National Bahá’í Review/Issue 91/Text

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[Page 1]

Emergency voting procedures for District Conventions

As a preventive measure, the National Spiritual Assembly outlines below the procedures to follow in the event that there is any problem with the mailing of Convention calls this year. If your ballot does NOT arrive, please proceed as follows:

1 . If you are able to attend the Convention you will be provided with ballot paper and an envelope at that time.

2. If you are unable to attend, complete a ballot before the Convention and mail it to the person who has been designated to receive mailed ballots in your District. To find out the name of this person, check with your Local Assembly, call or write your District Teaching Committee or the host Assembly (listed below). You may

also give the sealed ballot to the Local Assembly secretary who will transmit it to the appropriate Convention officers.

3. To vote by mail, write the name(s) of the believer(s) whom you wish to represent your district at the National Convention. Vote ONLY for the number of delegates allotted to your district, and leave enough space between the names so that ballots may be easily separated later. You may discover the number of delegates assigned to your district by calling or writing your Assembly secretary or District Teaching Committee..

4. Place your ballot in a small envelope and seal it. Do not make any mark on this envelope.

5. Place the sealed envelope in a larger envelope and either mail it or send it as described above. Write the word BALLOT in the left-hand comer of this envelope and be sure your name is on it so that you may be credited as a voter.

The National Spiritual Assembly anticipates successful and problem-free District Conventions this year. However, if any problem does arise, the Assembly is sure that the believers, armed with these guidelines and with supreme confidence in the sacredness of their task, will not hesitate to proceed with the election and other business of their Convention.

Location, dates for the 88 District Conventions

District Host Assembly Date Iowa Kansas

Alabama, N. Birmingham 10/26 Kentucky Alabam' 3. Montgomery 10/26 Louisiana, N. Arizona, N. Phoenix 10/5 Louisiana, S. Arizona, S. Pima County 10/26 Maine

Arkansas Little Rock 10/12 Maryland/D.C. California, N-I Washington .I.D. 10/5 Massachusetts California, N-2 Santa Rosa 10/12 Michigan California, C-1 Cannel 10/12 Minnesota, N_ California, C-2 Bakersfield 10/12 Minnesota, S. California, S-1 Santa Monica 10/5 Mississippi California, S-2 San Diego 10/12 Missouri California, S-3 Santa Barbara 10/26 Montana Colorado, E. Commerce City 10/12 Navajo—Hopi Colorado, W. Alamosa 10/12 Nebraska Connecticut Vernon 10/5 Nevada, N. DelMarVa Wilmington 10/5 Nevada, S. Florida, N. Gainesville 10/12 New Hampshire Florida, C. Polk County I0/l2 New Jersey Florida, S. Ft. Lauderdale 10/26 New Mexico, N. Georgia, N. No. Cobb County 10/5 New Mexico, S. Georgia, S. Ft. Valley Group 10/ 12 New York, }3_ Idaho, S. Pocatello 10/5 New York, W, Illinois, N-l Rockford 10/12 North Carolina, E. Illinois, N-2 Chicago 10/12 North Carolina, C. Illinois, S. Decatur 10/5 North Carolina, W. Indiana Indianapolis 10/26 Nonh Dakota

Des Moines 10/12 Emporia 10/26 Lexington 10/12 Shreveport 10/5 Baton Rouge 10/12 Augusta 10/5 Washington, D.C. 10/12 Worcester 10/ 12 Mt. Pleasant 10/12 St. Cloud 10/5 St. Paul 10/12 Jackson 10/5 Jefferson City 10/5 Bozeman 10/5 Chinle 10/12 Hastings 10/12 Cen. Washoe Cnty. 10/12 North Las Vegas 10/26 Peterboro 1 0/ 26 Teaneck 10/5 Albuquerque 10/ 12 Las Cruces 10/26 . Yonkers 10/5 Buffalo 10/5 Raleigh 10/ 12 Greensboro 10/26 Charlotte 10/12 Bismarck 10/ 12

[Page 2]National _ 2 Bahai Review Ohio, N. Akron 10/12 Tennessee Nashville 10/12 Ohio, S. Dayton 10/5 Texas, N. Amarillo 10/12 Oklahoma, E. Tulsa 10/5 Texas, E’-l Dallas _ 10/26 Oklahoma, W. Edmond 10/12 Texas, E-2 Houston 10/5

