National Bahá’í Review/Issue 8/Text

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[Page 1]

The recommendations and suggestions submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly from the 1968 National Convention were considered at the June meeting, and the actions taken are recorded as follows:

1. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly consider membership in “Project Equality” on a national level.

Action: Bahá’ís as individuals and as institutions

are permitted to engage in selective purchasing to

further Bahá’í principles. Membership in “Project

Equality” is being investigated.

2. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly call a three-day meeting of Bahá’ís engaged in newspaper, radio, TV and public relations work for consultation on how to carry out the goals of the Nine Year Plan.

Action: This recommendation has been referred to

the Public Information Department for study and

recommendation.

3. Suggested that the National Spiritual Assembly consider ways and means to produce simple one-page publications with pictures for those who don‘t read; one with large print for those who read a little, and so on, and have these produced on a mass basis, in as many languages as possible so we can begin to have mass proclamation.

Action: This suggestion was approved. Such a proj ect is under development.

4. Recommended that the visual presentation on the fund produced for the Convention be made available to the Bahá’ís throughout the United States.

Action: This recommendation was approved. A

reproduction of this presentation is already under

way and it should be available soon. 5. Voted that the National Budget of $1,218,000 be accepted.

Action: The vote of the Convention was approved by the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly. 6. Recommended that a similar break-down of the budget such as the National Treasurer presented to the Convention last year be sent to local Spiritual Assem blies.

Action: This recommendation was approved. The

requested detail appears in the budget statement

that was distributed with the July issue of NATIONAL

Bahá’í REVIEW.

7. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly consider a travel expense budget for delegates who cannot pay their own expenses to the National Convention.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly recognizes

the merit of this recommendation and will take it

into consideration. 8. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly give some very serious thought of providing a training program for Bahá’ís who plan to go into the pioneer field hopefully to avoid some of the pitfalls in the countries or sections of the United States to which they may go. Action: This recommendation was approved. A training program of the kind called for is under development. 9. Recommended the National Spiritual Assembly re . quire a physical examination for pioneers before they

send them out into the field. Action: This idea has merit and is recommended but is required only for those who are being assisted by the National Bahá’í Fund. 10. Voted that a box be put on the table of the Treasurer’s Office at the Convention for Bahá’ís who want to make contributions and that the amount collected be sent to The Universal House of Justice as an expression from this Convention. Action: This vote was acted upon. It is recorded that $598.00 was collected and transmitted to The Universal House of Justice toward the special $50,000 Fund voted by the Convention. 11. Recommended that the NABOHR Office continue for at least a period of five years. Action: Decision on this recommendation will be made following evaluation of the present Conferences on Human Rights. 12. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly request all local spiritual assemblies and state goals committees to explore the opportunity for establishing regular interracial dialogues based upon “The BarrierBreaking Love of God”. Action: This idea was approved in principle and referred to the National Teaching Committee for implementation. 13. Voted that the Convention adopt a resolution in favor of open housing and equal opportunity, principles which we have always supported. Action: The Public Information Department has been requested to draft a statement of the Bahá’í position on these subjects to be submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly for approval and publication. 14. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly send out a list to all local spiritual assemblies and state goals committees of recommended literature on Negro history and all the minorities which are part of our Nine Year Plan Goal. Action: This request was approved. Such a list will

[Page 2]be published in the NATIONAL BA.HA’l REVIEW. 15. Voted that the National Spiritual Assembly consider ways and means of expediting the teaching of the Indians and devote the same type of energy to the teaching of the Indians that has been given to the teaching of the Negroes. Action: This recommendation was approved and referred to the National Teaching Committee for implementation. 16. Recommended that for future Conventions the National Spiritual Assembly undertake a well planned program of child education during the Convention. Action: This recommendation was approved and referred to the Temple Activities Department for implementation. 17. Recommended that the National Spiritual Assembly consider making a study on methods of reaching the man in the military service and that this information be passed on to local spiritual assemblies and state goals committees for implementation. Action: This recommendation was approved. An Ad Hoc Committee of Bahá’ís who became attracted to the Faith while in military service will be appointed to consider this matter.

Is It Later Than You Thought?

