National Bahá’í Review/Issue 3/Text

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"The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh"

Compilation by The Universal House of Justice

This first book published by The Universal House of Justice and presented to the President of the United States and other dignitaries in a deluxe edition some months ago is now available in a general edition. Many of the friends have already seen the advance, display copies shown at the Intercontinental Conference in Chicago in October, or in the Bahá’í House of Worship.

This compilation consists of the following: 1. Summons to the kings and rulers of the world. 2. Summons to the world’s religious leaders. 3. The great announcement to mankind. 4. List of references.

There is an introduction concerning the Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh a hundred years ago which states that the “achievement of . . . unity is Bahá’u’lláh’s declared mission and the aim of all Bahá’í activity.”

Certainly every Bahá’í will want to own a copy of this book published by our Universal House of Justice. In addition, it is to be used as widely as possible during these Proclamation years. One of the first steps to be taken is to place copies in all public and college libraries.

All orders should be sent through the local library service.

Price per book (clothbound only) — $2.50 Order from: Bahá’í PUBLISHING TRUST 110 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091 PLEASE NOTE: In view of individual announcements going out to all Bahá’í librarians on this book no standing orders will be sent.

Prompt Action Necessary tor Bahá’ís Planning to Attend Palermo Conference

In view of the fact that accommodations in hotels and pensions in both Palermo and the Haifa area are limited, it is most urgent that the friends who plan to attend the First Oceanic Conference to be held in Palermo, Sicily next August secure their travel and living accommodations for both areas without delay.

This is important, not only for the convenience of the friends, but also because it would be very bad for the prestige of the Faith if a large number of believers should arrive in Palermo or Haifa without accommodations and have to wander the streets.

Those individuals who make their arrangements for Palermo through any agency other than Cooks should

write to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy notifying them of their scheduled date and time

of arrival in Palermo. This will be most helpful to that .

National Assembly and its conference committee in determining the overall number that plan to attend, and in facilitating all necessary arrangements. The address of the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy is: Via Stoppani 10, Rome 00197, Italy.

Only those who attend the Palermo Conference may go on to the Holy Land. They should arrange to be in Haifa not later than noon on 30th August, as the Commemoration will be held on the 31st. Friends may stay six days at the World Center, following which they may, if they wish, remain for thirteen more days in Israel, outside the area of Haifa and ‘Akká. This would be a total of nineteen days altogether in Israel.

[Page 2]The Guardian on Homosexuality

“Amongst the many other evils afflicting society in this spiritual low water mark in history, is the question of immorality, and over-emphasis of sex. Homosexuality, according to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, is spiritually condemned. This does not mean that people so afflicted must not be helped and advised and sympathized with. It does mean that we do not believe that it is a permissible way of life; which, alas, is all too often the accepted attitude nowadays.

“We must struggle against the evils in society by spiritual means, and medical and social ones as well. We must be tolerant and uncompromising, understanding but immovable in our point of view.

“The thing people need to..meet.this type of -trouble, as well as every other type, is greater spiritual understanding and stability; and of course we Bahá’ís believe that ultimately this can only be given to mankind through the Teachings of the Manifestation of God for this Day.” (May 21, 1954)

“No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong. Immorality of every sort is really forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh, and homosexual relationships he looks upon as such, besides being against nature.

“To be afflicted in this way is a great burden upon a conscientious soul.

“But through the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap.

“God judges each soul on its own merits. The Guardian cannot tell you what the attitude of God would be towards a person who lives a good life in most ways, but not in this way. All he can tell you is that it is forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh, and that one so afflicted should struggle and struggle again to overcome it. We must be hopeful of God’s mercy but not impose upon it.” (March 26, 1950)

“Regarding the question you asked him about one of the believers who seems to be flagrantly homosexual, although to a certain extent we must be forbearing in the matter of people's moral conduct because of the terrible deterioration in society in general, this does not mean that we can put up indefinitely with conduct which is disgracing the Cause. This person should have it brought to his attention that such acts are condemned by Bahá’u’lláh, and that he must mend his ways, which is corruptive for him and bad for the Cause. If after a period of probation you do not see an improvement, he should have his voting rights taken away.” (1953)

Hallucinogenic Drugs

Long years ago ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke sharply against the Eastern variety of marijuana (cannabis species). “Regarding hashish, you had pointed out that some Persians have become habituated to its use. Gracious God! This is the worst of all intoxicants, and its prohibition is explicitly revealed. Its use causeth the disintegration of thought and the complete

MARCH 1968

torpor of the soul. How could anyone seek this fruit of the infernal tree, and by partaking of it, be led to exemplify the qualities of a monster? How could one use this forbidden drug, and thus deprive himself of the blessings of the All-Merciful‘?

“Alcohol consummeth the mind and causeth man to commit acts of absurdity, but . . . this wicked hashish extinguisheth the mind, freezeth the spirit, petrifieth the soul, wasteth the body and leaveth man frustrated and lost.’’

The peyote cactus of the Southwest is the source of a hallucinogen named mescaline. The issue has been made clear in connection with Indian teaching.

“Anyone involved in the use of peyote should be told that in the Bahá’í Faith spiritual stimulation comes from turning one’s heart to Bahá’u’lláh and not through any physical means. They should therefore be encouraged to give up the use of peyote.” (Universal House of Justice, Nov. 9, 1963) It is further stated: “. . . that Bahá’ís should not use hallucinogenic agents, including LSD, peyote and similar substances, except when prescribed for medical treatment. Neither should they become involved in experiments with such substances.” (Universal House of Justice, May 19, 1966) Further emphasis has been given for: “. . . the need for Bahá’í youth to become more deeply imbued with the Teachings of their Faith in order to combat the corrosive influences which surround them in their daily contacts.