« Oregon Eugene 10/26 Texas, C. Austin 10/12 Pennsylvania, E. Philadelphia 10/12 Texas, S. Corpus Christi 10/26 Pennsylvania, W. Pittsburgh 10/12 Texas, W. El Paso .10/5 Rhode Island Providence 10/5 Utah Salt Lake City 10/26 South Carolina, N-1 Clemson 10/26 Vermont Burlington 10/12 South Carolina, N—2 Spartanburg 10/26 Virginia, N. Fairfax 10/26 South Carolina, E—l Lake City ‘ 10/12 Virginia, 5. Richmond 10/ 12 South Carolina, E-2 Dillon I0/5 Washington/Idaho Yakima 10/5 South Carolina, E—3 Greater Aynor l0/26 Washington, W. Seattle 10/ 12 South Carolina, C. Columbia 10/5 , West Virginia Charleston 10/26 South Carolina, S. Beaufort 10/ 12 Wis-Mich Wausau 10/26 South Carolina, W. Greenwood 10/5 Wisconsin, S. Madison 10/26 South Dakota Sioux Falls 10/26 Wyoming Laramie 10/26

Teaching individuals with ‘true capacity’

“There is no doubt that the poorer classes should be taught the Cause and given every opportunity to embrace it. More especially in order to demonstrate to people our cardinal lack of prejudice, class prejudice as much as any other kind of prejudice. However, he feels that the great point is to confinn people of true capacity and ability—from whatever social stratum they may be—because the Cause needs now, and will ever increasingly need,

souls of great ability who can bring it before the public at large, administer its ever—growing affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field.” (From letter dated October 30, 1941, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

The goals of the Five Year Plan make it essential that we heed the advice of the beloved,Guardian to seek out and teach

individuals of “true capacity.” Such an individual is not necessarily one of wealth or position, but rather a person of rectitude of character and one who is able to display leadership in his occupation, however humble, or in his social activities. Our teaching plans should make a deliberate effort to attract those who show a responsible attitude.

Bahá’í wills and bequests

According to the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh it is incumbent upon every Baha’r’ to write a will during his lifetime in order to provide for the disposition of his property after his death as well as to give instructions concerning his burial. A will is particularly essential if you desire the Bahá’í Faith to have a share of your property. You can use it also to record your wishes for the proper disposition of your Bahá’í literature, files and records, and to include a provision that will ensure that your children receive Bahá’í training.

There is no standard will form approved by the National Spiritual Assembly. Besides the variations in the law from state to state, there are single Bahá’ís, married Bahá’í's, Bahá’ís with children, Bahá’ís that have personal property, Bahá’ís that

have real property and Bahá’í’s that have both; no form could be devised that would cover all of these various circumstances. A person preparing a will should contact an attorney. The cost should not be great, and it is the only way to be sure that in your particular set of circumstances your wishes will be carried out.

Before visiting your attorney you should have specific information on hand that will assist him in advising you and drawing the will that meets your particular needs and desires. You should have all the personal information on yourself, your family, your relatives, and your beneficiaries. You should have all the facts concerning your property, whether real, personal or mixed; you should identify the location of your safe-deposit box (if you have one), insur ance policies, profit sharing plans, pensions, etc., the name and address of the person you wish to be your executor, trustee or guardian, and any special provisions you, as a Bahá’í', might want in your will. Neither the Local Spiritual Assembly nor the National Spiritual Assembly should be named as executor of your will.

A believer should have a special provision in his will for burial in accordance with Bahá’í Laws. It should be spelled out in the will that the place of burial must be within one hour’s travel time from the place of death, that cremation is forbidden, and that the body is not to be embalmed unless required by state law.

Bahá’í’s are permitted to donate their bodies for medical research and restorative purposes. When an individual asked the

[Page 3]August 1975 3

beloved Guardian about this he answered in a letter written on his behalf by his secretary on March 22, 1957, as follows:

There is nothing in the Teachings against leaving our bodies to medical science. The only thing we should stipulate is that we do not wish to be cremated, as it is against our Bahá’í’ Laws.

As many people make arrangements to leave their bodies to medical science for investigation he suggests that you inquire, either through some lawyer friend or through some hospital, how you could do this and then make the necessary provision in your Will, stipulating that you wish your body to be of service to mankind in death, and that, being a Bahá’í you request that your remains not be cremated and not be taken more than an hour’s journey from the place you die.

