National Bahá’í Review/Issue 72/Text

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[Page 1]

Continental Board of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Bahá’í Faith ‘ in North America

Mr. Lloyd G. Gardner

Mrs. Velma Sherrill

Central Office:

Continental Board of Counsellors 1750 S. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 311 St. Louis, Missouri 63144

Dr. Sarah M. Pereira

Miss Edna M. True

Trustee, Continental Bahá’í Fund 418 Forest Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Auxiliary Board Members of North America

Mr. Ted Anderson

Mr. Darrell W. (Bill) Borland

Mrs. Eunice Braun

Mr. Howard Brown

Mrs. Opal Conner

Mr. Angus Cowan

Territorial Assignments in the United States, Canada and Alaska

British Columbia north of Williams Lake, Alberta north of the City of Olds, Dist. of Mckenzie, Yukon Territory. .

Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, So. Dakota.

Louisiana, Miss., Arkansas, Texas El, E2, C, and S.

All Alaska ‘in cooperation with Ray Hudson.

Washington, Idaho, Montana, and assist in British Columbia, Canada.

Southern Alberta (City of Olds and all points south), Southern British Columbia incl. Vancouver Is. and as

. far north as and incl. Williams Lake.

Mrs. Margaret Gallagher

Mr. Fred Graham

Mr. Raymond Hudson

Miss Thelma Jackson

Mr. Albeit James

Mrs. J aviduk_h_t Khádem

Northern Nevada north of Tonopah dividing line, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado.

Ontario (to Thunder Bay), Canada.

All Alaska in cooperation with Howard Brown.

Illinois, Indiana, Missouri,

Bahamas.

"Maryland, Washington D.C., De laware, New Jersey, West Virginia.

Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania.

(Continued page two)

[Page 2]2

Auxiliary Board Members (Continued from page one) Dr. Peter Khan

Mr. Anthony Lease

Mrs. Elizabeth Martin Dr. Jane McCants

Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin

Mr. Ted Oliver Mr. Paul Pettit

Mrs. Nancy Phillips

Dr. Adrienne Reeves

Mrs. Peggy Ross

Mr. Fred Schechter

Dr. William Tucker

How to Contact

Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, No. Dakota.

Southern Calif. DTC#2, Southern Nevada up to and incl. Tonopah.

South Carolina. No. Carolina, Georgia, Florida.

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Mass., Rhode Island, New York, Bermuda.

Quebec, Labrador.

Oregon, Calif. DTC#l.

Arizona, New Mexico, Texas

N&W.

Conn., USA; Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Is., related Maritime Islands, Newfoundland, Canada.

Saskatchewan, Franklin Dist. , Manitoba, Ontario (west from and incl. Thunder Bay), Keewatin, Canada; Greenland.

So. Calif. DTC#3, Southern Nevada up to and including Tonopah dividing line.

Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia.

Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups and individual Bahá’ís may contact directly the Auxiliary Board member assigned to their territory. .If they desire the assitance of an Auxiliary Board member not assigned to their territory, they should contact the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America, 1750 S. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 311, St. Louis, Missouri 63144.

District Teaching Committees of the United States, Regional Goals Committees of Canada, and Area Goals Committees of Alaska may contact

JANUARY 1974

directly the Auxiliary Board member assigned to their territory in accordance with directives given

them by their respective National Spiritual Assem- “W

blies.

National committees desiring the services of the Continental Board of Counsellors or of Auxiliary Board members should channel their requests through their National Spiritual Assembly.

CONTINENTAL BOARD or COUNSELLORS, NORTH AMERICA January 1974

I

Bahá’í marriage

For assistance of the Local Spiritual Assemblies as well as the individual believers who experience difficulties in obtaining the consent of parents of the couple wishing to be married according to the Bahá’í Law, we quote the following paragraphs from a letter to an individual believer from The Universal House of Justice:

Although a Bahá’í' ceremony is required, it is not

necessary that the parents consent to the cere- <\

mony; the only requirement is that they consent to the marriage. However, if consent be withheld because a Bahá’í ceremony is to be conducted, this must be accepted. The freedom of the parents in giving or refusing consent is unrestricted and unconditioned. They may refuse consent on any ground and they are responsible to God alone.