“Concerning the co-called ‘spiritual’ virtues of the hallucinogens . . . spiritual stimulation should come from turning one’s heart to Bahá’u’lláh, and not through physical means such as drugs and agents. “. . . hallucinogenic agents are a form of intoxicant. As the friends, including the youth, are required strictly to abstain from all forms of intoxicants, and are further expected conscientiously to obey the civil law of their country, it is obvious that they should refrain from using these drugs.

“A very great responsibility for the future peace and well-being of the world is borne by the youth of today. Let the Bahá’í youth by the power of the Cause they espouse be the shining example for their companions.” (Universal House of Justice, April 15, 1965)

Standards to be Observed in Proclaiming the Faith

As the proclamation of the Faith accelerates in our efforts to reach all strata of human society, the National Spiritual Assembly hopes that all who participate in public proclamation in any manner, whether as an individual or as groups, will keep clearly in mind the instructions of The Universal House of Justice contained in its letter of July 2, 1967 published in the September issue of Bahá’í NEWS No. 438.

While not wishing to limit or restrict proclamation to prosaic or serious methods for conveying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the people, it is important that we avoid presentations that may produce negative reactions or wrong interpretations of our attitudeof respect and reverence for the sacred nature of our Faith. Experimentation with new forms and new styles of

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presentations is encouraged. There are many ways to express the joy and promise of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, but as The Universal House of Justice pointed out in its letter:

“. . . the standards of dignity and reverence set by the beloved Guardian should always be upheld, particularly in musical and dramatic items. . . . This does not mean that activities of the youth, for example, should be stultified; one can be exuberant without being irreverent or undermining the dignity of the Cause.”

Those responsible for devising artistic, musical, and dramatic presentations, as well as those who participate in them, should be careful not to use material out of context, or any that through misinterpretation may produce a negative reaction on the part of the audience, whether Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í. Careful attention should also be paid to the matters of dress, physical movements, and propriety of the occasion on which the programs are presented.

The same principles of dignity, good taste, and propriety apply to the design and use of any symbols that are intended to attract attention to the Faith, whether they are for use in the home, at public meetings, for personal ornamentation, or on automobiles. As The Universal House of Justice has stated, “a flamboyant approach which may succeed in drawing much initial attention to the Cause, may ultimately prove to have produced a revulsion which would require great effort to overcome.”

"None can withstand the operafion of Thy sovereign Will."

March 21, Naw-Rúz has this year also been designated International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly chose this date as a befitting memorial to those peaceful demonstrators against racial prejudice, who, on March 21, 1960, were massacred in Sharpeville, South Africa. This year—International Year for Human Rights — the United Nations is encouraging governments to commemorate that Day by putting into effect the provisions of two important documents it has adopted:

1) the Declaration of the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1963) and

2) the International Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965).

Both the Declaration and the Convention stress the need for the speedy elimination of discrimination based on race, color or ethnic origin, and of adopting national and international measures to achieve this goal. Through these documents the United Nations has affirmed the principles contained in its Charter and in its Universal Declaration of Human Rights— that all human beings are equal in dignity and rights.

In its most recent session, the United Nations General Assembly continued to show its concern for the problem of racial discrimination. It condemned, in an official document, any ideology based on racial intolerance and terror, and called on all Member States to abolish instances of racial intolerance. It also asked governments to implement without delay not only the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimi 3

nation, but also other conventions related to racial bias, such as those against discrimination in education. It further requested the Secretary-General, the United Nations specialized agencies (World Health Organization, UNESCO, International Labor Organization, etc.) and all organizations concerned with racial discrimination to continue their efforts to propagate the principles of racial equality. Finally, it placed the matter of abolishing race prejudice on the agenda of the very important International Conference on Human Rights to be held in April 1968 in Teheran, Iran.

The Bahá’í Community illustrates in theory and in practice the oneness of mankind. Bahá’ís are pioneers in asserting the full dignity of man regardless of ethnic background. For over a century Bahá’ís have recognized that there is but one race, and this belief has guided Bahá’í actions in the elimination of prejudices. It is in this way that Bahá’ís, in their support of man's God-Given human rights, reflect the current efforts of the United Nations to eradicate prejudice.

As we joyously celebrate Naw-Rúz this March 21st, we are reminded how close our goals are to those of the United Nations and International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Bahá’ís, by making all peoples fully aware of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, can cause many people to examine their own prejudices and to recognize their membership in one humankind.

Bahá’í communities should seek ways to relate this special United Nations day to their Naw-Rúz observances. Recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is also an excellent way of fitting into the North American Bahá’í program for human rights —our primary vehicle for proclamation during International Human Rights Year 1968.

Regional Human Rights Conferences

The National Spiritual Assembly has approved the holding of fifteen regional conferences throughout the United States on June 7-8, 1968, preceding Race Unity Day, Sunday June 9th. The remaining five conferences, of the proposed 20 will be held in Alaska, Canada (three), and the Hawaiian Islands. Each conference will be devoted to a specific subject or aspect of human rights. They are: education, housing, employment, equality under the law, prejudice and bigotry, economics, youth, Spanish-Americans and the American Indian. Each conference will draw the talent and resources, both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, necessary to execute an effective and meaningful conference. The North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights (NABOHR)

will actively assist in aiding the sponsoring Bahá’í‘

Community.

These Bahá’í-sponsored Regional Conferences for Human Rights will be followed in September by the North American Conference for Human Rights, and on December 10, 1968 (United Nations Human Rights Day) by the Bahá’í Human Rights Awards. All these events, the National Spiritual Assembly believes, will not only demonstrate to the American public the practical application of Bahá’í principles, but will also create a far greater public awareness of the Faith. Proclamation thus develops as a new dimension called for by The Universal House of Justice, and your efforts will be a significant portion of the national proclamation program.

