National Bahá’í Review/Issue 31/Text

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[Page 1]

A Message from the Continental Board of Counsellors

Beloved Friends:

From all sides we hear how inspired, and how moved to action, you are by the November 16 letter of the Universal House of Justice addressed to the Bahá’ís of the World, and which you have individually received. Certainly that letter was a spirit—stimulating reaffirmation by our infallible Supreme Body that each Bahá’í, no matter how long or brief a time in the Faith, no matter what background or condition, has the power to attract souls to our beloved Cause. It gave dignity and responsibility to each one of us. It did not ask us to do more than we can do. But it powerfully called upon us to do what we can do. It urged us into activity that is as urgent as drawing breath — for only as we serve this Cause of the Holy Spirit can we draw in the breath of spiritual life.

Again and again Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Guardian have given basic ways as to how we, each one of us, ‘can successfully establish the Faith. Now the Universal House of Justice has distilled that guidance into an application for NOW—-— this minute, this hour, this year, as well as forever. They wrote: “It is now imperative for every Bahá’í to set for himself individual teaching goals . . . lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year . . . hold a Bahá’í fireside in one’s home every Bahá’í month. . . . Many have capacities to do even more, but this alone will assure final and complete victory for the Plan.”

The Counsellors and the Auxiliary Board members of North America are prayerfully eager to assist you in every possible way. We are eager to listen to your

individual plans to spread the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh — of ‘

how you, just you, plan to tell of it to your friends and neighbors. Then we can share your stimulating ideas with

others and thereby assist them to attain individual teaching plans. We are eager to consult with you and thereby together arrive at new and exciting ways of developing all hidden resources. The potential of each one of us is unlimited. Our search for that potential, and our active use of it in service to the Faith, can be termed a “Grand Adventure.”

Here is the way by which members of our institution may be contacted. Local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, and Individuals may write directly to the Continental Board of Counsellors. P.O. Box 369. Santa Paula, California 93060. They may also directly contact the Auxiliary Board members who are assigned to the areas in which the believers reside. A new listing of those areas will be published in the near future. National committees make their contact with this institution through their National Spiritual Assembly. In the United States, State Goals Committees may directly contact the Auxiliary Board members assigned to their states, following carefully the directive lines set for them by that National Assembly. The Regional Goals Committees of Canada follow a similar line of contact. A similar pattern is followed in Alaska.

Along with you, we pray that this year will be the year in which each’ believer recognizes, without ego yet with great pride and joy, that through putting his powers to teach his fellow men into action, he or she has become the Apostle of Bahá’u’lláh!

Deepest and warmest love,

Lloyd G. Gardner Edna M. True Florence V. Mayberry

[Page 2]JULY ‘1970

Calling All French-Speaking Believers

“The teachers traveling in different directions must know the language of the country in which they will enter.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 21 .

The Universal House of justice, in a letter of May 14 written to eleven National Spiritual Assemblies with unfilled French-speaking goals, calls for pioneers knowing French to arise immediately to fill these posts throughout the world. The letter states: 0 o 0 “Because of the shortness of time and the urgency of the situation we are calling upon all National Assemblies to whom this letter is addressed to locate as many French-speaking pioneers as possible in their area who can be dispatched in the near future to their posts. This should be regarded as a supplemental assignment and the pioneers may be sent to any goals regardless of the National Assembly to which the goal was originally assigned to provide manpower.

C C C

“Because of the great need to develop Frenchspeaking areas of the world please consider the quotas of pioneers as minimums. Additional pioneers over and above the minimums will be most welcome.

“We shall offer you loving prayers at the Holy Shrines for the success of your endeavors.

With warm Bahd’I'greetings, The Universal House of Justice”

All of these goals which are known to be unfilled at the present time are listed below together with the number needed in each goal.

NUMBER OF COUNTRY PIONEERS AFRICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

East Cameroon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Central African Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Congo (Brazzaville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4

Gabon . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . .. 1

Congo (Kinshasa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..l3

Dahomey , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3

Togo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,. 4

Niger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3

Malagasy Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6

Reunion Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Afar and Isa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5

Senegal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Ivory Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. I

AMERICAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..l6

Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Haiti , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6

Leeward, Windward & Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6

French Guiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

AUSTRALASIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . .10

New Caledonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5

Marquesas Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Tuamotu Archipelago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Society Islands . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3

EUROPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9

Belgium . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Corsica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Luxembourg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3

Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Write to: International Goals Committee, H2 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091; phone: 312-256-4400.

Visitors and Traveling

Teachers for Africa

The Continental Pioneer Committee for Africa hopes that any Bahá’í who is planning to attend the Oceanic Conference on Mauritius Island in August 1970, or the Conference which will be held in Liberia in January 1971, will “make one or a few stops on the way to and from these two Conferences” and help fill “the desperate needs of the African countries for visitors and traveling teachers.” The Committee will assist in working out a teaching program

and give the necessary addresses of Bahá’ís in these countries of Africa.

Persons who can accept this challenge to serve “will be amply rewarded by their experiences in the African countries.” Send your details of availability to the National Spiritual Assembly, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, as soon as possible.

[Page 3]REVIEW

3

The Propitious HourNaiional Convention 1970

The outside world reverberated with news of war, of violence in the cities of the world, of separatism, of moral decay, of political intrigue and crumbling institutions as some 1500 members of the Bahá’í Faith in the United States met beneath the dome of the Mother Temple of the West to hear the delegates, convened for the 61st National Convention, discuss ways to spread the spiritual balm that alone can heal the ills of the body politic. The stage is set; the hour is propitious; the signal of the Universal House of Justice is sounded; the battalions of believers are moving into position for the spiritual conquest of this revered nation.

