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| Bahá’í News | August 1978 | Bahá’í Year 135 |
The Fourth International Convention
| Contents |
The fourth International Convention |
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Delegates gather in Haifa to elect Universal House of Justice | 2 |
Teaching the Faith in Thailand |
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An all-out effort produces remarkable results | 6 |
The Peoples of God: Lesotho |
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A dynamic spirit of devotion, sacrifice in southern Africa | 8 |
Around the world |
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News from Bahá’í communities in every corner of the globe | 12 |
Cover
Members of 108 National Spiritual Assemblies were in Haifa, Israel, April 28-May 2 for the historic fourth Bahá’í International Convention, held as construction on the permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice on Mount Carmel neared completion. A comprehensive report of the Convention begins on Page 2.
Change of address should be reported directly to Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. U.S.A. Please attach mailing label. Subscription rates: one year, U.S. $8; two years, U.S. $15. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright ©1978, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
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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Six new National Spiritual Assemblies were formed in May, in accordance with the goals of the Five Year Plan. A seventh, Burundi, was re-formed. Listed here are the Hands of the Cause of God who represented the Universal House of Justice at the inaugural Conventions, the name of the new National Spiritual Assembly, its seat, and the dates of the Convention.
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As the Hands of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Paul Haney look on (top photo), the nine members of the Universal House of Justice stand before the delegates to the fourth Bahá’í International Convention. The newly-elected members are, from left to right, ‘Alí Nakhjavání, Borrah Kavelin, Amoz Gibson, Ḥushmand Fatheazam, Ian Semple, Dr. David Ruhe, Charles Wolcott, David Hofman, Hugh Chance.
Following the fourth Bahá’í International Convention, consultations were held between the International Teaching Centre and members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors (bottom photo). The meetings took place May 3-7 at the World Centre. The photograph was taken at Mazra’ih.
The Fourth International Convention[edit]
Nearly 500 delegates from 108 of the 123 National Spiritual Assemblies then in existence gathered in Haifa, Israel, April 28-May 2 for the historic fourth Bahá’í International Convention whose main purpose was the election of the Universal House of Justice, the supreme administrative institution of the Faith.
Elected to the Universal House of Justice, each with at least two-thirds of the vote, were Hugh Chance, Hushmand Fatheazam, Amoz Gibson, David Hofman, Borrah Kavelin, ‘Alí Nakhjavání, Dr. David Ruhe, Ian Semple and Charles Wolcott.
Besides the 474 delegates, 13 Hands of the Cause of God and 52 members of the 12 Continental Boards of Counsellors attended, as did the nine members of the Universal House of Justice and the three Counsellors resident in Haifa.
Prior to the Convention, the delegates enjoyed three days of pilgrimage and prayers at the Shrines and Holy Places of the Faith.
The delegates were greeted on the first morning of the Convention, Saturday, April 29, in Haifa Auditorium, by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, who said, “World society is disintegrating before our eyes—political, social, economic and religious systems alike—and the only refuge that remains for mankind is this gift of Bahá’u’lláh, the refuge and hope of mankind.
“You are privileged to vote for the Universal House of Justice, the body that watches over the destinies of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, the body that guides, protects, and encourages us as we steer our course to the Kingdom of God on earth.”
She concluded, “How great, how sacred is the responsibility that confronts those who vote in this election, seeking help, guidance, and inspiration from Bahá’u’lláh.”
Then, as Rúḥíyyih Khánum presided, the chief teller—Jameson Bond of Canada—called the roll of the 1,107 members of the 123 National Assemblies in the Bahá’í world.
Many of the delegates who moved to the stage to cast their ballots were dressed in the costumes of their homelands.
Fifteen of the 123 National Assemblies, through circumstances beyond their control, were not represented at the Convention, but the tellers cast their ballots, received by mail, as the roll was called.
Nine National Spiritual Assemblies had all their members present: Canada, Denmark, Germany, Irán, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
While the tellers retired to tabulate the ballots, the delegates spent the early afternoon assembled at the construction site of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, on the Arc of Mt. Carmel in the vicinity of the Shrine of the Báb, for a dignified but joyous ceremony in which a casket containing dust from the Shrines of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh was placed in the structure by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum on behalf of the Universal House of Justice.
The Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery, who presided at the ceremony, recalled how Shoghi Effendi, in anticipation of the establishment of the Universal House of Justice, had called into existence the International Bahá’í Council.
Dr. Giachery introduced Ethel Revell who, together with Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and himself, was a member of the original Council.
Then Rúḥíyyih Khánum established the theme and purpose of the ceremony.
She pointed out that, to her, the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh is a “wellspring of peace” on the planet; that out of His resting place pours a fountain of peace.
“But from the building of the Universal House of Justice will emanate the laws of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,” she said, since “the role of the Universal House of Justice is to protect, enforce, and enact new laws for the world in the Name of Bahá’u’lláh.
“From this source, the Universal House of Justice, will come the Justice that Bahá’u’lláh speaks of in His Writings,” she said, adding that today, when the Administrative Order is still being built and the Faith is still being spread through the world, we are enjoying the “paternal and loving forbearance of the guidance and protection of the House of Justice.”
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The delegates and guests who attended the Fourth Bahá’í International Convention occupied a special platform erected in front of the new Seat of the Universal House of Justice (top photo) when, on the ninth day of Riḍván, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, placed a casket containing dust from the Shrines of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh in a niche in the new building.
The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum places a casket, containing dust from the Holy Shrines, in a niche above the front entrance of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, in the outer wall of the institution’s meeting room (bottom photo). Assisting her are Ḥusayn Amánat, the architect of the building, right, and ‘Azíz Khabírpur, the resident engineer for the building’s construction.
Then she added, “But the day will come when it will blaze with Justice! That will be the day of the solution of all the problems of the world!”
