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Bahá’í News

June 1981

Bahá’í Year 138

AFRICA REJOICES RETURN HANDCAUSE WILLIAM SEARS FULFILMENT PLEDGE MADE RECEIPT TRAGIC NEWS ASSASSINATION HANDCAUSE ENOCH OLINGA. CONTINENT WHICH EARNED SUCH HIGH PRAISE BELOVED GUARDIAN AGAIN GRACED PRESENCE HAND. NOBLE ACTION ENRICHES RECORD HIS HISTORIC SERVICES. OFFERING ARDENT PRAYERS SACRED THRESHOLD GREAT NEW VICTORIES AFRICA.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
March 4, 1981

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SORROWFUL NEWS JUST RECEIVED TWO BELIEVERS FROM ABADIH IMPRISONED SHIRAZ WERE EXECUTED MONDAY NIGHT 16 MARCH BY GOVERNMENT FIRING SQUAD SHIRAZ CHARGE LIST INCLUDES USUAL FALSE IMPUTATIONS LEVELED AGAINST DEFENSELESS BELIEVERS. NAMES THESE TWO VALIANT FRIENDS MIHDI ANVARI AND HIDAYATULLAH DIHQANI ADDED LIST OTHER SELFLESS MARTYRS WHO WITH THEIR BLOOD HAVE TESTIFIED TRUTH GOD’S GLORIOUS REVELATION. OMINOUS SIGNS VISIBLE FURTHER AGGRAVATION PERILOUS SITUATION FACING BELEAGUERED PERSIAN COMMUNITY. URGE YOU CONTINUE YOUR EFFORTS USE NEWS THIS RECENT TRAGEDY AS YOU DEEM ADVISABLE IN SUPPORT CURRENT PROCLAMATION ACTIVITIES AND IN PURSUIT CONTACTS WITH AUTHORITIES YOUR COUNTRY. PRAYING SHRINES EARLY ALLEVIATION SUFFERINGS OUR OPPRESSED PERSIAN BRETHREN.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
MARCH 17, 1981

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Contents

Riḍván
House of Justice’s message opens 2nd phase of 7 Year Plan	2
Central America
The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum visits	4
Counsellors
The five newly re-formed Boards hold their first meetings	6
Aftermath
The widow of a martyr writes about his life and sacrifice	9
Around the world
News from Bahá’í communities in every corner of the globe	12

Cover

Fulfilling a pledge made following the tragic assassination of the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga, his wife, and three of their children, the Hand of the Cause William Sears has returned to Africa, scene of many of his dramatic triumphs as a pioneer from the U.S. during the Ten Year Crusade. Mr. Sears and his wife, Marguerite, are now living in South Africa after having spent several years in the United States and Canada.

Correction

In the February 1981 issue of Bahá’í News, the name of Mehreban Sohaili, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya, is misspelled ‘Sobheil’ in a photo on Page 15. We regret the error.

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 © 1981, 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 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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Riḍván

The Universal House of Justice scrutinizes the crises and victories of the opening phase of the Seven Year Plan, and looks confidently toward future triumphs for the Cause of God

To the Bahá’ís of the World

Dearly-loved Friends,

The successes of the initial phase of the Seven Year Plan are heartening evidence of the Divine care with which the growth of the Cause of God is so lovingly invigorated and sheltered. This still infant Cause, harassed and buffeted over these two years by relentless enemies, experiencing in swift succession a number of sharply contrasting crises and victories, surrounded by the increasing turmoil of a disintegrating world, has raised its banner, reinforced its foundations, and extended the range of its administrative institutions.

The resurgence of bitter and barbaric persecution of the Faith in the land of its birth, the passing to the Abhá Kingdom of five Hands of the Cause of God, the darkening of the horizons of the world as the sombre shadows of universal convulsions and chaos extinguish the lights of justice and order, are among the factors which have chiefly affected the conditions and fortunes of the worldwide army of God.

The Bahá’í community in the Cradle of the Faith, having witnessed the destruction of its holiest Shrine, the sequestration of its Holy Places, confiscation of its endowments and even personal properties, the martyrdom of many of its adherents, the imprisonment and holding without trial or news of the members of its National Spiritual Assembly and other leading figures of its community, the deprivation of the means of livelihood, vilification and slander of its cherished tenets, has stood staunch as the Dawn-breakers of old and emerged spiritually united and steadfast, the pride and inspiration of the entire Bahá’í world. In all continents of the globe, their example and hapless plight has led the friends to proclaim the Name of Bahá’u’lláh as never before, personally, locally, and through all the media of mass communication. The Bahá’í world community, acting through its representatives at the United Nations and through its National Spiritual Assemblies, has brought to the attention of governments and world leaders in many spheres the tenets and character of the Faith of God. The world’s parliaments, its federal councils, its humanitarian agencies have considered the Bahá’í Cause and in many instances have extended their support and expressed their sympathy.

In the midst of this time- and energy-consuming activity on behalf of our beloved Persian brethren, the community of the Most Great Name, far from lessening its pursuit of the objectives of the initial phase of the Seven Year Plan, has promoted them with increasing vigour. Added to the burning desire of the friends everywhere to show their love for their brethren in Persia by teaching the Cause with redoubled fervour, has been the further inspiration to teach derived from the loss of the beloved Hands of the Cause, an inspiration which has been fostered by the travels of those dear Hands still able to extend this loving service to the believers.

The broadening, during this opening phase of the Seven Year Plan, of the foundations of the Boards of

[Page 3] Counsellors and the consolidation of the thirteen zonal Boards to five continental ones have greatly reinforced this vital institution of the Faith. It has been further developed by the setting of a specified term of office for Continental Counsellors, as was envisaged in the original appointments.

