The American Bahá’í/Volume 12/Issue 11/Text
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[Page 1]
Dr. Stanwood Cobb, a noted educator, author and lecturer who became a Bahá’í in 1906 at the Green Acre School in Maine, celebrated his 100th birthday November 6. Dr. Cobb, the founder of the Chevy Chase (Maryland) Country Day School, has written more than 20 books including Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Security for a Failing World, Discovering the Genius Within You, and The Importance of Creativeness. In 1918 Dr. Cobb founded and later was president of the Progressive Education Association.
6 more Bahá’ís executed in Iran[edit]
RUTHLESS PERSECUTION OF DEFENCELESS COMMUNITY OF BAHÁ’ÍS OF IRAN FURTHER INTENSIFIED THROUGH RECENT EXECUTION BY FIRING SQUADS OF SIX STAUNCH MARTYRS, ONE IN TEHERAN HABIBU’LLAH AZIZI, FIVE IN DARUN NEAR ISFAHAN, BAHMAN ATIFI, IZZAT ATIFI, ATA’U’LLAH ROUHANI, AHMAD RIDVANI, AND GUSHTASB THABIT RASIKH. LAST FIVE WERE IMPRISONED FOLLOWING LARGE-SCALE SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS ON BAHÁ’ÍS IN THEIR HOMES AND ARREST OF SEVERAL OF THEM IN VILLAGES NEAR ISFAHAN. FAMILIES OF MARTYRS WERE NOT INFORMED OF EXECUTIONS WHILE RELATIVES OF THOSE EXECUTED IN DARUN ALSO NOT PERMITTED TO CONDUCT BAHÁ’Í FUNERALS FOR THEIR LOVED ONES, AND LAST THREE NAMED WERE BURIED UNCEREMONIOUSLY IN MUSLIM CEMETERY. NO ANNOUNCEMENT BY AUTHORITIES WAS MADE ABOUT EXECUTION OF LAST FIVE.
SEPTEMBER 18, 1981
District Conventions hear vital message from the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
The District Conventions held throughout the country in October were presented with an urgent and weighty statement from the National Spiritual Assembly.
The secretary, Glenford E. Mitchell, spoke on behalf of the Assembly in a taped message that focused on the current challenges facing the American Bahá’í community.
MR. MITCHELL began by describing briefly the present status of the Faith in the U.S.
During the 88 years that have elapsed since the first mention of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh here, he said, the administrative order has been well founded, reaching into 7,200 localities and guiding more than 1,600 Assemblies.
At the same time, the House of Worship, in itself a symbol of glorious victories for the Faith, is maintained, while pioneers and traveling teachers are sent from this country to all corners of the earth.
“ ‘Magnificent as has been this record,’ ” said Mr. Mitchell, quoting the beloved Guardian, “ ‘reminiscent as it is in some of its aspects of the exploits with which the dawnbreakers of an heroic age have proclaimed the birth of the Faith itself, the task associated with the name of this privileged community is, far from approaching its climax, only beginning to unfold.’ ”
Mr. Mitchell then referred to the continuing persecutions of the believers in Iran and described how they have enlarged our awareness of the immensity of the tasks that lie before us.
These tasks, he said, are directly connected to the emergence of the Faith from obscurity—an emergence that is now evident in unprecedented worldwide publicity, in proclamation through the mass media in the U.S., and in the attention directed toward the plight of the Iranian Bahá’ís by various governments and the United Nations Sub-commission for the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities.
YET, AS THE Universal House of Justice stated in its message of Naw-Rúz 1981, this emergence will impose the need for new undertakings, making heavy calls on all the Funds.
The secretary continued by outlining the stark and cruel reality of the oppression of the Persian community by its avowed enemies who seek, through persecution of Bahá’í leaders and financial strangulation of individual members, to eradicate that community, as well as to deal a vicious blow to the heart of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh at the World Centre.
The result of these attacks has served only to weld more firmly the unity and resolve of the Persian believers.
“Even so,” said Mr. Mitchell, “the American Bahá’í community remains like a sleeping giant who has stirred only fitfully in his slumber, but has not yet awakened in all his powers to repel the real danger.
| What’s inside
MORE THAN 125 Bahá’ís gather at the second Missouri Bahá’í Institute. Page 2 ALBERT Windust, a “Champion-Builder” of the Faith, is profiled. Page 3 THE FIRST in a seven-part series on the Bahá’í Fund appears. Page 5 GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School hosts the first of this year’s Regional Youth Conferences. Page 6 A NATIONAL Race Amity Conference is planned for next June in Washington, D.C. Page 12 |
Message from Board of Counsellors in the Americas
To the Bahá’ís in the Americas
Dearest Friends,
Warmest loving greetings from the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas.
The second plenary meeting of the Counsellors since the “further step in the development of the institution” was held for six days from August 6 through 11 in the shadow of the holiest House of Worship. All 16 Counsellors of the Americas attended.
DURING THOSE brief days a continual outpouring of prayers and thoughts reached out to each of you with longings that this institution, through the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, could truly bring you the “beneficent influence” of that “mighty institution,” the International Teaching Centre, raised up by our Universal House of Justice.
Prayers at the House of Worship were offered for each of the 36 National Spiritual Assemblies and communities of the Americas as well as for the six goal areas where National Assemblies are to be formed.
In the midst of our anguish at the news of our persecuted brethren, reports of the reactions in various international circles as well as in the media helped ease the pain.
It is obvious that the suffering of the friends in Bahá’u’lláh’s homeland is proclaiming the Faith throughout the world as never before. By raising our spiritual awareness to better serve each National Assembly, we can partially redeem the ordeal of their suffering.
A primary function of the Continental Counsellors is to consult and collaborate with all National Spiritual Assemblies. As the various institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order begin to understand the principle of consultation, a spiritual power is released leading to understanding and certitude.
WHEN THESE new National Assemblies—new pillars of the Universal House of Justice—are formed and begin consulting, a new power is released in that country. As this consultative process permeates all levels of Bahá’í activity—Local Spiritual Assemblies with Auxiliary Board members and their assistants; family members with each other; believers at Nineteen Day Feasts, we witness communities embodying the distinguishing characteristics of Bahá’í life and becoming magnets attracting the masses to the Cause of God.
This close collaboration will manifest a new reality in our lives which will change the world.
In the words of the Universal House of Justice to the friends in the French Antilles, “Each day is precious. Each Bahá’í must grasp his opportunity and ignite the candle that shall never be extinguished and shall pour out its light to illuminate the world of men.”
Warmest love,
The Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem (right) is interviewed by David Ogron of the Bahá’í Periodicals Office during the 22nd Green Lake Bahá’í Conference held September 18-20 at Green Lake, Wisconsin.
More than 1,100 at 22nd Green Lake Conference[edit]
More than 1,100 people including 72 non-Bahá’ís attended the 22nd annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference September 18-20 at Green Lake, Wisconsin.
The conference theme, “Emergence from Obscurity,” was taken from the Riḍván 1981 message from the Universal House of Justice.
THE GATHERING was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem who spoke on three occasions.
Other special guest speakers included Continental Counsellor Angus Cowan and Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland.
Speakers from the Bahá’í National Center included the secretary of the Persian Affairs Committee and representatives of the Treasurer’s Office and Office of Public Affairs.
Mr. Khadem described the theme of this year’s conference, “Emergence from Obscurity,” as most appropriate in light of the present stage of recognition being reached in the non-Bahá’í world as a result of publicity about the persecution of the friends in Iran.
During an informal hour-long interview presented on stage at the conference, Mr. Khadem shared some of his personal experiences while growing up in Iran, and told of his first meeting with the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi,
[Page 2]
VIEWPOINT
Editorial
Never underestimate power of a single act[edit]
“An act, however infinitesimal, is, when viewed in the mirror of the knowledge of God, mightier than a mountain.”—Bahá’u’lláh
•
It was early June. To the casual onlooker the scene was ordinary—just two men who worked for the same insurance company talking. Perhaps it was over coffee. Or perhaps it was as both took a few moments to relax at their desks.
One of them, a man named William James, had been curious about Sanskrit. In his search to learn more about that ancient language he had encountered a Syrian who told him not only about Sanskrit but also about a prophet from Persia. Now Mr. James related to his fellow worker what he had learned from the Syrian.
SURELY ON THAT DAY in 1894, neither the speaker nor his listener probably realized that their casual conversation marked an historic moment. But as Thornton Chase listened to his fellow worker, his heart was strangely moved.
The conversation’s ultimate result was that Thornton Chase became the first person in America to steadfastly embrace the Bahá’í Faith.
Quite often, seemingly insignificant events can yield mammoth results. A conversation with a stranger on a bus, a small newspaper ad, a letter to a friend can all, with the aid of God, lead the Faith forward in mysterious and wonderful ways.
We should not let the seeming mundaneness of our teaching experiences discourage us. So long as an effort is made to spread the happy news of God’s newest Prophet, we can rest assured that, ultimately, the results will be glorious beyond our imagination.
‘Heroes of God’ Missouri Institute theme[edit]
More than 125 Bahá’ís and guests from six states shared a weekend of study, prayer, song and fellowship at the second annual Missouri Institute, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Rock Hill, Missouri, August 28-30 at Trout Lodge in Potosi.
The theme, “Heroes of God,” was reflected in talks by the three main speakers: Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy, Dr. Kerry McCord of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Dr. Jack McCants of Weatherford, Oklahoma.
Classes and activities for approximately 35 children at the Institute were coordinated by the Spiritual Assembly of Kansas City.
Saturday evening was devoted to music, fun and fellowship with “Daybreak” and “Sounds of Light,” two singing groups from the St. Louis area and a surprise visit by an accomplished saxophonist.
A special treat was a slide presentation on the life of Queen Marie of Rumania, given by Robert Postlethwaite, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board.
In addition, there was ample time for horseback riding, swimming, boating and visiting with friends.
More than 125 Bahá’ís and their guests participated August 28-30 in the second annual Missouri Institute at Potosi, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Rock Hill, Missouri.
Letters
Life should be measured by deeds, not by length[edit]
To the Editor:
After reading Mr. Pleasant’s letter (August 1981) regarding the American Bahá’í community’s response to the martyrdom and suffering of the Bahá’ís in Iran, I felt impelled to offer a few thoughts of my own.
As horrible as these persecutions are, and as much as we would, from a humanitarian point of view, like to see them end, still I feel that our most appropriate response must come from our view of life as a whole.
BAHÁ’ÍS KNOW that our life in this world, when compared to the next world, is but “a shadow that vanisheth swifter than the twinkling of an eye.” (Bahá’í Prayers, p. 62)
Our 70 years here (or 50, or 20, whichever) will seem quite short from the next world. And the significance of our earthly life will not be measured by its length, but rather by the deeds we accomplish while we are here.
Among these deeds, the greatest is to testify to the truth of God’s Revelation in an age when most people have chosen to ignore or deny it.
And certainly, one of the greatest ways of testifying is to willingly give up your job, your home or, if need be, your life, rather than to give up your faith. There is great heroism in this, and it is a sign of great glory.
The persecuted Bahá’ís had a choice. They could have avoided material suffering simply by denying the truth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.
Perhaps a few have chosen that route, those with less of an understanding of His Revelation. But the vast majority have stood firm and have chosen to make a clear statement, by their deeds, that spiritual treasures are worth more than material wealth, that spiritual joys are preferable to material pleasures, and that spiritual life is vastly more valuable than material life.
EVERYONE who hears of their actions is forced to wonder what could have inspired such faith, such tranquility, such assurance, unless it was the power of God.
Yes, we should let the world know that we care, that we are upset by the persecution of our brothers and sisters in Iran—as we are upset by every violation of human rights in the world.
But our most appropriate response is not to devote our energy toward protecting our fellow
Comment
Adopting ‘world view’ can help ease burden of daily pressures[edit]
| This month’s article, “Enlarging Our Spiritual Horizons,” was written by Barbara R. L’Heureux of Kalispell, Montana. |
How easy it becomes in this world of limited visual horizons to limit our spiritual sight as well.
The problems of daily life, the pressures of the Bahá’í community, and our daily interactions tend to keep our finite resources centrally focused.
YET, THIS DAY of Bahá’u’lláh is to illumine the entire world. And as world citizens, we must learn to see beyond today’s dimness into the brightness of a promised tomorrow.