The 1970 Riḍván message of the Universal House of Justice set the keynote, pointing to the “demonstrated ability (to) scale heights (of) devotion (and) sacrifice (to) win astonishing victories (for this) world redeeming, world healing, world uniting Faith.” The same message revealed the formation of eleven national spiritual assemblies throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Australasia, raising to ninety-four the number of supporting pillars for the Universal House of Justice. The expansion of the Boards of Counsellors and the Auxiliary Boards, the achievements in pioneering, proclamation, and recognition of the Faith, the geometric increase of youth enrollments, the acquisition of properties, the commencement ‘of the construction of the Panama Temple — all reflect the phenomenal surge of the Faith since Rid van 1969 and the anticipation of an even more dramatic and unprecedented growth this year.

The message from the Continental Board of Counsellors of North America cited a stupendous growth in Canada and the United States within months and the arising of Alaskans on a level never before evidenced to serve as “one soul in many bodies.” The Board called for the cultivation of those virtues which alone can assure the ultimate triumph of the Cause of God.

Convention Themes

Threaded throughout the Convention were themes of urgency, challenge, sacrifice, and confidence. Repeatedly the theme for Bahá’í Year 127 was stated: the accomplishment of all United States goals by Riḍván 1971, allowing thus, for the remaining two-year period of the Nine ‘Year Plan, for opportunities to lend assistance, as may be needed, in other areas of the world. “The Army of Light can achieve such victories as will astonish mankind.”

A message from Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, his warmth undiminished by the means of communication, supported the argument, for we are members of that company chosen by God’s grace to serve as His instruments in these turbulent times.

The gathering heard the news of large numbers of believers coming into the Faith within weeks from the red clay of Dawson, Georgia, the arid lands of Bogalusa, Louisiana, the hamlet of Adams Run, South Carolina, from hundreds of towns across the nation where Bahá’ís have never lived before, and from towns long dormant of Bahá’í activity.

And they heard examples of a spiritual fervor of sacrifice on the part of old and young alike in support of the National Bahá’í Fund.

There were exhilarating statistics: of 519 local spiritual assemblies in the United States — only eighty-one short of the Nine Year Plan goal of 600; of 223 pioneers who have gone forth; of 2779 Bahá’í localities in the nation.

During the opening session, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, chairman, announced that five Persian students en route from Louisiana to the Convention had been involved in an automobile accident in which two died. He called to mind that tragedy has indeed accompanied every phase of growth. but that death is no obstacle. Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts said that grief serves to unify, to melt the hearts, to draw out mysterious powers within us. “Our hearts ache, but this will unite us.” And through the bond of prayer for the departed, which was recited at a memorial on Friday evening, there was the spirit of heightened unity.

The National Assembly Report

On Friday morning, Glenford Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, reported the accomplishments of the American Bahá’ís at every level, accomplishments which culminated with our first real taste of mass conversion in the United States. There had been a thirty per cent increase in adult enrollments, a forty per cent increase in youth membership.

Growth was indicated in other ways: meetings. publications, buildings, recognition of the Faith by others. Conferences spanned the areas of teaching in the Deep South. of teaching among the Indians and the Spanish-Americans, setting into action the spiritual dynamics needed, and implicit in the Writings.

Publications from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust included the Wellspring of Guidance, the Messages to the Bahá’í World from The Universal House of Justice from 1963 through 1968, and a revised edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, now appearing on bookstands throughout the nation in paperback.

Building advancements, highlighted by the spiritual linking of the Americas in the beginning of the construction of the Panama House of Worship, included improvements in National Center arrangements, a new exterior lighting system for the Wilmette House of Worship, the ‘start at cleaning of the exterior of that edifice, and the consolidation of special service materials into the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, as that agency moved to its newly enlarged facilities.

Wider recognition of the Faith came through the forty premiere showings, and subsequent numerous other presentations, of the film “A New Wind”; through the oneminute TV spot announcements; through the winning of the Silver Anvil Award and other honors; and through the entertainment at the House of Worship of various officials from around the world. Proclamation meetings and Bahá’í information weeks, gifts of books to libraries and public officials, were among the activities reported for this momentous year of growth.

National Days of Sacrifice

In its report, the National Spiritual Assembly credited the Naw-Rúz Frogmore Conference for having generated a monumental spiritual force. In that gathering, on the tranquil island of St. Helena in South Carolina, more than two hundred radiated a spiritual excitement, leading sixty persons to arise for pioneering and consolidation teaching.

[Page 4]4

This led to the opening of fifteen new target towns in the South, to the preparation of mass teaching materials. and to the giving of $3,500 to the National Bahá’í Fund. From this materially poor, but spiritually rich, area came the impetus for the National Days of Sacrifice for a sacrificial outpouring of gifts and money to the National Fund.

The report emphasized the momentum of the weeks prior to the Convention, and referred to the conferences across the nation at which members of the National Spiritual Assembly presented unprecedented appeals for the National Fund. Dr.’ Dwight Allen, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, referred to the mounting $400,000 deficit of a few months ago, to possibilities of cutbacks in teaching efforts, and to the $185,000 that poured in from the Days—of-Sacrifice meetings, which, together with reduction and postponement in certain activities. made it possible to come to the Convention with a deficit of about $62,500 instead of $300,000.

Dr. Allen called for universal participation in giving. and for sharing with new Bahá’ís the bounty and importance of contributing to the building of the New World Order. On the wings of faith and in the spirit of victory. the body of delegates unanimously approved the unprecedented $2,000,000 budget for the new year. The word was that our national Bahá’í needs, our part in assisting the World Center and in the building of the Panama House of Worship, could be met without sacrifice —-if all participated.