Progress on the Seat of the Universal House of Justice and on the Temples of India and Samoa has continued. Six new National Spiritual Assemblies will be formed this Riḍván: two in Africa, that of South West Africa/Namibia with its seat in Windhoek and that of Bophuthatswana with its seat in Mmabatho; three in the Americas, Bermuda with its seat in Hamilton, the Leeward Islands with its seat in St. John’s, Antigua, and the Windward Islands with its seat in Kingstown, St. Vincent; one in the Pacific, namely that of Tuvalu with its seat in Funafuti; and the National Spiritual Assembly of Uganda will be reconstituted. To those to be formed during the remainder of the Seven Year Plan, the following have been added: two in Africa, Equatorial Guinea with its seat in Malabo, Somalia with its seat in Mogadishu, and one in Asia, that of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with its seat in Port Blair.

Increases in the total number of Local Spiritual Assemblies and localities have been registered during the opening phase, and Bahá’í communities in all parts of the world have demonstrated greater unity and maturity in their collective activities.

The second phase of the Seven Year Plan, now opening, will last for three years and will be followed by the final phase of two years, ending at Riḍván 1986. The 25th anniversary of the passing of our beloved Guardian will occur during the second year of the second phase of the Plan and that same year will also witness the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf. The House of Justice plans to issue a compilation of letters to her and of statements about her by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the beloved Guardian, and of her own letters.

All National Spiritual Assemblies have been sent the goals assigned to their communities for the second phase, for the prosecution of which the Bahá’í world community now stands poised and ready. Among the major developments envisioned during this phase are:

• Occupation by the Universal House of Justice of its permanent Seat on the slopes of Mount Carmel above the Arc;
• Completion of the Temple in Samoa and continued progress on the work of the Temple in India;
• Further development of the functions of the International Teaching Centre and the Boards of Counsellors, with special reference to the promotion of the spiritual, intellectual, and social life of the Bahá’í community;
• The holding, during the first nine months of 1982, of five international conferences, in Lagos, Nigeria; Montreal, Canada; Quito, Ecuador; Dublin, Ireland; and Manila, the Philippines, this last one taking place at the mid-point of an axis, referred to by the beloved Guardian, whose poles are Japan and Australia;
• Preparation of architect’s plans for the first dependency of the European Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, namely, a Home for the Aged, and an increase in the number of national and local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds; the latter, which will be particularly in rural areas, are to be acquired or built through the efforts of the local friends;
• Acquisition of six new Temple sites, five in Africa and one in Australasia; and of five new national endowments, four in Africa and one in the Americas;
• Formation of two Publishing Trusts, one in the Ivory Coast and one in Nigeria;
• A great increase in the production of Bahá’í literature in an increasing number of languages, the ultimate aim being to enable every believer to have some portion of the Sacred Text available in his native tongue;
• Completion of three more radio stations in South America;
• Great attention to the development and consolidation of Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world;
• Development of Bahá’í community life with special attention to the Bahá’í education of children and the spiritual enrichment of communities;
• The settlement of 279 pioneers in 80 countries during the first year of the second phase.

Liberal and increased contributions to the various Funds of the Faith will be essential if the abovementioned tasks are to be successfully pursued. Furthermore, the now observable emergence from obscurity of our beloved Faith will impose the necessity of new undertakings involving large calls on the Funds. The growing awareness of the friends throughout the world in the past few years that the Funds of the Faith are indeed the life-blood of its activities is a heartening augury for the future. We are confident that this awareness will increase, that more National Spiritual Assemblies will make great strides towards financial independence, that national budgets will be met, and the Bahá’í International Fund will receive an ever-increasing outpouring of contributions enabling that Fund to keep pace with the ever-increasing international needs of the Faith.

Beloved friends, the world moves deeper into the heart of darkness as its old order is rolled up. Pursuing our objectives with confidence, optimism, and an unshakeable resolve, we must never forget that our service is a spiritual one. Mankind is dying for lack of true religion and this is what we have to offer to humanity. It is the love of God, manifest in the appearance of Bahá’u’lláh, which will feed the hungry souls of the world and eventually lead the peoples out of the present morass into the orderly, uplifting, and soul-inspiring task of establishing God’s Kingdom on earth.

The Universal House of Justice
March 1981

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AMATU’L-BAHÁ

The Hand of the Cause of God Rúḥíyyih Khánum is warmly welcomed in six Central American countries

Successful proclamation and teaching events were planned and carried out in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador during a recent visit to those Central American countries by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum.

Accompanied by Counsellors Ruth Pringle and Lauretta King, the Hand of the Cause began her travels following a January meeting of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas in Panama at which she represented the Universal House of Justice.

In the Cuña Indian community of San Blas, Panama, more than 3,000 villagers saw the film “The Green Light Expedition” and heard Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum speak. She also visited the town of Chiriqui.

The Hand of the Cause spoke to more than 900 people at Panama’s Muhájir Institute. The audience, which included members of 24 Guaymi Indian communities, was in terms of size second only to the dedication of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Panama.

Rúḥíyyih Khánum met with members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, many of the friends and the public. She attended two Sunday services at the Panama Temple. Later, she cabled to the World Centre: “... all contributed memorable visit much-loved country.”

The Hand of the Cause spent four days in El Salvador where she spoke three times at the San Salvador International School to a combined audience of 270 people. A number of Bahá’í books were sold at these proclamation meetings.

