National Bahá’í Review/Issue 69/Text

←Previous

National Bahá’í Review Issue 69

Next→

Return to PDF view

[Page 1]

Hand Cause John Ferraby dies unexpectedly

The Hand of the Cause John Ferraby passed away unexpectedly on September 5th. The following cable was sent by The Universal House of Justice: REGRET SUDDEN PASSING HAND CAUSE JOHN FERRABY STOP RECALL LONG SERVICES FAITH BRITISH ISLES cRowNED ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION BAHAI LITERATURE THROUGH HIS BOOK ALL THINGS MADE NEW STOP REQUESTING BEFI’I"I‘ING GATHERINGS MASHRIQULADHKARS MEMORIAL MEETINGS ALL COMMUNITIES BAHAI WORLD.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

Guide to planning UN events

September 7, 1973

TD: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES Dear Bahá’í Friends, A

When we wrote you on June 15 concerning United Nations materials for your United Nations Day and Human Rights Day observances, we mentioned that we would write later with suggestions to help your communities plan those Bahá’í-UN programs. We hope that the observations and ideas that follow will be helpful.

The Preamble of the United Nations Charter refers to the three main functions of the United Nations: 1) to keep peace, 2) to insure universal human rights, and 3) to provide better social and economic conditions for the peoples of the world. At the beginning, when the United Nations had a membership of 51 nations-—mostly industrialized and developed countries—the emphasis in the work of the UN was on keeping peace. Today, however, with a membership of 132 nations, mostpof them developing countries, the improvement of the social and economic conditions of all human beings has become equally important. One could say that “peace-keeping” and “peace-building” are both essential, since it is hardly possible to have world peace if the gulf between the developed and the developing countries, the rich and the poor, is not bridged, and all peoples are given the same economic, social and cultural rights and opportunities.

It was the concern for economic and social development that led the United Nations at its 25th Anniversary in 1970 to approve a plan for close cooperation between the rich and the poor nations—a kind of partnership—and call it the International Development Strategy. This plan for the 1970’s—the Second United Nations Development Decade—called for the developing nations to increase their national production and

improve individual income (and to undertake social and economic reforms that would help these goals), and for the developed countries to furnish 1% of their national product in financial and other assistance to those less fortunate nations.

Since the United Nations is convinced that if the International Development Strategy is to succeed fully in helping to bring peace and stability to this planet it must have the wholehearted cooperation of the people as well as of the governments, its General Assembly last fall decided to proclaim United Nations Day 1973, World Development Information Day—a special occasion for educating the public in developed and developing countries about the far-reaching UN programs for economic and social development.

Bahá’í communities, already working steadily to bring about the Most Great Peace and estab lish a world civilization, can also assist the UN in I

its efforts towards peace and the well-being of all peoples by making better understood, in their UN Day observances, the general aims and activities of the United Nations in the‘ field of development, and the specific development programs which the UN may be undertaking nationally or locally.

Furthermore, in sponsoring or co-sponsoring such UN Day activities, Bahá’í communities everywhere can present, in a very natural way, the Bahá’í viewpoint on spiritual development as the essential foundation of economic and social development. The Bahá’í International Community expressed this view to the United Nations in reply to a questionnaire asking about its contribution to the International Development Strategy. We explained:

R (continued page two)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ‘1973

[Page 2]SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1973

Guide to planning UN events

(continued from page one)

The Bahá’í International Community, committed to development in an unlimited sense, views the moral and spiritual regeneration of man as the foundation for economic and social progress. This dedication to a change in attitude and the acceptance of certain principles such as universal compulsory education, the equality of men and women, the abolition of all forms of prejudice, the agreement of science and religion, resulting in the gradual end to superstition and meaningless dogma, the fundamental belief in the worth of the individual and the importance of his unique talents, the engagement in an occupation, such as the arts or trade, made identical with the worship of God, and the realization of the organic wholenessof life, result in varying degrees, in different parts of the world, in an important contribution to the International Strategy for the Second Development Decade.