Rúḥíyyih Khánum then unveiled a box that contained a silver casket, a gift to her from the Guardian, in which were sealed two small boxes containing dust from the two Holy Shrines and a scroll written in English and Persian that describes the contents of the casket.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum—accompanied by the building’s architect, Ḥusayn Amánat, and its resident engineer, ‘Azíz Khabírpúr—ascended a set of temporary stairs to a small niche high above the main entrance. With her own hands, she placed the casket in the niche, took up a trowel and sealed it in place. As these emissaries descended the stairs, the assemblage quietly sang, “Alláh’u’Abhá.”
The ceremony began and ended with prayers and readings in Persian, English, Portuguese, Swahili, and French.
Following this very special moment, the delegates proceeded to the Pilgrim House courtyard for the celebration of the ninth day of Riḍván. The Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qásim Faizí presided at the program, following which the friends circumambulated the Shrine of the Báb.
On Saturday evening, the friends reassembled in Haifa Auditorium for an audio-visual presentation by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears on the status of the Five Year Plan goals.
The Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney chaired Sunday morning’s session which opened with the reading by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum of the Universal House of Justice’s message to the Convention.
Consultation continued at the afternoon session, with the Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone directing the flow of conversation.
The Sunday evening session was given over to zonal meetings with consultation among representatives of National Assemblies.
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The Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qásim Faizí presides at the commemoration of the ninth day of Riḍván, held in the precincts of the Shrine of the Báb in the Pilgrim House courtyard. Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum is seated at the left; several other Hands of the Cause of God are in the audience.
and Continental Boards of Counsellors in their respective areas. Time also was available for National Spiritual Assemblies to discuss matters of mutual interest among themselves.
The Hand of the Cause of God John A. Robarts presided at the morning session of the third day of the Convention, which was devoted entirely to consultation.
During the closing moments of this session, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum reminded the delegates of the value of setting an example for other believers by participating more actively in the teaching work. “That is more effective than writing the friends, and encouraging them to arise and teach,” she said.
The afternoon session was presided over by the Hand of the Cause of God Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir. He invited the delegates to direct their attention to mass teaching, asking, “Would you expect anything else from me?
“This is the time for growing,” he said, “for gaining numerical strength for the Cause. The time is ripe—it was always ripe, for this. It is not enough that we have one Bahá’í for every 1,000 people, as in India, or even one for every 50, as in Bolivia.”
Dr. Muhájir continued, “When mass conversion first began in Africa, there were no facilities. There were inadequate resources and manpower, yet it was accomplished. Let us have faith in Bahá’u’lláh; let us go forth and teach.”
On the final morning, the Hand of the Cause of God Dhikru’lláh Khádem guided the consultation and told the friends that Shoghi Effendi was delighted to be able to say, “The Cause of God has reached places that are difficult to pronounce!”
In the closing address of the Convention, the Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Giachery summarized the events of the preceding days, then repeated the theme that had recurred throughout the long sessions of the Convention: the members of National Spiritual Assemblies themselves have a responsibility to be an example of selfless devotion, of unremitting activity, of constant service to the Cause.
He warned that the administrators of the Faith must not believe that administration alone can win the victories of the Five Year Plan, or of the Plans destined to be unveiled in the future. “We must have a passion for the Cause,” he said.
In the afternoon, the delegates assembled at the Mansion of Bahjí for the celebration of the twelfth day of Riḍván. The Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan presided. The nearly 600 Bahá’ís were seated in a giant arc around the outer perimeter of the Ḥaram-í-Aqdas, the outer sanctuary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Sepulchre, as prayers and readings were offered in Arabic, Spanish, English, Persian and French.
Then, in solemn procession, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Mr. Furútan led the assemblage in humble circumambulation of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, in Whose Name the Convention had gathered.
After the National Spiritual Assembly members began leaving for their homes, the 52 members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors began a series of plenary zonal sessions with the 16 members of the International Teaching Centre and the members of the Universal House of Justice. (The Teaching Centre is made up of all 16 living Hands of the Cause of God and the three resident Counsellors. However, the Hands of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Enoch Olinga and Hasan M. Balyúzí were unable to attend the Convention.)
The meetings lasted from May 3-7, and were held for the purpose of discussing the objectives and status of the Five Year Plan and the development of the institution of the Counsellors and their Auxiliary Boards—including the use of assistants—in areas of concern such as protection of the Faith from internal and external enemies and the propagation of the Cause in years ahead. The zonal meetings dealt with points of more regional concern.
Teaching in Thailand[edit]
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following account of a teaching campaign in Thailand was written for Bahá’í News by Marguerite H. Birger of Collinsville, Illinois, U.S.A., who was in South East Asia from January 12-March 20 as a traveling Bahá’í teacher.)
A new wind is blowing over Thailand! A new light has dawned in its northern provinces, a light that is growing brighter, and could conceivably light up all of South East Asia. The Bahá’ís of the world may well look to Thailand (“Free-land”) with firm and resolute prayers of expectation.
I was privileged to be among those on the first team to set out at the beginning of a five-month intensive teaching campaign to win the goals of the Five Year Plan in Thailand. Team members had come from the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Iran, and, of course, Thailand itself.
The first town was Meikajan, in northern Thailand, and all subsequent villages were approached in a similar manner. Under the coordination of the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand, Jenabe Caldwell guided a systematic program, much like one used successfully in the Philippines, that was followed.
First, a three-member committee, including at least one Thai, would obtain an audience with the governor of the province to which we were going. The Faith was explained and a proclamation manual given, which showed a picture of some of the Bahá’ís in Thailand presenting The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the King of Thailand.
After requesting and receiving an official letter from the province governor, the team could then go into the village selected to seek permission to teach from the “head man,” the appointed leader in that village.
