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Nineteen Day Feasts are for Bahá’í’s Only
Although it is clearly stated in The Baha"t’ Community (page 18) that only members of the Bahá’í community and visiting Bahá’ís from other localities may attend Nineteen Day Feasts, the question is frequently asked whether persons close to the Faith and non-Bahá’í members of Bahá’í families might not be permitted to attend if they leave the room during the consultation period. It is sometimes argued that this privilege will bring these persons closer to the Faith and will dispel any feeling that there are “secrets” in the Faith.
Bahá’ís should realize that the presence of non-Bahá’ís at any portion of the Feast impedes the flow of the spirit that exists between Bahá’u’lláh and His followers and between fellow Bahá’ís throughout the Feast. Furthermore, when visitors are excluded during consultation and are waiting to re-enter the room, the believers, from a sense of courtesy, feel obliged to hurry through the business and cut short the consultation so that their guests may not be kept waiting too long. Thus concentration on the essential aspects of the Feast is dissipated and sociability becomes the dominant factor.
The Universal House of Justice has elaborated upon this matter in a recent letter to the National Spiritual Assembly in which it calls attention to “the essentially domestic, administrative nature of the Nineteen Day Feast.” It states:
“With regard to the attendance of non-Bahá’ís at a Nineteen Day Feast, you can explain . . . the essentially domestic, administrative nature of the Nineteen Day Feast. During the period of consultation the Bahá’ís
should be able to enjoy perfect freedom to express their views on the work of the Cause, unembarrassed by the feeling that all they are saying is being heard by someone who has not accepted Bahá’u’lláh and who might thereby gain a very distorted picture of the Faith. It would also be very embarrassing for any sensitive non-Bahá’í to find himself plunged into the midst of a discussion of the detailed affairs of a Bahá’í Community of which he is not a part. The Guardian's secretary wrote on his behalf on 21 September, 1946:
“ ‘As regards Ybur question concerning Nineteen Day
Feasts . . . as to non-Bahá’ís attending, this should by
all means be avoided, but if non-believers come to a
Nineteen Day Feast, they should not be put out, as this
might hurt their feelings.’
“This is why, if a non-Bahá’í does appear at a Nineteen Day Feast he should be made to feel welcome, but a Bahá’í should certainly not invite a non-Bahá’í to attend.
“A non-Bahá’í, who asks to be invited to a Feast, will usually understand if this matter is explained to him.”
If it seems essential to expose non-Bahá’í relatives or close contacts to the spirit that should prevail at the Nineteen Day Feast, special meetings can be arranged for such purpose, wherein there will be a beautifully arranged period of devotion followed by sociability, with all members of the community in attendance. (Reprinted from June 1967 U.S. Supplement of Bahá’í News)
Bahá’í’ Marriage Ceremony obligatory for Bahá’í’s
It is the vital duty of local Spiritual Assemblies not only to apply the laws of Bahá’u’lláh with justice and firmness but also to see to it that all believers, especially the youth, know and understand that in the Bahá’í Faith the social laws revealed by Bahá’u’lláh are as binding as His spiritual commands. It is especially important that all Bahá’ís are reminded at frequent intervals that the Bahá’í law of marriage is obligatory for all Bahá’ís who marry, regardless of their age. There are two basic requirements in the Bahá’í marriage law:
I. Bahá’ís who marry must have the consent of all living parents. This applies whether the parents are Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís, divorced for years, or not. Where the parents are not Bahá’ís, they should be made to understand that the consent they are asked to give is to the marriage of the couple and does not constitute approval or disapproval of the Bahá’í Faith
II. When a Bahá’í marries he must have a Bahá’í marriage ceremony. If he marries a non-Bahá’í who
wishes to have the religious ceremony of his (her) faith, the Bahá’í may participate in that ceremony also, provided that it is made clear (1) that the Bahá’í is a Bahá’í by religion, and (2) that by participating in the other ceremony he makes no commitment to any declaration of faith in a religion other than his own. The Bahá’í must insist on having the Bahá’í ceremony carried out before or after the non-Bahá’í one on the same calendar day. The Bahá’í ceremony must be witnessed by representatives approved by the local Spiritual Assembly.
Two Bahá’ís may not be married by the religious ceremony of another faith, nor can they be married in the church or other acknowledged place of worship of the followers of other faiths.
If a Bahá’í has a civil or other religious marriage ceremony without having the consent of the parents and a Bahá’í ceremony, he is subject to the possible loss of his Bahá’í administrative rights. ‘
[Page 2]
CARIBBEAN
CONFERENCE
For more details contact: U.S. Caribbean Conference Committee 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091 (312) 256-4400
NOVEMBER 1970
CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE Sheraton-Kingston Hotel
Kingston, Jamaica May 21-23, 1971
An eleven-day Cruise to the Virgin Islands and Jamaica has been planned as a Pre- and PostConference Institute/Floating Summer School. You would sail from Miami on May 17, 1971 and return to port on May 28, 1971.