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ACTIONS ON 1967 STATE CONVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to commend the National Bahá’í community for the thoughtful issues raised for national consideration. Those issues of generalized interest are being reported here in the NATIONAL Bahá’í Rnvn-:w. Those of more local interest, or issues that do not seem to need national clarification have been referred back to the State Goals Committees for publication in their bulletins.

The actions on matters of national interest are reported under the following categories: State Conventions, the National Convention, Administration, and Teaching._ In the first two categories, the first action is the result of Consultation on the topic in general. The others are actions on recommendations from specific States or Electoral Districts.

I. State Conventions

An ad hoc committee was appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly to consider the whole subject of more effective State Conventions. Its functions are: To consider all recommendations made to the National Spiritual Assembly regarding State Conventions; to consider the mechanics of the voting process; to suggest guidelines for programs; to consider alternative Convention logistics; to develop a manual for use of chairmen and secretaries of State Conventions, taking into consideration the possibility that the temporary chairmen and secretaries will be different personnel from the permanent chairmen and secretaries; to consider designs for formats for National Convention reports by delegates and visitors.

Idaho: That the Convention city be designated at least three months in advance so that all details may be properly arranged.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly has asked the National Teaching Committee to recommend host cities for the State Convention more than three months in advance.

Kansas: That the National Spiritual Assembly consider having voting the first order of business so that the atmosphere of prayer may continue and consultation flow without interruption.

Action: This recommendation was disapproved. The beloved Guardian himself pointed out that election should take place at approximately mid-point in the convention, so it is not possible to change the time of balloting. Similar recommendations were received from other States relative to this same issue. The same principle applies.

New Hampshire: That each year a permanent chairman and secretary be appointed for the State Convention by the State Goals Committee, in order to eliminate the time-consuming election of these officers, and thus enabling such officers to be prepared to function more efficiently throughout the Convention.

Action: Disapproved. Under administrative provisions given to the National Spiritual Assembly by

the beloved Guardian, State Conventions must elect their own permanent officers.

II. The National Convention

An ad hoc committee of several persons including staff members of the National Teaching Committee was appointed to consider recommendations for the National Convention to be reported to the National Assembly for consultation at its February meeting.

Northern Illinois: That at the coming Convention the delegates have an hour and a half together to become acquainted with the National Spiritual Assembly after the election of the new members.

Action: Approved in principle. Last year the National Assembly found a very positive response to the question and answer session, and plans to incorporate such a session in future National Convention agendas.

New Hampshire: That the National Convention be scheduled annually in May, to allow local assemblies adequate time to organize local affairs and supply the National Spiritual Assembly with statistics for National Convention presentation.

Action: Disapproved. The Universal House of Justice is the only body that can change the date of the National Convention outside of the Riḍván period.

New Mexico: That the National Convention provide delegates with a form to note ideas they wished to discuss but could not because of lack of time.

Action: Approved. The National Assembly will provide delegates with an opportunity to indicate, in

writing, issues they were unable to raise during the Convention so that they may be considered in written form.

Ohio: That youth be given a specific time on the agenda of the National Convention.

Action: Approved. The Department of Youth and College Activities will be asked to provide time on the agenda for youth at the 1968 National Convention.

West Texas: That each delegate be reminded that at the time he gives the Convention report to the communities in his area, he talk about what it is like to be a delegate, what he experienced in attending the National Convention, and explain exactly how the National Convention is conducted. In other words, try to make each person understand what it is like to be a delegate and attend the Convention.

Action: Approved. The delegates are encouraged to personalize and dramatize their Convention reports rather than give simple procedural or statistical accounts of the Convention.

III. Administration

Northern California: That the annual membership card either be numbered or have a space for the

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social security number to be inserted, so that the card could be used for positive identification. Action: The National Assembly has under consideration the broader issues of membership cards, their issuance and information contained thereon.

Southern California Dist. No. 1: That the computer system be used to make lists of all Bahá’ís attending college, and supply the believers with lists including names of the Bahá’ís and campus.

Action: Approved. The Department of Youth and College Activities has been requested to recommend ways in which such lists can be used.

That the National Assembly send a directive to all local assemblies that they check the condition of Bahá’í books in their local public libraries and have any in need repaired.

Action: Approved. This recommendation can be carried out in conjunction with the current program of placing World Order Magazines in libraries.

Colorado: That more diligence, prudence, economy and care be exercised by the National Spiritual Assembly and its committees in the expenditure of funds.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly exercises constant vigilance in expenditure of Bahá’í funds. Believers are urged to report instances where they feel funds are being misused or wasted. It should be pointed out, however, that the National Assembly receives many recommendations for suggested economies which in fact are not economies, clue to special circumstances. Two examples should suffice to illustrate this point.

(1) It has been suggested that various things be included in mailing of BAHA'I NEWS to reduce the expense of mailing. Because BAHA'I N1~:ws is mailed on a bulk basis from a location away from the National Bahá’í Center, it would be more costly in terms of labor to make individual insertions and to process such mailings individually.

(2) The location of Bahá’í meetings or special events in rented facilities is always a matter of judgment in terms of balancing factors such as convenience, ‘accessibility, adequacy of facilities, and scheduled availability. In considering a balance of these factors, oftentimes a more expensive facility in terms of rental may indeed be more economical in terms of the resources of the community in time, effort and even financial outlay. Mistakes, however, are made and should be brought to the attention of the sponsoring body for their consideration.

