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Bahá’í News

June 1979

Bahá’í Year 136

Ceremony in Samoa

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Contents

A message to Bahá’í scholars
The Universal House of Justice sets forth criteria	2
Ceremony in Samoa
Cornerstone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands laid	4
New Zealand, Africa blessed
Hands of the Cause lift spirits high with lengthy visits	8
Around the world
News from Bahá’í communities in every corner of the globe	10

Cover

Another historic milestone in the history of the Cause of God was realized last January 27 when the cornerstone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands was laid on a verdant hillside overlooking the city of Apia, Western Samoa. Presiding at the ceremony were His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, head of state of Western Samoa who has been a Bahá’í since 1968, and the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, the representative of the Universal House of Justice. A complete report of the ceremony begins on Page 4.

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 © 1979, 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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A message to Bahá’í scholars from the Universal House of Justice

Bahá’í scholarship is of great importance in the development and consolidation of the Bahá’í community. Historical research, orientalism and Islamic studies are obvious fields in which Bahá’ís can render great service to the Faith; there are many others. Indeed, it is not difficult to visualize the House of Justice, as Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order unfolds, requiring the services of distinguished Bahá’í scientists in all fields.

Inevitably a number of problems will confront Bahá’í scholars, who will themselves have to discover the solutions, both empirically and otherwise. Nonetheless it may be useful to offer at this early stage of the development of Bahá’í scholarship a few thoughts on these matters.

It has become customary in the West to think of science and religion as occupying two distinct—and even opposed—areas of human thought and activity. This dichotomy can be characterized in the pairs of antitheses: faith and reason; value and fact. It is a dichotomy which is foreign to Bahá’í thought and should be regarded with suspicion by Bahá’í scholars in every field. The principle of the harmony of science and religion means not only that religious teachings should be studied in the light of reason and evidence as well as of faith and inspiration, but also that everything in creation, all aspects of human life and knowledge, should be studied in the light of revelation as well as in that of purely rational investigation. In other words, a Bahá’í scholar, when studying a subject, should not lock out of his mind any aspect of truth that is known to him.

It has, for example, become commonplace to regard religion as the product of human striving after truth, as the outcome of certain climates of thought and conditions of society. This has been taken, by many non-Bahá’í thinkers, to the extreme of denying altogether the reality or even the possibility of a specific revelation of the Will of God to mankind through a human Mouthpiece.

A Bahá’í who has studied the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, who has accepted His claim to be the Manifestation of God for this Age, and who has seen His Teachings at work in his daily life, knows as the result of rational investigation, confirmed by actual experience, that true religion, far from being the product solely of human striving after truth, is the fruit of the creative Word of God which, with divine power, transforms human thought and action.

A Bahá’í, through his faith in this “conscious knowledge” of the reality of divine Revelation, can distinguish, for instance, between Christianity, which is the divine message given by Jesus of Nazareth, and the development of Christendom, which is the history of what men did with that message in subsequent centuries; a distinction which has become blurred if not entirely obscured in current Christian theology. A Bahá’í scholar conscious of this distinction will not make the mistake of regarding the sayings and beliefs of certain Bahá’ís at any one time as being the Bahá’í Faith. The Bahá’í Faith is the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: His Own Words as interpreted by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian. It is a revelation of such staggering magnitude that no Bahá’í at this early stage in Bahá’í history can rightly claim to have more than a partial and imperfect understanding of it.

Thus, Bahá’í historians would see the overcoming of early misconceptions held by the Bahá’í community, or by parts of the Bahá’í community, not as “developments of the Bahá’í Faith”—as a non-Bahá’í historian might well regard them—but as growth of that community’s understanding of the Bahá’í Revelation. In scientific investigation, when searching after the facts of any matter, a Bahá’í must, of course, be entirely open-minded, but in his interpretation of the facts and his evaluation of evidence we do not see by what logic he can ignore the truth of the Bahá’í Revelation which he has already accepted; to do so would, we feel, be both hypocritical and unscholarly.

Undoubtedly the fact that Bahá’í scholars of the history and teachings of the Faith, believe in the Faith, will be a grave flaw in the eyes of many non-Bahá’í academics, whose own dogmatic materialism passes without comment because it is fashionable; but this difficulty is one that Bahá’í scholars share with their fellow believers in many fields of human endeavour, and the Bahá’í principle of the harmony of religion and science compels all Bahá’ís to protect themselves from prevalent diseases resulting from the divorce of faith and reason.

The sundering of science and religion is but one example of the tendency of the human mind (which is necessarily limited in its capacity) to concentrate on one virtue, one aspect of truth, one goal, to the exclusion of others. This leads, in extreme cases, to fanaticism and the distortion of truth, and in all cases to some degree of imbalance and inaccuracy. A scholar who is imbued with an understanding of the broad teachings of the Faith will always remember that being a scholar does not exempt him from the primal duties and purposes for which all

[Page 3] ‘...everything in creation...should be studied in the light of revelation as well as in that of purely rational investigation.’

human beings are created. Not scholars alone, but all men are exhorted to seek out and uphold the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. But they are also exhorted to be wise in their utterance, to be tolerant of the views of others, to be courteous in their behaviour and speech, not to sow the seeds of doubt in faithful hearts, to look at the good rather than at the bad, to avoid conflict and contention, to be reverent, to be faithful to the Covenant of God, to promote His Faith and safeguard its honour, and to educate their fellow-men, giving milk to babes and meat to those who are stronger.