In Costa Rica she was cordially received by His Excellency President Rodrigo Carazo Odio. She met with one of his advisers and spent nearly an hour with the president’s wife.

The Hand of the Cause participated in a weekend conference for believers, spoke at a large public meeting and a unity feast, and made a trip by air to Talamanca where she met the Indian residents and visited local believers and pioneers.

She arrived in Managua, Nicaragua, January 22 for a week-long visit, and was greeted at the airport by seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly and by Auxiliary Board members Edith McLaren and Carlos Manzanares.

The following day she was interviewed by reporters from three newspapers as well as from Nicaraguan radio and television stations. She described the resulting publicity in a cable to the World Centre: “Exceptionally fine statement printed leading newspaper after press conference, and recorded interview broadcast news period on national station, as well as notice my visit Bluefields.”

That evening the National Spiritual Assembly held a special dinner for their honored visitor.

The Hand of the Cause met with the National Spiritual Assembly members again the following day to discuss specific teaching needs in Nicaragua. Later, she spoke at an institute at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Managua that was attended by approximately 60 believers. She also visited the nearby children’s classes.

That evening, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum spoke at a public meeting in Managua’s Intercontinental Hotel that was attended by approximately 130 people including 60 prominent non-Bahá’ís from several communities.

The meeting had been previously publicized with paid advertisements in Managua’s leading newspaper as well as by paid announcements on national radio, flyers, and 900 personal invitations.

Following her presentation, the Hand of the Cause answered the many questions from the audience. Refreshments were then served by the friends to conclude the evening program.

On the following day, January 25, she spoke about child education to an audience of approximately 70 believers in Granada, Nicaragua. This gathering was the second part of the two-day Bahá’í institute that began in Managua on the previous day. That evening she spoke at a fireside attended by five seekers in the Granada home of a Bahá’í couple.

The next day saw Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum meeting twice with members of the National

[Page 5] The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum (center right wearing hat) is greeted at the airport in Managua, Nicaragua, January 22 by about 50 of the friends including Counsellor Ruth Pringle, seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Nicaragua, and Auxiliary Board members Edith McLaren and Carlos Manzanares.

Spiritual Assembly, at lunch and again that evening.

On January 27 she flew to Bluefields, Nicaragua, where she met with officials of the new government. On behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, she presented them with a large, printed and framed statement of obedience to government enjoined by Bahá’u’lláh.

The Hand of the Cause later cabled: “... Very cordial 35-minute interview regarding Faith, first contact new government.” She also met with a member of the Supreme Court of Zelaya.

Approximately 60 non-Bahá’ís heard Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum speak at a public meeting in Bluefields that had been arranged by the Spiritual Assembly along with Auxiliary Board member Carlos Manzanares and Armando Fonseca, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly. The meeting was preceded by a news conference.

The Hand of the Cause visited the future district Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on the following day, expressing her pleasure with the Center and observing that the old things must be preserved as they are much like some of the relics found in the Holy Land.

Returning to Managua, Rúḥíyyih Khánum dined with the Persian friends and received gifts of a hammock, rug and rope from the National Spiritual Assembly.

Accompanied by Counsellor Pringle and her traveling companion, Violette Nakhjavaní, the Hand of the Cause left early the next morning for Honduras.

On January 31, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum summed up her impressions of Nicaragua with the cable: “... Week’s visit Nicaragua impressive every way ... Promising country, devoted believers and pioneers.”

Newspapers in Belize carried stories about the expected arrival of the Hand of the Cause for a week prior to her arrival there. She was met at the airport by Continental Counsellor Hidáyatu’lláh Aḥmadíyyih, Auxiliary Board member Bart Mickler, a number of other believers and the mayor of Belize City.

On February 20, the day following her arrival in Belize, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum was the guest of honor at a banquet that was attended by prominent citizens including the chief justice. That evening, she spoke at a public meeting in the hotel where she was staying. After her talk, she answered questions from the audience.

The Hand of the Cause recorded three programs about the Faith at Radio Belize during her week-long visit there. She also met with members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Belize and participated in an all-day conference in San Ignacio that was attended by more than 430 people.

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum (left) chats with Shirley Warde, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh who has been a pioneer to Belize for 37 years, during a visit by the Hand of the Cause to Belize last February.

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COUNSELLORS

The newly re-formed Boards hold their first meetings

Following the re-formation of the Continental Boards of Counsellors on a continental basis last November, the Universal House of Justice announced that the first meetings of the new Boards would be held simultaneously on five continents during the weekend of January 2-4, 1981. Here are the highlights of those meetings:

AFRICA

The inaugural meeting of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Africa opened in Nairobi, Kenya, with devotions and the reading of the message from the Universal House of Justice by its representative, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

Mr. Sears then spoke of the worsening world situation and the responsibility entrusted to the institution of the Counsellors, in conjunction with the National Spiritual Assemblies, to continue to protect and propagate the Faith no matter what may happen. He called upon everyone, especially the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, to be examples of love and peace-making, reminded the friends of the promise that one blessed soul can set ablaze an entire continent, and referred to the words of the Supreme Body that “if we but play our part, total and unconditional victory will inevitably be ours.”

The Counsellors, after considerable discussion of the possible continuation of their work in the African continent by zones, reached a decision “finally, with great excitement” that Africa shall hereafter be regarded as one, and that all of the Counsellors will serve the whole continent.

Full meetings of the Board will take place every six months with interim meetings as required. Each Counsellor is to be assigned responsibility for particular countries with a second Counsellor to act as his collaborator. These countries, however, will also be visited by various other Counsellors, and each member of this Board will consider himself as having responsibility for all countries in Africa. An office for the Board is to be located in Nairobi with extension offices in the locations of the three former Boards of Counsellors for Africa.

