National Bahá’í Review/Issue 60/Text

←Previous

National Bahá’í Review Issue 60

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[Page 1]

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE Announces ADOPTION OF ITS CONSTITUTION

WITH GRATEFUL JOYOUS HEARTS ANNOUNCE ENTIRE BAHÁ’Í WORLD ADOPTION PROFOUNDLY SIGNIFICANT STEP IN UNFOLDMENT MISSION SUPREME ORGAN BAHÁ’Í WORLD COMMONWEALTH THROUGH FORMULATION CONSTITUTION UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE. AFTER OFFERING HUMBLE PRAYERS GRATITUDE ON DAY COVENANT AT THREE SACRED THRESHOLDS BAHJÍ HAIFA MEMBERS GATHERED COUNCIL CHAMBER PRECINCTS HOUSE BLESSED MASTER APPENDED THEIR SIGNATURES FIXED SEAL ON INSTRUMENT ENVISAGED WRITINGS BELOVED GUARDIAN HAILED BY HIM AS MOST GREAT LAW FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. FULLY ASSURED MEASURE JUST TAKEN WILL FURTHER REINFORCE TIES BINDING WORLD CENTER TO NATIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT WORLD RELEASE FRESH ENERGIES INCREASE ENTHUSIASM CONFIDENCE VALIANT WORKERS HIS DIVINE VINEYARD LABORING ASSIDUOUSLY BRING MANKIND UNDER SHELTER HIS ALL GLORIOUS COVENANT.

Haifa, Israel Cable 26 November 1972 (signed) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE [Page 2]

Use Caution in Teaching and Associating with Persons from Muslim Countries

Over the years the National Spiritual Assembly has repeatedly brought to the attention of the American Bahá’í community certain principles governing association with persons from Middle Eastern Muslim countries who temporarily reside in the United States. Recently the number of Bahá’ís in this country has been increasing so rapidly that many may not be aware of the caution which must be exercised in such association. Since American Bahá’ís have a special affection for Persia, the cradle of their Faith, and for Islám, they frequently seek out students and visitors from Muslim nations, attempt to teach them the Faith, and invite them to Bahá’í public meetings, firesides, study classes, and summer schools.

As early as January 1926, Shoghi Effendi wrote the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada:

Regarding association with Oriental travelers and residents in the United States and Canada, I desire to emphasize afresh the vital necessity for the exercise in these days of the greatest vigilance and reserve, prudence and caution, on the part of the American believers in their dealings with them, either in an official or private capacity, whether in business transactions or for purely religious purposes. As the Movement grows in prestige, fame and influence, as the ambitions, malice and ill-will of strangers and enemies correspondingly wax greater, it becomes increasingly important for every individual and Spiritual Assembly to be on their guard lest they fall innocent victims of the evil designs of the malevolent, the self-seeking and the greedy. (BA p. 101-2)

The Guardian also wrote, as quoted in the compilation Principles of Bahá’í Administration,

The attitude of the Friends towards Orientals should be one of great caution, according to the Master’s own often-repeated and explicit instructions and warnings. Any believer in good standing would not leave his home community without a letter of credentials, and certainly no Persians, claiming to be Bahá’ís, but lacking credentials, should be accepted until the Persian National Spiritual Assembly has clarified their status. They can, naturally, attend public meetings, but should not be permitted to come to the Nineteen Day Feast; the Friends may associate with them, but should be very cautious, bearing in mind that many Orientals, who scorned, or were even actively against the Cause while living in the East, now find it convenient to pass as believers or friends of the Faith in a Western country where they are strangers.

I desire to reiterate the warning that no Persian, student or otherwise, must be admitted into the community under any circumstances unless provided with full credentials. Exception and compromise would be detrimental to the vital interests of the Faith at the present juncture. The utmost caution and vigilance are imperative.

While Bahá’ís must associate with followers of all religions and people of all lands, they must be on their guard lest unwise actions produce harmful results. They should keep in mind that in most Muslim countries there exist ample opportunities to learn about the Faith. They should also remember that in many Muslim countries Bahá’ís live under constant pressure and that occasionally outright persecution breaks out, endangering their very lives. It is difficult to realize how deep hatred for the Faith can run and how our carelessness can imperil individuals and entire communities in certain countries.