Scholarship has a high station in the Bahá’í teachings, and Bahá’í scholars have a great responsibility to a growing, divinely-guided world society. The ascertainment of truth and the acquisition of a fuller understanding of the subjects of their scholarship are worthy and high endeavours. But Bahá’u’lláh has seen fit to dwell at some length on the way to offer the fruits of scholarship and expose error:

“Thou hast written that one of the friends hath composed a treatise. This was mentioned in the Holy Presence, and this is what was revealed in response: Great care should be exercised that whatever is written in these days doth not cause dissention, and invite the objection of the people. Whatever the friends of the One true God say in these days is listened to by the people of the world. It hath been revealed in the Lawh-i-Ḥikmat: ‘The unbelievers have inclined their ears towards us in order to hear that which might enable them to cavil against God, the help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.’ Whatever is written should not transgress the bounds of tact and wisdom, and in the words used there should lie hid the property of milk, so that the children of the world may be nurtured therewith, and attain maturity. We have said in the past that one word hath the influence of spring and causeth hearts to become fresh and verdant, while another is like unto blight which causeth the blossoms and flowers to wither. God grant that authors among the friends will write in such a way as would be acceptable to fairminded souls, and not lead to cavilling by the people.”

Elsewhere He has written:

“Consort with all men, O people of Bahá, in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and good-will. If it be accepted, if it fulfil its purpose, your object is attained. If any one should refuse it, leave him unto himself, and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with him. A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the foundation of the light of wisdom and understanding...”

(Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh: CXXXII)

And again:

“Should any one among you be incapable of grasping a certain truth, or be striving to comprehend it, show forth, when conversing with him, a spirit of extreme kindliness and good-will. Help him to see and recognize the truth, without esteeming yourself to be, in the least, superior to him, or to be possessed of greater endowments.”

(Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh: V)

As more and more Bahá’ís enter the world of higher learning they will have the opportunity of exerting great influence in bringing about in human consciousness and outlook that harmony of religion and science which is so great a principle of their Faith. The distinction desired by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for all Bahá’ís is certainly for attainment by Bahá’í scholars, who by following the exhortations of Bahá’u’lláh to moderation, kindliness, tact and wisdom, may restore scholarship to that high station of dignity and admiration which it formerly held and which is confirmed by the utterances of Bahá’u’lláh.

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A ceremony in Samoa

With great joy and dignity, the cornerstone is laid for the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands

More than 500 believers were present at Tiapapata, near Apia, Western Samoa, January 27 as the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, representing the Universal House of Justice, and His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, head of state of Western Samoa and the first reigning monarch to embrace the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, presided at the laying of the cornerstone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands.

Others attending the historic ceremony included members of the family of the Malietoa; two members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia, Suhayl ‘Alá’í and Howard Harwood; representatives of 16 National Spiritual Assemblies; heads of several departments of the Samoan government; representatives of the churches of Samoa, and about 80 Bahá’í visitors from other countries.

The new Bahá’í House of Worship—one of two whose construction was to begin as a goal of the Five Year Plan—will occupy a site on a verdant hillside near the royal residence outside Western Samoa’s capital city. It was designed by Ḥusayn Amanát who also was the architect for the permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel.

The dedication ceremony took place in the midst of a three-day celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment

This small silver box, measuring about 6 centimeters (2-1/2 inches) in diameter, contains Dust from the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. It was placed inside the foundation stone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, who represented the Universal House of Justice.

[Page 5] His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, (above left), head of state of Western Samoa, spreads fresh cement, then places the foundation stone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands in position.

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, (above right), representing the Universal House of Justice, places a small box containing Dust from the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh into a niche in the foundation stone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands, and cements it into place. The ceremony took place last January 27 at Apia, Western Samoa.

of the Faith in Samoa. The country was opened to the Faith by Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Lillian Wyss (now Mrs. Suhayl ‘Alá’í) who pioneered there from Canada during the Ten Year Crusade.

The program included an address by His Highness the Malietoa who summed up the spirit of the moment in these words: “This occasion represents a significant hour for the people of Samoa and most certainly an important hour for the Bahá’ís in the world and in the Pacific.” He commented on the “desperate need” of humanity for the “unifying spirit” of the Faith of God—“a spirit that will engender in the hearts and minds of every member of the human family the belief that we ‘all belong to the same household.’ ”

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum underscored the great importance of this first Bahá’í House of Worship in the Pacific, saying: “The children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the people who have been here during these few days will remember this occasion.” She pointed out that no one present could fully grasp the greatness of the events surrounding the laying of the foundation stone of the new House of Worship and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Faith’s introduction in Samoa.

Later, the friends proceeded to the site of the future House of Worship where His Highness the Malietoa took up a towel, spread fresh cement, and placed the polished black marble stone into position. As he watched, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum placed a small silver box containing Dust from the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh into a niche in the stone and trowelled cement into place to seal the opening. The inscription was read in Samoan and English:

“The Foundation Stone of the first Bahá’í House of Worship in the Pacific Islands was laid by His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, and the representative of the Universal House of Justice, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, set therein a casket containing Dust from the Sacred Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. 27 January 1979.”

The celebration that followed the formal ceremony included refreshments, an exhibition of traditional Samoan dancing, the singing of the Samoan national anthem, and the presentation of gifts.