Procla mation and Pioneering

Home front and minority teaching took center stage in discussion on Friday afternoon. Richard Betts stressed the drop in loss of local spiritual assemblies and the rise in the number of new assemblies. Miss Magdeline Carney of the Deep South Committee spoke of a “new breed” that teaches immediately. that inspires new believers to arise and do likewise. She stated that we must revamp all of our former approaches and materials; she called for a deeper commitment of pioneers to stay in the blossoming areas which they visit. Mrs. Soo Fouts focused on a higher expectation level in enrollments, saying that heretofore. “We have beenlulled to a ‘one-at-a-time’ mentality.”

From the world of publicity, Salvatore Pelle spoke of calendars listing Bahá’í days, encyclopedias expanding their articles. banks requesting Bahá’í posters, resorts presenting “A New Wind,” publications here and abroad featuring articles on the Faith, schools and organizations requesting speakers, and radio and television stations opening to mention of the Faith.

Progress in pioneering was the concentration Friday evening following the commemoration of the Riḍván Feast. Mrs. Louise Wold indicated that our goals for the Americas have been filled, except for Brazil, Venezuela, and Surinam. Yet, other goals remain. Among those answering the call to pioneer was Mrs. Maurine Kraus of the International Goals Committee and four members of the Iowa State Goals Committee. Other valiant servants of the Cause responded to the call in the closing hours of the Convention.

A clear directive emerged from the consultation contributions of Negro, Indian, and Spanish-American speakers: Learn from the people, live with them, stay with them. Together, raise up heroes!

JULY 1970

A Session for Non—Delegates

While delegates prayerfully voted Saturday morning to elect the new National Spiritual Assembly (at the near—by National College of Education), non-delegates attended a special session in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship. A slide film from the Universal House of Justice reflected strides of the Faith in spite of the mounting torments of the present world.

A beautiful (taped) address of the late Hand of the Cause Mrs. Dorothy Baker was played at one point. She was reminding the friends in 1953 that the Guardian had continually mentioned the dark-skinned people of our land. Almost twenty years since her talk. we are finally beginning to reach them, and now the horizon has been expanded to include the Indian, the Spanish. and the Oriental Americans.

A report of the Youth Committee commented on the meeting of the five-year youth goals as enrollments zoom, as youth increasingly join the ranks of pioneers.

Robert Phillips accented, “We are not descendants of the Dawn-Breakers by inheritance, but by achievement.” He reported that 124 college clubs now dot the land; that high school clubs are a little harder to arrange, but eleven of the twenty goals have already been founded; that those who have become exhilarated with the news from the South might think seriously about directing their steps to Montana, Nevada, and the Dakotas — the South has arisen, but there are vast areas practically untouched by the light of Bahá.

Focusing on the teaching method that is producing excitement among the blacks in Dawson, Mrs. Eleanor Lombard, pioneer there, described her method of presenting the Message there, welcoming those waiting souls to help build the world of peace in the fold of Bahá’u’lláh.

National Assembly Announced

On Saturday evening the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly was introduced to a standing-room audience of believers in Foundation Hall. Following its election the Assembly had met, and announced its officers for the Year 127. The Assembly: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh. chairman; Dr. Daniel Jordan, vice-chairman; Mr. Glenford Mitchell, secretary; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, assistant secretary; Dr. Dwight Allen, treasurer; Mr. Franklin Kahn, Mr. Jack McCants, Dr. Dorothy Nelson, and Dr. Sarah Pereira. Each was presented to the Saturday evening gathering— Mr. Kahn was absent due to illnessand with dignity, spirituality, and humor they responded to questions from the delegates. A report of the Bahá’í Schools Committee, by Dr. Fred Littman, previewed summer plans and materials. Dr. Jordan closed the Saturday evening session with comments on Bahá’í education for children, emphasizing the course-setting period of the early years of life.

The Climactic, Closing Session

The closing convention session on Sunday morning, climactic in its inspiration, presented Auxiliary Board member Dr. Peter Khan. He called attention to the protection of the Covenant, to the unmatched continuance of guidance in this Dispensation under the aegis of the Bab, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian, and now the Universal House of Justice.

Miss Edna True, member of the Board of Counsellors of North America, stressed the need to draw upon the Holy

[Page 5]REVIEW 5 Spirit: “We of ourselves are absolutely nothing . . . we

have seen what will happen when a moth is changed into

an eagle.”

Recalling those valiant souls now in the Abhá Kingdom, various tributes were made to them throughout the Convention, such as that to Mrs. Mamie Seto. Mrs. Javiduflt Qadem spoke of the life of service of a fellow Auxiliary Board member, Curtis Kelsey, a life-long servant of the Cause.

Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Auxiliary Board member, introduced the distinguished Hand of the Cause Mr. John Robarts. Mr. Robarts emphasized, “What is needed is the awakening of all the believers.” He stressed that every Bahá’í should set teaching goals for himself, and that the long obligatory prayer and the “Remover of difficulties” prayer be drawn upon for their divine power.

This final address by Mr. Robarts, so full of love and warmth and humor. gave the gathering a direct appreciation of those celestial energies that are pouring out upon us from the Concourse on High when we rush into the arena of service. He said, “How glorious the challenge from the Universal House of Justice — asking for more of everything! . . . This is not our Cause, it is God’s. He will assist us when we serve Him. The masses are ready, but they don’t know where to find their Lord. Lift up your voices and proclaim His Cause.”

Earlier in the session, Miss True, emphasizing the Báb’s call to the Letters of the Living, had read: “Arise in His name, put your trust wholly in Him, and be assured of ultimate victory.”