American Bahá’ís should not attempt to teach the Faith to persons from Middle Eastern and North African Muslim [Page 3]countries unless such persons are permanent residents of the United States. Such a Muslim who happens to be in the United States temporarily cannot be enrolled in the Bahá’í community by our National Spiritual Assembly but must be enrolled upon his return home by the appropriate Bahá’í institution in his country. Muslims temporarily in the United States should not be invited to any Bahá’í activities but should they come without invitation, they will, of course, be welcomed in a courteous and friendly manner. —NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Bahá’í Laws Governing Marriage

The laws revealed by Bahá’u’lláh on marriage are binding on all Bahá’ís who marry regardless of their age. Local Spiritual Assemblies must see to it that these laws are known and understood by all members of their community, especially the youth. The basic requirements are as follows:

Bahá’ís who wish to marry must have the consent of the natural parents of both the man and the woman. This applies whether the parents are Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís, divorced for years, or

IN MEMORIAM

Mr. James Agnew Nacogdoches, Texas October 23, 1972

Mr. Herbert L. Amaker Columbia, S.C. October, 1972

Mr. Leroy Barnwell Charleston Heights, S.C. September 8, 1972

Mrs. Mary Cedar Boy McLaughlin, S.D. Winter, 1971

Mr. Michael Glen Bray Robstown, Texas September, 1972

Mr. Ned Chislom Denmark, S.C. April, 1972

Mr. Allen Connor Alexandria, Virginia October 20, 1972

Mrs. Anna Darm Duluth, Minnesota August 5, 1972

Mrs. Ensley Ellis Santa Ana, California October 12, 1972

Mrs. Annie Fry Irvinton, New Jersey July 4, 1972

Mr. Ralph Glover Ft. Valley, Georgia September, 1972

Mr. Arlander Gore Columbia, S.C. October 2, 1972

Mrs. Elizabeth (Campbell) Griffith Kansas City, Missouri October 21, 1972

Mr. Ed Harris Bluefield, W. Virginia October, 1972

Mr. Billy Hayes Rock Hill, S.C. June, 1972

Mrs. Mille A. Hendricks Los Angeles, California November 1, 1972

Mrs. Louise Hollister Pocasset, Massachusetts October 11, 1972

Mrs. Patience Kindness Pasadena, California September 13, 1972

Mr. Hugh D. Luttrell Sheppard AFB, Texas August 14, 1971

Mr. Elerwey Magor St. Matthews, S.C. September, 1972

Mrs. Dorothy Stone McKown Niagara Falls, New York September 6, 1972

Mr. Earnest McMichael North, S.C. September 16, 1972

Mr. Kurt Neisler Atlanta, Georgia September, 1972

Mr. Clifford Palmberg Sr. St. Charles, Missouri May 4, 1972

Mr. George Raine Atlanta, Georgia September 22, 1972

Mr. Harry Ross Suquamish, Washington September 17, 1972

Mr. Curtis Sails Orangeburg, S.C. Date unknown

Mrs. Gretchen Schulte Newhall, California September 18, 1972

Mr. Harry Shivers North, S.C. Spring, 1972

Miss Fanchon Smith Cleveland, Ohio October 31, 1972

Miss Doris (Milley) Starr Tacoma, Washington October 28, 1972

Mrs. Judy Suhm Oshkosh, Wisconsin August 17, 1972

Mr. Ben Thomas Bridgeport, Connecticut October, 1972

Mr. John Torok Tampa, Florida June, 1971

Mr. Fred Vallery Barrington, Illinois September 19, 1972

Mrs. Elouise Washington Moncks Corner, S.C. September 26, 1972

Mr. Ralph Wheeler Montague, Massachusettes October 10, 1972

Mr. Richard Zehr Tonawanda, New York September 4, 1972

Dr. Kahn Zia Chicago, Illinois October 1, 1972

Correction: Walter D. Crummel of Erie, Michigan, was incorrectly reported as deceased in the September NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW. [Page 4]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 Faith.

They must also have a Bahá’í marriage ceremony. If a Bahá’í 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 religion other than his own. If there are to be two ceremonies both must take place on the same legal calendar day.

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.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

SERVE THE TEMPLE

The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is a unique institution in the Bahá’í Cause. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said regarding the Bahá’í House of Worship at Wilmette, a few miles north of Chicago, "Think not that this Temple will be like the . . gigantic Temples you see about you. Know ye that when this Temple of God shall be built in Chicago, it will be to the spiritual body of the world what the inrush of the spirit is to the physical body of man, quickening it to its utmost parts and infusing a New Light and Power."1 and again, "When built, then, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will be the greatest teacher, for it is an expression of the elevation of the Word of God."2

Our beloved Guardian has said, "Now that the Temple is completed it will be filled with pure, seeking souls. It should be different from other Houses of Worship, where, even if they are filled, their source of attraction is the music heard. Here the spirit should be so powerful as to awaken the heart of everyone that enters to the Glory of Bahá’u’lláh and to the importance of the message of peace He has brought to the world."