Iowa: It is generally held by the Bahá’ís of the State of Iowa, that the word SECT as used by the mass media, periodicals and official organs in referring to the Bahá’í Faith is inaccurate and offensive. Therefore, it was recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly take steps to institute a test law suit with a friendly antagonist in which it is charged by the National Assembly that the word SECT when used in reference to the Bahá’í Faith is slanderous and thus the defendant is liable. The aim of the suit should be to establish legal precedent in the United States that the Bahá’í Faith is a

complete entity and has independent status along with the historical greats of religious thought. Action: The National Assembly commends the idea expressed in this recommendation. However, it is not deemed desirable to institute a suit on this matter. The friends can do much by their own usage to reduce the number of times in which the word SECT is used in describing the Bahá’í Faith.

Montana:_That the National Spiritual Assembly take a public stand on current issues with respect to contemporary social problems and/or clarify to the Bahá’ís of the United States points.-of-view on such social problems which are acceptable for support by Bahá’ís.

Action: The National Assembly believes that its stand on human rights is a good example of its efforts to acquaint the public with the Bahá’í viewpoint to major social problems. Individual believers are urged to give their wholehearted support to the Bahá’í program of support of Human Rights Year.

Nevada: In spite of the efforts of the State Goals Committees, isolated believers and groups feel separated from the “main stream” of Bahá’í life, therefore it is recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly and the Teaching Committee send directly to them all informational and report material, such as is now going only to State Goals Committees, to be distributed down to the isolated and groups.

Action: The National Bahá’í REVIEW is designed to communicate all important and urgent matters to every individual believer. Efiorts are being made to improve communications with isolated groups and members.

New Hampshire: That consideration be given to fuller use of Green Acre Fellowship House for intensive training sessions during the winter vacation period.

Action: Approved. The matter is being referred to the Green Acre Bahá’í Council for study and recommendation.

That a packet containing directives regarding military service and an exact outline of Bahá’í responsibility in relation to such service, be prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly and sent to each newly enrolled believer.

Action: Complete information on this subject has been prepared. It is now being given widespread distribution.

Eastern New York: That a state-wide committee be set up for -contacting radio and television stations.

Action: The Department of Public Information has been instructed to make a comprehensive study of all mass media and how it can be used to promote the Bahá’í Faith.

IV. Teaching

Southern California Dist. No. 3: (1) That the National Spiritual Assembly consider instituting a Bahá’í Student Exchange Program for the purpose of helping local communities reach their ethnic groups. (2) That African and other non-European cultures be chosen to live with white American

[Page 6]families and that American Bahá’í students be sent to live with opposite culture families in other countries.

Action: The Department of Youth and College Activities has been requested to consider these two recommendations.

Indiana: That the National Assembly consider developing programs for youth of the pre-declaration age (12 to 15 years) especially for Bahá’í programs, Holy Days, State Conventions and summer schools.

Action: This type of material is under preparation by the Advisory Committee on Education.

Kentucky: That the National Spiritual Assembly repeat what it did in 1962 by sending out enrollment cards via Bahá’í News, i.e., one per year, as a reminder to each individual of his or her privilege of finding one new Bahá’í each year.

Action: Approved for implementation at an early date.

Maryland: That the revised editions of the Bahá’í Administration and Bahá’í Community include index references.

Action: This recommendation has been referred to the Publications Board of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust for implementation.

Massachusetts: That the present program aimed at placing books in college and university libraries be expanded to include all public libraries and that it be a state-wide collaborative effort.

Action: Approved. State Goals Committees and Assemblies are urged to collaborate in this important project.

West Virginia: That the National Assembly make some specific suggestions or programs for individual or group deepening to achieve the awareness mentioned by the Universal House of Justice in the message to the Bahá’í World 1967, i.e., “the purpose of God for man . . . as revealed and directed by Bahá’u’lláh. . . . ”

Action: Material for this purpose is under preparation.

Western Washington: That a large map of the travels of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh be furnished for teaching the history of the Faith to children.

Action: Approved. Steps are being taken to procure such a map.

Principle of Election of Officers for Local Assemblies and Committees

Each Riḍván following the election of local spiritual assemblies a number of assemblies experience considerable delay for one reason or another, chiefly because of absences, in electing their officers. In some cases the members who are available will elect a temporary chairman and secretary to handle emergencies. but this has not proven satisfactory in many instances. Recently the National Spiritual Assembly inquired of The Universal House of Justice whether the clarification of the principle on action by a quorum would apply also to the election of officers of an Assembly or of a committee. The Universal House of Justice has replied

MARCH ‘1968

as follows:

“The majority of all nine members of an Assembly, or a majority of all members of a committee, is necessary to elect officers. All members of the Assembly or committee must be given an opportunity to cast their ballots.

“However, in case of unavoidable absence, it does not contravene the spirit of the By-Laws if the member casts his ballot by mail or by telephone. All other details in the application of these principles are within the discretion of the Assembly."

With this clarification long delays should not now occur in the election of Assembly officers or officers of committees.

Burial Laws Applicable to

Bahá’í Members in Armed Forces

The National Spiritual Assembly recently asked The Universal House of Justice about procedures that should be taken to insure, so far as possible, that Bahá’í laws regarding burial are observed in cases of fatalities occurring in the armed forces. The reply instructs the National Spiritual Assembly to take necessary action to inform the Department of Defense about the Bahá’í laws, and to make sure they are known to the military authorities. This step is being taken immediately. The second and third steps apply to the individual Bahá’ís. They are quoted from the letter from The Universal House of Justice as follows:

“You should also advise all individual Bahá’ís who

are in service that they should take whatever mea sures are necessary to see that Bahá’í laws regarding burial are observed. Such individuals should also notify their families or next of kin about these laws and of their wish to be buried according to Bahá’í law.”

