National Bahá’í Review/Issue 52/Text

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[Page 1]

The -Baha/'I’Communify Praised foroverw/we/ming Victory Ridva/n Message from The Universal House of Justice

To the Bahá’ís of the World

‘Dearly-loved Friends,

The opening of the final year of the Nine Year Plan-sees the Bahá’í world community poised for overwhelming victory. With grateful hearts we acknowledge the continuing confirmations which have attended its efforts and the Divine bounties which ‘have never ceased to rain down upon this blessed, this ever-developing embryonic world order.

The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Panama, the Mother Temple of Latin America, will be dedicated this Riḍván. Three beloved Hands of the Cause, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum representing the Universal—House of Justice, Ugo Giachery and Dzikru’lláh _Igl_iédem will attend this historic ceremony. The imaginative and inspiring concept of the architect, Peter Tillotson, has been wonderfully realized and we extend to the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama on behalf of the entire Bahá’í world, loving congratulations on their achievement.

Although the dissolution of the National Spiritual Assembly of ‘Iráq has, unhappily, resulted from the persecution of the Faith in that land, the thirteen new National Spiritual

‘pected that a large number of new

Assemblies which will come into being this Riḍván will bring the total number of these pillars of the Universal House of Justice to 113.

The goals requiring acquisition of properties and establishment of Teaching Institutes are well in hand and, in those countries where legal circumstances permit, incorporation of Assemblies and recognition of Bahá’í marriage and Holy Days are making good progress.

It is the teaching goals which must engage our attention and effort. Although more than 260 territories have achieved their assigned goals of localities where Bahá’ís reside, and in some cases have exceeded them, enabling the Bahá’í world community to rejoice in having outstripped on a world scale the total number of localities envisaged in the Plan, there are still some 60 territories where this goal is yet to be won and where its attainment must be given absolute priority between now and Ric_lvén,1973. It is ex Local Spiritual Assemblies will be established at Riḍván and immediately the position of this goal is ascertained a detailed listing of all territories throughout the world

which have not yet won their goals

[Page 2]APRIL ‘1972

for localities and Local Spiritual Assemblies will be sent to every National Spiritual Assembly for urgent release to the friends.

It is hoped that during this ‘last year of the Plan_the principle of col laboration between National Spiritu- ,

al Assemblies will be extended far beyond the special tasks set in the Nine Year Plan. Those communities which have already attained their goals or are in clear sight of them should consider the world picture as disclosed by the listing mentioned above and do everything they can, without jeopardizing their own success, to assist their fellow communities with pioneers and traveling teachers, or in any other way possible. Such a process will greatly consolidate the unity and brotherhood of the Bahá’í world community.

In the meantime we call on all be .1ievers everywhere to prayerfully

consider their personal circumstances, and to arise while there is yet time, to fill the international pioneer goals of the Plan. 'There are 267 pioneer needs still to be answered —-75 in Africa, 57 in the Americas, 40 in Asia, 30 in Australasia and 65 in Europe.

The extraordinary advances made since that Riḍván of 1964 when the Nine Year Plan was begun, continuing the organized and purposeful process of teaching on a world scale instituted by our beloved Guardian when he launched the Ten Year Crusade, force upon our attention new requirements of this ever-growing world order both for its own organic life and in relation to the disintegrating world society in which it is set. The divergence between the ways of the world and of the Cause of God becomes ever wider. And yet the two must come together. The Bahá’í community must demonstrate in ever , increasing measure its ability to re deem the disorderliness, the lack of cohesion, the permissiveness, the

Bahá’í World Center Haifa, Israel Riḍván, 1972

godlessness of modern society; the laws, the religious obligations, the observances of Bahá’í life, Bahá’í moral principles and standards of dignity, decency and reverence, must become deeply implanted in Bahá’í consciousness and increasingly inform and characterize this community. Such a process will require a great development in the maturity and effectiveness of Local Spiritual Assemblies. The purposes and standards of the Cause must be more and more understood and courageously upheld. The influence of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and the work of their Auxiliary Boards must develop and spread through the entire fabric of the Bahá’í community. A vast systematic program for the production of Bahá’í literature must be promoted.

