The American Bahá’í/Volume 13/Issue 6/Text
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[Page 1]
‘Self-sacrificing promoter Faith’
Amoz Gibson, member of House of Justice, dies[edit]
WITH SORROWFUL HEARTS LAMENT LOSS OUR DEARLY-LOVED BROTHER AMOZ GIBSON WHO PASSED AWAY AFTER PROLONGED HEROIC STRUGGLE FATAL ILLNESS. EXEMPLARY SELF-SACRIFICING PROMOTER FAITH ACHIEVED BRILLIANT UNBLEMISHED RECORD CONSTANT SERVICE FOUNDED ON ROCKLIKE STAUNCHNESS AND DEEP INSATIABLE LOVE FOR TEACHING WORK PARTICULARLY AMONG INDIAN AND BLACK MINORITY WESTERN HEMISPHERE AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AFRICA. HIS NOTABLE WORK ADMINISTRATIVE FIELDS NORTH AMERICA CROWNED FINAL NINETEEN YEARS INCALCULABLE CONTRIBUTION DEVELOPMENT WORLD CENTRE WORLD-EMBRACING FAITH.
PRAYING SHRINES BOUNTIFUL REWARD HIS NOBLE SOUL THROUGHOUT PROGRESS ABHÁ KINGDOM. EXPRESS LOVING SYMPATHY VALIANT BELOVED WIDOW PARTNER HIS SERVICES AND BEREAVED CHILDREN ADVISE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS EVERYWHERE BAHÁ’Í WORLD AND COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES ALL MASHRIQU’L-ADHKÁRS.
MAY 15, 1982
OUR HEARTS JOIN YOURS IN SORROW OVER LOSS YOUR COLLEAGUE, AMOZ GIBSON, DEARLY PRIZED SON AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY WHOSE ELEVATION TO MEMBERSHIP FIRST UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE SHED UNERRADICABLE SPLENDOR ON HIS NATIVE HOMELAND. HE IS FOREVER PRAYERFULLY ENSHRINED IN OUR GRATEFUL LOVING MEMORY.
BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
MAY 16, 1982
(Please see Page 2 for biographical information on Mr. Gibson.)
AMOZ GIBSON
Iran witnesses ‘fresh outburst’ of persecutions[edit]
AFTER BRIEF LULL AND RELEASE FEW BAHÁ’Í PRISONERS, FRESH OUTBURST PERSECUTIONS AGAINST MEMBERS DEFENCELESS COMMUNITY IN CRADLE FAITH CLEARLY EVIDENT.
HEARTS GRIEVED ANNOUNCE THAT SINCE EARLY APRIL SIX STAUNCH BELIEVERS HAVE OFFERED THEIR LIVES ALTAR SACRIFICE. ALL MERCILESSLY EXECUTED SOLELY DUE THEIR ADHERENCE BELOVED FAITH, BUT OUTWARDLY ON BASIS TRUMPED-UP ACCUSATIONS.
THEIR NAMES ARE:
1. MR. ASGAR MUHAMMADI OF RAHIMKHAN VILLAGE IN BUKAN, KURDISTAN, WHO WAS ASSASSINATED AT HIS HOME IN EARLY APRIL BY REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS AFTER INTRODUCING HIMSELF AS BAHÁ’Í WHILE THEY WERE SEARCHING HOUSES THAT AREA FOR WEAPONS.
2. MR. IHSANU’LLAH KHAYYAMI OF URUMIYYIH, WHO WAS EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD ON 12 APRIL AFTER INTENSE BUT UNSUCCESSFUL PRESSURE TO RECANT HIS FAITH.
3. MR. AZIZU’LLAH GULSHANI OF KASHMAR, KHURASAN, WHO WAS HANGED ON 29 APRIL. COURT VERDICT CLEARLY BASED HIS AFFILIATION FAITH AND BAHÁ’Í ACTIVITIES. NEWSPAPER “KAYHAN” REPORTS VERDICT COURT REFERS TO HIM AS A HERETIC, WHICH IS PUNISHABLE BY DEATH. THIS IMPORTANT DOCUMENT PROVES BAHÁ’ÍS ARE BEING KILLED BECAUSE OF THEIR RELIGION.
4. MR. BADI’U’LLAH HAQPAYKAR OF KARAJ NEAR TEHRAN, AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY, WHO WAS EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD ON 8 MAY.
5. AND 6. MR. MAHMUD FARUHAR AND HIS WIFE ISHRAQIYYIH, HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND EDUCATED ACTIVE BELIEVERS, AND MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY, WHO WERE ALSO EXECUTED IN KARAJ ON 8 MAY.
FURTHER, MANY PROMINENT BAHÁ’ÍS, INCLUDING 23 MEMBERS OF LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES IN VARIOUS PARTS COUNTRY ARRESTED IN RECENT WEEKS.
ENTREAT FRIENDS EVERYWHERE CONTINUE PRAYERS EFFORTS BEHALF OUR OPPRESSED BRETHREN IRAN, INFORM MEDIA, APPEAL AUTHORITIES, USE ALL MEANS OPEN TO THEM STAY HAND RELENTLESS PERSECUTORS INNOCENT PEACE-LOVING BAHÁ’ÍS IRAN.
MAY 10, 1982
Mr. Sears recounts story behind new book on martyrs[edit]
A Cry from the Heart, a dramatic and provocative new book by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, is now available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in both cloth and paperbound editions.
The book offers a moving account of the current wave of persecutions against the heroic and steadfast Bahá’í community of Iran gleaned from Mr. Sears’ personal experiences in that country and from materials made available to him at the World Centre.
In this article, Mr. Sears explains his reasons for writing A Cry from the Heart, shares with us some personal experiences associated with the book’s creation, and outlines the hoped-for response that his effort will stimulate.
•
While in Africa, I, like yourself and all the other dearly-loved Bahá’ís, was becoming more and more frustrated about our inability to do anything to counteract
Frank exchanges mark Convention[edit]
The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, speaking at the 73rd Bahá’í National Convention, leaves no doubt (left) as to who must bear the burden of sacrifice on behalf of the beleaguered Bahá’í community in Iran, or (above) from where Divine assistance will flow to those who arise to serve the Cause of God.
Frank and loving consultation on a wide range of vital issues was the hallmark of the 73rd Bahá’í National Convention, held April 29-May 2 at the Mother Temple of the West in Wilmette, Illinois.
The gathering was blessed by the presence Saturday afternoon of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears who issued a moving “cry from the heart” on behalf of our beleaguered but steadfast Bahá’í brethren in Iran (see related article on this page).
FOLLOWING Mr. Sears’ address, Douglas Martin, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, offered further details about the International Conference to be held September 2-5 in Montreal.
Also attending the Convention were four Auxiliary Board members: D. Thelma Jackson, representing the Continental Board of
[Page 2]
VIEWPOINT
Dramatic world events place Faith in forefront of news media interest[edit]
In the last few years, publicity about the Faith has been dominated by the story of the brutal persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.
The news reports of recent national and international events have, however, redirected the gaze of the public to focus on Bahá’ís in Morgantown, West Virginia, and the remote Falkland Islands.
THE MEDIA reports of the late-March threats against Bahá’ís in Morgantown were carried on statewide radio and television, in area newspapers, and on KDKA television in Pittsburgh.
In addition, the Associated Press carried a report that resulted in newspaper articles in Jackson, Mississippi; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Lexington, Kentucky, and several other cities.
An editorial also appeared in the Atlanta Journal the following week, voicing strong support for the Bahá’ís in Iran and demanding a full investigation of the threats by Islamic Iranians against the March 27 Bahá’í prayer meeting.
On the heels of the events in Morgantown came news that of the 41 Americans in the Falkland Islands, 21 were Bahá’ís.
Thus, in the midst of news reports
Amoz Gibson: Teacher, pioneer, tireless worker for Cause of God[edit]
Amoz Gibson was born August 3, 1918, in Washington, D.C., the son of William and Deborah Jane Gibson who were devoted Bahá’ís.
He obtained his B.S. degree in education, majoring in social studies, from Miner Teachers’ College in Washington.
IN 1950-51 he served as a pioneer to Mexico and received his M.A. degree in geography from Mexico City College.
Later, he worked toward a doctoral degree at New York University. He held various teaching posts in Washington, and from 1955-60 taught on the Navajo Indian Reservation at Pinon, Arizona, and at Fort Wingate, New Mexico, where he served in the departments of English and social studies.
From 1960-63 Mr. Gibson was principal of Bread Springs Day School in New Mexico.
He served actively for many years in the Bahá’í community of Washington, D.C., as a member of the Spiritual Assembly and various committees.
In 1955 he was elected a delegate to the U.S. Bahá’í National Convention and subsequently pioneered to the Navajo Indian Reservation.
He was a member of the National Teaching Committee for Africa, and in 1958 represented the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. at the dedication of the House of Worship in Kampala, Uganda.
IN 1959 he was appointed a member of the Auxiliary Board for protection and was elected to membership on the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly from 1960 until his election in 1963 to the Universal House of Justice.
Mr. Gibson served as a member of the Supreme Body on successive five-year terms until his death on May 14, 1982.
He was buried in the Bahá’í cemetery in Haifa, Israel, in the presence of the Hands of the Cause of God residing in the Holy Land, the members of the Universal House of Justice, members of the World Centre staff, and pilgrims.
Mr. Gibson is survived by his widow, Mary Lane Gibson, whom he married in 1941, and by their three sons and one daughter.
503 Assemblies reply to questionnaires from National Center[edit]
As of May 10, 1982, questionnaires had been returned to the National Center by 503 Local Spiritual Assemblies.
Although these year-end questionnaires have been in the hands of Assemblies for barely a month, the response thus far compares favorably with the response to last fall’s simpler postcard questionnaire.
This has exceeded all expectations, especially at a time of so many other year-end activities in the communities.
Information gathered will be used in the preparation of a midyear evaluation questionnaire to be distributed this fall.
The members of the National Spiritual Assembly field questions from delegates during the 73rd Bahá’í National Convention, held April 29-May 2 at the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Judge James K. Nelson, chairman of the National Assembly, is standing at the left.
Comment
Divine law is free from error and for benefit of all mankind[edit]
By JOHN KOLSTOE
| This month’s article is the first of two entitled “Divine Law and Man-Made Law” by John Kolstoe, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska. The articles first appeared in December 1981 and January 1982 in the Alaska Bahá’í News. |
“There is no paradise, in the estimation of the believers in the Divine Unity, more exalted than to obey God’s commandments, and there is no fire in the eyes of those who have known God and His signs, fiercer than to transgress His laws and oppress another soul, even to the extent of a mustard seed.” (Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 79)
In seeking the “paradise” of Divine law it is appropriate to look at some of the differences between human or man-made laws and the Divine. It is also appropriate to examine how Divine laws are applied in this day.
Human laws, at best, are designed to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people. By their nature they are imperfect.
SOMETIMES these laws are used to protect the interests of a privileged few. At their worst, human laws have been used by one group of people to oppress, enslave or even attempt to annihilate another group.
To most Americans, law has its basis in English or common law. Laws may be judicial (from court cases) or legislative (created by a governing body such as Congress). From either source they influence everyone’s life, often for better but sometimes for worse.
In the application of these laws, precedent (previous decisions) is important, ignorance of the law is no excuse, and extenuating circumstances are not usually important.
What is important is how the “facts” fit the definition and the letter of the law. The law defines the limits of acceptable behavior—the extreme.
Divine law is different. This law is free from error, and is for the well-being of every soul, without exception.
Further, the application of Divine law is neither rigid nor irrational. Rather than precedent being crucial, each case is looked at individually.
IGNORANCE, either of the law or its consequences, is indeed relevant. Extenuating circumstances count a great deal. Both facts and intent matter. The spirit of the law is the key.
Bahá’í laws describe the way we should live—the central balance. The Blessed Beauty describes this feature of Divine law by saying, “Indeed the laws of God are like unto the ocean and the children of men as fish ...” (Bahá’u’lláh, Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 4)
The fulfillment of life is to immerse ourselves in the ocean of His laws. That is our natural habitat. Obedience is happily swimming in the ocean of God’s laws. Disobedience is like being a fish out of water. This ocean is the source of all peace and tranquillity both for the individual and society.
OBEDIENCE
There are three main reasons to obey the laws of God for this day: love for God and Bahá’u’lláh, love for our fellow-man, and love for ourselves.
Love for Bahá’u’lláh. The Beloved has asked His lovers—the Bahá’ís of the world—to live according to His teachings.
The desire of a lover is to please his Beloved. Out of love for Bahá’u’lláh the main desire of any Bahá’í should be to do that which will win His good pleasure: that is, a yearning, an eagerness to live according to His command.
The degree to which we seek to please Him and obey His teachings is a measure of our love for Him. A corollary of this is the fear of God, fear of His wrath and of the retribution of God for wrongdoing.
Love for mankind. The laws of Bahá’u’lláh are for every human being on this planet. The peace and tranquillity of this war-torn, strife-ridden world is completely dependent upon the application of Bahá’u’lláh’s healing medicine.
That medicine is the laws given for this day. The greater our individual obedience to the laws of Bahá’u’lláh, the faster peace will come to the world. As we are disobedient, the world’s suffering increases.
Love for oneself. In its truest sense (not egotism) we must have the highest regard for and
[Page 3]
LETTERS
Journals must use care in relating Bahá’í history[edit]
| 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. |
To the Editor:
One point in your article on Juliet Thompson (“The Champion-Builders,” April 1982) needs to be clarified, as it is a part of Bahá’í history.
While in New York City in 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá proclaimed His Station as “The Center of the Covenant,” and He subsequently designated New York City the “City of the Covenant.”
This historic event took place in the home of Mr. Champney, 309 W. 78th St., which was rented by the Master. It happened on June 19, 1912, during His fourth sitting for Juliet Thompson’s pastel portrait of the Master (there were six sittings in the same place).
These events were described in detail in Juliet Thompson’s diary, excerpts from which were published in World Order magazine (Fall 1971, pp. 59-63).
The location has been corroborated to me by individuals close to Miss Thompson and Mr. Champney.
Miss Thompson’s studio was located on W. 10th St., in the vicinity of the present Bahá’í Center. She may also have worked on the portrait there.
However, many Bahá’ís are confusing these events and believe that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed His Station on W. 10th St., and this is becoming a legend in New York City.
Bahá’í publications should be especially careful when relating facts of Bahá’í history, so as not to give credence to legends that could be conducive to superstition in the future.
Public Information Officer
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New York City
To the Editor:
I couldn’t help noticing recent comments about what to call people who do not or have not accepted the Station of Bahá’u’lláh. I appreciated one person’s idea of referring to them as guests.
This is something that my wife, who is a Christian, and I have discussed many times. Apparently it makes her feel quite uncomfortable when she is placed in a category such as that.
Perhaps it would be better simply to refer to our guests as who they really are—Christians, spouses, or friends—especially in light of what Bahá’u’lláh says on page 82 of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.
He says, “Hearken unto that which the Merciful hath revealed in the Qur’án: ‘Say not to everyone who meeteth you with a greeting, “Thou art not a believer.” ’ ”
Bananera, Guatemala
To the Editor:
In response to the letter from Janice Renwick (February) in which she asked what sort of specific support mothers want:
Until I became a mother myself, I couldn’t imagine how one would answer that question. I knew it would be challenging, but actually doing it (as with anything) was quite a different story.
I USED TO think that if you’re really “spiritual” your kids will be little angels who never whimper or complain.
But let’s face it, even ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says children will naturally go to their animal side if not trained correctly.
The point is that after spending entire days being a “mother,” the source of comfort, pleasure, entertainment, etc., one can become a little tired.
Also, Mom frequently has to get up once, twice, three times each night even when the child is “sleeping all night.” And then the children are up literally at the crack of dawn, full of vim and vigor and ready to start all over.
Not only does this wear on Mom, but on Dad too. He rarely has any quiet time at home since he has to help with the children and keep Mom from falling apart.
So what can non-parents do to help? For starters, offer to babysit. Let Mom and Dad out in the evenings—or let Mom out by herself in the daytime to shop in peace.
If Mom is breast feeding a small one and can’t leave yet, offer to watch the baby while she takes a much-needed nap.
Encourage her. Tell her the kids are really swell (even if they aren’t).
Tell her all the lovely things that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says. (It’s really nice to hear them spoken.)
And let her know you really believe the job she’s doing is the most important job in the world.
Lisbon Falls, Maine
To the Editor:
From time to time one may hear a Bahá’í say something like, “Of course I believe in Bahá’u’lláh, but this or that Bahá’í law is ridiculous, or wrong, and I certainly have no intention of obeying that dumb thing!”
Well, if I walk up to a 10th floor window and say, “Whoever thought up that stupid law of gravity must not have been tied together too well,” and proceed to jump out of the window—I haven’t really changed the law, but I sure have broken it.
Although it’s obvious what my consequences would be, I wonder if others ever stop to think what their consequences might be. Do I really need to enumerate them?
Overland Park, Kansas
To the Editor:
This society is characterized by the nuclear “upwardly mobile” family. This, sadly, is reflected in our Bahá’í community as well.
A case in point is the letter (February) asking what, specifically, can be done to aid any new mother (or father) in a community.
THE WRITER said that, although letters have been written expressing the wish for such aid, no specifics were given.
The letter could only have reflected the influence of the “nuclear family.” This should not be seen as a judgment of her motives, however. Her question is reasonable, and should be answered.
In the recent past, this society was not so nuclear, and the immigrants from many lands brought with them the “extended family” concept, which meant that grandma, grandpa and several other relatives were at least within calling distance.
These relatives would take care of children, help with housework, and generally provide warmth and security for the new parents.
This, it was felt, was “only natural.” These were, after all, family members.
The industrial revolution has changed all that. Families now are blown apart by job relocations and other economic forces.
The present world order has attempted to replace the extended family with day care centers, family crisis units, etc. As followers of Bahá’u’lláh, we should be aware of the futility of such efforts.
IN THE first place, it isn’t easy to establish the kinds of bonds necessary to share the frustrations of the parenting experience, even though the others in the group are new parents.
In the Bahá’í community, however, the bond is much more potentially there. We see each other at Feasts, firesides, and other functions.
Although courtesy prevents us from imposing ourselves and/or entering another’s home without permission, with tact and wisdom, we have the ability to replace the extended family.
In point of fact, we can have the best of both worlds—mobility with extension of our family ties.
Parenting offers one clear example of this. It is the one positive “family experience” where the help, love and security of community-family is most desperately needed.
The first two weeks of a child’s life are, for the parents, intense. Care of the infant takes almost all the mother’s time and attention.
Housework, however diligently performed in the past, now takes a back seat. Some mothers experience actual loneliness and isolation.
