| ←Previous | National Bahá’í Review Issue 5 |
Next→ |
| Return to PDF view |
 | The text below this notice was generated by a computer, it still needs to be checked for errors and corrected. If you would like to help, view the original document by clicking the PDF scans along the right side of the page. Click the edit button at the top of this page (notepad and pencil icon) or press Alt+Shift+E to begin making changes. When you are done press "Save changes" at the bottom of the page. |
This Age of Transition
How GREAT —how immeasureably great is the power of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in the lives of His followers. The pioneers who scatter over the surface of the earth surely exemplify this power, this inner force that impells a believer to change completely the pattern of his life and to settle in a foreign country where ways, customs and often language are strange and unfamiliar. Is there any truer way of demonstrating love for God and for the Cause of God and for mankind? In our way of thinking this is the most demanding and the most unselfish expression of service to humanity and to Bahá’u’lláh. The Foreign Goals Committee has the greatest respect and the highest regard for these self sacrificing, dedicated Bahá’ís. We are in communication with not only the Nine Year Plan pioneers who have settled goals assigned to the United States Community but also with Ten Year Crusade pioneers and even those who went to our goals before that. It is a fascinating ever-changing continued story of the unfoldment of The Divine Plan and the pioneers are the heroes and heroines of the drama in this age of transition. We share with you a paragraph from a letter which has just come from a Ten Year Crusade pioneer in Latin America which refers to two young women pioneers:
“These two girls are truly gems, each with her own type of lustre. Both are absolutely dedicated, placing the Cause first in their lives and making teaching the Cause the all pervading purpose of their lives, as the beloved Guardian asked us to do in The Advent of Divine Justice. We are stressing a study of this wonderful letter since we in this country and, in fact, Bahá’ís everywhere, in the Nine Year Plan are in effect paralleling in their own country the exploits which the American believers were called upon to carry out in those early Seven Year Plans. It would be well for each one of us to restudy this letter at least once a year and concentrate upon the directives which the Guardian gives which we must follow in our own niche wherever we are.”
The letters from the wonderful pioneers around the world increase our love, our understanding, our empathy and our profound appreciation of these servants of Bahá’u’lláh.
Over and over we read the impelling words of
Bahá’u’lláh, those of the Master and the beloved Guardian attesting the high destiny of those who detach themselves from home ties and the near and dear things to teach His Cause. Our National Community has responded generously to the many calls raised for pioneers to foreign countries. In this last year the response has been good — and yet — goals assigned to the United States Community are short 30 pioneersand we write these words in the month before Riḍván.
Many, many pioneers go to posts suggested by
friends, or posts that capture their imaginations, or for _
other reasons, and without due regard for the directives of The Universal House of Justice in its assignment of specific goals for Bahá’ís of this country. Surely it is highly commendable that the believers arise to depart since the need for pioneers exists practically everywhere in the world. This committee highly commends the potential pioneer who receives a position in a post enabling him to be self sustaining since the procurements of jobs is not an easy matter. The functions of the Foreign Goals Committee is in part, however, to advise on -such matters and on priority of need and goals.
We beg for the opportunity to carry out our responsibility to the American Community so that each Riḍván will show achievement and victory in goals completed. In its moving message to the Intercontinental Conferences The Universal House of Justice wrote: As humanity enters the dark heart of this age of transition our course is clear — the achievement of the assigned goals and the proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh’s healing message.
FOREIGN GOALS COMMITTEE
BRIEF ADVENTURE I-N PIONEERING
Young men! College age! Will you volunteer for an exciting experience in Nicaragua, Central America or in Panama for six weeks this summer? You will be investing your time and expense money in a wonderful trial-run in pioneering! Don't miss this amazing opportunity! Write at once to
—FOREIGN GOALS COMMITTEE 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091
MAY 1968
The Very Foundation of the Bahá’í Teachings
The two questions below were stated in the Riḍván 1967 Message from The Universal House of Justice. It may be said that they form the very foundation of the Bahá’í Teachings. The purpose of God for mankind and the meaning of the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh are to be found in all the Bahá’í Writings — those of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. The few references given here are extremely brief, but may form a suggested basis for further search into that “ocean” of the Word of God revealed for this Day. in order to reach a better understanding of these basic truths.
What is Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose for the human race?
