most happy report 141 Local Spiritual Assemblies ... 19 travel teaching volunteers ...” (94 Local Spiritual Assemblies were reported in January 1977)

Solomon Islands: “... 13 new Local Spiritual Assemblies formed ... total achieved 40 ...” (27 Local Spiritual Assemblies were reported in January 1977)

friends from the island of Tanna, and the Convention began just after 9:30 a.m.

It was agreed to use Pidgin as the language of communication, to save translation time.

In the absence of the Hand of the Cause, the messages from the Universal House of Justice to the Convention were read by Dr. Dahl and Mr. Soalo. It was pointed out that the newly-elected members of the National Assembly would take part in the election of the Universal House of Justice at Riḍván 1978.

The annual report of the National Assembly of the South West Pacific was presented. Hearts were uplifted by the news that not only had the number of Local Assemblies in the New Hebrides been raised from five to 10 in five months, but that all 10 Assemblies had been re-elected at Riḍván, together with a new Assembly in Port Resolution.

After a brief discussion of the report, the election of the National Assembly took place. Elected to the first National Assembly of the New Hebrides are Tony Deamer, Munawar Delshad, Ken Harrison, Ann Kalfabun, Georges Kalo, Kalman Kiri, George Pakoa, Charles Pierce and Jean-Ben Sablan.

The chairman is Mr. Kiri; vice-chairman is Mr. Pakoa; secretary is Mr. Pierce; treasurer is Mr. Harrison; and assistant secretary is Miss Delshad.

The Convention continued on Sunday morning with reports from 10 Local Assemblies and consultation on implementing the points made in the message from the Universal House of Justice.

Toward midday, the delegates and assembled friends listened to congratulatory messages and telegrams received from the Universal House of Justice; Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone; Counsellors Battrick and Violet Hoenke; the National Assemblies of Australia, Canada, France, Gilbert Islands, Lesotho, Puerto Rico, Samoa and the Solomon Islands; and from three individuals: Irene Williams, Ivan Olivari and Daniel Caillaud.

Various photographs and audio-visual gifts were presented to the National Assembly by the Battrick, Dahl and Sévin families.

Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizí arrived in time for the evening session. The friends eagerly absorbed his words during the last few hours of the memorable weekend. He stressed the need to strengthen Local Assemblies, and the importance of educating one’s children in the Bahá’í teachings for the sake of the Faith.

Following the Convention, further congratulatory telegrams were received from National Conventions that had been held simultaneously in the Solomon Islands and in New Zealand.

The Universal House of Justice cabled this reply to the news sent from the New Hebrides:

“Hearts filled with joy news successful formation National Spiritual Assembly New Hebrides at Convention, blessed presence Hand Cause Faizí. Praying Shrines added blessings confirmations dearly loved New Hebridean Bahá’í community.”

The first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Greece was formed at Riḍván, 1977. The Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel who represented the Universal House of Justice at the inaugural Convention is seen in the front row, second from the left.

[Page 7]

Togo: “... Happy to announce goal localities surpassed; 32 Assemblies; construction 40 per cent Local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds almost finished; 30 volunteers for teaching projects ...” (29 Local Spiritual Assemblies were reported in January 1977)

Jamaica: “Local Spiritual Assemblies 33, localities 199; pledge completion teaching goals 4 months; adopted personal teaching commitments ... Secretary-General addressed Convention ...” (25 Local Spiritual Assemblies and 165 localities were reported in January 1977)

French Antilles

The first National Convention of the French Antilles opened April 22, 1977, with the dedication ceremony of the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

Among the guests present for this historic event were the Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Muḥammad Varqá, who represented the Universal House of Justice; Continental Counsellor Rowland Estall; Lea Nys of Belgium, whose frequent visits to the French Antilles over the years give her a special place in its Bahá’í history; Henriette Samimy, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of France; and Eve Johnson, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of Barbados and the Windward Islands.

Approximately 50 Bahá’ís and friends also attended, along with members of the local media.

Jody Owens, vice-chairman of the “mother” National Assembly of the Leeward and Virgin Islands, officially opened the Convention with prayers. He then introduced the Hand of the Cause Dr. Varqá.

Dr. Varqá shared thoughts on the important role the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds should play in the life of the community, particularly for the youth.

Mrs. Nys gave a talk about the Faith and assisted with the introduction of all the friends present.