There are several ways in which your communities may wish to observe United Nations Day, World Development Information Day, October 24. The suggestions below are just a few, and I am sure that, through your knowledge of local conditions you will be able to think of many others.

1. Public meeting. This could be sponsored

by the Bahá’í community alone, or in cooperation with other local organizations who are in sympathy with the goals of the United Nations. Often it is better for the Bahá’ís to organize the program on their own, sponsoring fully the UN Day meeting. In this way the Bahá’í community can use an approach to the UN that is most in harmony with the goals of the Faith, and avoid becoming involved in some controversial or political UN issues. The only guiding principle here is that our cooperation with the UN should not place us in a position to contravene or compromise the Teachings.

If possible, the Bahá’í community should seek to work closely with the United Nations Information Centre, or, if there is -no Information Centre, with the United Nations Development Programme office. (If there is neither one, there may be a UNICEF, FAO, WHO, or UNESCO office or official who could be contacted). The Bahá’í program could be planned in coordination with those UN offices who may be able to help with literature, posters, and films for the occasion. It would also be friendly and courteous to invite the Director of the UN Information Centre or the Resident Representative of the UNDP office (or a member of their staff if they are unavailable) to be part of the program—one of the speakers, if possible, to present the UN aims and work in the field of development. The second speaker, a Bahá’í, could then present the com

plementary Bahá’í view.

2. A tea, a luncheon, a dinner, a banquet, or any other social function in observance of World

Development Information Day. As in the case of the public meeting, this activity might offer an opportunity to invite important people in the community, who would then join the Bahá’ís in making better known the work of the UN. There might even be a guest of honor, perhaps a UN

official serving in that particular area.

3. A display. Displays can, of course, be set up

in conjunction with public meetings. If you are not in a position to have such a meeting, however, they can be organized separately in schools or universities, in public buildings, in stores, in libraries, in Bahá’í centers-—wherever an appropriate place can be found. If the community must make a, choice between setting up several small displays or one large one, because of limited manpower and materials, then it would be better to plan one large, well-organized and attractive display in a place where it would draw the attention of many people.

4. School programs, radio broadcasts, and

television programs. Bahá’í communities may use this opportunity to interest schools in UN films, such as the “International Zone” series (16 mm.), which have great appeal in cities and in the country, or a special 21-minute color film on development, “One and a Half Dreams.” Films are available from Information Centres or from UNDP offices. Radio stations may welcome an interview program, a panel discussion, or spot announcements on the subject of development from the UN and Bahá’í points of view. A special taped 15-minute UN Day program can be secured by radio station program directors directly from the United Nations Radio Services Division in New York. In addition, films, interviews or panel discussions, which may give opportunity not only to present the aims and achievements of the United Nations, but also permit the presentation of Bahá’í views, can be offered to local T.V. stations.

5. Newspaper publicity. Bahá’í communities

should be able to obtain good free publicity in local newspapers concerning their activities for World Development Information Day. If free publicity is unavailable, they might wish to place a paid ad in observance of the occasion. A Bahá’í community could also write a letter to the editor, obtain an interview, or write an article on development.

We hope that the comments and ideas above may assist your communities in planning their programs for UN D_ay—World Development Information Day. These are excellent occasions, as we have mentioned before, not only to assist the United Nations in informing the public about its work, but also to present the Bahá’í solution, and in this way increase the recognition and prestige

of the Faith. With warm and loving Bahá’í greetings,

Victor de Araujo Representative Bahá’í International Community

[Page 3]REVIEW

"*\/ Bahá’ís and political campaigns ‘

The National Spiritual Assembly reminds the friends of the principles that should guide their relationship to political campaigns.

1. A Bahá’í may not take out membership in, or associate with, a political party or organization designed to support a political party.

2. It is inappropriate for a Bahá’í to contribute funds or service to political parties or campaigns.

3. However, a Bahá’í is free to exercise his right as an American citizen to vote for political candidates as his conscience dictates.

At the basis of these guidelines is the spirit of unity which animates our Faith. The Master warned us against partisan political activity several times.