“Whatever, therefore, He saith unto you is wholly for the sake of God, that haply the peoples of the earth may cleanse their hearts from the stain of evil desire, may rend its veil asunder, and attain unto the knowledge of the one true God — the most exalted station to which any men can aspire. Their belief or disbelief in My Cause can neither profit nor harm Me. We summon them wholly for the sake of God. He, verily, can afford to dispense with all creatures.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 85)
“The purpose of the one true God in manifesting Himself is to summon all mankind to truthfulness and sincerity, to piety and trustworthiness, to resignation and submissiveness to the will of God, to forbearance and kindliness, to uprightness and wisdom.” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 20)
“My object is none other than the betterment of the world and the tranquility of its peoples. The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established. This unity can never be achieved so long as the counsels which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed are suffered to pass unheeded.
“Through the power of the words He hath uttered the whole of the human race can be illumined with the light of unity, and the remembrance of His Name is able to set on fire the hearts of all men, and burn away the veils that intervene between them and His glory.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 286-7)
“A new life is, in this age, stirring within all the people of the earth; and yet none hath discovered its cause, or perceived its motive.” “O ye children of men, the fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race. . . . This is the straight path, the fixed and immovable foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure.” “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. The one true God, He Who knoweth all things, Himself testifieth to
the truth of these words. . . . This goal excelleth every other goal, and this aspiration is the monarch of all aspirations.” He Who is your Lord, the All-Merciful, cherisheth in His heart the desire of beholding the entire human race as one soul and one body. Haste ye to win your share of God’s good grace and mercy in this Day that eclipseth all other created days.” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 202-3)
Every eye, in this Day should seek what will best promote the Cause of God. . . . Nothing whatever can, in this Day, inflict a greater harm upon this Cause than dissension and strife, contention, estrangement and apathy, among the loved ones of God. Flee then, through the power of God and His sovereign aid, and strive to knit together the hearts of men, in His Name, the Unifier, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.” (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 125)
For what ends did Bahá’u’lláh submit to the appalling cruelties and indignities heaped upon Him?
“The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful. We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish. He Who hath come to build anew the whole world, behold, how they that have joined partners with God have forced Him to dwell within the most desolate of cities!!’’ (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 99-100)
“I swear by Thy glory! I have accepted to be tried by manifold adversities for no purpose except to regenerate all that are in Thy heaven and on Thy earth. Whoso hath loved Thee, can never feel attached to his own self, except for the purpose of furthering Thy Cause; and whoso hath recognized Thee can recognize naught else except Thee, and can turn to no one save Thee. Enable Thy servants, O my God, to discover the things Thou didst desire for them in Thy Kingdom. Acquaint them, moreover, with what He Who is the Origin of Thy most excellent titles hath, in His love for Thee, been willing to bear for the sake of the regeneration of their souls, that they may haste to attain the River that is Life indeed, and turn their faces in the direction of Thy Name, the Most Merciful.” (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 92)
“Say: Follow, O people, what hath been prescribed unto you in Our Tablets, and walk not after the imaginations which the sowers of mischief have devised, they that commit wickedness and impute it to God, the Most Holy, the All-Glorious, the Most Exalted. Say: We have accepted to be tried by ills and troubles, that ye may sanctify yourselves from all earthly defilements. Why, then, refuse ye to ponder Our purpose in your hearts? By the righteousness of God! Whoso will reflect upon the tribulations We have suffered, h-is soul will assuredly melt away with sorrow. Thy Lord Himself beareth witness to the truth of My words. We have sustained the weight of all calamities to sanctify you from all earthly corruption, and ye are yet indifferent.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 307)
[Page 3]
REVIEW
“Know thou that when the Son of Man yielded up His breath to God, the whole creation wept with a great weeping. By sacrificing Himself, however, a fresh capacity was infused into all created things. Its evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the earth, are now manifest before thee.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 85)
“Praise be to Thee, O Lord My God, for the wondrous revelations of Thy inscrutable decree and the manifold woes and trials Thou hast destined for Myself. . . . Grievous as is My plight, O God, My Well-Beloved, I render thanks unto Thee, and My Spirit is grateful for whatsoever hath befallen me in the path of Thy goodpleasure. I am well pleased with that which Thou didst ordain for Me, and welcome, however calamitous, the pains and sorrows I am made to suffer.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 88-90)
“Briefly; the Blessed Perfection bore all these ordeals and calamities in order that our hearts might become enkindled and radiant, our spirits be glorified, our faults become virtues, our ignorance transformed into knowledge; in order that we might attain the real fruits of humanity and acquire heavenly graces; although pilgrims upon earth we should travel the road of the heavenly kingdom; although needy and poor we might receive the treasures of life eternal. For this has He borne these difficulties and sorrows.