As with so many demands we face as Bahá’ís, this one requires the delicate balancing of two seemingly opposite perspectives.
As we learn to enjoy our material possessions without being possessed by them, we need to learn also to function on an individual basis while recognizing, and contributing toward, our role in that all-encircling plan that aims for the “illumination and redemption of a whole world.” (Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 28)
Unlike the many bureaucratically-functioning institutions that run world, national and local affairs today, the Bahá’í Administrative Order cannot function without the dedicated, consecrated efforts of the individual believers.
Without that “grassroots” participation, there would be no Local Spiritual Assembly, no National Spiritual Assembly, no Universal House of Justice ... and no growth.
Yet the growth that does occur in the Faith, based as it is on the energies and talents of its individual constituents, is organized according to plans of Divine origin that resemble the growth of a single embryo into personhood.
BASED ON THAT analogy, the code we follow, as cells responding to the urgings of DNA’s fore-ordained message, is the Divine Plan for the redemption of the entire world.
And as the single cell cannot “see” the outcome of its purpose, neither can we, with any degree of accuracy, foretell the future Golden Age of the Cause of God on earth.
But with the resources of this fast-closing century at our disposal, we can broaden our vision and see, for the first time in human history, what the “other hand” is doing.
Through the printed word, and because of the vast speed of oral and visual communication, we can now recognize and share in the lives of virtually all the peoples of the planet. No longer is it possible to stand aloof and revel in otherness when we can truly see the oneness of mankind.
So what remains for the individual Bahá’í to execute in his or her own life and teaching efforts is to encapsulate, within, that spirit of “one-worldness.” View the daily tests and trials in the light of larger world torments and they fade into minute difficulties.
If we recognize that each and every action we take as individuals reflects upon the worldwide Bahá’í community, and become aware of the interconnectedness of all life, we realize that as the “leaves of one tree,” we move, sway and grow in a pattern that reflects the glory of God’s purpose for mankind.
Bahá’u’lláh endured untold misery so that we could learn to see, if only in our hearts and imaginations for now, a world united in love, friendship and awareness. As we are called, so should we develop.
Cape Girardeau Bahá’ís sponsor booth at fair[edit]
For the sixth year the Bahá’ís of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, sponsored a booth during the week of September 14-19 at the 126th annual Southeast Missouri District Fair in Cape Girardeau.
The booth featured an attractive display of pictures of the World Centre and the Bahá’í Houses of Worship around the world.
Bahá’í literature was displayed, and an ample supply of pamphlets was available for those who were interested.
[Page 3]
LETTERS
the Champion builders[edit]
ALBERT WINDUST
Born in Chicago on March 28, 1874, Albert R. Windust is best known as the founder of the magazine “Star of the West” and its co-editor from the first issue, published at Naw-Rúz 1910, until May 1922.
Although a childhood illness prevented Mr. Windust from completing his formal education beyond the sixth grade, he studied art at the Chicago Art Institute and learned the printing business as an apprentice in the printing firm where his father worked.
IT WAS IN 1897, when he was 23 years old, that Mr. Windust heard about the Faith and became a follower of Bahá’u’lláh. In 1902 he was elected to Chicago’s “House of Spirituality,” the forerunner of its Local Spiritual Assembly.
On behalf of the House of Spirituality, he communicated with Bahá’ís in ‘Ishqábád, Russia, receiving their letter describing the initial stages of construction of the first Bahá’í House of Worship in that city.
Working closely with Charles Ioas, the father of the Hand of the Cause of God Leroy Ioas, Mr. Windust drafted the petition from the Chicago House of Spirituality asking ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s permission to build a Temple in the U.S.
He began collecting and preserving Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and in the process founded what later would become the National Bahá’í Archives. It was Mr. Windust who assembled those Tablets into the three volumes entitled Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the first volume of which was published in 1909.
Working with Howard MacNutt, he helped publish the addresses that the Master delivered in the U.S. and Canada in 1912 under the title The Promulgation of Universal Peace.
In so doing, Albert Windust became
Esperanto board also elected at ‘grassroots’ level[edit]
Continued From Page 2
Bahá’ís from suffering in the path of God. I feel, rather, that we should respond in at least the four following ways:
1. By praying for their steadfastness and for their spiritual (not material) protection, as they have asked us to do.
2. By teaching the Faith as never before and telling everyone about these brave souls who have chosen spiritual life above physical existence.
3. By immersing ourselves in the Writings of this Revelation more deeply and more frequently than before, thus learning for ourselves the spiritual truths that the Bahá’ís in Iran have learned.
4. By meditating on their example so that when our own time of suffering comes we, too, will be able to testify, by our actions, to the reality of the spiritual life and to the truth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.
“O wayward generation!” the Báb admonished the crowd before His own martyrdom. “Had you believed in Me every one of you would have followed the example of this youth (Anís, the young Bábí who pleaded to die with Him), who stood in rank above most of you, and would have willingly sacrificed himself in My path.” (God Passes By, p. 53)
Piscataway, New Jersey
To the Editor:
In the September issue of The American Bahá’í, the editorial (Page 2) mentions the Bahá’í District Conventions and goes on to say: “Nowhere else on the planet is there a group of people who, at the grassroots level, have the chance to participate in the election of an international governing body.”
For the information of your readers, may I say that the Universal Esperanto Association has an international governing body elected at the grassroots level, through a system of delegates from 100 countries around the world.
Its executive board includes a president from Belgium, vice-presidents from Italy and Iceland, a secretary-general from Hungary, and four other members from Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria and the United States.
The seat of the Universal Esperanto Association is in Rotterdam. Its summer university is taught by PhD’s from many countries, in every conceivable subject, free of charge to any Esperantist. It has branch offices in Antwerp, New York and Budapest.
Everything is conducted in Esperanto, a neutral language that will be 100 years old in 1987.
Gallup, New Mexico
To the Editor:
| The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any subject of general interest. Letters should be as brief as possible, and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. |
I would like to recommend that Bahá’í communities throughout the country, either singly or in joint efforts with neighboring communities, consider holding a race unity conference.
A group of people in a community or communities could be responsible for planning and coordinating such a conference under the guidance of a Spiritual Assembly so that the conference is carried out effectively and, most important, that the program be structured in light of the sensitivity of this “most challenging issue.”
UNDOUBTEDLY, we are all dealing with this issue, as the pivot of the Teachings is to promote unity.
Often in striving to glimpse the ideal of unity and to experience unity as a reality, we cannot help but become aware of the various emotions triggered by our own cultural/racial experiences and backgrounds.
Anger, guilt, denial, frustration, and so forth are all real and valid feelings uncovered as we turn inward to honestly assess where we stand with respect to eliminating prejudice.
While these feelings may seem inappropriate when we consider our goal as Bahá’ís, which is to usher in a new era for mankind, nevertheless, these feelings exist and are normal at this time when we consider that we are in the embryonic stage of our development and that we must live, work and raise our families in a world filled with hatred and prejudice.
A conference can provide an appropriate setting in which to better understand our feelings and curiosities.
On the other hand, a fireside, proclamation or public meeting is usually not an appropriate forum for our opinions and anxieties, as these events are designed to teach the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
THIS IS NOT to imply that our feelings are not valid, but only to say let us create a proper place, such as a conference, in which to provide the opportunity for individuals to air their feelings.
For consultation in a conference setting to be effective and its outcome uplifting, and because this is a very sensitive issue, it would seem advisable that capable facilitators encourage all participants to honor the feelings of others, to respect the various stages of growth toward unity, and to assist individuals to assess their own attitudes, not those of others, in light of the Teachings.
A sharing of experiences in this way could prove most educational and beneficial.
Let us make such an effort to better understand the trials and glories faced by each racial or cultural group. God willing, through understanding, we will experience a new level of unity, advancing our beloved Faith closer to a new World Order.
Let us take a step forward by striving to eliminate the deeply implanted feelings that stem from prejudice by learning from each others’ experiences as well as being inspired by our individual and collective growth in battling the destructive forces of prejudice.
Highland Park, Illinois
To the Editor:
My mother had a saying for almost every situation.
Often she would say, “A workman is no better than his tools.”
Bahá’u’lláh has given us social “tools” to build a new society. One of these is the Bahá’í law for marriage.
The purpose of this law is, of course, to unify the families with the bride and groom.
What would you think if the Bahá’í community that witnessed a marriage were to give a party for the parents?
Highland Park, Michigan
To the Editor:
The Spiritual Assembly of Anoka, Minnesota, would like to share an idea that has encouraging possibilities for the development of the Faith.
Assemblies in Bloomington and Anoka have begun every Sunday morning to hold what is called a “devotional fellowship.” Writings on a certain topic are read and discussed among Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís in a kind of deepening/fireside format.
This leads to many interesting discussions. Selections from all of the holy books have been used.
Children’s classes are held simultaneously in another room. Various individuals rotate responsibility for refreshments, writings, and teaching the children.
Ads are run in the newspaper that include a quotation from the Writings relating to that week’s topic.
The local community and other Bahá’ís who attend (this is an excellent opportunity for intercommunity interaction) are enthusiastic about the opportunity to come together to discuss the Writings.
These events also furnish a tool for individual development as members prepare selections from the Writings for each topic.
It is hoped that this idea may be of some use to other Bahá’í communities.
Anoka, Minnesota
About 60 young guests from 11 Bahá’í communities enjoyed a Bahá’í children’s garden party June 13 in Three Rivers, Massachusetts. The children were entertained by ‘Presto the Magician’ and his helper, Carol (Larry and Carol Rothfedder) from Monson. The children came from Eliot, Maine; Hartford, Wethersfield and Vernon, Connecticut; and Amherst, Belchertown, Brimfield, Ludlow, Monson, Orange, Palmer, South Hadley, Three Rivers and Wales, Massachusetts.
BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP
Wilmette, Illinois
Winter Hours (October 15 to May 14)
- Main Auditorium (Upstairs)
- 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., open for prayer; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., open to visitors
- Visitors Center (Downstairs)
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- Bahá’í Book Shop
- 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
- Sunday Activities
- Devotional program, 3 p.m.
- Public meeting, 3:40 p.m.
Information about transportation, food and lodging is available from the Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Ten years ago ...[edit]
in The American Bahá’í
The National Spiritual Assembly announces plans for the first of 40 weekend seminars for Local Spiritual Assemblies to be held in Connecticut and South Carolina.
The seminars, which are primarily in response to the Riḍván 1971 message from the Universal House of Justice, will explore the functions of Spiritual Assemblies, their relationship to other Bahá’í institutions, methods of consultation, and the handling of individual problems.
Twenty of the seminars, designed to strengthen Local Spiritual Assemblies, are planned for the current Bahá’í year, with the remainder to be held in 1972 ...
The ceremony commemorating the completion of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Panama is set for April 29-30, 1972, to be followed by a two-day conference in Panama City.
The Universal House of Justice announces that it will be represented on this historic occasion by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum ...
A five-week mass teaching and deepening campaign in Goldsboro, North Carolina, results in 397 declarations and the opening of 19 new localities. Nine of these localities have enough adult believers to form Assemblies at Riḍván.
During the project the friends erect a “tent city” staffed by 35 teachers during the week and by more than 100 on weekends ...
The Continental Board of Counsellors announces a weekend deepening conference to be held November 26-28 at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas ...
That same weekend, special three-day institutes commemorating the 50th anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are planned at the Green Acre and Davison Bahá’í Schools ...
A week-long proclamation effort at New Trier East High School in Winnetka, Illinois, results in 13 declarations as well as the formation of new Bahá’í high school clubs in Skokie and Evanston, Illinois, and a one-day proclamation at Highland Park High School ...
More than 60 Bahá’ís and their guests attend a Bahá’í-sponsored observance of American Indian Day in Charlottesville, Virginia ...
More than 250 people attend a Bahá’í public meeting in Reno, Nevada, following publicity that includes the use of a car with a loudspeaker ...
Green Lake Conference covers wide range of topics[edit]
Continued From Page 1
and the events that led up to it.
MR. BIRKLAND shared a report from Iran detailing how Bahá’í school children also are suffering for their Faith and how they are demonstrating to everyone a maturity and steadfastness far beyond their years.
About 200 young people participated in the children’s program that featured classes for various age groups that were supervised by a faculty of 25 full-time teachers augmented by parents and other volunteers.
