Bahá’í News/Issue 678/Text
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| Bahá’í News | September 1987 | Bahá’í Year 144 |
The International Year of Peace:
A worldwide survey of Bahá’í activities
Bahá’í News[edit]
A survey of Bahá’í activities during the International Year of Peace | 1 |
A portrait of the Malietoa Tanumafili II is unveiled in Western Samoa | 17 |
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 the Periodicals Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A. Changes of address should be reported to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center. Please attach mailing label. Subscription rates within the U.S.: one year, $12; two years, $20. Outside the U.S.: one year, $14; two years, 24$. Foreign air mail: one year, $20; two years, $40. Payment must accompany the order and must be in U.S. dollars. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright © 1987, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Special report[edit]
The International Year of Peace[edit]
The primary peace activity for Bahá’ís around the world has been the dissemination of “The Promise of World Peace,” a statement addressed to “The Peoples of the World” by the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing body of the Bahá’í Faith. The peace statement was released October 24, 1985, to coincide with the United Nations proclamation of 1986 as the International Year of Peace. An initial emphasis was on its presentation to government leaders. To date (March 1987), the statement has been presented directly to 55, and indirectly to 107 heads of state for independent countries, directly or indirectly to 32 heads of state for non-independent countries or territories, and to many other authorities and leaders at all levels of society.
The following are some of the major peace activities at national and local levels. Associated with most, if not all, have been formal or informal presentations of the peace statement. Surrounding many of the events has been extensive media coverage which further reinforced the purpose of these activities, that is, encouraging people to think and act in ways which will lead to peace.
(The entries have been organized according to Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly areas and the denominations and classifications used in this list do not imply on the part of the Bahá’í International Community or its affiliates any judgment on the legal or other status of any territory.)
ALASKA
Peace Garden, Mendenhall Valley
| This report on ‘Major Bahá’í Activities for the International Year of Peace 1986’ was prepared in March 1987 by the Department of Statistics at the Bahá’í World Centre. |
Bahá’ís planted a garden at the local university and installed a plaque dedicating the garden to world peace.
The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum presents a copy of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement to United Nations Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuellar at a ceremony in New York.
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS
World Peace Through World Religion Symposium, Port Blair, January 19, 1986
The Symposium, organized by the local Bahá’í community, featured speakers from four major religions and distribution of “The Promise of World Peace” in various languages.
ARGENTINA
Peace statement dissemination
The Argentinian Bahá’í community has distributed the peace statement to a substantial number of individuals and organizations throughout the country.
AUSTRALIA
Australian Peace Exposition, Bahá’í House of Worship, Sydney, March 28-April 6, 1986
The 10-day event, which included a dinner for the media, a Bahá’í Studies Conference, a Youth for Peace Conference, a Concert for World Peace given to an audience of 2,500 by Seals and Crofts, ethnic music and dancing, living arts and crafts displays, children’s activities, and conflict resolution workshops, was attended by more than 7,300 people. More than 10,000 “peace banners” representing the work of about 25,000 people from 40 countries and from all areas of Australia were tied together into a six-kilometer Peace Ribbon which extended from the House of Worship to the sea. A key feature of the Exposition was the participation of the public in all its aspects, including the support of civil, humanitarian, and social organizations in the planning and execution of all its activities.
Tablelands Peace Exposition, Atherton, May 24-25, 1986
1,500 peace banners, a two-meter
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floral globe, and non-stop entertainment greeted visitors as they came to
see exhibits prepared by more than 120
organizations. More than 1,000 people
attended an International Concert the
first evening which featured a wide
range of cultural performances and
musical entertainment. Two hundred
people took part in an all-day Peace
Forum the following day. All events
were organized and sponsored by the
Bahá’ís with the help of friends from
the community at large. In an area
which has a population of only 8,500,
about 4,500 people attended this Exposition.
Fremantle Festival of Peace, Western Australia, September 6-7, 1986
Fremantle Mayor John Cattalint opened this free, Bahá’í-organized event which offered the 4,000 people who attended 40 exhibit stalls, 22 workshops, live entertainment, a children’s program, an art exhibit and a film festival. The guest speaker was Sen. Joe Valentine. The festival received wide coverage in all media.
Peace Exposition, Herberton, North Queensland, October 1986
Harry Rankin, Shire chairman, and Enock Trenby, an Aboriginal descendant of the local Jittabul tribe of “little people,” participated in the program. Although organized by local Bahá’ís, much help was received from the (Shire) council, local business people, and the Quakers. 750 people attended.
Peace Event, Armidale, New South Wales, October 1986
Twelve organizations, in addition to the Bahá’ís, participated in a peace event which featured John Lenn from the Australian IYP Secretariat and Dr. Connor from the Medical Association for the Prevention of War. Ten Armidale schools provided children’s peace art for display.
Peace Festival, Caboolture, Queensland, October 11-12, 1986
More than 1,000 people attended the festival, which was organized by the Bahá’ís in cooperation with other organizations. Exhibits, including an Aboriginal artifacts display, reflected peace and cultural themes.
IYP Service, Bahá’í House of Worship, Sydney, October 19, 1986
The Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency Sir Ninian Stephen, reading from Isaiah, took part along with the Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone, in an International Year of Peace service for an audience of 850. About 200 children participated in a simultaneous service in a marquee on the grounds. Following the service, lunch was served to 1,000 people on the lawns of the House of Worship.
Geelong Peace Expo, October 25-26, 1986
4,000 people participated, and about 200 organizations and businesses assisted, in the Bahá’í-organized Expo which featured a conference, displays, music, dancing, an interfaith service, and a candlelight vigil.
Peace Seminar, Brisbane, 130 adults in attendance
Bahá’ís assist the government in distributing IYP kits, Tasmania
Bahá’ís were asked by the Foreign Affairs Department of Australia’s TYP Secretariat to deliver its peace kits to all schools in Tasmania.
One-week Peace Art Display at popular venue and Peace Seminar, Hobart, Tasmania
Bahá’ís provide Peace Bus for a mobile peace display, Tasmania
AUSTRIA
Peace Festival, Mödling, May 24-25, 1986
The municipality of Mödling and the local Bahá’í community co-sponsored a Peace Festival attended by about 350 people. The decision for mutual cooperation in holding the festival resulted from an October 1985 meeting at which the Bahá’ís presented the peace statement to the mayor of Mödling.
BAHAMAS
International Year of Peace Public Meeting, San Salvador, September 1986
The program consisted of skits, songs, and a speech on peace and unity. In addition, all 130 people attending were asked to fill out a questionnaire on the program theme, “What Can I Do for Peace?”
BANGLADESH
Peace Gathering, Khulna, March 14, 1986
The Peace Gathering, organized by the Bahá’ís of Khulna, featured as guest speakers Rezwan Ali, president of the Khulna District Bar Association, and Auxiliary Board member Masoomul-Hoda. 150 people attended.
Conference on “The Role of Women in Establishing World Peace,” Dhaka, April 1986
The Minister for Social Welfare and Women’s Affairs, Barrister Rabaya Ebuiyu, was the chief guest at the conference, which was organized by the Bahá’í National Women’s Committee and held at the Shishu Academy.
BARBADOS
Caribbean Regional Peace Conference, October 24-26, 1986
“World Peace Through World Unity” was the theme of a conference hosted by the Bahá’ís and opened by the Prime Minister. The event attracted people of diverse cultures from 15 countries.
BELGIUM
Extensive dissemination of “The Promise of World Peace”
By March 1986, the Bahá’ís had distributed 60,000 copies of the peace statement and presented it to all politicians, to lawyers, professors, physicians, clergy, more than 2,000 reporters, and many others.
Peace Week in Mons, November 22-30, 1986
Church bells rang for 10 minutes to open Peace Week. A peace exhibit, children’s “Make Peace” drawing contest, tree-planting and a lecture attracted many people. An evening gala was held to close the week.
BELIZE
Peace Exhibit in Belize City, April 14-19, 1986
An art exhibit based on the peace statement, which included painting, drawing, graphics, sculpture, needlework and stained glass, attracted 300-400 people.