WE BAHÁ’ÍS have, at this critical juncture in the lives of our fellow believers, a unique opportunity to show our love, care and affection; our comprehension of the “spirit of servitude.”
I could put before you a “laundry list” (and laundry would be a part of the list) of things the community could help with, but that would only swell this letter to outlandish proportions.
The simplest, most universally applicable advice this new father can give is this: Reach out!
Call the new parents and offer whatever services you can, from babysitting to help with the housework. Teen-agers and youth can be especially helpful in this regard.
Make it a community project. If payment is offered by the parents, graciously accept it for the Fund. Imagine the possibilities! Reap the bounties!
Evanston, Illinois
To the Editor:
Our community wanted to share with all the friends the idea
An intercommunity media project in Long Island, New York, has met with considerable success in the last year including three news articles in Newsday, the nation’s leading evening newspaper, and an hour-long interview on radio station WGLI, all of which helped bring the plight of the Bahá’ís in Iran to the attention of more than half a million people. Shown here during the WGLI interview are Mrs. Isabella Eghrari, who is coordinator of the Long Island media project, and Robert Scheidet, a Bahá’í from Rocky Point, Long Island.
- How did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
- Himself train “the
- spiritual descendants
- of the dawn-breakers”?
- What was the purpose
- of the Master’s trip
- to America?
- How did He, by educating
- our spiritual forbears,
- prepare us to carry on
- the work He “so gloriously
- initiated”?
- Find out in
The Promulgation of Universal Peace
a compilation of many of the talks ‘Abdu’l-Bahá delivered during His historic trip to the United States and Canada in 1912.
- Available in cloth only.
- Catalog No. 106-039
$16.00*
Order through your local librarian, or send $16.00 (plus 10% for postage and handling) to
Champion Builders[edit]
MARY LESCH
The first publication of The Promulgation of Universal Peace, a collection of talks by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that were given in the U.S. in 1912, was made possible by Mary Lesch, manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Society from 1910-1922.
Her capable management helped accumulate the funds needed to produce this important book, a revised edition of which was recently completed by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
BORN in Chicago in 1863, Miss Lesch was 35 years old when she became a Bahá’í in 1898. Her brother, George, served as secretary of Chicago’s House of Spirituality, the forerunner of the Local Spiritual Assembly.
During her 12 years at the Bahá’í Publishing Society, an early forerunner of the Publishing Trust, Miss Lesch took care of orders, stocking, and distribution of all materials offered by the Society. Her vital services were offered as an unpaid volunteer and were carried out in addition to the time she spent earning a livelihood.
Although the number of books and other Bahá’í materials available in the U.S. was quite small by present day standards, Miss Lesch, who worked alone, had a challenging responsibility.
In 1926, the magazine “Star of the West” advertised some 26 publications. Not long afterward, the Society’s offerings were increased by the addition of The Bahá’í Proofs and a new American edition of Some Answered Questions.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá entrusted the editing of His addresses in the U.S. to Howard MacNutt of Brooklyn, New York. During the printing and binding of the book, which was handled by Albert Windust, word was received from the Master that the compilation should be titled The Promulgation of Universal Peace.
Listing of references to the Greatest Holy Leaf[edit]
Commemorative services will be held throughout the country in July to honor the memory of Bahíyyih Khánum, eldest daughter of Bahá’u’lláh and designated by Him the Greatest Holy Leaf.
To help provide arrangement of these services, the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Centre has compiled a bibliography of references to the Greatest Holy Leaf in Bahá’í literature in English. The bibliography follows:
Some References to the Greatest Holy Leaf Found in Published Works:
Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
Tablets Revealed in Honor of the Greatest Holy Leaf (New York: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, 1933).
Shoghi Effendi:
The Advent of Divine Justice (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974), p. 37.
Bahá’í Administration (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1980), pp. 25, 57, 70, 93, 187-196.
The Dawn-Breakers (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974), dedication.
God Passes By (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974), pp. 108, 347-350, 392.
Guidance for Today and Tomorrow (London: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1973), pp. 58-71.
Messages to America: Selected Letters and Cablegrams Addressed to the Bahá’ís of North America, 1932-1946 (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 1947), pp. 1, 31, 37.
Messages to the Bahá’í World (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1971), p. 74.
The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1980), pp. 67-68, 81-82, 93-94, 98.
Others:
Balyúzí, H.M. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Centre of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh (London: George Ronald, 1971), pp. 12, 54-55, 74, 332, 401, 416, 454-455, 463-464, 482.
Balyúzí, H.M. Edward Granville Browne and the Bahá’í Faith (London: George Ronald, 1970), pp. 119-120.
Blomfield, Lady Sarah The Chosen Highway (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1967), pp. 37-69, 73.
Gail, Marzieh Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf, as Remembered by Marzieh Gail (Oxford: George Ronald, 1982).
Maxwell, May An Early Pilgrimage (London: George Ronald, 1969), pp. 18-19.
Muhájir, Ìrán Furútan, comp. The Mystery of God (London: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1979), pp. 278-304.
Rabbani, Rúḥíyyih. The Priceless Pearl (London: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1969), pp. 6-7, 10-11, 13-15, 21-22, 39, 44, 46-51, 57-58, 63, 90, 102-103, 112, 115, 129-130, 139-140, 144-148, 151-152, 168, 199, 218, 236, 259, 261-262, 266-267, 273, 279-280, 430, 438.
The Universal House of Justice. Bahá’í Holy Places at the World Centre (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1968), pp. 62-70.
The Bahá’í World, an International Record:
- Vol. II, 1926-1928, pp. 83, 132.
- Vol. III, 1928-1930, p. 64.
- Vol. V, 1932-1934, pp. 22-23, 114-115, 169-188.
- Vol. VIII, 1938-1940, pp. 5, 8, 206, 255-256, 262, 266.
- Vol. IX, 1940-1944, p. 329.
- Vol. X, 1944-1946, p. 536.
- Vol. XI, 1946-1950, pp. 474, 492.
- Vol. XVI, 1973-1976, pp. 54, 66, 73.
Bahá’í News, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States:
- No. 18, June 1927, p. 5.
- No. 36, December 1929, p. 1.
- No. 52, May 1931, pp. 1-2.
- No. 62, May 1932, p. 2.
- No. 65, August 1932, pp. 1-2.
- No. 66, September 1932, p. 1.
- No. 72, March 1933, p. 3.
- No. 121, December 1938, p. 3.
- No. 124, April 1939, p. 1.
- No. 128, August 1939, p. 4.
- No. 133, February 1940, p. 1.
- No. 135, April 1940, insert.
Star of the West (Chicago: Bahá’í News Service):
- Vol. 10, No. 17, pp. 312-314.
- Vol. 12, No. 10, pp. 163-167; No. 11, pp. 186-188; No. 13, pp. 211-214; No. 15, p. 245; No. 19, pp. 302-303.
- Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 68-69, 82-83, 88; No. 8, pp. 207-210, 219-220; No. 11, p. 314.
- Vol. 17, No. 8, pp. 256-260.
- Vol. 18, No. 9, pp. 278-282.
- Vol. 20, No. 1, p. 18; No. 4, p. 104.
- Vol. 23, No. 5, p. 134; No. 7, pp. 202-204; No. 12, pp. 374-377.
- Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 18-20; No. 3, pp. 90-93.
- Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 118-122.
(Many of these references are accounts of early pilgrimages, and give only a brief mention of the Greatest Holy Leaf.)
Comment[edit]
Continued From Page 2
love for ourselves as creatures of God.
That which is in the best interest of each one of us, that which will give us “fulfillment” as human beings, that which will lead us away from the pitfalls of life and give to each soul the greatest possible human happiness, is obedience to the laws of God.
Following His laws is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves. Disobedience is guaranteed to cause problems.
APPLICATION OF BAHÁ’Í LAW
All Divine laws are spiritual. All are to be obeyed. Breaking, “bending,” or being careless with a Bahá’í law has spiritual results that are as certain as the physical results of trying to defy the law of gravity.
Violating a Bahá’í law also wounds the soul. Each law deals with a different part of the life of the soul. Some laws are strictly personal and some are social and concern the community. Those laws have administrative aspects.
Those that are strictly personal are laws such as the use of the obligatory prayers, fasting, overlooking the faults of others, patience, courtesy and hospitality. The individual believer is fully responsible and entrusted with carrying out these commands himself.
Examples of laws that may result in the loss of the rights of Bahá’í membership when the law is violated are those concerning gambling, immorality, non-medical use of mind-altering substances such as alcohol or drugs, and non-compliance with Bahá’í marriage laws.
There are many other laws, just as binding, even though at this time in the West they rarely result in the loss of membership when violated. Very likely they will in the future.
EXAMPLES of these are the laws concerning divorce, obedience to civil government, not working on Bahá’í Holy Days, and backbiting.
Still others, such as the laws about stealing, murder or arson, carry punishments clearly designated for the time when society will be based on Bahá’í law.
Regardless of the sanctions, all laws are to be obeyed as much as possible and to the extent that they are understood, even though it is not always easy to obey Bahá’í laws.
If it were easy, there would be less to strive for and a Manifestation of God would not have had to state things as commands. Bahá’u’lláh gives us a marvelous description of the proper attitude toward a difficult law:
“Were His law to be such as to strike terror into the hearts of all that are in heaven and on earth, that law is naught but manifest justice. The fears and agitation which the revelation of this law provokes in men’s hearts should indeed be likened to the cries of the suckling babe weaned from his mother’s milk, if ye be of them that perceive.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 175)
The unified efforts of five Iowa Bahá’í communities contributed to the success of this year’s World Peace Day display at Lindale Plaza in Cedar Rapids. The display, set up for two days, included an audio-visual presentation, posters and free pamphlets. Helping to mount the display were Bahá’ís in Marion, Linn County, Iowa City, Johnson County and Cedar Rapids.
[Page 5]
THE FUNDS
Annual report of the Office of the Treasurer[edit]
Editor’s note: The following information is from the Treasurer’s annual report to the National Convention. All 1982 figures are estimated.
•
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The National Fund has passed through another year of severe challenges. Although the Fund balance is still unfavorable due to the unrecovered 1981 deficit and loans to the Publishing Trust, the negative trend has now been reversed and we have begun to repay the money it was necessary to borrow earlier in the year.
MANY steps were taken during the year to strengthen the foundation of the Fund. This was the first time that operational costs were met strictly through contributions, reserving estate income for capital projects.
Sizable budget cuts were adopted in the middle of the year, enabling us to balance expenses with projected revenue.
Perhaps the best remedy for the Fund came from the support of the believers.
Contributions totaled $5.6 million, a 22 per cent increase over the previous year. Regular participation by individuals increased 53 per cent, with an average of 4,348 believers contributing each Bahá’í month.
Added to these healthy accomplishments was the special effort to finance the reconstruction of the Louhelen Bahá’í School which brought forth an additional $1.97 million in contributions and loans.
Introducing the second phase of the Seven Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice foresaw that “the now observable emergence from obscurity of our beloved Faith will impose the necessity of new undertakings involving large calls on the Fund.”
How quickly that statement proved true! Certainly our needs will continue to grow in the future, perhaps even more dramatically than in the past few years, but we will proceed, confident in the ability and dedication of our community to meet each impending challenge.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Participation
The number of individual believers contributing directly to the National Fund each Bahá’í month increased by 53 per cent last year, due to the National Spiritual Assembly’s call for 20,000 regular supporters.
We began the year with fewer than 3,000 regular contributors and increased to about 5,800 by year’s end, bringing this year’s monthly average up to 4,348.
The past four years show a rapidly accelerating increase in the vital category of individual participation. The goal of 20,000 will be pursued with increased vigor in the coming year.
Average monthly participation in giving to the National Fund by Assemblies showed only a slight increase, from 685 last year to 698 this year.
Significant growth in the category of collective support in the future depends upon the steady development and growing maturity of Local Spiritual Assemblies.
Contributions
Contributions for the year reached $5.60 million, $400,000 short of the $6 million goal. However, this represents a 20 per cent increase over last year’s contributions of $4.65 million.
Gifts from individual believers were almost exclusively responsible for the increase in revenue. Individual donations grew from $2.6 million last year to $3.5 million—an increase of 35 per cent.
Contributions from Assemblies and Groups showed a slight growth from $2.0 million to $2.1 million—a 5 per cent increase.
Revenue and expenses
For the first time, operational costs for the year were funded without estate income. Estate revenues, which totaled about $1 million, were set aside for capital projects.
A total of $50,000 was received as other income, which, when added to contributions, brought total revenue up to $5.65 million.
Although the contributions goal of $6 million was not reached, mid-year expense cuts helped to balance the budget for the fiscal year.
Expenses, budgeted at $6 million at the beginning of the year, amounted to $5.65 million.
National Fund balance
A review of the pattern of revenue and expenses for the National Fund illustrates the financial problems experienced during the past two years.
Two factors have combined to create the current negative National Fund balance. The first is the effect of income vs. expenses.
The year ending April 1981 closed with a deficit of approximately $241,000 (about 5 per cent of the annual budget). This resulted from high expenses in the last two months due to activities surrounding the close of the first two-year phase of the Seven Year Plan. While we anticipate breaking even in the current year, we will not be able to recover last year’s deficit.
The second factor affecting the Fund balance was money loaned from the National Fund to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Most of this money was used to finance a build-up and diversification of inventory.
However, the market did not materialize as anticipated. This, combined with changes in the management of the Trust, resulted in a period of loss in 1979 and 1980.
These difficulties were brought under control during this fiscal year. Yet, there has been a considerable impact on the National Fund balance, as the National Spiritual Assembly has assumed the $731,000 debt to allow the Publishing Trust to get a fresh start. The intent of the Publishing Trust is to be self-sufficient.
The combination of these two factors is shown in the over-all National Fund balance for 1980-82. The present $972,000 deficit reflects the debt of the Trust as well as the 1980-81 National Fund deficit.
To meet operational expenses during this difficult period, it was necessary to borrow money from the bank. Borrowing money does not in itself create problems, nor does it violate any Bahá’í principle, especially when it is done to meet a temporary shortfall. However, the steady decline in the Trust’s finances drained cash from the National Fund and made it necessary to carry the bank debt into succeeding years.
The increase in contributions at the end of this fiscal year has done much to stabilize the condition of the National Fund and put it back on a healthy course.
|
The Fund Is the Bahá’í National Center |
Repayment of the bank loan is already under way. If expenditures are carefully controlled and contributions continue to follow the same pattern of growth demonstrated in the last two years, the operating Fund balance deficit could be completely eliminated within two years.
National Bahá’í Fund
1983 Budget Summary
($000’s)
| Budget | Est. Actual | Budget | |
| Expenses and other payments | 1982 | 1982 | 1983 |
| International | $1,090 | $1,090 | $1,100 |
| Committees | 1,195 | 1,200 | 1,065 |
| Administration and services | 1,973 | 2,150 | 1,815 |
| Properties | 529 | 660 | 450 |
| Depreciation | 266 | 266 | 500 |
| Interest | 370 | 284 | 320 |
| Bank loan repayments | 480 | ||
| Contingency | 577 | 750 | |
| Total expenses and payments | $6,000 | $5,650 | $6,480 |
| Revenue to support budget | |||
| Contributions | $6,000 | $5,600 | $6,480 |
| Other income | — | 50 | — |
| Total revenue | $6,000 | $5,650 | $6,480 |
[Page 6]
YOUTH NEWS
Regional conferences draw more than 750 youth[edit]
More than 750 Bahá’ís from many parts of the country attended the four Regional Youth Conferences that were held during the weekend of April 9-11.
In Massachusetts, 400 youth gathered at the Holyoke conference that was called by Auxiliary Board members Robert Harris and Nat Rutstein.
BOTH Mr. Harris and Mr. Rutstein spoke to the youth, encouraging them to take advantage of the precious opportunities to teach the Faith and develop their inner lives in preparation for future service to the Cause of God.
Dawn Haghighi, a member of the National Youth Committee, also attended the conference and spoke about the goals of the National Youth Plan.
In Oklahoma, more than 150 Bahá’ís gathered for the conference at the Lake Murray resort.
The program featured Dr. Dwight W. Allen, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy; Dr. Norman Park, who spoke about career planning; and two members of the National Youth Committee, Cap Cornwell and Albert Huerta.
A highlight of the conference was an address by Marcella Nicol, a Bahá’í youth from Sarasota, Florida, on the role of youth in teaching their peers.
More than 150 youth attended the conference in Green Lake, Wisconsin, where they welcomed the participation of Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland; and National Youth Committee members Walter Heinecke and Nanette Missaghi.
SPECIAL emphasis was placed on dating, marriage, and family life in a talk by Mrs. Jene Bellows of Skokie, Illinois.
The importance of career planning was emphasized by Dr. Floyd Tucker, director of personnel affairs at the Bahá’í National Center.
David Khorram, a student at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, challenged the youth to teach the Faith with audacity and courage.
Approximately 50 Bahá’ís gathered at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina, to consult on the goals of the National Youth Plan for that state.
A focus of the conference, which was attended by National Youth Committee member Tracey Hollingsworth, was the formation of a statewide task force to form District Youth Committees in South Carolina.
The outcome of these conferences, as well as the four that were held earlier in the year, has been GROWTH!
THE NATIONAL Youth Committee reports growth not only in the number of Bahá’í clubs and committees that make up the Youth Network, but growth in the number of young people who have embraced the Faith.
“These conferences have served to inspire the youth to bring the Faith to their own generation,” says Mr. Huerta, “and we expect that this momentum that is surging in the youth of America will continue to grow until we have surpassed the goals of the National Youth Plan.”
At each of the conferences, which were sponsored by the National Youth Committee, youth were given an opportunity to make a personal commitment to the goals of the National Youth Plan.
“These goals,” says Mr. Huerta, “include numerical as well as qualitative objectives that every youth can undertake in service to the Cause.”
Pledges of service were recorded by the National Youth Committee and reported to the National Spiritual Assembly, and every youth who made a personal pledge received a letter in return with an offer of prayers for the successful achievement of the promise of service.
The overwhelming majority of the pledges made by the youth were to set a goal to pray daily, contribute regularly to the Fund, work to teach other youth about the Faith, and to excel in classwork.
The series of Regional Youth Conferences for the second year of the three-year phase was kicked off with a gathering in Louisiana at the end of May (details in next month’s issue).
The National Youth Committee plans to hold nine of these important conferences between Riḍván 1982 and Riḍván 1983.
Registration information is provided in The American Bahá’í and in the “Youth Hotline” newsletter that is mailed to all registered Bahá’í youth.
YOUth will not want to miss the conferences coming to their area this year!
Youth attending the Regional Conference held April 9-11 at the Lake Murray resort near Ardmore, Oklahoma, gathered for this group photo.