Although it is preferable to have the consent in writing, the fact that consent is given may be established in other ways. The necessary element is that the Spiritual Assembly responsible for certifying the marriage be satisfied that consent has in fact been given. For example, the Local Assembly could appoint one or more people who could testify that they heard the parents consent orally to the marriage.

Since there seems to be the impression in some quarters that when refusal to give consent to the marriage is based on racial prejudice, the law requiring parental consent may be waived, careful note should be taken of the statement that the parents “may refuse consent on any ground and that they are responsible to God alone.”

Bahá’ís who marry without providing verifiec parental consent are subject to deprivation of their Bahá’í administrative rights and privileges.

[Page 3]REVIEW

Income tax information

The Internal Revenue Code permits deductions from taxable income up to 50% of “adjusted gross income” for contributions to the National Spiritual Assembly and to Local Spiritual Assemblies. In the case of certain contributions of property, a 30% limitation applies. Deductions may arise through direct gifts to the Faith or through expenses incurred on behalf of the Faith. Only gifts to the National or Local Bahá’í Funds are deductible—contributions directly to Bahá’í Funds outside the United States are not allowed as tax deductions;

Cash

Contributions of cash to local and national Funds are deductible, whether they are in the form of

currency or checks. Either a cancelled check or a receipt from the Treasurer can be retained as proof.

Property

' Contributions of property can be deducted at its fair market value at the time it is contributed. In the case of stocks, bonds or other securities with quoted market values, the market value on the date of the gift determines the amount of the deduction. Gifts of securities which have appreciated in value since

/~ their acquisition offer unusual tax advantages which

should be discussed with a tax advisor. Since gifts such as real estate, furniture, clothing and objects of art may be difficult to value for receipt purposes, a Bahá’í planning such a gift should obtain a written valuation by a professional appraiser. This valuation will normally be used as the basis for the deduction.

Future Interests A Bahá’í may wish to contribute securities or other property to the Faith but reserve the right to the income from the property for the remainder of his lifetime. Since this area is quite technical, a tax advisor should be consulted before attempting this type of contribution.

Legacies and Bequests

Money or the value of any property left to the Faith under a will is ordinarily not subject to federal estate taxation or to state inheritance taxation.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Normally, all out-of-pocket expenditures made to further the objectives of the Faith are deductible. This includes expenditures of a Bahá’í’ for activities on behalf of and under the direction of a Local Spiritual Assembly or of the National Spiritual

/\*Assembly. A tax advisor should be contacted for

detailed advice. As an example, the cost of transportation to

conduct a meeting is deductible. The Internal Revenue Service will accept a deduction based on six cents per mile plus parking and toll fees or actual out-of-pocket costs for gasoline, oil, etc. , whichever is larger. Also, if members of the Faith are required to remain away from home overnight during the performance of duties for the Faith, the cost of room and meals would be deductible. Persons who travel to attend meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly, as delegates to the National Convention, as members of appointed national committees or as

regularly scheduled volunteer teachers, may deduct‘

their transportation and other living expenses while away from home for that purpose. Non-delegates who attend national or international meetings in a personal capacity are not permitted to deduct their traveling expenses.

Record Keeping

Any amount claimed as a deduction should be well documented. Cancelled checks and receipts are always the best evidence. Cash expenditures should be recorded at the time they occur in some sort of payment record, such as a notebook or diary. Accurate records of auto mileage (or expenses) devoted to purposes of the Faith are required to substantiate auto costs. The importance of adequate records to support contribution deductions cannot be over-emphasized.