Everyone was then invited to share refreshments and explore the two upper floors of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, which are yet to be remodeled.

On Friday evening, after the dedication ceremony, the wife of a Bahá’í journalist from Martinique declared her belief in the Faith.

The following morning, the Bahá’ís gathered at Ecotel in Gosier for the election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the French Antilles.

Fifteen of the 19 elected delegates were able to attend the National Convention. Represented were the islands of St. Martin, the French and Dutch sectors; St. Barthelemy, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.

Elected to the first National Assembly of the French Antilles are Aurel Andre, Florence Bagley, Marian Barnes, Daniel Caillaud, Allan Fuller, Barbara Guy, Robert Hanevold, Darlene Hodge, and Jose St. Prix. Four members of the National Assembly are from the French Antilles, three are North American pioneers, and one is from France.

The chairman is Mrs. Bagley; the vice-chairman is Mr. Fuller; the secretary is Mr. Caillaud; the treasurer is Mr. Andre, and the recording secretary is Miss Hodge.

Following the announcement of the election results, Dr. Varqá read the message from the Universal House of Justice, restating the goals to be won by the Bahá’ís of the French Antilles during the last two years of the Five Year Plan.

A second letter to the new National Assembly arrived from the Universal House of Justice saying that a gift of $1,000 soon would arrive.

There was an emotional moment when Mr. Owens, representing the National Assembly of the Leeward and Virgin Islands, read from a list that comprised the legacy

The first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Marshall Islands was elected at Riḍván, 1977.

The first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the New Hebrides was elected at Riḍván, 1977.

[Page 8]

Belize: “... record attendance delegates; happy announce total 50 Assemblies, 151 localities ...” (Goal 50 Local Spiritual Assemblies, 150 localities)

Nicaragua: “Joyfully announce formation 30 Assemblies all Departments, 104 localities ...” (Goal 30 Local Spiritual Assemblies, 100 localities)

of the “mother” National Assembly to its new “sister” National Assembly. Among the items on the list was a check for $500, of which $150 was earmarked for the Temple land and $100 was a gift from the Spiritual Assembly of St. Thomas.

A message from the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America was read in both French and English by Counsellor Estall.

During the first day of the Convention a prayer for healing was said for Guy Martail, the first Bahá’í in the French Antilles.

On the evening of the first day dinner was held for the mayor of Gosier and all the Bahá’ís and their friends. The mayor was busy elsewhere and was unable to attend, but the dinner proved to be a joyous unity Feast for the friends. A reporter from the newspaper France-Antilles wrote a favorable article.

The Sunday morning session was devoted to consultation on the Five Year Plan, and a plea by Counsellor Estall for all Bahá’ís to lend their loyal support, love and constant prayer to the nascent National Assembly.

The Convention closed at noon Sunday when Dr. Varqá chanted a prayer of thanksgiving and praise by Bahá’u’lláh.

Greece

The historic first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Greece was held April 23-24, 1977, in Athens in the presence of Hand of the Cause Adelbert Mühlschlegel, who represented the Universal House of Justice.

A report of the occasion said, “The Convention was characterized by a spirit of love, unity and gratitude to Bahá’u’lláh, and a deep awareness of the significance of the long-awaited erection of yet another pillar of the Universal House of Justice.”

The Convention was further enriched by the presence of Counsellor Erik Blumenthal of the European Board of Counsellors; eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, the “parent” body; and four of the six Knights of Bahá’u’lláh who opened Greece to the Faith.

The Knights of Bahá’u’lláh present were Dr. Dwight Allen, Carole Allen, Sheila Banání, and Rolf Haug. The two Knights of Bahá’u’lláh who were unable to attend were Dr. Amin Banání and Elizabeth Golmohammadí.

Congratulatory messages were received from a number of National Spiritual Assemblies, Local Assemblies, groups and individuals.

During the Convention, affection and appreciation were expressed to the German friends for the care expended over the years in the development of the Faith in Greece.

Surinam and Fr. Guiana

The National Convention held April 23-24, 1977, in Guyana by the National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana marked the end of that body and the formation of the first National Assembly of Suriname and French Guiana.

By this act the Five Year Plan goal of the Universal House of Justice was realized,

The first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Upper Volta is shown on April 30, 1977.