Our immediate and inescapable task, however, is to ensure that every attainable goal of the Nine Year Plan is achieved. This must be done at all costs. No sacrifice, no deferment of cherished plans must be refused in order to discharge this “most important” of the many “important” duties facing us. Who can doubt that one last supreme effort will be crowned with success? Even now the national community to bear the laurels of first achieving every

‘ task assigned to it, Fiji, leads the

procession of rejoicing and victorious communities within the Army of Light. We .may well emulate Bahá’í youth whose recent surge forward into the van of proclamation and

. teaching is one of the most encourag ing and significant trends in the Faith, and who storm the gates of heaven for support in their enter prises by long-sustained, precedent’

and continuing prayer. We are all able to call upon Bahá’u’lláh for His Divine, all-powerful aid, and He will surely help us. For He is the Hearer of prayers, the Answerer.

—THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

[Page 3]REVIEW

International Property Goa|s—A Progress Report OUR NINE YEAR PLAN PROPERTY GOALS'ABROAD—Sfafus as of March 31. 1972

National Spiritual Assembly_ Goal Status Financial Assistance As of July 1971 As of June 30, through March 31, 1. Leeward, Windward and V 1971 March 1972 1972 Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds In process $ 378.99 $ 378.99 Tlndian Ocean (Reunion Is.) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Completed 1968 10,013.30 10,013.30 3. Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Completed 1968 13,513.75 13,513.75 4. Congo (1TaZ5vi11e)-Gabon Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds .In process 1,532.84 $10,500.00 12,032.84 5. West Africa (Monrovia, Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Completed 1968 8,408.65 8,408.65 Liberia) 6. Ghana (Accra) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Completed 1969 9,466.05 9,466.05 7. Taiwan (Teipei) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Completed 1967 6,011.60 6,011.60 8. Netherlands (The Hague) Temple Site - Completed 1972 10,000.00 10,000.00 9. Norway (Oslo) Temple Site In process ‘ 10. Portugal (Lisbon) Temple Site In process 20,195.20 20,195.20 ‘ll. Chile (Santiago) Temple Site Completed 1969 4,500.00‘ 4,500.00 12. Venezuela (Caracas) Temple Site In process 1,000.00 3,000.00 4,000.00 13. Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) Temple Site In process 14. Indian Ocean (Mauritius) Institute Completed 1969 1,500.00 1,500.00 15. South and West Africa Institute Completed 1970 2,250.00 2,250.00 16. West Africa (Bomi Hills ’ Liberia) Institute Completed 1967 4,102.80 4,102.80 17. Bolivia (Cochabamba) Institute Completed 1967 3,000.80 3,000.80 18. Ghana (Cape Coast) Institute Completed 1971 8,888.00 8,888.00

19. Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) Endowment

In process

19 Goals

12 completed 7 in process

$74,566.78 $43,695.20 $118,261.98

As we approach the end of the eighth year of the Nine Year Plan there has been an upsurge in activity in the acquisition of property goals abroad. The role of the United States is to give financial assistance to other National Spiritual Assemblies in winning nineteen of the goals. In the nine months ended March 31, 1972 we contributed a total of $43,695.20 to four countries, or more than half as much as the $74,566.78 in the previous seven years of the plan.

The period of search for the best property has often been time consuming and frustrating, but it is virtually at an end and all that remains is completing the legal and other details and some financial aid by the United States.

In the Congo (Brazzaville)-Gabon we have completed our financial commit ment of $12,000 and expect to hear shortly of the acquisition of their Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

A Temple Site is being acquired in the Netherlandsof more than eight acres located not far from the Hague. The

United States has contributed $10,000, or .

about one-thirdof the total cost and the Netherlands has asked that the amount be considered a loan.

After a long and difficult search a Temple Site has been found in Portugal and a contract for its purchase signed, towards which the United States made a substantial contribution of $20,000 within the past few months.

After a fruitless search for years in Venezuela, a beautiful Temple Site has been found within one hour’s distance of Caracas, ‘and the United States increased

[Page 4]its payment to that country by $3,000 to enable it to negotiate the purchase. A report of final acquisition is expected soon.

Two of the three property goals in the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands are still in the time-consuming negotiative stage with good prospects of a favorable outcome before many months. The third goal in the Islands, an Endowment, is considered relatively easy of attainment.

The other goal “in process,” that of a Temple Site for Norway, is progressing slowly but there are no obstacles other than ones involving time.

It is expected that additional financial assistance by the United States will be required in the last year of the Nine Year Plan to assure final victory in achieving all of the nineteen goals, but with continuing cooperation and prayers, and the guidance of The Universal House of Justice, there is no question about the outcome. Our next annual report should show all goals completely won.

———NATIONAL Bahá’í PROPERTIES COMMITTEE

Concerning Fireside Meetings

The National Assembly, judging by letters and reports received in recent months, feels that there are some misunderstandings about the aim and the conduct of intimate fireside teaching

meetings which can be readily cleared

away and thus release more potential teaching energy for effective service to the Faith.