In most cases, a qualified local tax advisor (accountant, attorney, business manager) can handle specific questions regarding deductible contributions. The Office of the Treasurer stands ready to assist in any way possible whenever such assistance is needed.

The Guardian hasibeen explicit in offering guidance on the earmarking of contributions to the Bahá’í Fund. Two very important points are made: 1. An individual, Group or Local Assembly can

earmark contributions with the assurance that expressed wishes will be carried out if at all possible,

2. We are encouraged to offer contributions unlabeled as an expression of confidence in our Assemblies. A

The friends who wish to earmark their gifts to the National Fund should be aware of an additional important point. It is necessary in accepting an earmarked contribution to determine the intention of the donor; i.e. , whether this contribution is intended to support the National Spiritual Assembly budget

(Continued page four)

[Page 4]Income tax information

(Continued from page three)

in a given area, or to be added to the budget. The Universal House of Justice has told us we must “make clear to individual believers and local Spiritual Assemblies how they should express their earmarkings so that the National Assembly can

JANUARY 1 974

know whether a contribution is intended to be towards any particular segment of the national budget or to be a separate contribution merely passed through the National Assembly. We are also told that a contribution should be considered over and above the regular National Spiritual Assembly allocation “unless there is an indication to the contrary.”

Bahffi identification

All believers are advised to have current Bahá’í identification cards at all times. Those who travel to diffierent localities should have current Bahá’í’ credentials to present to the Bahá’í authorities in these

localities, so that they can be admitted to Bahai events.

Concerning international travel, each 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.

In view of the fact that some of the friends have forgotten, or do not know about this instruction given to the National Spiritual Assembly by Shoghi Effendi, the National Assembly finds it necessary to call attention to the fact that contacts with persons of national and international prominence, whether directly or in writing, should not be made by individual Bahá’ís.