A meeting with the Continental Pioneer Committee for Africa was held during one full session and specific decisions were reached that will bring close collaboration on pioneer work, traveling teaching projects, record keeping, orientation of new pioneers, and continuing ties with them.

It was felt that the unification of the Board of Counsellors for all Africa could well presage the long yearned-for unity of all the peoples of this vast continent.

THE AMERICAS

On January 1 the Counsellors in the Americas, coming to Panama from as far north as Alaska and as far south as Argentina, joined Counsellor Hooper Dunbar, a member of the International Teaching Centre, and a large number of Panamanian believers at the airport to welcome the representative of the Universal House of Justice, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum. She was warmly welcomed with music, dancing and songs.

Before the consultative sessions began, the Counsellors gathered at dawn in the Mother Temple of Latin America for devotions. The music of an a cappella choir heightened the spiritual atmosphere that was felt by all.

During the five days of intense consultation the status of the Faith in all countries under the jurisdiction of the new Board was reviewed and steps were taken to organize its work.

It was decided that each country in the Americas would have a “liaison” Counsellor to whom that National Assembly might refer. A continental office in Merida, Mexico, will be opened under the supervision of Counsellor Artemus Lamb. In addition, two zonal offices are to be established, one in St. Louis, Missouri, and one in Lima, Peru. Special regional projects are envisioned to assist the propagation of the Faith in the Americas.

At a special session Saturday evening Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum made reference to the future responsibilities of the Counsellors now that their jurisdiction extends from pole to pole.

Representatives of the Continental Pioneer Committee were received by the full body to discuss points of mutual concern. Also of great interest was a report by Dean Stephens, a consultant on radio in the Americas for the Audio-Visual Department at the World Centre, who reviewed the status of Bahá’í radio plans and projects throughout the hemisphere.

This entire Board will meet every six months and regional groups will gather in the interim periods as the occasion demands.

[Page 7] The Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney (holding the Greatest Name) is shown with 13 of the 16 members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Asia at the inaugural meeting of the new Board held January 2-4, 1981, in New Delhi, India. Seated (left to right) are K.H. Paymán, Yan Kee Leong, Shirin Boman, Mr. Haney, Zena Sorabjee, Dipchand Chianra, Rúḥu’lláh Mumtázi. Standing (left to right) are Dr. John Fozdar, Burháni’Dín Afshín, Manúchihr Salmánpúr, S. Nagaratnam, Zabíḥu’lláh Gulmuḥammadí, Dr. Chellie Sundram, Vicente Samaniego. Not shown are Counsellors Masíḥ Farhangí who is in prison in Tehran; Aydin Güney who was unable to obtain permission to leave Turkey; and Hideya Suzuki of Japan who had to leave before the picture was taken. Mr. Haney met with the Counsellors as the representative of the Universal House of Justice. Meanwhile, four other Hands of the Cause were attending inaugural meetings of the four other Continental Boards of Counsellors, also as representatives of the Universal House of Justice: Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum met with the Continental Board in the Americas, in Panama; Dhikru’lláh Khádem met with the Continental Board in Europe, at Langenhain, Germany; William Sears met with the Continental Board in Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya; and Collis Featherstone met with the Continental Board in Australasia, in Sydney, Australia.

ASIA

On the morning of January 2 the Continental Board of Counsellors in Asia, in company with the representative of the Universal House of Justice, the Hand of the Cause of God Paul Haney, began its first meeting in New Delhi, India, and continued its earnest deliberations for the next five days.

Following the presentation of the message from the Universal House of Justice by the Hand of the Cause, the Counsellors gave serious consideration to the needs and possibilities of this vast area that includes under its “umbrella” 42 countries, comprising not only the large continental areas but island nations such as Japan and the Philippines. Included also in that area are a number of countries in which the Faith is either banned or circumscribed.

It was decided to divide the area into western and eastern zones and to assign each Counsellor one or more National Spiritual Assemblies with which he or she would have direct correspondence. A continental office will be set up in New Delhi with two Counsellors supervising its functioning. In addition, the eastern zone will have a zonal office in Kobe, Japan. Possibilities of greater collaboration with the Continental Pioneer Committee for Asia through individual Counsellors were explored.

Early one morning, all of the participants gathered to offer prayers at the site of the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent, which is located in a lovely park district in New Delhi. Already the outlines of the first level of that structure are taking visible shape.

During the course of the sessions, the participants also attended a memorial service held by the Bahá’í community of New Delhi to commemorate the passing of the five Hands of the Cause of God during the past year.

Warm appreciation was expressed to Mr. Haney for his guidance and help during all of the sessions. The meetings concluded with prayers on behalf of the friends in Iran, and in particular on behalf of Dr.

[Page 8] Farhangí, a Counsellor who has been imprisoned for many months.

The next meeting of the Board of Counsellors in Asia will take place in six months’ time, with zonal meetings to be held in the interim.

AUSTRALASIA

In close proximity to the beautiful Mother Temple of the Antipodes in Sydney, Australia, the Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone, representing the Universal House of Justice, and all seven members of the Board of Counsellors in Australasia gathered to discuss recent developments announced by the Supreme Body in the functioning of the Boards of Counsellors. The meetings took place in the council chamber of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, and before each day’s consultation the participants were able to draw inspiration from their devotions in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.