One of the more significant gifts presented to His Highness the Malietoa was a Samoan fine mat that had been used at the funeral service in 1965 for Saialala Tamasese, the first Samoan Bahá’í and a member of one of the nation’s three royal families. The mat had been sent to the Universal House of Justice which offered it to the Malietoa as a special gift for the Temple ceremony. His Highness also received a lovely handcrafted silver vase, presented to him by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum on behalf of the Universal House of Justice.

In the evening, more than 120 guests—including His Highness the Malietoa, members of his family, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, other Bahá’í representatives, and many distinguished Samoans—attended a banquet given by the National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa. The Hand of the Cause spoke briefly to the gathering.

The 25th anniversary celebration began with a conference on Friday, January 26. The opening address was given by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum who read a cabled message from the Universal House of Justice and then spoke of the

[Page 6] growth of the Faith during her lifetime. She recalled that she did not even know where Samoa was until 1953, when the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, was preparing the goals of the Ten Year Crusade.

She talked about the important role of women in the world, praised the “distinguished, upright, courageous” people of Polynesia, warned her listeners against the inroads of materialism into their society, and told how the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is changing the hearts and lives of people in every corner of the world—particularly in the so-called “backward” countries.

On Saturday morning, prior to the cornerstone ceremony, a presentation entitled “Twenty-five Years of the Bahá’í Faith in Samoa” was made by Mrs. ‘Alá’í. In the evening, the friends were treated to a slide program showing the status of the Faith throughout the world at the end of the fourth year of the Five Year Plan.

Sunday’s events included greetings from representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies present, and a “Preview of the Seven Year Global Plan, 1979-1986” by Counsellor Harwood.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, during the closing moments of the celebration, expressed warm appreciation for the actions of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II on the previous day.

“It is very, very difficult for a man in such a high position to do what His Highness did yesterday,” she said. “I think that because of this we must pray for His Highness—pray for his happiness, his welfare, the fulfillment of his hopes, and for divine love and protection to constantly surround him.” The Malietoa has been a Bahá’í since 1968.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum also spoke of persecutions against the Bahá’ís in Iran, contrasting that troubled country with the “paradise of a people who are not blood-seeking and not vicious” that she saw in the Pacific islands. She added: “Every time you give the Message to other people—every time another Pacific Islander accepts Bahá’u’lláh—remember that you are putting a compress on the burning wounds of your fellow Bahá’ís in Persia.”

Then, after brief closing remarks and greetings from Counsellor ‘Alá’í, the conference ended as all of those present gathered to affix their signatures to a special message to His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, who had sent his loving greetings to the session. The message to His Highness read:

“Your Highness: The loving message of Your Highness to the friends gathered at the final session of the Conference held in conjunction with the historic ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands was conveyed to us by the Counsellor, Mr. Suhayl ‘Alá’í. It moved all our hearts and we desire to express to Your Highness our deep love, our high esteem, and our gratitude for your gracious participation in that ceremony of such outstanding significance to the followers of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the world.”

His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, head of state of Western Samoa and the first ruling monarch to accept Bahá’u’lláh, delivers an address during the ceremony last January 27 at Apia, Western Samoa, at which the foundation stone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands was laid.

The text of the address delivered by His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili Il, head of state of Western Samoa, during the ceremony January 27 at which the foundation stone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands was laid:

It is a joy for me today to be participating in the laying of the foundation stone of the Bahá’í House of Worship in

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Samoa—an edifice which is the first of its kind to be erected in the Pacific.

This occasion represents a significant hour for the people of Samoa and most certainly an important hour for the Bahá’ís in the world and in the Pacific. For the people of Samoa, because it signifies another milestone in their dedication to the Cause of God and their worship of their Creator. It signifies a positive and forward step in the cause of universal brotherhood and the recognition of one single God, the common Father of all humanity. It is an important hour for the Bahá’ís because of the fact that the Teachings of this young Faith were brought to our shores only some twenty-five years ago. The Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh express the noble idea of the unity of God, the unity of His Holy Messengers—the great Redeemers of mankind, such as Krishna, Moses, Christ, Muḥammad and Bahá’u’lláh—and the unity of all the peoples of the earth.

Humanity today is in desperate need of a unifying spirit; a spirit that will engender in the hearts and minds of every member of the human family the belief that we all “belong to the same household.”

The laying of the foundation stone of this House of Worship in the Pacific is the visible sign of such unity in our midst and, hopefully, this building will rise and become the emblem of a greater spirit of unity in our islands and in the whole of the Pacific. For almost fifteen decades Samoa has shown love for God and has founded a nation that is aware of its Lord. Over this long period many men of God have labored and toiled in our islands in an effort to bring us closer to that true spirit which requires us to be better human beings. Our Government is founded on God. We promote freedom of worship and know little of the prejudices that afflict many other countries of the world.

On this occasion, as head of state of Western Samoa and on behalf of the people of Western Samoa, I wish the Bahá’ís every success in this undertaking—the building of this House of Worship which will open its doors to people of all races and religious backgrounds. When completed, this edifice will undoubtedly strengthen and develop further that mysterious power in the spirit of man that, once it is attracted to the true worship of its Creator, will bring about happiness, brotherhood and unity.

Finally, a word to our gracious visitor, Madame Rabbani, the distinguished representative of the Universal House of Justice, who has come such a long way to be with us today. Many of us know her through observing the film, The Green Light Expedition. We have come to know of her spirit of dedication and self-sacrifice and of her services to humanity. Madame Rabbani resides in the Holy Land, the home of many Prophets of God, and we are very proud to have her with us at this ceremony. We extend to Madame Rabbani our heartfelt welcome to Samoa. May your stay here be a deep spiritual experience because the people of Samoa are lovers of those who serve God.