The program for adults included nine optional “workshop” sessions focusing on various aspects of the emerging Bahá’í community: single adult Bahá’ís, the individual believer and the developing Assembly, Bahá’í scholarship, the “most challenging issue,” expanding public relations, merging the cultures of Persian and American believers, Bahá’í child education, pre-youth sessions, and an introduction to the Faith for non-Bahá’ís who attended.
Workshop leaders and participants included the secretaries of the National Education Committee, Persian Affairs Committee and Race Unity Committee, the general editor of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, a professor of Afro-American history and race relations, and an instructor in sociology and marriage and the family.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE of conference participants, each workshop session was presented three times.
The children’s program was designed to meet the youngsters’ intellectual, social and spiritual needs. Activities included prayer, study of the history of the Faith, singing, puppet shows, outdoor exploration, creative movement, and art projects.
The conference theme was set to music and lyrics written and performed by Jerry Johnson of Shorewood, Wisconsin, who also coordinated other musical presentations at the conference, most of which consisted of original compositions by Bahá’ís.
Shokouh Rezai Davis of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a well known performer in her native Iran, recited portions of the Writings in Persian and chanted poems by Ṭáhirih, the renowned Bahá’í poetess. Mrs. Davis was accompanied by Kiumars Haghighi of Glenview, Illinois, who played the santour, a classical Persian instrument.
Stephen Jackson, assistant to the National Treasurer, and Paul Lample, a staff member at the National Treasurer’s Office, discussed the spiritual implications of the Funds.
Speaking about the “spiritual institution rather than the Fund box,” Mr. Jackson portrayed the Fund as a tool to help each of us grow spiritually.
Mr. Lample emphasized that the voluntary nature of giving to the Fund does not mean that Bahá’ís have a choice between giving or not giving. Rather, he said, the choice concerns the nature of our contribution, its amount and purpose.
He reminded the audience of the Guardian’s words, published in Bahá’í Administration (p. 42) describing the Fund as “ ...the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahá’u’lláh who desires to see His Cause advance ...”
The film “Nine Bahá’ís Talk About Their Faith” was shown at the conference, and two audiovisual presentations from the Holy Land, “Symbol of Emergence” and “Prayers and Emerging Treasure,” were made.
Provisions for registering for next year’s 23rd Green Lake Conference were made available to those at this year’s weekend gathering.
Children enjoy one of the many games planned for them at the 22nd Green Lake Bahá’í Conference. Twenty-five full-time teachers aided the program.
Children at the 22nd Green Lake Bahá’í Conference in Wisconsin receive a warm greeting from Angus Cowan, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas who was one of the speakers at the annual gathering.
In Memoriam[edit]
- Husnieh Ashchi
- Winter Haven, Fla.
- August 21, 1981
- Naomi Bell
- Newport News, Va.
- July 31, 1981
- Daniel D. Beranek
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Date Unknown
- Ione A. Billington
- Peoria, Arizona
- August 20, 1981
- Malissa Cheeseboro
- Elloree, S. Carolina
- Date Unknown
- William L. Dobson
- Sarasota, Fla.
- September 21, 1981
- Rachel Edwards
- Lexington, S.C.
- October 22, 1979
- Booker Felder
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Annie Fraser
- Georgetown, S.C.
- August 1981
- Volo Gilvin
- Washington, Ga.
- August 1981
- Willie Glover
- Pahokee, Florida
- 1981
- William Grant
- Alcolu, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Ernest Hassman
- Wauwatosa, Wis.
- January 21, 1981
- Beatrice Hill
- Gretna, La.
- Date Unknown
- Hattie Jackson
- Maysville, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Albert J. Johnson
- Elloree, S. Carolina
- Date Unknown
- Lydia Kazemzadeh
- Santa Monica, Calif.
- September 13, 1981
- Prince Lewis
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Frances G. Locher
- La Porte, Texas
- July 2, 1981
- Robert Martinson
- Bloomington, Minn.
- June 9, 1980
- Farry Miller
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Julia Miller
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Roy Miller
- Nashville, Tenn.
- September 8, 1981
- Susan Moncree
- Stevens, Georgia
- August 1981
- Lawrence B. Mull
- Lynwood, Calif.
- June 1981
- Ainon B. Olson
- Garibaldi, Oregon
- July 15, 1981
- Merdis Rawl
- Lexington, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Hattie Rembert
- Washington, D.C.
- 1978
- Emma Robinson
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Paul L. Sanford
- New Orleans, La.
- August 30, 1981
- Joe Shard
- Elloree, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Ruth Sjoby
- Chicago, Ill.
- August 22, 1981
- Victoria Smith
- Lexington, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Eddye M. Solomon
- Palo Alto, Calif.
- August 30, 1981
- Hammie Spann
- Maysville, S.C.
- 1981
- John Stroller
- Lexington, S.C.
- Date Unknown
- Florie Windley
- Plantersville, S.C.
- March 1981
[Page 5]
THE FUNDS
Budget deficit rising at $100,000 a month[edit]
Continued From Page 1
“The real danger,” he explained, “is a weakness in human and financial resources.”
Mr. Mitchell pointed out that the National Spiritual Assembly feels that the American community’s response to the situation does not yet meet the challenge.
He added that we have not yet exploited the available opportunities for teaching on an individual level, nor have we met the challenge to revolutionize our attitudes toward practical matters such as giving regularly to the Funds, raising our young in a Bahá’í environment, or coping with diversity in the community.
SPECIFICALLY with regard to the Fund, Mr. Mitchell described a deficit that is growing at the rate of $100,000 per Gregorian month.
A contributions goal of $6 million was established at the beginning of this fiscal year because that was the level of giving successfully sustained for the final half of the last fiscal year. That level, however, is not being met, and the Fund is now in grave peril.
So serious has the situation become, said Mr. Mitchell, that for the first time in 10 years the National Assembly is unable to meet its financial obligations to the World Centre, and is currently forwarding none of its $1 million pledge to the Supreme Body.
At the same time, he said, staff and program cuts are being made at the National Center, resulting in the loss of opportunities that may never occur again.
Mr. Mitchell appealed for support of the National Assembly’s goal to have 20,000 individuals contribute directly to the National Fund each Bahá’í month.
“Will you who are attending these Conventions,” he asked, “be among the 20,000 who will arise ... with the same devotion that characterized the self-sacrificing Dawn-breakers?”
Expressing the appreciation of the National Assembly to those believers who, time and again, have responded to its urgent calls for assistance, Mr. Mitchell assured the friends that it was not the intention of the Assembly to pressure any of the friends.
RATHER, he said, it is the obligation of that body to direct the attention of the community to the pressing needs of the present hour as it sees them.
This idea was more fully expressed in the concluding statement of the tape, which quoted a letter written July 19, 1956, on behalf of the beloved Guardian:
“The friends are not being forced to do anything, either by the Guardian or by the National Assembly. However, the condition that the world is in is bringing many issues to a head ...
“ ...because of the desperate needs of the world, the Bahá’ís find themselves, even though so limited in numbers, in financial strength and in prestige—called upon to fulfill a great responsibility.
“They must, at all times, remember that when the Guardian makes his appeals to the friends, he is only presenting the situation to them. Each one must evaluate what his own response can be ...There is no other pressure than the pressure of historical circumstances.
“He fully realizes that the demands made upon the Bahá’ís are great, and that they often feel inadequate, tired and perhaps frightened in the face of the tasks that confront them ...On the other hand, they must realize that the power of God can and will assist them ...
“The American Bahá’ís have so far never failed in any mission they undertook ... he feels sure that with the help of Bahá’u’lláh, they will arise to the occasion which history has literally thrust upon them.”
Panama Temple slide program is presented[edit]
Rupert Pringle, a Bahá’í from Panama, presented a slide program on the Bahá’í House of Worship in Panama to a large group consisting mainly of young people in August in Brentwood, California.
The program was preceded by a dance and buffet dinner.
Mr. Pringle and his wife were guests of Mrs. Kathleen Reeves, an isolated believer in Brentwood.
The Bahá’í community of Chicago sponsored an auction August 9 that raised about $3,000 for the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan. Here William Irving of Chicago reacts with enthusiasm after outbidding everyone else to win a video camera outfit.
Giving to Bahá’í Fund is a spiritual act in which sacrifice surpasses size of gift[edit]
This is the first of a seven-part series on important aspects of the Bahá’í Fund. Although man functions in a material world through material expressions, he is called upon to acquire divine attributes and to manifest spiritual behavior. The Fund, as a Divine institution, provides man with a means to grow spiritually and to demonstrate that growth through action. The purpose of this series is to highlight the spiritual principles that underlie the outwardly material act of giving to the Fund.
•
The first principle to be addressed in this series is: the spiritual nature of giving. There should be no mistake—giving to the Fund is a spiritual act, not a material one.
When a Manifestation of God comes to the world, He respiritualizes the entire creation. Perhaps in no other area of life is this more necessary than that of giving money to religion.
IT WAS NOT LONG ago that an individual could buy forgiveness of his sins and assure himself a “place in heaven.” It may still be possible to do this in some churches today.
Such distasteful practices have created in the minds of many a generally negative attitude toward the relationship of religion and money.
Bahá’u’lláh has changed and respiritualized this relationship. Many times during His exile, Bahá’u’lláh and His companions were subjected to complete poverty and severe hardships.
Referring to these difficulties, He wrote: “Despite their sufferings, the Pen of the most high hath, at no time, been willing to refer, nor even to make the slightest allusion to the things that pertaineth to this world and its treasures.”
Bahá’u’lláh further explained that, with regard to soliciting funds in the name of God, “it would be impossible to conceive of any act more contemptible.” He was not interested in acquiring men’s riches, only in attracting their hearts.
In the same passage Bahá’u’lláh continued: “And if, at any time, any gift were presented to Him, that gift was accepted as a token of His grace unto him that offered it.”
This statement is actually the foundation of the spiritual significance of the Fund, for Bahá’u’lláh states that if something is given to Him it is the giver who receives a gift.
THE ABILITY to give to the Cause of God is a privilege. Every contribution that we make should be seen in this way.
Shoghi Effendi explained that the Kingdom of God is Bahá’u’lláh’s gift to mankind. Bahá’ís are the only ones who can play a role in providing the material resources that are needed.
It is also interesting to note that if administrative rights are taken from a believer because of flagrant violation of Bahá’í law, one of the privileges removed is that of contributing to the Fund.
At a recent fund-raising event in Chicago one of the members of the Continental Board of Counsellors told the story of a $2 contribution he made for the construction of the House of Worship in Wilmette.
At the time, he said, he was a small boy in Iran. To his surprise and delight, in return for his donation he received a hand-written receipt from the Guardian! Today, he said, he would not exchange that receipt for a million dollars.
For such a seemingly small effort this individual had received a priceless gift. Yet, even more than this, that piece of paper is totally worthless compared to the everlasting privilege of having helped to build the Mother Temple of the West.
We who are serving the Cause in these days must strive to acquire this understanding of our relationship to the Fund: We are blessed to be able to contribute to the work of building the Kingdom of God on earth.
The opportunities for service now open to us can never be recaptured.
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HELP!!! Please include your Bahá’í ID number with each contribution to the National Fund. This will help us smoothly process each gift. THANK YOU!
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[Page 6]
YOUTH NEWS
Youth Plan goals include 25 young overseas pioneers[edit]
One of the goals listed in the National Youth Plan is that of a minimum of 25 international youth pioneers who will stay at their posts for a minimum of one year.
The Youth Plan also encourages youth to incorporate study abroad with pioneering.
Many U.S. colleges and universities have set up international study programs that enable American students to study at an overseas school for a year, and many of these programs offer scholarship funding or material aid.
In addition, there are independent organizations such as the United Nations that offer scholarships to students who wish to study at an overseas school.
Bahá’í college students are encouraged to investigate these opportunities and to aim their educational goals toward present and future service to the Faith.
The National Youth Committee and International Goals Committee can provide background information for interested students.
For a list of goal countries and some general information on studying at an overseas school, please contact either the National Youth Committee or International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
College inter-club councils encouraged[edit]
In some areas of the country in which there are several Bahá’í College Clubs, the members of these clubs have gotten together to plan inter-club activities. The National Youth Committee encourages, wherever possible, the formation of these inter-club councils.