United Nations Day Panel Discussion and Peace Fair, Belize City, October 24-25, 1986
Embassies in Belize provided flags to mark the site of the panel discussion, which was titled “Peace: More Than an End to War.” On the second day, a “Peace Through World Unity” fair was held in which many groups participated. Both activities, plus a week-long peace exhibit, were organized by the Bahá’ís.
BENIN
Presenting “The Promise of World Peace” to authorities
Dissemination of the peace statement to government leaders at all levels was the primary IYP project for the
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Bahá’ís. The President, on receiving
his copy, requested additional copies
for the Vice-President and Cabinet
members.
BERMUDA
Bahá’í Winter School has peace theme, February 1986
A guest teacher from the United States focused on peace for the individual, the family and the community. More than 70 adults, youth and children joined in analyzing “The Promise of World Peace.”
BOLIVIA
Distributing “The Promise of World Peace”
The peace statement was widely presented at all levels of government, to the media and to universities as the primary IYP project.
BOTSWANA
Luncheon for peace statement presentations to government ministers
The ministers of External Affairs, Water and Mineral Resources, and Health, together with five permanent secretaries were guests of the Bahá’ís for a luncheon at the Sun Hotel in Gaborone. Copies of the peace statement were presented by a representative of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Botswana.
BRAZIL
Brazilian Society of Physicians for Peace, founded August 6, 1986
The Society, initiated by a group of Bahá’í physicians, aims to serve as a forum for studies and proposals for the attainment of peace. The ceremony for its foundation was attended by 120 doctors, the presidents of the Medical Association and Medical Councils, professors of medical universities, and included the most outstanding authorities in medicine and health in the region.
March for World Peace, Campinas, September 1986
Several peace and humanitarian organizations were represented among the 7,000 who participated in the Peace March, which was organized by the local Bahá’í community with full support of the City Prefectur. The march included 150 children carrying flags from different countries and culminated in a concert given by the Symphonic Orchestra of the City of Campinas.
First National Peace Symposium in the Nuclear Era, Goiania, September 19-21, 1986
The Peace Symposium, sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Goiania and the Brazilian Association for Bahá’í Studies, was officially inaugurated by the wife of the State Governor and attended by about 500 people. The program consisted of presentations by three panels of outstanding personalities and scientists, on Science for Peace, Education for Peace, and Economy and Political Science for Peace.
‘Chief Guest’ Dr. ‘Nagendra Singh lights the traditional lamp of welcome to begin a World Peace Conference in New Delhi, India. Looking on is Justice M.H. Beg; seated second from left is Counsellor Zena Sorabjee.
BRAZIL, PARAGUAY, ARGENTINA
Peace Conference in Foz do Iguau, Brazil (on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay), September 17, 1986
The 190 conference attendees from three countries met to discuss ideas about peace and to witness the unveiling of a one and one-half meter granite peace monument near the mutual border of the three countries. A bronze plate on the monument is inscribed with the UN International Year of Peace symbol and a quote from Bahá’u’lláh, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”
BURKINA
Tree Planting near Ouagadougou, August 23, 1986
Bahá’ís joined with other movements to plant 300 trees on a plot of land about 10 kilometers from the capital. This is now a government reserve entitled “The Peace Grove.”
Bahá’í Youth Conference, Ouagadougou, December 27-28, 1986
In keeping with its theme, “Youth in Search of Universal Peace,” a fraternal atmosphere was created by the 50 participants from Niger, Mali, Ivory Coast and Burkina.
BURMA
Peace Conference, April 29, 1986
“All human beings must participate in doing world peace” was the theme of a conference which featured a talk on achieving “Peace Through Bahá’í Teachings.”
World Peace Prayer Meetings in 19 communities, October 19-20, 1986
In addition to the 24-hour prayer meetings in various communities, a special United Nations Day celebration and peace prayer meeting at the National Bahá’í Center was attended by 200 people.
CAMEROON REPUBLIC
Bahá’í Summer School focuses on peace, Limbe, December 24-30, 1986
Forty-nine persons took part in animated workshops on the peace statement during this “high-spirited” summer school which was marked by a greater attendance of women and girls than in previous years.
[Page 4]
CANADA
Academic Conference with Focus on Peace, Ontario, August 20-24, 1986
2,000 people attended the 11th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies which was dedicated to the theme of world peace. Speakers included the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum; Dr. Ervin Laszlo of the Club of Rome; and Ali Nakhjavání, a member of the Universal House of Justice.
Contribution to the University of Toronto Peace Chair
University leaders, peace groups, interfaith organizations and many others attended a reception and presentation of the gift from the Canadian Bahá’í community. The present occupant of the Peace Chair spoke on the role of science and scientists in humanity’s attempts to achieve world peace, after which the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada briefly outlined the main points of “The Promise of World Peace.”
Bahá’í-initiated High School Peace Expo, Ontario
Fifty students at Whitechurch-Stouffville High School submitted creative work, such as essays, poetry, photography, music, video tapes, paintings, drama and dance, on the theme “For Peace to Come.”
CAPE VERDE
Two Peace Conferences, May and June 1986
In one conference, 120 persons attended including nearly all of the local officials.
CHAD
Prayers for Peace on World Religion Day, Moissala, January 19, 1986
Followers of many religions gathered at the Bahá’í Centre with civil and military authorities and members of the Bahá’í community to pray for the establishment of peace.
UN Day celebration on the theme of “Peace and International Harmony”
The Bahá’í community of N’Djamena, in cooperation with the UN office in Chad, organized a UN Day celebration that was attended by ministers, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and other prominent local people.
CHILE
Community Peace Seminars
Seminars on peace, to encourage local communities, have been held in Santiago (2), Viña del Mar, Rancagua, Linares, Temuco, Copiapo and La Serena.
CISKEI
Children and adults attend “Peace Conference II,” Mdantsane
Participation of the Bahá’ís in the “Ribbon of Peace”
Coverage was received in the government “Umthombo” and privately-run “Indaba” newspapers.
COLOMBIA
5,000 students have seen a slide program based on the peace statement
Time was allotted after each showing for questions and discussion. The Bahá’í teachers who presented the program in 17 schools focused on the universal principles related to peace.
Bahá’í-sponsored World Religion Day Peace Program, Barranquilla
Speakers from the Jewish, Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá’í communities addressed the topic “Religion, Source of Peace.” Extensive media coverage followed on radio, television and in newspapers.
COSTA RICA
National Bahá’í Peace Week
CUBA
Presentation of “The Promise of World Peace” was the principal peace activity
The Cuban Bahá’í community focused its International Year of Peace efforts on presenting the peace statement to leaders of thought in government and the media.
CYPRUS
Illustrated peace statement accepted for commercial distribution
One World Publications, owned and operated by Bahá’ís, has published an illustrated edition of “The Promise of World Peace” which is currently being distributed through an American firm. General bookshop buyers have previously expressed the need for such a book.
DOMINICA
“Think Peace” Caravan, September 14, 1986
Bahá’ís and their friends in a decorated truck and mini-bus displaying the banners “Think Peace” and “The Earth Is But One Country” traveled through villages and the north and east of the island sharing “The Promise of World Peace.” After a Peace Concert in Portsmouth, where a Bahá’í drama group performed, other decorated vehicles and a police escort joined the caravan for the trip back to Roseau. By the end of the day, 2,950 copies of the peace statement had been personally given to people along the route.
EASTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS
Day of Peace 1986, Pohnpei
Recognition of the Day of Peace, held under the auspices of the Office of
Bahá’ís in La Ceiba, Honduras, march in the annual Grand Carnival parade whose theme was ‘World Peace—Together We Can Obtain It.’
[Page 5]
Micronesian Relations of the Department of External Affairs of the Federated States of Micronesia, opened
with the reading of the final paragraph
of a proclamation initiated by the Bahá’ís and signed by Governor Moses.
The program, broadcast live on the
radio from the ball field where it was
held, included prayers for world peace
and short talks on peace. Individuals
from the Hindu, Jewish, Christian and
Bahá’í faiths gathered together for this
event.
ECUADOR
United Nations Day Peace Conference, Guayaquil, October 24, 1986
The large public conference was addressed by members of various Bahá’í institutions who represented Ecuadorian, American, Iranian and Japanese cultures and nationalities.