Youth from the Central States are shown at the Regional Conference held April 9-11 in Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Guyana to sponsor teaching campaign[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana is sponsoring “Release the Sun,” an international teaching campaign inspired by the sacrifices of the Bahá’ís in Iran, from July 17 through August 28.
The campaign will include an opening conference, July 17-19; enrollment and consolidation of the masses, July 19-29; a seven-day Summer School, July 30-August 5; and an organized, thorough and ambitious campaign to swell the ranks of believers and spiritually permeate the land, August 6-28.
Needed are participants who enjoy teaching and deepening, and Bahá’ís with diverse talents.
For information, contact the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Guyana, 220 Charlotte St., Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana, South America.
Santa Barbara youth conference set for July 2-4[edit]
A capacity crowd is anticipated July 2-4 at the Regional Youth Conference to be held at Francisco Torres, a housing facility for the University of California at Santa Barbara.
The conference, originally scheduled to run through Monday, July 5, will end the previous day so that the costs of the conference can be reduced sufficiently to allow participation by a larger number of youth.
The conference program, based on the theme “The Bahá’í Faith ...It Makes a Difference,” will feature a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and all members of the National Youth Committee are expected to attend.
Small group discussions are being planned on topics such as teaching our own generation, skills for Bahá’í growth, and the unique aspects of the Faith that allow Bahá’í youth to be “different” and reflect the Teachings of the Cause.
A talent program has been planned for Saturday evening, and youth are encouraged to share their musical, dramatic or comic talents.
Plans also include viewing a videotape of the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum speaking at the Continental Youth Conference in Kansas City last summer, a recreational program, and other special guests.
To register for the conference, please fill out the coupon and return it to the National Youth Committee with a $5 deposit per person (make checks payable to Bahá’í Conference Fund).
Everyone is urged to register early as space is limited, and no one will want to miss this exciting event for youth!
Notice[edit]
If anyone knows the whereabouts of Mr. Mehrpour (Paul) Samimi and Mrs. Janet Samimi, please ask them to contact the National Spiritual Assembly, 312-869-9039.
[Page 7]
YOUTH NEWS
We’ve Got to Stop Meeting Like This![edit]
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this!”
Next time, let’s meet in person! This summer there will be plenty of opportunities for Bahá’í youth to meet one another and to share the inspiration and energy that is flowing through the youth of the country.
Here is a partial listing of some of this summer’s activities:
- Summer schools
- Special programs at Green Acre, Bosch, and the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute
- International teaching projects in Panama, Bolivia, Mexico, France, Guyana, Puerto Rico and the Windward Islands
- Many local Youth Conferences and youth seminars
- Special teaching and service projects sponsored by District Youth Committees across the country
- The Bahá’í International Conference in Montreal, Canada
- And of course, the Regional Youth Conference in California!
All of these activities are excellent opportunities for Bahá’í youth to teach the Faith to our friends ... we’re sure that each and every Bahá’í youth will want to make the summer of ’82 a period of growth—growth not only in our personal commitment to the Cause, but in the size and strength of the Faith!
Want more information about these activities? Please contact the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone the committee at 305-462-1919.
Bahá’í youth present a humorous skit about ‘generic firesides’ at the 73rd Bahá’í National Convention.
Youth make plans to attend big Montreal gathering[edit]
Are YOUth planning to attend the Bahá’í International Conference in Montreal?
Youth from all over the North American continent will be gathering in Montreal, Canada, September 2-5 to attend the International Conference called for by the Universal House of Justice.
THE SUPREME body will be represented by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, and many other distinguished Bahá’ís will be addressing the conference, which is expected to attract as many as 10,000 participants.
A Children’s Conference will be held in conjunction with the larger gathering, and youth volunteers are needed to help, mainly as supervisors, with sports events and to guide the children from one area to another.
The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada is offering a $50 bursary to help with travel expenses to any youth volunteer who is accepted. This scholarship is given for one day’s service at the International Children’s Conference.
Applications for youth volunteers and for scholarship funds must be processed through the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and must include a recommendation from one’s Local Spiritual Assembly or District Teaching Committee.
To receive a copy of the Youth Recruitment Form, please contact the National Youth Committee, ________ Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.
Spotlight is on youth at National Convention[edit]
Much of the consultation at the 73rd Bahá’í National Convention focused on the successes achieved in the past year by the Bahá’í youth in the United States.
The Convention was held April 29-May 2 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.
DURING a special presentation by the National Spiritual Assembly that reviewed the general health of the American Bahá’í community, members of that body spoke of the animating spirit that is motivating today’s Bahá’í youth and of the expectation of even greater victories in the second year of the three-year phase of the Seven Year Plan.
The Universal House of Justice, in its message to the Bahá’ís of the world at Riḍván, made special mention of youth and chose to present an inspirational quotation from Bahá’u’lláh to help youth in their efforts to serve the Cause:
“Blessed is he who in the prime of his youth and the heyday of his life will arise to serve the Cause of the Lord of the beginning and of the end, and adorn his heart with His love. The manifestation of such a grace is greater than the creation of the heavens and of the earth. Blessed are the steadfast and well is it with those who are firm.”
Youth from the Wilmette area presented a skit, “The Generic Fireside,” written by Rainn Wilson, a Bahá’í youth from Washington, and members of the National Youth Committee gave a brief overview of the year’s accomplishments prior to a special session of consultation on the needs of youth.
“It is difficult to convey adequately the spirit of support and affection for Bahá’í youth that was evident at the National Convention,” says Charles Cornwell, secretary of the National Youth Committee, who represented the committee at the annual gathering.
“The response of both the delegates and members of the National Spiritual Assembly was fantastic, and served as a measure of the trust and respect that the American youth have earned through their deeds of service to the Cause.”
100 Bahá’í college clubs receive copies of Mr. Sears’ new book[edit]
In recent weeks, many of us have heard of the new book, A Cry from the Heart, written by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.
This book was written as a personal response from Mr. Sears to the atrocities being inflicted upon the steadfast and courageous Bahá’í community in Iran and serves not only to inspire the friends in the West by the examples of ultimate sacrifice made by our Persian family members but also to inform the general public and to win their sympathy and concern.
The National Youth Committee, in an effort to make copies of this important work available to Bahá’í College Clubs for use as a proclamation and teaching tool, sent several copies of A Cry from the Heart to more than 100 college and university clubs early in May.
These Bahá’í clubs, which responded so successfully and swiftly to the recent campaign to distribute leaflets presenting the Bahá’í view on the crisis in Iran, are once again being called on to defend the Iranian Bahá’ís.
The National Youth Committee urges these College Clubs, and indeed all Bahá’í youth, to study this important new book and make every effort to bring it to the attention of their friends.
Copies may be ordered from your Bahá’í community librarian or through the Bahá’í Publishing Trust (phone 800-323-1880).
3 more Regional Youth Conferences set[edit]
The National Youth Committee is pleased to announce that Regional Youth Conferences will be held in the fall and winter months, as follows:
- September 17-19: Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine.
- November 26-28: Hickory Knob State Park, McCormick, South Carolina.
- December 26-29: Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
A Regional Youth Conference also is being planned for the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan. Dates will be announced as soon as plans are finalized. Look for more details in future issues of The American Bahá’í.
Mary Lesch[edit]
Continued From Page 4
MR. WINDUST wrote this tribute to Mary Lesch regarding the addition of this important volume to the materials offered by the Bahá’í Publishing Society: “ ...This was a fitting climax to a decade and more of service to the Faith, and a splendid memorial to her who rendered it.”
Following Miss Lesch’s passing on March 24, 1945, the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, sent the following cable:
“Deeply grieve passing of indefatigable, staunch pioneer of Faith in the Day of the Covenant. The record of her services imperishable, her reward great in the Abhá Kingdom.”
Bahá’í youth ‘ready, willing and able’ to help usher in Bahá’í Dispensation[edit]
The National Youth Committee recently received a letter from Vincente “Smokey” Ferguson, an 18-year-old Bahá’í youth and college freshman from Atlantic Beach, Florida. We think his words will inspire Bahá’ís of all ages.
•
“The Bahá’í youth of the world are a never-dying entity to heroic and determined young people. Youth is a continually renewable resource. There will always be more enthusiastic Bahá’í youth to pick up the work as the older youth grow into adulthood. The time has come to make use of this resource.
“For so long, the youth of this country were thought of as ‘cute little Bahá’ís’ who could help serve punch at the Nineteen Day Feast if they felt so inclined.
“OVER THE last few years I have witnessed a change in this attitude. The adults have suddenly realized that the youth are ready, willing and waiting to take part in the rolling up of the old world order and the ushering in of the Bahá’í Dispensation.
“I believe this new attitude taken by the adults caught many of the youth by surprise. We weren’t sure if the enthusiasm was real or not.
“Well, now we know it is real. And for those of us who didn’t realize it before, the Kansas City Youth Conference let us in on this not-so-well-kept secret.
“That conference brought the youth of this country together not only in spirit but in purpose. As a result of this new-found vitality, and the answered prayers of the National Youth Committee, the youth of this country are ‘alive,’ and are a functioning part of the Bahá’í community.
“The youth are doing more direct teaching than ever before. I see the youth around me becoming more and more deepened in the Teachings of the Faith.
“FOR examples of this new surge in deepening and teaching, we can look to California, Oregon, South Carolina, Oklahoma, or anywhere in the U.S. The youth are doing great things!
“I feel that Bahá’u’lláh chose Badí’ from among the many able-bodied adults to carry His message to the Sháh for a very special reason. I believe Badí’ was chosen because of the loftiness of his spirit, his steadfastness, and his detachment.
“Badí’ exemplified the qualities necessary for the youth of this new and glorious Dispensation. When Badí’ accepted the task before him, he set the standard for youth all over the world.
“Badí’ accepted the challenge. Now it’s up to us to meet the challenge.”
[Page 8]
IGC: PIONEERING
World NEWS[edit]
A 40-day teaching campaign planned and carried out by the Spiritual Assembly of Guayaquil, Ecuador, ended last October with the enrollment of 90 new Bahá’ís and good proclamation through the press and public meetings, especially at the universities ...
More than 120 Bahá’ís from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, England and Wales participated last October 30-November 1 in the first North Sea Border Conference held at Felixstowe, Suffolk, England.
Among the participants were Continental Counsellor Louis Hénuzet and representatives of the Spiritual Assemblies of Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom ...
Presentations at the second Bahá’í Humanitarian Service Awards dinner last October 23 in Taipei, Taiwan, were made by Taiwan’s former Interior Minister, Chyou Chwang-Hwan, who is now vice-premier of Taiwan.
More than 60 people including several government officials attended the dinner at which awards were given to a faculty member at National Taiwan University and to a well-known singer ...
In Bukavu, Zaire, Bahá’ís have begun a weekly half-hour radio program that consists of Bahá’í prayers and selections from The Hidden Words in French and Swahili ...
Michael Forchu, secretary of the National Youth Committee and an assistant to an Auxiliary Board member in Nigeria, represented the Faith last February 27 at a panel discussion on life after death before a mostly Muslim audience of more than 300 at Ife University ...
An important Seven Year Plan goal for Suriname and French Guiana was realized last November 14-15 when some 30 people attended the first Bahá’í Summer School to be held in French Guiana ...
Nearly 600 people attended a successful World Religion Day program January 17 at a conference hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka, that is used exclusively for state functions and international conferences.
Speakers at the Bahá’í-sponsored event represented the Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Zoroastrian faiths ...
More than 150 Bahá’ís and their guests from 24 communities in Alaska attended a special Winter Weekend held January 1-3 in Wasilla.
Speakers included John Kolstoe, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, and Auxiliary Board members Jim Schoppert and Hal Sexton ...
43 of 46 overseas goals completed at Riḍván[edit]
At Riḍván, the International Goals Committee happily reported to the National Spiritual Assembly that 43 of the 46 goals assigned to the United States last November by the Universal House of Justice were filled by Riḍván.
The three unfilled goals were for Denmark, where immigration laws prevented prospective pioneers from entering without work contracts. These remaining goals will be filled as soon as possible.
The committee also was able to assist other countries with their goals by sending 12 additional pioneers to various posts.
Some of the U.S. goals received more than the requisite number of pioneers: Japan (3 extra); Thailand (2 extra); the Leeward Islands (3 extra); Fiji (1 extra); Guam (4 extra); and Saipan (3 extra).
During the period from December 1-April 21, 175 pioneers from the U.S. reached their posts.
Added to the 149 who arrived before the new assignments in November, the total for the year was 324 pioneers, 81 more than last year.
There are now 1,392 U.S. pioneers in the international field, a net gain of 135 over last year.
Bahá’ís in Falkland Islands remain at posts: spirits high[edit]
At Convention time, the following cable from the Falkland Islands was received at the Bahá’í National Center:
“IGC ALL FRIENDS IN GOOD HEALTH. JOYFUL OVER TWO DECLARATIONS. PRAYERS WORLDWIDE FRIENDS GREATLY APPRECIATED. LEONARDS.”
John and Margaret Leonard sent that cable from Stanley on April 29, letting the International Goals Committee know that they were still at their posts, even during the escalation of the fighting in the Falklands.
JOHN Leonard went to the Falklands in 1954, as soon as he learned of the goal in the beloved Guardian’s announcement of the Ten Year Crusade.
Ten years later, in 1964, he married Margaret, who was pioneering in Paraguay and joined John in Stanley.
For many years, John was the only pioneer there. Gradually others came and went, like waves lapping on a beach.
Always, it was a mystery that the U.S. had a goal that was so far removed from its shores, a goal that, it seemed, could more easily accept British pioneers.
When the fighting between Great Britain and Argentina
Duffy and Jeanne Sheridan, pioneers from the U.S. to the Falkland Islands, are shown with their two children in a photo taken last September.
Committee is grateful for aid to pioneers[edit]
Contributions for the deputization of pioneers continue to arrive at the Bahá’í National Center, for which the International Goals Committee is most grateful.
The budget this year allowed only $9,000 for any travel or deputization of new pioneers, enough to help only one person settle in a pioneer post. That is why the extra amounts sent by the friends are so vitally important.
A letter from one of the friends sums up how many people feel about helping to deputize a pioneer in their stead:
“It felt so good to send (the money) that I can’t deprive myself and want to do it again! I’d like to send (amount) each Gregorian month.
“One question: Should I send it to IGC or with my regular contribution to the National Fund? (Answer: either is acceptable). Hoping that others have the same idea, too—that lots of drops will fill the bucket!
“It took that article in The American Bahá’í, though, to get me going. Please keep us informed. Maybe others, like me, just need to have it put before them. And if this is sacrifice, well, it sure feels good!”
The committee would like to take this opportunity to express its deep gratitude to the friends who are sending contributions earmarked for pioneering.
TEACHING PROJECTS FOR SUMMER 1982
| Country | Language | Date | Project |
| Bolivia | Spanish | July 1-31 | “Dr. Muhájir Youth Project” specifically aimed at expansion and consolidation. |
| France | French | July and August | This summer youth project is aimed at teaching the youth in France. |
| Guyana | English | July 18-August 28 | “Release the Sun” in commemoration of the heroic sacrifices of our brethren in Iran. |
| Panama | Spanish | July 9-31 | The “Vahid” project is aimed at consolidation and expansion through public meetings, children’s classes, deepening activities, and proclamation efforts in both indigenous and urban areas. Helpful but not required. |
| Puerto Rico | Spanish | July 24-August 1 | This youth teaching project is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the passing of Bahíyyih Khánum (the Greatest Holy Leaf). Helpful but not required. |
| Windward Islands/ Dominica | English | July 31-August 15 | Three weekend summer schools in Dominica will be followed by village teaching projects. |
| St. Vincent | English | August 15-28 | In St. Vincent there will be another weekend summer school with a teaching project to follow. |
[Page 9]
EDUCATION
Assembly Development Program moves forward[edit]
The following is an interview with the National Education Committee about the progress of the Assembly Development Program mini-courses.
•
Question: In March 1981 the National Education Committee began implementing the new Assembly Development Program mini-courses in various states throughout the country. What has been the response of Bahá’í communities to these courses?
Answer: Wherever the courses have been given we have found the response to be positive and enthusiastic. Our office has received more than 150 reports from Local Spiritual Assemblies evaluating the effects of the courses on their communities. In the overwhelming majority of cases it was reported that the courses helped to increase the communities’ understanding of how the Local Spiritual Assembly functions.
Question: How many states are now receiving the mini-courses?
Answer: The courses are now available in 14 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. Plans called for the courses to be made available in eight additional states this past year, but the deficit in the National Fund forced us to postpone several instructor training sessions.
Question: The courses are then presented by instructors?
Answer: Yes. Each course is presented by a specially trained instructor who has attended a weekend training session given by an NEC staff member. The training session provides not only background information for each of the six mini-courses, but also helps the instructor to improve his or her presentation skills. Currently, we have 95 volunteer instructors working with the program.
Question: How do communities receive the mini-courses?
Answer: After instructors in an area are trained, we inform each Local Spiritual Assembly that the courses are available and that an instructor will soon be meeting with them to present an overview of each course. Following that initial meeting, the Assembly determines which courses would be of benefit to its community. The Assembly then contacts an instructor in its area and arranges a mutually agreeable meeting time for presentation of the courses. The Assembly is not obligated to participate in any of the courses. However, we have found that the courses are so appealing and topical that most Assemblies want to participate in them. In addition, the courses are not just for Assembly members, but are open to community members, neighboring Groups, and isolated believers who may wish to attend.
Question: What subjects do the mini-courses cover?
Answer: The titles of the first six courses are “The Newly Formed Assembly,” “The Local Spiritual Assembly: A Divinely Ordained Institution,” “The Role of Assembly Officers,” “Consultation With Individuals,” “Building a Unified Bahá’í Community,” and “The Year of Waiting and Divorce.” We plan to add new mini-courses each year, and we are currently developing courses related to the Bahá’í Fund, Bahá’í consultation, extension teaching, nurturing new believers, and the appointment and supervision of committees.
Question: If an Assembly in one of the states where the courses are available wishes to participate in them but has not yet been contacted by an instructor, whom should it contact?
Answer: The Assembly should contact the National Education Committee office, and we will arrange to have an instructor meet with it.
Question: Why are the courses being offered on a state-by-state basis? Why not offer the courses to the entire country?
Answer: Eventually, the courses will be available in every state. For the time being, however, we have chosen to implement them in a phased, systematic manner. In those areas where the courses are not yet available, we ask the friends to be patient. Each program administered by the National Education Committee is coordinated by a staff of one person working with limited material and financial resources. Given this situation, the phased, systematic approach has proven to be the best method of ensuring quality in the expansion of each program.
Question: How long will it take for the mini-courses to be implemented across the entire nation?