‘ Shoghi Effendi ' explained to us repeatedly the dangers of partisan political involvement. He once wrote to the Ameri Self-Defense

The growing civil disorder in the cities and on the campuses has aroused a great deal of interest among the believers in the question of self-defense. In a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, dated May 26, 1969, The Universal House of Justice offered the following guidance on this question:

“From the texts you already have available it is clear that Bahá’u’lláh has stated that it is preferable to be killed in the path of God’s goodpleasure than to kill, and that organized religious attack against Bahá’ís should never turn into any kind of warfare, as this is strictly prohibited in our Writings.

“A hitherto untranslated Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, however, points out that in the case of attack by robbers and highwaymen, a Bahá’í should not surrender himself, but should try, as far as circumstances permit, to defend himself, and later on lodge a complaint with the government authorities. In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, he also indicates that in an emergency when there is no legal force at hand to appeal to, a Bahá’í is justified in defending his life. In another letter the Guardian has further pointed out that the assault of an irresponsible assailant upon a Bahá’í should be resisted by the Bahá’í, who would be justified, under such circumstances, in protecting his life.

“The House of Justice does not wish at the present time to go beyond the guidelines given in the above-mentioned statements. The question is basically a matter of conscience, and in each case

“Let them themselves,

can believers as follows: refrain from associating

- whether by word or by deed, with the political pursuits of their respective nations, with the policies of their governments and the schemes and programs of parties and factions. In such controversies they should assign no blame, take no side, further no design, and identify themselves with no system prejudicial to the best interests of that worldwide Fellowship which it is their aim to guard and foster.” (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 64). The beloved Guardian further asked us to beware lest we become the “tools of unscrupulous politicians."

In this political year, it is imperative '

that the friends guard against any political ensnarement.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

—-Oct. 1968 NATIONAL Bahá’í' REVIEW

the Bahá’í involved must use his judgment in determining when to stop in self-defense lest his action deteriorate into retaliation.

“Of course, the above principles apply also in’

cases when a Bahá’í finds himself involved in situations of civil disorder. We have, however, advised the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States that under the present circumstances in that country it is preferable that Bahá’ís do not buy nor own arms for their protection or the protection of their families.” '

‘Warning

The National Spiritual Assembly regrets the necessity of warning the Bahá’ís that , former member of the Bahá’í community of Paradise, California, has engaged in the practice of traveling about and seeking hospitality, borrowing money and sometimes property from Bahá’ís which he has not returned. He is a very persuasive person and unless they are forewarned he will continue to take advantage of the trusting warm-hearted Bahá’ís. The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to learn the whereabouts of

Attend 19 Day Feasts

[Page 4]SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ‘1973

Bahá’í Directory changes Assembly Secretaries

Arizond’

Bisbee: Mrs. Stephanie L. Galady, Box 1386 Chinle Chapter: Mrs. Barbara Badertscher, Box 1055, Chinle 86503

Phoenix: Change address to: P.O. Box 9916 Pima County: Mrs. Patricia Misaghi, 2000 E. Roger Rd., #1-17, Tucson 85719

Prescott: Mrs. Ardith Lambert, P.O. Box 2203 86301 - :

California

Culver Judicial District: Mrs. Sherrill Kimbrough, 4731 Angeles Vista, Los Angeles 90043 Lompoc: Mrs. Christine Hampton, P.O. Box 257 93436 Marin County Central Judicial District: Mrs. Diane Maghzi, 993 E. Blythedale, Mill Valley 94941 Mariposa Judicial District: Mrs. Janice M. Oleson, 5700 Carleton Rd., Mariposa 95338 galéland: Mrs. LaVida Cortez, 4303 West St.,

46 8

Pacifica: Change address to: P.O. Box 1212 Pomona: Change address to: P.O. Box 463 San Diego: Mrs. Diann Sohn, 35141/2 Wilshire Terrace, 92104 Santa Clara: Mrs. Johanna Anderholm, 391 Lowell Dr., 95051 Sonoma County North Judicial District: Mrs. Eloise Jordan, P.O. Box 46, Geyserville 95441 Sonoma County South Judicial District: Miss Susan Peterson, Box 1235, Boyes Hot Springs 95416

Connecticut ‘ Stamford: Mrs. Eleanor Szanto, 77 Kenilworth

Dr., W, 06902

District of Columbia

Washington: Change address to: 5713—16th St., N.W., 20011

Florida

Hillsborough County: New Secretary to be reported

Pompano Beach: Change address to: P.O. Box 981 33061 .