There are only four years and eight months until the end of the Nine Year Plan, in which time many goals must still be filled by American pioneers. The Foreign Goals Committee has found that the following Guidelines for Pioneers help in planning and preparation for this important task.

1. If you have the desire to pioneer outside the United States, please let us hear from you before you fully formulate your plans. This is vitally important for three reasons:

a. The Universal House of Justice has assigned many goals in all parts of the world to our National Spiritual Assembly. Ours is the lion’s share of the Nine Year Plan goals. The National Spiritual Assembly has appointed the Foreign Goals Committee to expedite fulfillment of these obligations. In turn we need the cooperation of the entire American Bahá’í community. Our directives call for our filling primary objectives before secondary ones, whenever possible, so that we may win the victories of the Nine Year Plan.

b. The National Spiritual Assembly must always know the whereabouts of the Bahá’ís from the United States who are abroad. Records kept at the National Headquarters must be accurate, since reports to The Universal House of Justice are based on these records. The Foreign Goals Committee must inform not only the National Spiritual Assembly, but also the Continental Pioneering Committees, which are directly under The Universal House of Justice, of the movement of all who leave this country and settle in foreign lands. In light of this responsibility, therefore, when potential pioneers are contacted by other National Assemblies, by their committees or individuals under them, please advise the Foreign Goals Committee before entering into serious correspondence.

c. The Foreign Goals Committee has a rapidly

AUGUST ‘1968

changing list of world needs and requirements. It would like to suggest places where an individual Bahá’í can serve most advantageously. Careful consideration of your qualifications along with the requirements of the Faith at each post helps us advise you in the selection of your goal.

2. Pioneers should go to become settlers, planning to stay at their posts as long as they are needed. Whereas it is important that people be infused with the spirit of self-sacrifice so that they may offer their services at a moment’s notice, nevertheless experience shows that in most instances of successful pioneering the volunteers took time enough to put their personal affairs in order, and to plan carefully, usually starting such plans well ahead of the date of proposed departure. Whether or not the move is made with great rapidity, factors such as health, general stamina and ability to adapt, physical, mental and spiritual fortitude, as well as material circumstances, should be carefully evaluated by those wishing to be ambassadors of Bahá’u’lláh in foreign areas. Pioneering should be planned with the aim of achieving these self-met goals:

a. A definite departure date to work toward.

b. Order in personal financial affairs before departure to goal. It stands to reason that economic pressures can hamper pioneering effectiveness. The pioneer should be free from worry and concern over indebtedness. Unsatisfied creditors can cause legal entanglement or an early return, and reflect adversely on the reputation of the pioneer, the Bahá’í community he has left, and the Faith. This is a serious concern of the National Spiritual Assembly. Those who leave their homes to serve the Cause in foreign lands exert an influence on their community far beyond measure. They exemplify the power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

c. A true deepening in the fundamental verities of the Faith. A deeper knowledge of the Faith can be achieved by embarking immediately on a reading and study program of the Creative Word and such material as may contribute to an understanding of the Writings. The Tablets of the Divine Plan and The Advent of Divine Justice are the pioneer’s handbooks.

d. An understanding of other people’s cultures. Much current material for every country can be found in libraries, not only in books but also in magazine articles which are easy reading, and can give you current facts. There are many basic sources for your study.

e. Learning the language of the chosen pioneer goal, and preparing for goals not yet chosen. French or Spanish are essential for effective teaching in most American goals.

The Foreign Goals Committee will be delighted to cooperate with you in every possible way. We will try to give you suggestions as to how or where you may seek employment, and direct you to sources of information, though of course we cannot be an employment or travel agency.

It is our function and privilege to help you to serve the

Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in foreign lands. Moreover, we

hope to make such service possible, and to increase the

flow of Americans into the Bahá’í community of the

World. — FOREIGN GOALS COMMITTEE

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OCTOBER CONFERENCES ANNOUNCED

Nationwide conferences on Proclamation, Expansion and Consolidation have been planned for seventeen cities throughout the country during the month of October. Members and representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly, and the National Teaching Committee will attend each conference, which will deal with these three areas of endeavor at this stage of the Nine Year Plan.