What the Assembly has in mind is the need for some simple definition of the nature of the home meeting started by one or_more members of the family in order to awaken interest in the teachings among their neighbors and personal friends.

Such a meeting is a direct response to

the universal command that every believer teach the Cause. It is also one of the very best methods for bringing new people into the community. As such its value depends almost entirely upon two factors: first, control of the attendance and the program by the host or hostess; and second, continuity and development in the teaching and discussion.

APRJL 1972

The National Assembly wants this type of intimate gathering safeguarded. Experience from all over the country shows that the intention cannot be carried out if the other Bahá’í's look upon such a fireside as an open “party” or “community teaching meeting” and come and go as they feel inclined, join in the discussion and in general adopt the meeting as their own. '

Believers should not attend a home

» fireside meeting unless they are specifi cally invited by the host or hostess. More than courtesy is involved, important though courtesy is in this Faith. What is involved are the rights of the non-Bahá’í guests to receive the Message, enter into study and discussion, and when prepared, declare their faith.

The home fireside conducted for a few non-Bahá’í friends and neighbors is not subject to administrative control. The Assembly has no grounds for exerting its authority but on the contrary should uphold the right of every Bahá’í' to gather

‘his own friends together in the hope of

confirming them. Assembly authority does not apply until there are applications for enrollment, unless the Assembly has fair reason to believe that erroneous and harmful teachings are being given

J’ n I

out as “Baha .

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY [First published in BAHA'I' NEWS June 1948]

Gambling Forbidden for Baha,'l,s

In God Passes By (page 214) the beloved Guardian enumerates the Laws of Bahá’u’lláh. Included is the Law that interdicts gambling. In other communications he has indicated that sanctions of deprivation of administrative rights are to be imposed upon individuals who persist in violating this prohibition. Obedience to this Law has been especially emphasized to the believers in Nevada in which State gambling is legalized by st-ate law and where all forms and temptations for gambling abound everywhere.

This Bahá’í Law is being called to the attention now of all believers who visit or travel in Nevada and who may be under the impression that because gambling has been legalized by that State it is permissible for them to engage in it.

[Page 5]REVIEW

BAHA:'|’SUMMER SCHOOLS -1972

Arizona/New Mexico

Location: Near Payson, Ariz. Session: June 18-22

Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi

California (Southern) Location: Idyllwild Pines Session: July 1-8

Carolinas

Location: Cherov State Park near Charlotte, N.C. Session: August 19-27, noon.

Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (Aug. 23-27)

Davison

Location: 3208 S. State Road, Davison, Mich. 48423

Sessions: 10 weekend sessions, 4 week sessions, one week for I.G.C.

Sessions Monday through Friday. Weekends begin July 1-2, end Sept. 4-July 31—Aug. 4; Aug. 711; Aug. 14-18; Aug. 21-25; Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (Aug. 2-6.)

Florida (North) Location: Near Leesburg Session: Sept. 1-4

Georgia/Alabama

Location: Camp Sumatanga, North Alabama Session: August 31-Sept. 4, noon.

Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi

Geyserville

Location: Geyserville, California

Sessions: 4 weeks June 25-July 1; July 2-8; July 9-15; July 16-22. Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (June 25-29)

Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Gallagher (July 16-22)

Green Acre

Location: Eliot, Maine

Sessions: National Spiritual Assembly Institute July 2-15; July 16-22; July 23-29; July 30-Aug. 5; Aug. 6-12; Aug. 13-19; Aug. 20-26.

Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (Aug. 16-20) .__

New York (Eastern) Location: Poughkeepsie Session: July 23-Aug. 6. Two weeks.

Oklahoma/Texas Location: Lake Bridgeport Session: August 6-12

Oregon. Session: July 2-7 Teacher: Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi (July 2-6); Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Opel Conner

Rocky Mountain . Location: Red Lodge, Montana Session: August 20-28

Rocky Mountain

Location: Conifer Hill, Colo.

Session: July 3-8

Teacher: Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Gallagher

Rocky Mountain

Location: South Colorado

Session: June 10-18 . Teacher: Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Velma Sherrill

[Page 6]APRIL 1912

Washington Location: Seabeck, Wash. Session: June 24-29

Teachers: Counsellor Mrs. Mayberry; Auxliliary Board member Mrs. Opel Conner

_ NOTE: Information has not arrived about the North Central States School or the South Florida

School.