The spirit has no more connection with the body after it departs, but as the body was once the temple of the spirit, we Bahá’ís are taught that it must be treated with respect.

One of the primary objectives of your will is, of course, to meet personal obligations and responsibilities, but after providing for those with whom you have close ties, you may wish to give serious consideration to the needs of the Faith. There are many ways in which the Faith can be made a beneficiary in your will: a stated gift wherein you indicate a specific sum as a bequest to the Faith; a percentage gift in

which you designate a percentage of your gross estate to be made payable to the Faith (in this way the relationship between your bequest to the Faith and your bequest to others remains constant regardless of the ultimate size of your estate); by a residuary gift in which you make specific bequests to provide for your family with residue or remainder of the estate being given to the Faith; a remainder interest in a testamentary trust, wherein you provide for a close member of your family who is in need of the income from your estate with the remainder upon his death to be given to the Faith.

The above are just some of the possibilities. To provide a bequest of real property for the use of the National Spiritual Assembly describe the benefrciary in these terms: “The Trustees of the National Bahá’í Administrative Body Elected by the Baha’ is of the United States and Known as the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, whose headquarters are located in the Village of Wilmette, Cook County, Illinois”. The National Spiritual Assembly would appreciate receiving a copy for its confidential frles of all wills in which it is named a direct beneficiary.

Wills once made should be reviewed periodically, particularly if you move to a new state or if the existing will does not allow for changes in family or business circumstances.

If you have any reason to believe that burial might take place before the provisions of your will are made known to the executor, you should give your Assembly

a written request for a Baha’r’ funeral; or a signed copy of a statement by yourself that you desire a Bahá’í’ funeral can be carried in your wallet or handbag. The statement should describe the requirements of Bahá’í burial.

Because making a will is personal matter, any further questions you may have on this subject may be sent directly to the National Spiritual Assembly.

The teaching work

“The paramount task is, of course, the teaching work; at every session your assembly should give it close attention, considering everything else of secondary importance.”

(From letter dated July 28, 1957, writ ten on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the

National Spiritual Assembly of Central

America and Mexico)

As we go into the second year of the Five Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly urges all Local Spiritual Assemblies to heed the advice of our beloved Guardian given above. If at least half of each meeting, preferably the first half while the minds and spirits of the members are fresh, is devoted to making teaching plans we shall have the bounty of fulfilling or even exceeding our goals sent by The Universal House of Justice.

Status of U.S. pioneer goals

Africa Assigned Filled Open (P) Angola* . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (E) Botswana . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (E) British Indian '

Ocean Terr.** . . . . .2 — 2 (F,E) Cameroon Republic .2 1 1 (F) Central African

Republic* . . . . . . . . .3 — 3

(F) Dahomey . . . . . . . . . .2 0

(F) Gabon* . . . . . . . . . . .1 — 1

(E) Gambia . . . . . . . . . . .2. —— 2

(E) Ghana . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (P) Guinea-Bissau

(Port. Guinea)* . . . . .2 — 2 (F) Ivory Coast* . . . . . . .2 — 2

Assigned Filled Open

(E) Kenya* . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 1 (E) Lesotho . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 (E) Liberia . . . . . . . . . . . .4 3 1 (F) Malagasy Republic . .2 — 2 (E) Malawi . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 O

(P,S) Mozambique* . . . . . .2 l l

(E) Nigeria* . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 O

(E) Rhodesia . . . . . . . . . .5 4 1

(E) Sierra Leone . . . . . . .3 2 l

(E) South Africa* . . . . . .2 — 2

(E) St. Helena* . . . . . . . .1 — 1

(E) Tanzania . . . . . . . . . .4 l 3

(F) Togo . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0

Assigned Filled 0pen_

_ (F) _ Zaire . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 2 5 66 33 33 Asia (B,E) Bangladesh* . . . . . ..2 — 2 (E) India . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 —— 5 (J) Japan* . . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 1 (F) Khmer.Republic (Cambodia) . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(K,E) Korea . . . . . . . . . . . ..3 l 2