Tallahassee: Change address to: 315 W. Park Ave, 32301 ’

Georgia

Arnericus: New Secretary to be reported Richmond County: Change address to: P.O. Box 3633, Augusta 30904

Indiana

Gary": Mr. John Clutter, 821 E. 51st Pl., #1, 46409 South Bend: New Secretary to be reported

Louisiana

St. John the Baptist Parish No. 1: Mr. Robert E. Ancker, Chr., P.O. Box 729, LaPlace 70068

St. Tammany Southeast Parish: Mrs. Margery Taylor, Rt. #3, Box 363-J, Slidell 70458 Shreveport: Mrs. Gail Nalle, P.O. Box 1331, 71164

Maine .

Kittery: Mrs. Zoreh Milden, P.O. Box 381, 03904

Maryland

Montgomery County: Add Maryland to address: Silver Springs, Maryland 20907

Alabama Massachusetts Montgomery: Mrs. Frances Edwards (change in Boston: Mrs. Barbara Fowlkes, Chr., 501 Beacon nameiqf Secretary) address the same St., #6, 02215

Montague: Change address to: P.O. Box 205 Westborough: Change address to: P.O. Box 503 Michigan

Adrian: Change address to: P.O. Box 544 East-Lansing: Change address to: 1313-A University Village

Pittsfield Township: Mr. Gary S. Cools, 2395 Grant Dr., Ann Arbor 48104

Pontiac: Change address to: P.O. Box 1052 48056

Missouri

Kans-as City: Mrs. Beverly J. Phillips, 9914 Wheeling St., 64134 1

St. Joseph: Change address to: 425 N. 11th, #12

Nevada Clark County: Miss Debbie Herrmann, pro-tem, c/0 Barber, 3751 S. Nellis Blvd., Sp. #79, Las Vegas 89121 North Las Vegas: Miss Dian James, 2601 Daley, 89030

New Hampshire Peterborough: New secretary to be reported‘

New Jersey Hopewell: Mrs. Diana Gammuto, P.O. Box 297, 08525 .

New Mexico

Los Alamos: Mrs. Mary Dick, 2215—33rd St., «Ca, 87544 __ Mescalero Apache Reservation: Mrs. Margaret L. Gurinsky, Box 148, Mescalero. 88340 , Roswell: Mrs. Estelle Rouse, pro-tem, 1115 S. Missouri 88201 New York Brockport: Miss Holly J. Bishop, P.O. Box 127, 14420 4 Hamburg, Town of: Mrs. May Rubeck, 5307-B Rogers Rd., Hamburg 14075 North Carolina Asheville: Mrs. Valentine S. Boyd, 4% Avon Rd., 28805 Chapel Hill: Change address to: P.O. Box 1065 North Dakota ' Fort Yates: Change address to: P.O. Box 246 Ohio Dayton: Mrs. Lois E. Walker, 1933 N. Main St., Apt. 8, 45405 Xenia: Mrs. A. Lee Thomas, 1176 Salem Lane, 45385 Oklahoma Ada: Change address to: P.O. Box 952 Moore: New secretary to be reported Norman: Change address to: 2410 W.‘Brooks St., Apt. #8 Oregon Benton County: Change address to: P.O. Box 1299, Corvallis 97330 . Pennsylvania 1 Pittsburgh: Mrs. Thelma D. Bradenbaugh, ,4-as pro-tem, 413 N. Homewood Ave., 15208 Rhode Island

East Providence: Mr. William Doull, 200 Pleasant St., Rumford 02916

(continued next page)

[Page 5]X ,

/3

REVIEW

. South Carolina

Florence: New Secretary to be reported Frogmore: Change address to: P.O. Box 305 Greenville: Change address to: P.O. Box 8026, 29604

Tennessee

“Knoxville: Jack Keeling, pro-tem, 4402

Norwalk Ave., 37914

Texas

Amarillo: Mrs. Alberta Trevino, P.O. B_ox 9103 79105 College Station: Mrs. Mary Greenblatt, P.O.