P Youth Deepening Portfolios

Two new deepening portfolios, prepared by the National Teaching Committee (Youth and Student Activities), are now available. Designed for use in a group deepening situation, the portfolios contain instructions for use. While this material can be used for individual deepening, it is felt that a group deepening situation, where everyone in the group has a copy of the material, is more effective, especially for large numbers of new Bahá’í youth. The material was generated in the hope of providing interesting and meaningful deepening experiences to youth, inspiring direct research of the Writings.

These portfolios are recommended to Bahá’í communities experiencing large-scale enrollment among youth; to youth committees of local Spiritual Assemblies; and to individual youth who want to start deepening classes. Not only youth but all Bahá’ís can benefit from using this material.

A New World Order, Deepening Portfolio No. 1, deals with Bahá’u’lláh and His mission, the special mission of Bahá’í youth, the Convenant and the Administrative Order, consultation, Bahá’ís in society and in their private lives, and other subjects of special youth interest. A New Race of Men, Deepening Portfolio No. 2, covers such subjects as courtesy, reverence, cleanliness, sacrifice, and obedience. Attractively produced, size 8‘/zx 11, illustrated with drawings by Mark Fennessy.

A New World Order: Per copy $1-00; 20/$15-00 A New Race of Men: Per copy $0.60; 20/$10.00 Order through your community librarian from Bahá’í

Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

Pioneer Goals

Number assigned, Riḍván 1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 305 Number outstanding, Riḍván 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 82

Local Spiritual Assemblies

Total at Riḍván 1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440 Lost at Riglvén 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 New and restored, Riḍván 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 88 Total at Riḍván 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 519 Localities Total at Riclvan 1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,400 Gained during Year 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 379 Total at Riḍván 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,779

_Nationa| Budget

Fiscal Year 1970-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$2,000,000 Special Panama Temple Fund . . . . . . . . . . . ..$ 100,000 "National Spiritual Assembly letter of May 15, 1970

National Bahá’í Fund

"THE YEAR": 1970-I97!

250,000 200.000

l50,000

I 00,000

50,000

E E ff 5%’ 3 3 E’ 33 ii i7 INCOME" Fiscal Year May 1970 lo Dofe

Eegulalr gonirlturions S 62,424.52 $|64,862.32 pecla on r: u Ions 34,359.60 42,359.60

Total Contributions . .. s 96,784.12 $207,221.93

Estates . . . . . . l0,l35.52 l4,209.96 other lncome \ 4,370.27 4,574.76 Total Income . , ‘$| I |,289.9| $226,006.64}

Budget . $125,000.00 $50,000.00.

[Page 6]6 JULY 1970 ASIA Goals to be Filled Immediately’ Afghanistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Japan , . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5

AFRICA Kazakhstan (CP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Laos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Afar 8; Isa (French Terr.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Portuguese Timor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Botswana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Near East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4

Cameroon Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . .. 2 Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Central African Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Ukraine (CP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Congo (Kinshasa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . _ . . . . . . .. 3 Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Dahomey . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Eiiiiciepilafiiliifliffffiiffliiffffffffiffiiflii AUSTRALASIA Gabon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . _ . . . . .. . 1 Solomon‘ Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Ivory Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Gilbert and Ellice Is. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Lesotho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Western Samoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Malawi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4

Niger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 EUROPE

South West Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

St. Helena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Azores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3

Swaziland . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . .. 2

Togo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . .. 2 Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3

Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3

AMERICAS Netherlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Dominican Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Portugal . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1

Jamaica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

SHfiflam - . . - - . . . - . - . - - . - . » - . . - . - - . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . - -. 2 * As of June 10. These goals have, in a few instances, fairly firm

Venezuela _ . , _ _ _ _ , _ . _ _ _ _ _ A , , _ _ . _ , _ _ _ _ _ , _ _ , _ _ _ . _ , _ , . _ _ ,11 commitments, but the potential pioneers have yet to go to their posts.

All applications or inquiries should be sent to: INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091 312-256-4400

Construction Worker N eeded

There is an excellent job opportunity for a construction worker skilled in concrete work, especially if he has been a foreman. A large dam is being constructed near Santiago, capital of the Dominican Republic. The salary is over $1,000.00 a month, U.S. dollars.

Employment Possibilities In Botswana

Two (2) interns for Medical Department

One (1) dairy officer for Agricultural Department

One (1) personal secretary for Department of Justice

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please call or write: INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMIT TEE, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Telephone: (312) 256-4400.

Revised —. Edition Available

Baha"~I’ Revelation (British)

A revised edition of this book (which has been temporarily unavailable) has now been received from the British Publishing Trust. A compilation from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and from talks by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, this title contains excerpts from such Bahá’í' works as The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh, Baha"2’ World Faith, Paris Talks, The Promised Day Is Come. 338 pp. indexed.

Cloth . . . . . . . . . . . . ..(new price) $3.50 Order through your community librarian from Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

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[Page 7]REVIEW

The Dedicated Eilort

. the dedicated effort of every believer in teaching, in living the Bahci’I’life, incontributing to the Fund, and particularly in the persistent effort to understand more and more the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.”—Universal House of Justice message of April, 1964; Wellspring of Guidance, p. 37.

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N.T.C. provides for administrative guidance and coordination of Minority Teaching

Early this year. John Cook came from Phoenix, Arizona, to the National Center to become the administrative assistant for the National Teaching Committee’s Office of Minority Teaching. This committee has four advisory committees to help guide the work of increasing minority enrollment in the Faith. The committees are: the Bahá’í Indian Council, the Deep South Committee, the Urban Ghetto Committee, and the Spanish—Speaking Committee. The committees are as diverse as their names suggest. It is John Cook’s job to provide administrative guidance and coordination to all of them.

A 1964' Universal House of Justice message instructed the National Spiritual Assembly to “increase efforts to enroll under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh a greater number of believers from minority groups, especially Chinese, Japanese, Spanish-speaking people, as well as Indians and Negroes.”