“Trust. all to God. The lights of God are resplendent. The blessed epistles are spreading. The blessed teachings are promulgated throughout the east and west. Soon you will see that the heavenly words have established the oneness of the world of humanity. The banner of the ‘Most Great Peace’ has been unfurled and the ‘great community’ is appearing.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Bahá’í World Faith, p. 224)
The Role of the Individual in Proclamation
The fate of the entire community, in the last resort, depends on the individual believer. “Without his support, at once whole-hearted, continuous and generous, every measure adopted and every plan formulated . . . is foredoomed to failure . . . The sustaining strength of Bahá’u’lláh Himself, the Founder of the Faith, will be withheld from every and each individual who fails in the long run to arise and play his part.” (Citadel of Faith, pp. 130-131)
Plans have been made, ideas are available, the local spiritual assemblies and state goals committees have launched proclamation programs in many parts of the country. Where then does the individual fit in? The Universal House of Justice answered that question in 1964, by saying that in addition to teaching, there were certain things that all believers can do:
“Not all believers can give public talks, not all are called upon to serve on administrative institutions. But all can pray, fight their own spiritual battles, and contribute to the Fund. If every believer will carry out these sacred duties, we shall be astonished at the accession of power, which will result to the whole body. . .” (Message from The Universal House of Justice to Bahá’í World, Sept. 1964. Bahá’í NEWS, Nov. 1964, pp. 2-3)
Each individual believer who has taken the messages from The Universal House of Justice to heart and has
3
begun to understand more adequately the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation, his first obligation. will become more firmly committed to this Cause. “ ‘The world is another world, and the Cause another Cause.’ ‘This is the Day which past ages and centuries can never rival. Know this, and be not of the ignorant.’ ‘This Day is God’s Day, and this Cause His Cause. . .’ ‘These days are God’s days, a moment of which ages and centuries can never rival. An atom, in these days, is as the sun, a drop as the ocean . . .’ ‘That which hath been made manifest in this preeminent, this most exalted Revelation, stands unparalleled in the annals of the past, nor will future ages witness its like.’ ” (Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 66, 65) Once the individual believer is firmly committed to such a Cause all sorts of activities become a part of his everyday effort: — simply making telephone calls, addressing envelopes, visiting friends, making new friends, carrying newspaper articles and radio releases personally to their destinations; possibly typing up invitations or letters, helping the local correspondent or secretary, driving people around; utilizing the talents of public speaking, art, music, composition, etc., in proclamation and teaching efforts.
Teaching and proclamation comprise many activities. In addition, and in support of these activities, the individual believer can pray, fight his own spiritual battles and contribute to the Fund. “We are not alone nor helpless. Sustained for our love for each other and given power through the Administrative Order—so laboriously erected by our beloved Guardian —the Army of Light can achieve such victories as will astonish posterity.” (Message from The Universal House of Justice, Oct. 1967. BA!-lA’l News, Nov. 1967, p. 1)
Proclamation and Teaching Tips
The following thoughts were contributed by a Bahá’í interested in helping us to relate to the Christians who may need to learn something of Christ on their way to learning of Bahá’u’lláh.
“Just a reminder to those Bahá’ís involved in disseminating the fragrances of God throughout the land not to be discouraged when this most wondrous Message falls on deaf ears. Teaching in the time of Christ wasn’t any easier than it is today. This is pointed out by the parable of Christ in Luke 8:5-15, about the sower of the seed. As he sowed some seed fell on the footpath where it was trampled on, and the birds ate it. Some seed fell on rock and, after coming up, withered for lack of moisture. Some seed fell among thistles, and the thistles grew up with it and choked it. And some of the seed fell into good soil, and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.
“The seed is the Word of God. Along the footpath men hear the Word but turn away and reject it. The seed sown on rock stands for those who receive the Word with joy when they hear it, but in a time of testing they turn away and desert. That which fell among thistles represents those who bear, but their further growth is choked by cares and wealth and the pleasures of life, and they bring nothing to maturity. But the seed in good soil represents those who bring a good and honest
heart to the hearing of the Word, hold it fast, and by their perseverance yield a harvest.