[Page 9]

Honduras: announce formation 70 Assemblies, 17 properties offered, 3 Centers begun, 5 planned; adopted plan complete all goals Riḍván 134 ...” (57 Local Spiritual Assemblies were reported in June 1976)

Bolivia: “... announce formation 900-plus Assemblies, 4,644 localities, 19 Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, initiation distribution correspondence courses ...” (806 Local Spiritual Assemblies and 4,509 localities were reported in January 1977)

giving birth at the same time to the National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana.

The parting of these bodies was a painful experience after seven years of working together and sharing one another’s problems, hopes and aspirations, building at the same time fond memories of that association and fellowship.

Present at this historic meeting were Mr. Peter McLaren, representing the Continental Board of Counsellors; Auxiliary Board member Edward Widmer, 19 delegates, representatives from numerous localities, and observers.

The chairman and secretary for the Convention were Mr. Henry Dolphin and Mr. Ivan Fraser, respectively.

The Riḍván message from the Universal House of Justice was read by Counsellor McLaren, and a message from the Continental Board of Counsellors was read by Mr. Widmer.

Those elected to serve on the first National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana are Mrs. Sheila Dolphin, Mr. Henry Dolphin, Mrs. Ellen Widmer, Mr. Frank Sheffey, Mr. Ivan Fraser, Mrs. Eileen Hill, Dr. David Morris, Mr. Rooplall Doodnauth, and Mr. Krishna Seegopaul.

The secretary’s report indicated that the goal of 115 new locations opened to the Faith was achieved.

Of the 36 Local Spiritual Assemblies called for, 29 were achieved, and the remaining seven are within easy reach. The incorporation of two Assemblies is in progress.

Of acquiring two Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, one is achieved, the other in progress. Of the three endowments, one is achieved, and one is in progress.

Children’s activities were increased to include 15 regular classes, and a Children’s Conference was held with more than 200 in attendance.

Youth activities were heartening, especially in the fields of propagation and expansion, and during the year a Youth Conference was held that attracted nearly 200 youth from Trinidad, Surinam, and French Guiana along with the local friends.

Remarkable expansion and proclamation were made in the Amerindian village areas, and the stage set for wonderful achievements in the coming year. Bahá’u’lláh’s name was mentioned more than 500 times over radio during the year, and every opportunity was taken to have newspaper publicity and insertions.

Women’s activities are taking place in at least one location. There are general increases in propagation throughout Guyana, and the friends are confident that with the help of Bahá’u’lláh the goals of the Five-Year Plan will be surpassed before the specified time.

The friends were inspired by the results of the year’s activities, and 34 pledges were made to travel teach, three more for homefront pioneering.

The sum of $270.75 was donated voluntarily and through the sale of three articles given by the friends who were present. A parcel of land was donated by Mrs. Claudia Simpson, and 39 recommendations were made.

The first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the French Antilles was elected in Guadeloupe on April 23, 1977, in the presence of Hand of the Cause ‘Alí-Muḥammad Varqá and Counsellor Rowland Estall. In the back row, left to right, are Robert Hanevold, Darlene Hodge, Marian Barnes, Daniel Caillaud, and Allan Fuller. In the middle row, left to right, are Dr. Varqá, Aurel Andre, Jose St. Prix, and Mr. Estall. In the front row are Florence Bagley and Barbara Guy.

[Page 10]

Around the World

Italy

Radio program features Faith

Bahá’ís have been able to increase radio publicity for the Faith in Italy since private stations achieved legal status there about a year ago.

Late last year, A. Parsa, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, was invited to start a weekly one-hour broadcast called “Programme Bahá’í” on a station in Pisa.

When speaking on subjects such as “Bahá’u’lláh,” “The Search for Truth,” or “The Abolition of Prejudice,” the Bahá’í host, alone or with other Bahá’ís, presents the Bahá’í viewpoint.

In dealing with other subjects, secular but topical, the discussion is led by a qualified guest speaker and the Bahá’í position is outlined.

The program is interspersed with recorded music by outstanding Bahá’í musicians, including Seals and Crofts, John “Dizzy” Gillespie, England Dan and John Ford Coley, Pancho and Kamal, Dia Prometido, and various Dawnbreaker singing groups.

During each broadcast Mr. Parsa makes it clear that the ideas he is relating are not his own but are contained in the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. The program has become popular with the public.