An inter-club council can be formed by having each member club appoint or designate a representative. These representatives can meet and exchange ideas for club-sponsored activities as well as share plans and solicit support and participation from other clubs in that area.
Major activities such as large-scale proclamations and teaching events can be coordinated by the council to ensure greater participation and support from all of the clubs in a given area.
In Ohio, several clubs have joined forces to teach the Faith on campuses where no club yet exists, and their inter-club group has held conferences to exchange ideas on media materials and teaching aids that are effective on campus.
Clubs that are interested in contacting other college clubs in their area to set up an inter-club council may contact the National Youth Committee for a listing of all existing clubs in their vicinity.
The Bahá’í Youth Committee of Columbus/Upper Arlington, Ohio, sponsored a reception August 8 for seven students from Swaziland who are attending Ohio State University. The event included a potluck cookout, a talk by Dwight Thompson of Toledo who explained how he became a Bahá’í while living in Chad, Africa, and entertainment by Dell Campbell who came from Wilmette, Illinois, especially for the meeting.
Dr. David Ruhe, a member of the Universal House of Justice, receives a scroll addressed to the Supreme Body by participants in the first Intercontinental Bahá’í Youth Conference of the Seven Year Plan, held last July in Kansas City, Missouri, from 13-year-old Laurie Berger of Columbia, Missouri, who was on pilgrimage to the World Centre with her mother and grandparents shortly after the conference and volunteered with them to hand-carry the scroll to Haifa.
Regional Youth Conference to be held in December at Disney World theme park near Orlando, Florida[edit]
Disney World will be the site of the next Regional Youth Conference sponsored by the National Youth Committee.
The Walt Disney resort near Orlando, Florida, was chosen as the site for the Southern states, and youth from all over the country are expected to attend the conference, to be held December 27-30.
Included will be presentations by members of the National Youth Committee with a focus on the National Youth Plan and the role of youth in fulfilling its objectives.
A visit to the Disney World theme park, the “Magic Kingdom,” will be a part of the program.
Most of the conference participants will stay at Fort Wilderness, in a group camping facility adjacent to the Magic Kingdom park. Hotel accommodations also will be made available.
A brochure with details of the conference will be mailed to all Bahá’í youth in the Southern states by mid-November.
Anyone living outside that area who would like to receive information about the conference should contact the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, office, 305-462-1919.
Other Regional Youth Conferences will be held at Camp Arrah Wanna near Mount Hood, Oregon, March 19-21, 1982; at Green Lake Assembly, Green Lake, Wisconsin, April 9-11, and at Lake Murray State Park, Ardmore, Oklahoma, April 9-11.
First Regional Youth Conference held at Green Acre Bahá’í School[edit]
The first of this year’s Regional Youth Conferences was held in mid-September at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine, where a capacity crowd gathered to discuss the National Youth Plan and to focus on the conference theme, “The Bahá’í Faith Believes in YOUth.”
Youth from all of the Northeastern states and from Ohio, Florida and Georgia attended the event at the Bahá’í property which was blessed by the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912.
THIS HISTORICAL inspiration was enhanced by the participation of two Auxiliary Board members, Nat Rutstein and Katherine McLaughlin, and by a special visit from Dr. Stanwood Cobb, who declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh at Green Acre in 1906!
“The program was designed to acquaint the youth with their special role in service to the Faith,” said Tracey Jeter, a member of the National Youth Committee who participated in the conference.
“The youth can serve the Faith in so many ways,” she continued. “They can serve their local communities, strive to meet the goals of the Youth Plan, and offer the Teachings to their peers.”
Each of these areas of service was dealt with during the discussion groups and presentations at the conference.
Mr. Rutstein spoke about the spirit that is so effectively generated at these gatherings of youth, and asked the youth to do all they could to keep alive that spirit after they returned home.
Other program highlights included dawn prayers at Mount Salvat, a spot that was visited by the Master and designated by Him as the site of a future House of Worship; a talent night that was attended by more than 225 people; a videotape of an address to the Kansas City Youth Conference by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; and an introduction to “The Rhythm of Growth” presented by Jan Uebel, a staff member of the National Teaching Committee.
Regional Youth Conferences are being planned for each of the regions in the U.S., and youth are encouraged to attend at least one of these gatherings that were called for by the Universal House of Justice in its message concerning the goals of the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan.
[Page 7]
YOUTH NEWS
Youth make steady progress toward winning goals[edit]
The National Youth Committee is pleased to announce that the youth have made steady progress toward winning the goals of the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan.
“We’re only seven months into the plan, and already the American youth have made significant gains in achieving the goals of the Youth Plan,” says Albert Huerta, a member of the Youth Committee.
SIXTY PERCENT of the goal for the establishment of youth and college clubs and committees has been won, he says, and the Youth Committee is receiving information on new clubs each day.
Twenty-one youth have served as international traveling teachers since the plan was unveiled at the Youth Conference in Kansas City in July, and the Youth Committee expects that the goal of 50 international teachers can be met by the end of next summer.
“One of the goals that is often difficult to keep tabs on is that of homefront pioneers,” says Mr. Huerta. “The Youth Committee defines a ‘homefront pioneer’ as one who moves to an area for the purpose of teaching and expanding the Faith in that area.
“Many Bahá’í youth have moved to colleges away from home or have found housing in a goal area so that they can be of service to the Faith, and these people are considered homefront pioneers,” he says. “It is difficult for the Youth Committee to record these sacrifices, and we must rely on reports from the youth themselves.”
Any youth who meets these requirements in service as a homefront pioneer should contact the National Youth Committee so that their service to the Faith may be counted in the victories of the plan.
“We often receive letters from youth who are investigating schools in goal areas or would like to attend schools where no Bahá’í College Club yet exists,” says Mr. Huerta.
The National Youth Committee keeps track of jeopardized communities and other goal areas and is happy to supply anyone with that information.
“ANOTHER of the goals that needs to be focused on,” says Mr. Huerta, “is that of youth serving as pioneers to other countries.
“Working closely with the International Goals Committee, the Youth Committee tries to keep youth informed about international study programs and scholarships so that they can combine their education with service to the Faith at an overseas post.”
The Universal House of Justice has stated that Bahá’í youth are in a unique position to serve the Faith in this capacity:
“Not yet having acquired all the responsibilities of a family or a long-established home and job, youth can more easily choose where they will live and study or work. In the world at large young people travel hither and thither ... Bahá’í youth, bearing the incomparable treasure of the Word of God for this Day, can harness this mobility into service for mankind and can choose their place of residence, their areas of travel and their types of work with the goal in mind of how they can best serve the Faith.”
One of the goals of the Youth Plan that needs constant attention, according to the Youth Committee, is that of teaching other youth, thereby doubling the number of American youth in the Faith to 6,000.
“One of the ways that we can win this goal,” says Mr. Huerta, “is to strive to be an example of the Bahá’í Teachings. By living the Bahá’í life and practicing the principles of the Faith, we attract our peers.”
The Youth Committee is certain, he says, that with dedication and enthusiasm, the American youth can easily win all of the goals assigned to this community.
Youth Committees in key ‘network’ role[edit]
District Youth Committees were recently assigned numerical goals for the formation of Bahá’í College Clubs and local or high school clubs in given areas.
“The National Youth Committee felt that these District Youth Committees, which are a vital part of the Bahá’í youth network, could play a significant role in expanding that network,” says Nanette Graves, a member of the National Youth Committee. “We are asking all functioning District Youth Committees to help in the formation of these clubs and to enable us to reach the goal of 500 clubs and committees specified in the National Youth Plan.”
At District Conventions, the District Youth Committees made presentations on their goals to elicit support from the communities in their area.
“In districts that do not have functioning District Youth Committees,” says Miss Graves, “the National Youth Committee is trying, as a first priority, to get a District Youth Committee started. These new committees can then tackle the goal of forming new clubs.”
In these areas, she says, the District Teaching Committees are being asked to adopt the goals until a District Youth Committee can be established.
Packets were mailed to all District Youth Committees and their sponsoring Spiritual Assemblies, as well as to all District Teaching Committees, in September.
The packets outlined the goals and advised each committee of the clubs that are presently functioning and recognized in each area.
“If each district does its part,” says Miss Graves, “the goals will be readily won. The National Youth Committee stands ready to assist all of the District Youth Committees in winning their assigned goals.”
Jazz album well-received[edit]
A new jazz album by John Clarke, a member of the Bahá’í community of New York City, was given a favorable review in the September 5 issue of the New York Post.
The album, “Faces,” includes a song entitled “Abhá Kingdom” that was especially well received.
La. youth raise $1,000 for Louhelen[edit]
It took only two months for the Bahá’í Youth Club of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, to reach its goal of raising $1,000 for the Louhelen Bahá’í School fund.
The youth held a car wash and auction, raising a total of $1,014 for the school.
For the car wash, the young people took “reservations” for a week, then went to their customers’ homes to wash and wax cars.
More than 40 Bahá’ís attended the auction, held July 18 in Baton Rouge. A large Persian carpet was the best fund-raiser.
Other club activities this year have included weekly youth firesides and several youth deepenings.
[Page 8]
IGC:PIONEERING
World NEWS[edit]
Three people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the first of a series of six weekly institutes July 25-26 in Tanna, Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides), that was attended by about 25 believers and their guests ...
Grant Miller, a Bahá’í from Auckland, New Zealand, who is a musician, composed a song entitled “We’re All Looking for Love” that was used as the theme song for an International Year of the Disabled telethon in that country ...
Twenty-five residents of Turrialba, Costa Rica, a small town named for a nearby volcano, expressed their desire to study the Faith as a result of a proclamation effort conducted by members of the local Bahá’í community on four consecutive Sundays ...
The Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts was interviewed by Radio Botswana and an unsolicited article about him was published in the Daily News during a visit to Botswana April 8-18 by Mr. Robarts and his wife, Audrey ...
One hundred-fifty Bahá’ís from all parts of Brazil attended a national conference July 4-6 in Rio de Janeiro to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Faith in that country by the late Continental Counsellor Leonora Armstrong ...
A teaching campaign among the Aymara Indian people in Perú’s Huancané province on the north side of Lake Titicaca resulted in the formation last Riḍván of three new Spiritual Assemblies, the first among the Aymaras in that zone ...
More than 140 believers including representatives of 20 Indian tribes participated April 26-30 in the second national Native Council in Rawdon, Quebec, Canada ...
Belete Worku of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, combined a two-month business trip through seven countries with a traveling teaching effort during which he taught the Faith in 27 cities in Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, the U.S. and countries in the Middle East.
During his trip from January to March 1981, Mr. Worku made direct contact with 150 seekers and more than 2,000 Bahá’ís across North America ...
More than 160 artists attended an artists’ workshop April 25-26 in Georgetown, Guyana, that was organized by five Bahá’í artists and sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana ...
More than 200 members of Parliament from various political parties in the United Kingdom passed a motion in July protesting the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran ...
Plan now to attend ’82 Bahá’í Conferences[edit]
“The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God, hath always exerted, and can now exert, its influence in the world.”—Bahá’u’lláh, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 70
•
Now is the time to make your plans to attend what promise to be the largest and most exciting Bahá’í gatherings of the decade—the 1982 International Conferences called by the Universal House of Justice.
Each of these conferences will have a Hand of the Cause of God present representing the Universal House of Justice.
THE CONFERENCES are dedicated to the memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf, Bahíyyih Khánum, the daughter of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh.
Consider the many opportunities that will be presented when the many friends attending these conferences undertake teaching assignments in connection with their travel to and from the events.
How significantly great is this movement of the friends to the four corners of the globe. Here is your chance to diffuse the glad-tidings far and wide.
Consider the effect of just two families:
Charleen and Nasrollah Maghzi who recently returned from Bermuda, Mexico and the Caribbean report that in the 17 airports and 55 hours in airplanes, they had the opportunity to give the Message to more than 65 people.
Tim and Diana Schaffter wrote about the ease of conversation they had with students in Haiti whom they met in a park.
Each of the countries to be visited by those attending the International Conferences will offer its own unique teaching opportunities.
As we consciously arise to proclaim this Faith to our fellow men, we can rest assured that we will be divinely guided.
Imagine the unconstrained spirit released when together we go forth with assurance, knowing how unspeakably glorious this chance is for mankind.
Do plan to attend one or more of the conferences and exert yourselves to teach along the way. The International Goals Committee stands ready and eager to help you in this all-important endeavor.