“The Bahá’ís are in the same position today, they must persevere, they must not give up, they must keep on sowing the seeds regardless of the reactions that they get from friends, relatives, contacts, or even other Bahá’ís.
“Be not grieved if thou performest it thyself alone. Let God be all-sufficient for thee. Commune intimately with His Spirit, and be thou of the thankful. Proclaim the Cause of thy Lord unto all who are in the heavens and on the earth. Should any man respond to thy call, lay bare before him the pearls of the wisdom of the Lord, thy God, which His Spirit hath sent down unto thee, and be thou of them that truly believe. And should any one reject thine offer, turn thou away from him, and put thy trust and confidence in the Lord, thy God, the Lord of all worlds.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, page 280.)
Necessity of Obedience to Bahá’í Marriage laws
Local spiritual assemblies and all Bahá’ís are reminded of the supreme importance of obedience to the Bahá’í laws governing marriage. These laws should be explained by the local assembly several times each year at Nineteen-Day Feasts. In addition, the local spiritual assemblies should make certain that any individuals in their communities contemplating marriage fully understand their obligations. All Bahá’ís who marry are required to have a Bahá’í marriage.
After free choice of the individuals concerned, free consent to the marriage by the parents of both partners, whether all or none are Bahá’ís, is essential, whether or not there is a legal Bahá’í ceremony. Local spiritual assemblies are obligated to have valid evidence of such consent in hand before conducting a Bahá’í marriage.
If there is to be a civil marriage or another religious ceremony besides the Bahá’í marriage, both ceremonies must take place on the same calendar day. This means the business calendar date generally used in this country and not the Bahá’í calendar day which begins with sunset on one day and ends at sunset on the next.
Failure to observe these laws may well result in deprivation of Bahá’í membership.
Travel I Housing Arrangements for Oceanic Conference Completed
All requests for housing and travel for Bahá’ís of the United States for the Oceanic Conference in Palermo, Sicily and the following Commemoration in the Holy Land are being handled by Travel Specialists Incorporated, 37 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60603.
This travel agency is authorized to correspond directly with the believers on this matter. Because a very limited number of beds are available in Palermo, late applications cannot be accepted, and only those who attend the Conference there are permitted to proceed to Israel.
MAY 1968
"The Child's Way"—A Magazine
Dedicated to the Education of Children
“O ye beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful! Teaching and learning, according to the decisive texts of the Blessed Beauty, is a duty. Whoseever is indifferent therein depriveth himself of the great bounty.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 399)
There is no doubt that Bahá’ís accept the truth of the above statement and are eager to partake of the bounty referred to.
Could they not be even more alert to the changing patterns in education which are designed to help the child to see and learn for himself? There are many new discoveries as to how we learn. Many of the improvements in method can be of great help to Bahá’í parents and teachers in their most important role as Bahá’í educators.
The editors of the bimonthly Bahá’í magazine The Child's Way have continuing concern for these questions and bring to its pages news of these developments and of the response by schools in the United States to the new knowledge of how we learn. The publication is also devoted to sharing ideas and materials for use in working with children up to 15 years of age.
Every person who works with children will find helpful material and suggestions in this Bahá’í publication. Readers are invited to contribute their experiences, thoughts, programs to the editors for possible publication. Those who wish to learn how these all-important tasks are being accomplished by others are invited to subscribe. The publication depends on the contributions and subscriptions of Bahá’ís and their friends. Subscriptions: The Child’s Way; Box 245; Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Rates: per year (six issues) $2.00—U.S.; $2.50—foreign.
Further Information for Bahá’ís Wishing to Visit Iran
Subsequent to the announcement in the April NATIONAL Bahá’í Rsvn-:w about visits to iran, The Universal House of Justice has written that all Bahá’ís except Persians who wish to visit Iran must first obtain permission from The Universal House of Justice. American Bahá’ís must
seek that permission through the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.
National Spiritual Assembly Members to Participate
In June Human Rights Conferences
Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States are scheduled to participate in several of the Regional Human Rights Conferences to be held in June throughout the United States.
Dr. Daniel Jordan will address the Conferences on Prejudice and Human Rights in Memphis, Tennessee on June 7-8 and Miami, Florida on June 21-22.