The Meaning of "Quorum"

for Purposes of Assembly Action

Recently the National Spiritual Assembly asked The Universal House of Justice for clarification of Article VIII, Section 1 of the By-Laws of a local Spiritual Assembly, i.e., “Five members of the Assembly present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of those present and constituting a quorum shall be sufficient for the conduct of business, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws. . . .” In reply, The Universal House of Justice stated:

“A majority of the members present and constituting a quorum is sufficient to carry a motion. Thus, if only five members of the Assembly are present at a meeting, a majority of three is sufficient.

“However, Assemblies should take into account the last clause of the first sentence of Section 1 of Article VIII reading as follows: ‘ . . . . and with due regard to the principle of unity and cordial fellowship involved in the institution of a Spiritual Assembly.’

“In other words, members of a Spiritual Assembly should not take "advantage of a quorum as an expedient to pass a motion which would violate the spirit of the above quoted passage.

“As your National Assembly has stated, it is desirable that all nine members of a local Spiritual Assembly be present at every meeting.”

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Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department

Bahá’ís who have recently had the bounty of visiting the House of Worship have discovered many changes throughout the Foundation Area. One of the outstanding additions is the new Book Shop. Here are displayed the many audio and visual aids for proclamation, teaching and deepening now available to Bahá’ís. These include the books and pamphlets published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. This is but one of many services rendered by the Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department, in this case exclusively for those who visit the House of Worship, since publications are normally ordered directly from the Publishing Trust through local librarians. The picture at the right does not do justice to the colorful and artistic displays in the Book Shop. It is always a revelation to Bahá’ís to see the vast quantity of new material, much of which has been produced only within the last year or so.

Everything normally available through Distribution‘

and Service is listed in its catalogue, sent to local spiritual assemblies, state goals committees and to anyone who writes for it. As new items become available they are announced in Bahá’í NEWS. These hundreds of items are available to any Bahá’í, but individuals are encouraged to pool their orders through their librarians whenever possible since the growing volume of business necessitates economies in packaging and shipping.

Matching the expanding use of teaching aids on the home front, there has been a growth in orders from abroad. These are concentrated when possible through national spiritual assemblies, also for reasons of economy.

In addition to the complete Book Shop open to Bahá’ís there is a newly designed sales counter in the display area maintained for the public. Although a Temple guide handles literature purchases by visitors, the business aspects of the sales counter are directed by Distribution and Service. Letters, press kits, and conference materials are reproduced and large mailings are also efificiently handled by this Department. Behind the scenes pictures of those at work are shown below.

Distribution and Service is of relatively recent origin, having been started in 1962 by the late Robert E. Buckley. It consolidated the distribution activities of the Audio-Visual Education Committee located in New Jersey, and the Book Sales Committee and Public Information Service both at the time already located in

Wilmette. With the increase in the volume of business it was found necessary to consolidate these activities.

Although $24,000 was budgeted for Distribution and Service in the last fiscal year, 1966-1967, only $6,000 was used, reducing the drain on the National Budget by $18,000. More than a third of the $6,000 represented an increase in inventory as well as purchases of capital equipment, so that the actual deficit of the operation was less than $4,000.

For the present year, $9,000 has been budgeted, representing less than one cent of every dollar in our Million Dollar Budget. To date, $15,000 advanced to Distribution and Service by the National Bahá’í Fund has been returned, and it is probable that after the final accounting there will be little or no deficit for this year. One way that every Bahá’í can increase his effectiveness as a teacher and also help the National Fund is by making greater use of Distribution and Service, anticipating his needs and consolidating his orders. This will help turn its operating deficit into a surplus, having essentially the same effect on the National Fund as would an actual contribution.

In brief, Distribution and Service is a Department which, through the dedication of a few experienced Bahá’ís, performs many valuable services for the Cause at a minimum of expense to the National Fund.

[Page 8]TEA.CHfl‘N_-.16: A1sl.l)*:i£0N'S‘0LIDATlQN.

The Nature of Proclamation

“. . . As the Bahá’í world enters the third phase of the Nine Year Plan we are called upon to proclaim once again the Divine Message to the leaders and masses of the world, to aid the Faith of God to emerge from obscurity into the arena of public attention, . .” “. . . The friends must now take the Message to the rest of humanity. The time is ripe and the opportunities illimitable. . . .” (The Universal House of Justice October 1967, printed in Bahá’í News November 1967, p. 1)

The methods of proclamation may take many forms. As The Universal House of Justice has stated in its letter of July 2, 1967, on the nature and purpose of proclamation: “Proclamation comprises a number of activities, of which publicity is only one. . . . Another aspect of proclamation is a series of teaching programs designed to reach every stratum of human society.” And further, “Every land has its own conditions, thus the kind of proclamation activity to be followed in each country should be decided by its National Spiritual Assembly.”

It may be said that proclamation is to inform, or educate; that it is the means of gaining the attention of people who may become attracted to the Faith.

The Riḍván 1967 message from The Universal House of Justice states: “. . . Now at last, at long last, the world-wide community of the Most Great Name is called upon to launch, on a global scale and to every stratum of human society, an enduring and intensive proclamation of the healing message that the Promised One has come and that the unity and well-being of the human race is the purpose of His Revelation. . . .” (Bahá’í News, May 1967 insert). A well planned systematic approach aimed at gaining the atten tion of the people; in their homes, schools, institutions, places of employment, and leisure time, can best attain this goal.

Proclamation efforts could unfold in phases, and in many aspects. The National Teaching Committee of the United States has suggested the following guidelines for a three-phased plan for local proclamation. The goal for local communities is as follows:

First Phase: Intensified publicity through the use of TV, radio, newspapers, and public meetings. This calls for making friends with the people who are connected with these mass media; laying groundwork for the following phases.

Second Phase: Reaching the public through clubs, schools, colleges, churches, and other organizations, and establishing firesides in preparation for the third phase.