Advisory Bodies Formed

The four special advisory committees were formed to find ways of doing this. As they began their work, it became obvious that someone was needed to help direct and coordinate their efforts. “I have to make sure they are organically involved.” John says. “A lot of our teaching plans can be done in abstract with really very little to do with actual teaching efforts. That’s why it’s important at this stage for each of these committees to lead the teaching work by example.”

Spanish-S peaking

The Spanish-Speaking Committee was created to reach the Mexican-Americans of the Southwest. When the committee was formed in early March in El Paso, Texas, John Cook was present and active in its planning. The current project of this committee involves a teaching and proclamation program in conjunction with the Spiritual Assembly of El Paso. A proclamation event was co-sponsored by the committee and the assembly on May 9-10. The committee has another teaching project going in Guadalupe, Arizona, a small town south of Phoenix that is half Yaqui Indian and half Mexican—American.

U rba n G hetto

The Urban Ghetto Committee is following the same approach as the Spanish-Speaking Committee. It is study

John Cook, co-o-rdinator of minorities committees.

ing plans for mass teaching among Negroes in the nation’s ghettos and will be choosing a site for a pilot project.

Bahá’í Indian Council

Unlike those committees that are localized, the Indian Council’s activities and responsibilities cover the entire United States. The council is planning a deepening conference for Bahá’ís of Indian background. It will be held on the Navajo Indian Reservation at Chinle, Arizona, on June 12-14.

The Indian Council also plans to set up a permanent teaching institute, possibly near Santa Fé, New Mexico. The institute would provide deepening for Bahá’í Indians as well as being a training center for pioneers to Indian reservations.

Special L.S.A. Projects

Although there is no committee set up to reach OrientalAmericans, two local assemblies, one in San Francisco, California, the other in Seattle, Washington, are engaged in special projects to contact the Japanese- and ChineseAmerican minorities in their areas. In these cases, it is John Cook’s job to work directly with these communities as they develop proclamation and teaching plans for the Oriental-American population.

Most Active Body

The Deep South Committee is the best known and, currently, the most active of the minority-oriented committees. Considering its level of activity and the success the committee members have had in coordinatiing the teaching efforts in the rural South, John says, “I learn from them.”

This committee is making plans for mass teaching in the South this summer. It is also working on the development of the Bahá’í property in Frogmore, South Carolina. as a teacher training institute.

Committee Impact

Although three of the four minority committees have existed for less than one year, their activities have already had an impact on the Bahá’í Faith in the United States. As a result of their success, the entire method by which the Faith is taught, consolidated, and administered is coming under re-examination by the National Teaching staff. For, as Mr. Cook says, “The statement of the Universal House of Justice on ‘teaching the masses’ is immediately applicable to our teaching efforts in the United States."

The increased enrollment of ethnic minorities will enable the Bahá’í Faith to be more representative of the diverse elements comprising this country and more demonstrative of the unity and oneness of mankind.

[Page 8]Proclaiming the Faith to the Public

This issue of the National Bahá’í’ Review carries a list of the special event days for proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the public during 1970-71.

Each year these special days have brought more and more publicity to the Faith, and they continue to be an effective method of proclamation at the local level. For each of these events the National Bahá’í Public Information Office provides, months in advance, suggestions for their observance, sample press releases, radio and television announcements, sample proclamations, and other appropriate information. In the case of United Nations Day and Human Rights Day, the National Spiritual Assembly’s Committee for the United Nations prepares such material for use at the local level.

The events listed represent the minimum which the National Spiritual Assembly desires every Bahá’í locality—assembly, group, and individual—to use in proclaiming the Faith to the public and in establishing relations with a larger circle of acquaintances. All such events should be directly sponsored, announced, and conducted under Bahá’í auspices. and their Bahá’í identity is not to be submerged in an interorganizational arrangement; exceptions to this are United Nations Day and Human Rights Day which are officially sponsored by the United Nations and its Associations, and for these cosponsorship or cooperation with other local organizations is encouraged where appropriate. As in the past, many localities will also use occasions other than those listed to proclaim the Faith in their communities.

There are different ways in which these special event days can be observed. Where there is a large Bahá’í membership. public meetings. or other gatherings, AND publicity can be used. Where only one or two Bahá’ís are in a locality and they cant hold public observances, they can, as a minimum, send the publicity to the local news media.

With each public information kit or UN Committee kit supplied for the above events, a report form is included which requests a report to be sent to the appropriate agency. Bahá’í communities and groups holding events in conjunction with these days should document them well and, if at all possible, photograph the activities. The story of these observances will, along with photos, appear in

future issues of Baha”1' News, the National Bahá’í'

Review, or the American Baha"{.

Further details on the events, particularly on planning and materials to be used, will appear in future issues of the National Bahá’í’ Review and the Public Information Newsletter.

Bahá’í House of Worship

Wilmette, Illinois

Daily Visiting Hours 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday Devotions 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday Public Meetings

3:45 p.m.

JULY 1970

California

South Gate Bahá’ís were the only religious organization to enter a float in the Azalea Festival, a yearly affair sponsored by civic officials of South Gate. These officials are now completely aware of the Faith, and some have expressed an interest in attending firesides.

The entry was “mostly the efforts of a newly declared member (who) learned of the Faith as a child, but like so many young people, married a non-member and became engrossed in her family . . . (and being) an active civic member of the community.”

The Bahá’í float at the South Gate, California, amtual azalea festival.

Book Presentations The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh

To Los Angeles County Supervisor Ernest E. Debs by the Spiritual Assembly of West Hollywood, California, with Chairman David Bond and Recording Secretary Selma Solomon representing the Assembly.