Answer: Our present target date is Riḍván 1984. This year we plan to reach 14 new states with the courses and this will make them available to approximately three-fourths of the nation’s Assemblies. Of course, expansion of the program continues to be dependent upon the state of the National Fund. We are taking the optimistic stance, however, that the friends will respond generously to the National Spiritual Assembly’s appeals in a manner that will enable all national activities to win new and greater victories in the Seven Year Plan.
Question: Is there anything in particular that has distinguished this past year’s work with the Assembly Development Program mini-courses?
Answer: We are especially pleased with the loving encouragement and support we have received for the courses from the Continental Board of Counsellors, the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants. They have truly been a sustaining force for our efforts to strengthen and develop strong Local Spiritual Assemblies, and we cannot express too greatly our appreciation for the services they have rendered the Assembly Development Program.
Question: Once the mini-courses are implemented throughout the country, what are your plans for the Assembly Development Program?
Answer: This depends largely upon the wisdom and guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly and any future directives it may receive from the Universal House of Justice. However, we anticipate that there will always be a need to assist in the education of Local Spiritual Assemblies.
For the next few years, the educational approach that we have adopted is courses for Local Spiritual Assemblies and their Bahá’í communities. And this approach is really a three-step process. Step 1 was to develop the courses; step 2 is to implement them throughout the nation; and step 3 will be to go back and give special attention to those areas of the country where implementation of the courses has been weak.
In this manner, we should have a strong, vigorously functioning Assembly Development Program by the end of the Seven Year Plan—a program that will have directly addressed the Plan’s goal of giving great attention to the development and consolidation of Local Spiritual Assemblies.
Louhelen Bahá’í School co-directors are named by Education Committee[edit]
The National Education Committee has announced the appointment of Dr. Geoffry W. Marks and Dr. William Diehl as co-directors of the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan.
“We are delighted that Louhelen will be served by two people of such fine character and outstanding professional qualifications,” David Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee, said in announcing the appointments.
FOR THE past five years Dr. Marks has worked at the Bahá’í National Center as assistant to the Secretary for Community Administration.
He has a doctorate degree in education from the University of Massachusetts where he studied in the Center for the Study of Human Potential.
Dr. Diehl is an assistant professor and head of the Department of Developmental Reading at the University of Georgia.
He received his doctorate in education at Indiana University, where his dissertation was named “Outstanding Dissertation of the Year” for 1980 by the International Reading Association.
Dr. Diehl serves as an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Adrienne Reeves and has been field testing a program in North Georgia to teach illiterate and semiliterate Bahá’ís to read by using the Creative Word.
Dr. Marks already has left his position in the Secretariat and is working out of the National Education Committee office while preparing for the opening of the Louhelen school this fall.
DR. DIEHL is to begin work at Louhelen on September 1. Both anticipate moving to the school’s location near Davison, Michigan, in August.
“As we began to think more deeply about the responsibilities involved in managing the school,” says Mr. Smith, “we realized that the duties would really be more than one person could bear.
“Therefore, we decided to appoint co-directors. Both will be members of the Louhelen Council and will work together as a team.
“In all areas, we expect that the directors will work closely together, and this arrangement will lend a great deal of creativity to the school’s operation.
“One of them (Dr. Marks) will be responsible for educational programs, the development of the
DR. WILLIAM DIEHL
DR. GEOFFRY MARKS
Teaching efforts swell the ranks in Eldorado County[edit]
Since Riḍván 1981 the size of the Bahá’í communities in Eldorado County, California, has grown by 16 adults and 13 children.
Six of the adult declarants joined the ranks of Bahá’u’lláh’s Army as a result of a recent six-week teaching effort led by the Spiritual Assembly of Eldorado J.D.
Four communities in Eldorado County were able to have weekly firesides that were attended by members of each community to bring the spirit promised by Bahá’u’lláh to those who travel to teach.
The results include not only the six new believers but continued firesides with more seekers and an increase in intercommunity activities.
Six years ago there were only six Bahá’ís in Eldorado County. Now there are 73 adults and children.
Article by Kazemzadeh in N.Y. Times Review[edit]
A comprehensive article by Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, a professor of history at Yale University and vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, appeared in the May 13 issue of “The New York Review of Books.”
The article, entitled “The Terror Facing the Bahá’ís,” presents a brief history of the persecution of the Faith in Iran from its inception to the present day.
Writings offer sound guidance in choosing career[edit]
This is the first in a series of articles on careers for Bahá’ís prepared for The American Bahá’í by the Business and Professional Affairs Committee.
By NINA SAWICKI
Darien, Connecticut
“We have made this—your occupation—identical with the worship of God, the True One.” (Bahá’u’lláh, in Bahá’í World Faith, p. 195)
These words of Bahá’u’lláh, or at least their intent, are a familiar concept to Bahá’í youth. We are told over and over in the Writings that, indeed, work is worship, and that we should strive for excellence in whatever we do.
But hand in hand with this ideal runs the more confusing and many times frustrating experience of finding work that is pleasurable and fulfilling to ourselves while being necessary to the world around us.
THE PROSPECT of finding “a career” when we step out of the comfort and security of a structured education—no matter to what level we may have taken it—is frightening and no doubt overwhelming most of the time.
The intent of this article is to assure whomever we can that it is not a hopeless cause; that all the guidance we could hope for is at our fingertips in the Writings, and, most of all, that there are no boundaries to the possibilities that some creative thinking can bring about—indeed, as Bahá’ís we should be able to apply skills and strengths of any sort to any number of situations, for we have no walls between our talents and the places and people that can use them.
Perhaps the most reassuring thing that the Writings can tell us about seeking and ultimately choosing a career is embodied in the opening quotation: that any occupation we choose, when performed in the proper spirit, is identical to the worship of God.
“Work is worship” is certainly a familiar phrase, but it is also a great comfort if we stop to think about its meaning.
NOWHERE in the Writings are any limitations or strictures applied to career choice (although at times it might seem much easier simply to be told what to do), so along with a challenge, we’re given the assurance that service of any kind is service to mankind—something to take pride in.
“In the Bahá’í Cause, arts, sciences and all crafts are (counted as) worship ... Briefly, all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives, and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and minister to the needs of its people.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, pp. 176-77)
The Writings are rich in material concerning the merits of serving mankind, but at the same time they offer an enormous test—a growing opportunity, if you will—to everyone who is trying to find his/her way in a confusing society: how will each of us decide how our situation, our talents, our needs relate to those words?
As an example, if we’re to read the following words of Bahá’u’lláh, how are we to understand them for ourselves?
“Man should know his own self, and know those things which lead to loftiness or baseness, to shame or to honor, to affluence or to poverty. (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 167)
It is obvious how important these ideas are, yet they will mean different things to different people, and therein lies our challenge: to decide what they mean for us, for our particular personality.
THIS IS no mean feat—Imagine the years of struggle embodied in only the words, “Man should know his own self ...”
So there lies our first step—we must come to know our selves and to recognize where our talents lie.
As we know, this takes more courage than is usually credited to it—courage to take risks, to ask questions, even to fail in some things.
We learn from mistakes as easily as from success, small comfort though it seems, and by experimenting with as many facets of life as possible, we’re constantly enlarging our horizons, which is a benefit in and of itself.
“The believers, as we all know, should endeavour to set such an example in their personal lives and conduct that others will feel impelled to embrace a Faith which reforms human character. However, unfortunately, not everyone achieves easily and rapidly the victory over self.
“What every believer, new or old, should realize is that the Cause has the spiritual power to re-create us if we make the effort to let that power influence us, and the greatest help in this respect is prayer.
“We must supplicate Bahá’u’lláh to assist us to overcome the failings in our own characters, and also exert our own will-power in mastering ourselves.” (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated January 27, 1945, to an individual believer)
BUT these questions that we must ask ourselves run deeper, and as Bahá’ís we have the responsibility, the obligation, to look at a broader picture of life, one that doesn’t narrow our vision to the point of looking at a static occupation, a “job,” merely for the sake of earning a living.
“The responsibility of the young believers is very great, as they must not only fit themselves to inherit the work of the older Bahá’ís and carry on the affairs of the Cause in general, but the world which lies ahead of them—as promised by Bahá’u’lláh—will be a world chastened by its sufferings, ready to listen to His Divine Message at last; and consequently a very high character will be expected of the exponents of such a religion.
“To deepen their knowledge, to perfect themselves in the Bahá’í standards of virtue and upright conduct, should be the paramount duty of every young Bahá’í.” (Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated June 6, 1941, to the Bahá’í youth of Bombay, India)
We must look to the future in all its manifold aspects—what will be the needs of a world 20 years older? What are my material aspirations? Do I plan to have a family? If so, what role will I play as a parent? Do I want to “settle down” geographically, or is pioneering something I’d like to do?
To make an effort to answer these kinds of questions is to begin to form a life that is unified in its purpose, a whole as opposed to a series of fragments that sometimes fit together and sometimes don’t.
So here we are, at the end of an article about choosing a career, and we’ve found no easy answers.
Small wonder—it’s not an easy proposition. We realize the work involved—the looking inside ourselves, the honest evaluation of what we see, the implications of this when we then look at the world around us and its changing needs, and then the fulfilling application of our talents to the needs of mankind—and though it may seem hopeless at times, perhaps we should consider the process as the biggest challenge in our life, something we’ll be dealing
Teaching Committee sets goals for homefront pioneer campaign[edit]
In its Naw-Rúz 1981 message the Universal House of Justice instructed the Bahá’ís of the United States to:
“Endeavor to increase the number of Assemblies and localities in those states where their number is relatively small, thus achieving a more balanced distribution ...”
In response to this directive, the National Teaching Committee has set goals for an intensive Homefront Pioneering Plan for the remaining two years of the second phase of the Seven Year Plan.
Two hundred homefront pioneering posts have been chosen, to be filled at the rate of 100 per year. The goal cities selected have been notified and will be working closely with the National Teaching Office to facilitate the achievement of the goals.
In collaboration with the National Spiritual Assembly and the Persian Affairs Committee, the National Teaching Committee will invite at least 25 Persian families to participate as homefront pioneers.
The fulfillment of these goals will ensure the restoration of 72 lapsed Assemblies, the formation of 39 new Assemblies, the organization of at least 20 Groups, and the opening of eight new localities within the next two years.
If you would like to help in the important work of creating new Assemblies and strengthening the existing Divine institutions on the homefront, please fill out the form and send it to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
- A new introduction to the Faith!
The Light of Bahá’u’lláh
Catch a spark of the love of Bahá’u’lláh and become deepened in the Faith
This new paperback book in large, easy-to-read type is designed to aid new Bahá’ís and youth in studying nine interrelated aspects of the Bahá’í Faith.
Contains chapters on
- ■ progressive revelation, Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í history
- ■ spiritual teachings, social teachings, Bahá’í laws
- ■ Bahá’í administration, Local Spiritual Assembly, Bahá’í community life
Paper edition only. 128 pages with illustrations.
Foreword by Dr. Dwight W. Allen
- Catalog No. 332-074.
$2.50*
Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50).
[Page 11]
Bahá’ís prepare a meal to be shared by parents and children attending a Local Education Adviser Program “Unity Celebration” April 24 in New Haven, Connecticut. The LEAP Unity Celebration session stresses the Bahá’í extended family—friends of all ages doing things together. This was one of 24 such LEAP Unity Celebrations held throughout the U.S. in April.
Louhelen[edit]
Continued From Page 9
library, and the recruitment and supervision of teachers, while the other (Dr. Diehl) will be in charge of financial matters, maintenance, food service, registration, and all other related aspects of efficient administration.”
Progress on the $2 million Louhelen facility is proceeding rapidly, says Mr. Smith, and all aspects of the construction and interior decoration are expected to be completed in September.
“BARRING any unforeseen delays,” he says, “we hope to have the grand opening in October.”
“Louhelen won’t be just another summer school,” says Dr. Marks. “We will strive to become a center for training youth, parents and teachers of children, and for developing family life.
“The school will offer courses for adults at the introductory, intermediate and advanced levels, and will strive to foster Bahá’í scholarship. We look forward to developing close ties with the Association for Bahá’í Studies.
“In fact,” he adds, “we are pleased to announce that the first program we’ve scheduled is a conference sponsored by the Association to be held October 29-31.”
Louhelen also will endeavor to become a center for teaching throughout the state of Michigan.
“By serving as a center for the serious study of the Faith and as a focal point of Bahá’í activity in Michigan, we hope that many non-Bahá’ís will come to the school and become Bahá’ís as a result of the fellowship and inspiration they find there,” says Dr. Marks.
4-week CIRBAL course to cover radio management, engineering[edit]
CIRBAL, the Bahá’í mass media center for Latin America, is sponsoring a four-week, 140-hour crash course in broadcast management and engineering from September 6-October 1.
The instructor will be K. Dean Stephens, director of CIRBAL’s broadcast division and designer of Radio Bahá’í facilities in Ecuador and Peru.
Mr. Stephens, an adviser in broadcasting to the Universal House of Justice, is a certified senior broadcast engineer with more than 23 years’ experience in broadcast engineering and administration. He holds a first class FCC license and more than 25 patents worldwide, including the color television system that went to the moon.
As the course is at the intermediate level, applicants should have prior training or experience in the general area. All former Broadcasting Course students are eligible to attend.
Graduates will receive a certificate suitable for framing detailing the various elements covered in the course. U.S. citizens who attend may receive assistance in obtaining FCC permits and licenses.
Reserved tuition of $400 per student includes materials, room and board for the period. $100 is payable by August 15, the remaining $300 by September 6. Non-reserved applicants admitted if space is available. All tuitions later than dates indicated are $450.
To apply, write to CIRBAL, Barrio Río Arriba, Box 644-B, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612.
National Spiritual Assembly’s annual report to Convention[edit]
The annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly:
•
Bahá’u’lláh’s invincible Faith is gaining the sympathetic attention of the American public from Maine to California. This is the immediate outcome of the brutal but futile campaign being waged against our heroic brothers and sisters in Iran.
Our community has not only excelled in the proclamation field because of the unprecedented publicity the Faith received during the year 138; it has also attained a heightened prestige in its relations with widening circles of influence.
THE INTERACTIONS of its representatives with the national government, international agencies and the mass communications media have been richly enhanced by the growing respect in these circles for the spirit and teachings of our religion. A wholly new dimension in the evolution of the American community has thus been reached.
An outstanding fact illustrates our expanding challenges and opportunities. It is the decision taken by the Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations in the United States Congress to hear testimony on the persecution of the Iranian Bahá’ís.
The hearing was originally scheduled for May 6 but had to be postponed until late May or early June. In the meantime, the increasing statements of Senators and Congressmen reflect the deepening awareness in official quarters of the existence and concerns of the Bahá’í community.
These developments did not distract the community from acting on every goal assigned to it in the second phase of the Seven Year Plan. Notable progress was made, as detailed in the status report issued separately. For example;
• Forty-three of the 46 pioneers called for by the Universal House of Justice settled at their posts.
• The activities among the youth were galvanized by the Continental Youth Conference held in Kansas City last July. Made historic by the participation of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, this event was followed up with five successful regional conferences.
• THE WORK among the Native Americans yielded an increase in Local Assemblies on Indian Reservations.
• The attention to the Bahá’í education of children, youth and adults was reflected particularly in the increased number of summer and winter schools and in the preparation of a curriculum guide for all age groups.
• A special teaching plan was adopted in Michigan to take advantage of the spirit generated by the construction of the Louhelen School. The project was sufficiently funded to ensure continuity of the construction work.
• The efforts to reach and teach the Chinese people were bolstered by the production of television and radio programs in the Chinese language.
• The publishing of two compilations in Bahá’í National Review and the appearance of a study outline on The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh in The American Bahá’í opened the campaign to encourage use of the Creative Word.
• Furthermore, the long-awaited reprinting of The Promulgation of Universal Peace and the release of a full-length biography of Louis Gregory by the Publishing Trust enriched our literature.
WHILE these activities indicate a gratifying range of accomplishments, there yet remains the essential need to redouble our teaching efforts.
It is a task that ultimately devolves upon the individual, whose responsibility is inescapable and untransferable. It is a task made easier each day as the Faith gains greater publicity by virtue of the blood being sacrificed in Iran. It is a task that can bring untold results if pursued with imagination, courage and wisdom.
Fifteen years ago, on the occasion of the centenary of the proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the kings, the Universal House of Justice called upon the believers “to launch, on a global scale and to every stratum of human society, an enduring and intensive proclamation” of the Cause. Publicity was to be a major pillar of this activity.
During all the years since that time, the friends made prodigious efforts to proclaim the Faith through the mass media; and although remarkable results were achieved, no major breakthrough occurred until recently in the wake of the crisis in Iran.
Recalling the outlook of the Supreme Institution at that launching time might well aid our view of the current situation.
In its Riḍván 1967 message, it said: “Worldwide proclamation, the unknown sea on which we must soon sail, will add another dimension to our work, a dimension which will, as it develops, complement and reinforce the twin processes of expansion and consolidation.”
THEN the House of Justice gave the following poignant advice: “Every effort of proclamation must be sustained by teaching ...” This advice must be taken to heart now lest we lose our chance.
The spirit that binds the vital entities of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order grows more abundant as the Continental Board of Counsellors and the National Assembly, the Auxiliary Boards and the Local Assemblies intensify their genuine efforts to collaborate.
A task force composed of Counsellors and National Assembly members manifested this spirit in lending spark to the teaching work in South Carolina and California during the year. We are fortunate indeed to have such a cohesive force at work in our midst, because the rapidly changing conditions of the world and the consequent changes which the Faith must experience impose upon us the urgency to unite in thought, in work, and in fellowship.
The true test for the community is not whether we can proclaim high-sounding principles but whether we can live up to these principles under the glare of public scrutiny.
There can be no doubt that the avenues of success in teaching widen with every passing day. Providence has showered upon our community a large portion of the blessings that accrue from sacrifice in the path of God.
A splendid new chapter in the fortunes of the American community is flung open before us. Knowing this, we move forward to realize the rich possibilities that such blessings enfold.
Riḍván 1982
Notice[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly regrets to inform the friends that it recently voted to deprive Miss Mary Beth Thomas, formerly of Stoughton, Wisconsin, whose whereabouts are now unknown, of her administrative rights due to repeated misconduct.
The friends are advised to refrain from offering her hospitality or lending her money.
Careers[edit]
Continued From Page 10
with for a long time but that will be a constant progression toward a richer, wiser, and more experienced human being.
“Let each morn be better than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday. Man’s merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches ...Guard against idleness and sloth, and cling unto that which profiteth mankind, whether young or old, whether high or low.” (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 138)
[Page 12]
NATIONAL CONVENTION
Media focus on Faith among year’s highlights[edit]
Continued From Page 1
Counsellors in the Americas; Stephen Ader, Javidukht Khadem and Nat Rutstein.
In an unprecedented move, an entire session was devoted Sunday morning to consultation on “the most challenging issue”—the elimination of racial prejudice in American society and especially within the Bahá’í community itself.