Bahá’í programs also are regularly aired in Bologna, Bolzano, and Trofarello.

French Antilles

Approximately 50 Bahá’ís and friends attended the dedication of the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the French Antilles on April 22.

Delegates and visitors attending the first National Convention of the French Antilles April 23-24 in Guadeloupe. Hand of the Cause ‘Alí-Muḥammad Varqá is on the left in the front row.

[Page 11] Gilbert Islands and Tuvalu

Bahá’í-built catamaran attracts public attention

Approximately 100 townspeople gathered in April near the Bahá’í Center at Betio, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Gilbert Islands and Tuvalu reports, to watch the launching of a 40-foot catamaran built by John Thurston, a Bahá’í.

The event, which was covered in the April 7 issue of the daily newspaper Atoll Pioneer, described the launching of the catamaran and stated that the name “Erena Roe” was “chosen by the Bahá’í community of Tuarabu village, Abaiang. Tuarabu is the village where Elena and Roy Fernie first settled when they arrived in the Gilbert Islands in 1954.”

Mr. and Mrs. Fernie are the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh for the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, as they were then known. Mr. Fernie died in 1964.

The newspaper account, accompanied by a photograph of the catamaran, continued: “The maiden voyage will be made to Tuarabu, where it will be welcomed by the Bahá’ís of Abaiang. The boat is powered by two Diesel engines as well as by sail, and carries a crew of two besides the owner. It contains a galley, sleeping quarters, cargo space, and a large cabin that will be used for classes, film shows, and meetings.

“Mr. Thurston plans to use the catamaran to travel throughout the Gilberts and sometimes to nearby island groups such as the Marshalls, to visit Bahá’í communities,” the newspaper article said.

On April 9 a celebration was held aboard the “Erena Roe,” attended by Bahá’ís and their friends.

John Thurston (left foreground) and Terimwi Tonga (right foreground) are seen with the 40-foot catamaran built in Betio, Gilbert Islands and Tuvalu, for use in travel teaching throughout the islands. The vessel is named “Erena Roe” to honor Elena and Roy Fernie, Knights of Bahá’u’lláh for the Gilbert Islands. The catamaran was launched in April.

Chad

Faith progresses through teaching, classes

New localities were opened to the Faith and an institute was held to deepen 40 new believers after several teaching trips were made in the Mayo-Kebbi and Chari-Baguirmi areas of Chad.

At the deepening institute instruction was given on how to elect a Local Spiritual Assembly. Two people who attended, an American and a Lebanese, subsequently embraced the Faith.

Also in Chad, 1,600 children attend Bahá’í classes where they learn to recite prayers and sing. Some classes consist of as many as 54 children.

The children’s class curriculum has been prepared by the National Committee for Women and Children. Sometimes the 65 teachers who were selected for the classes give lessons to village women, using materials provided by the committee.

The Bahá’í Center in Sarh was the site of the First Bahá’í Women’s Conference, held January 28-30. Twelve of the 40 women in attendance became Bahá’ís.

Two weeks following the Women’s Conference, 110 people, half of whom are women, declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Other conferences that have been held recently include a regional conference in the village of Gourourou, attended by 60 people from 25 villages, and a National Teaching Conference in Banda, in southern Chad, attended by 44 from 13 villages, with members of the Rito tribe present for the first time.

Of the 20 Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds required to be constructed in Chad during the Five-Year Plan, 10 have been completed.

Sweden

70 libraries order Bahá’í book

Approximately 70 state libraries throughout Sweden have ordered the recently published Swedish edition of Dr. J. E. Esslemont’s book, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.

Bahá’í literature in state libraries is classified under “Bahá’í” and is readily recognizable.

A number of Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups, and individual believers have presented copies of the book to municipal authorities.

University members study Faith at seminars

At the request of the Department of History of Religions and Theological Studies, the Faith has been presented at a postgraduate seminar at the University of Uppsala.

Auxiliary Board member Hádí Afsahí, in response to an invitation by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Uppsala, spoke at the seminar for two hours.

Other professors and students expressed

[Page 12] interest in knowing more about the Faith, so a second session was arranged by the professor who teaches the history of Oriental religions.

At the second session, Mihrí Afsahí, a graduate of the University of Uppsala and a member of the Bahá’í Student Committee, was invited to give a talk on the Faith. The presentation was received with great interest and the university faculty became increasingly curious about the teachings and history of the Cause.