These conferences will center about the role of the Bahá’ís as individuals and collectively in achieving the goals of the Nine Year Plan, with particular reference to the homefront goals for the United States. Those Bahá’ís who have become believers since 1964 when the Nine Year Plan was initiated by the Universal House of Justice will be particularly interested in attending the conference nearest them.

Below are listed tentative conference sites, dates and areas which are within relatively short distance. The September Bahá’í News will carry final details of the conferences.

Conference Site

October 5-6

Boston, Mass. Philadelphia, Penn.

Nearby Areas

New England

De1., Md./D.C., N.J., E. N.Y. and E. Penn.

Florida Colo., S.D., Utah and Wyo.

Idaho, Mont., E. Oreg. & E. Wash.

Oregon and W. Washington

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Denver, Colo.

Butte, Mont.

Olympia, Wash. October 12-13

Richmond, Va. Jackson, Miss. Rochester, N.Y. Austin, Texas Minneapolis, Minn.

Gallup, N.M. Burbank, Calif.

October 26-27

Atlanta, Ga. Columbus, Ohio Wilmette, Ill.

Tulsa, Okla. Berkeley, Calif.

Md./D.C., N.C., Va. & W. Va. Ala., La., Miss. and Tenn.

W. N.Y. and W. Penn.

E. Texas and W. Texas

1a., Minn., Neb., N.D., S.D., and Wisconsin

Arizona and New Mexico S. Calif. 1, 2 & 3 and Nev.

Ala., Ga., N.C., S.C. 8: Tenn. Ind., Ky., Mich. and Ohio

N. Ill., S. 111., Ind., Mich. and Wise.

Ark., Kans., Mo. and Okla.

N. Calif., C. Calif. 1 & 2 and Nevada

National Teaching Committee for 1968-69

The members of the National Teaching Committee

for 1968-1969 are: Mr. Salvatore A. Pelle, Chairman; Mr. Paul Young, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Richard Betts, Secretary; Miss Ellen Parmelee and Mr. Franklin Kahn.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Why Our Cities Burn. View on Racial Crisis in the

United States. This 24-page booklet consists of selections from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, with an introductory statement. It concerns the racial crisis in the United States and the approach to a solution. The size, 4%; x 71/4, is convenient as a giveaway and can be mailed in 5x 7% envelopes, available in most stationery stores. It is to be used as a follow-up to the human rights conferences and for extensive teaching efforts in the local communities.

This is a self-cover booklet, with a symbolic flame design on the cover, in red and black.

Ten copies (minimum order) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 1.00 200 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$18.00 500 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$40.00

Note: Whenever possible the $10.00 minimum community orders should be observed to cover cost of billing, packaging, postage and other overhead expenses involved in every order. Small orders are comparatively costly to process. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

Summer School Photos Needed

The Davison Bahá’í School Council is planning an illustrated brochure on the school and wishes photographs. They should be recent, and representative of the school in action, rather than being merely posed groups. They should be black and white glossy photos, at least 31/2 x 5 inches.

Please send any pictures at once to’: Davison School Council, Mrs. Janet Khan, secretary; 736 Packard, Apt. 200, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.

Concerning the Author of "The Prophet"

There seems to be an impression among the Bahá’ís that Khalil Gibran, author of the book “The Prophet,” was a Bahá’í. Although he met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in New York, and painted a portrait of Him, Mr. Gibran never became a Bahá’í, nor did he evidence any interest in investigating the Bahá’í Teachings. There is no factual evidence of his being influenced in any way by the Bahá’í Faith.

The original pastel of the Master painted by Khalil Gibran is in the archives at the World Center in Haifa, although it is not on display in the Archives Building.

Ring for Sale

The National Spiritual Assembly recently received a gift of a diamond ring for the purpose of sale with the proceeds to go to the National Bahá’í Fund. The ring is attractive and has great sentimental value, since it was the engagement ring selected by the distinguished Hand of the Cause, Dr. George Townshend, for the woman who later became his wife. Given by their

daughter, the ring will be sold to the highest bidder‘

beginning at $600.00, the appraised value. Anyone interested should write to the Treasurer's Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

[Page 4]AUGUST ‘1968

Where Our Dollars Go A series presented by the Coordinating Committee for the Fund

The Public Information Department

An important part of proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith is maintaining contact with national news media and publications. This job is handled by the Public Information Department, an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly, which was established in March 1966.