Dr. Dwight Allen will take part in the Conference on Education and Human Rights in Cleveland, Ohio on June 14-15.
Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira will make a presentation at the Conference on Education and Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia on June 7-8.
[Page 5]
REVIEW
INTERNATIONAL YEAR FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 1968{ J
was”
.7? HUMAN RIGHTS ARE COD-GIVEN RIGHTS
NORTH AMERICAN Bahá’í OFFICE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS REGIONAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
_ DATE BAHA'I SPONSOR SUBJECT AREA OR REGION June 7-8 Gallup, New Mexico Conference on the American Ariz., N.M., Colo., Nev., Utah
Indian & Human Rights
Atlanta, Georgia Conference on Education Ala., N.C., Ga., S.C. and Human Rights
Memphis, Tennessee Conference on Prejudice Tenn., Ky., Miss. and Human Rights
Richmond, California Conference on Youth and Cal., Nev. Human Rights
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Conference on Employment Okla., Neb., Kan., Ark., Mo. and Human Rights
June 14-15 Cleveland, Ohio Conference on Education Mich., Ind., Ohio, W.Va.,
and Human Rights Western N.Y., Pa.
Boston, Massachusetts Conference on Housing Conn., Mass., Vt., N.H., R.I., and Human Rights Me., Eastern N.Y.
El Paso, Texas Conference on the Mexican- Tex. American and Human Rights
June 21-22 Bellingham, Washington Conference on the American Wash., Ore., Mont., Idaho,
Indian and Human Rights Wyo., N.D., S.D.
Miami, Florida Conference on Prejudice Fla. and Human Rights
NAW-RL’JZ HUMAN RIGHTS PROCLAMATION
The Santa Monica Bahá’ís joyfully report a “breakthrough” in minority teaching in their area through presentation on March 21st of a program of scenes from the play “In White America” by Martin Duberman. The audience of 100 people responded enthusiastically to both the talents of the professional actors who performed and to the play itself— a dramatization of actual testimony of whites and Negroes during the long struggle of the American Negro for freedom. '
Santa Monica, a black, brown, and white community of separate neighborhoods with minimum integration in housing, primarily middle class and conservative in outlook, carries hidden within it a few citizens concerned with human rights. Special effort was made to find these people with whom the Bahá’ís could form “bridges of understanding.”
Success of the event is attributed to the combination of offering a relevant play with professional actors, and a wide-spread publicity campaign which included, two days before the event, door to door distribution of flyers in the Negro neighborhood where the play was per formed, a special mailing of invitations to human rights oriented groups in Santa Monica (Fair Housing Council, UN Association, American Civil Liberties Union chapters, churches, etc.) and public service announcements on Los Angeles area radio stations. No paid advertising was budgeted since the Community wanted to test the assertion of the Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (The Kemer Report) that word-of-mouth is the most effective means of communication in the ghettos. At least several of the young Negro men who attended came as a result of the flyer.
This combination of ingredients— a relevant program and thoughtfully directed publicity -— brought out people who had not responded to previous efforts. As the Santa Monica Bahá’ís have discovered, “people won’t come to an event, even if it’s free, unless they're interested!” Many individuals who had come to a Bahá’í-sponsored program for the first time asked what else they could attend that the Bahá’ís offered in Santa Monica. The Santa Monica friends expect their future firesides to be “bursting at the seams”!
[Page 6]
NATIONAL BAHA'l REVIEW. MAY 1968
CORRECTED PAGE 5
NORTH AMERICAN Bahá’í OFFICE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS REGIONAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
_ DATE BAHA’I' SPONSOR SUBJECT AREA OR REGION June 7-8 Gallup, New Mexico Conference on the American Ariz., N.M., C010,, Nev., Utah
Shalimar Inn. 2618 West 66 Ave. Indian & Human Rights
Atlanta, Georgia Conference on Education Ala., N.C., Ga., S.C. §3%S§.?§,l,,i,M§§f'N_?€_g°' and Human Rights
Memphis, Tennessee Conference on Prejudice Tenn., Ky., Miss.
Memphis State University and Human Rights
Richmond, California Conference on Youth and Cal., Nev.