To Mayor E. S. Burns of Muscatine, Iowa, who expressed himself as somewhat familiar with Hugh and Margaret Chance’s efforts in the Faith. Participating in the presentation: Robert and Bette Putnam and Karen Pallischeck of Muscatine, and Mrs. Ruth Moffett of Des Moines. Since then, the mayor has said he has “many questions” as he had read halfway through the book.

Mrs. Mary Greenblatt, Riaz Masrour, Jeriann Simmons. and Mike Pilotti participated in the presentation made to the Mayor of Lubbock, Texas, W. D. Rogers, during Bahá’í Week, February 22-28.

The placement of books in Dutchess County, initiated more than a year ago, has continued through the combined efforts of Mrs. Constance Nenni of Fishkill and Dr. Mary Tomanio of Beacon. They have distributed a total of fifty-two books, and in doing so have made sure that the youth in the five local colleges will have Bahá’í literature at their disposal to complete their real education. Plans are to seek placement in several hospitals and libraries in small towns in the months ahead.

Among those accepting donations of books are: The New Paltz University State College, where nine books were placed after contact with a Bahá’í student there; Vassar College of Poughkeepsie accepted twelve books through Professor Pfeutze, who has known of the Faith for several years and visited Bahá’í Shrines in Haifa; and the Newburgh Free Library, five books.

[Page 9]REVIEW

Ca nawash International Council Fire

On the shores of beautiful Lake Osoyoos in Osoyoos State Park. Oroville, Washington, three hundred individuals gathered for the first international Council Fire known as Canawash. Varying shades of skin-color and types of dress were apparent all over the park. A relaxed atmosphere existed, and the songs of today’s religion rang out as the Jin-’ai Singers entertained the throng.

The joy of sharing prayers. songs. and the blessings of this day was surely a rewarding experience for all who were there. Apple blossoms were still in bloom all over the countryside, making the scenery even» more pleasant.

At the main dinner. which was furnished free, there was a declaration by a young lady of the Blackfoot Tribe. followed shortly by enrollment of a Yakima Indian girl. Later, the program was interrupted once more with the news of a Canadian lady enrolling; a little later by the declaration of a Colville Indian man, and then his wife. Eight declarations have since followed, making a total of thirteen for the Council Fire. What rejoicing, that there are now thirteen more teachers for the Cause of God!

Many prayers were offered for one soul whose presence was sincerely felt, although she has recently passed on to the Abhá Kingdom: Mrs. Modelle Mudd, who with her husband, Foster, founded the Council Fires in Washington and whose dearest wish was to teach the Faith among the Indian people. A memorial was written and read in her honor by Ruby Fields.

"Duncan Brown was master of ceremonies, representing the National Teaching Committee and the Bahá’í Indian Council. He spoke briefly of the importance of the Indian and the Indians role in the Bahá’í Faith.

The town of Oroville will never be the same. Many local people came to observe what they expected to be a “rock" festival, and were impressed by the spiritual atmosphere. Many stayed to listen. The park ranger said he was pleased with the peaceful gathering.

Much work and planning went into the Council Fire; and through the loving co-operation of the Okanagan Valley Goals Committee of Canada, the Eastern Washington State Goals Committee, the Spiritual Assembly of Toppenish, and, of course, Roger and Patrice Olsen of Oroville, this hands-across—the-border meeting was a momentous occasion.

The Jin’-ai Singers entertain, Saturday evening, May 9.

.3 ’ .1; \.- -.

Some of the Indians present at the Canawash Council Fire, May 9-10. Left to right: (Back row) Marie John (Yakima); Odelia Joe (Kyuquat, B.C.); Jim Lavadour (Walla Walla); Lorraine Thomas (Cree); Roger Swakum (Thompson, B.C.); Stanley Smith (Tlingit, Yukon); Joyce Cronin (Kwakiutl); Harvey Pauleau (Carriar, B.C.); Ernist McDougall (Colville); Duncan Brown (Yakima); Bill John (Thompson, B.C.); (front row) Alice McDougall (Thompson, B.C.); Francis Jack (Sailfish, B.C.); Tom Pierr (Colville); Rod Harris (Stalle'o); Noll Darrekson (West Bank, B.C.); Ronnie Albert (Thompson, B.C.).

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Kamyar Arjomand Cincinnati. Ohio April 30. 1970

Ben Ashell Santa Maria. California February 19. 1970

Charles Cater Tacoma. Washington April 13.1970

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Mrs. Virginia Crockett New London. Missouri No Date

Shahram Dehnad Baton Rouge. Louisiana April 30. 1970

Mrs. Anna Ellis Salinas. California May 5. 1970

Peter Falzoni Port Richey. Florida No Date

Mrs. Lillian P. Golden Keysville. Georgia April 12, 1970

Charles Harris LaGrange Park. Illinois April 1. 1970

Bruce Hogue Stockton, California April 9. 1970

Joseph Guy LaPointe Oakland. California June 20, 1969

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IN MEMORIAM

William LaVeen Evergreen. Colorado April 4. 1970

Mrs. Hilda Yank Sing Yen Male

Riverdale. New York March 18. 1970

Mrs. Modelle Mudd

Fort Qu'Appelle

Saskatchewan. Canada May 4. 1970

Mrs. Helen Roach San Anselmo. California May 1. 1970

Mrs. Ruth Russell Jefferson. Massachusetts No Date

Mrs. Stella Sanders Allen Park, Michigan May 10. 1970

Mrs. Mamie L. Seto Livonia, Michigan April 16. 1970

Theodore G. Thomas Milwaukee, Wisconsin April 5, 1970

Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson Evanston. Illinois April 13. 1970

Lewis E. Toomes

Barranquilla, Colombia, S.A.