The Public Information Department is located at the National Bahá’í Center in Wilmette, Illinois. With oifices in Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship, the department is staffed by three persons. Director is Col. Salvatore A. Pelle; Mrs. Natalie DiBuono is Assistant Director, and Miss Gloria Woodson, Secretary. The accompanying pictures show Miss Woodson with C01. Pelle and Mrs. DiBuono at her drawing board.

Approximately four cents of each dollar contributed to your National Fund is budgeted for this important operation. To maximize the use of this, every opportunity is sought to secure as much free publicity as possible for the Faith. The department has basically five functions: to tell the Bahá’í story in national news media; to advise the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies on public information matters; to correct misinformation on the Bahá’í Faith appearing in non-Bahá’í publications, particularly encyclopedias; to develop and produce public information materials; and to advise and assist local public information representatives.

To tell the Bahá’í story to news media, the department has produced a Fact Sheet on the Bahá’í Faith, a Press Kit on the Bahá’í Faith, Who Is Bahá’u’lláh? (a short feature on the life of Bahá’u’lláh) and reprints of previously printed features on the Faith. The Bahá’í Press Kit has been sent to all national news agencies and is kept current with special mailings. The Kit has also been sent to leading free-lance writers, radio and television networks, national magazines, and book publishers including publishers of reference books.

Some 200 queries a month from news media, publishers, and individuals requesting information on the Faith are handled by the department. In addition, the department maintains an active correspondence with nearly 1,000 local public information representatives.

At the request of the National Spiritual Assembly the department prepares special studies on various public information topics and prepares public information and proclamation plans.

Public information kits for each of the Bahá’í Special Event Days are prepared and sent to Bahá’í Communities and public information representatives. These kits contain suggestions on how to observe the day, suggested news releases, radio and television announcements, advertisements and other material. A periodic (generally every two months) Public Information Newsletter keeps local public information representatives informed of opportunities to publicize the Faith, new ideas, new public information material available and suggestions on how to conduct various aspects of public

information at the local level.

Public information materials for printed news media, radio and television, and for displays are developed and produced by the department and made available to Bahá’í Communities through the Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department and are listed in the catalog of that department. This material includes large display posters, special event posters, radio tapes, films, slide sets, video-tapes, press kits, fact sheets, reprints, advertising, proclamation reply cards, and other materials. In most cases, the materials are entirely written, designed and produced by the department and financed by department funds. The department purchases thousands of Bahá’í pamphlets and other literature to send in response to queries on the Faith. Where possible, individuals requesting information are also referred to local Bahá’í Communities or Groups for further contact.

The department makes periodic special mailings to key people and organizations throughout the United States to bring special Bahá’í publications to their attention. This was done, for example, with the first issue of WORLD ORDER Magazine, the Human Rights Statement, the Centenary pamphlet, and the What Is Race? pamphlet. National news releases on Bahá’í special event days, the national convention, and special announcements are sent to all national news media which include news agencies, radio networks and magazines.

The department works with publishers of encyclopedias and reference books to provide them material including articles and photos on the Faith for inclusion in their publications. When the department learns about misinformation on the Faith appearing in books, encyclopedias, reference books and other publications, it contacts the publisher and authors with a view to correcting future items on the Faith appearing in these publications. This effort has been most successful and the fruits of this work will appear in many future editions of encyclopedias and reference books.

[Page 5]REVIEW

O

The department does much of its own photographic work and is developing a photo file on the Faith for use in future public information materials including slide sets for public presentations on the Faith.

The department handles public information for the North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights (NABOHR). It publishes a periodic NABOHR Newsletter for that office, prepares and distributes national releases on its activities, and prepares other materials such as posters and conference announcements. Assist SELF- SUSTAINING

$140,000 or over 11 cents of every dollar in the budget are for pioneers abroad and the Foreign Goals Committee, largely to sustain the Ten Year Crusade pioneers who have remained at their posts, and to meet Nine Year Plan Goals throughout the world. See the blue insert to the July NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW.

5

ance in the form of advice and materials is also provided to National Spiritual Assemblies around the world upon their request.