The first teaching team ranged in age from 20 to 79 years, and truly represented a “family” of Bahá’ís. When we gathered the first morning for dawn prayers, a 9-year-old girl who lived next door came and said she wanted to be a Bahá’í and had come to pray. She returned each morning, and later that week her mother was enrolled in the Faith. Several days later the child accompanied us on one of our teaching trips, and thus became the youngest member of the team—at least for one day, since she had to return to school.
The principal ingredient animating this battalion of Bahá’u’lláh’s “Army of Light” was prayer. Never before had most of us poured so much consistent and concentrated effort into prayer. Each day we held dawn prayers from 6 to 7 o’clock. As the days passed, we looked forward with growing anticipation to these private and group periods of prayer.
(This, I must confess, was a new experience and feeling for me. Even though I have prayed daily, in some way, most of my life, I hadn’t experienced the dynamics of group prayer, nor had I ever experienced such a sense of guidance from, and submission to, the Will of God. It was a dramatic example and a revelation to me.)
After prayers, and a briefing on the teaching areas for that day, teams would proceed in groups of three, four or five, depending on the size of the village. Each team was assigned a captain for the day, and at the close of the day we would hold consultation on the day’s activities.
Most of the direct teaching, of course, was carried out by the Thais, or by those from other countries who could speak Thai. The rest of us would converse through an interpreter.
We always formed a backdrop of cultural diversity that clearly demonstrated the universality of the Faith. What we could not communicate verbally we tried to transmit spiritually, and we prayed for the friends who were teaching. The rule was: “If you’re not teaching, pray! Don’t interrupt the one who is teaching, don’t engage in idle talk, just sit quietly, love the seekers, and pray! And trust in Bahá’u’lláh to do the rest.”
Teaching in the towns and villages of Thailand is an unhurried procedure, and so it was in Meikajan, where there are many farmers, and some school teachers, shopkeepers, and their wives, children and other relatives. The team used visual aids such as a teaching album that explained in the Thai language and in pictures the Bahá’í beliefs and history.
The people read and looked and listened. Those who expressed a desire to become Bahá’ís were given a prayer book and a manual called “Guidance 1.” Again, prayer was the keystone; each would read a prayer, and we would, too. Afterward, a team member would explain carefully the Bahá’í Administration, laws and ordinances. This usually would take about two hours.
The Thais are gentle people who present the Teachings of the Faith in a most loving way. The people who were being taught were similarly loving and hospitable. They would bring water, tea and sweets, and everyone would relax and enjoy these refreshments.
When it was time to go, we would climb down the ladder-like steps from their homes and slip into our sandals that were by then
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well-heated by the midday sun. Everyone would be singing “Alláh’u’Abhá,” and as we left we would bow politely in the traditional Thai manner of greeting, with hands in an attitude of prayer, and fingertips touching the forehead just above the bridge of the nose.
The thoroughness of the teaching, combined with the prayers, proved again and again the overwhelming power of the Revealed Word of God. It was evident that the new declarants knew what they had done and what they believed. Soon we had enrolled and initially deepened 32 adult Bahá’ís in Meikajan, and it was time for them to elect their first Local Spiritual Assembly.
Names were divided among team members, and each of the new believers was contacted, given a list of those who had been enrolled, and told of the election process. They understood, they prayed, and they voted. That evening, seven or eight of them showed up at our “center” to tally the ballots and proudly announced the nine who would serve on the Spiritual Assembly of Meikajan.
By now, most of the team members had moved on to another town. Five of us remained in Meikajan as a consolidation team. Besides myself, those who stayed were a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand, an Auxiliary Board member, and two Continental Counsellors for South East Asia.
The following day the Assembly in Meikajan met to elect its officers. What happened then was one of the most dramatic examples of the effect of prayer that I have ever seen.
Five ballots for chairman were cast, none with a simple majority. Each time, ripples of shy giggling were heard in the room. At that point, one of the Continental Counsellors arose and said, lovingly, “It is quite obvious that we do not have the proper unity here. We are not showing a unity of thought, spirit or action. Let us pause for a moment and say a round of the ‘Remover of Difficulties,’ believing strongly that we truly are one soul in many bodies.”
A hush fell over the room. Then someone began. “Is there any Remover of difficulties save God? Say: Praised be God. He is God! All are His servants, and all abide by His bidding!” The prayers continued in Thai and English. Afterward, there was silence as the slips of paper were passed around. Quietly, the ballots were collected for the sixth time and tallied. Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá! The chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Meikajan had been elected!
Suddenly the believers, new and old alike, sensed a new Force present in the room. A galvanizing Power had been released through prayer, and the birth pangs of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh were felt. The Assembly was a viable, working organism, divinely protected—a pillar of the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
We then explained that now that they were administratively sound, they should set goals, establish their Fund, etc., and that we were their servants, standing by to assist them in any way in carrying out their plans and goals.
Immediately, the chairman called for a prayer, after which the Assembly began its consultation. In an orderly and concise manner, the members followed the guidelines of the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand, setting the schedule for dawn prayers, children’s classes, six extension teaching goals, deepening classes for adults—and starting their local Fund.
And so it was that in Meikajan a seed was planted, an embryo began to grow, and a healthy Assembly was born, with the team members serving as doctors, nurses and midwives to help the new baby into the world and nourish it until it was able to help itself.
I was with the team most of the time from January 20 to March 20. As I was leaving to return home, we received word that the ninth Local Assembly had been formed. In all, 40 localities had been opened and more than 400 declarations received.
I think an important point to make is that Local Assemblies that were formed in Thailand are strong and viable. These aren’t “paper” Assemblies. They are functioning well—so much so that 20 newly-enrolled Thai believers organized their own deepening conference, which lasted more than a week, with concentrated study led by one of the Thai women who is an Auxiliary Board member.
These beautiful friends in Thailand remind me of Marcus Bach’s description of the early Bahá’ís: “If these Bahá’ís ever get going they may take the world by storm!”