Box 9028, 77840

El Paso: Change address to: P.O. Box 12762 79912 Galveston: Mrs. Marcia Shipman, pro-tem,

2-510—33rd St., 77550

Houston: Mrs. Sherry Fogerty, 7027 Hendon, 77036

Lufkin: Mrs. Almeia Guice, 400 S. Dale, 75901 San Antonio: Mrs. Margaret Landos, 132

Pinecrost ‘# 5, 78209

Virginia Hampton: Change address to: 11 E. Virginia

23663

Mr. E. G. Aguilar

San Benito, Texas

January 1973

Mrs. Emily B. Aiken Walterboro, South Carolina December 13, 1972

Mr. George Alston . Chapel Hill, North Carolina Date unknown

Mrs. Velma Andersen Pasadena, California

April 18, 1973

Mrs. Rowena Blye Gettysburg, Pa.

December 1, 1972

Mrs. Harriet Fancher Bush Buffalo, New York

August 30, 1973

Mr. Robert E. Carpenter Pasadena, Texas

June 17, 1973

Mr. William Days

North Little Rock, Ark. April 1973

Mr. Roy K. Easton Wilton Manors, Florida August 30, 1973

Mrs. Kathryn Frizzel Lighthouse Point, Florida July 10, 1973

Mrs. Marjorie Gladwin Sandy’s Parish, Bermuda July 24, 1973 ‘

Mrs. Desy Goodwin

Salt Lake City, Utah July 20, 1973

Dr. Enayat Hafezi

Ann Arbor, Michigan August 18, 1973

Mr. Albert Hall Greenfield, Indiana August 18, 1973

Mrs. Lena Handis Bakersfield, California June 11, 1973

Wisconsin

‘IN MEM ORIAM

Mr. Seburn Haynes Tuskegee, Alabama Date unknown

Mr. James Isaacs Boca Raton, Florida August 6, 1973

Mrs. Bessie Jackson Spotsylvania, Pa. June 23, 1973

Mrs. Emma Jacobs Oak Creek, Wisconsin November 4, 1971 Mr. Albert J anigan Tuskegee, Alabama Date unknown

Mr. Jack Jennings Saluda, South Carolina July 22, 1973

Mrs. Mattie Johnson Grady, Arkansas June 1973

Mr. Robert King

Long Beach, California August 11, 1973

Mrs. Shirley B. Lassiter Finksburg, Maryland July 26, 1973

Mrs. Phoebe Legge Rockford, Illinois

July 6, 1973

Mr. Louis Lloyd, Jr. Chicago, Illinois

Date unknown

Mr. Jerry D. Massey Rock Hill, South Carolina 1971

Mrs. Luella McCullough Hardy, Arkansas

June 27, 1973

Mr. William Nichols Baltimore, Maryland July 29, 1973

Mr. Eu ene Peters Flint, 'chigan

July 11, 1973

Washington

Pullman: New Secretary to be reported Puyallup: Change address to: P.O. Box 824 Spokane County Commissioners’ Dist. #2: Change address to: P.O. Box 186, Veradale 99037 Vancouver: New Secretary to be reported

District Teaching Commitee Secretaries

Arkansas: Miss Beulah Magruder, pro-tem, 511 N. Pine St., Little Rock 72205

Illinois: Northern: Mrs. Janet Marks, Chairman, 1729 Washington Ave., Wilmette 60091

Ohio: Northern: Mrs. Josephine O’Dell, Rec. Secty., 145 W. 6th St., Mansfield 44902

Oregon: Mr. Norman Ives, Treas., General Delivery, Vida 97488

Utah: Mrs. Mari Parsons: 1592 Laird Ave., Salt ' Lake City 84105

Texas: Northern: Correct zip code to 79311

Mrs. Julia Shows Fayetteville, Arkansas July 21, 1973

Mrs. Gladys Smith ‘ St. Croix, Virgin Islands Date unknown

Mr. Norman B. Smith Hartford, Connecticut June 10, 1973

Mr. Arthur Sni es Chapel Hill, N. .