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POLL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES 1982
The International Goals Committee wants to get an estimate of how many people will be going to each of the International Bahá’í Conferences next year. If you think you might be able to go to one or more of them, please check the appropriate box(es) and send this coupon to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
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To get the best bargains, tickets to some countries must be bought as soon as possible. Ground arrangements are extra.
Overseas projects planned for Bolivia, France in ’82[edit]
Two overseas teaching projects are being planned for the summer of 1982, one in France and one in Bolivia.
The project in France needs at least four American participants during July and August. These teachers may be any age, but should be fluent in French.
IT WOULD be appreciated also if some had musical talent such as guitar playing or singing.
Only air fare and pocket money will be needed. The friends in France will provide hospitality and travel expenses within the country.
The Bolivian project is seeking 10 youth to participate in village teaching in the mountains of Chuquisaca and in the semi-tropical regions of Santa Cruz.
The youth should be fluent in Spanish and have musical skills.
In honor of the beloved Hand of the Cause of God Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, the project is called “The Dr. Muhájir Bolivian Youth Project.”
Youth who are interested in participating can contact either the National Youth Committee or the International Goals Committee, but should start thinking now about the money they will need.
Remember, the Youth Committee has set a goal of 50 youth traveling teachers during the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan, and to date only 13 have undertaken such trips.
World goals filled[edit]
As of October 15, the U.S. Bahá’í community had filled 48 of the world pioneer goals for the second phase of the Seven Year Plan.
During 1981-82, the International Goals Committee is striving to fill 50 of the 279 world pioneer goals for the second phase of the Plan.
| Goals filled by U.S. | |
| World goals | 48 |
| Non-goals, overfills and refills | 61 |
| Total | 109 |
This photo of a puppy appeared in the Birmingham News on Sunday, September 20. What makes it of more than passing interest to Bahá’ís is that the puppy’s fore-paws are resting on a copy of the book Thief in the Night, by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. The photo was passed along by the Bahá’ís of Jefferson County, Alabama, who say that to their knowledge, the Bahá’ís had nothing to do with staging the photo.
[Page 9]
EDUCATION
Assemblies, Auxiliary Boards have close ties[edit]
This is the seventh in a series of articles on the development of Local Spiritual Assemblies prepared by the National Education Committee. This month’s article outlines the Assembly’s relationship with Auxiliary Board members and their assistants.
•
1. Are there any general guidelines Auxiliary Board members and Local Spiritual Assemblies should follow in relating to one another?
The Universal House of Justice has written: “Above all, the Auxiliary Board members should build up a warm and loving relationship between themselves and the believers in their area so that the Local Spiritual Assemblies will spontaneously turn to them for advice and assistance.” (The Continental Boards of Counsellors, p. 40)
And the National Spiritual Assembly states: “The relationship of the Local Assembly to the Auxiliary Board is one of loving collaboration. Local Assemblies should therefore keep in touch with the Auxiliary Board members assigned to their areas, invite them to visit their communities, share with them their plans and concerns and ask for their advice and counsel when they feel the need.” (Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies, p. 112)
2. How does collaboration with the Auxiliary Board members assist the Assembly in meeting the needs of its community?
The Universal House of Justice writes: “It is ... inevitable that the Assemblies and committees, being burdened with the administration of the teaching work as well as with all other aspects of Bahá’í community life, will be unable to spend as much time as they would wish on stimulating the believers.
“Authority and direction flow from the Assemblies, whereas the power to accomplish the tasks resides primarily in the entire body of the believers. It is the principal task of the Auxiliary Boards to assist in arousing and releasing this power.” (The Continental Boards of Counsellors, p. 37)
3. It is often stated that because an Auxiliary Board member does not administer, he may not give advice on administrative matters. Is this statement correct?
The Universal House of Justice has written: “This is quite wrong. One of the things that Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members should watch and report on is the proper working of administrative institutions. The statement that they do not have anything to do with administration means, simply, that they do not administer. They do not direct or organize the teaching work nor do they adjudicate in matters of personal conflict or personal problems. All these activities fall within the sphere of responsibility of the Spiritual Assemblies. But if an Auxiliary Board member finds a Local Spiritual Assembly functioning incorrectly he should call its attention to the appropriate Texts ...” (The Continental Boards of Counsellors, p. 39)
4. How do assistants to Auxiliary Board members relate to Local Spiritual Assemblies and their Bahá’í communities?
The Universal House of Justice has stated: “Their aims should be to activate and encourage Local Spiritual Assemblies, to call the attention of Local Spiritual Assembly members to the importance of holding regular meetings, to encourage local communities to meet for the Nineteen Day Feasts and Holy Days, to help deepen their fellow-believers’ understanding of the Teachings, and generally to assist the Auxiliary Board members in the discharge of their duties.” (The Continental Boards of Counsellors, p. 54)
5. Are assistants to Auxiliary Board members exempt from serving on administrative institutions?
The Universal House of Justice writes: “Believers can serve at the same time both as assistants to Auxiliary Board members and on administrative institutions.” (The Continental Boards of Counsellors, pp. 54–55)
6. Why is it difficult sometimes to understand the concept of the “learned” in Bahá’í administration?
The Universal House of Justice has explained: “The existence of institutions of such exalted rank, comprising individuals who play such a vital role, who yet have no legislative, administrative or judicial authority, and are entirely devoid of priestly functions or the right to make authoritative interpretations, is a feature of Bahá’í administration unparalleled in the religions of the past. The newness and uniqueness of this concept make it difficult to grasp; only as the Bahá’í community grows and the believers are increasingly able to contemplate its administrative structure uninfluenced by concepts from past ages, will the vital interdependence of the “rulers” and the “learned” in the Faith be properly understood, and the inestimable value of their interaction be fully recognized.” (The Continental Boards of Counsellors, p. 45)
(Additional information on the Assembly’s relationship to Auxiliary Board members and their assistants can be found in Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies and The Continental Boards of Counsellors, available through the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.)
Tim Gorman, a Bahá’í from Tempe, Arizona (in wheelchair), presents a plaque to Ed Leware of the Arizona Church Conference Center in Prescott, Arizona, commemorating the installation of two ramps for the handicapped at the Center as participants in the Arizona Bahá’í Summer School look on. The Spiritual Assembly of Prescott provided funds for the ramps in honor of the United Nations International Year for Disabled Persons. Bahá’ís from the western states have attended summer classes at the Center for the past 11 years.
Education Advisers in Kentucky are shown planning for the children’s and youth programs at the District Convention. Similar planning sessions were held in all districts in which the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP) has been introduced. Advisers in a given district represent a network of adults who work together on district-wide projects for children and youth. The programs for District Convention provide a focus for cooperative action.
More than 170 attend 2nd Kentucky Bahá’í Institute[edit]
More than 170 Bahá’ís and their guests participated July 9–12 in the second annual Kentucky Bahá’í Institute at Morehead State University in the lovely Appalachian foothills of northeastern Kentucky.
The theme of this year’s institute was “Preparing for the New Era.”
SPEAKERS included Dr. Dwight W. Allen, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Nat Rutstein; Mary K. Radpour, editor of Child’s Way magazine; Mrs. Kathy Reimer of Asheville, North Carolina; and Bahíyyih Nakhjavání, a pioneer to Cyprus who is author of the book, When We Grow Up.
The youth, children’s and preschoolers’ programs were highlighted by visits from each of the five speakers, and also featured crafts and recreational activities.
A nursery area was provided with closed circuit television coverage of the adult sessions.
Evening programs included an observance of the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Báb; a puppet show by the Wilson family from Benton Harbor, Michigan; folk dancing led by Yael Wurmfeld of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; and a public meeting that featured an audio-visual presentation created and shown by Doug Crawford of Corydon, Kentucky.
Another feature of the Institute was a “singles workshop” whose sessions were led by Mrs. Reimer and Mrs. Radpour.
The workshop provided an opportunity for single Bahá’ís to become better acquainted and to share their experiences, ideas and feelings about life as a single Bahá’í.
An exciting part of the weekend was a spontaneously organized street teaching effort during lunch breaks in Morehead. The results included one declaration and contact with several interested residents.
In addition, one Institute registrant declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh.
[Page 10]
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIED notices in The American Bahá’í are printed free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no commercial or personal messages can be accepted for publication.
•
NEEDED: 20,000 individuals to contribute to the National Bahá’í Fund every month! If interested, please contact UNIPAR, Treasurer’s Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
ALSO NEEDED: Bahá’í ID numbers to accompany all contributions to the National Fund. This helps the Treasurer’s Office to quickly handle and properly receipt all donations. Your number can be found on your Bahá’í ID card, or on the mailing label for this paper. Thank you for your help!
HOMEFRONT pioneers (at least one) are needed to help save the jeopardized Assembly in Ridgecrest, California, in the clean, fresh air of the Mojave Desert, an easy three-hour drive from Los Angeles. Excellent employment opportunities exist for computer programmers and technical writers in private industry. Ridgecrest is adjacent to the Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, so there are also many civil service openings for people with all kinds of occupational backgrounds. Ridgecrest also offers Cerro Coso Community College, which has excellent two-year programs that can provide a foot in the door to a computer programming career. The Bahá’í teaching work is positive and active. For more information please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Ridgecrest, P.O. Box 1479, Ridgecrest, CA 93555, or phone Mary O’Neal-Rush at 714-375-4662.
AN INTERNATIONAL Bahá’í Winter School will be held December 30–January 3 in the Kyushu, Japan, area. The theme will center around building an international community. They are requesting the help of traveling teachers to enhance their program. Those who are interested in attending this Winter School should contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
WANTED: One or more Bahá’ís (women if possible) who have had experience in NETWORKING and who would be willing and able to lead workshops on that subject next July as well as possibly give a talk on how Bahá’ís can apply the concept both within the Bahá’í community and in relation to the larger community in which we live. Please contact Mrs. Jane R. Howard, ______, Apt. 2N, Chicago, IL 60615.
INTERESTED in Youth for One World? If you belong to or are interested in YOW clubs and ideas, you may wish to subscribe to the YOW Clearinghouse, published periodically by the Spiritual Assembly of Redlands, California. If you would like the next four issues of the Clearinghouse, please send your name, address, and $1.50 to help cover mailing costs to YOW, P.O. Box 229, Redlands, CA 92373. Information on YOW also is available from this address, or by phoning 714-793-7201.
HAVE YOU ever lived in Humboldt County, California, or in neighboring Del Norte or Trinity counties? Bahá’í is gathering data for a history of the Faith in northwestern California; especially sought are any details from before the fall of 1961, when the first long-term Bahá’í residents arrived, plus any stories of activities or episodes that would add some flavor to the raw facts of the community’s growth. If you have any memories to share, as either a Bahá’í or pre-Bahá’í, please contact Ken Rockwell, ______, Soquel, CA 95073.
WE NEED five adult Bahá’ís in La Place, Louisiana, 20 miles from New Orleans and 40 miles from Baton Rouge, to help form a new community. Teaching projects by three nearby Bahá’í communities are under way in this area. Persian families are urged to consider seriously this opportunity. For more information write to ______, La Place, LA, or phone Mr. or Mrs. Robert Anker, 504-652-6512.
ANYONE who would like a pen pal in Belize may write to Pen Pals, c/o Anthony Tucker, P.O. Box 72, Belize City, Belize, Central America.
PLEASE consider moving to beautiful Inglewood, California, where the gravesite of Thornton Chase, the first Bahá’í in America, is located and which was blessed by the presence of the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Luxurious one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums are being offered for sale starting at $54,500. For information please contact the District Teaching Committee of Southern California No. 1.
SENIOR citizen female Bahá’í is offering a pleasant, furnished room in a modern home in suburban Grand Rapids, Michigan, to a mature woman. Close to business areas and civic center. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Grand Rapids, P.O. Box 1112, Grand Rapids, MI 49501, or phone 616-454-3500 or 616-361-7996.
WANTED: Enthusiastic, active Bahá’í youth and adults to live in Lowell, Massachusetts, for at least two years and help build the community to Assembly status by Riḍván 1982. Lowell is about eight miles from the New Hampshire border and an hour’s drive from the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine. This historic city offers a full curriculum of studies in engineering science at the local university, city bus transportation, and substantially lower rents than surrounding cities in eastern Massachusetts. There are ample employment opportunities in all technical fields, especially electronic/computer technology. Answers to specific questions can be obtained by writing to the Bahá’í community of Lowell, c/o Lorraine Matthews, ______, Lowell, MA 01851, or by phoning 617-459-1604 after 5 p.m. (EST).