John F. Kennedy High School Human Rights
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Conference on Employment Okla., Neb., Kan., Ark., Mo. Okla. City Univ.. 2501 Blackwelder and Human
June 14-15 Cleveland, Ohio Conference on Education Mich., Ind., Ohio, W.Va.,
Holiday Inn. 3614 Euclid Ave. and Human Rights Western N .Y., Pa. ]3°oston,t¥etlslsachusetts Conference on Housing Conn., Mass., Vt., N.H., R.I., 4oJ"§§f,‘,’mo,‘,’vfeg,th Ave_ and Human Rights Me., Eastern N.Y.
El Paso, Texas Conference on the Mexican- Tex.
Hotel Cortez, 306 N. Mesa American and Human
Rights June 21-22 Bellingham. Washington Conference on the American Wash., Ore., Mont., Idaho,
Saga Food Service. West. Wash. State College
Indian and Human Rights
Wy0., N.D., S.D.
Miami, Florida Sheraton Four Ambassadors, 801 S. Bayshore
Conference on Prejudice and Human Rights
Fla.
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT
Financial results for the 1967-1968 Bahá’í year cannot help but give rise to mixed emotions. On the one hand, they represent a major increase in the rate of contributions over the previous year. On the other hand, they fall short of our expenditures by $67,915. The combined deficit for the past two years is $127,713, a truly staggering handicap to overcome.
Great progress can be seen in comparing the income figures for the two years. At the same time, the challenge implied in the accelerating growth of the Bahá’í Faith in America and throughout the world is reflected in the substantial increase in expenditures. The figures are as follows:
% Increase or 1967-68 1966-67 (Decrease)
Regular Contributions . .$657,815 $452,567 46 Special Contributions . .. 154,517 46,856 228
Estate Bequests . . . . . . .. 96,372 174,482 (45) Other income . . . . . . . . . . 22,965 Not incl. XXX Total Income . . . . . . . . . . .$931,669 $673,905 XXX Actual Expenditures ...$999,584 $733,703 36
Net Deficit . . . . . . . . . . . ..$ 67,915 $ 59,798 XXX
Several conclusions can be drawn from the above figures: 1. The American Bahá’í Community does have the capacity to respond to a critical situation when it is explained and made clear, since the percentage increase in total contributions is well in excess of our percentage increase in membership. 2. We are still dependent to an uncomfortably large degree on large special gifts and estate bequests. Without these sums during the past few years we would have been in a very serious condition. However, if we are really mature about our financial responsibility to our Faith, the day must come when our budget must be met solely from regular contributions, assigning the others for special purposes and accumulation of capital funds. 3. The deficits of the past two years are genuine losses from endowment funds and must be replaced. The cumulative deficit figure will be included in the proposed budget for the forthcoming 1968-69 fiscal year.
We have definitely had improvement during the past year in the breadth of participation in the National Fund. However, we still fall far short of that universal participation which has been asked of us by Shoghi Effendi and The Universal House of Justice. Individuals, groups, local assemblies, school and conference participants should continue their efforts to deepen the awareness of all the Bahá’ís in prosperous America of the inestimable privilege we have in being able to support so large a proportion of critical Bahá’í activities in all parts of the world. Such opportunity for vital service should be shared by every American Bahá’í.
We can take considerable satisfaction from the gains of the past year. At the same time we must determine that the improvement will continue at an accelerating pace, so that the deficit we have accumulated will be fully removed. Only in this way can we face the final and climactic surge toward the goals of the Nine Year Plan from a position of financial strength and confidence.
MAY 1968
The Anniversary Garden, a Bahá’í display at the International Flower and Garden Show, Chicago, March 23-31, 1968. Mr. J, Wyatt Cooper Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds of the House of Worship is shown holding the Sesquicentennial Award by the State of Illinois to the National Spiritual Assembly in recognition of the display. The Anniversary Garden commemorated anniversaries of: the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh; His Messages to the Kings; and of the introduction of the Faith in America at the World Parliament of Religions in‘Chicago.
NATIONAL BAHA'| FUND
‘"“°“.-°*;’"“ Monfhly Income: ‘1967-1968 my 100_883 Monthly
Budget.
8(.¥
40 fiwgwdgg... %§a§3.’r,;g8°‘3<m
I Regular Contributions
Special Contributions
Estates
Other Income
.,8
Intercontinental Conference
Number of Assemblies Contributing in March: 295 (78% 0! Total)
[Page 8]
New Materials
0 The North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights (NABOHR) in cooperation with the Public Information Department is presently preparing a poster for International Human Rights Year — 1968. The poster will use the phrase, “Human Rights Are God-Given Rights" as part of its text and have the International Human Rights Year symbol on it.