(F) Laos . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 —— 2

(F,E) Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . .2 l 1

(C,P) Macau . . . . . . . . . . ..2 —— 2

[Page 4]National , 4 Bahal RGVIGW

Assigned Filled Open Assigned Filled Open Axxignezl Filled Open (E) Nepal . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (S) Ecuador . . . . . . . . .7 I 6 (I) I'ceIand* . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2

(E) Philippine Islands . . .2 l I (S) El Salvador* . . . . . . .4 —n 4 (N) Norway . . . . . . . . . . .3 2 I

(E) Sri Lanka (Ceylon)* .3 1 2 (F) French Antilles . . . . .4. 2 2 (P) Portugal . . . . . . . . . . .8 — 8

(E) Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (F) French Guiana* . . . [.2 2 O (S) Spain* _ , , , , , _ . . , _ .2 2 0

(E) Thailand . . . . . . . . . . .2 2 0 (S) Guatemala . . . . . . . . .5 4 l (F,G,It) Switzerland . . . . . . .6 2 4

(T,A,E) Turkey* . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 (E) Guyana . . . . . . . . . . .4 — 4 ——3-/T7

(E) Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . .I — 1 (F) Haiti . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 2 2 .

35 10 25 (S) Honduras . . . . . . . . . .6 5 I *New]y_aSsigned countries

(E) Jamalca . .. . . . . . .4 2 2 “Circumstances permitting Australasia (E) Leeward/Vlrgln Is., (E) Caroline Islands ....2 2 0 Montserrat» St Kms -9 5 4 Total Assignments to be (E) Fiji Islands* . . . . . . ..3 I 2 §1°ara8"a(Gr3nada)-2 3 3 Completed by October 1976

(F) New Caledonia . . . . .1 I 0 mama ' - - ~ - - - - ' - (E) N0nh_East (5) paraguay , _ _ _ _ ;_ _ _ _4 2 2 AFRICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 33 33

- * Peru (cuczo Puno) 2 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New Guinea . . . . . .3 1 2 . » AUSTRALASIA 17 7 10

(E) American Samoa* . _ _2 _ 2 (S) Puerto Rico . . . .4. . .4 4 0 AMERICAS . . . . . . . .1.50 76 74

(E) western Samoa , _ _ _ _4 2 2 (S,E) St. Andres Island . .1 — I EUROPE ~ ~ - - - ~ - - - - ~ 37 12 25

(E) Tonga Islands»: ‘ _ _ _ '2 _ 2 EIg),E,D)r 'S.t3‘lr(;2/irlrll b . . . . . . . 3 2) . . . . . . . . . . . .

nm a 0 ago — 3 5

(S) Uruguay . . . . . . . . . . .2 — 2 , (S) Venezuela . . . . . . . . .7 5 2 A . G—G (sgnncxgentina . . . . . . . . . .6 6 0 (E) w‘"d“'ard ISla“dS——' ‘ '6—2—4 Languége Key G‘~‘?er°n2:n

(S,E) Belize* . . . . . . . . . . . .3 3 0 ‘50 76 74 Q:,§‘;'f,:‘a°,, ,*’_‘,::]‘;j‘,{,,C

B0liVia . . . . . . . . . . .  3 7 C——Chinese [g_[;a]ian

(P). Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . .14 8 6 E'"°P° , (so. Diale_c:> J-Japanese

(S) Chile . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 4 2 ES) ) gelglumkg-k - - - - - - - - --3 3 ‘ll gn—DDfn}:sh §—§orcan,

- n enmar . . . . . . . . . — uc — orwe lan

(S) womb‘-a ' ‘ " ' ' ' ' ' ' ‘8 3 5 (Fn) FinIand* . . . . . . . . . . .4 —— 4 E—E"sliSh P—P°rw,zfese

(S) Costa Rlca . . . . . . . . .4 4 0 p_p,ench _ G G 3 2 1 S Spanlsh (S) Dominican Republic .5 — 5 ( r) reece ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' - ' ' ‘ Fn——Finnish T_Tu;l¢ish

In memoriam

Ida Anthony Montgomery, Ala. Date unknown

Mrs. Elvira Barajas Kenwood, Calif. July 4, 1975

Miss Ann Bennett Bullhead City, Ariz. Date unknown

Mr. Richard Blackman Naples, Florida Date unknown

Mr. Charles D. Boleman New Britain, Conn. June 9, 1975

Mr. Timothy Allen Bradley Bishopville, S.C. 1974

Mr. Willie Albert Dennis Rhodesdale, Md. June 7, 1975

Mrs. Lorene Briegel Dustan Cincinnati, Ohio

May 23, 1975

Mr. Gordon Ellis

Detroit, Mich.