In M emoriam

Mr. George D. Archibald lndianapolis, Ind. November 27, 1973

Mr. Floyd Beckham Rock Hill, South Carolina November 16, 1973

Miss Laura Christine Cummings Louisville, Kentucky November 21, 1973

Mr. Oliver L. Easterbrook Morton, Illinois December 6, 1973

Mrs. G. G. Garcia Galveston, Texas Date unknown

Miss Laurie Gilman Durham, North Carolina November 29, 1973

Mr. Claude Griffin Terrell, Texas October 28, 1973

Mr. Gus Gronsund Wilton Manors, Florida November 28, 1973

Mrs. Anna M. Kirk Santa Rosa, California October 31, 1973

Mr. Edward McAlpin Brooklyn, New York September 3, 1973

Mr. Emil Pflughoeft Woods, Wisconsin March 18, 1973

Mrs. Dorothy Poole Mr. Johnnie Poole Muskogee, Oklahoma Date unknown

Mr. Nolan E. Purnell Salisbury, Maryland February 7, 1973

Mrs. Paula Reinecker North Plainfield, New Jersey November 21, 1973

Mr. Lawrence Russell Eden, Maryland September 1971

Mr. Joe] Richard Seaman Alamosa, Colorado November 1, 1973

Mrs. Mary Smith Tallahassee, Florida Date unknown

Mr. Richard Swanston Ann Arbor, Michigan November 2, 1973

Mrs. Margaret Sykes Chicago, Illinois November 10, 1973

Mr. Luther Vawter Escondido, California October 21, 1973

Mr. John H. Wilson Princess Anne, Maryland September 1971

Miss Joan Winters Los Angeles, California

December 3, 1973 *‘\n

Mrs. Doris Zelaya Eureka, California October 14, 1973

[Page 5]REVIEW

Bahá’í’s should avoid politics

“Shun politics like the plague, and be obedient to the government in power‘ in the place where we reside! . . .” So Shoghi Effendi sharply advised the American Bahá’ís in a memorable and realistic couplet of instructions. Indeed, he tells that “to enter the arena of (American) party politics . . . assuredly will be detrimental to the best interests of the Faith and will harm the Cause. Apparently, he assumes that common semantic connotation of politics as the corrupt and dishonest public management which seeks to secure the success of political candidates or parties, rather than its purer first choice dictionary definitions as “the science and an of government,” or as “the theory or «practice of managing affairs of public policy.” Repeating the themes at another time, he states clearly that “the attitude of the Bahá’ís must be twofold: complete obedience to the government of the country they reside in and no interference whatsoever in political matters or questions. What the Master’ s statement (the Will and Testament) really means is obedience to a duly constituted government, whatever that government may be in form. We are not the ones, as individual Bahá’í’s, to judge our government as just or unjust—for each believer would be sure to hold a

’€‘f‘ifferent viewpoint, and within our own Baha’-i fold

Jd hotbed of discussion would spring up and destroy

our unity. We must build up our own Bahá’í system,

and leave the faulty systems of the world to go their way. We cannot change them through becoming involved in them; on the contrary, they will destroy

us.” I

Therefore, to understand our true position we

must know clearly that the Bahá’í world community

is- profoundly concerned with the science and art of governing Bahá’ís and with the theory and practice

of managing the affairs of Bahá’í public policy. The

grand conceptions of Bahá’u’lláh, the administrative

principles enunciated by the Master, the steady development of the World Order by Shoghi Effendi,_ and now the strong grasp of The Universal House of Justice all lead usinevitably to the Bahá’í’ state of tomorrow. But today “what we Bahá’ís must face is

the fact that society is disintegrating so rapidly that

moral issues that were clear a half century ago are now hopelessly confused and what is more,

thoroughly mixed up with battling political interests.

That is why the Bahá’ís must turn all their forces into the channel of building up the Bahá’í' Cause and its

administration. They can neither change nor help the

»<-Txworld in any way at present. If they become involved

an the issues the governments of the people are struggling over, they will be lost. But if they build up the Bahá’ípattem, they can offer it as a remedy when

-the affairs

all else has failed.”

The Bahá’í system is a unique one. It is evolving rapidly through God’s will for today. With all Bahá’í adult citizens eligible and obligated to vote, with no party but only an electorate, with no electioneering and nominations, with secret ballot, with authority and power vested in Assemblies of the annually elected, with no priesthood and professional leadership, with consultation channeled into decision by God’s methods, and with a community pledged to unity in action . ; . the Bahá’í government is certain to be a new dimension in the governing of men. But the times are in embryo, for the Bahá’í Cause is just now emerging from its period of unmitigated obscurity.

However, in this time of our youth as a nascent institution of broad powers—to-be and of a profound destiny, individual Bahá’ís must still live and will inevitably interact with contemporary life. In this American democracy they may contribute as citizens, in limited ways.

“The friends may vote, if they can do it, without identifying themselves with one party or another. It

remains for the individuals to so use their right to’

vote so as to keep aloof from party politics, and always to bear in mind that they are voting on the merits of the individual, rather than because he belongs to one party or another. The matter must be made perfectly clear to the individuals, who will be left free to exercise ttheir descretion and judgment.” In short, they may vote as independents, unaffiliated with any party “as a non-partisan and not as a member of any political party.” That they cannot then vote in the primaries is a sometimes unfortunate penalty of the current American political system.

Some limitations are necessarily made. “No Bahá’í vote for an office, no Bahá’í participation in of the Republic, shall involve acceptance . . . of a program or policy that contravenes any vital principle, spiritual or social, of the Faith.” Again: “No vote cast, or office undertaken, by a Bahá’í should necessarily constitute acceptance by the voter or office holder of the entire program of any political party. No Bahá’í can be regarded as either Republican or Democrat, as such. He is above all else the supporter of the principles enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh, with which . . . the program of no political party is completely harmonious.”