Some members of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Meikajan, Thailand, with Counsellor Vicente Samaniego (second from left); Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Monta Greenspoon (fourth from left); Counsellor Yan Kee Leong (far right) and Nasir Jaffari, pioneer from Persia and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand (second from right, back row).
Members of the first Bahá’í teaching team in Meikajan, Thailand, in January 1978. Second from left (with glasses) is Jenabe Caldwell from Canada; standing center (wearing jacket) is Counsellor Yan Kee Leong; to his left is Counsellor Vicente Samaniego; kneeling in front are Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Monta Greenspoon and Mrs. Marguerite Birger from the United States; at the far right is Nasir Jaffari, pioneer from Persia and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand.
The Peoples of God Part 3[edit]
Lesotho[edit]
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(EDITOR’S NOTE: The third in our series of articles on indigenous Bahá’ís in countries around the world was written for Bahá’í News by Dr. Carole J. Allen, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lesotho.)
Lesotho, a small, mountainous country in southern Africa, was opened to the Faith in 1954 when Fred and Beth Laws, Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, arrived during the Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963).
The country presents obstacles to reaching the believers systematically because of its rugged terrain: mountainous areas that are bitterly cold in winter, often serviced by air strips that close periodically because of the wet and windy weather; and many areas, both lowland and highland, with roads that are impassable in wet weather, or with no roads at all. Some villages are accessible only on horseback.
Lesotho, however, has the highest literacy rate in Africa, and this has helped in the growth of the Faith and the possibilities for deepening believers.
Many believers, and seekers too, correspond with the National Teaching Committee, asking for materials about the Faith, for prayer books, or for correspondence courses, several of which have been drawn from the Star Study booklets published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.
The following excerpts from letters to the National Teaching Committee of Lesotho, written by local believers, tell their own story and give an idea of the progress and the growing pains of a Bahá’í community struggling to “live the life”:
“Grateful for the cooperation of working together for the sake of our Lord in heaven. I am asking for a prayer booklet. As for the present correspondence course. I am asking for an English version, for I want to revive my English which seems to be deserting me. Blessings from the Lord.”
in the mountains
“I am very happy to tell you that I always read all important things in letters from you that you send to my mother, letters written in English and Sesotho. I want to make a pen friend with you, and I want to be one of the Bahá’í society. I live here in Mathata’s village.”
in a lowland village
“I am very happy to have this little opportunity of talking to Bahá’u’lláh. I am grateful to learn that you still remember me in your prayers. I would be glad again if the committee would send me a Tablet of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Now, my brethren in the Faith, as you may know, I am far from you, I am not educated, so you will excuse me for the bad writing.”
in a lowland village
Often, guidance is sought from the National Teaching Committee by believers who want to know more about the Teachings. The following letter is from a believer, Malefetsane Sebibinyane, who lives in an isolated mountain village. He has completed two correspondence courses, and writes regularly concerning the Faith.
“I hereby inform you that your letters do come to me, and we appreciate everything, although like I told you, we are those people who are still learning about the Faith. There are only three of us. Fortunately, a young man named Linaka Mosala has recently joined us. He was born in 1939. He also does not know how to write. Like I said, he has just joined the Faith, and this is the first religion he has joined during his lifetime.
“Moreover, the village here has organized itself in forming an organization whereby if a man passes away, his burial is taken care of by the group as a whole. The organization started in the eighth month of 1976. Contribution per person is 10 cents a month. We therefore ask for further guidance as regards this practice.”
Traveling teachers are especially appreciated in the mountainous areas, where believers are hungry for information about the Faith and contact with fellow Bahá’ís. The following letter, from ‘Mamontsi Thulo, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Thaba Limpe in the mountains, tells of the visit of one such teacher:
“Greetings to you, my beloved friends. We have to inform you that we have had a visitor here, Mr. Nthonyana. We thank him very much for the lessons he taught us. He arrived on December 5, 1977. When he arrived he brought with him books which he gave to the community of Thaba Limpe.
“We met to consult together about the Bahá’í Faith. He also went to Maitisi to hand out books to the community there. We also have to inform you that our member, Molikaliko Sethathi, is ill in the hospital.”
It is difficult for believers from the mountain villages to attend national conferences at the Bahá’í National Center in Maseru because of the time and distance involved, the high cost of traveling down from the mountains, the uncertainty of going to an unknown area, and greater involvement in traditional activities, as reflected in this reply from a believer in the mountains to an invitation to a deepening conference:
“Now owing to one problem, that I have not been to Maseru before, I cannot attend the conference. But because my greatest wish is to attend, I want to ask help from Thakea Phaketsi, who was also invited. Just now he has other things to attend to. His son is out of school, therefore he has to perform some traditional rituals on January 18, 1978.”
The National Teaching Committee is always happy to receive good news of the communities in Lesotho working to achieve the goals of the Five Year Plan.
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Convention participants enjoy a meal near the kitchen at the Bahá’í National Center in Maseru, Lesotho.
Mathuso Pateli prepares food in her home for Bahá’ís attending a conference at the Bahá’í National Center in Maseru, Lesotho.
“You are informed that here in Lipelaneng, the Spiritual Assembly has started coming together to say prayers every Sunday at 8 a.m. at Florence ‘Matente Sekoati’s home.”
Spiritual Assembly of Lipelaneng
And a longer report from a very active community:
“Beloved friends: Alláh’u’Abhá.
“This is the report we promised. We hope it will serve the purpose. The Bahá’í community of Hlotse holds Nineteen Day Feasts, dawn prayers on Saturday mornings, and meets on Holy Days in small numbers.
“The friends continue to teach the Faith, and as a result, two or three people have declared and there are a number of seekers. Bahá’í songs are becoming popular among the people; one hears a Bahá’í song sung here and there both by the children and adults.