The House of Worship attracts thousands of visitors each year. It acts as a magnet, bringing mankind to the threshold of the Dawning Place of the Mention of God! But too many of these visitors just pass through, admiring the architecture and the lovely gardens, never having caught the real meaning of the building. The responsibility for fulfilling the words of the Guardian rests upon every Bahá’í in America, not just those few living in the immediate vicinity of the Temple.

MALL We are appealing to the entire Bahá’í Community to come to this "Mother Temple of the West" to serve as teachers and/or guides for a few days or a week. Please plan to spend part of your next vacation time on the grounds blessed by the footsteps of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, helping "to awaken the hearts of everyone that enters to the Glory of Bahá’u’lláh."

It's important to remember the following words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá "Faith without deeds is dead. What one receives in moments of exultation and heavenly inspiration within its sacred walls must be translated into actual service to the world of humanity," "And of all the institutions that stand associated with His Holy Name, surely none save the institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár can most adequately provide the essentials of Bahá’í Worship and service, both so vital to the regeneration of the world."5

This House of Worship, then, has the potential to diffuse the knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings in a measure which no single agency possesses. Its potential, though, can only be achieved through the medium of service by volunteers - volunteers who are willing to give the thousands of visitors as they pass through its doors, the real meaning of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.

Now is the time to arise to your responsibility! "Whosoever arises to serve this building shall be anointed with great power from His supreme Kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings [Page 5]

Review

shall descend which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the Glorious and Eternal God."6

References

1. Bahá’í Year Book, Vol. I, p. 61 2. Bahá’í World, Vol. VII, p. 432 3. Bahá’í News, # 55, Sept. 1931, p. 4 4. Bahá’í World, Vol. III, p. 147 5. Bahá’í World, Vol. V, p. 277 6. Bahá’í Year Book, Vol. I, p. 62

Those who can volunteer their services should write, giving name; address; stating whether adult or youth and if so, age; place to start from; arrival date, and departure date; mail to House of Worship Activities Committee, 112 Linden, Wilmette, Ill. 60091.

Passing of Mrs. Nina B. Matthisen

Mrs. Nina B. Matthisen of Fort Myers, Florida passed away on November 9 following a short period of hospitalization. Mrs. Matthisen, her husband Andrew, and her daughter Mary Jane were Knights of Bahá’u’lláh who pioneered in Nassau, the Bahama Islands, for some time beginning in 1954. Mr. Matthisen passed away a number of years ago and now there remains only their daughter Mary Jane, who has lived with her mother to the very end.

Before pioneering Mrs. Matthisen was very active in public information work for the National Spiritual Assembly and for years after the family returned to Florida she continued this special interest and participated actively in all teaching services.

Aliens Must Report Address

During January each year, every alien in the United States must report his address.

How to report: go to any United States Post Office or Immigration and Naturalization office and ask for the Alien Address Report card (Form I-53). Fill it out and return to a Post Office or Immigration and Naturalization office clerk during January.

If an alien is out of the country during the month of January, the form should be filled out within ten days after his or her return.

There are severe penalties if the form is not filled out as required.

Questions Answered

Should Bahá’ís observe Christmas?

The reply of the Guardian in Bahá’í News, March 1940 (number 134) was as follows:

"As regards the celebration of the Christian Holidays by the believers: it is surely preferable and even highly advisable that the friends should in their relation to each other discontinue observing such holidays as Christmas and New Year, and to have their festival gatherings of this nature instead during the intercalary days and Naw-Rúz....

What is the purpose of World Religion Day?

Answer: The long-range purpose of World Religion Day is to educate the public's understanding of world religion accurately. Belief in progressive revelation, raised above all religious, national, and racial prejudices, is a unique contribution to the world that no other religion can make. Its purpose is to spread the knowledge of the oneness of religion and to gain recognition of religion as the motivating force for world unity.

On World Religion Day, is it appropriate for Bahá’ís to invite representatives of other religions to share the platform?