The message from the Universal House of Justice was read by Mr. Featherstone, along with other materials from the World Centre upon which the discussions were based. It was decided that the Australasian area would be divided into three zones—northern, southern and western—with the continental office to be located in the western zone in New Zealand, the northern office in Hawaii, and the southern office in Samoa.

There will be four meetings each year—two of the full Board and the other two within the above-mentioned zones. The Counsellors will each be responsible for, specific National Spiritual Assemblies and will meet with them frequently. The allocation of Auxiliary Board members was reviewed, and several appointments were made as a result of the meeting.

Toward the close of the conference, at the request of the Counsellors, Mr. Featherstone spoke in inspiring terms about the evolution of the institution of the Counsellors and of the challenging times of change that face humanity in the immediate future.

Included in the daily consultations was the study of a compilation prepared by Dr. Peter Khan on the responsibilities of Counsellors, focusing especially on the relationship of the Counsellors to the National Spiritual Assemblies.

EUROPE

As the meetings of the Counsellors on the five continents were about to begin, the Hand of the Cause of God Dhikru’lláh Khádem, representing the Universal House of Justice; all nine members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors in Europe; and Counsellor Anneliese Bopp, visiting member of the International Teaching Centre, sought guidance and rendered thanks for the historic meetings with prayers at the Mother Temple of Europe at Langenhain, near Frankfurt, Germany. Described as a “wonderful, happy meeting,” the first session opened with the message from the Supreme Body read by Mr. Khádem.

Following the inaugural meeting in January of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas, 10 of its members met February 21 with the nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Wilmette, Illinois. The historic gathering paved the way for even closer cooperation between the two institutions of the Faith during the second phase of the Seven Year Plan that began at Riḍván.

It was decided that Europe would continue to operate as a single zone, and that areas of particular responsibility would be allocated to the various Counsellors, whose numbers have increased from five to nine. A new continental office will be established in Immenstaad, Germany.

A warm tribute was paid to Counsellor Dorothy Ferraby who has handled with great efficiency the work of the central office in England since 1973.

The entire Board of Counsellors will meet four times a year, one meeting of which will be held in conjunction with a conference for either Auxiliary Board members or National Spiritual Assemblies.

Following the decisions on major policies, aspects of the work in Europe were reviewed with the valuable participation of Mr. Khádem. A highlight of the days spent together came on Saturday evening when the Hand of the Cause spoke to the Counsellors and to many friends gathered at the national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds about the sufferings of the Bahá’ís in Iran and the way in which sacrifice furthers the Cause of God.

[Page 9]

MARTYR

A grieving widow pays tribute to a husband and father who was murdered for his belief in the oneness of God and mankind

The following article by Mrs. Anita Samandarí appeared in the Winter 1980/81 issue of The Green and White, the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) Alumni Association magazine. It is reprinted by permission.

•

Tonight, as most other nights since July, my little daughter cried bitterly for her daddy. How does one explain to a five-year-old that her beloved father was murdered for defending his beliefs and principles, for being sincere and kind to his fellow men? Who are these careless ones who so blithefully and hastily condemn? May they one day share the grief and anguish of a child.

In the nearly two years since the Islamic revolution in Iran, there has been widespread persecution of the Bahá’í community in that beleaguered country. The approximately one-half million Bahá’ís constitute Iran’s largest religious minority, yet have no rights in the Islamic constitution.

“Bahá’í holy places have been seized and destroyed; members of the Faith have been robbed, terrorized and, in a number of instances, kidnapped, summarily executed, or murdered; cemeteries have been desecrated, private property looted and burned, the life savings of thousands of families confiscated, and the entire community subjected to various forms of discrimination and humiliation.”¹

Bahá’ís believe in the oneness of mankind—“the coming together

____________________________
Copyright © 1981 by Anita Samandarí.

[Page 10] of all peoples, races, nations, classes, and religions in a spirit of understanding and unity of purpose under the guidance of the one God in Whom all believe.”²

Faramarz Samandarí, “Sam,” was born February 18, 1933, in Babol, Iran. He was a dedicated and well-respected otolaryngologist and university professor. Educated in Iran, Regina, Saskatoon, and Montreal, he always wanted to return to his homeland to help raise the standard of health care for the many poor and helpless there. For 11 years he treated thousands, often seeing 100 patients a day in the out-patient clinic at the University Hospital.

On April 21, 1980, Dr. Samandarí was arrested by the Islamic government and imprisoned in Tabriz. He was charged with “running the Bahá’í centers in Tabriz,” being a “Zionist spy,” working for SAVAK (the old regime’s secret police), and “spreading prostitution.”

These four unjust accusations are always leveled at Bahá’ís.

SAVAK routinely was very anti-Bahá’í. Bahá’ís all over the world, including those from Iran, regularly undertake pilgrimages to and send contributions to Israel. The Bahá’í international administrative centre is in Haifa, Israel, where the Founder of the Faith, Bahá’u’lláh, died in exile in 1892. One of the basic teachings of the Faith is the equality of men and women. Bahá’í women reject the use of the chador, or veil, upon which Shi’ite tradition insists. The Muslim clergy denounce these individuals as loose women and accuse the Bahá’í community of “spreading prostitution and corruption.”

No trial

Despite these trumped up charges Faramarz had no trial, just several hearings where he was encouraged to renounce his faith. He steadfastly refused.

The days in prison were long and tedious for a man used to being very active. Sometimes he was called to the prison infirmary to treat prisoners. Once a week a close relative was allowed to visit for a short while. Always there was the hope that soon this madness would end.

Then on July 14, late at night in the cover of darkness, he was informed he would die; so he composed a brief will, prayed, and prepared himself. On hearing the decision many prisoners and guards wept.