1971

Miss Mary Enyedy

Mrs. Jeanie Ann Green Montgomery, Ala. 1973

Mrs. Jane Ann Herman Schaumburg, III. May 30, 1975

Mr. Richard Hollins

Mrs. Laura Johnson Lackawanna, N.Y. July 7, 1975

Mrs. Lois Irene Knisley Woods Hole, Mass. August 20, 1975

Mrs. Edna Lichti g

Elmira, N.Y. Macon, Ga. Queens Village, N.Y. May Il, 1975 Date Unknown Date Unknown

Mrs. Topsy Eubanks Mrs. Margaret Horry Mrs. Mavis Lillywhite Augusta, Ga. Detroit, Mich. Greeley, Colo.

July 16, 1975 April, 1974 1974

Mrs. Mary Pauline Foster Tuscaloosa, Ala. /’ March 31, 1975

Mr. Thomas Frith Lockport, La. Date unknown

Mr. Arthur M. Gagnon Titusville, Fla. June 5, 1975

Miss Sandy Hotchkiss Pennington, N.J. June 21, 1975

Mr. George A. Hutchinson -Suttens Bay, Mich. June 25, 1975

Miss Helen James New York, N.Y. Date Unknown

Mrs. Mary C. McQueen Canon City, Colo. June I3, 1975

Mr. Maurice Parks Virginia Beach, Va. September 2! , 1971

Mr. Bob Poquiz San Diego, Calif. Date Unknown

[Page 5]Alulgfiéi i'é'7§ 5

Mr. Harvey Sims Montgomery, Ala. Date unknown

Mrs. Mary Emma Sisson San Diego, Calif. June 8, 1975

Mrs. Grace Smith Colorado Springs, Colo. July I2, 1975

Mr. Stuard A. Smoller Brooklyn, N.Y. Date Unknown

Mrs. Ziayih Sobhani New York, NY. Date unknown

Mr. David St. John Santa Fe, NM. June 7, 1975

Mr. Raymond Stevens Burbank, lll. June 3, 1975

Mr. Sylvester Stevenson Norfolk, Va. May I8, 1975

Mr. Albert Talley, Jr. Montgomery, Ala. Date unknown

Mrs. Willie Tallie Montgomery, Ala. Date unknown

Mr. Richard Tolson Milton, Del. July 4, 1975

Mr. Coleman Tucker Euless, Texas Date Unknown

Mr. William R. Tuttle East Bridgewater, Mass. Date unknown

Mrs. Mary Vickers Monticello, Fla. Date unknown

Mr. Albert Edward Walker Chinle, Ariz. 1973

Mr. John Watson Chapel Hill, N.C. Date unknown.

Emphasize dignity, reverence at proclamation events

As the proclamation of the Faith accelerates in our efforts to reach all strata of human society, the National Spiritual Assembly hopes that all who participate in public proclamations in any manner, whether as an individual or as groups, will keep clearly in mind the instructions of The Universal House of Justice contained in its letter of July 2, 1967, published in the September 1974 issue ofBahd'z’News, No. 438.

While not wishing to limit or restrict proclamation to prosaic _or serious methods for conveying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the people, it is important that we avoid presentations that may produce negative reactions or wrong interpretations of our attitude of respect and reverence for the sacred nature of our Faith.

Experimentation with new forms and new styles of presentations is encouraged. There are many ways to express the joy and promise of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, but as The Universal House of Justice pointed out in its letter:

. . the standards of dignity and reverence set by the beloved Guardian should

always be upheld, particularly in musical and dramatic items. . . . This does not mean that activities of the youth, for example, should be stultified; one can be exuberant without being irreverent or undermining the dignity of the Cause.”

Those responsible for devising artistic, musical, and dramatic presentations, as well as those who participate in them, should be careful not to use material out of

context, or any that through misinterpretation may produce a negative reaction on

the part of the audience, whether Bahá’í or '

non-Bahá’í. Careful attention should also be paid to the matters of dress, physical movements, and propriety of the occasion on which the programs are presented. The same principles of dignity, good taste, and propriety apply to the design and use of any symbols that are intended to attract attention to the Faith, whether they are for use in the home, at public meetings, for personal ornamentation, or on automobiles. As The Universal House of J us-‘ tice has stated, “a flamboyant approach which may succeed in drawing much attention to the Cause, may ultimately prove to have produced a revulsion which would require great effort to overcome.”