From time to time it may happen that “a certain person does enter into politics and labors for the ascendancy of one party over another . . .” When he “continues to do so against the express appeals

(Continued page six)

[Page 6]JANUARY 1974

Avoid politics

(Contined from page five)

and warnings of the Assembly, then the Assembly has the right to refuse him the right to vote in Bahá’í elections.”

Since political conflict and controversy are frequently so virulent and so hazardous to individuals or to the good name of the institutions, “the friends . . . should be very careful in their public utterance not to mention any political figures, either to side with or to denouncethem . . . Otherwise they will involve the friends in political matters, which is definitely dangerous for the Cause.” Such public utterance may be “the publication of articles and pamphlets bearing upon the controversial and political issues of the day.” We must be wary, since “any minute and detailed analysis by the friends of subjects that are in the forefront of general discussion would often be misconstrued in certain quarters and give rise to suspicions and misunderstandings that would react unfavorably upon the Cause.” “While refusing to utter the word that would needlessly alienate or estrange any individual, government or people, we should fearlessly and unhesitatingly uphold and assert in their entirety such truths the knowledge of which we believe is vitally and urgently needed for the good and betterment of mankind.”

In addition, there must be “complete nonassociation with any subversive movements.” Baha’ is are not allowed to accept“any political office

‘by vote of a political party,” but may accept

nonpolitical public appointments or civil service in governments where partisan commitments are neither implied nor demanded.

“Politics” can mean many things to different persons. Hence the prohibition that “we should have no political connection with any one of the parties and should join no faction of these different and warring sects” can be construed more widely than is proper. It is well to recall that every aspect of life meaningful to mankind sooner or later comes or has already come into range of society’s regulations and changing disciplines, hence into that society’s “politics.” It may be health (i.e. public health), sex and morality (regulations re sexual behavior and aberrancies), the status of women (equal rights to hold property, to vote, not to be sold as chattel), the rights to and opportunities for education (public education laws), eating and drinking (food and drug acts, health controls), shelter and housing (real estate

laws), and commerce (securities control, tariffs), etc.

The concerns of the communities of men are many and complex. Too narrow an interpretation of “politics” would in fact exclude Bahá’ is from contempor ary life, from all the professions, and from that healthy interaction with today’s world which will ultimately bring the ideas of the Faith to recognition and fruition. One goal of the Bahá’í community is the “development of the relationship between the Bahá’í community and the United Nations.” Certainly the present-day UN is “political” and power—oriented; yet we shall work with it in non—partisan ways.

Warning

The National Spiritual Assembly of Germany has informed‘the National Spiritual Assembly of the

"United States that the American Bahá’ís should be

warned against the possible appearance in the United States of who enrolled as a Bahá’í at the German summer school. He claimed he had been an attorney in Haiti but then was engaged in the travel business. It was subsequently learned that neither fact was true. Unfortunately he holds a current identification from Germany, but he is not to be received as an American or travelling Bahá’í in good standing.

Address changes

Changes of address should be recorded for the District Teaching Committees listed below:

SOUTHERN REGION

Eastern North Carolina:

Mrs. Nancy S. Schear, Secretary, Box 1051, Zebulon 27957.

Southern Florida: Mrs. Jene Bellows, Secretary, 922 Northeast 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33304.

Northern Louisiana:

Mr. John C. Mitchell, Secretary, 705 Scott Street, Alexandria 71301. '

Central Texas:

Miss Priscilla Griffith, Secretary, P.O. Box 368, Bartlett 76511.

Southern Virginia:

Mr. Robert Vines, Secretary, 1925 Elm Avenue, Portsmouth 23704.

SOUTH ‘CAROLINA

Eastern South Carolina: Mrs. Genell Grimsley, Secretary, P.O. Box 1033, Lake City 29560.

WESTERN REGION Oregon:

Mrs. Eda Lindstrom, Secretary, Route 4, Box.

265—K, Astoria 97103.

[Page 7]G.

REVIEW

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.“ 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.”

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.”3

"T 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.