May 5. 1970

Benjamin D. Weeden Henniker. New Hampshire April 14. 1970

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Teaching Through

Association

On Saturday, May 10, a group of ten Bay Area Bahá’ís (San Francisco, California) attended the World Mother’s Day Assembly sponsored by Another Mother for Peace, a “non-profit, non-partisan association whose goal is to eliminate war as a means of settling disputes between nations, peoples and ideologies.” Their annual Mother’s Day Award, a plaque with their motto, “War is not healthy for children and other living things!” was presented to Miss Angie Brooks, the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Miss Brooks gave the featured speech concerning women's growing role in the affairs of the world and their responsibility for helping attain peace in the world.

The co-speaker was Mrs. Bess Meyerson-Grant, consumer counsel for New York City. Her talk touched on the ways women. as consumers, can use their buying power to influence business to produce better people-oriented products that will not pollute our air and water. She stated our country is suffering from many kinds of pollution, especially pollution of hope.

There were 1500 persons present for the luncheon. We were a tiny group, but we wore Bahá’í name tags and had a colorful sign on our table identifying us as “Bahá’ís for Peace." We regretted that we could not deliver Bahá’u’lláh’s healing Message personally to each person present, but we did arrange before the meeting to have copies of “Foundations of World Unity” and yellow roses delivered to Mrs. Meyerson-Grant and Miss Brooks, with an expression of appreciation from the Bahá’ís of the world for their work on behalf of mankind.

Regional Youth Conference At Geyserville Bahá’í School

A regional youth conference" called by the Northern California/Nevada Bahá’í Youth Committee convened at the Geyserville Bahá’í School for a “smashing” April 25-26 weekend. With a registration of sixty-four, the conference moved from Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Javiduklit _I{_hadem’s eloquent discussion of the 'Bahá’í institutions, through a resume of the Bahai -literature by Virginia Skovgaard, to Elizabeth Gibson’s stirring challenge to youth in the Bahá’í community. Robert Siegel and

V Paula Stafford discussed the exploits of youth pioneers

and the current opportunities in the South.

Topics for workshops during the conference included: Love and Unity; detachment and sacrifice; and the Bahá’í Faith in comparison to other religions.

Following a keynote talk by Liz Gibson, workshop groups at the April 25-26 Northern California-Nevada Regional Youth Conference at the Geyserville Bahá’í School discussed the role of youth in the Bahá’í community.

JULY 1970

Makah Council Fire Neah Bay, Washington

The Eighth Annual Makah Council Fire, the oldest continuous council fire in the United States, will be held August 8-9 along the wooded shores of the Pacific Ocean at Neah Bay, Washington. This event, sponsored by the Bahá’ís of the Makah Indian Reservation, is held on traditional Indian worship ground.

This year’s Council Fire has been dedicated to Mrs. Modelle Mudd, one of Bahá’u’lláh’s truly outstanding workers, who passed away on May 4. At the time of her death Modelle was working with her husband, Foster, at the Fort Qu’appelle Bahá’í Institute in Saskatchewan, Canada. She is warmly remembered by many in the Neah Bay area as one of the originators of the Makah Council Fire. She was instrumental in forming, and served on. the first Spiritual Assembly of Neah Bay.

The two-day program, which is always fiexible, will feature both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í speakers. The local Makah Indians, and other tribes, will present tribal and family Indian dances. Entertainment will also include the

' Jin’-ai Singers from Seattle and group singing around a

big fire on the beach Saturday evening. As usual, the highlight of the Council Fire will be an Indian salmon bake Saturday evening. v

There are no “built-in” camping facilities; individuals must provide their own camping gear, food, and drinking water. However, on Saturday and Sunday mornings the Spiritual Assembly of Neah Bay will be providing pancake breakfasts for a nominal fee. _

Last year’s attendance was estimated at over one thousand. This year promises to be even larger! But that is only natural, because the Makah Council Fireis filled with the love of Bahá’u’lláh and the warmth of the many Bahá’ís who attend.

For additional information, please contact Mrs. Klara Tyler, P.O. Box 165, Neah Bay, Washington 98357.

Florida

The first official gathering for Fort Lauderdale’s Bahá’í Center at 60 D Coral Center, Oakland Park Blvd., and Federal Highway, took place on Sunday, March 8, when Mrs. Marguerite Sears, wife of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, spoke to the Community on commitment and the necessity of upholding the Bahá’í standards today. The Center has been made available to all the surrounding communities. On May 23 the Broward County Community was host for a potluck supper in commemoration of the Declaration of the Báb. The theme for their program will be “Sacrifice” and the joy of giving to the Fund.

Mrs. Sears was visiting her father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Reimer, but gave her every spare moment to the'Bahá’ís, and almost nightly conducted deepening classes and firesides. Mr. Reimer was recuperating from a trip to the hospital, is now very well, and conducts a well-attended deepening class every Tuesday night.

The friends hope to keep the Fort Lauderdale Center open daily. Twenty-seven children from ages five to thirteen are currently enrolled in two Sunday School classes. with deepening classes on Thursday nights. Public speaking classes are held each Sunday, and public firesides every Wednesday at eight p.m.

[Page 11]REVIEW

North Carolina

There was a time when holding a conference with any number of Bahá’ís in attendance would have required participation of members from several states around North Carolina. Not so. anymore! With two weeks planning, the Bahá’ís of North Carolina held a Youth PicnicDeepening-Songfest in Dunn on May 9 with about seventy in attendance.

In many ways this event testified to a new era in the history of the Faith in North Carolina. It marked an unprecedented upsurge in enrollments, a new surge of spirit and enthusiasm, and it introduced many members to a type of persecution with which we may become increasingly familiar in the days to come.