That consultation was initiated by the delegates who listed the “most challenging issue” as the topic they most wanted to discuss.
Other topics for discussion included the Fund, teaching and consolidation, proclamation of the Faith, community and family development, and Bahá’í education.
Among other Convention highlights were the reading of the Riḍván message from the Universal House of Justice (see The American Bahá’í, May 1982), the presentation of the National Spiritual Assembly’s annual report and proposed budget for 1982-83, progress reports on the Louhelen Bahá’í School and Southwest Bahá’í Institute, an audio-visual program honoring the memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf, and devotions commemorating the Twelfth Day of Riḍván.
|
To the Universal House of Justice Open, frank loving consultation with members of National Spiritual Assembly inspired by your soul-stirring Riḍván message has touched hearts delegates and friends assembled National Convention. Humbly request prayers that American believers approach to some measure “the steadfast heroism of the beloved Persians” and that we respond to your message to redouble efforts to assure a “mighty upsurge of effective teaching” resulting in “large-scale conversion and an increasing prestige” to our beloved Faith. Delegates assembled 73rd annual Convention United States
April 30, 1982
Universal House of Justice
May 3, 1982 |
ON SATURDAY morning, the delegates elected the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. for 1982-83. Its members are:
Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, Soo Fouts, Judge James F. Nelson, Glenford E. Mitchell, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, Dr. Wilma Brady, and Dr. Dwight W. Allen.
The new National Assembly, all of whose members were present at the Convention, met shortly afterward and elected its officers: Judge James Nelson, chairman; Dr. Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman; Judge Dorothy Nelson, treasurer; Mr. Mitchell, secretary; and Dr. Carney, assistant secretary.
Mr. Sears, whose new book, A Cry from the Heart, was made available at the Convention by the Publishing Trust, delivered an impassioned appeal to every Bahá’í to use the book as a tool with which to counteract the “false charges, baseless accusations, confiscations, brutal murders, and lies being perpetrated against the Bahá’ís in Iran” by the present regime there.
The book, he said, is “our instrument of justice against a ruthless, brutal, soul-killing regime in Iran that is intent on erasing every trace of our blessed Faith from the land of its birth.”
As is always the case, Mr. Sears’ eloquence and sincerity left many in the audience in tears as they contemplated the awesome campaign of terror being waged against the believers in Iran and their own part in helping to see that the truth about what is happening there is made known to everyone in the U.S. and throughout the world.
IN ITS annual progress report, the National Spiritual Assembly outlined the many accomplishments on the homefront and overseas during the first year of the second phase of the Seven Year Plan, pointing especially to the “unprecedented publicity the Faith received during the year 138,” which, it said, was “the immediate outcome of the brutal but futile campaign being waged against our heroic brothers and sisters in Iran.”
Among the highlights of the report:
• Forty-three of the 46 pioneers called for by the Universal House of Justice settled at their posts.
• The teaching work among the Native Americans yielded an increase in the number of Local Assemblies on Indian Reservations (some 40 of which were formed during Riḍván).
• Efforts to reach and teach the Chinese people were bolstered by the production of radio and television programs in the Chinese language.
• The long-awaited reprinting of The Promulgation of Universal Peace and the release of a full-length biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory by the Publishing Trust enriched our literature.
“WHILE these activities,” the report added, “indicate a gratifying range of accomplishments, there yet remains the essential need to redouble our teaching efforts.”
(The complete text of the National Spiritual Assembly’s annual report appears on Page 11.)
In its report to the Convention, the Office of the Treasurer said contributions during the last fiscal year totaled $5.6 million, a 22 per cent increase over the previous year.
Regular participation by individuals rose 53 per cent, with an average of 4,348 believers contributing each Bahá’í month.
“Added to these healthy accomplishments,” the report added, “was the special effort to finance the reconstruction of the Louhelen Bahá’í School which brought forth an additional $1.97 million in contributions and loans.”
This was the first year in which operational costs were met strictly through contributions, reserving estate income for capital projects.
Saturday evening’s consultation was centered on the proposed budget for 1982-83 of $6,480,000.
THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly adopted sizable budget cuts in mid-year, enabling it to balance expenses with projected revenue.
Although operating expenses were met, however, the shortfall of $241,000 left over from the previous year was not recovered, and in addition, the National Spiritual Assembly has assumed an outstanding $731,000 debt to enable the Publishing Trust to get a fresh start.
This means that fiscal 1982-83 begins with a Fund deficit of about $972,000.
After discussion in which it was pointed out that the increase over last year’s $6 million budget is designed to enable the National Spiritual Assembly to repay some of its outstanding bank loans, the delegates voted their overwhelming support for the $6.48 million budget.
In the course of consultation, the delegates were informed of a number of capital projects, some of which already are under way and others that are to be initiated as soon as funding is available. Among them:
• House of Worship apron (a $560,000 project that is nearing completion and has been funded).
• Foundation Hall renovation (a $400,000 project that, for the most part, needs funding).
• HOUSE of Worship plumbing and electrical work (a $180,000 project that has been funded).
• House of Worship dome repair (a $1-$2 million project that needs funding).
• Reconstruction of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (a $400,000 project that has been funded and for which preliminary design work has been completed).
• Archives building (a $2-$3 million project that has been designed and is awaiting funding).
• Bosch Bahá’í School meeting hall (a $200,000-$300,000 project that has been designed and is funded).
• Southwest Bahá’í Institute (a $40,000-$60,000 project that has been designed, is partly funded and under construction. This is a project specifically mentioned in the Seven Year Plan.)
• Bahá’í radio station at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute (a $200,000 project that is in the application proposal stage and is awaiting funding).
IN ADDITION, an estimated $100,000 is needed for equipment purchases at the National Center and Bahá’í schools, and $110,000 for mortgage repayments.
David Smith, secretary of the National Education Committee, reported to the Convention that construction work at the Louhelen School in Michigan is about half completed, with an anticipated completion date of mid-September.
The school’s grand opening is tentatively scheduled for October 1982. Plans will be finalized soon and an announcement made in July.
Meanwhile, the National Spiritual Assembly confirmed in March the appointment of Dr. William Diehl as director of administrative affairs at Louhelen and Dr. Geoffry W. Marks as director of academic affairs.
Dr. Diehl is an assistant professor of reading and head of the Department of Developmental Reading at the University of Georgia in Athens.
Dr. Marks has served at the Bahá’í National Center for five years as assistant to the Secretary for Community Administration.
An organization to be known as the “Friends of Louhelen” is soon to be launched. Members will take an active interest in the school’s welfare and will support it by making annual financial contributions, volunteering their services, publicizing the school’s programs locally, and offering ideas and suggestions to the school’s council.
ALSO, Louhelen awareness meetings are being set up in Michigan and nearby states. They are designed to enable the school’s directors and council members to bring the friends up to date on plans for the school and to solicit
The members of the National Spiritual Assembly for 1982-83 are (left to right) Judge James F. Nelson (chairman), Dr. Wilma Brady, Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, Dr. Magdalene M. Carney (assistant secretary), Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh (vice-chairman), Soo Fouts, Glenford E. Mitchell (secretary), Judge Dorothy W. Nelson (treasurer), Dr. Dwight W. Allen.
74th Convention set at McCormick Inn[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has announced that the 74th Bahá’í National Convention will be held May 26-29, 1983, at the McCormick Inn in Chicago.
Among the highlights of the Convention will be a report by members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the fifth international Convention in Haifa, Israel, at which the Universal House of Justice is to be elected.
Plans are under way at the National Center to make arrangements for the 74th National Convention at the McCormick Inn better in every way than those for the 72nd Convention which was held there in 1981.
Facilities at the McCormick Inn can accommodate up to 2,000 people, a far greater number than the capacity of Foundation Hall at the House of Worship, which was the site of this year’s Convention. Make plans now to attend the 74th annual Convention next May at the McCormick Inn in Chicago!
[Page 13]
NATIONAL CONVENTION
The group photo was taken in front of the House of Worship.
Delegates and guests enjoy the reception Thursday evening.
This way to Convention.
Public Affairs presents a media session for non-delegates.
Delegate Van Gilmer turns singer to entertain the friends.
Edna True (left) and Auxiliary Board member Thelma Jackson each addressed the Convention.
The bookstore is always a busy place at Convention time.
Of course, a Convention can be tiring as well as exhilarating.
Gathering[edit]
Continued From Page 12
their views and ideas.
During the morning and afternoon Convention sessions on Friday and Saturday, the Bahá’í National Center in nearby Evanston remained open for visits by delegates and guests.
Special programs at the National Center were presented by the International Goals Committee and Office of Public Affairs.
Other committees and offices made their staffs available to meet the delegates and visitors to the Convention and discuss matters of mutual interest.
Following the organization of the Convention Thursday evening, the National Spiritual Assembly hosted a reception for the delegates at the House of Worship.
[Page 14]
PÁGINA HISPANA
Mensaje de la Casa Universal de Justicia[edit]
A los bahá’ís del mundo
Muy amados amigos,
Triunfos de significación inestimable para el desenvolvimiento de la Causa de Dios, muchos de los cuales como resultado directo del heroísmo constante de los amados persas ante las persecuciones salvajes de que han sido objeto, han caracterizado el año que ahora finaliza.
El efecto de estos acontecimientos es ofrecer oportunidades doradas tales para la enseñanza y mayor proclamación como no pueden sino conducir a la conversión en gran escala y a un prestigio creciente, si son aprovechadas entusiasta y vigorosamente.
PROGRESO alentador en la construcción de los Mashriqu’l-Adhkár de la India y de Samoa Occidental, la apertura de la segunda radioemisora bahá’í de América Latina en el Perú, el establecimiento de la oficina europea de la Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í en Ginebra, adelantos constantes en la segunda fase del Plan de Siete Años, expansión alentador en la educación sistematizada bahá’í de niños, sacrificio y una generosa efusión de fondos de parte de un número creciente de amigos, todo da testimonio de las abundantes confirmaciones con que Bahá’u’lláh recompensa los esfuerzos devotos de sus amados en todas partes del mundo.
La atención mundial dada a la Fe en los medios noticieros, que ha abierto de par en par las puertas de la proclamación masiva del Mensaje divino, y el trato amistoso que ha recibido en los concilios más elevados de la humanidad, con las acciones resultantes tomadas por gobiernos soberanos y autoridades internacionales, no tienen precedente en la historia bahá’í.
Todo esto, queridos amigos, es de buen agüero para el año venidero que ofrece una abundancia de eventos bahá’ís. El aniversario quincuagésimo del fallecimiento de la Hoja Más Sagrada será conmemorado en las cinco conferencias internacionales y por la publicación de un libro, compilado en el Centro Mundial, que consiste de textos que tratan de ella y unas cien cartas que ella escribió; el traslado a la Sede permanente de la Casa Universal de Justicia tendrá lugar; en noviembre el vigésimoquinto aniversario del fallecimiento de nuestro amado Guardián coincidirá con el punto medio del Plan de Siete Años; y el año terminará con la quinta Convención Internacional cuando miembros de asambleas espirituales nacionales de todo el mundo vendrán a Haifa para elegir la Casa Universal de Justicia.
LAS ACTIVIDADES distinguidas e inapreciables de las amadas Manos de la Causa son una fuente de orgullo y alegría para el mundo bahá’í entero. La asunción de responsabilidades más amplias por parte de cada Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros resulta ser un éxito rotundo, y expresamos nuestro caluroso agradecimiento y aprecio al Centro Internacional de Enseñanza y a todos los Consejeros por la gran contribución que están haciendo, en una medida creciente, a la estabilidad y al desarrollo del orden mundial embrionario de Bahá’u’lláh.
En cuanto a la juventud bahá’í, herederos de los primeros creyentes heroicos y que ahora se hallan apoyados sobre los hombros de éstos, les llamamos a redoblar sus esfuerzos, en este día de interés muy difundido en la Causa de Dios, por entusiasmar a sus contemporáneos con el Mensaje divino y prepararse de esta manera para el día en que ellos mismos serán creyentes veteranos capaces de llevar a cuestas cualesquier tareas que les sean encomendadas. Les ofrecemos este pasaje de la Pluma de Bahá’u’lláh:
“Bendito aquel que en la flor de su juventud y el apogeo de su vigor se levante para servir la Causa del Señor del comienzo y del fin, y adorne su corazón con el amor de Él. La manifestación de tal gracia es mayor que la creación de los cielos y de la tierra. Benditos los constantes y dichosos los que son firmes.”
El sol amaneciente de la Revelación de Bahá’u’lláh está afectando en forma visible el mundo y la misma comunidad bahá’í. Oportunidades de enseñar soñadas por muchos años, acompañadas de confirmaciones que descienden como una lluvia, ahora, en cantidades siempre crecientes, desafían a todo creyente individual, a toda asamblea espiritual local y nacional.
Las semillas potentes sembradas por ‘Abdu’l-Bahá comienzan a germinar dentro del Orden divinamente revelado que fue explicado y firmemente establecido por el amado Guardián. La humanidad está golpeada casi hasta caer de rodillas, está aturdida y sin pastor, hambrienta por el pan de la vida.
Este es nuestro día de servicio; tenemos esa comida celestial para ofrecerles. Los pueblos están desilusionados con teorías políticas, sistemas y órdenes sociales todos deficientes; anhelan, consciente o inconscientemente, el amor de Dios y la reunión con Él.
Nuestra respuesta a este desafío creciente debe ser una gran oleada de enseñanza eficaz, que imparta el fuego divino que Bahá’u’lláh ha prendido en nuestros corazones, hasta que una conflagración que resulte de milliones de almas encendidas con el amor de Él dé testimonio que el Día por el que los Principales Luminares de nuestra Fe oraron tan ardientemente ha por fin amanecido.
Riḍván 1982
Curso de estudio número 5: La unidad del género humano[edit]
La tierra es una sola patria y la humanidad sus ciudadanos. —Bahá’u’lláh
•
En la investigación independiente de la verdad es necesario que el hombre deje de lado las supersticiones y tradiciones que le impiden comprender la Verdad que existe en todas las religiones.
El amar o estar adherido a una religión determinada no da derecho al individuo para odiar las restantes.
ES ESENCIAL que busque y aprenda a reconocer la Verdad en todas las religiones. Si su búsqueda es sincera seguramente triunfará.
El primer hecho que descubrimos en esta “búsqueda” se resume en el segundo principio enunciado por Bahá’u’lláh:
“La Unidad del Género Humano.” Todos los hombres son siervos del Único Dios.
Un solo Dios reina sobre todas las naciones y siente amor por todos Sus hijos.
Todos los hombres pertenecen a una misma familia y la corona de la humanidad descansa por igual sobre la cabeza de todo ser humano.
A los ojos del Creador todos Sus hijos son iguales, Sus Bondades descienden para todos. No favorece especialmente a esta o a aquella nación, raza o secta. Todos son Sus criaturas.
SI ESTO es así, ¿por qué hacemos divisiones separando unas razas de otras? ¿por qué creamos barreras de supersticiones y de tradición que provocan odios y discordias?
La única diferencia que existe entre los miembros de la familia humana es de grado. Algunos son, espiritualmente, como niños ignorantes, y deben ser educados para alcanzar la madurez.
Otros son como enfermos, y deben ser tratados con cuidado y cariño. Debemos tratarlos con gran bondad y justicia, enseñando al ignorante y atendiendo cuidadosamente al enfermo.
La unidad es necesaria para la existencia. El amor es la verdadera causa de la vida.
Por otra parte, la separación acarrea la muerte. En el mundo de la creación física, por ejemplo, todas las cosas deben su vida y existencia actual a la unidad.
Los elementos que componen la madera, el mineral, la piedra, etc., se mantienen unidos por la ley de la atracción. Si esta ley cesara de operar tan sólo por un breve instante, estos elementos se desintegrarían y el objeto dejaría de existir en esa forma particular.
LA LEY de la atracción une a ciertos elementos para formar una hermosa flor; pero cuando dicha atracción cesa, la flor se descompone y deja de existir como tal.
Igual cosa acontece con el cuerpo de la humanidad. La ley de atracción, armonía y cohesión mantiene unida a esta maravillosa creación.
Tal como es el todo, así son sus partes. Por tanto, es evidente que la atracción, la armonía, la unidad y el amor son las causas de la vida; mientras la repulsión, la discordia, el odio y la separación traen la muerte.
Hemos visto que todo lo que trae división al mundo de la existencia causa la muerte.
Esta ley opera de igual manera en el mundo del Espíritu. Por consiguiente, todos los siervos del Único Dios deberán ser obedientes a la ley del Amor, evitando el odio, la discordia y la contienda.
“Nadie debería glorificarse sobre otro; nadie debería manifestar orgullo o superioridad ... nadie debería mirar a otro con desdén y desprecio y nadie debería privar u oprimir a otra criatura humana.
“Debemos asociarnos con toda la humanidad con gentileza y amabilidad ... Algunos son ignorantes: hay que enseñarles y educarlos. Otros están enfermos: Hay que curarlos. Algunos son como niños: debemos ayudarlos a alcanzar la madurez ...”
Ahora bien, Bahá’u’lláh ha proclamado la “Unidad del Género Humano.” Todos los pueblos y todas las naciones son una misma familia, hijos de un solo Padre y deberán ser los unos con los otros como hermanos.
SI deseamos de todo corazón una amistad sincera con todos los pueblos y razas de la tierra, nuestros pensamientos y sentimientos penetrarán en la mente y los corazones de los demás, hasta alcanzar a todos los hombres.
Una nueva sociedad de hombres libres de fanatismo, prejuicios y ciega imitación elevarán sus vidas a un nivel verdaderamente humano.
Bahá’u’lláh enseñó que debíamos amar aun a nuestros enemigos y ser para ellos como amigos. Si todos los hombres fuesen obedientes a este principio se establecería la más grande unidad y comprensión en los corazones de la humanidad.
La Fe Bahá’í desea ofrecer y comunicar este conocimiento sobre la vida del ser humano, tan necesario en este día para la gente de todas las clases, razas, credos y naciones del mundo.
Este esfuerzo educacional se está llevando a cabo en más de quinientos idiomas y se extiende de un extremo a otro de la tierra.
En todas partes los seres humanos tienen las mismas necesidades básicas, las mismas dificultades, las mismas capacidades inherentes y los mismos anhelos de paz y felicidad.
La enseñanza personal: Dios ha prescrito a cada uno el deber de enseñar Su Causa[edit]
Pasajes de los Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh.
•
Dios ha prescrito a cada uno el deber de enseñar Su Causa. Quienquiera se levante a cumplir su deber, debe necesariamente, antes de proclamar Su Mensaje, adornarse con el ornamento de un carácter recto y loable, para que sus palabras puedan atraer los corazones de aquellos que son receptivos a su llamado. Sin ello, nunca podrá esperar influir a sus oyentes.