0 An additional 5,000 copies of the Bahá’í Statement on Human Rights, “Human Rights Are God-Given Rights” have been ordered. A previous order of 10,000 copies of the statement has been exhausted. Bahá’í communities wanting copies should order well in advance in order to assure getting copies. Order from Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department. 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Cost is 5 cents per copy.
0 P.I. Representatives and others attending the Proclamation— Public Information Institutes who viewed a 5-minute introductory slide program on the Faith and asked for copies of it will be glad to know that it is now in production and will be available in a month or two. The set will be titled: Bahá’í—New Spirit for the New Age. It will consist of 20 color slides showing views of the Houses of Worship and the World Center. Accompanying the slides will be a narrative script keyed to each slide. The set will be useful at Fairs for continuous showings, firesides, or meetings.
Mark Tobey Exhibit
An exhibit of paintings by the “world-famous American painter Mark Tobey” was presented at the Cheney Cowles Memorial Museum in Spokane, Washington from March 8 to the first week in April. The art curator of the Museum ordered 10 copies of the book Mark Tobey (still available from Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department for $2.00 per copy) to display during the showing. Publicity on the showing mentioned that Mark Tobey is a member of the
Bahá’í Faith. The Spokane Bahá’í Community was approached by the Museum, assisted in the plans for the exhibit, received special invitations to the preview showing, and was invited to take part in the press conference arranged by the Museum. The exhibit brochure also mentioned the Bahá’í Faith.
Observe Race Unity Day
Race Unity Day will be observed by Bahá’í communities across the United States on Sunday, June 9, 1968. Theme of this year's observance is “Many Colors—One Mankind.”
The National Public Information Department has sent all local spiritual assemblies, state goals committees and public information representatives a Public Information Kit for Race Unity Day. The Kit contains suggested activities, sample newspaper, radio and television releases, possible Mayor’s proclamations, letters to churches, a sample advertisement and a report on the day.
Since the U.S. Bahá’í Community is taking a major role in the observance of International Human Rights Year—1968, as many Bahá’í communities as possible are urged to hold some observance for Race Unity Day. This will be a direct evidence of Bahá’í support for Human Rights Year. It will also be a way for local communities to proclaim the Faith.
In the publicity for Race Unity Day it is pointed out that the Bahá’í stress on the racial problem deals with the missing ingredients. The missing ingredients in the solution of this most challenging issue are the lack of true love in the hearts of men and the lack of altruism. The only power that can develop and foster such love and altruism in men everywhere is the bounty of God through the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh.
A public seminar or workshop on race relations or human rights would be a most appropriate way to pre 1
sent the Bahá’í message on this most vital issue on Race Unity Day. Plans for the event should be made as soon as possible. A final report on activities, with newspaper clippings and photos, is due no later than June 18, 1968 and should be sent to the National Public Information Department.
Notes
0 The Press Kit on the Bahá’í Faith assembled by the National Public Information Department is now available for purchase from Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department with photos and without photos in the kit. The kit with photos is better for presentation to newspapers and television stations and costs $3.75 for each kit. The kit without photos is better for radio stations, libraries, organizations and presentations to key individuals and costs $2.75 each.
0 Award Books now has on the newstands a paperback edition of Jessyca Russell Gaver’s book: The Bahá’í Faith—Dawn of a New Day. The paperback sells for 75 cents. The printed comments on the front and back covers are high in praise of the Faith for example: “The vital new creed that unites all faiths and offers a new way to peace of mind in today’s troubled worlds”. . . . “The world's fastest growing religion with answers by which modern man can live.” . . .” A new answer to what life is all about.”
0 Many letters have been received by the National Spiritual Assembly from U.S. government officials who received copies of the book, The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh. The book was sent by the NSA to U.S. Senators, Representatives, Supreme Court Judges and Cabinet ofl“icers....
0 More and more newspapers are carrying stories and photos on Bahá’í weddings. Some articles cover half a page. Remember to publicize Bahá’í weddings in your communities. Particularly important is the first Bahá’í wedding in your city.
0 An article in the Spokesman Review (Spokane, Wash.) dated Dec. 20, 1967 features a story on Dave Leonard, comedian with the Ray Anthony Show. The story tells about Leonard being a Bahá’í and mentions that five of the eleven members of the Ray Anthony Show are Bahá’ís.