Human Rights Day Peace Conference, December 8-10, 1986
“Education, a Solution for a World in Conflict,” “Religion, a Source of Peace,” and “Human Rights, a Means of Attaining Peace” were the focal points of the Human Rights Day observance.
“What Can I Do for Peace” contest in the middle schools of Cuenca
The director of education and culture for Azuay Province helped sponsor this Bahá’í-organized project by distributing, to all participating schools, materials which included contest instructions and copies of the peace statement.
EL SALVADOR
Peace Workshop, San Salvador, June 6-7, 1986
At the opening session of the conference, in which 250 people took part, Dr. Salvador Nelson Garcia, dean of the law faculty at the José Matias Delgado University, spoke on “The Need for World Peace,” and Counsellor Hooper Dunbar from the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel, spoke on “The Promise of World Peace.” The following day, 100 people returned to participate in 10 simultaneous workshops to discuss “The Requisites for World Peace.”
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Five-day Exposition of books about peace
Bahá’í National Centre inauguration program encourages peace and unity, March 1986
FIJI ISLANDS
Radio program on “The Promise of World Peace”
The program on the peace statement, produced in English, Fijian and Hindi, has been broadcast and prepared for distribution through local Bahá’í communities.
FINLAND
“World Peace Through Education” Conference, Naantali, May 7, 1986
A Bahá’í psychologist, speaking on “What could be done in Naantali to promote peace?” shared the platform with the chairman of the Finnish Association for the United Nations Development Fund for Women.
Bahá’í-organized National Peace Conference, Helsinki, September 14, 1986
The conference, held in Finlandia House’s Chamber Music Hall and attended by 200 people, included performances by musician Karoly Garam, music by children, and speeches. Helena Kekkonen, secretary-general of the Institution of Peace Education and winner of a UNESCO Peace Education Prize, spoke about her field of expertise, while Professor Ingo Hofmann of the German Federal Republic, a professor of nuclear physics, represented the Bahá’í community with a speech on “Possibilities for World Peace.”
FRANCE
Peace Exposition and Conference, Montpelier, February 17-24, 1986
“A World Without War” was the theme for two events organized by the Bahá’ís of Montpelier: a conference, and a week-long exposition in the town hall that consisted of panels illustrating the peace theme and of drawings by local school children.
Event for Peace, Marseilles, May 30, 1986
This event, held at the Opera House, included several activities and generated considerable publicity. An exhibit associated with it was displayed in the large hall of the Opera House from May 24-June 3. A Forum on Peace, attended by more than 250, featured talks by representatives of the European Community, various religions, the World Health Organization, the League of Human Rights, the Peace Movement, French Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Peace Education, and World Physicians. The opening address was by J.P. Riviere, representing the United Nations Information Office in Paris, who spoke about UN activities for peace. Following the Forum, a gala evening with performances by singers, narrators, mimes, flautists and guitarists, as well as a famous quartet from Provence, was presented free of charge to an audience of more than 1,000.
FRENCH GUIANA
Two kiosks promoting the theme of peace at an Exposition
Bahá’í participation in inter-religious prayer meeting organized by the Catholic Church
GABON
Peace meetings resulting in television coverage and a radio interview
THE GAMBIA
“Peace Message Program” presented in many schools
With the endorsement of the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, a “Peace Message Program” prepared by the Bahá’ís was taken to more than 150 primary schools as well as to all secondary and high schools in The Gambia. As a part of the program, students were invited to enter an art or essay competition on the theme of world peace. 3,000 posters and lesson plans were distributed to teachers to help them teach their students about peace.
GERMANY
Broad-based support in the German Bahá’í community for the IYP
Excluding the activities of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, Bahá’í institutions, individuals and study groups organized 706 meetings on peace issues, 53 of which were held in conjunction with other groups. Total participation in these meetings was 8,801 Bahá’ís and 10,788 guests. Announcements of the meetings included information booths, exhibitions, advertisements, invitation cards, and 16,261 posters and stickers. “The Promise of World Peace” was personally presented to 9,995 persons, and indirectly to 14,085 others. Trees have been planted in several cities for the IYP and donations given to UNICEF and AKTION SORGENKIND. Reports appeared in 170 newspapers, on 14 radio stations, and in 95 minutes of cable TV broadcasts. These activities were organized by 86 Bahá’í communi-
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Jean King, former lieutenant governor of Hawaii, clasps hands with Bahá’í speaker Dr. James Turpin of Mountain View, California, during a Bahá’í-sponsored peace conference in Honolulu.
ties, 60 Bahá’í Groups and 15 national Bahá’í committees. By February 1987, 61 follow-up activities had already been planned.
Interfaith Service, Bahá’í House of Worship, Langenhain, May 26, 1986
A member of the German Bundestag, local dignitaries, Bahá’í Counsellors Grossmann and Mühlschlegel, other representatives of major religions, and Bahá’ís from Belgium, Finland, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom filled the House of Worship to capacity. The service included music and readings on peace from Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith.
National Peace Conference, Cologne, October 19, 1986
Distinguished speakers addressed the topics of “World Peace and International Law,” “Contributions of Women to World Peace,” and “Education for Peace” to an audience of 700 people from Germany and neighboring countries.
Benefit Concert for Development and Peace, Duisburg, November 5, 1986
The Bahá’ís and the mayor, with the support of many others, organized the concert which featured Bahá’í jazz musician John “Dizzy” Gillespie and five other groups. The concert was opened by Willy Brandt and Prime Minister Rau. Proceeds were donated to the Willy Brandt Foundation for the Third World.
Peace statement to Frisian Island mayors, November 26, 1986
When the Bahá’ís presented the peace statement to the seven municipal mayors at one of their regular meetings, it was the first time in 20 years that the mayors had received a delegation making an official presentation.
GRENADA
World Religion Day observed with Peace Conference, January 19, 1986
One hundred people including guests of many nationalities and religions attended the conference, and many were deeply moved by a dramatic reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
GUADELOUPE
World Religion Day Peace Conference, Pointe-á-Pitre
150 people from diverse religions attended the Peace Conference which was accompanied by much publicity in newspapers and on radio and television.
GUATEMALA
Television programs on peace
At the invitation of the state television channel, Bahá’ís presented two hour-long programs on peace.
Peace Conference, United Nations Day, October 24, 1986
The National Spiritual Assembly sponsored a Peace Conference which was attended by more than 150 people who listened to talks entitled “The Need for Peace” and “Steps Toward the Achievement of Peace.”
GUYANA
Inter-Religious Assembly results from peace statement presentation
The President decided to hold Guyana’s first Inter-Religious Assembly as a result of the members of his Religious Advisory Committee having received the peace statement. Bahá’ís helped plan the event and provided a display for it.
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
International Year of Peace Conference, Honolulu, January 19, 1986
The conference, organized by the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands, was attended by more than 300 people including representatives of many civic, social and peace organizations. Keynote speakers were Jean King, a former lieutenant governor of Hawaii, and Dr. James Turpin, a Bahá’í from California and former Methodist minister as well as founder of Project Concern. Tribute was paid to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who devoted his life to peace.
Candlelight Peace Walk, Kailua-Kona, Big Island, September 21, 1986
Some 140 members of various peace and religious groups joined Bahá’ís for a walk in observance of World Peace Day. The participants, carrying tiki torches, represented Tongan, Hawaiian, Chinese, European, Filipino, Japanese, Portuguese and American Indian peoples.
“Role of Women in Peace” Conference, Big Island, November 9, 1986
Gladys Brandt, a previous recipient of the Bahá’í-sponsored Agnes Alexander Award and present head regent at the University of Hawaii, gave a penetrating keynote address to the more than 130 people attending the conference. Satellite conferences were held on Kauai and Oahu.
Bahá’ís produce Hawaiian performance of the drama “Peace Child”
“Peace Child,” produced by the Bahá’í International Year of Peace Committee, and performed and directed mostly by non-Bahá’ís, has been well-received by audiences and critics alike.
[Page 7]
The schools and media were instrumental in promoting “Peace Child”
performances.
Peace and Humanitarian Awards presented, Waikiki, December 14, 1986
As a final IYP event, the Bahá’ís presented a special peace award to U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga and the Agnes Alexander Humanitarian Award to Professor Betty Jacob, head of the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Peace.