BAHÁ’Í children’s classes interested in becoming pen pals with children’s classes in other countries should contact the Bahá’í National Youth Committee, ______, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.
WANTED: A theme song for the Bahá’í Women’s Conference to be held in the Chicago area over the Fourth of July weekend in 1982. The conference theme is “Women Achieving the Balance the Bahá’í Way.” Sheet music, tapes, and correspondence should be sent to the Chicago Women’s Conference Committee, c/o Ms. Wanda Faily, ______, Chicago, IL 60626, or phone 312-761-6434.
HOMEFRONT pioneer(s) are needed to share or sub-lease a nice two-bedroom apartment in the warm, friendly Bahá’í community of Wayne, Pennsylvania, a Main Line suburb of Philadelphia that is close to transportation, shops, schools, jobs. Please write to Keith Gross or Bob Ward, ______, Wayne, PA 19087, or phone 215-964-1183.
THE MEDIA Committee of the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago is seeking help from friends for whom English is a second language. Chicago is a veritable mixing bowl of ethnic groups, and the committee would like to offer them news releases in their mother tongues. No matter what your native language, someone in the Chicago area probably prints a newspaper or broadcasts in it. If, given a few weeks to work on an item, you can help the committee by translating one or a series of media items, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, c/o Mrs. Lily Ayman, secretary, ______, Chicago, IL 60603, or phone 312-236-7771.
ENGINEERS! Homefront pioneering opportunity in the Fort Walton Beach area of northwest Florida. Electronic engineering positions are available at all levels of experience. For details, please contact Ron and Marsha Fowler, ______, Florala, AL 36442.
HOMEFRONT pioneers: come to Oklahoma! Eastern Oklahoma desperately needs deepened Bahá’í families to help give new Bahá’ís a firm foundation in the Faith. Especially needed are non-Anglo and interracial couples and families, as many of the seekers and declarants are non-Anglo and most of the present Bahá’í community is Anglo. There are large Indian and black communities in Eastern Oklahoma who are waiting to hear the Message! There are many universities and junior colleges for those seeking an education, and the recent oil boom means that job opportunities are abundant; the unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country. For more information please contact Liz Wakcham, secretary, Eastern Oklahoma District Teaching Committee, P.O. Box 128, Prague, OK 74864 (phone 405-567-3049), or Shahrokh Khazé, chairman, Eastern Oklahoma District Teaching Committee, ______, Ponca City, OK 74601 (phone 405-765-8504).
PIONEER needed: One English teacher in Talara, Peru. The job pays very well. Oil industry personnel. Some knowledge of Spanish helpful. Not an easy post. Job starts in February 1982. For details please write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
BECOME a homefront pioneer in Southwestern Iowa. A semi-retired farm couple, the only Bahá’ís within 40 miles, who live on a lovely hill farm with fishing ponds and wooded pastures, would like to contact someone interested in living in the area. Could provide space for a trailer home and garden in return for sharing farm chores. Large recreation area nearby. Varied work opportunities in the area. Contact Leslie Rogers, ______, Corning, IA 50841, or phone 515-322-3652.
WANTED: The National Bahá’í Archives Committee is seeking the records of Regional Teaching Committees for the 1930s and 1940s, especially minutes and correspondence. Anyone having such records is urged to write to the National Bahá’í Archives Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
AN ACTIVE Bahá’í community in Cookeville, Tennessee, needs American Bahá’ís to help develop its teaching plans, since all the Bahá’ís in Cookeville are Persian. Cookeville is the home of Tennessee Technological University, well known in the South for its engineering colleges. For more information please write to B. Fani, ______, Cookeville, TN 38501, or phone 615-526-7733.
GORHAM, Maine, is seeking to diversify and rescue its numerically jeopardized Assembly. Rural Gorham, the home of the University of Southern Maine, is 30 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and little more than an hour from the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot. Traveling teachers also are being sought, and ample lodging is available. Plan a teaching trip to New England and come look us over. For more information please write to the Bahá’ís of Gorham, Box 265, Gorham, ME 04038, or phone Marie Hoover at 207-839-6449.
BAHÁ’Í with professional video and theatrical production experience would like to work with other Bahá’í professionals in the production of films and video programs with Bahá’í themes. Willing to work freelance or full-time. Would prefer staying or living in communities that need Bahá’ís. Please contact Pamela Dedrick, ______, Burnsville, MN 55337, or phone 612-890-3134.
CARROLL COUNTY, Maryland, a close-knit, active Bahá’í community, may soon lose four of its 11 members, thus jeopardizing the Assembly. The area combines the advantages of rural living with proximity to Western Maryland College, the city of Baltimore, and York and Hanover, Pennsylvania. The community welcomes everyone, but especially needs older Bahá’ís and members of minority groups. Please contact Rich or Glenda Phillips, ______, Millers, MD 21107, or phone 301-374-2436.
BAHÁ’Í FAMILY is pioneering to Papua New Guinea and must sell its home in Spring Hope, a community of 15,000 about 50 miles east of Raleigh, North Carolina. What is needed is an active Bahá’í family (the location is ideal for children) who will continue the hard work here and help the District Teaching Committee and Auxiliary Board member in the deepening and consolidation of 11 newly formed Spiritual Assemblies. The new owner would be isolated but within easy driving range of other Bahá’ís. The home is available in 60 days, sooner if needed, at a price of $42,000 that includes the three-bedroom house on an acre of land, furniture (including appliances), a car, motorcycle, and well-behaved, loyal bird dog. The mortgage is VA-assumable at 11 percent (monthly payments are $364). For more details write to Kathleen Wilkinson, P.O. Box 297, Spring Hope, NC 27882, or if you are in a hurry, phone 919-478-5030. You are needed in North Carolina!
WANTED: Performing artists such as musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, actors, etc., to entertain at the Bahá’í Women’s Conference to be held in the Chicago area over the Fourth of July weekend in 1982. It is preferred that most of the participants be women; they need not be professionals. The major objective will be to “showcase” the multi-varied creativity of women, since developing their creative talents and fostering those of their children is
[Page 11]
PÁGINA HISPANA
¿Por que estan perseguidos los Bahá’ís en Irán?[edit]
Es bien sabido ya el tumulto que ha sufrido aquel país en los últimos tres años. La intranquilidad y la aflicción se han apoderado de la Nación, y no se encuentra solaz en ninguna parte.
La condición de la Comunidad Bahá’í es particularmente penosa, que es la minoría religiosa más grande de Iran, ahora es víctima de una ola creciente de intolerancia y persecución instigada por un grupo de fanáticos implacables.
ENTRE OTROS abusos, los lugares sagrados bahá’ís han sido confiscados y destruidos, miembros de la Fe Bahá’í han sido golpeados, violados y aterrorizados, varios de sus líderes han sido sumariamente ejecutados y otros detenidos sin juicio, los cementerios han sido profanados, la propiedad privada saqueada e incendiada, los ahorros de toda la vida de varios millares de familias confiscados arbitrariamente, y toda la comunidad sometida a muchas formas de discriminación y humillación. Un editorial en el New York Times del 21 de julio de 1980 describe la persecución como una “busca de chivos expiatorios.”
La mayoría de las minorías religiosas iraníes han sufrido hasta cierto punto durante los últimos disturbios, pero los bahá’ís han sido señalados deliberadamente. Aunque el número de bahá’ís asciende a cerca de medio millón, no se les ha concedido ningún derecho civil.
¿Por qué han sido marcados los bahá’ís?
La razón principal está en el hecho de que los bahá’ís creen que Bahá’u’lláh, el Fundador de su religión, es el Mensajero de Dios para nuestra época. La enseñanza principal de Bahá’u’lláh es la unidad de Dios, la unidad de todas las religiones y la unidad de la humanidad.
Bahá’ís creen que los Fundadores de todas las grandes religiones de la humanidad son por igual los mensajeros del mismo Dios único, y que la religión es necesariamente continua y progresiva, de acuerdo a las necesidades cambiantes del hombre en cada época.
Esta creencia es considerada por los musulmanes fundamentalistas como una amenaza contra Islam, que ellos sostienen es la religión final para todos.
La persecución de la Fe Bahá’í en Iran comenzó tan pronto como nació la religión en 1844. El Báb, uno de los Fundadores de la Fe, y Heraldo de Bahá’u’lláh, fue martirizado en 1850. Durante los años sucesivos, más de 20,000 miembros de la nueva Fe fueron masacrados en persecuciones salvajes instigadas por el clero musulmán.
Estas persecuciones han continuado a intervalos hasta hoy, sin tomar en cuenta los varios cambios en el régimen político. Éstas son más severas ahora porque los elementos en el poder han aprovechado el tumulto revolucionario para intensificar sus ataques.
¿Qué relación tiene la Fe Bahá’í con el Islam?
La relación es más o menos igual que aquella entre la Fe Cristiana y el Judaísmo. La Fe Bahá’í surgió del Islam del siglo diecinueve. Aunque el clero musulmán insiste que la Fe Bahá’í es una secta “herética” del Islam, es ahora generalmente considerada como una religión mundial independiente con su propio Fundador, escrituras, leyes e instituciones.
Las Naciones Unidas le han conferido plena calidad como una de las Organizaciones No Gubernamentales de la ONU.
La Fe Bahá’í considera al Islam como una de las grandes religiones reveladas, como el Cristianismo, el Judaísmo, y Budismo. Algunas enseñanzas bahá’ís, sin embargo, son fuertemente opuestas por los musulmanes fundamentalistas.
Varios de los bahá’ís prominentes quienes han sido ejecutados recientemente fueron condenados porque, según se pretende ellos habían “esparcido la corrupción” al enseñar su fe:
Igualdad de hombres y mujeres: Porque Bahá’u’lláh enseñó la igualdad de los sexos, mujeres bahá’ís en Iran rechazaron el uso del velo y han tomado la misma parte en la administración de los asuntos de la comunidad bahá’í como sus esposos y hermanos. A consecuencia, por mucho tiempo han sido denunciadas por el clero musulmán como “prostitutas.”
Estudios científicos: Bahá’u’lláh enseñó que la verdadera fe está en armonía con los principios de investigación científica. Los musulmanes fundamentalistas, sin embargo, consideran que la mayoría de las ciencias son “occidentales” y “satánicas,” y sostienen que aquellos que se dedican a ellas son responsables por la sovacación de la fibra moral de la sociedad.
Educación universal: Las Enseñanzas Bahá’ís ponen gran énfasis en la educación. Como resultado, un porcentaje alto de los miembros de la Fe en Irán han sido entrenados en las múltiples profesiones.
En un país como Iran, faltando una clase media y repentinamente obligado por el poder de la historia a una modernización rápida, grandes números de bahá’ís fueron empleados por el servicio civil, la industria privada, etc. Esto los ha expuesto a ser acusados de “explotación del antiguo régimen.”
¿Cuán grande es el peligro para los Bahá’ís?
El propósito final de los mullahs y ayatollahs quienes son los instigadores de las persecuciones es la completa erradicación de la Fe Bahá’í de la tierra de su nacimiento. Esperan desmoralizar las masas de los bahá’ís para obligarlos a renunciar su fe y convertirse al Islam.
Dada la historia de un siglo de la comunidad bahá’í resistiendo tal presión y el odio profundamente arraigado que anima a los perseguidores, parece estar formándose una tragedia de dimensiones espantosas.
¿Qué se está haciendo para proteger a los Bahá’ís Iraníes?
Las comunidades bahá’ís alrededor del mundo han apelado a sus propios gobiernos y a varias organizaciones internacionales para intervenir. El 15 de septiembre de 1980, la Comisión de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas adoptó una resolución protestando por el tratamiento contra la comunidad bahá’í iraní y sus líderes elegidos.
El 19 de septiembre, el Parlamento Europeo, luego de registrar su creencia de que los bahá’ís iraníes fueron víctimas de una campaña sistemática de persecución, condenó los ataques, pidió al gobierno de Irán “conceder a la comunidad bahá’í el reconocimiento legal y protección a las cuales todas las minorías tienen derecho.”