At midnight he and a dear friend were executed in the streets of Tabriz. As they were led to their death several unfortunate others who had been convicted of drug peddling, etc., shouted, “We are guilty, but why kill the kind doctor?”

The murderers were mullahs, members of the Islamic clergy who rule Iran and have the privilege to be called men of God. Through their blind prejudice and hatred they have forgotten the main principles of their own faith, and now too often show little mercy and forgiveness.

I met Sam in the University Hospital of Saskatoon in October, 1964, where my head nurse introduced us. So began a long friendship. In 1967 he left Canada and asked me to come in six months, see the country, and perhaps marry.

---

The last will and testament of Faramarz Samandarí

In the name of God the Merciful, the Compassionate!

“O My God, the All-Knowing

Thou art the One who knowest

the secrets of my heart.”

(Excerpt from a poem by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

After confirming my belief in the Oneness of God and in the reality of His Messengers including the prophet Muḥammad, and confessing the truth of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh, at this moment when I am spending the last hours of my life in prison, I write these few lines as my will.

I have committed no crime except being a Bahá’í. I have sincerely served this country and its people.

All my belongings, movable and immovable which I have now or I might receive in the future, I leave to my wife Anita (Carr) Samandarí. So also, with whatever funds are in my bank accounts. She is free to use them in whatever way she wishes.

I request my dear wife Anita to do her utmost in training our children, Kiyumars, Maryam and Kamyar. I apologize to her for leaving her to shoulder the heavy responsibility of bringing up the children all alone. I ask my sisters to assist Anita wholeheartedly in raising our children.

Good-bye my honourable father and mother. Good-bye my dear Anita. Good-bye my dear Kiyumars, dear Maryam and dear Kamyar. Good-bye my dear sisters, Farangiz, Mehrangiz, Ruhangiz, Shoorangiz, Simin and Nasrin. Good-bye my dear Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í friends. In two more hours I am to be executed by a firing squad together with my dear Bahá’í brother Yad’u’llah Astani. I am most grateful to everyone. Please pray for the progress of my soul.

Signed

Samandarí

(The above statement is certified   Seal of: Prison of Islamic Revolution of Iran)

---

[Page 11] Such an agonizing decision! My family had lived generations in the same area, and the thought of moving so far from all the familiar things was frightening. He was definite about remaining in Iran.

Eventually I came to realize I would never be happy without him and we were married in Iran, February 18, 1969, his birthday. It was one way, he said, never to forget an anniversary.

So began our new life. How happy we were! The days were a challenge—the language, food, customs, clothing, all different. I studied and eventually was able to read, write, and converse in Farsi. I grew to love the people and the country. They were kind and gentle, and always had time to talk or have a cup of tea.

A year after my marriage and entirely on my own (i.e., with no pressure or urging from my husband or his family), I became a Bahá’í. I felt that to live as the Bahá’ís lived in Iran and to be so happy meant they must have something, and I wanted to be a part of this. There were few foreigners in our city at that time and we were often objects of interest in the shops and bazaar.

In the next five years we saw a rapid modernization of Iran. Traffic increased, many villagers came to the cities seeking a better life, prices skyrocketed. Many companies invested and brought workers from all over the world. There wasna great deal of money for a few.

The impact of this rapid change caused dissatisfaction among many who saw their traditions being pushed aside. On February 18, 1978 (an interesting date), there was a large demonstration in Tabriz. The downtown area was burned and several people were killed. The rest of that year was full of demonstrations and strikes.

One day an old man came to our home. He was ill at ease, cold, and upset. I served tea to my husband and guest and left the room. Shortly after, Sam came to the kitchen and he was crying. This was very unusual and on questioning I found out that the old man was a Bahá’í from a small village outside Tabriz.

Faramarz Samandarí, his wife Anita, and their children, Maryam, Kamyar, and Kiyumars.

The turning point

A group of fanatics had come to his farm, put a knife to his throat and said if he did not change his religion he would be killed. He apparently replied, “Kill me if you wish, but I shall not change.” With that the mob was so infuriated they took a baby lamb, two men at the forelegs and two at the hind, and literally pulled the live beast apart.

I think this was the turning point for us. By this time most of the foreigners had left through airlifts; Sam and his colleagues urged me to go and take the children to safety. I left January 16, 1979. It was heartbreaking to leave my husband there.

People have asked me why he also did not flee. It is all difficult to comprehend in this part of the world, where we are so fortunate to be able to say and do as we please. I shall never really know why he stayed or why he returned after visiting us here last Christmas.

He had a strong sense of duty and felt he could not leave his parents and such courageous friends alone at this time. I know he did not expect to be executed and did not return just to become a martyr. I also know he loved me and our children and was proud of us.

Perhaps I should have become hysterical and made him stay. I did try very hard, but I feel when one truly cares for another he must let him be free to fulfill his unspoken desire in life.

For two years now the guns have systematically silenced any and all who object. To survive one must be quiet and accept all the atrocities taking place.

I often think of the quotation, “Anybody can be happy in the state of comfort, ease, health, success, pleasure, and joy; but if one can be happy and contented in the time of trouble, hardship, and disease it is the proof of nobility.”³ We lost our beloved Sam. I shall now endeavor to make my children proud of their father who was certainly a noble human being.

¹Bahá’í Canada, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada, Vol. 2, No. 11, July/August 1980.
²Bahá’í Answers, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 1976.
³Bahá’í World Faith, p. 363.