“Children’s classes are held every Sunday, and the number of small children increases. Our gratitude goes to these people:
“1. Auxiliary Board member Shanta Basin who visits the friends, holding deepenings, inspiring them to learn prayers by heart, bringing visitors with her and her husband who encourage the class to learn more about the Faith.
“2. Auxiliary Board member Thozi Nomvete who visits the class and teaches Bahá’í songs. At one time he arrived with three traveling teachers from the United Kingdom who were on their way to Maseru from Butha Buthe; they met with the class and sang Bahá’í songs together, the visitors played their guitars. It was a day never to be forgotten.
“3. Dr. Carole Allen, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, who keeps in touch with the friends by continuous correspondence, deepening them, reminding them to hold Feasts, giving very good books for the library for both the friends and the children’s class, giving encouraging talks at the conferences in Hlotse, and showing pictures of international conferences which are enjoyed by Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.”
and Jacobeth Maqutu, chairman
of the Spiritual Assembly of Hlotse
The National Teaching Committee has translated and duplicated several pamphlets to assist the believers in building Bahá’í community life. One of these pamphlets includes laws about burial and appropriate readings for Bahá’í funerals. Hloma Masapo, chairman of his Local Spiritual Assembly, writes about the first Bahá’í funeral in his village:
“We were happy to find this opportunity of writing to you to inform you about things taking place in our village.
“It is with deepest sorrow that we Bahá’ís of Lipelaneng have to tell you about the death of one member of our community who
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died on December 30, 1977, and was buried the following day.
“The deceased was a true Bahá’í. Even during the last days of his illness, although he was questioned a lot about his Faith, and was advised to agree to be baptized by ministers belonging to other churches, he refused, pledging his support to the Bahá’í Faith until the last day.
“Thus we inform you that he was buried by the Bahá’í members, and only Bahá’í prayers were said, and the funeral was conducted by Hloma Masapo.
“He was the first man here to be buried the Bahá’í way. His name was Mokete Morai. We ask for true condolences and prayers from you. With best Bahá’í greetings.”
About one-third of the Local Spiritual Assemblies in Lesotho conducted their elections at Riḍván 1977 without any assistance.
The Assembly secretary in Ha Rampa, site of the first regional Bahá’í Center, is Woodroffe Buti, who is more than 90 years old. On election day, he walked several miles to the post office to post the results of the election. His devotion to the Faith is reflected in this letter:
“The election took place April 21, 1977. It was carried out very satisfactorily. The members carried on joyfully. All members say, ‘We very specially want the building finished. When will the building commence?’ All’s well. Prosperity!
“Very unfortunately, Kaiser’s younger brother expired last night at 12 o’clock. And then the community, after a ceremony of prayers, elected me to substitute for Kaiser Matlou at the National Convention April 29-May 1. So expect me as the second delegate. Enclosed please find the ballots.”
Andrew Mofokeng, who in 1959 became the first African pioneer to Lesotho, recently said this about the progress of the Faith in that country:
“The Bahá’í Faith in Lesotho has made tremendous strides and reached people in all walks of life in less than a quarter of a century. It has come to Lesotho to stay. It has come to change our outlook on life and create a new race of men. Racial prejudices have been overcome; the learned and uneducated meet for a common purpose in Bahá’í consultations and teaching work.
“As Lesotho is predominantly of Christian background, this has made people receptive in understanding the Station of Bahá’u’lláh and their role in establishing the Kingdom of God on earth. Even the most delicate step confronting our newly-declared believers—leaving their churches—seems no longer to be an obstacle.
“We now have the greatest potential for growth in the mountainous areas, where the ‘pure in heart’ are to be found. The flow will then grow from the mountains to the lowlands.”
Woodroffe Buti (left photo), who is more than 90 years old, walked several miles to post the results of the Local Spiritual Assembly election in his village. Mr. Buti is secretary of the Assembly.
Arthur Maqutu (left), vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Lesotho, stands with Jacobeth Maqutu, newly-named Auxiliary Board member in that country (right photo).
The Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts (left) chats with Andrew Mofokeng, the first African pioneer to Lesotho. Mr. Mofokeng is treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of Lesotho.
Around the World[edit]
Guyana[edit]
Goals nearly won[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana reported in March that the country was on the verge of winning its last remaining goal of the Five Year Plan, that of incorporating the National Assembly.
More than 60 people attended a teaching conference in February where achievement of the Five Year Plan goals was discussed, and a call made for long-term traveling teachers and homefront pioneers.
The Women’s Activities Committee joyously announced the presence of more than 250 women January 29 at its first conference. The main theme was the liberation of women.
The National Youth Committee has produced a song book, and its singing group is making fine progress. Plans are under way for Guyana’s largest ever International Youth Conference next August.
Ivan Fraser, chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Linden, has been named an Auxiliary Board member for propagation for Guyana.
Samoa[edit]
Minister supports Faith[edit]
A conference of some 3,000 Christian Congregationalists held in Samoa in March included an extraordinary event: one of the ministers presented a paper on the Bahá’í Faith.
As a part of his presentation, the minister said he believes Bahá’u’lláh is a Prophet of God. He urged Samoans to investigate the Faith, as “the concourse is hovering over Samoa.”
Not only were his statements echoed by another minister, but he was asked to present the paper at two other conferences.
Also in Samoa, 12 youth declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh at the end of March.
In an interview in Wilmette, Illinois, in April, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa who was on his way to the Bahá’í International Convention in Haifa, said, “We are close to reaching the goal of the Five Year Plan of having 10 local Bahá’í Centers in Samoa. Eight Centers have been completed, and two more are under construction.
“We plan to win our Local Spiritual Assembly goals by taking teams into areas and teaching until Local Assemblies are formed. Right now we have 24 or 25 Local Assemblies. We need to open 30 or 40 localities to reach the goal of 200.”