Soifua!

The text of the cablegram to Samoa from the Universal House of Justice on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands:

“Hearts overflowing joy occasion Silver Jubilee introduction beloved Faith Samoa, eyes Bahá’í world focused your islands this auspicious occasion during course of which foundation stone Mother Temple Pacific Islands being laid. Moved express gratitude tribute Knight Bahá’u’lláh energetic efforts Samoan friends reinforced ever-swelling number pioneers itinerant teachers guided assisted by Hands Cause Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members resulting firm establishment Administrative Institutions Faith effectively operating Samoa. This conference marks climax twenty-five years devoted work and foreshadows even greater achievements years immediately ahead. Urge seize every opportunity weld all members Samoan Bahá’í Community into dynamic coherent unit suffused with creative directing propelling forces proceeding from source Revelation Himself prove themselves worthy instruments engage in thrilling enterprise Cause Bahá’u’lláh. Offering fervent prayers Holy Shrines success deliberations. Universal House of Justice.”

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II lead a procession to the site of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands near Apia, Western Samoa. Behind them are members of the Malietoa’s family, government officials, and other distinguished guests who attended the ceremony at which the foundation stone of the new Bahá’í House of Worship was laid.

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‘All hearts were deepened’

Amatu’l Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum visits New Zealand while Collis Featherstone spends 3 weeks in Africa

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum visited New Zealand in January prior to her trip to lay the cornerstone for the first Bahá’í House of Worship for the Pacific Islands. On two separate occasions she spoke to gatherings of as many as 400 people in the Orakei “Maori Marae” (meeting place). Orakei is a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand.

“It is significant that my first Bahá’í meeting in hey Zealand should be in a Maori meeting house,” Rúḥíyyih Khánum told the gathering, which included one-third of all the Bahá’ís of New Zealand and many prominent members of New Zealand’s aboriginal peoples.

The Hand of the Cause of God was met at the Auckland Airport on January 18 by a delegation that included Owen Batrick, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia; Mrs. Tahana Waipouri-Voykovic, a Maori member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Mrs. Mary Fox, a Maori Bahá’í who greeted Rúḥíyyih Khánum in the Maori language. They introduced the distinguished visitor to the many other Bahá’ís who came to greet her.

After interviews by radio and newspaper reporters on the afternoon following her arrival, Rúḥíyyih Khánum was escorted to the Maori Marae by Ephraim Te Paa, one of the first Maori Bahá’ís and a celebrated orator among his people. She was welcomed by the elders of the new Marae, one of the first inter-tribal Maori institutions established in New Zealand.

After traditional speeches of welcome, the Hand of the Cause personally greeted the 250 people in attendance.

She then spoke at length about the nobility of the Maori people, and how members of every race and tribal group had been important to Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Faith. “Each person should be proud of his culture and background, so that there will be unity in diversity in the Bahá’í Faith,” she said.

By the next morning, the crowd had grown to more than 400. Many of them had spent the night at the site under an open marquee, since the meeting house itself was not completely finished. A series of speakers—Bahá’ís and non Bahá’ís—talked on Maoritanga (Maori cultural matters).

In the afternoon, Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke of unity as the central principle of the Bahá’í Faith.

“Any disharmony causes illness,” she pointed out. “We should dwell on virtues, not faults, be positive, forget the negative things from the past, and work together toward the future,” she said, as he enumerated many of the Bahá’í principles that call for a more unified world. She illustrated many of her points with examples from the countries she has visited and the cultures she has observed.

A traditional Maori “hangi” (an earth-covered oven) was opened that evening and all of the visitors shared the feast, which was followed by an open-air concert. Rúḥíyyih Khánum also found an opportunity to meet briefly with the New Zealand National Spiritual Assembly, and to encourage its members to translate more of the Bahá’í Writings into the Maori language.

The final morning, Sunday, January 21, was devoted to a question and answer session, after which Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke individually with many of those who attended. Two persons declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the meeting.

“All hearts were touched and deepened by her presence,” said a report of the visit, which added the hope that Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum would soon return to New Zealand and again share with those friends more of her “love, wisdom, and experience.”

[Page 9] The Hand of the Cause of God H. Collis Featherstone began an extended visit to Africa last January 14, and in the three weeks that followed, visited Kenya, the Ivory Coast, and Ghana. He was accompanied by Mrs. Featherstone.

On arriving in Kenya, Mr. Featherstone immediately traveled to the Mombasa area on the southeastern coast. He visited the Kilifi Teaching Institute, and spoke later at the Council Hall in Mombasa to a public meeting attended by about 50 persons—more than 40 of whom were non-Bahá’ís. Later, he met with the Bahá’ís and commented that there was a good spirit in Mombasa, with much teaching activity and many Spiritual Assemblies in the nearby area.

The following day, January 16, the Hand of the Cause spoke at another public meeting, this time at the new Mombasa Bahá’í Center. Approximately 60 people attended, only 10 of whom were Bahá’ís. The visitors included the principal, a teacher and many students from a Catholic school.

After traveling to Nairobi in central Kenya, Mr. Featherstone spent four days visiting surrounding Bahá’í communities including Michi, Tambaya, Karatina, Thika, and Nakura villages. Groups of four to 70 Bahá’ís attended impromptu meetings. Many of the villages are now making plans to build Bahá’í Centers, Mr. Featherstone reported.