Answer: It is becoming more and more evident that the older religions are incapable of providing the spiritual impetus and direction so sorely needed by the world today, and therefore it has become less and less appropriate in recent years for the Bahá’ís to provide a platform for their representatives and followers on our World Religion Day. On a number of occasions in the past unpleasant situations have arisen when panels on religion sponsored by Bahá’ís have included Muslims who have taken the opportunity to attack the Faith, thus confusing the public and embarrassing the Bahá’ís.

Theme this year: "World Religion Basis for World Unity."

Date of observance: Jan. 21, 1973. It is the third Sunday in January each year. [Page 6]

Incorporated Assembly of East Lansing, Michigan

The East Lansing Assembly was incorporated in January, 1972. Members are, left to right, seated: Mrs. Elaine Wilson, Mrs. Farzaneh Nazerian, Mrs. Sharon Bond, Mrs. Kay Sharrard. Standing, left to right: Mr. Geoffrey Wilson, Mr. Ken Gottlieb, Mr. James Springston, Mr. Tom Sharrard, Dr. Keyvan Nazerian.

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES

Alabama

Prichard: Mail has been returned. Tarrant City: Mail has been returned

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

• Decatur: Mrs. Kathleen M. Baugher, 2306 Flicker Rd., S.W., 35601

Arizona

• Red Lake Chapter: Miss Mary Whitesinger, General Delivery, Cowspring Store, Tonelea 86044

Arkansas

Hot Springs: Mrs. Almo Lockheart. 700 Reserve. Apt. 3-11, 71901

California

Coronado: Mrs. Patricia L. Spittal, 706 E" St., 92118

Covina: Mrs. Teri Shaw, P.O. Box 334, West Covina 91793

Desert J.D.: Mrs. Merle Cates. Box 1191, Palm Desert 92260 Dest

• Duarte: Mrs. Carole E. McAteer, 3014 Royal Oaks Dr., 91010

• Livermore: Mrs. Della Franks, 676 Oriole Ave., 94550

"Lynwood: Mrs. Myrna E. Wickliffe, 11205 "D" California Ave., 90262

"Mariposa J.D.: Mrs. Peggy Salstrand, P.O. Box 1, Catheys Valley 95306

Monterey: Mr. Norbert Kammer, P.O. Box 1131, 93940 35940

Orange County North J.D.: delete this Assembly

Palm Springs: Mrs. Gail Polena, 700 Sierra Way, 92262

Richmond: Mr. H. Douglas Morgan, 1235 Florida Ave., 94804

• San Bruno: Mrs. Jacqueline J. Leser, 434 Milton Ave., Apt. 4, 94066

Santa Cruz J.D:: Mrs. Susan Moore, 2-1911 E. Cliff Drive, 95060

Thousand Oaks: Mrs. Margie L. Hanz, P.O. Box 1137, 91360

Torrance: Mrs. Jan Jackson, 17924 Crenshaw, 90504

• • Twenty Nine Palms: Mrs. Helen E. Jones, 6126 Bagley Ave., 92277

Colorado

Durango: Mrs. Belinda A. Boren, Box 256, Fort Lewis College, 81301

Connecticut

Mansfield: Mr. Edward Katchledge, Jr., Treas.. 13-B Carriage House Apts., Storrs 06268

Norwalk: Mrs. Bernice Lindenthal, 41 Wolfpit Ave.. 06851

Florida

Boca Raton: Mrs. Jeanne Murday, P.O. Box 999. 33432

Broward County: Mrs. Barbara Honaker, 241 N. E. 60th St., Ft. Lauderdale 33308

Hillsborough County: Mrs. Anita Jester, 14206-D Patti Ann Ct., Tampa 33612

• • North Miami: Mrs. Emma Bethel, 13685 N.W. 3rd Ave., 33168

Illinois

Chicago: Delete the word "pro-tem"

Normal: Mr. George Davis, Chr., 904 Hovey, 61761

Rock Island: Miss Renae Johnson, 1017 14th Ave.. 61201

• • Wheaton: Mrs. Phyllis Unterschuetz. 817 College Ave., Apt. 13, 60187

Indiana

Kokomo: Mrs. Lou Kinsey, 1744 W. Jefferson, 46901

Kansas

Wichita: Dr. Brenda Randolph, 1612 N. Fairmount. 67208 [Page 7]

Kentucky

Louisville: Mr. Stuart Pearlman, 1935 Gardiner Lane, Apt. D-45, 40205

Louisiana

Baton Rouge East Parish # 1: Dr. Iraj Shadraven. Chr., 10512 Cal Road, Baton Rouge 70809