The Samoans, he said, are early risers. In some communities, the friends meet for dawn prayers every day, once a week, or twice a week.
A project now under way in Samoa is to develop a glossary of Bahá’í terms in the Samoan language to assist those who are translating the Writings into Samoan.
Trinidad/Tobago[edit]
President’s daughter guest[edit]
Margaret Ann Clark, daughter of the president of the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, was the guest of honor at a recent luncheon hosted by that National Spiritual Assembly.
Miss Clark served during 1976-77 as an intern in the Social Development Division for the United Nations Non-Governmental Organizational Youth Caucus where she established a close friendship with the Bahá’í International Community’s UN representative, Dr. Victor de Araujo.
During the luncheon, she recalled with obvious pleasure her contact with the Bahá’ís at the United Nations.
Mrs. Boman attracts media[edit]
Media interviews were included in the visit March 7-26 to Trinidad and Tobago by Mrs. Shirin Boman, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for South Central Asia.
Mrs. Boman was interviewed once on television, twice on radio, and was the subject of two newspaper articles.
She met twice with the National Spiritual Assembly, and spoke for 45 minutes with Mr. Bakshi, the first secretary to the High Commissioner from India, at his request. Mr. Bakshi said he would like to attend Bahá’í meetings, and invited Mrs. Boman and her escorts, Dr. and Mrs. Jamalabadi, to a gathering at his home.
Mrs. Boman spoke at many meetings in towns and villages in Trinidad and Tobago. At least two or three people accepted the Faith at each meeting, while others said they would read more and accept it. In the village of La Seiva in Maraval, a family of five declared their belief.
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Ivory Coast
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The final event of Mrs. Boman’s visit was the party at the home of the first secretary. The High Commissioner, Barakat Ahmad, greeted Mrs. Boman and the
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friends with a hearty “Alláh’u’Abhá,” which he repeated as they were leaving.
Mrs. Boman told the National Spiritual Assembly that the potential for teaching in Trinidad and Tobago is immense. Her visit brought wonderful results, and broadened the vision of the friends as to what can be accomplished for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in their country.
Gilbert Islands[edit]
The Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone, while on an extensive trip through the Pacific, met for two days with this group of Bahá’ís in the Gilbert Islands. The building in the rear is the Bahá’í Center in Kuria Village, Abaign, Gilbert Islands.
Alaska[edit]
Bahá’í float a winner[edit]
First place in the non-commercial category was won by a float entered by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage in the city’s annual Fur Rendezvous parade February 18.
The parade was broadcast on two television stations, one of which gave a good commentary on the Faith.
When the Anchorage assembly cabled the news to the Universal House of Justice, the following reply was received:
“Kindly extend Assembly Anchorage our congratulations award parade float. Delighted continuing proclamation principal city Alaska.”
Colombia[edit]
Island teaching trip[edit]
Bonifacia Fuentes, a Bahá’í from Panama, recently made a teaching trip to the Colombian island of San Andrés, off the eastern coast of Nicaragua.
During a series of meetings, firesides and visits in four communities, Miss Fuentes and some other believers visited a family in which all were Bahá’ís except the father, who would not allow his family to attend meetings and also would order Bahá’ís to leave his house.
While the other Bahá’ís were visiting the family, Miss Fuentes sought out the father. She says, “We spoke amicably, and finally he said he wanted to become a Bahá’í. He offered the family’s home for a site for Bahá’í meetings.... The first meeting held there was a total success, and the happiness and enthusiasm of the host prevailed.”
Laos[edit]
A group of Bahá’í children in Vientiane, Laos, attending the regular Sunday children’s class at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
Nearly 40 attend Sunday deepening session[edit]
Nearly 40 Bahá’ís of all ages were present at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Vientiane, Laos, January 15 for a Sunday deepening and fellowship session that was attended by three members of the National Spiritual Assembly, five members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Vientiane, and members of the National Youth and Children’s Committee.
Topics covered included loyalty and obedience to government, the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life, and prayer.
Afterward, those present went out of doors where sports and games helped them to combat the chilly weather. It is hoped that similar gatherings may be held later this year.
Mexico[edit]
19 localities opened[edit]
Nineteen localities in the Yucatán area of Mexico were opened during the period of the Fast (March 2-21) by pioneers and traveling teachers accompanied by Continental Counsellor Hidáyatu’lláh Aḥmadíyyih. In 10 of these localities, Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed.
The teachers traveled by car and were divided into teams of two or three. In the town of Bokava, three teams went to the central park where many people were relaxing or engaged in conversation.
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When the Bahá’ís began to teach, people listened with great interest, some of them even running from one Bahá’í group to another so as not to miss anything. After an hour, some 40 people said they would like to become Bahá’ís. Bokova was the third pueblo (village) opened to the Faith that day.
United States[edit]
Assembly, Bahá’ís honored[edit]
The Local Spiritual Assembly of Asheville, North Carolina, and two of its members—Dr. and Mrs. William Tucker—have been recognized for their efforts to combat racial prejudice.
The Asheville-Buncombe County Community Relations Council cited the Assembly and the Tuckers for fulfilling the organization’s goal of helping to bring about the day “when all persons will look upon each other as equal and unified ... when their outlook is purely loving and caring, and seeks to bring out the greatest potential in each individual on earth.”
A letter from the organization pointed out that “the Bahá’í Assembly of Asheville was recognized as a community of persons which has made this perspective a way of life,” and that “Dr. and Mrs. Tucker were recognized as individuals, who also happen to be Bahá’ís, in the community who in the face of social ostracism have held to this purpose in their home, in their work, in the community, and in the world.”
Dr. Tucker, a Bahá’í since 1946, first came to the attention of Asheville when he opened his optometric office there with a non-segregated waiting room, and instructed his employees to treat each patient with dignity, respect, and consideration.