Mr. Featherstone celebrated the Feast of Sultán on January 19 in the village of Thika where 30 believers from two communities heard reports from the National Spiritual Assembly that Kenya had 1,118 Local Spiritual Assemblies, more than 5,000 localities where Bahá’ís reside, 122 endowments, and 70 Bahá’í Centers, with another 25 to 30 Centers presently under construction.

The Hand of the Cause ended his visit to Kenya by addressing a group of nearly 100 people at the Nairobi Bahá’í Center on the evening of January 21. He spoke of the final months of the Five Year Plan and of the challenges and opportunities of the new Seven Year Plan. During a brief meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly, he encouraged the Kenyan believers to increase their proclamation activities through presentations of the Faith to public officials, and through the press, radio and television.

The Featherstones next traveled to the coastal town of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. His first meeting there was held January 23 at the local Bahá’í Center. Forty-five people attended.

Mr. Featherstone spent the next four days traveling to Bahá’í villages, visiting the Agboville and Bouake areas. At Agboville, more than 150 Bahá’ís from three villages attended a meeting that included dinner. “There was obviously much training going on with the children, who could sing many songs about the Faith,” Mr. Featherstone commented.

He spoke on one occasion to 30 youth, four of whom became Bahá’ís after the meeting, and attended a dinner with 40 prominent local officials and citizens.

On January 28, Mr. and Mrs. Featherstone traveled to Ghana, where they met the next day with the National Spiritual Assembly. Mr. Featherstone was interviewed on the national radio service, and a local newspaper printed an article about the dedication of the new Bahá’í Centers in Obeng Yaw and Okai-Kroni villages. Each of the two ceremonies drew about 30 people.

Mr. Featherstone traveled January 30 to the villages of Sekondi and Adiembra with Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Western Africa. They attended the dedication of a new regional Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Adiembra. A container holding soil from the vicinity of the Shrine of the Báb, some rose petals from within the Shrine, and a stone from the site of the new building for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice were cemented into the floor of the building by Mr. Featherstone and Mrs. Khelghati.

The following day, Mr. Featherstone flew to Kumasi and spoke to 70 people at a public meeting at a university. While in Kumasi, he was interviewed by the local newspaper, met with the Queen Mother of the Ashanti people, spoke to a group of Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, and met with believers from Kumasi and nearby areas.

Mr. Featherstone later spoke at a conference at the Bahá’í National Center of Ghana in the coastal town of Accra. The conference was attended by delegations of Bahá’ís from Togo and Benin. Mrs. Featherstone spoke to the 80 people gathered there about her remembrances of Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Faith. A lengthy question and answer period followed her talk. The following day, February 4, Mr. Featherstone met with four Auxiliary Board members and 13 of their assistants.

The Featherstones left for Nigeria on February 6. “It has been wonderful meeting these strong believers whose roots are well-established in the Faith,” Mr. Featherstone commented.

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Around the World

United States

With the Five Year Plan nearing an end, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States announced on April 11—the 67th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s arrival in America—the completion of another major domestic goal of the Plan, the opening of the 7,000th locality in which Bahá’ís reside in the U.S.

The goal was won at 2:42 p.m. that day when the National Teaching Committee received news of the opening of Upper Ojai, California, to the Faith. Six more localities were added by the end of the day.

The last 100 localities were opened within a three-day period.

Two days before the locality goal was won, the U.S. International Goals Committee reported that every one of its overseas pioneering goals was either filled or in the process of being filled, and that the goals would be won by the end of the Plan at Riḍván.

The U.S. goal of 1,400 Local Spiritual Assemblies was won last November 26. The total as of April 11, when the locality goal was won, was 1,481.

More than 100 people including approximately 40 non-Bahá’ís attended a proclamation event March 3 in the goal community of San Gabriel, California, that featured music by John Ford Coley, Leslie and Kelly, Bob Gundry, and ‘Friends.’ After the concert, John Ford Coley gave a brief fireside and told how he became a Bahá’í. The event was coordinated by the Los Angeles Teaching Committee and by Jan Uebel, a homefront pioneer to San Gabriel. A follow-up fireside was held the next weekend at the San Gabriel Valley Bahá’í Center.

Sri Lanka

One hundred-fifty Bahá’ís from every region of Sri Lanka—many of whom were new believers of Sinhalese background—attended a National Teaching Conference last December 23-25 in Kandy. Interest in the conference had been encouraged by a series of five special teaching projects that were launched in November by the National Spiritual Assembly of Sri Lanka.

Earlier, a highly successful winter school organized by the National Youth Committee attracted 70 people. It was held October 28-30 at Namunukula. Again, most of those participating were Sinhalese.

Just prior to the conference in Kandy, the new District Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in that city was officially dedicated. It has already become the center of much activity in the area.

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Surinam/Fr. Guiana

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Surinam and French Guiana took the opportunity to meet with the Granman (chief) of the tribe of Saramaccaners—one of the four principle Bush Negro tribes of Surinam—because 17 Local Spiritual Assemblies have been established recently among villages in this group.

In November, through the efforts of Alibe Mimba—a member of the tribe and also a member of the National Spiritual Assembly—a meeting was arranged with Granman Aboikoni at his residence and seat at Assidonhoppo, far up the Surinam River.

The arrangements were made by courier-delivered cassette tape recording, the usual method of transmitting information throughout the Bush Negro tribal area since few members of the tribes can read and write.