Third Phase: Intensifying Phase 2 and strengthening work with individual contacts through firesides, summer schools, special events, public meetings, and study classes.

Through prayerful consideration of the talents in each community the direction of proclamation will grow apparent and its character be formed. Each member in the Bahá’í world now has unlimited opportunity to mirror forth those attributes that are a reflection of the purpose of His Revelation. The presentation of the Faith in each locality will be the means by which waiting masses of suffering humanity will receive the healing message of the Cause of God, and therefore this must be carried out with the utmost wisdom, discretion, and dignity.

Shoghi Effendi has written: “An unprecedented, a carefully conceived, efficiently co-ordinated nation-wide campaign, aiming at the proclamation of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, through speeches, articles in the press, and radio broadcasts, should be promptly initiated

MARCH ‘1968

and vigorously prosecuted. The universality of the Faith, its aims and purpose, episodes in its dramatic history, testimonials to its transforming power, and the character and distinguishing features of the World Order should be emphasized and explained to the general public, and particularly to eminent friends and leaders sympathetic to its cause, . . .” (Cited in the message from The Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 1965 as found in Messages to America 19321946 p. 62)

Assemblies Present

Proclamation Book

“The Centenary campaign has been opened by The Universal House of Justice presenting to 140 Heads of State a compilation of Bahá’u’lláh’s Own proclamation.” “. . . in the form of a book, the essence of Bahá’u’lláh’s announcement. Entitled ‘The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh’

a general edition will be available to the friends in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.” “. . . The friends must now take the Message to the rest of humanity. The time is ripe . . .” (From Messages from The Universal House of Justice dated October 1967 and Riḍván 1967)

Now that the general edition of this first publication of The Universal House of Justice is available (see elsewhere for details from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust) the book is being presented to the leaders of the nation and the cities by the National Spiritual Assembly and the local Spiritual Assemblies. Letters of presentation to the Vice President, members of the Cabinet, Supreme Court Justices, Senators and members of the House of Representatives are being written by the National Spiritual Assembly. Mayors, local religious leaders, etc., are being approached with this book by the local Spiritual Assemblies.

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Governors and state officials are receiving the books from the capital city local Spiritual Assembly, or the State Goals Committee as agreed upon in each of the several states. Thus another step in the national and local programs of proclamation is being carried on.

In its introduction to The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, The Universal House of Justice expresses the hope that perchance the new rulers, the new people may hear, and that “. . . In th-e same hope and belief the Bahá’í's throughout the world will do their utmost during this centenary period to bring to the attention of their fellow-men the redeeming fact of this new outpouring of divine guidance and love. We believe they will not labor in vain.”

Education of a Bahá’í

One of the few basic principles governing education as expressed in the Bahá’í teachings is that “education and training are mandatory and not voluntary. . . . This principle lays upon the individual himself the command to regard the acquirement of knowledge as a moral obligation. This obligation for Bahá’ís is continuous through life. The Bahá’í is a student to the end of his days.” (From article by Horace Holley printed in World Order magazine of April 1947)

In the recent messages from The Universal House of Justice we find emphasis of one other Bahá’í concept of education; that is, that “the whole person must be educated and not merely the emotional ego or memory processes of the mind.” Or, in other words, The Universal House of Justice is stressing the need of the believers stand His Revelation rather than merely knowing what He has revealed, in order that their lives may be changed. Some brief excerpts from those messages are:

From Riḍván 1967 Message to the Bahá’í World:

“The beloved Guardian wrote, ‘To strive to obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation must, it is my unalterable conviction, remain the first obligation and the object of the constant endeavor of each one of its loyal adherents.’ "

in Bahá’u’lláh to under From Message to the Bahá’í

World, October 1963:

“We . . . must by constant study of the life-giving Word, and by dedicated service, deepen in spiritual understanding . . .”

From Riḍván 1964 Message to the Bahá’í World:

“The healthy development of the Cause requires that this great expansion be accompanied by the dedicated effort of every believer

. in the persistent effort to understand more and more the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.”

From Riḍván 1966 Message to the Bahá’í World:

“Consolidation must comprise not only the establishment of Bahá’í administrative institutions, but a true deepening in the fundamental verities of the Cause and in its spiritual principles, understanding of its prime purpose in the establishment of the unity of mankind, instruction in its standards of behavior in all aspects of private and public life, in the particular practice of Bahá’í life in such things as daily prayer, education of children, observance of the laws of Bahá’í marriage, abstention from politics, the obligation to contribute to the Fund, the importance of the Nineteen-Day Feast and opportunity to acquire a sound knowledge of the present-day practice of Bahá’í administration.”

The believers are guided to some basic Teachings of the Faith by the questions and themes mentioned by The Universal House of Justice in its Riḍván 1967 Message. “The principle of the oneness of mankind,” the “epoch-making changes that constitute the greatest landmarks in the history of human civilization,” “Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose for the human race,” “for what ends did Bahá’u’lláh submit to the appalling cruelties and indignities heaped upon Him,” “what is meant by ‘a new race of men,’ ” “true liberty,” to name a few.

The April issue of the NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW will carry a list of certain basic questions or topics for study, together with some suggested references. In the meantime, the following are some references from which the above themes may be studied, especially during the period of the Fast when all believers turn, more than any other time during the

9

year, to the Holy Writings and to the interpretations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the beloved Guardian. These topics and references were the basis for consultation at the February Conferences called by the National Spiritual Assembly on Proclamation-Eiy pansion-Consolidation, and a mimeographed list was presented everyone who attended.

The Bahá’í concept of the oneness

of mankind.

Reference: “The Goal of a New World Order," The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 41-45

The most challenging issue. Reference: The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 28-34

The crises in spiritual, moral, so cial and political deterioration

(prejudice, materialism, moral

laxity and political confusion).