[Page 9]MAY ‘1968
BAHA'| DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Alabama Huntsville: Mrs. Tommie H. Kelly, 6200 Dakota Circle, N.W. 35810 Central California Dist. No. 1 Albany: Mrs. Patricia Peikari, 1012-9th St., 94710 Southern California Dist. No. 1 South Gate: Mrs. Doris Goodrick, 3156-A Sequoia Dr., 90280 Florida Miami Beach: Mrs. Virginia W. O‘Hara, 2016 Bay Drive, No. 203, 33139 Northern Illinois Winnetka: Mrs. Virginia C. Busey, 443 Chestnut St., 60093 Iowa Des Moines: Mrs. Bonnie M. Sheets, 2729 Tiffin, 50315 Massachusetts Springfield: Mrs. Jane G. Grover, 17 Longview St., 01108 Michigan Pontiac: Mrs. Louise F. Eddy, pro-tem, 84 Henry Clay St., 48093 North Carolina Charlotte: Mrs. Bonnie Hauck, 3624 Trent St., 28203 Western Washington Makah Indian Reservation: Mrs. Modelle Mudd, P. 0. Box 306, Neah Bay 98357 Wyoming Laramie: Mrs. Charlotte Orlick, 714 Lewis St., 82070
RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEES
Department of Temple Activities
Mrs. Lois Goebel U. S. Bahá’í Committee for United Nations
Mrs. Juliette Soderberg
Mr. William Soderberg
in Memoriam
William Randolph Lacey, Sr. San Antonio, Texas February 20, 1968
Mrs. Marion Lightfoot New Haven, Michigan March 15, 1968
Mrs. Alta E. Acker Michigan City, Indiana March 16, 1968
Mrs. Ruth A-mann Dayton, Ohio February 25, 1968
Mrs. Kate Mayer Northport, N.Y. March 22, 1968
Mrs. Helen B. Miller Durban, South Africa February 25, 1968
Dr. Mildred Nichols Carmel, Calif. March 29, 1968
Frank F. Vosburgh Olivet, Michigan 1967. no date
Mrs. Iva M. Wickham Ludington, Michigan February 15, 1968
Miss Doris Berman Bay Pines, Florida January 30, 1968
George W. Breitmeier Clearwater, Florida February 7, 1968
Miss Bennet Dorn El Paso, Texas March 6, 1968
Gordon Everall-Newman Santa Monica, Calif. March 8, 1968
Frank H. I-{itching Friday Harbor, Wash. November 28, 1967
Mrs. Laura Winston Chicago, Illinois February 13, 1968
Bahá’í House of Worship
Daily Visiting Hours 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (through May 15) 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (after May 15)
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 Evenfs
Feasts
May 17 — ‘Azamat (Grandeur) June 5 — Nur (Light) June 24 — Rahmat (Mercy)
Holy Days May 23 — Declaration of the Báb (May 22, about two
hours after sunset) May 29 — Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (3:30 a.m.)
Proclamation Event
June 9 — Race Unity Day U.S. National Bahá’í Convention — May 23-26
REVISIONS: U.S. Bahá’í SUMMER SCHOOLS FOR 1968
(Insert March 1968 NATIONAL BAHA'l REVIEW) Cancelled: Northwest Bahá’í Summer School scheduled June 17 through 22 at Fort Flagler, Washington Added: Millersylvania Bahá’í Summer School for
Bahá’í families and youth
Millersylvania Recreation Camp, Washington
July 7 (noon) through July 13 (noon)
Theme: A new Man, A New Day, A New World
Rates for the session: Adults (18 and over) $16.00; youth (12 through 17) $13.00; children (3 through 11) $10.00
Reservations: With $2.00 deposit per person send to: Miss Linda Pielick, 909 Glass Ave.; Olympia, Washington 98501. There will be a $2.50 late registration fee.
Southern California Bahá’í Summer School
Camp Osceola, California
June 29 through July 6
Rates: Adults (over 21) per day: $9.00; per week: $45.00; youth (12 through 21) per day: $7.00; per week: $35.00; children (under 12) per day: $4.00; per week: $20.00.
Reservations: With $5.00 deposit per person should be sent to: Sue Gilliland, 15733 La Paz Drive, Victorville, California 92192.
Deadline for registration: June 24. 1968.