To get from the capital city of Paramaribo to Assidonhoppo, the eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly who were able to make the trip first traveled to Botopassi by small chartered airplane. There they transferred for the long upriver trip to a river boat that the National Spiritual Assembly owns and maintains for teaching work.

News of the National Assembly’s planned trip was broadcast throughout the area on the national radio service, so that the group stopped at several of the Bahá’í villages along the river as they traveled. The boat tied up only briefly at most of the villages, but the Assembly was able to step ashore and visit at three of them. The boat reached Assidonhoppo at nightfall.

The audience with the Granman was held at 7:30 the next morning. The Granman told the Assembly members that they were most welcome, and then pointed out that he had instructed his people that when they accept a new religion, they must also accept its tenets and laws without clinging to any of their old religious ideas. He then asked for an explanation of the principles and laws of the Bahá’í Faith. After it was given, he indicated that he was content with what he had heard.

The National Assembly presented the Granman a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, and an illumined, calligraphic rendering of the Hidden Word that reads, “O Son of Spirit! My first counsel is this ...” It had been translated into the Saramaccaner language and framed.

When the passage was read aloud to him, the Granman was visibly moved and expressed profound thanks to the Assembly, thereby ending the audience.

As evening approached, it was time to take “official” leave of the Granman’s hospitality. When the delegation met again with him, he told the Assembly that he had decided to personally inform all of the captains of the villages in the Saramaccaner tribal region that the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Surinam and French Guiana had called upon him and that he had given his official permission for the proclamation and teaching of the Bahá’í Faith; all were to cooperate with them.

“A more clear and beautiful statement could not be expected,” a report of the occasion pointed out.

That evening, the Granman attended a showing of the film, The Green Light Expedition, part of which had been made in his area, and a film that had been made at the Fourth International Bahá’í Convention. Also viewing the show were several village captains who were visiting the Granman as well as many other residents of Assidonhoppo and nearby villages.

Portugal

Early this year, the first public display on the Bahá’í Faith on the island of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (off the coast of Portugal) was set up in the goal city of Orotava. Manning the display (left to right) are Sr. Hayati, Sr. Eladio Martinez, and Sra. Chaos.

[Page 12]

South West Africa

Ninety-five adults and 50 children attended the annual South West African Bahá’í Summer School last December 25-31 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Believers came from the Western Cape, the Port Elizabeth area, Eastern Cape, Durban, Orange Free State, Witwatersrand, Potchefstroom and Mafeking as well as from Swaziland and Rhodesia.

Also attending was Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff of London, England, who was on a teaching trip in the area.

The school’s emphasis was on the accomplishment of the goals of the Five Year Plan. A highlight was Mrs. Munsiff’s recollection of her pilgrimage to Haifa and her memories of the beloved Guardian.

A notable feature was the improved teaching of the children. On the last evening, the children entertained with songs and prayers along with a short play they had prepared themselves.

The Cape Town youth presented two plays based on the openings of the books The Flame and Thief in the Night.

Luxembourg

The Hand of the Cause of God Adelbert Mühlschlegel was among the more than 50 Bahá’ís who participated in a National Teaching Conference held last November 11 in the goal city of Differdange, Luxembourg.

Also attending the conference was Continental Counsellor Betty Reed. Dr. Mühlschlegel, wearing a dark suit, is seated in the center of this photo; Mrs. Mühlschlegel is to his right.

Upper Volta

Four teaching teams, formed following a special institute last July, have succeeded in introducing the Faith to previously unopened areas of Upper Volta.

A team that taught in the Pô and Tibele regions in the southern part of the country achieved its greatest victory among members of the Gourounssi tribal group, where 506 new believers joined the Faith and seven new Local Spiritual Assemblies were established. Prayers were translated into the Kassena language, used in the region, and then recorded on cassettes so the new Bahá’ís could memorize them easily.

A team that taught in the Ouakara and Tougan area was also successful with 25 enrollments in the predominantly Muslim area. Other teams are working in the Koupela, Fada Ngourma and Kantchari areas in the east, and in the Diebougou and Gaoua areas in the southeast.

[Page 13]

Papua New Guinea

For the first time in the history of the Faith in Papua New Guinea, a National Bahá’í Youth Conference was held last October near the capital, Port Moresby.

The two-day conference was planned and conducted by the country’s first National Bahá’í Youth Committee, appointed in July 1978 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Papua New Guinea.

More than 100 believers from 19 communities, the majority of them youth, attended the conference. Publicity included two announcements on Papua New Guinea’s national radio station.

The conference included deepenings on Bahá’í administration, Bahá’í consultation, teaching the Faith, Bahá’í principles, and the significance of the Faith in today’s troubled world.

Although pioneers from Port Moresby and Kwikila assisted in the program, most of the talks were given by the youth themselves. During an evening social meeting, traditional dances were performed and slides of Bahá’í Holy Places shown.

As a result of the conference, four persons in Port Moresby declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

The first National Bahá’í Youth Committee of Papua New Guinea with Auxiliary Board member Dr. Sirus Naraqi (standing at the left).

More than 100 believers from 19 communities attended Papua New Guinea’s first National Youth Conference held last October near the capital city of Port Moresby.

Spain

A special effort by the Bahá’ís of Spain to increase the amount of radio programming about the Faith has had significant results, according to a recent report of the Radio Department of the Bahá’í National Audio-Visual Committee of that country.