Members of the department have conducted Proclamation-Public Information Institutes in ten U.S. cities and at summer schools and will conduct more such institutes at summer schools in the future. Department members also give numerous public talks before civic groups, colleges and schools, appear on radio and television programs, attend many non-Bahá’í conferences as representatives of the Faith and speak at Proclamation programs in many cities.

In July 1967, the National Spiritual Assembly established the Public Information Advisory Board to advise it on long-range public information requirements. The department works closely with the Board and carries out many of its recommendations.

The increasing public interest in the Faith as evidenced by an increasing number of queries by the general public, organizations, and news media will make even greater demands on the public information department in the coming years. It will also present many more opportunities to proclaim the Faith and in preparation for this, the department is presently working on long-range proclamation plans and on the development of new public information materials including posters, radio tapes, video tapes, advertising, slide programs, and feature stories.

National Bahc'I'I' Fund

Thousand 3 Cumulative Monthly Income: 1968-1969 |.200 ' |,l00 " NINE-YEAR PLMI |,00O ‘ 900 ' 300 ' 700 600 ' 500 '400 '300 200 ' I00 'I r I I I I I I I I I I A5°F=_>::>;:::-3-:-3:-—.£é—“»2,t52a:.e£.% INCOME FOR JUNE was ' Regular Contributions . S 50,479.20 Special Contributions _ 3,740.76 Estates 3,778.20 Other Income . . 3,273.78 Total Income 5 bl,27b.94 Cumulative Total. April I -July I $206.397.|4 Cumulative Deficit . . . S 98.|02.86 NUMBER OF ASSEMBLIES CONTRIBUTING June . . 283 (72 percent of total)

[Page 6]*PU‘Bl_l,'C lN:FOVR3'MlKiTl.ON

World Peace Day

World Peace Day will be observed on Sunday, September 15, 1968. A Public Information Kit for the observance has been sent to all local spiritual assemblies, groups and state goals committees and to all Public Information representatives. Theme for this year’s observance is: “World Peace-Human Right to Live.” Final Report on the day is due at the Public Information Department, September 25. This report will provide the material for a round-up article in a future issue of Bahá’í News.

Distribution of “Why Our Cities Burn"

The National Spiritual Assembly has approved the publication of a booklet titled: Why Our Cities Burn. This 41/s inch by 71/4 inch publication is described on page 3.

By the time this issue of the REvraw is distributed, local spiritual assemblies, groups and state goals committees will have received a letter of instructions from the National Spiritual Assembly on the distribution of Why Our Cities Burn.

In brief the National Spiritual Assembly is sending a complimentary copy to the President, Vice-President, Members of the Cabinet, all U.S. Congressmen and Senators, U.S. Supreme Court judges, members of all civil rights and human rights agencies and commissions of the Federal government and State governments, 48 state governors plus Puerto Rico, members of national civil rights and human rights organizations (such as Urban League, NAACP, etc.), headquarters of national organizations (such as Rotary, Lions, etc.), select list of national

leaders, and national press, radio and television agencies. Assemblies, groups and isolated

believers are urged to send complimentary copies to city government officials (Mayors, city managers, city councilmen, police chiefs, city

attorneys, Supt. of Education, school principals, human relations commissions, etc.), community organizations (Chamber of Commerce, civic clubs, interracial and civil rights groups, Negro associations, women’s clubs, neighborhood associations, etc.), local press, radio and television, community leaders of all races, college officials, friends, contacts, and have available to distribute at public meetings.

State goals committees are urged to send complimentary copies to all members of State legislatures, members of the Governor’s cabinet (where there is more than one State Goals committee in a State, the committee with the State Capital in its area should handle), Mayors and other civic officials and organizations in cities where no Bahá’ís reside.

Distribution of this booklet should be made as soon as possible to take advantage of its timeliness, its effectiveness as a proclamation item, and with the hope that it will have an effect on the thinking of the leaders of America.

AUGUST ‘1968

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Some of the approximately 30 Bahá’ís

who participated in the Poor Peoples March in Washington, D.C. on June 19 coming from the Washington, D.C. area and as far away as Illinois and New York state. There was a constant taking of photos of the marchers, of the Bahá’ís and their banner. The Bahá’í banner was mentioned over radio stations and shown over television stations. The Bahá’ís were kept busy answering questions and informing people about the Faith throughout the day. The Bahá’í Center in Washington, D.C. was open all day and people came to have refreshments and conversation.