He and Mrs. Tucker, who has been a Bahá’í since 1950, also began to hold interracial Bahá’í meetings in their home. Despite numerous threats, they lovingly and firmly continued to teach the Faith to their friends, neighbors and acquaintances, and to demonstrate the efficacy of its Teachings in their lives.
As a consequence of their efforts, the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Asheville was formed in 1964, and the institution quickly became widely known and respected in the community.
Canary Islands[edit]
Jack Nichols, the first believer in Valley Gran Rey, La Gomera, Canary Islands, stands with long-time pioneers from the U.S. Peggy True (left) and George True (right). Mr. Nichols declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh last December 29.
Niger[edit]
About 40 Bahá’ís attended a National Teaching Conference in Niger held December 24-25 at the new Teaching Institute near Niamey, a portion of which can be seen in the background.
Australia[edit]
Persian meeting held[edit]
To increase the involvement of Persian believers in Australia in winning the country’s Five Year Plan goals, conferences were held February 11 in Sydney and February 18 in Melbourne.
The conferences were organized by the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia and members of the Auxiliary Board.
At the Sydney conference the daytime session, conducted in Persian, was attended by 66 adults and 20 children including the speakers, Counsellor Khudárahm Payman of Indonesia, Counsellor Suḥayl ‘Alá’í of Samoa, and Auxiliary Board member B. Vahdat.
The evening session, conducted in English, was attended by 115 believers, not all of them Persian. Brief talks were given by Counsellors Payman, ‘Alá’í, Peter Khan and Thelma Perks.
Bahá’í prayers read[edit]
Upon hearing of an ecumenical service that was to be held to open a “Week of Prayer for World Peace” in Australia, the Melbourne Metropolitan and Gippsland Regional Goals Committees offered two prayers for the service, with the request that they be read by a Bahá’í.
Since the service was to be televised, arrangements had to be completed sooner than expected, so the committee was informed that a Bahá’í reader could not be included in the program.
The committee later was delighted, however, to find in the program for the service, under the heading “A Bahá’í Prayer,” the Prayer for Mankind, credited to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Lesotho[edit]
Funeral attracts throng[edit]
Nearly 800 people attended the recent funeral of Chadwick Mohapi, the first Bahá’í in Lesotho. The service, in which followers of other religions also participated, was held at the Mohapi home in Seqonaka.
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Among those attending were the Queen, several ministers and permanent secretaries of the government, the vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor of the university, other government officials, many principal chiefs, business and professional people, and others.
For the Bahá’í portion of the program, Dr. Carole Allen, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, read a statement concerning the Bahá’í concept of death, described the position of Mr. Mohapi as the first believer in Lesotho, read cables from the Universal House of Justice, the Continental Counsellors, and the National Assembly, and read a Bahá’í prayer. Prayers also were read by Arthur Maqutu and Andrew Mofokeng.
“The Bahá’í readings were well-received, and many expressed the wish that the Bahá’ís had had a more extensive part in the program,” said a report received May 3 at the World Centre. “The Bahá’ís were happy to be able to be included in this large funeral. It offered us a chance to read some of the Writings before the gathering, many of whom perhaps had not heard of the Faith previously.”
Japan[edit]
Teaching trip a success[edit]
A month-long visit to Japan by Scarlett O’Hara Bill from Hawaii helped the Bahá’í community of Kurashiki grow from five to 20 believers. Most of the activity took place in the first week of April.
Mrs. Bill was accompanied by Nobuko Iwakura, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Japan. They succeeded in getting widespread publicity for the Faith in newspapers and on television.
The teaching trip brought enrollments in other parts of Japan as well.
Paraguay[edit]
Radio spreads Message[edit]
The Bahá’í Faith is becoming widely known in Paraguay largely due to a radio proclamation program begun in September 1977.
Just as importantly, the Bahá’ís are “becoming more enamoured with the Faith, more deepened and more identified in all parts of the country,” said a report from the National Radio Committee received at the World Centre on March 24.
Traveling teachers, Auxiliary Board members and Bahá’í communities report that people who were contacted about the Faith prior to the programs are eager to learn more, and in areas unopened to the Faith, but where residents have heard the programs, there is an interest in learning more.
In one community that had lost its Local Spiritual Assembly, a traveling teacher found that the remaining Bahá’ís had been listening to the daily five-minute broadcasts. A public meeting was organized in the town, and was attended by 25 adults and many children.
More than 20 people have written to enroll in correspondence courses on the Faith, and two have asked to become Bahá’ís.
Some of the responses have been from nearby Argentina. More Argentines are expected to hear the programming since a powerful station in Pilar is now broadcasting daily.
Tanzania[edit]
Bahá’ís at Kihesa Kilolo in the Iringa region of Tanzania who attended a one-day teaching conference last January 1. In the back row, second from the left, is Houshang Sheikh’u’l-Islami, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Tanzania.
The friends who attended a one-day teaching conference last December 25 at Iringa Town, Tanzania. Houshang Sheikh’u’l-Islami, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Tanzania, is in the back row, second from the right, and his wife is in the front row, second from the right. They have been pioneering in that area of the country for the past year and a half.
India[edit]
Counsellors host institute[edit]
The Continental Board of Counsellors for South Central Asia sponsored an eight-day institute for Auxiliary Board members on “The Covenant: A Focus on Deepening and Protection” December 29-January 6 at Panchgani, India.
“As the institute focused on the sacred duties of the appointed institutions, and as the significance of their duties became clearer, a great spiritual thirst for searching out the guidance of the Holy Writings and in the letters of the beloved Guardian and the Universal House of Justice—plus a spirit of utmost love and unity—was experienced,” said a report from the Counsellors to the World Centre.