“The Promise of World Peace” published in major newspaper, Honolulu and Kauai
The Advertiser Star-Bulletin, with a circulation of about 300,000, published the peace statement in one of its Sunday editions. The complete statement was also published in The Garden Island (circulation 11,000).
“World Peace” float wins first prize in Aloha Week Parade, Honolulu
The Bahá’í community of Hawaii has been taking part in the annual parade for 20 years, and this year’s first prize in the non-commercial division was its 17th award.
Five-day children’s peace camp held with 40 children attending
HONDURAS
IYP Cultural Program, Tegucigalpa, March 26-28, 1986
Following a request for IYP ideas, the Ministry of Foreign Relations approved a Bahá’í proposal to sponsor a cultural program. More than 1,000 people came to see some of the best-known personalities in the Honduran arts.
HONG KONG
Peace Year party including Peace Ribbons drawn by children (300 attending), December 31, 1985
Essay competition awards given, June 1, 1986
3,000 students from five schools in the Southern district took part in an essay contest sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly. The topic, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens,” was chosen to encourage students to think about their roles in achieving world peace. In the grade levels, forms one to six, all six winners were girls.
“Peace Post,” Shatin, November 9, 1986
In the busy New Town Plaza in Shatin, Hong Kong Bahá’ís provided a “Peace Post” display at which some 500 children and adults stopped to write postcards about world peace to national leaders of their choice.
ICELAND
Peace statement presented to 22 top officials at the NATO base
Three Bahá’ís travel all summer and distribute the peace statement in many areas
“Peace Evening” in the Faroe Islands, July 17, 1986
A week of media coverage on the peace statement by the Bahá’ís in Thorshavn was followed by a “Peace Evening” at which copies of the statement were given to all those attending.
INDIA
World Peace Conference, Delhi, January 19, 1986
Dr. Nagendra Singh, president of the International Court of Justice, inaugurated the conference to which the UN secretary-general sent a message of support. Justice Beg of the Minorities Commission; Dr. L.M. Singhvi, a leading jurist of India; and a Bahá’í speaker, Dr. S.P. Raman, presented talks. In addition, prizes for an essay competition on “World Peace Through World Religion, World Education and World Government” were awarded.
Peace Conference, Olty, September 25, 1986
The Bahá’í National Center was filled to capacity for a talk by Gloria Faizí on “The Promise of World Peace.” As a result, she was asked to present her talk to the Nilgiris Ladies Club and Lions Club.
“The Promise of World Peace” aired on All India Radio, Patna
The Bahá’í State Council of Bihar obtained permission to broadcast the peace statement in daily installments on October 6-24, 1986.
IRELAND
Two-day Association for Bahá’í Studies Conference with the theme “The Dynamics of Peace”
Bahá’ís take part in council of Dublin organizations interested in peace
Two concerts which include Bahá’í talks on peace are very well attended by the public
Production of youth and children’s versions of the peace statement
To convey the ideas contained in “The Promise of World Peace” in a language suitable for children and youth, special versions of the peace statement were written. During Peace Week at one school, a Bahá’í spoke and the children’s version of the statement was given to 200 students. One class studied it for a week.
ITALY
Peace Exhibition and Concert, Montichiari, Northern Italy, February 7-14, 1986
In addition to the Bahá’ís, 24 groups exhibited peace proposals through posters, documentation and photographs. 700 people attended the concert, which consisted of music interspersed with comments on peace by the mayor of Montichiari; Gianni Ballerio, representing the Bahá’í International Community; and other dignitaries.
Bahá’ís host prayers for the World Day of Prayers for Peace, Assisi, October 27, 1986
The program, prepared by the Bahá’ís, included prayers in several languages, selections from the Bahá’í Writings on peace, and a brief explanation of the Bahá’í perspective on the inevitability of, and means to, peace.
Prince Kuzulwandle of Swaziland accepts a copy of the peace statement from the chairman of that country’s National Spiritual Assembly.
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A small part of Australia’s mammoth ‘peace ribbon’ put together by people around the world for the Bahá’í-sponsored ‘peace exposition’ at the Bahá’í House of Worship near Sydney in March-April 1986.
JAMAICA
National Spiritual Assembly sponsors prize for UN Brochure competition
Peace Exhibitions held in Kingston and Spanish Town libraries
Bahá’ís make significant contribution to national IYP activities
Through membership in the national IYP Committee, Bahá’ís were key organizers of a cultural show for the International Day of Peace, a women’s program for International Women’s Peace Day, and other activities.
JAPAN
Peace Expo, Ube City, July 28-29, 1986
Peace banners and a guest speaker from Ube City’s sister-city, Newcastle, Australia, were among the special features of the Bahá’í-sponsored Expo. Cooperation, Women and Peace, and Family Life were the presentation topics.
KENYA
Bahá’í National Women’s Conference has peace theme, February 1986
In addition to presentations on Peace in the Family and “The Promise of World Peace,” there was a presentation on home industry and the importance of being guided by Bahá’í principles in one’s business.
KIRIBATI
Peace Conference, Bikenibeu, Tarawa, October 24-26, 1986
The President of Kiribati was among those who addressed an audience of about 1,000 and encouraged Bahá’í peace efforts. Addresses, music and dance were presented to commemorate the IYP and the peace statement.
KOREA
Peace statement presented to leaders of government and thought
Starting with the President and members of the National Assembly, the Bahá’ís have presented the peace statement to various prominent individuals in diverse fields including education, the media, medicine, the military, diplomacy, business and public services.
LEEWARD ISLANDS
Bahá’ís exhibit peace posters at the public library in Philipsburg, St. Maarten
LESOTHO
Bahá’í Faith represented at UN Forum, Maseru, October 24, 1986
Counsellor Mrs. L. Mancho Warren joined representatives of the UN and the university to speak on the forum theme, “Is World Peace Possible?” Presentations focused on the peace statement, economics, and the United Nations.
LUXEMBOURG
“Peace and Religion” Symposium, June 1, 1986
The symposium, organized by the National Spiritual Assembly of Luxembourg, included the participation of prominent individuals from the Jewish, Christian (Catholic and Protestant) and Muslim faiths.
MADAGASCAR
Participation in a National Youth Fair, Antananarivo, September 10-15, 1986
The Bahá’ís won first prize for their display and second prize for their musical event at this fair, whose theme was “Youth, Peace and Development.”
MALAWI
International Day of Peace Reception and Exhibition, Lilongwe
Two hundred guests including government, civil and religious leaders attended the reception. A slide show and exhibition on the peace statement accompanied talks on the UN and the Bahá’í aim to promote unity and world peace.
MALAYSIA
Peace Conference, Kuala Lumpur, January 26, 1986
Talks by representatives of the UN Development Programme and UN Malaysia Association, a 14-nation costume parade, and a Bahá’í youth choir were among the features of the conference. More than 170 Bahá’ís and 120 guests attended.
“Sing for Peace,” Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, September 20, 1986
The Bahá’í community and the Jaycees collaborated to organize a musical stage show in which 200 youth and adults took part, with both group and solo performances, to express their support for peace through music.
MARIANA ISLANDS
“Women’s Role in World Peace” luncheon, Saipan
International Day of Peace meetings receive media coverage, Saipan and Guam
Peace Symposium, November 1986
At the symposium, opened by the governor of Guam, 16 prominent speakers representing law, science,
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education, commerce, youth, women,
health and communications addressed
the 175 participants.
MARSHALL ISLANDS
Bahá’í National Peace Conference, Darrit, Majuro, August 23-24, 1986
Bahá’ís from more than 20 communities gathered to study and discuss “The Promise of World Peace.” The next day, they held a public meeting which featured prominent guest speakers and cultural dances.
Bahá’ís host IYP dinner for President and other government officials, Majuro, October 23, 1986
The National Spiritual Assembly hosted a buffet dinner for President Amata Kabua, members of the Cabinet and other high government officials to celebrate the close of the International Year of Peace. The peace statement was discussed, hopes and prayers for peace were expressed. President Kabua offered his thoughts about the establishment of peace including his hope for an assemblage of world leaders to talk about peace and search for ways in which to bring about cooperation and justice throughout the world.