The large 38" by 50" color poster of the Bahá’í Houses of Worship is an excellent item to use for proclamation. It can be used for displays in libraries, schools, Bahá’í centers, public meetings, store windows, fairs and other proclamation activities. It is printed on heavy plastic paper. The four Houses of Worship are 10" by 10" in full color. On the right side is a miniature fact sheet on the Faith. The text gives information about the buildings and their uses. The posters cost $4.00 and are available from Bahdii Distribution and Service Dept. Posters are mailed in tubes and postage will be charged if not sent through your librarian.

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[Page 7]REVIEW

Changes Will Be Brought About

The fourth and last question posed by The Universal House of Justice in their Riḍván 1967 Message, which refers to the nature of deepening to be pursued by all believers, is given below, with some references for study. (See May and July 1968 NATIONAL BA1-iifi REVIEW for the first three questions, and the March and April 1968 NATIONAL Bahá’í REVIEW for related topics for study.)

What are the profound changes which Bahá’u’lláh will bring about?

The profound changes brought about through the power of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh are, and will continue to be, within the hearts and minds of individual men and reflected in the changes in world conditions. This “re-birth” of individuals will make possible the establishment of the Most Great Peace and the flowering of the glorious world civilization of the future. The following references related to some of the changes to be seen in the world and in individual men are exceedingly few and brief, and represent but a drop from the “ocean” of His Words.

“The Tabernacle of Unity,” Bahá’u’lláh proclaims in His message to all mankind, “has been raised; regard

ye not one another as strangers. . . . Of one tree are all ye the fruit and of one bough the leaves. . . . The world is but one country and mankind its citizens. . . . Let not

a man glory in that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind.” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 41)

“In every Dispensation,” writes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “the light of Divine Guidance has been focused upon one central theme. . . . In this wondrous Revelation, this glorious century, the foundation of the Faith of God and the distinguishing feature of His Law is the consciousness of the Oneness of Mankind” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 36)

Religion is the greatest instrument for the order of the world and the tranquility of all existent beings. . . . (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 180)

That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power .of a skilled, an allpowerful and inspired Physician. This verily, is the truth, and all else naught but error. (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 255)

Tread ye the path of justice, for this, verily, is the straight path. (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250)

That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250)

Know ye that the poor are the trust of God in your midst. Watch that ye betray not His trust, that ye deal not unjustly with them and that ye walk not in the ways of the treacherous. (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 251)

The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and tranquillity of the world and the advancement of its peoples, hath written: The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all—embracing assemblage of men

will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world’s Great Peace

amongst men. . . . (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 249)

Hence the unity of all mankind can in this day be achieved. Verily this is none other but one of the wonders of this wondrous age, this glorious century. Of this past ages have been deprived, for this century the century of light—— has been endowed with unique and unprecedented glory, power and illumination. Hence the miraculous unfolding of a fresh marvel every day. Eventually it will be seen how bright its candles will burn in the assemblage of man.

“Behold how its light is now dawning upon the world’s darkened horizon. The first candle is unity in the political realm, the early glimmerings of which can now be discerned. The second candle is unity of thought in world undertakings, the consummation of which will ere long be witnessed. The third candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass. The fourth candle is unity in religion which is the corner-stone of the foundation itself, and which, by the power of God, will be revealed in all its splendor. The fifth candle is the unity of nations — a unity which in this century will be securely established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard themselves as citizens of one common fatherland. The sixth candle is unity of races, making of all that dwell on earth peoples and kindreds of one race. The seventh candle is unity of language, i.e., the choice of a universal tongue in which all peoples will be instructed and converse. Each and every one of these will inevitably come to pass, inasmuch as the power of the Kingdom of God will aid and assist in their realization.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 39)

The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá’u’lláh, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded. This commonwealth must, as far as we can visualize it, consist of a world legislature, whose members will, as the trustees of the whole of mankind, ultimately control the entire resources of all the component nations, and will enact such laws as shall be required to regulate the life, satisfy the needs and adjust the relationships of all races and peoples. A world executive, backed by an international Force, will carry out the decisions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted by, this world legislature, and will safeguard the organic unity of the whole commonwealth. A world tribunal will adjudicate and deliver its compulsory and final verdict in all and any disputes that may arise between the various elements