Two Hands of the Cause of God will be on board to participate in the deepening programs. Special Bahá’í entertainment has been planned
A coupon for your use is published in October special edition of The American Bahá’í.’ Please return it if you plan to attend the Conference.
You are urged to invite your non Bahá’í family to join you for this cruise. Although they could not participate in the Conference it is a beautiful sightseeing area. They would be welcome to attend all events on board.
Two Covenant-breakers Expelled by Hands of the Cause
The following cablegram was received by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States from the Hands of the Cause of God in the Holy Land on September 17, 1970:
“Owing continuing disobedience strict injunctions forbidding association Covenant—breakers following clear warnings dangers such actions announce expulsion Dr. Parvis Meghnot and wife Lillian Meghnot.”
(signed) Handsfaith
As in all cases of Covenant-breaking the Bahá’ís are
forbidden to have any association with these two persons
or their children.
Winter School at Seabeck, Washington
A Bahá’í winter school will be held at Seabeck, Washington December 31, 1970 through noon January 3, 1971. Those attending must be twelve years of age or over. Early registration is advised as space is limited. Rates: $28.00 per person for the session Registrar: Mrs. Alda Spell
11606 Pawnee Drive S.W.
Tacoma, Washington 98499 Registration fee of $3.00 (non refundable) is required and will be applied towards the total cost.
as well as many special events.
bzasmzsou
‘n one bodg
Opportunities To Serve
The National Bahá’í Schools Committee is conducting two special projects for which the help of capable and willing Bahá’ís is sought. These projects are:
1. Children’s Stories. People with talent for writing children’s stories are needed to prepare stories and accounts of interesting events from the lives of pioneers and other Bahá’í heroes. Suitable materials at the adult level have been collected for use, but need re-writing to make them attractive to children from ages five to fifteen. Writers at all levels are needed.
2. Lesson Plans. People with interest and experience in teaching Bahá’í children’s classes are needed to prepare lesson plans according to a standardized outline furnished by the committee. Class levels are from kindergarten through ninth grade. Any level may be chosen by the writer.
Those who are available to participate in either of the above projects should write to: National Bahá’í Schools Committee, John Stroessler, Secretary, 26592 El Mar Drive, Mission Viejo, Calif., 92675.
Policy Regarding Election of Officers for Local Spiritual Assembly
In the electing of Assembly officers, all members of the Assembly are eligible for each office that is being elected, even though one or more of those members already holds an office.
This policy applies whether it is the election of olficers at Riḍván or the election of one or more officers following a bi-election to replace vacancies on the Assembly.
[Page 3]
REVIEW
“Hath the Book been sent down through the power of the true Faith?’
Say:‘The true Faith itself is astounded.”
o——o
read: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
New British Title Available
Three Meditations on the Eve of November the Fourth, by Hand of the Cause A. Q. Faizi, published by the British Publishing Trust, is now available in this country. These meditations occurred to Mr. Faizi as he stood on the shores of the Straits of Magellan at Punta Arenas, looking across to Tierra del Fuego, the Land of Fire, at the southern extremity of the South American continent. 4‘/4 x 6‘/4, 34 pp., clothbound.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$1.00 NET
New German Titles
The following titles, in the German language, are now available:
Per Copy Kitdbi-i—Iqa'n (cloth) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$3.9O
Prayers and Meditations (cloth) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.50
The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (cloth) . . . . . . . . .$1.60
Some Answered Questions (cloth) . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$4.25
Paris Talks (paper) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.50
All foreign langu age items NET.