[Page 12]

Around the world

Bangladesh

More than 30 women from all parts of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Malaysia and Italy gathered for this group photograph February 20-22 at the second Bangladesh National Bahá’í Women’s Conference. Three members of the Auxiliary Board spoke at the conference that was planned by the National Women’s Committee and held at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Dacca, Bangladesh.

The 41 believers at the recent week-long national deepening institute in Dacca, Bangladesh, gathered for this group photograph. The institute at the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, conducted by Auxiliary Board member S. Joseph, included courses on the Writings, teaching, Bahá’í administration, and living the life. Participants were divided into three classes.

Swaziland

The Deputy Prime Minister of Swaziland and the country’s UN Development Program representative were guest speakers at a Human Rights Day observance last December 10 at the Bahá’í National Center in Mbabane, Swaziland.

Reporters from radio and television stations and from the Times of Swaziland were among the more than 100 people present.

Departing from his prepared remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister praised the Faith and the believers.

Selections from The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, read by a local believer, were included in a report of the Human Rights Day program broadcast on a weekend television program.

Lesotho

A new locality was opened in the remote Sekakes area of Lesotho and more than 100 people heard of the Faith for the first time during a recent five-day teaching project undertaken by this international group of believers. Teaching team members are (left to right) Francis Ocampo from the Philippines; Furough Sunni, a Persian; Taelo Makepe, a native of Lesotho; Yoshie Ragland, a pioneer from Japan; and Richard Ragland, a pioneer from the United States.

[Page 13]

Falkland Islands

Three people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh and the Faith received wide publicity in the Falkland Islands during a visit February 4-14 by traveling teacher Meherangiz Munsiff.

Mrs. Munsiff spoke at public meetings and firesides and was interviewed by a radio station. The Bahá’í view of women’s rights and responsibilities was the topic of a talk she gave at a women’s tea in Stanley that was attended by the governor’s wife.

Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Stanley met with Mrs. Munsiff. She also presented deepening sessions for the friends on the subject of prayer and meditation.

The Spiritual Assembly of Stanley later sent a special contribution in her name to the Universal House of Justice.

Finland

The more than 80 participants at a Bahá’í youth border teaching conference held last February in Mariehamn, Finland, on the island of Åland in the Baltic Sea gathered for this group photograph. The conference was also attended by Auxiliary Board members and members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Finland and Sweden.

More than 80 Bahá’í youth from Finland and Sweden attended a border teaching conference in February that was held on Åland, an island in the Baltic Sea between the two countries.

The conference was also attended by Auxiliary Board members, members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of both countries, and members of the two national youth committees.

The gathering, planned as a follow-up to last year’s international youth conference in Fiesch, Switzerland, included team teaching in Åland and an opportunity for the youth to build bonds of friendship and to communicate directly with members of the Bahá’í institutions present.

The conference included an evening of international entertainment, planned and presented by the youth, which was well attended by Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

Participants at a youth conference in Jyväskylä, Finland, gathered outside the conference site for this group photograph. The meeting featured group discussions on what it means to be a Bahá’í youth, peer pressure, and border teaching. Music was also an important part of the youth conference.

[Page 14]

Peru

The recently-completed, eight-sided building designed to house the facilities of ‘Radio Bahá’í of Lake Titicaca’ near Puno, Peru, is generally similar in appearance to others planned for other locations in the Western Hemisphere in the near future. Test broadcasts from this Bahá’í radio station were expected to begin during Riḍván. Broadcasts from this site will reach into the area of the greatest concentration of the present-day descendants of the Inca and Aymara civilizations. The building was designed by K. Dean Stephens, a consultant on radio in the Americas to the Audio-Visual Department at the World Centre.

Dominican Republic

Danilo Rodriguez, coordinator of the Dominican Republic’s National Bahá’í School Committee, tells participants at the seventh school session last December 21-28 about the history of the Faith in the Dominican Republic. This session, attended by approximately 112 people, focused on the life of Bahá’u’lláh and His sacrifices.

Nearly 50 Bahá’ís and their guests from 11 communities participated in a youth conference February 27-March 1 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Three non-Bahá’ís declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the gathering that was sponsored by the National Teaching Committee of the Dominican Republic.

The program featured talks on the Tablets of the Divine Plan, the importance of teaching and winning the goals of the Seven Year Plan, and individual planning and goal-setting.

One participant, a 14-year-old boy from Puerto Plata, has been actively teaching since the conference. Three of his friends have declared and others are quite interested in the Faith.

Several people at the conference made commitments to return to Puerto Plata on weekends to continue the teaching work. During the first two weeks following the youth conference, two communities were opened to the Faith.

Participants at a youth conference held February 27-March 1 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, gathered for this group photograph. Believers from 11 communities in the Dominican Republic and their non-Bahá’í guests attended.

[Page 15]

The Netherlands

Since the National Spiritual Assembly of The Netherlands began using a more personal approach to the press, it has noted that the media in that country now respond more quickly, frequently and accurately to news of the Bahá’í community.

The persecution of believers in Iran has aroused the interest of many newspaper and magazine editors. They are interested not only in the violations of the rights of the Bahá’í minority there, but also in the history and tenets of the Faith.

The National Spiritual Assembly appointed a team of six believers to work on a national level and asked for the help of 15 Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups throughout the country.

In a four-week period 42 general editors and those specializing in foreign affairs and religious matters were personally contacted. The friends met with editors at five of the country’s leading daily national newspapers; 11 weekly magazines, 15 daily provincial newspapers and three news agencies, as well as with eight radio and television broadcasters.

During the 30-minute to one-hour meetings with editors that followed telephone conversations, the believers supplied them with a complete and carefully compiled dossier on the Faith.