United Nations Day Peace Program, Mili, October 24, 1986
Prayers by Christian and Bahá’í representatives opened a celebration of UN Day that was attended by more than 400 and included speeches, music, a dance and dinner. The President and his wife, the vice-speaker of the Legislature, and two Cabinet members were at the dinner.
MARTINIQUE
Bahá’ís participate in Women’s Conference; sponsor Peace Conference
Copies of the peace statement were distributed and an excerpt read at a conference organized by the “Association des Femmes Martiniquaises.” Participants were invited to attend a Bahá’í-sponsored IYP Conference on March 23 in Trois-Ilets.
MAURITIUS
Peace Forum, Camp de Masqué Pavé
Bahá’ís organized an International Year of Peace Forum at the village hall. Representatives of the Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Bahá’í religions took part in the forum.
Peace Forums, Belle-Rose and Port Louis, October 1986
“World Peace Through an International Auxiliary Language” was the first forum theme. In the second forum, three panelists—a journalist, an educator, and a Bahá’í—made presentations relating peace to media, education and religion.
MEXICO
Formal reception has peace focus, Mexico City, January 12, 1986
About 200 people attended the reception and heard a brief history of Bahá’í peace statements from Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablets to kings and rulers in the late 19th century up to the present day in which the Universal House of Justice has addressed “The Promise of World Peace” to “the Peoples of the World.” Following this, excerpts were read from “The Promise of World Peace.”
MOZAMBIQUE
Official International Year of Peace celebration, June 7, 1986
The Bahá’í Faith was among the various religions, groups and humanitarian organizations invited to take part in the official celebration in Mozambique of the International Year of Peace. The event began with a peace march and ended at the stadium with cultural performances and the reading of messages from various participants to an audience of 5,000. As part of the occasion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs received a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” on behalf of the President from a delegation of Bahá’ís.
NEPAL
Peace is the focus of a Bahá’í National Youth Conference
About 120 young Bahá’ís from 10 districts of the Kingdom attended the conference. In addition to talks on excellence, developing Bahá’í virtues, and marriage, a full day of study and workshops was devoted to the peace statement.
NETHERLANDS
Bahá’ís join with 15 groups in a meeting organized by “Sharing for Peace”
Participation in the “First Earth Run” in the Netherlands, October 3, 1986
The First Earth Run fire was brought to the Netherlands for one day, and 25 Bahá’ís took the fire in small oil lamps to their cities. In conjunction with the event, various other activities transpired including a celebration held in Rotterdam with the cooperation of the municipality, and the publication in Middleburg of an interview with the Bahá’í carrying the flame.
NEW CALEDONIA AND LOYALTY ISLANDS
Songs for a Public Day for Peace, Noumea, New Caledonia
NEW ZEALAND
Extensive dissemination of “The Promise of World Peace”
The Bahá’ís printed 25,000 copies of the peace statement, 5,000 of which were used internally for the Bahá’í community. Most of the remaining 20,000 have been presented to various organizations and institutions at the national and local levels. In addition, 1,200 copies of the statement were printed in Maori and 500 each in Tongan and Samoan. An audio tape of the peace statement was prepared for non-readers and the visually impaired, and a simplified version was produced for children.
Auckland Regional Peace Conference, Auckland University, April 19, 1986
Cultural performances and music by the Manurew High School Maori Club and the Pakuranga Intermediate School Folk Group preceded the morning and afternoon sessions. The presentations addressed: The UN secretary-general’s peace message; human nature; prejudice; women; economics; universal language; disarmament; youth and children; and “The Promise of World Peace.” The conference ended with a Peace Concert sponsored by the University Bahá’í Club.
“Practical Peace,” a four-part series on Radio New Zealand
A Bahá’í, whose 1985 program on peacemaking in New Zealand won her and her co-producer a media peace award for the year’s best radio series, has produced a new series based on the peace statement. The “Practical Peace” program was broadcast in September and October 1986.
NICARAGUA
Billboard promotes peace in 19 languages
The billboard had the word “peace” in various languages and scripts, including Miskito (a local indigenous language), followed by the message, “We are working for world peace. The
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Bahá’í Faith.”
Panel discussion on peace, Managua, April 30, 1986
“A New Universal Attitude about Peace” was the topic of the public meeting, organized by the Bahá’ís of Managua.
NIGERIA
World Peace Conference, University of Ife, June 11, 1986
The conference, sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Ife, under the auspices of the West African Centre for Bahá’í Studies, opened with an address by the vice-chancellor which was read on his behalf. Other presentations focused on Yoruba oral traditions related to world peace including the visions of the ancient seer Orunmila, and components of the “modus operandi” for peace which must be researched, studied and practiced.
Peace Conference, Lagos, November 21, 1986
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lagos organized a Peace Conference which was held in the garden of the United Nations Information Center. Speakers included the director of the Center and the University of Ife’s senior law lecturer.
“The Peacemakers of Oghara” football club formed in Bendel State
The “Bahá’í Peacemakers” are becoming known and other clubs are eager to play them. According to their coach, “one reason the Peacemakers are appreciated is that when they lose they do not fight or damage property.”
NORWAY
Peace Arrangement in University Hall, Oslo, October 23, 1986
A speech on non-violence and peace, written by Mrs. Coretta Scott King and delivered by her son, Dexter King, was the keynote address for the Peace Arrangement. The program, attended by about 600 Norwegians, included music, dance and humor.
PAKISTAN
IYP Program at Bahá’í Hall, Karachi, July 25, 1986
The program featured a talk on “World Peace Through the Eradication of Prejudice” and a presentation of the peace statement to the head of the Department of International Relations at the University of Karachi.
PANAMA
Television program presented on World Peace Day, September 20, 1986
The program, “Religion: Source of Peace,” was presented by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Panama City and included Jewish, Sikh, Christian, Muslim and Bahá’í representatives.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Unitech Festival of Peace, Lae, July 26-August 8, 1986
The Unitech Bahá’í Club, in conjunction with the university staff and students, sponsored a two-week festival which was opened by the vice-chancellor at a Peace Concert where diverse groups expressed their culture and traditions in song and dance. A prayer meeting the next day included Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Christian, Muslim and Bahá’í readers. A continuous exhibit of peace posters by students of all ages, and seminars held every other night, attracted many hundreds of visitors.
Port Moresby Peace Exposition, August 30-31, 1986
The Exposition, initiated by the Bahá’ís, received help from a wide range of individuals, the government, and the UN Office. Speakers at a Peace Forum, attended by 250 university students, academics and government officials, included prominent individuals from the government, the university and the community. Additional activities included an International Peace Concert, attended by 1,000 people, and a Peace Poetry and Poster Competition for primary and secondary school students.
IYP Peace Weekend Program, Goroka, October 24-26, 1986
The Bahá’ís, with the cooperation of other individuals, groups and clubs, organized the Peace Weekend to promote the IYP through art, music, presentations, sharing views on peace, and establishing the Goroka Peace Park.
Peace luncheon in observance of UN Day, Lae, October 24, 1986
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lae hosted 70 government, university and community leaders at a luncheon where distinguished guests and a Bahá’í Counsellor made presentations on peace.
PERU
“Universal Peace Theatre” group formed by Bahá’ís in Arequipa
The group has performed on radio, in schools, and, on Human Rights Day, at the National Cultural Institute. A local newspaper reported that the Peace Theatre group “is teaching the concept of world citizenship in support of the International Year of Peace.”
“Peace Ribbon” Exposition displays 145 banners, Lima, December 13-14, 1986
The Exposition, prepared by the Bahá’ís and sponsored by the Municipality of Lima, presented banners on the theme “What Can I Do for Peace” from schools, peace groups, nursing homes, guide girls, boy scouts, the Red Cross, and Bahá’í communities throughout the country. Media coverage was extensive.
PHILIPPINES
Conference prepares youth for IYP, Nueva Vizcaya, December 30-31, 1985
“Youth Movement for World Peace” was the theme of the Bahá’í International Youth Conference. The conference, attended by 170, rekindled a spirit in the youth to arise and work for world peace.