This resulted in a special seminar for the professors of religious studies, which was arranged by the university administration and presented in February. One of the main sessions of the seminar was devoted to comprehensive study of the Faith. The responsible professor asked Mrs. Afsahí to give the presentation.

In other activities, the Bahá’í Student Committee arranged a Bahá’í book and literature exhibit to mark the 500th anniversary of the founding of the university.

Northernmost Assembly hosts proclamation

The most northerly Local Spiritual Assembly in Sweden, that of Umea, on the 64th parallel, recently launched an extensive proclamation and teaching project.

The Message of Bahá’u’lláh was brought to the attention of many people during a week-long period in which proclamations and firesides were held, literature and posters displayed, and articles about the Faith printed in the local newspaper.

One aspect of these efforts, reports the National Assembly, “has been the willingness of secondary schools in various centers to open their doors to presentations on the Faith. Several thousand students have heard lectures on the Faith and seen color slides showing Bahá’í activities around the world.”

Leeward and Virgin Islands

Hand of Cause visits Islands

During the recent visit of the Hand of the Cause Paul Haney to the Leeward and Virgin Islands, he met with the friends in a number of localities and attended the Nineteen Day Feast held in St. Thomas, along with 55 of the friends, including children, and Bahá’ís visiting from St. Croix, St. John, and Tortola.

On March 1, while in St. Thomas, Mr. Haney was interviewed on the popular television show, “Conversation.” The entire hour-long broadcast was devoted to speaking with Mr. Haney, who had just returned from the Bahá’í International Teaching Conference in Mérida, Mexico, at which he represented the Universal House of Justice.

Madagascar

Thirty declare during conference

A Regional Teaching Conference was held in Manakara, Madagascar, on March 5-6.

After some initial difficulty was caused by the absence of a local government official, the National Teaching Committee was able to obtain government permission for holding the conference and was given, free of charge, the use of the Hotel de Ville, a government building, for that purpose.

The Bahá’í friends of Manakara were instrumental in organizing and promoting the conference, which resulted in the enrollment of 30 new believers, the establishment of good relations with a number of government officials, and the creation of a favorable impression upon those who came in touch with Bahá’ís during the course of activities associated with the conference.

South West Pacific Ocean

Faith grows by 15 per cent

Fifty-four believers were enrolled during a nine-week period in the South West Pacific Ocean, the National Spiritual Assembly noted at its March, 1977, meeting.

Twenty-two of the new believers are from the New Hebrides, which formed its own National Assembly at Riḍván; 29 are from New Caledonia, 12 being from the town of Thio alone; and three are from the Loyalty Islands.

“There has been a 15 per cent increase in the number of believers on the home-front alone in the South West Pacific area since January 1, 1977,” the National Assembly said.

The Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone (left) visited the site of the local Bahá’í Center of Fagafau, Savai’i, Western Samoa, April 12.

Pula Ofila and his wife, who donated the site and are building the structure, are seen in the middle.

[Page 13] Nepal

Expansion of women’s role is aim of UN seminar

The Bahá’í International Community was represented in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 15-22 at the United Nations Regional Seminar. The title of the seminar was “The Participation of Women in Economic, Social and Political Development with Special Emphasis on Machinery to Accelerate the Integration of Women in Development.”

Serving as Observer on behalf of the Bahá’í International Community was Zena Sorabjee, a Continental Counsellor in South Central Asia. Dr. Penelope Walker of Nepal attended the seminar as an unofficial alternate.

The seminar was opened by Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Devi of Nepal and was attended by leading women from various countries in the world.

Mrs. Sorabjee presented a statement on behalf of the Bahá’í International Community and later was invited to circulate copies among the participants.

The delegates also accepted literature prepared by the Bahá’í International Community on themes such as the equality of men and women, and some asked questions, in informal moments, about the Faith.

Counsellor Zena Sorabjee (center) and Dr. Penelope Walker (left) were the Observer and Alternate Observer for the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations Seminar on Women in Political, Economic and Social Development in Kathmandu, Nepal, February 15-22.

Canada

Newspaper ads lead to television show

The imaginative newspaper advertisements about the Faith that the Spiritual Assembly of ‎Longeueil Longueuil‎, Quebec, placed in the newspaper Le Devoir last summer were noticed by the producer of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s television program “Second Regard.”