The results included large articles in two national newspapers, several smaller articles in national and provincial papers and a weekly magazine, and a 20-minute radio program. All of this publicity was favorable to the Faith.

Last year’s action by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe on behalf of the believers in Iran inspired the National Spiritual Assembly of The Netherlands to try this more personal approach to the press.

Australia

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrew Peacock (left), receives a Bahá’í delegation composed of Beverly Stafford and David Bailey representing the National Spiritual Assembly. The meeting last July was part of a massive media campaign to bring to the nation’s attention the persecution of believers in Iran. Mr. Peacock spoke of the abhorrent treatment of Iranian Bahá’ís and said he would express the concern of his government to the Iranian chargé d’affaires. The media campaign that used this photograph along with the Minister’s strong, supportive response resulted in scores of news reports, photos and interviews in the Australian press. Between July and October 1980 more than 40 Australian newspapers throughout the country carried stories about the plight of Iranian Bahá’ís.

Thailand

Some of the more than 60 participants at the January 17 regional conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand, enjoy a presentation during the day-long gathering.

A delegation of nine believers was received by the King of Thailand on the occasion of His Majesty’s birthday last December 5.

The friends presented the king with a wreath of flowers bearing the name of the Faith. The wreath was placed in a prominent position in the reception hall.

Members of the country’s Religious Affairs Department were also present at the reception for more than 100 delegates.

[Page 16]

Switzerland

Participants in the Swiss winter school last December 26-January 1 in Taverne, Switzerland, gathered outside the meeting hall for this group photograph.

Wide publicity for the Faith resulted from a tour of five Swiss cities last November 3-16 by Bahá’í author André Brugiroux who lectured, promoted his travel book, and showed his film “La terre n’est qu’un seul pays” (The Earth Is But One Country).

The film, shown eight times to audiences totaling 1,400 people, describes the French writer’s travels on foot around the world including his discovery of the Faith and subsequent pilgrimage.

Mr. Brugiroux visited Geneva, Renens, Lausanne, Sion and Biel, Switzerland. After each showing of the film up to 50 people stayed for a discussion of the Faith, and usually a dozen or more people accompanied the Bahá’ís to their Center for further discussions and to purchase Bahá’í literature.

After a press conference with Mr. Brugiroux two reporters from leading newspapers asked for information to write articles on the Faith. His tour also resulted in an interview on a popular radio program and a signature party at a bookstore that agreed to carry Bahá’í books.

The Hand of the Cause of God Dhikru’-lláh Khádem (center foreground) talks with Fritz Schar, a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland, during a break in the special memorial program held last January for the Hand of the Cause of God Abú’l-Qásim Faizí.

Central African Republic

A group of 40 Bahá’ís including youth and children participated last December 1 in the Central African Republic’s national Independence Day parade in the capital city of Bangui.

The Bahá’í entry, the only interracial one in the parade, was seen by the more than 25,000 people lining the parade route as well as by television audiences. Bahá’í children led the way, followed by women in African dress and men wearing blue shirts and dark trousers. The friends carried a 10-foot banner proclaiming the Faith.

The group of believers received special applause from the country’s president, ministers and other officials as it passed in front of the government box.

The friends in the parade heard onlookers calling out “Bahá’u’lláh” or singing the theme song from the weekly Bahá’í radio program that has been on the air for eight years in the Central African Republic.

[Page 17]

Tonga

Believers attend a teaching conference on the Island of Tangatapu, Tonga, that was sponsored by the island’s Area Teaching Committee.

Guatemala

At least 94 people were enrolled in the Faith during a teaching campaign last November 15-December 15 in six Departments of Guatemala.

Five teams made up of Guatemalan believers and visiting teachers from Belize traveled to many towns, visiting the homes of the friends where they held slide presentations for interested non-Bahá’ís in the area.

Three new Local Spiritual Assemblies were elected with two more expected to be formed before Riḍván.

In the northern city of Flores one of the people who embraced the Faith is an announcer on National Radio Tikal. That station, as well as another whose Bahá’í director has assisted the Faith for many years, offered to broadcast Bahá’í spot announcements and programs at no cost to help promote the teaching work in that area.

In another town, Melchor de Menco, the director of the radio station asked for Bahá’í announcements in several languages spoken in that region of the country.

A new Spiritual Assembly was elected in El Lobo, but the believers there could not find a place for a planned public meeting. A woman offered her newly-built but not yet occupied house for the meeting.

Another person offered to connect the electricity in time for the meeting while others offered a phonograph, extension cord, and a cloth to be used as a screen for a slide show.

Pakistan

Bahá’í youth sing songs about the Faith during a weekend children’s program in Karachi, Pakistan, January 5 that was sponsored by the Karachi Bahá’í Education Committee and attended by 35 children and youth. The five-hour program, consisting of games, quizzes, a poster contest and round of prayers, was organized by the children themselves.

Belgium

Continental Counsellor Louis Hénuzet was one of the two speakers last December 5 at a Human Rights Day program at the Bahá’í Center in Brussels. Sharing the platform with Counsellor Hénuzet was M. Claude Dejardin, a member of the Chamber of Representatives and president of the Commission for European Affairs. Their subject was “Is Peace Possible Without Respect for Human Rights?”

Cook Islands

Forty-nine people attended the Cook Islands Summer School last November 28-30 at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Rarotonga.

Separate classes were provided for the 26 children along with a children’s art contest. The program included singing and dancing as well as study classes.

Special guests during the summer school were Dr. Thomas Davis, premier of the Cook Islands, and his wife, who is a Bahá’í.

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