Date unknown

Mrs. Ruby Jeane (Hebe)

Struven

Fryeburg, Maine August 2, 1973

Mr. Frynne Sundayman Mescalero, New Mexico July 12, 1973

Mr. Alan A. Tyler

Neah Bay, Washington August 13, 1973

Mrs. Elizabeth B. Wallis Peterborough, N.H. May 6, 1973

Mr. William Weissbein San Bernardino, California July 13, 1973

Mrs. Evelyn Williams Cincinnati, Ohio

June 1973

Mr. Dudley Willson Grants Pass, Oregon July 18, 1973

Mrs. Helen Wingerd Oakland, California July 17, 1973

Mr. Robert Young

Rock Hill, S.C.

May 1973

Beloit: Miss Pamela Fisher, 751 Parker St., 53511 Kenosha: Remove “pro-tem” from name

[Page 6]SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 1973

LIFELINE

Organize Spiritual Assemblies

O ye people of the world! The virtue of this Most Great Manifestation is that We have effaced from the Book whatever was the cause of difference, corruption and discord, and recorded therein that which leads to unity, harmony and accord. Joy unto those who practice!1

. . . Address yourselves to the promotion of the well-being and tranquillity of the children of men. Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out from its face, and all mankind become the ‘upholders of one Order, and the inhabitants of one City. Illumine and hallow your hearts; let them

not be profaned by the thorns of hate or the V thistles of malice?

Organize ye Spiritual Assemblies; lay ye the foundation of union and concord in this world;

destroy ye the fabric of strife and war from the face of the earth; construct ye the temple of harmony and agreement; enkindle ye the light of the realm of the oneness of humanity; open ye your eyes; gaze and behold ye the other world!

. The kingdom of peace, salvation, uprightness and

reconciliation is founded in the invisible world; and it will by degrees become manifest and ap. parent through the power of the Word of God!3

O ye friends of God! ‘Today is the day of union and this age is the age of harmony in the world of existence. “Verily, God loveth those who are working in His path in groups, for they are a solid foundation.“

1. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 179 2. Gleanings,’ p. 333

3. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 409 4. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 401

‘Inactive list’ non-existent

The National Spiritual Assembly frequently receives requests from the believers to be placed on the “inactive list”. The Assembly does not categorize Bahá’ís by “active” and “inactive” listings. If one believes in Bahá’u’lláh and accepts His Teachings, he is a Bahá’í in good standing even though he may not be able to participate to the same degree as others in all Bahá’í activities. The meaning of belief in B‘ah'a’u’llah is given in the opening paragraph of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas:

“The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws . . . It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station . . . to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable.”

To feel that you are “active” in the Faith means to do as many of the following as possible: attend Feasts and Holy Day observances; attend conferences and other meetings, public or otherwise; participate in Bahá’í elections; contribute to the Fund; and to be willing to respond to various appeals from your local assembly.

_We are all in a humble state of development as Bahá’ís and all cannot be expected to achieve full participation in the functions of the Faith, but in its letter in Wellspring ‘of Guidance, entitled “Universal Participation”, The Universal House of Justice states:

‘ “In addition to teaching, every believer can

pray. Every believer can strive to make his ‘own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.’ Every believer can contribute to the Fund. 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," and which in its turn will give rise to further growth and tlfie showering of greater blessings on all 0 us.”