[Page 8]constituting this universal system. A mechanism of world inter-communication will be devised, embracing the whole planet, freed from national hindrances and restrictions, and functioning with marvellous swiftness and perfect regularity. A world metropolis will act as the nerve center of a world civilization, the focus towards which the unifying forces of life will converge and from which its energizing influences will radiate. A world language will either be invented or chosen from among the existing languages and will be taught in the schools of all the federated nations as an auxiliary to their mother tongue. A world script, a world literature, a uniform and universal system of currency, of weights and measures, will simplify and facilitate intercourse and understanding among the nations and races of mankind. In such a world society, science and religion, the two most potent forces in human life, will be reconciled, will cooperate, and will harmoniously develop. The press will, under such a system, while giving full scope to the expression of the diversified views and convictions of mankind, cease to be mischievously manipulated by vested interests, whether private or public, and will be liberated from the influence of contending governments and peoples. The economic resources of the world will be organized, its sources of raw materials will be tapped and fully utilized, its markets will be coordinated and developed, and the distribution of its products will be equitably regulated.

National rivalries, hatred, and intrigues will cease, and racial animosity and prejudice will be replaced by

BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES Southern California Dist. #1 Inglewood: Mrs. Charlene Robley, 941 N. Inglewood Ave., #3, 90303 Northern Illinois Wilmette: Mrs. Arlene J ennrich, 1225 Maple St., 60091 Massachusetts Springfield: Bahá’í Center, c/o Mrs. Zylpha Gray, 30 Merrick Ave., 01109 Minnesota Minneapolis: Mr. Sulo Mononen, 3001 University Ave., S. E., 55414 Western New York Buffalo: Gregory Wooster, Chr., 143 Victoria Ave., 14214 Western Washington Tacoma: Mrs. Juliette R. Frank, 1710 S. Jackson, 98405 RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEE U.S. Bahá’í Committee for United Nations Miss Ellen Parmelee Mrs. Rene Welsh Mr. Clarence Welsh

In Memo-riom

Miss Ruth Browning Green Bay, Wisconsin May 20, 1968 Jesse R. Chambliss Salem, Oregon June 23, 1968

Donald R. Anderson

Grapeview, Wash. May 1968

Joseph Astwood, Sr.

Grand Turk Is., B.W.I. No date

AUGUST ‘1968

racial amity, understanding and cooperation. The causes of religious strife will be permanently removed, economic barriers and restrictions will be completely abolished, and the inordinate distinction between classes will be obliterated. Destitution on the one hand, and gross accumulation of oumership on the other, will disappear. The enormous energy dissipated and wasted on war, whether economic or political, will be consecrated to such ends as will extend the range of human inventions and technical development, to the increase of the productivity of mankind, to the extermination of disease, to the extension of scientific research, to the raising of the standard of physical health, to the sharpening and refinement of the human brain, to the exploitation of the unused and unsuspected resources of the planet, to the prolongation of human life, and to the furtherance of any other agency that can stimulate the intellectual, the moral, and spiritual life of the entire human race.

A world federal system, ruling the whole earth and exercising unchallengeable authority over its unimaginably vast resources, blending and embodying the ideals of both the East and the West, liberated from the curse of war and its miseries, and bent on the exploitation of all the available sources of energy on the surface of the planet, a system in which Force is made the servant of Justice, whose life is sustained by its universal recognition of one God and by its allegiance to one common Revelation— such is the goal towards which humanity, impelled by the unifying forces of life, is moving. (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 203-204)

Bahá’í House of Worship Daily Visiting Hours 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday Devotions 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.

_ Sunday Public Meetings 3:45 p.m. Firesides

Sunday, 4:45 p.m. Thursday, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Calendar of Events

FEASTS

August 1 — Kama] (Perfection) August 20 — Asrné’ (Names) September 8 —— ‘Izzat (Might) September 27 — Masliiyyat (Will)

PROCLAMATION EVENT September 15 — World Peace Day

U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS August 16-18 September 27-29