Zena Sorabjee and Salisa Kermani represented the Continental Board of Counsellors for South Central Asia at the conference.
A special guest, Dr. A. Jane Faily from Canada, gave four talks on the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.
Persians offer help[edit]
Professor Dipchand Khianra, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for South Central Asia, suggested to Persian Bahá’í students at a recent meeting at Madras University in India that they might use part of their free time to assist the Local Spiritual Assemblies in the area, many of them newly-established.
Seven of the Bahá’í students have agreed to visit a Local Assembly every Bahá’í month, offering assistance in whatever projects the Assembly suggests.
United Kingdom[edit]
Winter School draws 470[edit]
Of the 470 believers who attended the recent Bahá’í Winter School at Henley in the United Kingdom, 40 traveled afterward to Gloucester to teach the Faith. At a public meeting that was held, 50 non-Bahá’ís attended, two of whom became Bahá’ís.
Bahá’í conservationist feted[edit]
Dr. Richard St. Barbre Baker, the Bahá’í who founded the worldwide movement known as “The Men of the Trees,” returned from New Zealand to Great Britain in May to receive the Order of the British Empire. He was named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honors List for the award, bestowed for his lifelong service to the promotion of conservation.
Dr. St. Barbre Baker, who is 88 years old, will spend two months touring Great Britain both to address local chapters of The Men of the Trees and to give talks on the Bahá’í Faith.
Sri Lanka[edit]
Teaching conference held[edit]
About 130 Bahá’ís from 20 communities attended a National Teaching Conference held February 18-20 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. A one-day Women’s Conference followed the main conference.
Between formal sessions—most of which dealt with teaching—the believers from different areas consulted with the National Teaching Committee and Regional Teaching Committees.
At a session in which an appeal was made for traveling teachers and support of the Fund, 11 believers offered to travel and teach in Sri Lanka; eight volunteered to travel to the Maldive Islands; other Bahá’ís offered deputization funds to finance 21 months of traveling teaching; and postage stamps, envelopes and money were donated to help finance a correspondence course program.
Switzerland[edit]
The Hand of the Cause of God Adelbert Mühlschlegel, seated in the center of the second row, was the honored guest at a conference held March 24-27 in Schüpfheim, Switzerland. Friends from all parts of Europe and four other continents were there. Dr. Mühlschlegel is now living in Greece.
Zaire[edit]
Women discuss Faith[edit]
A total of 548 Bahá’ís from 72 Local Assembly areas attended a women’s conference February 4-5 in Mwatembo, eastern Zaire.
The conference was organized by the
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Women’s Committees of the Collectives of Mutambala and Tanganiki in collaboration with the Zone Committee of Mutambala.
The 20 teachers for the conference dealt with subjects such as Bahá’í family life, Bahá’í laws, social principles, marriage, Christianity, and developing the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life. A special seminar was held on the goals of the Five Year Plan.
During the conference, the men took care of the cooking and the children.
Cameroon Rep.[edit]
Villagers attend conference[edit]
Bahá’ís from nine villages in Cameroon came together December 26-28 at Badan, 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) south of Garoua Boulaye, for their first Regional Teaching Conference.
The Bahá’ís in this vast region neither knew each other well, nor had they ever participated in any Bahá’í Regional Conference.
Its success, however, was assured by the loving help and support of the National Teaching Committee, whose representative, Ekema Agbaw, read and distributed to the 31 participants a message from the committee:
“During your conference, you can discuss these important subjects: How to increase the number of friends in certain localities to nine and form an Assembly, and how to strengthen and consolidate the existing Assemblies.”
After the conference, Assemblies were formed in three nearby villages, and the Assembly in another village came together to organize the Nineteen Day Feast.
The participants learned how to elect a Local Spiritual Assembly by assisting in the actual election of the Spiritual Assembly of Badan.
During the conference, dates for the Bahá’í International Youth Conference at Yaounde were announced: August 11, 12, 13.
Many of the friends traveled great distances to attend the conference. Each one was responsible for his own transportation; housing and food were provided by the conference hosts, the Bahá’ís of Badan.
Bahá’í children’s class teachers were trained at an institute February 20 at the government school in Kurume, Cameroon. A Bahá’í who teaches at the school has taught Bahá’í songs and prayers to 400 students.
Bahá’ís of the village of Bova in Cameroon. Continental Counsellor Mihdí Samandarí is at the left in the back row.
Niger[edit]
1st Women’s Conference[edit]
The first National Bahá’í Women’s Conference to be held in Niger took place January 15 in Niamey.
Classes were held on the Central Figures of the Faith, Ṭáhirih, the significance and functions of the Universal House of Justice, the importance of the education of children, the role of women in the home, and the Five Year Plan.
Hong Kong[edit]
Religion Day observed[edit]
Fourteen religious groups and denominations were represented at a World Religion Day observance held January 21 at the Plaza Hotel in Hong Kong.
The gathering, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong’s National Proclamation Committee, consisted of the representatives giving brief outlines of the history and beliefs of their faiths.
Over coffee and cake at the end of the program, many of the representatives expressed appreciation to the Bahá’ís for arranging a forum for the exchange of religious viewpoints.
New Hebrides[edit]
Exciting progress noted[edit]
The Riḍván period, April 21-May 2, witnessed some exciting and heartwarming progress for the Faith in New Hebrides.
Six members of its National Spiritual Assembly were in Haifa to participate in the Bahá’í International Convention and the election of the Universal House of Justice; the first Spiritual Assembly of Aore was formed and the 11 existing Assemblies were successfully re-elected; two Bahá’ís paid courtesy calls on two of the most important government leaders in New Hebrides and were warmly received; and nine declarations in the Tasmalum area of Santo meant that the establishment of another Local Spiritual Assembly was assured.
| Sixty ninth | U.S. Bahá’í National Convention |
May 25-28, 1978 |