The producer approached the Bahá’ís about taping a half-hour program.

The project began in January when a number of interviews were filmed with individual believers, both French- and English-speaking.

Aspects of the Faith covered were Bahá’í administration, the Bahá’í calendar, the role of women in the Faith, the Nineteen Day Feast, and the celebration of Naw-Rúz.

The finished program was broadcast across all of Canada on February 13. One viewer telephoned to ask if she might “join the Bahá’ís in keeping the Fast.”

A French-language television guide, which reaches the entire country, carried a full column about the program, with a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Information about the program also was published in the local media.

Faith is proclaimed after 30-year wait

Almost 30 years ago, at the request of the beloved Guardian, Melba Loft, the first Canadian Indian Bahá’í, returned with her husband from Detroit, Michigan, to their home reservation, Tyendenaga, in Ontario.

Throughout the years they attempted to reach their people with Bahá’u’lláh’s Message. After the death of her husband, Jim, in 1973, Mrs. Loft remained steadfastly at her post.

For 30 years the Indian Band Council had been unsympathetic toward the Faith. No public meetings could be held and the village meeting hall was closed to Bahá’ís.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Thailand are (front row, left to right): Victor Greenspoon, Sunantha Smith, Sawai Thongsoot, Fazlollah Faridian. (Back row, left to right): Nasir Jaffari, Chavalit Manjikul, Boonsong Indrawooth, Sawat Chungguen, Ken Robinson.

[Page 14] As the time for the International Teaching Conference in Mérida, Mexico, approached, which Mrs. Loft would attend, she asked the Chief and the Council if they wished to send a message with her to the Mayan Indians of Mexico. To her great joy, the Chief responded to her request by writing a letter.

Not only did the message reach the Mayan Indians, but it echoed all over the Caribbean when Mrs. Loft was invited, along with other Canadian Indian participants at the Mérida Conference, to be interviewed on television. During the interview, she read the Chief’s letter, a greeting that spanned continents.

Mrs. Loft’s long years of patience were rewarded when she returned from the Mérida Conference. Permission was given for holding a public Naw-Rúz observance on the Tyendenaga Reserve. One hundred fifty people attended.

Bahá’í scholars present papers at annual meeting

The second annual meeting of the Canadian Association for Studies on the Bahá’í Faith took place recently in Bolton, Ontario, and was attended by 100 Bahá’ís from all the provinces of Canada and a few from the United States.

Three original papers were presented by Dr. John Hatcher, Dr. William Hatcher, and Douglas Martin.

Dr. John Hatcher’s paper, entitled “The Metaphorical Nature of Reality,” received enthusiastic acclaim and was considered a splendid example of the way in which the work of the Association can draw on scholarly resources to assist Bahá’ís in deepening their understanding of various aspects of the Cause. In addition, other papers were presented on highly original subjects.

The executive meeting of the Association decided to publish John Hatcher’s paper, as well as a compilation of three articles written by William Hatcher on the relationship between the Faith and sciences.

A number of Association members were appointed to act as its representatives in calling on university departments to acquaint them with the work of Bahá’í scholars and the Association itself, so that lecture tours may be arranged.

The Association is considered the means by which the Canadian community actively pursues the goal of the Five Year Plan specifically assigned to it to establish courses and lectureships on the Faith in institutions of higher learning throughout the country.

Australia

Bahá’í Musicians on Tour

A group of five Australian Bahá’í musicians, who call themselves “1844,” toured New Zealand following the International Teaching Conference in Auckland in January.

The members of the group range in age from 20 to 24 and are of American, Australian, and Persian origin.

They compose most of their music and hope to contribute to the growth of the Faith by playing at Bahá’í proclamations and by releasing a recording this year.

During the New Zealand tour, the group’s activities were reported in newspapers and on the radio.

Youth Institute Big Success

More than 50 Bahá’í youth attended the 3rd National Youth Institute in May at the Yerrinbool Bahá’í School south of Sydney. One of the five non-Bahá’ís present declared during the institute.

Continental Counsellor Peter Khan led classes in public speaking and teaching the Faith.

Bahá’í moral teachings were the topic of a talk by Dr. Janet Khan, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Dr. John Davidson, an Auxiliary Board member, led a study on those religions that preceded the Bahá’í Dispensation.