***
Aquellos que han abandonado su país por el propósito de enseñar Nuestra Causa, a éstos los fortalecerá el Fiel Espíritu mediante su poder. Una compañía de Nuestros Ángeles escogidos partirá con ellos, como lo ha ordenado Aquél Quien es el Todopoderoso, el Omnisapiente. ¡Cuán grande la bienaventuranza que espera a aquel que ha alcanzado el honor de servir al Todopoderoso! ¡Por Mi vida! Ningún acto, por muy grande que sea, puede comparársele, excepto los hechos que han sido ordenados por Dios, el Omnipotente, el Más Poderoso. Tal servicio es, en verdad, el príncipe de todos los buenos hechos y el ornamento de todo acto bueno. Así ha sido ordenado por Aquél Quien es el Soberano Revelador, el Antiguo de los Días.
***
Quienquiera se levante a enseñar Nuestra Causa debe necesariamente desprenderse de todas las cosas terrenales, y debe considerar, en todo momento, el triunfo de Nuestra Fe como su objetivo supremo. Esto, ciertamente, ha sido decretado en la Tabla Guardada. Y cuando determine dejar su hogar, por amor de la Causa de su Señor, que ponga toda su confianza en Dios, como la mejor provisión para su viaje, y que se atavíe con el manto de la virtud. Así ha sido decretado por Dios, el Todopoderoso, el Todo Alabado.
Si es encendido con el fuego de Su amor, si renuncia a todas las cosas creadas, las palabras que profiera abrasarán a quienes le escuchen. Verdaderamente, tu Señor es el Omnisciente, el Informado de Todo. Feliz es el hombre que ha oído Nuestra voz y ha respondido a Nuestro llamado. Él, en verdad, es de aquellos que serán traídos cerca de Nosotros.
[Page 15]
PUBLICATIONS
THE HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD LOUIS G. GREGORY
From Publishing Trust
Promulgation, Gregory biography head list of 3 new books, 4 reprints[edit]
Three new books and four reprints of out-of-stock books were released by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust at the 73rd National Convention held April 29-May 2 at the House of Worship in Wilmette.
The long-awaited new edition of The Promulgation of Universal Peace (Catalog No. 106-039, $16) heads the list of new titles.
AVAILABLE in a cased edition only, The Promulgation of Universal Peace is a compilation of informal talks and discourses delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His 239-day visit to the U.S. and Canada in 1912.
When He arrived in New York, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated, “It is my purpose to set forth in America the fundamental principles of the revelation and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. It will then become the duty of the Bahá’ís of this country to give these principles unfoldment and application in the minds, hearts and lives of people.”
The new edition of Promulgation includes a detailed table of contents; a chronological listing of talks by dates, cities, and sites; and an expanded index.
It also contains a new introduction, which makes the book suitable for placing in libraries, and Howard MacNutt’s introduction written at the request of the Master Himself.
The life story of the first black Hand of the Cause of God is the second major title that was released at the Bahá’í National Convention.
To Move the World: Louis G. Gregory and the Advancement of Racial Unity in America, by Gayle Morrison, is a biography and much more.
THE BOOK describes the life of Louis Gregory, the son of slaves and a trained lawyer, and also delineates the social and racial forces at work in the U.S. during Mr. Gregory’s lifetime (1874-1951) and the dynamics of the Bahá’í Faith that were shaping a community committed to the oneness of mankind.
To Move the World (Catalog No. 332-072, $16), available in a cased edition only, contains a preface by Glenford E. Mitchell, copious notes, a detailed index (which is a deepening in itself), and 28 photographs showing Mr. Gregory from young manhood to old age.
“You may be shocked, surprised or startled by this book,” says Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Publishing Trust, “but you cannot help being fascinated by it.”
The third new title released at the National Convention is The Light of Bahá’u’lláh (Catalog No. 332-074, $3.50).
An illustrated paperback introduction to the Bahá’í Faith, The Light of Bahá’u’lláh contains nine chapters on nine aspects of the Faith, all suitable for deepenings in themselves or as springboards for more extended deepenings.
Three chapters deal with history—Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í history, and progressive revelation. Three focus on the spiritual and social teachings of the Faith and on Bahá’í laws.
THE FINAL three chapters of The Light of Bahá’u’lláh cover the organization of the Faith—Bahá’í administration, the Local Spiritual Assembly, and Bahá’í community life.
Dr. Dwight W. Allen has written a short foreword for the new introduction. The design is by Pepper Peterson Oldziey. Illustrations are by Lori Block and Gordon Laite.
“The Light of Bahá’u’lláh will provide a comprehensive but not overly detailed survey of the Faith for seekers and new Bahá’ís, who may have gone through ‘On Becoming a Bahá’í’ but are not yet ready for more detailed surveys of the Faith,” says Dr. Fisher. “Teachers of teen-agers will also find the book a welcome addition to the literature.”
The Light of Bahá’u’lláh can be used with the 81 14-minute audio cassette lessons and 81 television programs that will be described in the July issue of The American Bahá’í.
The reprints of titles that have been out of stock are Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, The Bahá’í Faith: A Summary, and “The Bahá’í Faith” teaching booklet.
The new printing of the cased edition of Gleanings (Catalog No. 103-003, $11) is bound in handsome maroon to match the recently released edition of the Kitáb-i-Íqán. The spine is stamped in gold, and an unusual nine-pointed star is embossed on the front of the book.
INDIVIDUALS will want to continue to build their matched set of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups will find the new cased edition of Gleanings excellent for presentations of all kinds.
The paper edition of Gleanings (Catalog No. 103-004, $6) also has been reprinted.
The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh was also available at the National Convention. The cased edition (Catalog No. 103-005, $5) is now bound in deep moss. The paper edition (Catalog No. 103-006, $2.50), which has been out of print for some time, is bound in a lighter moss green.
The Bahá’í Faith: A Summary (Catalog No. 340-080, 10/$3.50), which has been out of stock, has also been reprinted.
This popular pamphlet, which now has an attractive purple cover, includes the article on the Bahá’í Faith by Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh that appears in the Encyclopedia Britannica.
Finally, “The Bahá’í Faith” teaching booklet (Catalog No. 267-002, 10/$12.50) has been reprinted in a slightly new format.
The text has been slightly rearranged and the photos updated to match the “international” version prepared by the Universal House of Justice and used for the Spanish edition (and other editions around the world). You’ll want to order ample copies for summer teaching projects.
To order any of these books or pamphlets, see your Bahá’í community librarian, or phone the Bahá’í Publishing Trust at 800-323-1880.
Trust schedules Youth in the Vanguard for summer release[edit]
Youth in the Vanguard, a new book with wide appeal to students and history buffs of all ages, will be released this summer, according to Greg Weiler, marketing manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
Youth in the Vanguard, by Marion Carpenter Yazdi, tells the fascinating story of the first Bahá’í student at the University of California at Berkeley (in 1920) and Stanford University (in 1923).
IN THE familiar chores of finding meeting places, placing speakers, sending out invitations, putting up posters, and securing notices in the newspapers, you’ll find a kinship with a predecessor that transcends time or place.
In setting the background for her own story, Mrs. Yazdi recounts the establishment and growth of the Faith in the San Francisco Bay area and provides intimate glimpses of some of the stalwart California Bahá’ís—Helen S. Goodall, Ella Goodall Cooper, Kathryn Frankland, Ella Bailey, Berdette and J.V. Matteson, Kanichi Yamamoto.
“But above all, Youth in the Vanguard is a love story,” says Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Publishing Trust.
“Marion had her heart set on entering Stanford University to follow in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s footsteps.”
Children, adults will welcome pair of new books from Trust[edit]
Two new books, one for children and one for adults, are now available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, according to Greg Weiler, marketing manager of the Trust.
God Made the Stars, written and illustrated by Peter Moore, will be welcomed by parents of children between the ages of one and three.
God Made the Stars (Catalog No. 352-086, $4.50) contains simple text printed in large letters: “God gave us the sun and the moon and the land,” and so on, and concludes with “God created all of us” and the short obligatory prayer that tells us why.
The small book (5 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches) is spiral bound and printed on heavy cardboard stock. Small hands should find the book easy to manage. The bold, colorful illustrations are sure to delight.
Miracles and Metaphors, by Mírzá Abu’l-Faḍl, the most learned of all Bahá’í scholars, is the second new title available from the Publishing Trust.
A collection of essays and short commentaries, Miracles and Metaphors (Catalog No. 332-090, $11.95) contains a number of fascinating questions raised and answered by Mírzá Abu’l-Faḍl: Can Scripture be taken literally? What is the value of prayer? What is a miracle? Do angels really exist? What are the signs of a true Prophet?
Originally published in Cairo as ad-Durar al-Bahiyyah, Miracles and Metaphors has been newly translated from the Arabic and annotated by Juan Ricardo Cole.
To order any of these books, see your local Bahá’í librarian or phone the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 800-323-1880.
[Page 16]
CLASSIFIEDS
Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, and the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.
•
APPLICATIONS are being accepted by the Personnel Office, Bahá’í National Center, for the following positions: Bahá’í National Center, Illinois—Personnel secretary. Logs and processes employment applications, conducts reference checks, types correspondence, maintains files, orders supplies. Requires excellent secretarial skills, experience in fast-paced, high-volume environment, ability to work with sensitive information. Programmer analyst. Needed to work with mini-computer system. On-line and batch processing, Cincom TOTAL data base. COBOL and RPG required. Secretary, Department of Community Administration. Drafts and types correspondence to administrative institutions and individual believers. Maintains records, orders supplies. Must have typing ability above 55 wpm and ability to work with confidential information. Mail services supervisor. Responsible for processing incoming and outgoing mail. Requires ability to drive manual transmission auto and lift at least 70 pounds. Bahá’í International Community, New York City—Clerk-typist. Types reports, documents and correspondence from dictaphone and finished copy. Requires proven office experience and typing above 50 wpm. Must have courteous demeanor. Louhelen Bahá’í School, Michigan—Maintenance manager. Responsible for buildings and grounds maintenance. Should be generally knowledgeable regarding custodial services, painting, carpentry, ventilation and security. Requires ability to work well with vendors and volunteers, and to maintain appropriate records. For more information, or to obtain applications, please contact the Office of Personnel Affairs, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 265.
THE GREEN Acre Bahá’í School has a work/study program that offers people 15 years old or older a chance to attend the school for two weeks at minimal cost. Please write for information. Also, summer jobs are available for cooks, an innkeeper, housekeeper, program directors, kitchen help, snack bar, and others. Please write for applications. For teachers of children and youth, the school is developing a concept of a faculty team to teach the several dozen youth and children who attend Green Acre each week. Are you interested in being a part of it? If so, please write for information. Direct all inquiries and correspondence to the Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.
THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives Committee is seeking to locate, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters from the Guardian to the following individuals: Mrs. Vera M. Cannon, Dale S. Cole, Ruth Shook Fendell, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Keith, George W. Lee, Miss Grace G. Man, Miss Katherine Meyer, and Clarence Niss. The originals or photocopies of these letters are needed by the Universal House of Justice in its efforts to study and compile the letters of the Guardian. Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of these letters is requested to contact the National Bahá’í Archives Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
JOB opportunities in the Marshall Islands. RCA is looking for engineers to work in the Marshall Islands, specifically radar systems engineers and radar hardware design engineers. This is a great opportunity for pioneers to settle in these islands where work is hard to come by. For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
HEARING impaired Bahá’ís: I recently became a Bahá’í and would like to correspond with other hearing impaired individuals in the Faith or with teachers of the hearing impaired. I am presently teaching in a regular classroom on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Please write to Ginn Kincaid, General Delivery, Many Farms, AZ 86538.
THE ESCOLA das Nacoes (School of the Nations) in Brasilia, Brazil, is seeking highly qualified teachers with a teaching certificate and five years experience. They especially need early primary teachers. The school is owned and operated by Bahá’ís. Teachers teach in their native language; English is acceptable. For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
STUDENTS: Are you seeking a quality education and involvement in a Bahá’í college club? The University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, is the answer. UOP is a small, private liberal arts and professional school in Northern California, 1 1/2 hours from San Francisco, an hour from Sacramento, and three hours from the Bosch Bahá’í School and Lake Tahoe. Members of the Bahá’í club will be graduating soon, and new members are needed to retain the club’s charter. Stockton, an active Bahá’í community, and the college club encourage all enthusiastic students to look into the University of the Pacific. Please contact the Office of Admissions, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, or Dorie Markert, ________ Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. Telephone 213-326-4821.
THE CONTINENTAL Board of Counsellors in Africa has an urgent need for staff for three of its offices. The offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Lomé, Togo, need bilingual secretaries who can translate from French to English as well as from English to French. The office in Bangui, Central African Republic, needs a bilingual bookkeeper/accountant who can also type. The Counsellors are seeking, if possible, self-supporting Bahá’ís to fill these positions. For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 312-869-9039.
HOMEFRONT pioneer is needed in Anthony, New Mexico. Prefer Spanish-speaking family or single Bahá’í who is committed to consolidation and teaching work among new Spanish-speaking believers. Anthony has an Assembly, and there are others in five neighboring towns. There is much work to be done. Please write to Marylou Krummenachen, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Anthony, Route 1, Box 121, Anthony, NM 88021, or telephone 505-882-4664.
WANTED to rent for one week: the album “Fire and Snow.” Bahá’í wishes to learn several of the songs for a singing group’s repertoire. He promises to handle the record with care and to return it promptly. Please write to Jack Laurico, ________ Kansas City, MO 64111, or phone 816-531-9237.
THE BAHÁ’Í community of Kake, Alaska, a native village on a large island in the southeastern part of the state, needs a caretaker for its Bahá’í Center through mid-August. They are offering a free room, but one would have to provide his own food and be able to chop wood for the stove. A single person, couple or family would be welcome. Please phone Kay Larson at 907-785-3323.
CHILDREN’S Educational Theatre Inc., an adult company of touring children’s drama that is managed by Bahá’ís, would like to be contacted by Bahá’ís who are actors, writers, musicians, designers, directors, and others interested in children’s drama. Also, would like to read scripts appropriate for public school performances on Bahá’í principles and ideals. Contact C.E.T. Inc., ________ Boulder, CO 80303. Phone 303-499-6061.
SRI LANKA: Two excellent job openings for young mechanical technicians or engineers are available through U.S. pioneers to Sri Lanka. One position requires good practical experience in maintenance and repairs, the other requires knowledge of business administration in a small factory and computer programming. The community there needs “selfless, devoted pioneers.” For more information on how to apply, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
Notice[edit]
Assembly secretaries and Group correspondents—Please include your telephone numbers at home and at work on all correspondence sent to the Bahá’í National Center.
John and Margaret Leonard, pioneers from the U.S. to the Falkland Islands. Mr. Leonard has been in the Falklands since 1954. Mrs. Leonard joined him there when they were married in 1964. She had been pioneering in Paraguay.
Falklands[edit]
Continued From Page 8
broke out, there were 12 American adult pioneers and nine children in various areas of the islands. Canadians numbered four; and there were four British pioneers and one Chilean.
The rest of the Bahá’í community was made up of five Falkland Islanders, for a total of 26 adults and 18 children.
TWO American pioneers are expecting babies: Catherine Wilson in September, and Margot Smallwood in late May or early June.
With Don and Debbie Youngquist and their three children having returned to the States, as they had planned before the trouble began, and with the two new Bahá’ís, the community now consists of 26 adults and 15 children.
Michael Smallwood, a pioneer from the U.S. who is a radio announcer in Stanley, advertised firesides to the local people when the islands were invaded. The Local Spiritual Assembly offered to send a Bahá’í to pray with anyone who wanted the service, saying that prayer often helps in times of crisis.
The receptivity was heartwarming, according to Debbie Youngquist. The Bahá’ís were perceived by the Falkland Islanders as friends in bad times as well as good. Also, this was the first time many Islanders felt the need to turn to God.
Mrs. Youngquist thinks that one of the two people who became Bahá’ís recently may have been an American woman who had been sailing around the world on a yacht and put into port at Stanley about a year ago.
The woman chose not to leave the islands when the fighting began because she wanted to stay with her friends, the Bahá’ís.
As this is written, the prayers of Bahá’ís everywhere are offered for the safety and success of this valiant band of people in the remote Falkland Islands, a spot that our beloved Guardian designated as an important area of the world and that our persevering pioneers have nurtured over the years.
The twofold process is clearly evident: “This is our day of service; we have that heavenly food to offer.” (The Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 1982). The Bahá’ís in the Falklands are offering that heavenly food.
College Park host to New Year confab[edit]
More than 50 Bahá’í adults and youth from 20 communities in Northern Virginia and Maryland attended a “New Year’s Teaching Conference” March 28 in College Park, Maryland.
Speakers included Auxiliary Board members Albert James and Sam McClellan and several of their assistants.
The conference was sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Greenbelt and College Park and the Bahá’í Club at the University of Maryland.
[Page 17]
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)
Showing attributes of God not a matter of color[edit]
|
Your Turn |
Dear Friends:
I have followed with interest the Race Unity page in The American Bahá’í and wish to express my appreciation for the series of articles.
It has been helpful for me to discover the diversity of vantage-points and the range of understanding of the contributors, and helped me to become more aware of the theme of racial unity in my daily life.
PROBABLY because of the Race Unity page, a recent incident sparked my curiosity to understand it more, so I offer the following:
I am white. A white acquaintance (who is not a Bahá’í) recently said to me of a mutual friend (who is black), “Why, she’s white, in a way!” I had heard that kind of thing before, but this time it got me to thinking.
When whites do not reach out and nurture friendships with blacks, the mutual humanity is obscured, and when confronted with a meaningful relationship with a black person, the white may seek to reason it out in the limited language he has at hand—which is all too often the cruel and limited language of racism.
It seems to me that in such a case the duty to learn the broad, kind and beautiful language of understanding that the Faith gives us becomes inescapable.
The black friend in my example is, in short, a person whose life reflects in many aspects the attributes of God. My white friend, I believe, sensed this, but because of her limited contact with blacks could not express the concept.
SHE DID not understand what it was she admired in the black woman, and did not understand that the object of her admiration was not a function of color but of the ability to reflect the attributes of God.
Since she had known only whites and been taught to regard people in terms of color, my white friend could only refer to an experience with people of her own color.
While this does not justify her statement, it helps me to understand the errors in perception and judgment that have sometimes led me to the same vague feeling—that my black friends “seemed white” when in reality that expression is a racist term for behavior that is simply human in nature.
From another standpoint: I recall that as a first-year teacher in a predominantly black school, I often experienced a pleasant sensation which at the time I privately identified as “feeling black”—a feeling which, so named, confused me no end—until I realized that the feeling was a result of identifying with the joyous youthfulness and keen desire for learning that my students possessed.