Teaching the Faith

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh is the spiritual world oflight, oftruth, ofjustice, and of love. Therein exists no shadow of doubt, no ambiguity, no furtive gloom be neath which superstition can flourish and’

scatter its evil seeds to the wind. Therein exists no love which is not just, and no justice which is not loving. Man’s assurance, his security and his life and welfare stand upon the foundation laid in that heavenly world.

In these days of strife and confusion, the loyalty of every Bahá’í is directed to the realities found in the Revelation. The virtue of tolerance is not a license for believers to mingle error with truth, but rather the confidence that the crring soul can

eventually abandon whatever is not confirmed by the Manifestation of God.

The world at the time of the renewal of religion is full of pseudo-mystical and pseudo-scientific practices. These are not merely fallacious and impotent to do good—they are harmful in that they foster the taste for adulteration and introduce into the Bahá’í community elements making for disunity, since they enter not by Revelation but by human insistence.

Consider such practices as spiritualism, palm-reading, numerology, dietary fadism, astrology, and the substitution of “direct guidance” for the collective consciousness of an authoritative Bahá’í’ Institution and for the authenticity of the

Bahá’í Teachings. We must be clear about these matters. Nothing which cannot be authenticated in the Teachings should be incorporated as Bahá’í teaching in public, fireside or other presentations of the Faith. They have no claim to philosophy or science of social value unless they are confirmed in the Sacred Writings. Community consultation will enable us to discriminate and protect the precincts of truth from sacrilege.

_ The Local Spiritual Assembly is responsible for upholding the Bahá’í' standard in matters of teaching and practice claiming to represent the Faith.

[Page 6]‘National _ Bahá’í Review

Non-believersat Nineteen Day Feasts

Although it is clearly stated over and over again that only members of the Bahá’í’ community 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.

Baha’ is 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 letter to the National Spiritual Assembly in which it calls attention to “the essentially domestic, administrative 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 thework 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-Baha’r' to find himself plunged into the midst of a discussion of the detailed affairs of a Bahá’í community 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 nonbelievers come to a Nineteen Day Feast, they should not be put out, as this might hurt their feelings. ‘

‘That 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.’ "

If it seems essential to expose non-Bahá’í 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.

There is‘ no ‘inactive list‘

The National Spiritual Assembly frequently receives requests from the believers to be placed on the “inactive list.” The Assembly does not categorize Bahá’í’s 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 Bahá’u’lláh is given in the opening paragraph of the K itdb—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 areinseparable.”

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 be willing to respond to various appeals from your Local Assembly.

We are all in a humble state of development as Bahá’í's 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 the showering of greater blessings on all of us.”

[Page 7]August 1975 7

Work is forbidden on nine Holy Days

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

“He wishes also to stress the fact that, according to our Bahá’í laws, work is forbidden on our nine holy days. Believers who have independent businesses or shops should refrain from working on these days. Those who are in

government employ should, on religious grounds, make an effort to be excused from work; all believers, whoever their employers, should do likewise. If the government, or other employers, refuse to grant them these days off, they are not required to forfeit their employment, but they should make every effort to have the independent status of their Faith recognized and their right to hold their own religious holy days acknowledged.”*

Referring to Bahá’í children, the Guardian instructed on October 25, 1947, that “children under 15 should certainly ob serve the Bahá’í holy days, and not go to school, if this can be arranged on these nine days.” Whenever possible, steps should be taken to have Bahá’í children excused, on religious grounds, from attending school on Bahá’í’ holy days. It is the responsibility of the Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í parents to see to it that their children engage in the observance of these holy days in ways that are meaningful to them educationally and spiritually.

• Published inBahá’í News, No. 198, page

3.

Prayer

Prayer is primarily a personal spiritual obligation and it would seem improper for Bahá’í institutions to develop or legislate specific activities in this area of Bahá’í life. The institutions do have the responsibility of calling the attention of the friends to the Writings which urge daily prayer as a spiritual obligation and to those prayers, such as the obligatory prayers and the Tablet of Ahmad, that are invested by

Bahá’u’lláh with a special potency and significance.