The week culminated with the performance of a science fiction musical, “Mission to Plutonia 2,” about an intergalactic teaching trip in the year B.E. 1345. Children from a nearby orphanage attended the social evening.

The 3rd National Youth Institute, held in May near Sydney, Australia, was attended by 50 Bahá’ís. One of the five non-Bahá’ís in attendance declared his belief in the Faith by the end of the institute.

[Page 15] Samoa

Summer schools are tripled

Three summer schools recently were held in Samoa, one in each of the major islands—Savai’i, Tutuila, and Upolu—replacing the usual central summer school held in Lelata, Apia.

The purpose in increasing the number of summer schools and decentralizing the location was to enable a greater number of the friends to attend.

Eighty believers attended the Savai’i school, and as many guests attended the evening sessions at which Bahá’í films were shown. An overflow of 150 guests watched the showing of “The Green Light Expedition.”

Classes for all age groups were held at the Tutuila school, which drew an attendance of 50 registered students.

Almost 70 Bahá’ís registered for the school in Upolu. One newly-enrolled believer was so impressed with the session on the equality of men and women that he refused to make a decision concerning participation in a future event until he went home and consulted with his wife.

Presentations by teachers at all schools revealed that much study, thought, and effort went into preparation of the classes.

Continental Counsellor Suhayl ‘Alá’í participated in the schools at Tutuila and Upolu, and Auxiliary Board members William White and Farsbod Taefi participated in various sessions at the schools as well.

Children and adults examine the many items for sale at the bazaar held at the close of the first National Bahá’í Children’s Conference of Samoa held April 8-10. Approximately 100 children, parents, and teachers attended the conference. Proceeds from the bazaar were earmarked for the construction of the House of Worship in Samoa.

Botswana

National Assembly meets despite bad weather

“An interesting and inspiring event occurred recently,” the National Spiritual Assembly of Botswana reports.

“One morning, due to bad weather, only four National Assembly members were present for our meeting.

“A fifth member was about 60 miles away in Palapye. The four members decided, in spite of heavy weather, to proceed to Palapye and meet with the fifth member, thus forming a quorum so that the National Assembly could meet.

“The four of us left in two cars, taking along two children of two members. After about three hours of driving in difficult circumstances, and one broken-down car which had to be towed, we reached Palapye. On the way we had met the fifth member.

“The National Assembly meeting finally started in the afternoon and ended late in the evening. All felt inspired and happy that the effort had been made to meet.

“The trip, instead of being strenuous, was one filled with joy and gratitude for the great, ever-present assistance granted to us.”

Upper Volta

Delegates and friends attending the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Upper Volta, held in Ouagadougou from April 29-May 1. The Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga, who represented the Universal House of Justice, is seen standing in the third row, second from the left.

[Page 16] Trinidad and Tobago

His Excellency Sir Ellis Clarke (center), the first President of the new Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, receives a delegation of representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of Trinidad and Tobago on January 27. Lady Clarke is seen standing, second from the left. During the hour-long visit, discussion centered around the progress of the Faith throughout the Caribbean. The Bahá’ís of Trinidad and Tobago have paid a number of courtesy calls on Sir Ellis commencing in 1973 when he was appointed Governor General.

United Kingdom

British broadcaster wishes Bahá’ís ‘Happy Riḍván’

A broadcast that mentioned the Faith was aired four times between May 2 and 3 on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s “Report on Religion.”

The Feast of Riḍván and a brief account of the history of the Faith were discussed, followed by interviews with three Bahá’ís.

Interviewed were Philip Hainsworth, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom; Gerald Warren, a believer in the United Kingdom; and author David Hofman, a member of the Universal House of Justice.

Half of the 15-minute program was spent on the Faith.

The announcer concluded by wishing Bahá’ís everywhere a happy Feast of Riḍván.

Teachers’ handbook mentions Faith

A reference book on world religions that contains six pages of accurate information about the Faith has been published by the United Kingdom Community Relations Commission, reports the National Spiritual Assembly.

The book, World Religions—a Handbook for Teachers, may be used by Bahá’í parents when approaching teachers in connection with the recognition of Bahá’í Holy Days.

The book also has been useful in proclamation programs at schools.

‘Teaching trips a confirmation,’ says British Bahá’í

Following a teaching trip that lasted for four and one-half months, Meherangiz Munsiff has returned to her home in the United Kingdom.