In six months, the station in Fuengirola-Marbella has transmitted 813 minutes of Bahá’í material; Tarragona-Reus, 154 minutes; Madrid, 120 minutes; Cartagena, 87 minutes; Tenerife, 50 minutes, and Valencia, 44 minutes.

Futhermore, a program called “Spiritual Vibrations” continues to be broadcast over Radio Bilbao every Thursday at 8:45 p.m., and selections from The Hidden Words are heard every morning. In Sabadell, a series of 30- and 60-second Bahá’í spot announcements will begin soon.

[Page 14]

Cameroon Republic

The Bahá’ís of Bekora, Cameroon, gathered for a recent 19 Day Feast. The village has about 20 adult believers who hold regular teaching and deepening meetings, have a program for teaching the Faith in nearby villages, observe Feasts and Holy Days, and hold dawn prayers. The regular children’s classes are attended by about 60 children.

Thirty-one women from six communities attended a two-day Regional Conference for Bahá’í Women last December 18-19 at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Victoria, Cameroon Republic. Teaching, deepening, and the education of children were among the topics covered in conference sessions.

Eighty Bahá’ís attended a National Teaching Conference December 28-30 at City Commercial College in Mankon. Sessions emphasized teaching, deepening, and consolidation, with building self-supporting communities. The construction of local Bahá’í Centers without outside aid also was discussed.

Following the conference, a special two-day session on the development of Local Spiritual Assemblies was presented by Larry Kreader, a traveling teacher from the United States. Those who attended this course found it particularly interesting and valuable.

John R. Johnson (standing third from left), a pioneer from the United States, is shown with members of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Londa, Cameroon Republic, and children of the Londa community. Mr. Johnson reports that Cameroon has surpassed its Five Year Plan goals of 300 Local Assemblies, 850 localities open to the Faith, and 50 endowments.

[Page 15]

India

The Maharajah of Mandi, India, Jogindar Sen, graciously received a Bahá’í delegation sent to him in January, and arranged a dinner party at his palace so the Bahá’ís could explain the Faith to 20 prominent guests. The Maharajah had met Queen Marie of Rumania and was aware that she had been a Bahá’í.

The Bahá’ís, who had traveled to Mandi in Himachal Pradesh State to proclaim the Faith, also met with other prominent people in the city, including the principal of the Boys’ High School. Before the Bahá’ís could tell the principal about the Faith, he began to tell them of the principles he believes mankind requires. When the Bahá’í teachers told him of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh, he asked for an enrollment card.

The principal arranged for the Bahá’ís to speak to all of the 1,000 students at the school, and separately to the school’s 60 teachers. Many of the teachers asked for enrollment cards, and for literature to read.

More than 50 Bahá’ís attended the first Bahá’í Conference of the Andaman Islands (east of Madras, India, in the Bay of Bengal), held January 7-9 at Port Blair. Speakers dealt with such topics as the life of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í Feasts and Holy Days, the importance of prayer, living a Bahá’í life, the Bahá’í Fund, and the Administrative Order.

A highlight of the conference was an appearance by B.R. Tumata, Andaman Development Commissioner, who told of his great love and respect for Bahá’ís and for the Bahá’í Teachings. He expressed a wish that the Faith would grow greatly in the Andamans and would reach every soul, because, in his words, “ten honest Bahá’ís are equal to ten thousand others.”

Much of the conference proceedings, including portions of Mr. Tumata’s address and a talk on the importance of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh given at a public meeting, were broadcast on the Andaman government radio system and reprinted in the local newspapers.

A ‘University Teaching Project’ last October in the city of Chandigarh, North India, led to 30 declarations within a week including at least one university professor and two exchange students from Africa. The campaign was organized under the auspices of the National Youth Committee of India.

Australia

1979 began in spectacular fashion for more than 250 Bahá’ís from all parts of Australia who participated in the 10th Australian Bahá’í Youth Conference at Melbourne’s Monash University.

More than 20 nationalities were represented at the week-long gathering whose daytime activities ranged from talks and book reviews on a wide range of Bahá’í subjects to addresses by Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members and group discussions led by members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Evening programs included a seminar on the needs of children, a concert, a dramatic presentation, and a folk dance that was turned into a disco.

The conference marked the half-way point in the Victorian Teaching Campaign. Fourteen youth volunteered to join teaching teams and help in that effort.

The following cable was received from the Universal House of Justice:

“Warm Bahá’í greetings friends attending National Youth Conference Stop As society sinks deeper morass confusion conflict moral degradation incumbent Bahá’í youth consult their unique role Bahá’í community raise level awareness spiritual responsibilities followers Greatest Name these crucial times and responsibility youth assist win goals during closing weeks Five Year Plan Stop Praying Shrines success deliberations sacrificial efforts.”

[Page 16]

Canada

Twenty-three new Local Spiritual Assemblies were formed in Canada between December 22 and January 15, 15 of which are on Indian Reserves. A vast increase in the level of teaching, maintained in the face of inclement weather, was responsible for the victories.

The Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts participated in some of the several meetings across Canada at which Bahá’ís pledged their efforts to win the goals. Counsellors Lloyd Gardner and Angus Cowan of the North American Board, Auxiliary Board members and assistants, and members of the National Spiritual Assembly and national and regional committees helped maintain the momentum.

“Participation was universal,” said a report from Dr. Hidáyatu’lláh Aḥmadíyyih of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Central America, who was in Canada to help its National Spiritual Assembly organize the campaign.