Additional information will be published about schools, as available. National Bahá’í School Committee, John H. Stroessler, Secretary 26592 El Mar Drive, Mission Viejo, California 92675

In Memoriam

Mrs. Dora Bray Pasadena, California February 26, 1972

Henry Robert Broadhurst, High Point, North Carolina February 16, 1972

Joseph Brushorn Poplar, Montana February 10, 1972

Miss Joan Crawford Chicago, Illinois February 27, 1972

Harold V. Dilley Carson, California Unknown Ulysses Greene Savannah, Georgia February 26, 1972

George L. LaBrant Eagle Point. Oregon January 31, 1972

Floyd Laurent Denver, Colorado February 6, 1972 Theo Marinello Maywood, Illinois February 24, 1972 Horace Mellor Raleigh, North C-arolina February 21, 1972 ' Bessie Paddy Fort Hall, Idaho

Mrs. Ola Mae Polley San Francisco, California February 7-, 1972

Nathaniel Simmons Little Rock, Arkansas December 1971

Mrs. Louella Utzman Seal Beach, California February 26, 1972

Mrs. Ethel Virdure Roxbury, Massachusetts March 5, 1972

Mrs. Alice Whipple Rochester, New York January 31, 1972

February 18, 1972

Work is Forbidden’ on Nine Holy Days

In a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States written on behalf of the beloved Guardian by his secretary on July 7, 1947, Bahá’ís are informed that work is forbidden on nine of our eleven holy days. These are listed in the Bahá’í calendars which also give the dates of the Nineteen Day Feasts. The letter states:

“He wishes also to stress the fact that, according to our Bahá’í laws, work is forbidden on our nine holy, days. Believers who have independent businesses or shops should refrain from working on these days. Those who are in government employ should, on r e l i g i o u s grounds, make an effort to be excused from work; all believers, whoever their employers, should do likewise. If the government, or other employers, refuse to grant them these days off, they are not required to forfeit their employ ment, but they should make every ef fort to have the independent status of

their Faith recognized and their right to hold their own religious holy days ac knowledged.” *

Referring to Bahá’í children, the Guardian instructed on October 24, 1947, that “children under fifteen should certainly observe the Bahá’í holy days, and not go to school, if this can be arranged on these nine days.” Whenever possible st ep s should be taken to have Bahá’í children excused, on religious grounds, from attending school on Bahá’í holy days. It is the responsibility of the Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í parents to see to it that their children engage in the observance of these holy days in ways that are meaningful to them educationally and spiritually. I I

• Published in BAHA’: NEWS, No. 198, page

3

[Page 7]f

Spiritual Asssembly of the Bahá’ís—o;f Saginaw, Michigan at the time of Incorporation, September

8, 1971.

Front row, left to right: Kenneth Augustine, Chairman; David Thorpe; Herbert N. Merrell, Jr.;

Bradley M elcher.

Back row, left to right: Ann Augustine, Corresponding Secretary; Freddie Allen; Jane Merrell, Treasurer; Marilyn Oeming, Recording Secretary; Sue Sperbeck.

Announcements by Continental Board of Counsellors

With commingled sadness and joy, the Continental Board of Counsellors of North America make two announcements.

The first is that Mr. Chester Kahn, valued member of the Auxiliary Board for Teaching, has submitted his resignation because of demanding personal and professional responsibilities, and because of his deep desire to work more directly with the Navajo Nation of which he is a member. This brings deep regret and sadness to the Counsellors. However at the same time we are happy in the knowledge that his great gifts will continue to be used in the Faith to such special advantage. , The second annuoncement is pure Joy. We have the honor to announce the appointment of Mrs. Eunice Braun as member of the Auxiliary Board for Teaching to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Kahn’s resignation. Mrs. Braun brings extraordinary capacity to her new position, having served for many years as the brilliant and gifted manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. This work was coupled with teaching and speaking on behalf of the Faith, as well as carrying on extensive administrative activities. Her editorial experi ence in Bahá’í publishing, which has attracted international praise, enables her to bring to her new service an extraordinary knowledge of the literary wealth of the Faith.

Mrs. Braun’s temporary territorial as . signment is North Carolina, South Caro lina, Georgia and Florida.

DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES Alabama Montgomery: Miss Lynda Keisling. 436 B So. Highland Ct., 36104 Arizona‘ Mesa: Mrs. Constance Kiely, pro-tem, P.O. Box 2417, Sherwood Station, 85204 Northern California Central Sonoma County J.D.: Mrs. Jacqueline R. Heald, 1500 John Dr., Santa Rosa, 95401 Central California Dist. #1 Redwood City: Mrs. Patricia Shaefer, P.O. Box 103, 94064 Seaside: Mrs. Mary H. Boyd, pro-tem, 1328 Luzern St., 93955 Central California Dist. #2 Fresno: Mrs. Mary Beth Kessler, P.O. 8065, 93727 Southern California Dist. #1 Burbank: Mrs. Betty Carey, 1200 Riverside Dr., Apt. 233, 91506 (correct Secty‘s name) San Fernando: Mr. Soheil Sohrab, P.O. Box 806, 91341 Southern California Dist. #2 Anaheim: Mrs. Bernyce T. Stillwell, 639 S. Webster, Apt. 132, 92804 Ontario: Mrs. Anna M. Rehling, 1541 Iris, 91762

[Page 8]APRIL ‘1972

Sothern California Dist. #3 Santa Barbara: Mr. Andrew R. Hopkins, P.O. Box 1327. 93101 Indiana Richmond: Mrs. Martha Patton, ‘R319 S. 6th St.. 47374 Kansas Emporia: New secretary to be reported Newton: Mr. Edward C. Sinclair, Box 451, 67114 Kentucky Jefferson County: Mrs. Karen Cummings, 271 Churchill Ave., Louisville, 40220 Louisiana Baton Rouge East Parish #1: Mrs. Elaine Williams, 10565 Cletus Dr., Baton Rouge, 70815 Massachusetts Somerville: Mr. David R. Power, 175 College Ave., 02144

Minnesota Minneapolis: Mr. William B. Harley, 4216 Standish Ave., So., 55407 Nebraska

Lincoln: Mr. Roger Egan, P.O. Box 80601, 68501 Nevada Henlerson: Mrs. Evelyn R. Plasse, 1030 Center St., Apt. 5-D, 89015 Eastern New York Town of Hempstead: Miss Diane Shure, pro-tem, 19 Hidden Lane, Westbury 11590 Western New York Town of Amherst: Miss Sally Hibbard, 4285 Chestnut Ridge‘Rd., Apt. H-1, Tonawanda 14150 Oregon 1 Corvallis: Mrs. Sue E. Badiei, 1850 Arthur Circle, 97330 Eugene: Miss Janis Ivanofl°, pro-tem, 710 W. 25th Ave., 97405 Jackson Conty: Mrs. Mary E. LaBrant, 125 Buckingham Circle, Eagle Point 97524 East Texas , Garland: Mr. Roy Kuykendall, 410 International, Apt.

1. 222, 75042

Virginia Nansemond County: Mrs. Barbara Camm, 4022 College Dr., Portsmouth 23703 Western Washington Makah Reservation: Mrs. Klara Tyler, Box 306, Neah Bay 98357 Seattle: Mrs. Pala Warme, PO. Box 396, 98102 DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE SECRETARIES

Northern California #2: Mrs, Arlene Batt, 3904 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa 95401

Minnesota: Mrs. Maryann Klann, 2225 - 2nd St.. N.W., Rochester 55901

Missouri: Mrs. Cathy Vance, 6490 Enright_ University City 63130

South Carolina #2: Mr. Richard Hatch, 2050 Beltline Blvd., #107, Columbia 29204

Vermont: Miss Dianne Bombaugh, The Ledges, Norwich 05055

Calendar

Feasts April 328 Jamal (Beauty) May 17 ’Azmat (Grandeur) June 5 Nur (Light) Special Events June 11 Race Unity Day Suggested topic: “Oneness—Pathway to Peace” Special Days Feast of Riḍván (Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh) April 21-May 2 May 23 Declaration of the Báb May 29 Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

National Bahá’í Fund

1971-1972

S 200,000 .

150,000

Honthlq Goal

100,000

50,000

’Alé’ Fiscal Year (Loftiness) to Date INCOME: Regular Contributions $ 89,350.21 $1,377,693.60

Special Contributions 6,000.00 54,344.55 ‘Total Contributions $' 95,350.21 $1,432,038.15‘ Estates 50,000.00 143,729.83 Other Income 1,373.40 41,174.42 Total Income $146,723.61 $1,616,942.40

Budget $120,000.00 $2,040,000.00

Bahá’í’ Holy Days on Which Work Should Be Suspended April 21 The first. day of Riḍván (Local Spiritual Asembly elections) April 29 The ninth day of Riḍván May 2 Twelfth day of Riḍván May 23 Anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb (Two hours after sunset) May 29 The anniversary of the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (Three a.m.)

National Assembly Meetings April 21-24 May 26-28 June 23-25

National Convention April 22, 8:30 arn. through April 24, 1:00 p.m.

Panama Temple Dedication April 29-May 2, 1972

Ina