Order through your community librarian from:
Bahá’í PUBLISHING TRUST 4f5‘Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091
Calendar of Events
Feasts , November 4—Qudrat (Power) November 23—Qawl (Speech) December l2—Masé’il (Questions) December 31——%araf (Honor)
Holy Days November 12—Birth of Bahá’u’lláh November 26-Day of the Covenant November 28—Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1:00 a.m.) Proclamation Events November 12—Birth of Bahá’u’lláh December 10—Human Rights Day
U.S. State Conventions November 1
U.S. National Spiritual Assembly Meeting December 4-6
National Bahá’í Fund
"THE YEAR": 1970-|97l
200.000
|50,000
l00,000
50,000
5‘ § :3 5 ET 3 .33 5; § 12*
Fiscal Year
INCOME September 1970 to Date Regular Contributions .5 ‘H.949-'2 $5l4.397-28 Special Contributions |2.950.007 69.294.l0 Total Contributions $l04.899.l2 $583,b9|.38 Estates . . . . . . W400 26,263.86 Other Income A 373.l9 ll.369.66 Total Income _ $l05,4l9.fl $b2l,329.90
Budget :sI45,ooo.E $72o.ooopo
[Page 4]
NOVEMBER 1970
Bahci’|' Directory Changes
Assembly Secretaries
' Northern California
Washington J.D.: Mrs." Pat Ellis, pro-tem, P.O. Box 203, West Sacramento 95691
Central California Dist. No. 1 Mountain View: Mr. Jerry Baumgarten, pro-tem, 179 Dalma Dr., 94040
Southern California Dist. No. 1 Monrovia: Miss Beverly Rosman, pro-tem, 215 N. Poppy Ave., 91016
Southern California Dist. No. 3 Oxnard: Mrs. Charlene F. Robley, 1004 Denver Pl., 93030
Northern Illinois Evanston: Mrs. Mary M. Kurrus, 1315 Jenks St., 60201 Skokie: Mr. Bradley A. Hooper, 9045 Lacrosse, 60076
Louisiana
Bogalusa: Mr. Michael Parnell, 1206 N. Royal, 70427
Massachusetts Somerville: Mrs. Michele Pericone, 111 Walnut St., 02145
Minnesota Duluth: Mrs. Virginia Peterson, 1436 — 7th Ave, E., 55805
New Mexico Los Alamos: Mrs. Helen Caldwell, 2290-D 39th St., 87544
Ohio Lima: Miss Mildred Clark, 902 W. Spring St., 45805
Puerto Rico San Juan: Mrs. Rachel Barick, Calle Diez de Andino 212, Santurce 00912
South Dakota Rapid City: Mrs. Barbara Krajewski, 1713 7th St., 57701
Eastern Washington . Spokane County Commissioners Dist. No. 2: Dr. C. Gordon Fleming, 417 N. Burns Rd., Spokane 99216
Western Washington
Edmonds; Mrs. Cleta Ware, P.O. Box 512, 98020
Everett: Mr. Duane Coffler, 3217 Norton Ave., 98201
Issaquah: Mrs. Joan Jaques, pro-tem, P.O. Box 105, 98027
King County Councilman Dist. No. 1: Mrs. Carol Colman, 17561 10th N.E., Seattle 98155
Pierce County Commissioners Dist. No. 2: Mrs. Floye DeVore, P.O. Box 415, Spanaway 98387
Pierce County Commissioners Dist. No. 3: Mr. Charles Sperling, 9017 Maple Ave., Tacoma 98499
Assembly Secretaries
Western Washington-.( con.) San Juan Island: Mrs. Barbara Stratton, Rt. 1, Box 676, Friday Harbor 98250
Wisconsin Oshkosh: Mrs, Judy Suhm, 617 Lilac St., 54901 Shorewood: Mrs. Arden Lee, pro-tem, 4336 N. Sheflield Ave., 53211
State Goals Committee Secretaries
Northern California Mrs. Suzanne J. Locke, Box 701, Nevada City 95959
Central California No. 2 Mr. Curtis W. Tuck, 4335 E. Ashlan Ave., Fresno 93726
Louisiana Mrs. Sharon Edwards, 449 N. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge 70806
West Texas Mr. William Kuester, 1517 Tucson, Big Spring 79720
In Memoriam
Mrs. Mollie Anderson Kenosha, Wisconsin July 30, 1970
Mrs. lrene Behrens Paramus, New Jersey June 23, 1970
Miss Judifeur Brown Pacific Grove, Calif. no date
Clifford Edison Chicago, Illinois July 15, 1970
Leo E. Eston Quincy, Illinois July 30, 1970
Mrs. Elise R. Goodwin Greensboro, North Carolina August 19, 1970
Emil Gross Billings. Montana September 3, 1970
Mrs. Ruth Hart Geneva, New York August 16,‘ 1970
Mrs. Josephine Haupt Union City, New Jersey no date
Albert Kalfus San Francisco, California July, 1970
Mrs. Margaret Lear West Chester, Penn. June 22, 1970
Mrs. Frances Lewis Phoenix, Arizona August 23, 1970‘
Miss Nancy Mendenhall Livermore, Calif. August 31. 1970
Mr. Jay Moss Los Angeles, Calif. March 1, 1970
Miss Lola Peterson Racine, Wisconsin August 31, 1970
Harry Slater Norwalk, Connecticut July 10, 1970
Mrs. Lynette Storm Toledo, Ohio August 10, 1970
Richard Left Hand Thunder Poplar, Montana July 15. 1970
DwightG. Wood Burlington, Wisconsin August 13, 1970
Mrs. Frances Wolcott Malibu, California August 5, 1970