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

.vIasl_1n'qu’l-Adhkár can most adequately provide the essentials of Bahá’í Worship and service, both so vital to the regeneration of the world.”5

Volunteer guides for Temple needed

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 shall descend which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding

the Glorious and Eternal God.”“ References

I. Bahá’í YearBook, Vol. I, p. 61 2. Bahá’í World, Vol. v11, p. 432 3. Bahá’í News, No.55, Sept. 1931, p. 4 4. Baha"z’World, Vol. III,p. 147 5. Bahá’í World, Vol. V, p.277 6. Baha"t’ 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.

Prominent persons

In view of the fact that some of the friends have forgotten, or do not know about this instruction given to the National Spiritual Assembly by Shoghi Effendi, the National Assembly finds it necessary to call attention to the fact that contacts with persons of national and international prominence, whether directly or in writing, should not be made by individual Bahá’ís.

This is a function of the National Spiritual Assembly. However, the believers are free to make recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly that such contacts be made. The National Assembly in turn may wish to authorize some individual or Local Assembly to establish the contact, depending upon the circumstances.

——NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Contribute to Fund

[Page 8]JANUARY 1 974

NATIONAL BAHA'I FUND

'\ C h d f" 't d as'ng

December 20, 1973 ally takes place at that time, forcing us to borrow in

order to pay our operating cost. In a heartening surge To: All Local Spiritual Assemblies of sacrifice this fall, Assemblies, Groups and indi and Bahá’í’ Groups ' vidual believers poured out sufficient contributions

. Nt' 1B ”’F 1

Dear Baha I Fnends: to the a iona pahai und to enab e us to repay a

portion of our bank loan. At the present moment, To Bahá’í Communities in every corner of the 3/1;:fi?r:v’aELl:Sfia::r::lé:ltls $53’000’1eSSthanhalf planet, the health of the National Fund is of great ' importance; It is principally the financial support of The new global Plan will be unveiled in just four both the Cradle of the Faith and the Cradle of the months’ time, inviting us to fresh fields of service, Administration which enables The Universal House challenging us to attain greater heights, ‘and, inevitaof Justice to lend material aid, through the Bahá’í’ bly, placing new demands upon our finances. We International Fund, to the growth of the Faith in ask now for every believer, for every Group and many other lands. We are happy, therefore, to report Spiritual Assembly, to resolve to maintain our that we are making significant progress towards giving at the level achieved this fall, and increase it restoring our resources which were depleted during wherever possible. We can meet our budget goal. the Nine Year Plan, With God’s help, let us do it! The cash deficit of the National Bahá’í Fund, which Wm d t B h,,, 1 Ve 7 was reported at the National Convention last May to 1 eepes a a1 O ’ “‘\ stand at $85,000, climbed during the summer NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY or months to a high point of $108,000. This occurred THE Bahá’í’s or THE UNITED STATES because of the slump in contributions that tradition— Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer

National Bahá’í Fund ‘°""“’““°'¥ 5200.000 Talal Number of Assemblies Contributing 700 S ‘sumo V 19111910 noumu 50:1 650 S 100.000 E com. av mpwiu 1974 600 E sn ,5, 5,, W5“ ,5" 550.000” g 550 f1500\/as 5” so! :9: -:~: E3-=“'é: 5 :0A50 ' E 400 ? Qudrat Qawl Fiscal Year é':z;;é=-;E.:_§3§—_3E._;5%§ (Power) (Speech) toDate 3 3 5 3 ‘ 3 ” 51 E ‘ “ ‘ Contributions . . . . . . .. $95,805 $86,069 $1,090,689 ‘ BudgetGoal . . . . . . .. $132,000 $132,000 $1,716,000

Estates . . . . . . . . . . . .. $10,836 $ —— $ 63,990 Contributions may be addressed to: National Bahá’í Fund, 112 A 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.

Nineteen—Day Feasts