On certain occasions, the institutions make appeals to the friends for prayers in the interest of particular objectives, leaving it to them to respond to the extent to which they are moved. And, of course, the friends are free to agree among themselves as to the saying of certain prayers for reasons that are important to them.

But the National Spiritual Assembly is wary of taking any institutional action that may tend toward a system or regimentation in acts of prayer, and feels it would be improper to go beyond the requirements of the Sacred Texts to legislate a nationwide program of specific prayers to be said at specific times under specific circumstances.

Committee reports

The Annual Reports of the Committees of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States for the year 1974-75 are now available upon request. Any Bahá’í who would like to receive a copy should write to the National Bahá’í’ Center, 1 12 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Warning

, until recently a member of the Bahá’í Community of St. Joseph, Missouri, has been deprived of his

Bahá’í administrative rights. The National Spiritual Assembly advises the friends not to accept any collect telephone calls from or to try to counsel with him. It would also be inadvisable to become involved in any of his business propositions.

Positions available at National Center

Immediate openings have developed at the National Bahá’í’ Center for those trained as executive secretaries. Required skills include fast, accurate typing; good shorthand; knowledge of filing systems; ability to compose letters and aministrative experience within the Faith. Applicants

should have a minimum of two years experience.

A position has also opened for someone with either records management background, or library science background. Must have administrative experience within the Faith.

If you qualify, please send your resume and letter of recommendation from your Local Spiritual Assembly to: Personnel Affairs Assistant, National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091.

[Page 8]National Bahá’í Fund

Review 8

To: All Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups Dear Bahá’í Friends:

For the fourth consecutive month, the American Bahá’í Community has fallen far short of one of its major goals. This situation is of great concern to the National Spiritual Assembly. Aggressive programs specifically designed to win the goals of the Five Year Plan are being placed in jeopardy for lack of funds. ”

A program designed to speed the development of Local Spiritual Assemblies is to be launched at the end of August. In keeping with the emphasis placed on Assembly development in the Five Year Plan, $200,000 has been allocated for this project. At the same time a new Local Assembly Manual must be printed and made ready for distribution. Pursuing the property goals of

Shortage of funds places plans in jeopardy

the Plan, a plot of land has been identified as a possible temple site in the Bahamas. If suitable, this land—the highest point on the Island of New Providence——must be purchased quickly. The cost will be in excess of $l00,000

The National Spiritual Assembly is working steadily on, confident that the American believers will come to understand the full implications of servitude to the Blessed Beauty and strive daily to increase their constancy in His Cause.

With loving Bahá’í Greetings,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY or THE BAHA'Is or THE UNITED STATES

Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer Aug. 11, 1975

CONTRIBUTIONS Z4 ’ ‘ PARTICIPATION

5’°°r°°° — $2,900,000

ANNUALGOAL 750

T 700 ....... ..§.v.<.2.<.=|...l.>.x...'.'.!r'- '975—As§.smb'ies “$0.000 T 1975-1976 Monthly Goal _ E

-— T ‘ 3 oso

_ : _ 3 we sIoo.ooo — : : 1 ’

- _ .50

,—_ “ ‘ if 400 Goal by '|Im 1975-Groqps

s5o,ooo —- ‘ "” § “ i _ 0 350

~ ~34‘ — we °‘\..

9,0,0 '0 ° . ::::: 4* - _ __' )- _ , 3.0; , . _ E o o 3 _ _> 73 _ - ~a 5 9,9,0. __ 5 u 2 .§ ° 5 2 ~ - 5 — W .- - =

mtnlnuimusauoniv _§§_E:,‘-‘5":§3'§E§’z'§T5’_§i;.,3§

£3§&££25§=852é32?£2 Month of Year Contributions may be addressed to: National Bahá’í Fund, 112 Linden Kalimgu to Date Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091; Bahá’í International Fund, P.O. Box 155, ' - ' " ., w'| tt ,

Budget Goal . . . . . . . . . . . ..; . . . . . ..».$ 153,000 $ 765,000 a”“ °°""”°“‘a' BM‘ F“"“" ‘"8 F°'es‘ Ave '"‘° ° Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 18,257 632,274 '

Overage (Shortage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ (34,743) ($132,726)