Peace Proclamation Exhibition, Toamasina, September 16-18, 1986
Regional Peace Symposium, Cagayan de Oro, October 19, 1986
Peace Conference in Cebu City and Seminar in Manila
Many dignitaries were among those attending the conference and receiving copies of the peace statement. The seminar talks were focused on the role of media, education, women and religion in achieving peace.
PORTUGAL
Peace Festival, Cascais, May 25, 1986
Music, dance and a children’s art exhibit were the highlights of an IYP event organized by the local Bahá’ís for youth in the area.
RÉUNION
Symposium on Peace, Municipality of St. Denis, November 5, 1986
The Bahá’ís of Réunion were successful in attracting 450 people including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews and Buddhists to the symposium which began with prayers and included lectures by Dr. Serge Ycard, president of the Academy in Réunion, and Sudel Fuma, a member of the French Commission of UNESCO and lecturer at the University of Réunion.
[Page 11]
RWANDA
Two Regional Teaching Conferences emphasize peace: February 22 and 23, 1986
Bahá’ís invited to travel with a government representative and speak to youth about peace
The secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Rwanda was invited to travel with an assistant in the government’s Department of Youth to various parts of the Commune of Karambo to speak to youth about the message contained in “The Promise of World Peace.”
ST. VINCENT/GRENADINES
Dawn devotional radio spots emphasize peace
Each of the three-minute devotional programs scheduled for broadcast six mornings a week includes music, a prayer, and a selection from the Bahá’í Writings on peace.
SAMOA
Peace Essay Contest Awards Ceremony, American Samoa, February 16, 1986
Certificates of recognition were given to each of 36 finalists and monetary prizes awarded to seven winners, thus culminating the contest sponsored by the local Bahá’í Peace Project Committee. At the ceremony, Lt. Governor Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin and Counsellor Suhayl Ala’i spoke about peace.
Bahá’í National “Youth for Peace” Conference, Apia, Western Samoa, October 1986
A talk on Family Welfare and Management by Western Samoa’s assistant secretary for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and talks on peace by Bahá’í speakers were given to the 200 Bahá’ís at the conference.
Special service for peace at the Bahá’í House of Worship, Western Samoa, October 19, 1986
Four hundred people including His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II and representatives of the government, diplomatic corps, and UN agencies attended the service which ended a year of activities in support of the International Year of Peace.
SIKKIM
Peace statement given to most leaders in capital area, November 1985
Almost all ministers, dignitaries and other prominent people in the capital area received “The Promise of World Peace” prior to the commencement of the IYP.
Peace statement summary in Nepali broadcast on All-India Radio, Gangtok
Besides the summary, a 30-minute program on October 24, 1985, consisted of a talk on “World Peace” in Nepali, and four songs about peace, in English, Nepali and Hindi.
A Bahá’í youth speaks on ‘Youth and World Peace’ during a symposium in Karachi, Pakistan, organized by the city’s Bahá’í Youth Committee.
SINGAPORE
“Youth for Peace” Symposium, June 8-9, 1986, and Peace Concert, December 1986
Bahá’í Women’s Committee Organizes IYP Commemoration, December 1986
The president of the Singapore Council of Women and a UN Association official were among the 60 who attended a concert and tea to conclude the IYP. The Bahá’í concept of peace was presented to the gathering.
SOUTH AFRICA
International Day of Peace observed in local communities
“Peace News International” tabloid and peace prayer booklet published
The Bahá’ís have sent additional information on peace and a peace prayer in six languages to individuals who had previously received the peace statement, as a means of maintaining their focus on peace.
SOUTHWEST AFRICA/NAMIBIA
Peace statement dissemination is primary Bahá’í peace activity
All of the activities of the Bahá’í Public Relations Committee were centered on the peace statement. The committee organized presentations of the statement at the national level, prepared press statements and paid ads for newspapers, in addition to coordinating and helping local Spiritual Assemblies, individuals and a regional committee to present the statement at the local and regional levels.
SPAIN
Musical Concerts for Peace, Malaga
The Bahá’ís of Malaga organized a series of concerts for the IYP, one featuring all Romani (Gypsy) performers and another in which more than 130 musically talented youth participated.
SRI LANKA
Diverse delegation presents the peace statement to the President
The three Bahá’ís making the presentation included members of the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. In addition, each had come from a different religious heritage: Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim.
Youth Seminar on Peace, Colombo Bahá’í Centre, December 15, 1985
“Youth Can Move the World” was the theme of the seminar, which was
[Page 12]
organized by the National Bahá’í
Youth Committee and attended by
nearly 200 people representing 35 Non-Governmental Organizations. The program for this celebration to conclude
the International Year of Youth consisted of two workshops followed by
an International Cultural Evening. The
workshops presented a framework for
action in the IYP: “The Role of Youth
in Developing Toward a Peaceful Society” and “Moral and Spiritual
Values for World Peace.”
SURINAME
Special lessons on peace are conducted in several secondary schools
Bahá’ís use the media to promote peace
Newspaper articles and radio programs were arranged both before and after the presentation of the peace statement to the President. On the same day, one newspaper printed the full text of “The Promise of World Peace.”
SWAZILAND
International Peace Concert, May 24, 1986
More than 100 adults, youth and children from Lesotho, Transkei and Swaziland attended the Peace Concert.
SWEDEN
Peace Week, Uppsala, September 29-October 5, 1986
In honor of Uppsala’s 700th anniversary and the IYP, Bahá’ís organized activities that included public discussions, a museum exhibit, newspaper ads and articles, and a concert featuring classical music interspersed with quotes on peace.
SWITZERLAND
Extensive dissemination of “The Promise of World Peace”
Through the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland, some 19,000 copies of the peace statement have been distributed, reaching all levels of government. It has also been widely disseminated by local communities and individuals.
IYP activities abound throughout the country
A great number and variety of activities (a National Peace Conference, concerts, expositions, a press luncheon, public talks, conferences, roundtable discussions, and a bazaar) took place in some 30 towns in Switzerland.
TAIWAN
Bahá’í children make a section for the Australian “Peace Ribbon, ” Hsin-ying
Peace statement forms the basis for talks given to universities and clubs
“The Path to Peace,” drawing heavily from “The Promise of World Peace,” was the topic of several talks given by a Bahá’í representative to students, police officers in-training, and heads of companies. These talks resulted in many requests for copies of the peace statement.
TANZANIA
Public meeting on peace, Dar es Salaam, November 29, 1986
“Perspectives on Peace” was the theme of a meeting at the National Bahá’í Centre which was attended by more than 70 people.
THAILAND
IYP Writing Contest: Prizes awarded September 18, 1986
The Bahá’ís, the Coalition for Peace, and major universities co-sponsored the writing contest in which 738 essays, poems and slogans were submitted on “Peace and Development,” “Peace Through Education,” “Religion and Peace,” “Woman’s Role in Peace,” and other topics. Bahá’ís financed prizes in the General Public category, as well as the publication of a book containing the prize-winning essays and poems.
International Education and Peace Conference papers presented, Bangkok, December 1-3, 1986
Three Bahá’ís presented papers at the International Conference on Higher Education and the Promotion of Peace. One of the participants, Bahá’í educator Lily Ayman, was interviewed by the Thai press on the role of women and education in bringing about world peace.
TOGO
Conference on World Peace through World Education
Dr. Akouété Akakpo-Vidah, professor of educational science at the University of Bénin, spoke at this meeting, which was held under the auspices of the Bahá’í community of Lomé.
TONGA
International Year of Peace observed in Ha’apai
The Spiritual Assembly of Felemea organized and hosted an IYP meeting attended by heads of religious organizations in the village. The Bahá’ís provided two polas (Tongan-style food) for the occasion.
TRANSKEI
Peace statement presented to government officials, February 19, 1986
All members of the Parliament, cabinet ministers, paramount chiefs and other chiefs, totaling 180 people, received “The Promise of World Peace” at the opening session of Parliament.