By my inadequate definition of this feeling, I missed out on a deeper understanding and appreciation of those students—but with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s insistent command to understand ourselves and strive for racial unity, such limitations can be identified and overcome.
The Faith offers a marvelous tool for remedying this kind of imperception. It teaches what human reality and purpose are. It gives a common base of reference by which we can perceive each other.
The Faith can teach us what is basic and vital in human behavior, while helping us to recognize those elements that are valid differences and a function of culture, environment, etc. This knowledge can serve to unify and to protect the individual and the community.
The experience has taught me that it is easy to see if a person is white or black. When we feel that someone is “white” or “black,” we are not looking deep enough—we are not looking at their hearts.
Gap, Pennsylvania
Dear Friends:
The letter in the September 1981 issue of The American Bahá’í from Robert J. Stephens reminded me of a story told to me by an American pioneer to Guatemala.
What Mr. Stephens said was that the quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—“from one, expressions of gratitude and appreciation; from the other, kindliness and recognition of equality”—carries no distinct reference as to which race is one or the other.
THIS pioneer (who is white) was raised in the South. When she embraced the Faith, she did so with great love but knew she would have a hard time overcoming her prejudices toward blacks.
While living in New York City, she and her husband were invited to dinner by another Bahá’í couple, who were black.
Later, the woman told me how anxious she had been over this engagement—anxious that somehow her prejudices would show, that she might in some way offend her black friends.
When they arrived at the house for dinner, the hostess asked my friend if she would like to come upstairs for a few moments to see something her husband had made.
When they were upstairs, the black woman turned to her white friend and said simply, “You’ll be all right now.” Then she held her white friend, who could only respond with tears.
In this situation, who was showing kindliness and recognition of equality, and who was showing gratitude and appreciation?
In attempting to overcome our race prejudices, we must deal with certain fears: fear of what we don’t know or understand; fear of facing our own selves; and a less easily recognized fear, that of hurting or offending our fellow Bahá’ís.
To me, facing and coping with these fears are part of what Shoghi Effendi means when he cites “the moral courage and fortitude it (the most challenging issue) requires.”
Belford, New Jersey
Famous blacks in Bahá’í history[edit]
Robert Sengstacke Abbott was the founder of the Chicago Defender newspaper and one of the first black millionaires in America.
As a struggling student at Hampton Institute, he founded the Defender with 25 cents capital and made it the most influential black newspaper in the country. Mr. Abbott has often been called “The Father of Black Journalism.”
Today the Defender is housed in a million-dollar building on Chicago’s south side, and is operated by Mr. Abbott’s nephew, John H. Sengstacke. It is the only black daily newspaper published in the North.
Mr. Abbott’s endless search for racial peace led him to the Bahá’í Faith. His article in the December 15, 1934, issue of the Defender entitled “Bahá’ism Called the Religion That Will Rescue Humanity” explains his acceptance of the Faith.
Your letters, cards are welcome[edit]
The Race Unity Committee has received mail from many parts of the country concerning “The Most Challenging Issue.” The “year of awareness” appears to have been a great success.
Mail expressing interest, concern and hope toward the eradication of the last of lingering prejudices has come from such places as Lansing, Michigan; Belford, New Jersey; Taylorsville, Mississippi; Rialto, California; Austin, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Kent, Washington; Highland Park, Illinois; Charlottesville, Virginia; Champaign Township, Illinois; Lyons, Oregon; and Duluth, Minnesota.
Please continue to write to the Race Unity Committee c/o Dr. Carole Allen, secretary, ________ Norfolk, VA 23508.
Reports of your plans to help eradicate prejudice and foster racial amity are most welcome. Please be aware that your letter might reach The American Bahá’í, on the Race Unity Page, unless you specify that you do not want it published. Published letters may not be anonymous.
Reference shelf
Film recommended as race amity tool[edit]
Dear Friends:
In response to your request for non-Bahá’í materials dealing with racial amity, I would like to submit a recommendation for the film, “Who Do You Think Should Belong to the Club?”
This film was used at a recent public meeting to introduce the principle of elimination of prejudice. It was also used in a children’s class whose ages ranged from 6 to 13. In both cases response was positive and active.
The description of the film from the Portland State University film catalog is:
A group of neighborhood kids struggle to win a contest by forming the Rainbow Club, a club open to all, and by providing a community service.
However, Ralph, the world’s youngest bigot, finds it hard to accept blacks, Mexicans, Jews, Orientals, women, Indians, and handicapped people.
They eventually win the contest, but Ralph doesn’t want to enjoy the togetherness, unity and cooperation that they had.
The 17-minute animated cartoon is by Stephen Bosustow Productions. It can be rented for $2.50 from the Film Library, Oregon Division of Continuing Education, P.O. Box 1491, Portland, OR 97207. Phone 503-229-4890.
The catalog from Portland State includes many other film descriptions that sound as if they would be quite useful.
Scio, Oregon
‘One World’ Festival slated in Delaware[edit]
A One World Family “Festival ’82” will be held Saturday, June 12, at the Market Street Mall in Wilmington, Delaware, in recognition of Race Unity Day.
This is the second such annual event sponsored by the Bahá’ís in that city.
Included will be booths with international foods, crafts, and a variety of entertainment.
Dropping the language barrier can be occasion for gratitude[edit]
|
Superiority and Suspicion |
Dear Friends:
The Master’s statement mentioning gratitude means this to me:
I live in a community that is mostly Persian. I had often felt left out when some of these friends, who knew English quite well, would speak together in the Persian language, which I do not understand.
I felt outraged, indignant, and was fault-finding, which are clearly shortcomings on my part.
But when most of these friends came to realize how hurt I was, they began to speak in English. Boy, was I grateful! Finally, I could be part of the conversation.
Well, I still think that was my due, since we were, after all, in a Bahá’í community in an English-speaking country. But nevertheless, it felt so good to be included that I was genuinely grateful to those friends—it was they, actually, who made the change, wasn’t it?
London, England
Race Unity Committee, c/o Dr. Carole Allen, secretary, ________ Norfolk, VA 23508.
[Page 18]
PERSIAN PAGE
[Page 19]
GREEN LAKE CONFERENCE
More than 100 people attended a teaching conference January 31 in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, on the banks of the Rio Grande River across from Presidio, Texas. The conference was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Ojinaga. A children’s conference was held simultaneously.
Jewish community in Tidewater lends support to Bahá’í Cause[edit]
Following Bahá’u’lláh’s admonition to “consort with the people of all religions with joy and fragrance,” Bahá’ís in the Tidewater area of Virginia have received the bounty of recognition and support from the Tidewater United Jewish Community.
Individuals from the Jewish community have become regular participants in Bahá’í events, the Tidewater Board of Rabbis has contacted state legislators concerning the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran, and the Faith has been proclaimed to adult and student gatherings in synagogues, community meetings, and at the Hebrew Academy (the area Jewish day school).
Rabbi Lawrence Arthur Forman of Ohef Sholom Reform Temple was so deeply touched by reports of persecution of the Iranian Bahá’í community that on March 5 he devoted the entire Friday evening Shabbat service to the Bahá’ís.
The rabbi read three Bahá’í prayers during the course of the service and two selections from Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. His moving and eloquent sermon was heard by more than 150 congregants.
Rabbi Forman also has contacted many local religious leaders on behalf of the Bahá’ís, appealing to them to join with him in supporting the efforts to inform the public with accurate information about the organized attacks on Iran’s Bahá’í community.
Virginia’s Tidewater is a geographic area consisting of the incorporated cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and James City County.
POINTS OF LIGHT
23rd Annual Green Lake Bahá’í Coference[edit]
The weekend of September 17-19, 1982, has been set for the 23rd annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, at Green Lake, Wisconsin. Where else but at Green Lake can one bask in the light of 1300 other glowing Bahá’ís, be addressed by representatives of the Hands of the Cause, the Continental Board of Counsellors, the Auxiliary Board, the National Spiritual Assembly, and partake in group discussions on Bahá’í topics of one’s choice, all in an environment highly conducive to thought and reflection.
An outstanding children’s program remains a strong and crucial component of the Green Lake Conference. Please fill out the form below (ages 3 to 11). For children less than 3 years old, a complete cooperative nursery is again being provided. Families enrolling children in the nursery and/or children’s program are asked to commit 2 hours in assisting the staff.
Music for the conference is being given special emphasis and increased exposure this year. Contact Jim Beasley at Menomonee Falls, WI 53051, (414) 251-8005 if you have talents to contribute.
Friday evening dinner will be offered for the first time this year in preparation for a most stimulating Friday night program beginning at 7 p.m. Be certain to indicate your wishes for the Friday evening meal on the advance registration form below. Meal prices are as follows: Adults—breakfast $3.50, lunch $4.50, dinner $5.85. Children (6-11 years): breakfast $2.00, lunch $2.95, dinner $3.75.
Green Lake offers a wide variety of housing accommodations: from campsites ($9.00 to 11.50 per day) to cabins ($55 1st day, $40 2nd day), from single rooms ($9 to $36 per day) to a limited number of luxury homes ($200 1st day, $120 2nd day).
For information on meals, lodging, etc., contact the American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake, WI, 54941, (414) 294-3323, 10 miles west of Ripon, Wis. on Route 23.
For program information contact Barbara Beasley, secretary, Green Lake Bahá’í Conference Planning Committee, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051, (414) 251-8005.
Conference Fees are $6.25 for adults and $3.50 for children (3-11).
An Advance Deposit of one night’s lodging plus conference fees must accompany each reservation.
Mr. Sears’ book a resounding ‘cry’ for justice[edit]
Continued From Page 1
the false charges, baseless accusations, confiscations, brutal murders, and lies being perpetrated against the Bahá’ís in Iran by the present regime there.
We had a close-knit, worldwide family of dedicated, consecrated and outraged believers who were prepared to act, if they could find the instrument.
I THOUGHT: how sensational it would be if we could harness that tremendous power.
What if we should use every National Spiritual Assembly, every Local Assembly, every Group and every isolated believer in a great, united wave to tell the truth about their false charges, their baseless accusations, and reveal the real reason that they are killing our Bahá’í brothers and sisters in Iran—and why those dear souls there are a “new breed of martyr” in this day, why their deaths are unique and priceless, and of great significance to all of mankind in this day when humanity is being swept toward the edge of an awesome abyss and doesn’t even know why.
Having journeyed to some 65 places in Iran (Persia) on two separate visits, I conceived the idea of writing a personal account of exactly what was happening there, and why, as seen through the eyes of someone who had been there. Someone who knew the people. Someone who, when he said, “They are my friends,” could be believed because they are his friends.
When I said I knew the martyrs, I really did know them. When I said I had been to the site of many of those brutal and ruthless martyrdoms, I had really been there.
Such a book would be designed to answer their false charges and baseless accusations. It would show the world the underlying truth of the matter that is so cunningly hidden by the present regime in Iran.
IT WOULD show the world that Bahá’ís are lovers of all mankind, not enemies of Islam, and that they are prepared to sacrifice everything—even their lives—to help build the Christ-promised Kingdom of God on earth.
Above all, the book would show that the real purpose of the present regime in Iran is to destroy every trace of the Bahá’í community in that country.
Whatever lies and deceits they might put forward to the world to cover up their monstrous and insidious intent, from the beginning it has always been genocide.
We know that, but we want the world—not only the leaders, but the masses of mankind—to know this. That is one of the important purposes of this book, and one that only the believers everywhere can bring about.
Already, our National Spiritual Assemblies, and especially our Bahá’í International Community at the United Nations, have done marvelous things to counteract the malevolent actions of the regime in Iran. They have effectively protested the martyrdoms. They have aroused thousands of sympathetic supporters in defense of the Bahá’í cause. What they have done to publicize these outrages has been monumental and glorious. And their unique and vital efforts continue uninterruptedly.
A Cry from the Heart was designed to be something quite different and supplementary.
This was to be our book—a personal appeal written by one who was there in Persia; an account of the heroic stories of those who have died, willingly, for the welfare of mankind; a book that was for every Bahá’í, everywhere in the world, to use as his or her instrument of reply to those insidious enemies; a cry from every Bahá’í heart: “Take that!”
That is how and why the book was born. I presented the idea to our Supreme Body, the Universal House of Justice. They liked it, and encouraged me to begin at once, and to carry the concept of the book through to the end. I made two trips to the Holy Land. The book began there.
One day, after I had just returned from the Sacred Shrines with Marguerite (Mrs. Sears), who accompanied me on the journey and encouraged me, in the early days of the idea, to press on, one of our friends stuck his head in the door and asked, “What are you going to call your book?”
I admitted that I didn’t know yet. “But whatever it’s called,” I said, “it is going to be a cry from my heart.”
“That’s it,” our friend replied. “Don’t look any further. You’ve found your title.”
SO I HAD. And so the book became A Cry from the Heart.
The most important thing to understand, beloved friends, is this: A Cry from the Heart is not my book. It is your book. Ours, together. It belongs to all the believers in the world.
The beloved Guardian said that some opportunities come once in a lifetime, some come every hundred years or so, some come only once—only once and never return, never come to us again.
Whichever one of these “golden opportunities” this is, our Universal House of Justice is eager that we do not miss it.
It is our instrument of justice against a ruthless, brutal, soul-killing regime in Iran that is intent on erasing every trace of our blessed Faith in the land of its birth.
THIS BOOK is our personal, individual chance to fight back, to help prevent their evil purpose.
If we do not arise like a tidal wave to flood the world with this story of truth, tenderness, drama and sorrow, then all my effort has been useless.
As one of the “remnants” of the beloved Guardian, and as one of the Standard Bearers of the Cause of God, I have endeavored, with your prayers and encouragement, to carry the banner of our Faith into every remote corner of the world with this book, A Cry from the Heart.
It is one of those “guns of love” spoken of by the Master. May it “explode” in the hearts of men and women everywhere and change hatred to love, and misconceptions into understanding.
Unless every one of my fellow believers undertakes to rally to this Cry, my part will fall far short of the tremendous potential we now possess to let the world know who are the heroes, and who are the villains, in what our beloved Guardian and our Supreme House of Justice have described as “the greatest religious drama” in the history of mankind.
How marvelous it would be if we could place A Cry from the Heart in the hands of every Bahá’í everywhere, on a scale never before approached in the history of our Faith. Worldwide! In the hands of every English-speaking person on the face of the planet.
IT WOULD expose to the world in clear, brief, powerful answers the repudiation of all the vile, vicious and baseless charges against our Faith. All would be easily and instantly available to every Bahá’í and even to the most remote Local Spiritual Assemblies.
Clearly and unmistakably, it would explain in one relatively short document not only the answers to those false charges, but would also be an instrument of teaching, and would offer a fresh glimpse to new seekers and strangers into the beauty, greatness, purity, joy and majesty of this wondrous Faith of ours.
What exactly can we do?
We can put the book into the hands of the public through the efforts of a world-flooding tidal wave of aroused, outraged and determined Bahá’ís.
This campaign would be an “on fire!” campaign energetically carried out by the Bahá’ís everywhere. An “all-out!” effort, unique and unprecedented on a fierce, continuous and relentless scale—the first of its kind ever!
In this way, using our great mobilized Army of God, we can let the world know the truth. We can present actual stories and case histories that prove it—stories that will touch and move the hearts, and at the same time offer needed answers to the lies and deceits of the present regime in Iran—answers that refute and destroy their secret hope of hiding their plan of genocide, and will raise up the glory and station of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the eyes of men.
THIS IS our chance to fight back! With truth, justice and heroism, matching the bravery of those unique martyrs now dying in the Cradle of the Faith—men, women and children.
They are the Dawn-breakers of today! How I love them all!
Just think, beloved friends, of the power we hold in our hands. Through our unified, concentrated, consecrated efforts, we can make this book of ours, A Cry from the Heart, the greatest, most instantaneous “best seller” in the history of publishing. We can do that. We can! Another first for our Faith! It is entirely within our capacity. Right now!
Nothing like this has ever happened before.
Let us fulfill every hope and wish of our Supreme House of Justice, and let us arise to accomplish one of those things envisioned for us by the beloved Master:
“Verily, the perfect and divine power will breathe in you with the bounties of the Holy Spirit and enable you to accomplish a thing the like of which hath never been seen by the eye of existence.” (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 404)
COULD our efforts together make a beginning toward that wondrous day? Could any goal be greater than the challenge we now face, a chance to combat and frustrate the evil purposes of a wicked enemy who for nearly 150 years has persecuted, brutalized and murdered some of the most decent, noble and worthy human beings ever placed upon this planet?
Can we do it? On such a thrilling, dramatic scale?
I leave it in your hands, remembering these Words of the Blessed Beauty, the Master, our beloved Guardian, and the Universal House of Justice:
“He that summoneth men in My Name is, verily, of Me, and he will show forth that which is beyond the power of all that are on earth.”—Bahá’u’lláh
“In this century of the ‘latter times’ Bahá’u’lláh has appeared and so resuscitated spirits that they have manifested powers more than human.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
“We can truly say that this Cause is a cause that enables people to achieve the impossible.”—Shoghi Effendi
“...however hopeless the prospect may seem ... Bahá’u’lláh will reinforce them with His Hosts and will open the doors of victory before them.”—The Universal House of Justice
Four separate sources of Divine infallibility! How can we fail?
Let us hasten to the day when “all is won” by using, like “a flame of fire to our enemies,” the tool that has been at this hour placed providentially in our hands and made possible by the House of the Lord of Hosts.
Keep saying to yourselves as you move like a global spiritual army into every city, town, village and hamlet: “They have persecuted, brutalized, stolen, burned, and martyred our dearly-loved brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers long enough! Let it end!”
Let this be our Cry from the Heart! Together. Against the genocidal wretches. Let them see what it is they are up against. The Army of God, no less!
After them! Everywhere on the face of the earth!
“...the mere act of arising will win for you God’s help and blessings.”—Shoghi Effendi
“You shall, in truth, become lighted torches of the globe. Fear not, neither be dismayed, for your light shall penetrate the densest darkness. This is the promise of God which I give unto you. Rise! and serve the power of God!”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Sheboygan, Wisconsin Family Night draws 50[edit]
Fifty people, half of whom were non-Bahá’ís, attended a Family Entertainment Night held April 24 at the Rehabilitation Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
The event was sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Sheboygan as a service to its handicapped friends and to the Bahá’í community itself.
Featured were a country and western band and a local singer. The event received three weeks of free publicity in the local shopper’s guide.
TV programs in Spanish, Chinese ready[edit]
Light Years International is ready to distribute its series of 12 Spanish-language and 10 Chinese-language (Mandarin) television programs.
These shows are professional quality, and are excellent for cable TV. They can also be used at county fairs, firesides, or for any other use your community, District Teaching Committee or Group can think of. For further information please contact:
- Light Years International
- _________
- San Fernando, CA 91340.