Samandari tapes needed

The National Spiritual Assembly would appreciate receiving copies of recordings made by individuals of speeches given by The Hand of the Cause Samandari during his visit to the United States in 1967. This material should be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

Vote District Conventions

[Page 7]REVIEW

Feastsyfor Bcthcfis only

Although it is clearly stated over and over again that only members of the Bahá’í com"munity 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, adm'mistrative 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 dis A cussion of the detailed affairs of a Bahá’í Com munity of which he is not a part. The Guardian’s secretary wrote on his behalf on 21 September, 1946:

‘As regards your 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.’ ”

r, If it seems essential to expose non-Baha 1/

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.

———NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Traveling Bahá’í's

All believers are advised to have current Bahá’í identification cards at all times. Those who travel to different localities should have current Bahá’í credentials to present to the Bahá’í authorities in these localities, so that they can be admitted to Bahá’í events.

Concerning international travel, web believer should be sure to secure proper credentials from the National Spiritual Assembly before going to another country.

A traveling member of the American Bahá’í community should also inform our National Spiritual Assembly if he or she intends to contact believers in another country, so that an official notification may be forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly of that country.

No Bahá’í may travel to the Bahá’í World Centre for any purpose, without prior permission and without proper credentials.

Contribute to Fund

[Page 8]SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1973

NATIONAL BAHA’l FUND

September 19, 1973

To: All Local Spiritual Assemblies and ' Bahá’í Groups

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

“As worldly institutions disintegrate under the pressure of truth, we believers are called upon to conduct our lives and affairs according to the new standard revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. One of the greatest problems of this transitional age is the use of money. By upholding the national and local Bahá’í Funds in the true spirit, we prove that this problem too has its sole solution in the Bahá’í teachings.

“What is the Bahá’í Fund? From one aspect, itis themeasure of our devotion and sacrifice. It should not operate by a succession of ‘drives’ and ‘campaigns’, but proceed steadily from year to year, at first ‘a small stream but eventually a world-wide current, the material life-blood of civilization under the Most Great Peace . . . Later on, millions of people will appreciate the power of the Cause—the time when effort and understanding really count is now.

In an age of dunning solicitation, raffles and benefits which bribe contribution by the promise of self-enrichment, our Faith has initiated and held to a standard of maturity in its emphasis upon financial support. It does not separate the devotion of contribution from the devotion of prayer. Both have the same dignity

. and the same obligation.

Our national budget goal is in serious jeop ardy. Having been set ,by the National Spirit ual Assembly after due deliberation, and adopted by the friends at the National Con

vention last May, we may assume that it represents an obligation that our National Com

munity is fully capable of meeting. We must meet our budget goal this year if we wish to begin the next global plan of expansion from a position of strength. The National Spiritual Assembly is confidently awaiting the generous response from the friends that has always greeted the unhappy news of our Community’s financial difficulties.

 Money problem solvediby Teachings

“The ideal seems to be that we should contribute regularly and to the degree of our individual capacity, ordering our lives so that the needs of the Cause are considered as much a part of our own living expense as food and rent. Occasional bursts of generosity under enthusiasm for someparticular activity are far less effective than steady, periodic giving based on a carefully thought out plan of life.”

We felt it would interest the friends to hear these thoughts, which were first published by the National Spiritual Assembly in the July, 1930 issue of Bahá’í News.

We urgently request you to consult on the importance of maintaining a regular flow of contributions as contrasted with giving primarily when aroused by an emergency in the state of the National Fund.

With deepest Bahá’í love,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF , . THE BAHA’I’s or THE UNITED STATES

Dorothy W. Nelson

Treasurer NATIONAL BAHIl'l FUND , m ,, ._€fl'.'_"!2-m I 7 smxuzr

s

.a§;g;s=s,

Kalimit Kamil Asma" Fiscal Year INCOME: (Words) (Perfection) (Names) to Date Contributions $ 79,218 $ 86,923 $101,158 $628,068 Estates —— 18,662 : 34,012 Other Income 894 2,074 614 6,750 Total Income 3 80,022 107,659 101,772 668.830 Budget 5132.000 132,000 132,000 $924,000

Contributions may be addressed to: National Bahá’í Fund, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091; Bahá’í International Fund, P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel; and Continental Bahá’í Fund, 418 Forest Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091.