References: “American Bahá’ís in the Time of World Peril,” Citadel of Faith, pp. 124-128 and 130132.

The paramount goal of teaching, and essential qualities of a teacher.

Reference: Letter from The Universal House of Justice, October 31, 1967, and enclosed extracts, printed in January 1968 Bahá’í News.

God’s purpose for mankind in this age and the two processes set in motion by Him.

Reference: Letter from The Universal House of Justice, December 8, 1967, printed in February 1968 Bahá’í NEWS.

Responsibility of Bahá’ís to the

world of humanity.

References: Letter from The Universal House of Justice to Intercontinental Conference, October 1967, printed in November 1967 BA!-I15.’lC News.

Riḍván 1967 Message from The Universal House of Justice The Promised Day Is Come, p. 26. Letter from The Universal House of Justice, December 8, 1967, printed in February 1968 Bahá’í News.

This nationwide deepening program is to assist the Bahá’ís to attain a “mature, responsible, fundamentally assured and happy way of life, far removed from the passions, prejudices and distractions of present day society,” and to enable them to take to the people of the world the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh.

[Page 10]I A i

Notes

0 Mark Tobey recently received nation-wide publicity when newspapers, radio and television carried the story of one of his paintings called “Autumn Fields” being displayed in the White House and then found to be hung upside down . . . An excellent article on Tobey appeared in the January 8, 1968 issue of the Los Angeles Times. It is titled: “Tobey-Victim of Neglect.” The article mentions that Tobey has been a member of the Bahá’í Faith since 1918. It also tells of the Joyce and Arthur Dahl collection of Tobey paintings that was exhibited at the University of California, Santa Barbara, California . . . In April there will be a major exhibit of Mark Tobey’s paintings in Dallas, Texas . . . Copies of the Mark Tobey book are still available from the Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department at $2.00 per copy.

0 The Fifth Edition of Encyclopedia of Associations, Vol. 1, lists the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. with pertinent details. The book is published by Gale Research Co., Detroit, Mich. . . . Mid-South, The Commercial Appeal Magazine, Memphis, Tenn. in its Dec. 31, 1967 issue has a three page lead feature story on the Bahá’í Faith titled: “We’re All on the Same Ball of Dirt.” It is illustrated with photos and concerns itself with the Memphis Bahá’í Community. It also gives a broad view of the Faith.

0 Many Bahá’ís ask if they can duplicate the tapes sold by Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department. The answer is no. There are several reasons. When copies are made, it is difficult to tell which are the original copies, produced to radio standards. As a result an inferior quality tape could be given to a radio station with bad results. Also if the Bahá’ís don’t buy the tapes produced by Distribution and Service there won’t be funds to produce other tapes and future program production will suffer.

0 The value of the Bahá’í Press Kit was vividly demonstrated recently when the Public Information Department sent a copy of it to a new weekly newspaper on Chicago’s North Shore. As a result of receiving the kit, the editor, in two issues, used the feature-story “Who is Bahá’u’lláh?” in its entirety. A full page was used in each issue and all the photos in the press kit were also used to illustrate the stories. . . . The Press Kit on the Bahá’í Faith is available from Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department for $3.75 each.

Ebony Magazine To Feature Bahá’í Faith

An article honoring the Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation to the Kings and religious leaders of the world will appear in the April 1968 issue of Ebony magazine.

The article will include a number of color photographs taken during the recent Bahá’í Intercontinental Conference in Kampala, Uganda (Africa). Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Beth McKenty has been instrumental in getting the article and has worked with Ebony on the material.

The article will be most useful in attracting new inquirers. The Public Information Department is planning to place a Bahá’í advertisement in a subsequent issue of Ebony. In April 1965 Ebony carried a feature story on the Faith titled: “Bahá’í: A Way of Life for Millions.” The July 1965 issue of the magazine carried a quarter-page advertisement on the Bahá’í Faith which has been one of the most successful ads in terms of responses received.

Communities may place consolidated orders for copies of the April 1968 issue of Ebony i.e. send in one order for all the Bahá’ís in the community who desire copies. Be sure to identify the orders as coming from a Bahá’í community or group.

Orders should be sent to: Circulation Department, Ebony Magazine,

MARCH 1968

1820 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60616. Copies are fifty cents (50c) each. There is no charge for postage. Copies of the April 1968 issue are expected to be on the newstands by March 28 and will be mailed to subscribers during the second and third week of March.

Bahá’í Statement on Human Rights

Copies of the Bahá’í Statement on Human Rights, “Human Rights are God-Given Rights” were sent by the National Spiritual Assembly to all federal and state offices dealing with human rights, human relations or civil rights, to all U.S. Congressmen, Senators and State Governors (except Hawaii and Alaska) and to national organizations involved in support of human rights. Local Bahá’í communities are encouraged to distribute the statement to community leaders and organizations on a local basis.

An official of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a Federal Agency, on receiving the statement wrote: “I was deeply moved upon receiving the splendidly worded statement . . . I shall always cherish it.” One Public Information Representative for a Bahai community stated she attended a local Human Rights Workshop sponsored by the local United Nations Association chapter. She writes, “We were the only persons present who were informed about the proposed High Commissioner’s Office (for Human Rights) and also we were the only organization with a program for the year.”

In the Chicago’s North Shore area, a company printed the Bahá’í Statement on Human Rights as part of a full page advertisement that appeared in some 20 newspapers in the area. The owner of the company had been sent a copy of the statement by the local Bahá’í community.

Many Bahá’í communities have had the statement printed as part of a news release or have taken advertisements in local papers. The reaction to the statement throughout the U.S. in the press has been most favorable and complimentary.