TRINIDAD/TOBAGO
Participation in a community Family Fair, San Fernando, May 15-21, 1986
The Bahá’ís had a booth at this Fair which was organized by the Ministry of Community Development and Local Government. Bahá’í prayers and writings were a major part of the opening ceremony, and on the Fair’s third day, Dr. Harry Collymore, representing the Faith, read a prayer and spoke about world peace during a religious service organized by the Inter-Religious Organization. Although not originally scheduled to take part in the closing program, the Bahá’ís were invited on the last morning to present a Bahá’í prayer as part of that ceremony.
UGANDA
“Peace Week” features interfaith service, Kampala, October 23, 1986
The 250 people attending the service at the Bahá’í House of Worship heard songs by the Bahá’í choir and readings from scriptures of the world’s religions. Floodlights illuminated the Temple for the week as a symbol of peace, and daily radio spots and newspaper ads conveyed a message of peace, often quoting from the peace statement.
UNITED KINGDOM
Representation on a National IYP Council
The National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom was invited to join an IYP Council. In addition to having a representative on the council, Bahá’ís also took part in each of its working parties: “Peace and Development,” “Peace and Disarmament,” “Peace and Justice,” and “Peace and the Community.”
Dissemination of “The Promise of World Peace,” England
By early April 1986, Bahá’ís in groups and as individuals had purchased 50,000 copies of the peace statement and were able by that time to
[Page 13]
share it with: 175 mayors, 1,500 councilors, 13 Lords, 200 members of Parliament, 300 other dignitaries, 575 educators, 1,500 academics, 210 editors
and reporters, as well as 750 members
of various other organizations.
World Religion Day Service, Wells Cathedral, Somerset, England, January 20, 1987
The Bahá’ís of Mendip organized this inter-faith service which united Hindus, Jews, Zoroastrians, Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and Bahá’ís in an evening calling for world peace. It marked the first time the cathedral had been used by a non-Christian group for worship. An article in the Wells Journal stated: “If this kind of unity can exist inside an ancient building, why can’t it exist in the outside world? ... Perhaps the friendship shown by the differing peoples in Wells Cathedral that night is infectious.”
Article on the peace statement published in “Peace by Peace,” Northern Ireland
The October 1986 issue of the monthly journal “Peace by Peace,” produced by the Peace People movement and sent to many parts of the world, carried an article on “The Promise of World Peace” written by a Bahá’í.
Bahá’ís on the Isle of Mull distribute the peace statement island-wide, Scotland
Since the island’s population is only 2,500, the Bahá’ís felt it was within their power to deliver a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” to every household. At the time of this report, they were well on their way to accomplishing that goal.
UNITED STATES
National Bahá’í Office provides support for local and individual IYP activities
In addition to coordinating the presentation of the peace statement to government officials and prominent persons at national and regional levels, the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly has provided considerable support for community and individual peace activities. Materials for proclaiming the IYP included billboards, posters, buttons, stickers, balloons and camera-ready ads. Various materials on peace were produced: leaflets on prerequisites for peace; peace presentation kits for media and general purposes; “In Pursuit of Peace,” a compilation of essays that explores contemporary views on peace as well as the Bahá’í perspective; and “Peace: More Than an End to War,” a 308-page book consisting of the peace statement, various Bahá’í writings on peace, and prayers for peace and unity. A Children’s Peace Projects Campaign has been initiated, and Bahá’í youth are encouraged to form Youth Peace Clubs to help unite their fellow high school students around the topic of peace.
President Ronald Reagan accepts a copy of the peace statement from Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.
International Peace Conference, San Francisco, California, August 28-31, 1986
“Peace—The Promise” was the theme of the conference and its concurrent programs for children and youth, attended by 7,800 Bahá’ís and guests from 28 countries. The 70 workshops, panel presentations and plenary sessions were organized by the National Spiritual Assembly with the help of many local Bahá’í communities and individuals. One of the notable qualities of the event was the impressive diversity of the participants, and especially the representation of American Indians in every aspect of the conference. The keynote speaker was Dr. Ervin Laszlo, co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Peace.
Bahá’ís make 400-mile “Walk for World Peace,” Utah, February 1986
Starting in the southwestern corner of the state, Bahá’ís and supporters took turns participating in a walk organized by the Utah Bahá’í Peace Committee. In each town “The Promise of World Peace” was presented to government officials, prominent individuals, the media, and others who requested copies. The walk ended in Salt Lake City with presentations to Lt. Governor Val Oveson and state Sen. Terry Williams which received wide media coverage on radio, television and in newspapers.
Peace Conference, New York City, May 10, 1986
Six hundred people attended the day-long event which featured music by the Mike Longo Trio and renowned jazz trumpeter “Dizzy” Gillespie.
Peace statement presentation leads to City Council endorsement
On June 2, 1986, the City Council of Cambridge, Massachusetts, unanimously passed a resolution encouraging residents of the city to read and study “The Promise of World Peace.”
WorldFest ’86, Winfield, Kansas, June 7-July 16, 1986
This event, subtitled “A Festival of Life and Culture in the Global Village,” included Intercultural Forums, presentations on futurist topics by distinguished thinkers and writers such as Fritjof Capra and John Naisbitt, and a Foreign Language Workshop for children. More than 500 people took part in the many activities of this public ser-
[Page 14]
vice program, which was initiated by
the Bahá’ís of Winfield and designed
to encourage a greater global consciousness.
Unity Council Fire focuses on peace, Navajo Reservation, August 1986
About 100 people took part in a program at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona on the theme “Native Americans and the Promise of Peace.”
First Earth Run celebration, Norwalk, Connecticut, September 16, 1986
The Bahá’ís were the principal local organizers for the Norwalk leg of the First Earth Run. About 200 people attended a ceremony on the Norwalk Green. Proceeds from all fund-raising activities were contributed to UNICEF.
Peace Fest ’86, South Carolina, September 19-20, 1986
Bahá’ís sponsored this conference, held at the Louis Gregory Institute near Hemingway, to celebrate the governor’s proclamation of “Peace Week” in South Carolina. The star attraction, jazz trumpeter John “Dizzy” Gillespie, a native South Carolinian, played to an audience of nearly 200 the first night, and on the following day several speakers addressed a “Peace Forum” at the Institute. The Rev. McKinley Young gave the keynote address, which preceded a panel discussion entitled “Peace: More Than an End to War.”
Bahá’ís and guests gather outside San Francisco’s Civic Auditorium between sessions of the International Peace Conference sponsored in August 1986 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.
Bahá’ís participate in the “Great Peace March,” March 1-November 15, 1986
Two Bahá’ís were among the marchers (600 on the average) who took part in the “Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament” from its start in Los Angeles to its conclusion in Washington, D.C. Other Bahá’ís joined the marchers at various points. Briar Willard, a Bahá’í who went the entire distance, served as the Religious Outreach Coordinator for a month, helped with the media for most of the march, and during the last three months served as a city council member in the moving “Peace City.” Local Bahá’ís helped with some of the services including one in Grand Junction, Colorado, which brought peace workers from various religious communities together for the first time, and another at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.
Proclamation of the International Year of Peace in New Haven, Connecticut
Mayor Biagio Dilieto of New Haven proclaimed 1986 “the International Year of Peace in the City of New Haven, following the lead of the United Nations and the Bahá’í world community.” The conclusion of his formal proclamation asserts that New Haven “joins the members of the Bahá’í Faith in reaffirming a commitment to the most noble of all causes—that of world peace.”
“The Promise of World Peace” video is well-received by TV station program directors
The video, produced by Radiant Century Productions and distributed by Kalimát Press, both of which are Bahá’í-owned and operated, presents narrated highlights of the peace statement and visual material from Bahá’í and other sources including the United Nations, Kiva Films, and NASA.