“... It is difficult to find words adequate to convey the degree of devotion and dedication of these beloved friends and their willingness to sacrifice everything in the path of Bahá’u’lláh,” wrote Dr. Aḥmadíyyih. “They traveled long distances in spite of severe climatic conditions—low temperatures, dangerous snow-covered and icy roads—to gather in meetings where some arose to pioneer on the homefront and many volunteered to participate in teaching projects aimed at the formation of Local Spiritual Assemblies. No obstacle was too great...

“In Saskatoon, North Saskatchewan, where the temperature dropped to minus 35 degrees, more than 65 believers attended a meeting and all of them participated in a six-day teaching project that resulted in the formation of nine Local Spiritual Assemblies. In the south of Saskatchewan, near Regina, of similar cold climate, many of the friends—the majority of them Indian—participated in a six-day project that formed four Assemblies. All these Assemblies are on the Indian Reserves...

“In Vancouver, British Columbia, more than 200 believers attended a meeting, and many of them volunteered to participate in the teaching projects... In Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, more than 70 believers attended a meeting; three groups were brought up to Assembly status through homefront pioneering and many people volunteered to participate in the teaching projects...

“In New Glasgow, near Halifax, Nova Scotia, more than 60 believers gathered in a meeting and some volunteered to participate in short teaching projects. In Montreal, Quebec, more than 100 believers from central and eastern Quebec and the Ottawa valley attended a meeting where the beloved Hand of the Cause John Robarts also spoke and encouraged the friends in the teaching work. Nearly all those who were present volunteered to participate in two-week teaching projects in their respective regions.

“In southern Ontario, nearly 180 believers gathered at a meeting in the National Center (in Toronto) and a few arose to pioneer to the homefront goals and many volunteered to participate in the teaching projects... In a meeting held in Kitchener, although the weather was very cold and the roads were covered with snow, more than 200 friends attended, and a few arose to pioneer to homefront goals. Seventy-nine people volunteered to participate in the teaching projects.”

Three Bahá’ís from the U.S. were among the participants early this year in a highly successful teaching campaign in Canada’s British Columbia Province.

Donald Whyte, a 20-year-old Native American, and Mrs. Susan Emmel and her 16-year old daughter, Lisa, all from Colorado, were in British Columbia from January 26 to March 27.

During the first month of their stay, British Columbia witnessed the opening of 33 localities to the Faith, the formation of three Local Spiritual Assemblies, and the enrollment of more than 130 new believers.

The second month saw 28 localities opened, surpassing the campaign goal of 25 that month.

The U.S. believers taught in Prince George, Quesnel, William Lake, on Indian Reservations surrounding those areas, in the Vancouver area, and in Chilliwhack, Ashcroft, Merrett, Penticton, Vernon, and nearby areas.

They were interviewed on a half-hour television program to be shown on Cable TV, and participated in a day-long proclamation at the community college in Prince George.

When the team arrived at the Stone Reserve, there was one non-Indian Bahá’í there and no Indian believers. Soon afterward, 18 Indians embraced the Faith and an Assembly was formed. One of those who was enrolled was the chief, Jim Myers, whose brother also was among the new believers.

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United Nations

Representatives of the Bahá’í International Community and the UN Office of the Bahá’ís of the United States participated last March in the annual Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). Seated third from left at the dais is UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim; to his left is conference co-chairman Dr. Will C. van den Hoonaard, alternate representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations.

The Bahá’í International Community and Office of the Representative of the Bahá’ís of the United States to the UN participated again this year in the annual Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI).

More than 500 representatives of NGOs associated with the UN attended the conference March 22-23 at UN Headquarters in New York City. Its theme was “The UN and NGOs—Partners for Peace—Mutual Responsibility and Mutual Opportunity.”

This year’s conference co-chairmen were Dr. Will C. van den Hoonaard, alternate representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations, and Dr. Philip Oke of the Christian Peace Conference. Dr. van den Hoonaard has been serving as vice-chairman of the Executive Committee of NGOs associated with DPI.

During the conference, Dr. van den Hoonaard shared the platform with Kurt Waldheim, secretary-general of the UN, and with Dr. Estefania Aldaba-Lim, special representative for the International Year of the Child (IYC). He also chaired a number of workshops with other members of the UN Secretariat and NGO representatives.

Many favorable comments were received from participants for the manner in which the conference was chaired. A special tribute came from Mrs. Sally Swing Shelley, chief, NGO section, Department of Public Information, who in a letter expressed her “deep gratitude” to the Bahá’í representative “for being such an outstanding Conference chairman.”

At a reception and during the sessions, Bahá’í representatives, five from the Bahá’í International Community and four from the UN Office of the Bahá’ís of the U.S., had many opportunities to mingle with other participants.

The Bahá’í representatives were Dr. Victor de Araujo, Dr. van den Hoonaard, Mrs. Mary Sawicki, Cary Littlefield and Mrs. Deborah K. van den Hoonaard (Bahá’í International Community), and Dr. Wilma Brady, Mrs. Nancy Mondschein, Ms. Janis Peri, and Dr. Hussein Ahdieh (UN Office of the Bahá’ís of the U.S.).

Zaire

A total of 1,528 Bahá’ís from 206 Local Spiritual Assembly areas attended a Regional Teaching Conference last December 23-25 at Uvira in eastern Zaire’s Kivu Province.

One delegation of more than a dozen believers walked to the conference from their homes in Lulenge—a journey of 14 days in each direction.