For many, this was the first opportunity to meet believers outside their own community. A contingent of youth arrived from Henderson. where they now have over forty youth; from Morganton, also the scene of numerous recent youth enrollments; from Kinston, a brand new and rapidly growing community; as well as from as far away as Asheville and as near as Raleigh. It was glorious to look around the room and recognize that just a month or two ago. two thirds of those present had not yet heard the Faith’s Message. And to see the beauty of their spirit and faith was a confirmation for all Bahá’ís present.

The day was spent in song, socializing, and listening to talks by Jane McCants and members of the communities where the action is. One of the highlights of the day was the story told by Derald Hendry about the denunciation of the Faith by a Morganton clergyman and the following wave of interest in the Faith.

Our event was being held at the residence of Bob Crocker and Greg Guntz in Dunn. Both are students at nearby Campbell College. Their apartment is a converted tobacco barn, adjoining a large empty storage room. perfect for Bahá’í gatherings. .

At the time that Derald was telling of persecution in Morganton, the stage was being set for a local brand of persecution. The landlord had arrived on the scene to feast his eyes on this most beautiful rose garden. The landlord couldn’t stand the glow, and informed Bob and Greg that they were being evicted.

This incident was accepted in a Bahá’í manner, with full confidence that it was part of Gods plan. And sure enough, as in Morganton, the eviction in Dunn was followed by a wave of local interest in the Faith, as well as confirming experiences for those involved.

In addition to these bounties, the event was blessed by seven declarations. If the success of a Bahá’í gathering is to be measured in spiritual terms, this was certainly an overwhelming success. It is planned to have monthly state-wide gatherings, and if they are as successful as this one has been, it is certainly a new and glorious era in North Carolina.

Calendar of Events Feasts July 13—Kalim5t (Words) August 1—Kamé1 (Perfection)

Holy Days July 9—Martyrdom of the Báb

Notional Spiritual Assembly Meetings July 24-26

United Nations Economic and Social Council (See July 1970 Bahá’í News)

The announcement by the Universal House of Justice that the Bahá’í International Community has been granted consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations marks another very important milepost in the growing recognition of the stature of the Bahá’í Faith. It seems propitious that this achievement should have been attained in the twenty-fifth anniversary year of the founding of the United Nations Organization.

Under this new status the representatives of the Bahá’í International Community will be permitted to attend meetings of the Economic and Social Council, the organ which directs and co—ordinates the economic and social work of the United Nations, and its related agencies, and to present before the Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies appropriate statements as occasions may dictate. It also gives the Bahá’í International Community the right to be consulted by the Economic and Social Council on pertinent matters. including such areas of concern as human rights, social development. status of women. and literacy.

The role of the United Nations in accelerating the economic and social progress of developing nations and in the promotion of universal human rights, universal education. and world law is supported and endorsed by the Bahá’ís.

The Bahá’í International Community represents at present 94 National Bahá’í Assemblies around the world including the United States. It has been listed as an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with the United Nations Office of Public Information and has had accredited representation at the United Nations since 1948. It maintains an office at 866 United Nations Plaza, across from the United Nations in New York City.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States has been listed as an NGO with the United Nations Office of Public Information since 1947. In many other countries Bahá’í National Spiritual Assemblies are officially listed with the United Nations Office of Public Information through its branches abroad~namely, the United Nations Information Centers.

An active interest ‘was taken by the Bahá’í's of the United States in support of the United Nations from its very beginning. The Bahá’í peace program was promulgated through a series of Bahá’í sponsored events aimed at attracting the interest of all leading participants in the gathering in San Francisco in 1945 where the idea of the United Nations was born. In 1947 a Bahá’í Declaration of Human Rights was presented to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. Last year the United States Bahá’í Community was presented the Silver Anvil Award by the Public Relations Society of America for its outstanding activities on behalf of International Human Rights Year 1968. This year the American Bahá’í Community is actively supporting the United Nations’ sponsored International Education Year.

[Page 12]l2 JULY 1970

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1970-1971 Special Events * For Proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the Public

Date and Event Theme Bahá’í' Material Recommended

%%%%%%%%*

September 20, 1970 Universal Education — WPD Public Information Kit World Peace Day Aid to Peace WPD Poster A Patternfor Future Society The Destiny of America Universal and Lasting Peace (The Tablet to The Hague)

October 24, 1970 Peace, Justice, and Material suggested by UN Committee United Nations Day Progress *Poster Kit ‘

Bahá’í’s at the United Nations

A Pattern for Future Society

One Universal Faith

The Bahá’í’Peace Program

November 12, 1970 Bahá’u’lláh — Divine Public Information Kit Birth of Bahá’u’lláh Educator for Today *Poster Kit The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, A World Religion

Bahá’u’lláh: His Call to the Nations The Lord of the New Age Baha°i’Answers

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December 10, 1970 Human Values in Education Material suggested by UN Committee Human Rights Day *Poster Kit Human Rights are God-Given Rights Why Our Cities Burn One World, One Family

January 17, 1971 World Religion — Basis for WRD Public Information Kit World Religion Day True Equality *Poster Kit The Meaning of Worship, . _ Bahá’í': World Faithfor Modern Man . The Lord of the New Age The Future ‘of Mankind

March 21, 1971 Public Information Kit Naw-Rúz Faith for Freedom

June 13, 1971 Men Divide — God Unites RUD Public Information Kit Race Unity Day *Poster Kit Man One Family Bahá’í’: Way of Life for Millions (Ebony reprint)

I » Why Our Cities Burn

• Do—It-Yourself Poster Kit What is Race?

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Wilmette, Illinois 60091 (I,

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