Diverse Bahá’í International Year of
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Peace activities at the community level:
- “Religion, Foundation for World Peace” slide program on Peace Day, Globe-Miami, Arizona
- “World Peace Awards,” Carlsbad and Oceanside, California
- “Peace at All Levels of Society” Conference, Union City, California
- Booth at town street fair distributes peace statement, Albany, California
- Bahá’ís and Unitarians co-sponsor UN Day peace reception, Manhattan Beach, California
- Peace statements given to local officials at Bahá’í New Year party, Ventura, California
- Panel discussion with panelists from local peace organizations, Arroyo Grande, California
- Gala banquet for peace statement presentation to mayor and other dignitaries, Los Angeles
- “Children for World Peace” parade float gets newspaper coverage, Nederland, Colorado
- 5,000 copies of the peace statement distributed as newspaper insert, Pensacola, Florida
- Bahá’ís march behind peace banner in Fourth of July parade, Middlesburg, Florida
- Peace statement in Braille given to singer/composer Stevie Wonder, Albany, Georgia
- Youth sponsor events to promote peace and world citizenship, Magic Valley, Idaho
- University of Chicago’s Bahá’í Club sponsors peace concert for 200 students, Illinois
- Peace statement in Russian given to clergy from the Soviet Union, Wilmette, Illinois
- Bahá’ís produce “Wage Peace” signs for their lawns, Bloomington, Indiana
- “Women as Peacemakers” Conference receives television coverage, Des Moines, Iowa
- Women for International Peace and Arbitration founder speaks at conference, Olathe, Kansas
- Labor Day weekend Peace Conference held, Green Acre, Maine
- Lecture series presented on “Facets of Global Peace,” Gray, Maine
- Peace statements presented to county officials at luncheon, Howard County, Maryland
Trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie and saxophonists Don Erdman (left, partially hidden) and Marvin (Doc) Holladay give a spirited performance during ‘Peace Fest ’86’ at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.
- Bahá’ís and local newspaper sponsor peace essay contest, Framingham, Massachusetts
- Peace statement presented to chief of Potawatomi Tribe, southwestern Michigan
- Four Bahá’ís discuss the peace statement on educational television, Mississippi
- More than 3,000 copies of the peace statement are mailed to local leaders, Kansas City, Missouri
- Youth Conference includes workshops on prerequisites for peace, Missoula, Montana
- Bahá’í UN representative addresses UN Association chapter, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Third International Peace Day Festival sponsored by Bahá’ís, Taos, New Mexico
- “Tree of Peace” planted and park bench given to city, White Plains, New York
- “Unity Is Everybody’s Business” breakfast honors mayor of Mount Vernon, New York
- Bahá’í Public Information Office sponsors panel on women and peace, New York City
- Peace statement is subject of public discussion, Williamston, North Carolina
- Peace is topic of 30-minute meetings with each of 40 local leaders, Columbus, Ohio
- Week-long prayer vigil leads to proclamation of “World Peace Week,” Xenia, Ohio
- Bahá’ís distribute mayor’s International Peace Day proclamation, Willoughby, Ohio
- Second annual Peace Award presented to physicians’ organization, Portland, Oregon
- Peace statement in Mandarin presented to Chinese Council, Portland, Oregon
- Panel co-sponsored by Bahá’ís and university Peace Studies Department, Forest Grove, Oregon
- “The Gift of Peace” is theme of Bahá’í Summer School, Wallowa Lake, Oregon
- The IYP is subject of a display for Universal Children’s Day, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
- Bahá’ís provide rest stop booth with peace theme at York Fair, Pennsylvania
- Shopping mall display highlights peace statement issues, Florence, South Carolina
- IYP commemoration dinner at-
- tended by 235 people, Houston, Texas
- Bahá’ís enter peace-theme sand-sculpture in contest, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Peace statement excerpts are read at Whitman College commencement, Walla Walla, Washington
- Bahá’ís co-organize Peace Fair with Worldwide Peace Foundation, Washington, D.C.
- Morgantown Bahá’ís spend a full week in August promoting IYP, West Virginia
- “Peace du Jour” forum on world peace draws 250 people, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
URUGUAY
Tree Planting, Time Capsule and Conference, Montevideo, October 1986
The Bahá’ís hosted an IYP celebration which featured a tree planting and the unveiling of a time capsule containing 71 peace messages, many from prominent individuals and groups. A conference followed.
VANUATU
Bahá’ís help with a 10-day Peace Expo and poster competition
This event, arranged by the UN Office in Vila, received assistance from the local Bahá’í community. More than 700 people visited the exhibit, which included some peace banners from the Bahá’ís in Australia.
VENEZUELA
Peace statement presented to the National Congress of Esperantists
In a speech thanking the Bahá’ís for “The Promise of World Peace,” the Esperanto group’s spokesman recalled the links of friendship that have always bound Esperantists and Bahá’ís.
VIRGIN ISLANDS
Lesson plan developed for promoting peace in the classroom
The lesson plan, developed by a Bahá’í educator, Dr. Rod Clarken of the College of the Virgin Islands, has been sent to almost all of the 1,200 teachers in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition, the National Bahá’í Center in the U.S. has sent it to the 365 Bahá’í classes in that country.
ZAIRE
Public lecture on peace, Shaba, September 20, 1986
More than 500 people came to hear the lecture by Professor Yezi, a prominent professor in International Relations, expert in questions related to war and peace, and former priest. The lecture was organized by the Bahá’ís and sponsored by Lubumbashi University.
Inter-zonal conferences include peace on the agenda, Kinshasa
The four conferences attracted many Bahá’ís and guests. One was solely on the peace statement; another, held in Makala under the trees where the local Spiritual Assembly meets, attracted area Officials.
Public discussion on world peace, Bandundu, November 17, 1986
90 people took part in a conference and discussion on world peace from a Bahá’í perspective.
Vocalist Red Grammer, a member of the well-known folk trio, the Limelighters, has the spotlight to himself during the International Peace Conference in San Francisco sponsored by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.
ZIMBABWE
“Peace Beginning with Our Children” Conference, Christon Bank, February 22-27, 1986
The Child Education Conference, held at the Bahá’í Institute, was attended by 80 members of 27 communities. Speakers from government ministries and UNICEF addressed the meetings, and radio stations recorded parts of the programs.
Peace statement extracts published in widely circulated newspaper
One page of extracts from “The Promise of World Peace” appeared in The Sunday Mail prior to a conference held in September 1986, when heads of state and leaders from 100 countries were in Harare.
Western Samoa[edit]
Portrait of the Malietoa is unveiled[edit]
The following article was written by Dr. A.K. Furudi of Pago Pago, American Samoa.
On May 24, the Bahá’ís of Samoa arranged a special service at the House of Worship to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the independence of Western Samoa.
Attending the service were the Head of State, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II; the Prime Minister, Mr. Kolone Va’ai; government officials, some heads of churches, members of the diplomatic corps, and many people of various races and religions.
Afterward, everyone was invited to the Ancillary Building where refreshments were offered. The building was decorated with lovely flowers and green leaves. In one corner stood a golden frame, veiled and surrounded by more flowers. It was felt by many that the flowers whispered to one another, “Soon all the eyes will forget our beauty and shall turn to the greater Beauty.”
The hall was crowded with people, many without places to sit, when suddenly a quiet person, with utmost courtesy, approached the veiled frame and was introduced by Counsellor Suhayl Alá’í as Mr. Duffy Sheridan, a talented person in the fields of art and painting.
The hall became pin-drop quiet as Mr. Sheridan removed the veil to reveal a majestic portrait of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II. As soon as the portrait was seen, the audience became so excited and amazed that there was much wild applause, shouting and stamping of feet.
His Highness was so happy and surprised that he enthusiastically took Mr. Sheridan’s hands in his and greeted him and his family. When the excitement settled, His Highness asked Dr. Asi Faletoese to speak in response to this special occasion. Dr. Faletoese expressed the extreme pleasure of His Highness for the presentation of the beautiful portrait, and also his pleasure with the special service honoring the country’s independence. He pointed out that His Highness, “who is one of you,” was deeply moved by this noble act of remembrance by the Bahá’ís which he said would be remembered forever.
Duffy Sheridan’s portrait of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II of Western Samoa.
Mr. Sheridan, who pioneered with his family for seven years in the Falkland Islands, produced a series of paintings in that country which was exhibited in London and throughout the U.S. That exhibit also included a portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that now hangs in the Deanery of Westminster Abbey. Another of his portraits of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was presented several years ago to the U.S. International Goals Committee, which obtained permission to duplicate and distribute it to help deputize pioneers around the world.
Our dear Duffy and his family are presently pioneers to Western Samoa, and we wish them all the good things in their pioneering post.
In the end, I am grateful to Mrs. Joann Marian for helping me in the compilation of this article.—Dr. A.K. Furudi
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