Jefferson Parish: Mrs. Suzanne Boland, pro-tem, 6408 Carmen St., Metairie 70003

Natchitoches: Mr. David L. Cox, P.O. Box 5626. NSU, 71457

St. John the Baptist Parish #1: Mrs. Joan Ancker, 1409 Ellerslie Ave., LaPlace 70068

Shreveport: Miss Lois Tillotson, 557 Egan St., 71101

Maine

• Augusta: Miss Margaret Langevin, 37 Oak St.. 04330

Maryland

St. Mary's County: Mrs. Judith H. Guffey, P.O. Box 251, Leonardtown 20650

• • Takoma Park: Miss Janice A. Duchac, 7717 Greenwood Ave., Apt. 3, 20012

Massachusetts

Brookline: Mrs. Emily A. Kramer, 11 Craig Pl.. 02146

Northampton: Mrs. Judith Geisler. 49 State St., 01060

• Salem: Mrs. Jeanne St. Gelais, 353 Lafayette St... 01970

• Westborough: Mrs. Jane Anne Allen, 109 South St., 01581

Michigan

Bay City: Mrs. Julie Badiee, 600 18th St., 48706

Minnesota

Duluth: Mrs. Pat Hanson, 210 S. 61st Ave., E., 55804

Mankato: Miss Virginia Tice, 205 Lincoln St., 56001

Mississippi

Clarksdale: Mrs. Alberta Madlock, Chr., 815 Florida St., 38614

Nevada

Henderson: Mr. Michael Bagstad, Chr., P.O. Box 534, 89015

Las Vegas: Mrs. Betty Nix, 3728 Fortune Ave., 89107

New Hampshire

Peterborough: Mrs. Nancy Aldrich, 12 Pine St., 03458

New Jersey

Bergenfield: Mrs. Dolores Gonzalez, 156 East Church St., 07621

• • North Plainfield: Mrs. Kathleen I. Ainslee, 79-B Linden, 07060

New Mexico

Bernalillo County: Miss Carol Nordengren, P.O. Box 148, Tijeras 87059

Mescalero Apache Reservation: Mrs. Margaret Gurinsky, Box 148, Mescalero 88340

New York

Brockport: Miss Harriet Boddie, 48 Clark St., 14420

North Carolina

Elm City: Mr. James E. Brodie, 1912 Hadley Rd., Raleigh 27610

Ohio

Cincinnati: Miss Linda K. Meineke, 2465 Westwood, N. Apt. 3, 45211

Oregon

• Coos County: Mrs. Jessie Skaggs-Loban, P.O. Box 3503, Coos Bay 97420

Pennsylvania

State College: Miss Barbara Imig, 478 E. Beaver Ave., 16801

Tennessee

Knoxville: Mr. Jack R. Keeling, 4402 Norwalk Ave.. 37914

Texas

Garland: Mr. Roy D. Kuykendall, 3316 Edgewood, Apt. 105L, 75040

Killeen: Mr. Douglas Hubbart, 1308 Garth, 76511

• Livingston: Mrs. Sharon Knowlton, 1213 Bluebird Ave., 77351

Marshall: Delete the word "pro-tem"

Virginia

Albemarle County: Mr. Robert Keithley, Chr., 104 Cherokee Ct., Charlottesville 22901

Arlington County: Mrs. Ruth Ford, Rec. Secty.. 6347 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington 22205

Washington

Bellingham: Mrs. Mathalia Lynn, P.O. Box 103, 98225

• Douglas County C.D. #1: Mrs. Wendi Brown, P.O. Box 015, East Wenatchee 98801

Everett: Mrs. Sylvia Strandell, 1015 Maple, 98201

Makah Reservation: Mrs. Klara Tyler. pro-tem, Box 165, Neah Bay 98357

• Mason County C.D. #1: Mrs. Ethel B. Sherwood. P.O. Box 203. Rt. 2, Shelton 98584

West Virginia

Wheeling: Mrs. Barbara Carr, Box 826, 26003

Wisconsin

West Allis: Mrs. Gail Hoffman, 2023 S. 90th St., 53227

• New Assembly
  • Restored Assembly

REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE SECRETARIES

Northeastern: Mrs. Patricia K. Rothman, 12 Carol Dr.. Rockville, Conn. 06066 Southern: Mr. James Taylor, 507 W. Fortification St.. Jackson, Miss. 39202

DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE SECRETARIES

California Northern #2: Mrs. Betty Shurtleff. 1610 Hill Rd., Novato 94927

Idaho Northern: William Pike, 510 E. 3rd, Moscow 83843

Kentucky: Mrs. Sally Herr Bell, Shalimar B-6, Glasgow 42141

Minnesota: Mrs. Meg Luckinbill, Box 185, Bemidji 55110

New Mexico Southern: Mrs. Pauline Hoff, 1729 Corte Allegre, Alamogordo 88310

New York Western: Mrs. Charlotte Yates, 129 Deborah, Buffalo 14207

North Dakota: Mrs. Jeanne M. Engle, 521 N. 5th St., Bismarck, 58501

Oklahoma Eastern: Miss Sara L. Gustavus, 1808-B S. Boston, Tulsa 74119

Oklahoma Western: Mrs. Rentha Park, 1003 E. Brooks, Norman 73069

South Carolina District #5: Mrs. Genell H. Grimsley. Box 1033, Lake City 29560

South Dakota: Mr. Ed. Roberts, RR #2, Box 139, Sioux Falls 57101

Texas Eastern # 2: Mrs. Jo Talbot, 4416 Basswood, Apt. 2, Bellaire 77401

Utah: Mr. Massood Mahmoudi, 299 Center St., Apt. 502. Salt Lake City 84103

Vermont: Mrs: Kathleen Gray, 168 Eliot St., Brattleboro 05301

Virginia Southern: Miss Martha Dick, P.O. Box 1826, Roanoke 24008 [Page 8]

TO ALL BELIEVERS

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Praise be to God! Since Rahmat the percentage of Local Spiritual Assemblies contributing to the National Bahá’í Fund has risen without interruption from 38% to our present high of 55%.

At this point, two major goals remain to be won in the Nine Year Plan. Although pioneers are still needed to fill the few remaining posts left to us, we are well on our way to completing our pioneer assignments. Our funds have also secured virtually every Temple site and Hazíratu’l-Quds that we have been assigned. Our two remaining unfilled goals therefore are our budget of $2.5 million and universal participation in the life of the Cause.

Carried forward by the compelling momentum of our victorious advance, let us all, individually and collectively, fix our sights upon these twin peaks and, placing all our confidence in the unfailing assistance of the Blessed Beauty, storm the last unconquered heights of success.

Yours with deep Bahá’í love,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Dorothy W. Nelson Treasurer

DECEMBER 1972

National Bahá’í Fund

$ 200,000 $ 150,000 $ 100,000 $50,000

Jamál Azamat Núr Rahmat Kalimát Kamál Asmá ‘Izzat Mashiyyat ‘Ilm (Knowledge) $102,849.55 16,000.00 Qudrat Qawl (Power) Masá’il Sharaf

Monthly Goal—$132,000.00

INCOME: Regular Contr. $ 97,594.40 Special Contr. [Amount not clearly listed] Total Contr. $118,849.55 Estates 500.00 Other Income 69.96 Total Income $119,419.51 Budget $132,000.00

Fiscal Year to Date Regular Contr. $ 889,248.98 Special Contr. 58,922.52 Total Contr. $ 948,171.50 Estates 62,054.49 Other Income 5,986.49 Total Income $1,016,212.48 Budget $1,452,000.00

Contributions may be addressed to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill. 60091

Firesides Are for Teaching Purposes Only

In recent months it has come to the attention of the National Spiritual Assembly that Bahá’ís sometimes take advantage of Bahá’í firesides and other gatherings of fellow Bahá’ís and friends of the Faith to advertise or otherwise promote products which they sell or services in which they are engaged for a living. This cannot be permitted. Firesides are strictly for teaching, and Local Spiritual Assemblies must be alert to any tendency or trend among the members of their communities to use these or any other Bahá’í gatherings to advertise or promote products or services for their personal gain. If such practices take place, the Local Spiritual Assemblies must request that they be discontinued at once.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

CALENDAR

Feasts December 12 — Masá’il (Questions) December 31 — Sharaf (Honor) January 19 — Sultán (Sovereignty)

Special Events Days December 10 — Human Rights Day Suggested theme: "Justice — The Divine Standard for Peace"

January 21 — World Religion Day Suggested theme: "World Religion — Basis for World Unity"

National Spiritual Assembly Meetings December 8-10 January 12-14