Hasta la fecha, todos los esfuerzos de la comunidad de naciones para persuadir al gobierno iraní a parar las persecuciones, lamentablemente no han recibido ninguna respuesta.
Un esfuerzo paralelo fue hecho por las comunidades bahá’ís del mundo para llevar a la atención de los órganos masivos de comunicación la historia de la odisea de sus correligionarios en Iran. Una de las razones importantes de este artículo es revelar que los responsables de las persecuciones tienen la intención de disfrazar su odio religioso por medio de alegaciones de tipo político.
Los bahá’ís confían en que, si se mantiene la atención e indignación mundial, las autoridades iraníes eventualmente serán obligadas a intervenir. Mientras tanto, los bahá’ís de Irán han asegurado que están preparados para defender su Fe con sus vidas.
Cada uno de los bahá’ís prominentes ejécutados en recientes meses fue presionado para renegar de su Fe, a lo cual ellos se rehusaron firmemente, aun cuando se les ofreció el indulto.
Madre Bahá’í martirizada en Kata, Irán.
Campamento de Refugiados Bahá’ís cerca de Isfahan, Iran.
Un ejemplo sobresaliente de los resultados de la enseñanza se encuentra en el Sur del Valle Pajaro en California. Saludos a nuestros nuevos amigos de la Fe Bahá’í.
[Page 12]
RACE UNITY
‘When the racial elements of the American nation unite in actual fellowship and accord, the lights of the oneness of humanity will shine ...’ (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 54)
Race Amity Conference to be held in June 1982[edit]
A national Race Amity Conference is being planned from June 10–13, 1982, in Washington, D.C. Bahá’ís are urged to make plans now to attend this important gathering. Furthermore, all Groups and communities are encouraged to hold race amity conferences during 1982.
The inspiration for such conferences dates back to instructions given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1920. The following passage about Mrs. Agnes Parsons, taken from Volume 5 of The Bahá’í World, gives some details.
“(MRS. PARSONS’) second visit to the Presence of the Master in Haifa, Palestine, was made during the winter and early spring of 1920. During this second visit she received from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a remarkable instruction—a command—which, carried into execution, placed her in the ranks of those who rendered pioneer services to the Cause. ‘The blessings that come to one are greater than those one seeks,’ said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This instruction was not sought by Mrs. Parsons; it came to her from the heaven of the Master’s Divine Will, and was in truth and in fact a great and overwhelming surprise to Mrs. Parsons herself. The Master’s instruction was as follows:
“ ‘I want you to arrange a Convention for unity of the colored and white races. You must have people to help you.’
“After Mrs. Parsons returned to America she often spoke of this command. In those days ‘to arrange a Convention’ seemed a tremendous undertaking, but she always said, ‘I will be able to do it. I must for it is the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.’ And in accordance with the explicit command of the Master she succeeded in gathering around her a helpful, active and earnest Committee.
“During the period of preparation for this Convention (and the preliminary work consumed weeks and even months), Mr. Mountfort Mills was in Haifa. He returned to this country in time to serve as Chairman of one of the Convention sessions. At this meeting he read the following message from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent through him to be read at the Convention:
“ ‘Say to this Convention that never since the beginning of time has one more important been held. This Convention stands for the Oneness of Humanity; it will become the cause of the removal of hostility between races; it will be the cause of the enlightenment of America. It will—if wisely managed and continued—check the deadly struggle between these races which otherwise will inevitably break out.’
“Immediately after the close of the Convention Mrs. Parsons sent the following cable to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: ‘Convention successful. Meetings crowded. Hearts comforted.’ And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied at once by cable: ‘The white-colored Convention produced happiness. Hoping will establish same in all America.’
“The Tablets of the Master which followed, not only to Mrs. Parsons but to others, indicated that this First Amity Convention was termed by the Master ‘the mother convention’ from which many Amity Conventions would be born, and in one Tablet He called it a perfect convention.”
Race Unity Committee sponsoring an art contest[edit]
The Race Unity Committee is sponsoring an art contest. Children (ages 5–9, 10–14), youth (15–20) and adults (21 and older) are invited to submit contributions relating to RACE AMITY in the following categories:
- Line drawings in black and white—8 1/2 x 11 inches.
- Mixed media.
- Photos—in black and white (8 x 10) or color (unlimited size).
Be sure to include your name, city or town, and age with your entry.
Prizes will be awarded to children, youth and adults in each category. Selected entries will be placed on display at the national Race Amity Conference next June in Washington, D.C. All entries become the property of the Race Unity Committee and cannot be returned.
Please send all entries to Dr. Carole Allen, secretary, ______, Norfolk, VA 23508.
Athos Costas (second row center), a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas, met with the friends in Miami Beach, Florida, August 2 en route from his pioneer post in Bolivia to a meeting of the Board of Counsellors in Lincolnwood, Illinois. Mr. Costas, a native of Argentina, has been a Bahá’í since 1942 and has served as a Counsellor since the Boards were created by the Universal House of Justice in 1969. This was his first visit to the U.S. since he attended the Intercontinental Conference in Wilmette in 1953.
More than 100,000 people had an opportunity to see this Bahá’í display July 23–26 at the Monmouth County Fair in New Jersey. The display was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Middletown Township, New Jersey, with help from the Bahá’ís in Monmouth and Ocean counties. This marked the fifth straight year for Bahá’í participation in the Fair.
1981-82 Race Unity Committee
- Dr. Ann Marie Carpenter, chairperson.
- Dr. Carole Allen, secretary, ______, Norfolk, VA 23508.
- Dr. William Smith, treasurer.
- Mrs. Bess Daniels, Mr. Behruz Hedayaty, Mrs. Annamarie Honnold, Mr. Ernest Lopez.
As in the past, the Race Unity Committee welcomes your comments and articles. Correspondence should be sent to the secretary, Dr. Carole Allen, at the address given above.
Bahá’ís invite speaker, reap reward[edit]
While it is often difficult to arrange for a Bahá’í to be invited to address a local organization, it may be easier to invite a member of the organization to address the Bahá’ís as a means of starting a dialogue.
The Spiritual Assembly of Middletown Township, New Jersey, used this approach with the local chapter of the NAACP with significant results. They write:
“On November 29, 1980, Mr. Augustino Monteiro, president of the Greater Red Bank chapter of the NAACP, spoke to a small racially mixed group of Bahá’ís on his organization and the needs and desires of the black community.
“In turn, we were able to present the Bahá’í view on race, reading excerpts from “The Most Challenging Issue” in The Advent of Divine Justice.
“We subsequently received a letter praising our sincerity in this area as well as a phone call requesting literature and information on meetings for other members of the NAACP chapter to whom Mr. Monteiro had spoken about his meeting with us.
“Also, several members of our community plan to try to attend the local NAACP meetings to increase our association with the black community.
“It seems that this simple idea is already having positive effects and, hopefully, more are to come.”
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Middletown Twp., New Jersey
‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the Five Races[edit]
“In short, five races exist upon the surface of the globe: the white, black, brown, yellow and red races. This resembles the different species and colors of doves, but, on the other hand, there is no distinction of color among them, on the contrary the white, black, yellow, blue, red and purple doves, all associate together in the utmost love and harmony. How can man who is endowed with reason and intelligence be limited by these considerations of color? This is nothing but heedlessness, ignorance and counter to human laws.”—Star of the West, Vol. II, No. 10, p. 165 (November 8, 1920)
[Page 13]
PUBLICATIONS
Catherine Andreasen of Des Moines, Iowa, is given a scroll listing some of her Bahá’í activities that was signed by the 80 guests at a celebration August 9 of her 50 years as a Bahá’í. Making the presentation is Jennifer Wickersham, a Bahá’í child in the Des Moines community. Bahá’ís and others from Illinois, Nebraska and many communities in Iowa attended the event.
Diagnostic test uses passage on Faith[edit]
Shirley Ganao, a Bahá’í who is working as a professional diagnostic tester in Washington, D.C., has found a new way to teach the Faith.
Ms. Ganao, an assistant psychometrist in a diagnostic testing unit of the University of the District of Columbia, worked on a two-year study of diagnostic testing and placement programs funded by the Ford Foundation.
Students preparing for tests that place them in appropriate levels of English and math must read informative passages and then answer questions designed to measure their memory and understanding.
Ms. Ganao used a passage on the Bahá’í Faith and its Teachings, which at last count had been read and studied by more than 1,000 students in June, July and August of 1981 alone.
The passage also is included as a sample in the final report of the study, which has been sent to all major universities in the country.
2 Trust offices return to Linden[edit]
The order and billing departments of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, which for the past year have been housed at 523 Green Bay Road in Wilmette, have once again joined the management, editorial and marketing departments that have been at 415 Linden Avenue for more than a decade.
All correspondence should now be directed to the 415 Linden Avenue address. However, any mail already sent to 523 Green Bay Road will be forwarded to 415 Linden Avenue.
All package returns should continue to be sent to 523 Green Bay Road, which continues to house the warehouse and shipping departments of the Publishing Trust.
Returning the order and billing departments to 415 Linden Avenue will make the processing of orders more efficient and will bring the customer service department in closer proximity to the marketing department.
The move also obviates the need for extensive remodeling at 523 Green Bay Road, thus helping to cut costs.
The Bahá’í subscriber service department also has returned to 415 Linden Avenue.
Displays, literature help proclaim Faith in New York City[edit]
Bahá’í displays and literature tables have been increasingly evident recently in the New York City area.
For the first time in recent memory, three tables were presented in different parts of the city on September 13.
The Brooklyn Teaching Committee had a display as part of the Fifth Avenue Fair; the Display Committee had a booth at the TAMA County Fair on Third Avenue in Manhattan; and the Manhattan Teaching Committee manned a literature table at Central Park South and Sixth Avenue.
Publishing Trust to discontinue Mini-Catalog, refocus strategy[edit]
During the last several months the Publishing Trust has been monitoring closely the order coupons that appear in the Mini-Catalog.
The relatively few orders that have been received show no direct link between the purchases made and the items advertised in that month’s catalog.
IT APPEARS that the coupons are being used primarily as a convenient general order form and not for orders stimulated by a particular ad.
Since general order forms are already available from the Publishing Trust, it would seem that a good deal of writing, photography, typesetting and paste-up are going into the production of a Mini-Catalog that few people save and even fewer order from.
Moreover, the income generated from the catalogs does not cover the expense of almost $1,500 for each issue.
Instead of continuing the Mini-Catalog, the marketing manager at the Trust has decided to concentrate his efforts on the following:
- The production of a regular catalog that will appear in sections in The American Bahá’í.
- A survey of Bahá’í librarians to find ways to serve the community better.
- Revision of the librarians’ handbook.
- The promotion of two major new titles due for release in spring 1982.
- An ongoing series of articles in The American Bahá’í to keep everyone informed about the progress of all of the above.
If you would like to express your feelings or opinion on any of the topics discussed here, please do so by writing to Greg Weiler, marketing manager, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
New book surveys Western views of Faith’s growth from 1844–1944[edit]
The Bábí and Bahá’í Religions, 1844–1944: Some Contemporary Western Accounts, edited by Moojan Momen and published by George Ronald, is now available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust (Catalog No. 332-052-10, $28.50).
The book, the result of seven years’ research by its editor, examines the extensive writings and documents about the history of the Bahá’í Faith by Western authors not themselves Bahá’ís.
THE FIRST PART of the book is a 60-page survey of these Western accounts, in which the editor describes how news of the Bábí and Bahá’í Faiths reached the West, considers the contributions of various scholars and authors, and examines some of the misconceptions that abounded in the early reports. No such comprehensive survey has previously been attempted and there are lessons to be learned here by all students of religious history.
The second part of the book consists of reports, mainly by European diplomatic and consular staff, missionaries, and travelers—organized in four chronological sections relative to the ministries of the three Central Figures of the Faith, the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and of the Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi.
The reports concern episodes in Bábí and Bahá’í history of which the writers were eyewitnesses or had been given first-hand accounts. They shed a fascinating light on these episodes, and have particular relevance to recent and present events affecting the Bahá’í community in Iran.
The accounts in the book are set in context, with much background information and evaluation of their accuracy. For the convenience of the reader, reports in other European languages have been translated into English.
TWO VALUABLE appendices add to the usefulness of this book. The first contains tables of the names and dates of rulers, and governmental and diplomatic personnel in Iran, the Ottoman Empire, and Palestine during the hundred years under review.