The December 1967 issue of the United Nations Association’s Leadership and Information Program Kit carries mention of the Bahá’í statement and announces that it is available from the National Bahá’í Center.

[Page 11]REVIEW "

PIONEERING OUR FIRST MILLION

“THE FACT THAT omv WE,THE BAHAl’|’S, CAN commurrz FINANCIALLY to THE CAUSE IS

BOTH OUR HONOR AND OUR CHA|.|.ENGE.” from Ri¢jvo'n 1967 Message Universal House of Justice

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS THROUGH JAN. 3| $726,150

S6l8,333

_¢/ST;>_:r.—\¢ 5530.000 An Uphill Pull Requires the Help of EVERYONE To Make the Grade

NOTE: Figures shown above are for last day of month.

NATIONAL BAHA'l FUND “‘°“.5.“"" Monthly Income: 1967-1968

A Le‘|'+er to the Treasurer

mo Dear Friends:

Monthly_

"883 Budget

Every time I “empty the cup” it is

refilled so quickly that it keeps me busy emptying it again. The enclosed I offer in memory of my sister __j__, who died

recently.

With appreciation of the guidance

and work you give us.

Gratefully and sincerely,

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Special Contributions I Other Income

Intercontinental Conference

Number of Assemblies Contributing in January: 269 (72% 0! Total)

[Page 12]I2

BAHA’I DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Northern California Davis: Local Spiritual Assembly, c/o P.O. Box 578, 95616 Sacramento Municipal Court District: Mrs. Frances McCune, 4237 Elkhorn Blvd., Sacramento 95660

Central California Dist. No. 1 Mountain View: Mr. David Baral, Box 6543, Stanford 94305 Walnut Creek: Mr. Elmer Dearborn, 1240 Running Spring

MARCH 1968

Rd., No. 1, 94529

Southern California Dist. No. 3

Santa Barbara-Goleta J.D.: Mrs. Esther Singer, 627 Torrey

Pl., Goleta 93017

Santa Maria: Mrs. Josanne McAndrew, pro-tem, 1023 W.

Cypress St., 93454 Northern Illinois

Rock Island: Mrs. Mary A. Scott, 564 - 19th Ave., 61201

Louisiana

Baton Rouge: Miss Linda Gladney, pro-tem, P.O. Box 1861,

70821 Michigan

East Lansing: Dr. Keyvan Nazerian, Chr., 663 Tarleton,

48823 Ohio

Dayton: Mrs. Victoria C. Richards, 3057 Nicholas Rd., 45408

Oregon

Corvallis: Mrs. Donalee Blaine, P.O. Box 309, 97330

STATE GOALS COMMITTEE SECRETARIES

Maine

Miss Claire Kaufman, 14 Lancey St., Pittsfield 04967

New Hampshire

Mrs. Ruth Hampson, East Hebron 03232

in Memoriam

Joseph Hillaire Bainbridge Island, Wash. December 29, 1967

Wilbert W. Hogan New Orleans, La. No date

Mrs. Doris F. Jankins West Brookfield, Mass. December 30, 1967

Mrs. Olive Kincaid Palm Springs, Calif. January 16, 1968

Mrs. Maytie E. Kiser Staunton, Va. January 23, 1968

Bertram E. Lee Milwaukee, Wisconsin January 4, 1968

Mrs. Nancy W. Lineberger Covina, Calif. January 2, 1968

William Montgomery Healdsburg, Calif. August 1965

Daniel Moreno San Francisco, Calif. No date

Mrs. Madeline E. Rogers Beverly, Mass. January 13, 1968

Mrs. Harriet M. Saunders Newark, New Jersey January 15, 1968

Mrs. Eva J. Turner Cleveland, Ohio January 1, 1968

Mrs. Violet W. Turner Ith-ac'a, N.Y. November 1966

Mrs. Margaret Wyandt Shawnee Twp., Ohio January 4, 1968

Miss Ophelia B. Crum Colorado Springs, Colo. January 31, 1968

Miss Edna Wright Toledo, Ohio November 1967

Bahá’í House of Worship Daily Visiting Hours 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday Devotions 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday Public Meetings 3:45 p.m. Firesides

Sunday, 4:45 p.m. Thursday, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Deepening Class Tuesday, 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Calendar of Events Feasts ‘ March 2 — ‘Ala’ (Loftiness) March 21 — Baha (Splendor) April 9 — Jalél (Glory) April 28 — Jamal (Beauty) Days of Fasting March 2-21 Holy Days March 21 — Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year) Feast of Riḍván — April 21-May 2 Proclamation Event March 21, 1968 — Naw-Rúz Auxiliary Board Team Conferences March 23-24 — Kansas City, Missouri March 30-31 — Akron, Ohio April 6-7 — Seattle, Washington U.S. National Spiritual Assembly Meeting March 29-31 U.S. National Bahá’í Convention May 23-26

Naw-Rúz

Naw-Rúz, March 21st. can be most effectively used as a day to proclaim the Bahá’í Faith. This can be done by news releases explaining the Bahá’í New Year and by special get togethers to which friends of the Faith are invited to join with Bahá’ís in observing the day.

There is a need to develop some American traditions for what is done on Naw Ruz. This day is a day of great joy for Bahá’ís. In fran it is celebrated by picnics, festal gatherings with music, prayers, short talks, etc.

Some suggested ways for observing Naw-Rúz are: a potluck dinner, a formal dinner, picnic, party, public meeting, open house (with refreshments), music festival, children’s parties, etc.

A Public Information Kit for Naw-Rúz was sent to all Public Information Representatives and provides suggestions for observing the day and sample press and radio releases.

Send reports and good pictures promptly to: PUBLIC INFORMATION DEPARTMENT, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ilinois 60091.