The trip took her to 19 countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America.

“Teaching is easy, but we must consolidate the interest and knowledge of the seeker and believer,” she told a group of British Bahá’ís after her return. She urges the friends everywhere to pray for the Pioneers and to write to them.

In Guyana, Mrs. Munsiff visited a community in which there were many Bahá’í youth of Indian origin whose parents had not accepted the Cause. She was gratified, after a public meeting, when the adults became Bahá’ís en masse.

At another village public meeting, 37 people accepted the Faith.

Mrs. Munsiff says that those who are able to travel to teach the Faith should not deprive themselves of the opportunity to do so, for the confirmations are beyond measure.

Bolivia

Writings translated into Indian language

The complete text of The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh has been translated into Quechua, an Indian language, and published by the National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia.

Linguists say that Quechua “is the most widely spoken of all American Indian tongues, with at least six million speakers.”

The language is spoken in a wide number of dialects, many of them mutually intelligible, by the Quechua in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru.

[Page 17] Iceland

Group works to attain Assembly status

The Bahá’í group of Neskaupstaour, comprised of four adult believers, is working hard to achieve Local Spiritual Assembly status before the end of the Five Year Plan. The group says, “Isolated in the east, it has proved a difficult goal.”

During Intercalary Days the group sponsored a social event as a means of attracting the townspeople. The event was advertised in the local newspaper and by posters displayed in shop windows. An invitation was extended to all residents of Neskaupstaour to celebrate a day of hospitality with the Bahá’ís.

In preparation for the event, films were ordered from the educational library in Reykjavik, a hall was booked and baking was done.

From 10 a.m. until noon on the day of the celebration, 60 children attended a program that featured films and songs.

An afternoon program of films was attended by 50 adults, youth and children. Light refreshments were served on both occasions.

“The programs were enjoyed by all, and not least by the Bahá’ís,” reports the National Spiritual Assembly. “We felt it was an excellent way to demonstrate a Bahá’í atmosphere, and even those who did not ask questions were given food for thought.”

Alaska

Faith is subject of radio show

Two believers in Kodiak recently were interviewed about the Faith on a radio program. The program usually features interviews with Christian church leaders about their beliefs.

“We were the first non-Christians to be interviewed on that program,” the Bahá’ís reported. “We were questioned by a fundamentalist Christian for about 90 minutes.”

The friends said they had ample opportunity to present the Message of Bahá’u’lláh and describe His Station.

Several church leaders who heard the interview praised it, saying it helped them understand the Faith.

The Bahá’ís have been asked to speak on additional radio programs. They are also looking into showing the Hawaiian television series that features the Hand of the Cause William Sears. The series already has been shown once.

India

All-India Radio announces Naw-Rúz

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting in India recently issued the necessary instructions for the proper coverage of Bahá’í Holy Days and festivals by All-India Radio.

The National Spiritual Assembly advised Local Assemblies to make use of the facilities provided by the government.

Bahá’í communities, acting on this advice, contacted the directors of All-India Radio at their respective stations. Consequently, news of the celebration of Naw-Rúz was broadcast. The regional news broadcast from Delhi, in mentioning the observance, stated that the Bahá’í Faith was founded in 1844 in Irán.

The All-India Radio evening broadcast for West Asia on March 21 — in the Pushto, Persian, Arabic and Urdu languages — announced the headline, “Bahá’í community in India celebrates Naw-Rúz today.” A brief and accurate account of the central principles of the Faith, its historical origin and the significance of Naw-Rúz followed.

Cameroon Republic

Some Bahá’ís of Kumba, Cameroon Republic, stand outside their newly-acquired Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds,

Pakistan

Faith represented at Cultural Council

The Bahá’í Faith was represented at the inaugural meeting of the Cultural Council of minorities in Pakistan, held recently in Rawalpindi. The meeting, which was presided over by the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, favorably considered a number of suggestions offered by the Bahá’í representative, Anisur Rehman Dehlavi.

His suggestions included granting minorities the right to be represented on radio and television programs, in appropriate circumstances.

Some of the Council members, who regularly receive the monthly magazine published by the Bahá’ís of Pakistan, expressed warm appreciation for the publication and asked for Bahá’í literature.

The Council is considering the inclusion of Bahá’í articles in its monthly newsletter, “Hamwatan.”