The second contains nearly 300 biographical notes about the authors of the reports and the main participants in the events, a great help to students of the Bahá’í Faith and Persian history, who often find these names mentioned.
The book also includes 45 illustrations, chiefly of authors and participants, which add considerable interest to the text.
The extensive bibliography is not only a measure of the editor’s far-ranging research, but provides a guide to all who would pursue scholarly studies in this field.
About 40 Bahá’ís and their guests gathered recently in Woodside, California, for an informal discussion of the Faith led by Dan Seals, best known for his top-selling records as a part of the team of England Dan and John Ford Coley. Mr. Seals gave a 20-minute introduction to the Faith, then answered questions from some of those who attended. He and his new partner, Rafe Van Hoy, then mingled with the guests for refreshments before leaving for a concert engagement. The discussion was sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Southern San Mateo County J.I).
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PERSIAN PAGE
[Page 15]
NATIVE AMERICANS
Council Fire mulls plans for S.W. Bahá’í Institute[edit]
Approximately 65 people from Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico attended the Southwest Bahá’í Institute Council Fire August 15–16 on the Navajo Indian Reservation at Burntwater, Arizona.
Speakers included Auxiliary Board members Ernest Bruss and Nancy Phillips; John Cook and Wayne Steffes, members of the American Indian Teaching Committee; Henry Bainbridge, a member of the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee; Franklin Kahn, a Navajo Indian from Flagstaff, Arizona, who is a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly; and David Villaseñor, a Bahá’í from Glendora, California, who is a well known Indian sand painter and sculptor.
IN ITS JANUARY 1981 message to the Bahá’ís of the U.S. concerning the three-year second phase of the Seven Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice called upon the friends to “ ... construct and develop a teaching institute on the Navajo Reservation ...” This was the focus of consultation at the Council Fire.
Sponsored by the Southwest Bahá’í Institute Planning Committee with the help of the Navajo-Hopi District Teaching Committee, the Council Fire commemorated the 19th anniversary of the first mass teaching effort on the Navajo Reservation, which was also one of the first such projects in the U.S.
In 1962, Franklin and Chester Kahn invited the friends to launch a teaching campaign in their Reservation village of Pine Springs, Arizona.
In response to that invitation, about 500 people including the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’llah Khadem; Amoz Gibson, now a member of the Universal House of Justice and then a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; and busloads of Bahá’ís from California traveled to Pine Springs.
As a result of that teaching effort, more than 100 residents of Pine Springs declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.
David Villaseñor, renowned Native American sand painter and sculptor, explains the symbols of Indian culture to the friends at the Southwest Bahá’í Institute Council Fire held August 15–16 at Burntwater, Arizona.
Kevin Locke (back to camera), a Sioux Indian Bahá’í from Vermillion, South Dakota, plays the flute during a pow wow at the second annual Grand Portage (Minnesota) North American Native Institute held August 29–30.
150 Bahá’ís gather in Minnesota for Grand Portage Native Institute[edit]
About 150 people from Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and northwestern Ontario traveled to the Grand Portage Ojibway Indian Reservation in northeastern Minnesota the weekend of August 29–30 to attend the second annual Grand Portage North American Native Institute.
The Institute is sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Northern Minnesota, with help from the National Youth Committee and American Indian Teaching Committee.
Its primary objectives are to give those who attend a better understanding of the life and spiritual teachings of Native Americans, and to create bonds of unity between Canada and the United States.
In addition to prayers, pipe ceremonies, addresses and demonstrations by Native Americans, presentations were made by representatives of the African and Persian cultures.
A Saturday evening pow wow, held in honor of the Native American drum, featured an address, hoop dance and flute playing by Kevin Locke, a Sioux Indian Bahá’í from Vermillion, South Dakota.
About 30 children learned crafts and Indian ways during the afternoon children’s classes.
Sunday’s program began with dawn prayers on the shores of Lake Superior and a pipe ceremony near a 350-year-old cedar tree that is sacred to the Indians in that area.
It was followed that afternoon by a unity feast that included songs, dancing, and fry bread and venison stew.
Redlands Assembly undertakes ‘Homestay’ program for students[edit]
As a part of its “Operation Befriend” program, the Spiritual Assembly of Redlands, California, has begun a “Homestay” program for foreign students in that community.
About 100 students from all over the world come to Redlands each year to study and learn English from American International Education and Training at the University of California at Redlands.
The Redlands “Homestay” program involves placement of advanced English-speaking students into American homes so that they can practice the language in a real-life situation and benefit from exposure to American family life and culture.
The response to the program from families and students has been so positive that the number of families has been increased to include non-Bahá’í families.
The program is being directed on behalf of the Redlands Assembly by Matthew Wagner.
2nd ‘Spiritual Being’ conference draws 37[edit]
Thirty-seven Bahá’ís and 10 non-Bahá’ís from a nine-state area attended the second annual seminar on Self, Psychology and the Spiritual Being sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Grand Junction, Colorado.
Of the 18 professionals who attended, six were non-Bahá’ís, reflecting an increased interest in the application of Bahá’í perspectives on mental and spiritual well-being by the outside community.
AITC names Oklahoma task force[edit]
As a result of recent successful teaching campaigns in Oklahoma, the American Indian Teaching Committee has appointed a three-member task force to stimulate and coordinate teaching among Native Americans in that state.
Task force members are Bill Wakcham, Dennis Wahkinney and Laurie Wasson. Mr. Wahkinney is a great-grandson of the Comanche Chief Quanah Parker (1845–1911).
The task force welcomes traveling teachers to Oklahoma; Native American Bahá’ís are especially needed. Its address is P.O. Box 128, Prague, OK 74864 (phone 405-567-3049).
Windust[edit]
Continued From Page 3
came the first publisher of the Writings of the Faith in the U.S. He printed booklets, early editions of Bahá’í prayers, and The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh.
MR. WINDUST was among a group of Chicago believers that included Thornton Chase, the first Bahá’í in America, who became excited by Mírzá Ahmad Sohrab’s proposal that a magazine called “The East and the West” be published with English and Persian sections to help with the teaching work.
That publication never materialized, but after the New York board, forerunner of that city’s Local Spiritual Assembly, stopped publication of its news bulletin, the stage was set for Mr. Windust to establish “Star of the West.”
After forming a legal partnership with Gertrude Buikema, who assisted him with editorial duties, Mr. Windust produced “Star of the West” for the first time in 1910.
Called “Bahá’í News Magazine” for the first year of its existence, “Star of the West” was published until the mid-1930s when it evolved into the first “World Order” magazine.
The present “Bahá’í News” was created in 1924 to assume the news reporting functions of “Star of the West.”
The new magazine played an important role in advancing the U.S. Temple project and frequently carried Tablets attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as well as accounts of His historic visit to the U.S. in 1912. The publication was circulated in the East as well as in the U.S. and Canada, helping to bring Bahá’ís from the East and West into closer contact.
MR. WINDUST’S association with Bahá’í publications did not end with his resignation in 1922 as editor of “Star of the West.” Three years later, with his health improved, he accepted appointment to the publication committee and later to the editorial committee of The Bahá’í World.
The accuracy of these publications is due in large measure to his belief that nothing short of perfection was tolerable for any Bahá’í publication.
Two of Mr. Windust’s longterm goals were realized before his death in 1956: a pilgrimage to Haifa to meet Shoghi Effendi, which took place in 1931, and his attendance at the ceremony in 1953 marking the dedication of the completed Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
Ads[edit]
Continued From Page 10
a part of the over-all theme, “Women Achieving the Balance the Bahá’í Way.” If you wish to perform, please contact Ms. Wanda Faily, ______, IL 60626, or phone 312-761-6434.
A BAHÁ’Í from the U.S., possibly attached to military services, is sought to reopen the goal of Chagos Archipelago, formerly named Diego Garcia and British Indian Ocean Territory. This territory was opened during the Ten Year Crusade but has not had a pioneer in many years. If you know of someone who might be able to become established in this important post, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
GEYSERVILLE, California, area needs Bahá’ís to maintain corporate status. Come to the beautiful Redwood Empire. Exceptional climate for working, retirement, and teaching opportunities. Pacific Ocean and Russian River. Please reply to P.O. Box 46, Geyserville, CA 95441, or phone 707-857-3434 for more information.
BI-LINGUAL Spanish-English speaking homefront pioneers are needed by a Bahá’í Group of four in Hawaiian Gardens, California. The city is one mile square, bordered by Lakewood, Long Beach, Cerritos and Cypress. Rentals or property to buy are scarce but can be found. The Group is aiming for Assembly status by Riḍván 1982, but to do so must reach the 80 percent Spanish-speaking population. Contact Lila Kirkpatrick, ______, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716, or telephone 213-429-8409.
WANTED: A “logo” for T-shirts and lapel buttons for the Bahá’í Women’s Conference to be held in the Chicago area over the Fourth of July weekend in 1982. Suggested concepts: “Men and Women—Wings of one Bird” and/or “Equality of Men and Women—A New Reality.” The logo should be such that it can be used by both men and women and should stress their essential unity and interdependence. Designs and correspondence should be addressed to the Chicago Women’s Conference Committee, c/o Mrs. Jane R. Howard, ______, Chicago, IL, 60615.
GUATEMALA has jobs on a banana plantation in Bandegua. There is an immediate need for one civil engineer, two agronomy engineers, two agronomy engineers with experience in pathology, two agronomy engineers with experience in nematology, one licensed enterprise administrator, one licensed human relations person experienced in labor, and one mechanic or chief of equipment maintenance with 5-10 years experience. For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
RETIRED COUPLE willing to open home for Bahá’í activities desperately needed in Grants Pass, Oregon, a city of 15,000 that has lost its Assembly and the Group knows of no Bahá’ís who are able to help. Many people come there to retire, as there is a good climate and lovely scenery. For more information please write to the Bahá’ís of Josephine County, P.O. Box 2022, Grants Pass, OR 97526, or phone Marilyn Schoen at 503-479-1006.
HIDDEN treasures are waiting for those with that “pioneer spirit” in the Sierra Valley, 5,000 feet up in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The “treasures” include clean mountain air, secluded lakes, meadows, rustic range lands and surrounding National Forests, friendly waiting souls, good schools and realistic prices for housing. The towns in the valley are small: Chilcoot has 200 people, Loyalton 1,000, and Portola, 20 miles away, only 13,000. There are only two adult Bahá’ís living in this big, beautiful ranching and logging area. Chilcoot is 29 miles northwest of Reno, Nevada, where there are many good job opportunities. For more information please contact Bob and Suson Bonés, Box 157, Chilcoot, CA 96105, or phone 916-993-4267.
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma, needs a pioneer family or single Bahá’í who might be able to stay and help the community with teaching among the Creek Indians. A position is presently available on the Reservation for a communications specialist (public relations and audio-visual). General requirements include a degree in journalism or radio/TV/film or progress toward a degree or equivalent work experience. Contact Gary Robinson (Bahá’í), Communication Department, Creek Nation, P.O. Box 580, Okmulgee, OK 74447, or telephone 918-756-8700, ext. 302 (work) or 918-756-4886 (home).
YOUR IDEAS for creative displays are needed to help organize a booklet to describe professional yet simple display techniques. The booklet is intended to be useful to Bahá’í communities in the presentation of attractive displays and visual aids that can be used for various community projects. Please send your ideas, methods and the situations in which they were, or could be, used to: Deborah Hastings, ______, Birmingham, AL 35226, or phone 205-823-1965 (home) or 205-328-8210 (business).
Glenford E. Mitchell (right), secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, is interviewed by newsman Bill Kurtis of Chicago’s CBS-affiliate, WBBM-TV, at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. The interview, broadcast September 22 as a special ‘Focus’ report on the WBBM evening news, centered around the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
Potluck dinner in Santa Rosa raises $340-plus for Louhelen[edit]
In response to the appeal for funds for the Louhelen reconstruction project, the Bahá’í community of Santa Rosa, California, held an international potluck dinner and auction August 22 to raise money for the school.
More than $340 was raised at the auction, and was collected in a reconverted box made to look like a “little red school house” by one of the Bahá’í youth.
After food and fellowship, the evening was ended with some special entertainment. Every member of the community was responsible for entertaining everyone else for at least one minute.