[Page 21]
MONTREAL CONFERENCE
Four Hands of the Cause expected in Montreal[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada has announced that four of the Hands of the Cause of God and eight members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas are expected to attend the Bahá’í International Conference to be held September 2-5 in Montreal.
The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum will represent the Universal House of Justice at the conference.
Also expected to attend are the Hands of the Cause of God John Robarts, William Sears and ‘Alí-Muḥammad Varqá.
Here are more details about the conference that have been made available by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada:
Hotel accommodations[edit]
We have determined that requests for reservations have been passed on to the hotels in Montreal. Unfortunately, the hotels have been slow in mailing confirmations to the individuals and families concerned.
Your rooms are reserved. Acknowledgement will be forthcoming from the hotels in due course. Thank you for being patient.
Published rates for hotels have increased by $10 per night due to new rate schedules from the hotels.
Pre-registration[edit]
More than 2,500 were registered by the end of April, with credential applications flowing in steadily. Please keep them coming to facilitate processing. The deadline for receipt of conference credential application forms at the U.S. National Center is August 2.
Conference registration[edit]
General registration begins on Wednesday, September 1, at 9 a.m. at the Pierre Charbonneau Centre. Please register as soon as you arrive on Wednesday or Thursday.
Please note: Even if you have obtained a pre-registration ID card, you must have your regular Bahá’í credentials with you. All persons attending the conference must present themselves at the registration hall in the Pierre Charbonneau Centre. Those who have pre-registered will be processed more quickly, but everyone must observe some registration procedure at the site.
Wednesday and Thursday are free days. The Velodrome will not be open to the friends before Friday morning, September 3.
However, the Bahá’í bookstore will be open in the Pierre Charbonneau Centre from Wednesday, September 1, until the close of the conference.
Film theatre[edit]
Thursday evening, September 2, Bahá’í films will be shown from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Grand Salon at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Each evening of the conference, the film theatre will be operating at that same location.
All audio-visual products screened in the theatre must be previewed by the committee before June 30.
Health insurance[edit]
A Canada visitor’s insurance package is available through an agency known as Blue Cross Hospital Care. We bring this to your attention because, without insurance, the daily hospital rate in Montreal is $535 per day.
Blue Cross provides 30-day health insurance coverage for ambulance and hospital expenses at the flat fee of $8.75 per individual or $20 per family.
The insurance package is available through the Bahá’í International Conference Committee. You may write to the committee now enclosing your check, or you may purchase the health insurance at the conference site in the registration area.
Nursery program[edit]
We have expanded the nursery program to accommodate 150 youngsters from ages 1-4 years. The program theme is “Love and Unity” based on the book, The Secret in the Garden.
Mothers and infants[edit]
A special glass-enclosed seating area has been arranged to make it possible for mothers and infants in arms (1 day to 1 year old) to attend the sessions of the general conference in the Velodrome. The area has suitable facilities for the changing and nursing of the infants.
Children’s conference[edit]
Please make use of the forms provided in The American Bahá’í or write to the International Children’s Conference Committee, Box 207, Milton, Ontario, Canada L9T 2N9 (or phone Mrs. Isobel Thomson at 416-878-0047).
On receipt of the application, the committee will send you a package of preparatory materials to share with your child over the summer so that he/she will derive the greatest benefit from the conference itself. Applications are flowing in. Mail yours now to be sure that your child has a place at the International Children’s Conference.
The age limit has been raised to accommodate children 12-14 years old. Children of those ages have the option of attending the general conference sessions at the Velodrome. However, special sessions tailored to their needs are being offered at the Children’s Conference (e.g., discussions with the Hands of the Cause, sports events, entertainment, etc.).
The registration fee for 12-14 year olds is $20. For further information please write to the International Children’s Conference Committee at the address given above.
Volunteers[edit]
• More RNs and LPNs are needed to assist in the emergency care units we will be operating.
• The Fund operation needs volunteers with or without accounting or cashier experience.
• Youth supervisors are needed to help with the International Children’s Conference.
• The Bahá’í Distribution Service Committee has openings for volunteer staff to work in the bookstore during the conference.
The over-all objective with the volunteer program is to have enough volunteers to schedule shifts in such a way as to free everyone to attend at least some of the general conference sessions.
If you would like to volunteer your services, please write to the International Conference Committee, Jim Heidema, executive secretary, ________ Ontario, Canada L3T 2A1.
Douglas Martin, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, talks about the Montreal Conference during the U.S. National Convention in Wilmette.
Crossing the border[edit]
If you’re a U.S. citizen—native-born or naturalized—don’t worry about passports or visas. All you need is proof of citizenship: birth certificate, voter registration, or social security card will do fine.
Permanent U.S. resident-aliens should remember to carry your alien registration card.
Currency[edit]
Money comes in coins—1-cent, 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent and 50-cent pieces—and bills. Different denominations come in different colors, so our pink $2 bills are as sound as our $1, $5, $20, $50 or $100 notes.
Right now, U.S. dollars are worth more than Canadian, so you’ll have greater buying power. U.S. currency is generally accepted throughout Quebec. But you’ll probably find it simpler and a bit more economical to deal directly in Canadian. Money can be exchanged at airports and nearly all banks, open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tipping[edit]
Around 15 per cent and a try at “merci” usually keeps everyone happy.
Driving in Canada[edit]
You must have your auto registration with you at all times. If you’re driving a rented car, be sure to carry a copy of the contract
The first Spiritual Assembly of Hartford, Vermont, was formed by joint declaration on April 18. Its members are (front row left to right) Ann Heist, Leslie Berge, Diane Langley (secretary), and (back row left to right) Dawn Staudt, Stephen Langley (treasurer), Lawrence Staudt (chairman), Basil Lanphier Jr. (vice-chairman), Nancy Maynard, Michael Maynard.
Montreal Conference to include nursery program[edit]
The nursery program at the Bahá’í International Conference in Montreal, Canada, will run from 8:30 a.m. Friday, September 3, to 5 p.m. Sunday, September 5.
The exact hours are from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
There is a flat fee of $60 for the entire period. The site of the nursery program is the Ramada Inn at Olympic Park, which is about 15 minutes from the site of the conference sessions.
A non-Bahá’í agency has been hired to supervise the program, and will provide toys, entertainment, a stimulating environment, and security for children ages 6 months to 4 years. Parents are not required to participate in the nursery program.
Should you wish to have your child participate in the nursery program, please fill out the form and send it with a check payable to the 1982 International Conference Nursery Program, ________ Ontario, Canada L3T 2A1.
Crises in Falklands, Iran mean widespread publicity for Faith[edit]
Continued From Page 2
about an international crisis, a second story emerged: the story of Bahá’í pioneers and the reasons behind their choosing such a remote place in which to live and teach.
The Bahá’í National Center was besieged by inquiring news media. Within a few days of the beginning of the crisis on April 2, all three major television networks had contacted the National Center, two of which conducted background interviews with Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.
ON APRIL 8, calls continued to pour in one after another. The Milwaukee Sentinel was followed by the CBS television network, which was followed in turn by NBC.
Then came Metromedia News in Washington, D.C.; CBS again; the Morristown, New Jersey, Daily Record; and the Daily Home News of New Brunswick, New Jersey. The Associated Press phoned later that day, followed by WNEW-TV in New York, the Dallas Morning News, and an upstate New York paper.
Also on April 8, a lengthy and well-written editorial appeared in the Los Angeles Times, saying that the Bahá’ís in the Falklands were safe and explaining what it means to be a Bahá’í pioneer.
Greg and Polly Malby and Gerald and Diane Henrikson, former pioneers to the Falklands, were interviewed about living conditions there and about the Faith.
On the evening of April 8, radio interviews with National Center spokesmen were conducted by stations in Seattle, Washington, and Sacramento, California.
Calls from reporters continued the next day. The Miami Herald, the Boston Herald-American, and WGN-TV in Chicago called, wanting information about the Bahá’ís in the Falklands and about the Faith itself.
MEANWHILE, articles about the Bahá’ís and others mentioning the Faith continued to be published all over the country.
The Associated Press story was carried in newspapers in Abilene, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Worcester, Massachusetts; Richmond, Virginia; Knoxville, Tennessee; Cocoa, Florida; San Bernardino and Sacramento, California; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana, and other places.
United Press International also circulated an article to its papers throughout the country.
Through occasional cables, the Bahá’ís in the Falklands were able to assure the National Center and their families that they were “all fine and in good spirits.”
As the crisis intensified, so did news media interest. More reporters phoned on April 13, from such cities as Seattle and Everett, Washington; Fresno, California; and the Chicago area. Another radio interview was conducted with a National Center spokesman by the RKO radio network.
Meanwhile, it had become known that one of the Bahá’í families in the Falklands, the Youngquists, intended to return to the U.S.
ANOTHER surge of interest came with their stopover in Miami and arrival in Birmingham on April 15. Several reports were carried by network television news programs on the Youngquists’ departure from the Falklands.
They were greeted by numerous reporters in Miami and Birmingham, resulting in reports by most of those two cities’ media about the Youngquists, the Falklands, and the Faith.
Reports about the Bahá’ís continue to be carried by the news media. As a result of the news stories to date (as of May 10), the name of the Faith, summaries of its teachings, and detailed reports of the Bahá’í pioneers have come before tens of millions of people.
Because of the mature handling of the news media by the Bahá’í pioneers in the Falklands and by those who have returned, the coverage has been accurate, favorable and most impressive.
Moreover, both the Morgantown and Falkland Islands stories demonstrate the almost incredible change in interest in the Faith, underscoring how the hand of Divine Providence is moving the Faith from the darkness of obscurity into the bright light of recognition and appreciation.
Statement corrected in report of Chicago memorial to martyrs[edit]
In reporting the special Naw-Rúz program sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Chicago that was dedicated to the memory of recent Bahá’í martyrs in Iran (The American Bahá’í, May 1982, p. 9), one of the speakers, Dr. Fazlur Rahman, was described as “an outspoken champion of the Bahá’í cause.”
This may give rise to some misunderstanding as to Dr. Rahman’s religious conviction. We would like to correct the statement and point out that Dr. Rahman is a convinced Muslim—and an authority among scholars of Islamic studies throughout the world.
However, Dr. Rahman has spoken openly, even to the press, on behalf of the Bahá’ís in Iran, and at the meeting in Chicago he reiterated his previous statements that what is happening in Iran is not, in fact, the practice of Islam.
We apologize for any erroneous impression that may have been created by the article.
New dormitory buildings at the Louhelen Bahá’í School near Davison, Michigan, are shown nearing completion in this photo taken early in May. Reconstruction of the 50-year-old school is scheduled to be completed near the end of this year.
‘Bahá’í Option’ theme of Association conference[edit]
“The Bahá’í Option” is the theme of the 7th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies to be held August 30-September 2 at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Included in the program are a workshop on international development, a Bahá’í scholarship symposium, a symposium on the Bahá’í International Health Agency, and a Bahá’í curriculum development workshop.
The over-all theme, “The Bahá’í Option,” focuses on the Bahá’í teachings as mankind’s remedy for the disunity of thought, feeling and action in people’s inner lives as well as in their relationships at familial and societal levels.
The program is as follows:
- Monday, August 30: Unity within the individual.
- Tuesday, August 31: Unity within the family.
- Wednesday, September 1: Unity of mankind (presented in collaboration with the International Projects Committee and covering issues related to international development from a Bahá’í perspective).
There is a registration fee of $15 for non-members and $10 for members of the Association for Bahá’í Studies.
Please note that those attending the conference are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.
To provide professional care and instruction for Bahá’í children (ages 5-11) at the conference, it is necessary to charge a fee of $30 for one child; $50 for two; and $60 for three or more. Only children who have pre-registered for the program will be accepted.
To register yourself and your children, please enclose registration fees payable to the Association for Bahá’í Studies and mail to the Association, ________ Ontario K1N 7K4, Canada. Phone 613-233-1903.
VIBE Conference scheduled in June at Las Vegas, Nevada, Convention Center[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Paradise Township, Nevada, is sponsoring a VIBE (“Very Important Bahá’í Energy”) Conference June 27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Among those attending will be Counsellor Fred Schechter and Auxiliary Board members Ed Diliberto and Dennis Jenkyns.
Each of the speakers will make a presentation which will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
For more information, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Paradise Township, P.O. Box 13070, Las Vegas, NV 89120.
Montreal[edit]
Continued From Page 21
you signed with the rental company, authorizing your use of the vehicle. And yes, your U.S. driver’s license is valid here.
Speed limits in Canada are posted in kilometers. One mile equals approximately 1.6 kilometers. For example, a speed of 30 mph is about 50 kmh; 50 mph is about 80 kmh.
Gasoline is available in whatever grade you use, but you buy it in liters rather than gallons. One U.S. gallon equals 3.8 liters. And not only is your dollar worth more, but gas is usually less expensive in Canada.
Auto insurance[edit]
Anyone driving in Quebec must have liability coverage ($50,000 minimum) for property damage he or she might cause. Non-residents who are injured in an auto accident may be entitled to compensation under the Québec Automobile Insurance Plan. For information, write to: Insurance Bureau of Canada, c/o Mr. Marcel Tassé, ________ Montreal, Québec, H2Z 1S8, or telephone 514-866-9801.
Getting there[edit]
Dorval International Airport handles flights to and from all points in Canada and the U.S. and is served by Air Canada, American, Braniff, CP Air, Delta, Eastern, Eastern Provincial, Nordair, Quebecair, Republic, and USAir. It’s about 10 miles to the downtown area; $4 by airport bus, $15 by limo, about $17 by taxi.
Mirabel Airport is served by Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Air Tunis, Alitalia, British Airways, CP Air, Cubana, Czechoslovak, El Al, Iberia, KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, Olympic, Quebecair, Royal Air Maroc, Sabena, SAS, Swissair, TAP and Wardair Airlines. The airport is about 40 miles from downtown, a 60-minute ride.
Transportation[edit]
Cabs: Fleet of 5,000 cabs serves the area. Fares are metered at 80 cents for the first 1/8 mile, 10 cents for each additional 1/8.
Mass transit: Regularly scheduled lines, 60 cents exact change, 15 tickets for $7.
Special local buses: Montreal Urban Community Transit Commission operates chartered shuttle buses within the city.
Car rental: Avis (800-261-2100); Budget (800-261-6010); Hertz (800-261-1311); Tilden (514-878-2771).
For specific details about routes and maps, please contact your local auto club.
Ten years ago ...[edit]
in the American Bahá’í
Counsellor Edna True and Auxiliary Board members Eunice Braun and D. Thelma Jackson are among the speakers during a special visit program to the National Center in Wilmette that is attended by 18 Bahá’ís from various parts of the country.
Others who speak to the group during its visit to offices at the National Center are Charlotte Linfoot, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Richard D. Betts, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.
The four-day program provides participants with an opportunity to deepen, tour the House of Worship, and offer their services to greet visitors to the Temple ...
More than 3,000 people visit a “Spring Unity Faire” sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Sacramento, California. The proclamation event is announced by the distribution of nearly 1,000 posters and 2,000 handbills, and is covered by local television stations.
Participants in the Faire include folk singers, musicians, the local United Nations chapter, the Esperanto Delegito, the Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University, painters and craftsmen ...
The Bahá’ís of Santa Cruz, California, sponsor a booth at another Spring Fair organized by environment-oriented non-Bahá’í organizations. Many visitors stop to talk to the friends at the Bahá’í booth ...
Plans are announced for “Pioneer Emphasis Week” at the Davison Bahá’í School in Michigan. Activities at the July 24-28 event are to include classes and workshops on various phases of pioneering to be conducted by members of the International Goals Committee, its staff, and Bahá’ís who have pioneered ...
Four hundred-fifty postcards are received by the Office of Youth and Student Activities from young Bahá’ís who have completed the goal of reading The Advent of Divine Justice by Shoghi Effendi. The office says that many more postcards are expected, as there are more than 14,000 Bahá’í youth in the U.S. ...
The International Goals Committee appeals for more pioneers during the closing months of the Nine Year Plan and reminds the friends of the message from the Universal House of Justice concerning the 60 territories that have not yet met their Bahá’í locality goals ...
Some ideas for publicity on college campuses[edit]
Continued From Page 3
we had for commemorating the Birthdays of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb.
Everyone in the community brought a gift for the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh! Here are some of the “gifts” that were given:
- I will rededicate my efforts to the Cause of God and say the “Remover of Difficulties” for the Iranian friends 99 times today.
- I will memorize the “Hidden Word” No. 55.
- We will give extra money to the Fund.
- I pledge $200 for the Louhelen Bahá’í School Renovation Fund.
- I will hold firesides at least twice a month.
- Our family will provide money for treats for the children tomorrow with any money left over to go to the Fund.
It was inspiring to everyone to hear these offers of gifts read aloud as the givers remained anonymous.
Aurora, Nebraska
To the Editor:
I would like to share some thoughts about publicity for the Faith on college campuses.
A major source of inexpensive publicity is the bulletin board. The only cost for a publicity campaign using bulletin boards is for the posters, which may cost five cents to 40 cents each depending on size and quality.
SINCE posters generally do not last long, the more expensive ones may not be worth the cost unless they are unusually attractive.
Poster life may be increased by taking down out-of-date posters as one puts up the Bahá’í posters. This makes the boards less crowded.
Permission may be required to place posters on some bulletin boards. Securing permission takes time but is usually worth it.
Poster placement can take five to eight hours when putting up 100 or so on a typical campus, and the task should certainly be divided between campus club members.
It is usually best not to put posters on doors, windows, sidewalks, etc., as this can create a bad impression of the Faith.
On occasion, posters may be vandalized. At Colorado State University, posters in some locations disappeared as soon as they were put up, while others had lines drawn across them with colored chalk.
TO COUNTER this, we wrote a letter to the editor of the campus newspaper deploring religious persecution and violation of free speech, and that seemed to reduce the problem.
Because people seldom notice things right away, we have found it best to repeat a poster campaign several times over a period of several weeks rather than doing it once a year.
If manpower is limited, a part of the campus can be covered intensively every few weeks. In this way people will become accustomed to seeing the name “Bahá’í.”
For repeated coverage like this, general posters such as “One Planet, One People ... Please” are good. Posters need not announce a meeting.
I hope this information will prove useful.
Fort Collins, Colorado
To the Editor:
“The very presence of a pioneer in a foreign land promotes the pivotal principle of the Faith: the oneness of mankind. This fact alone demands that prospective pioneers arise to demonstrate the validity of our world-embracing teachings.”
I was glad to see that statement on Page 8 of the April 1982 issue of The American Bahá’í. I would like to add another point to the two already emphasized about the importance of pioneering, and that is: A pioneer who ventures into another culture gains a wealth of experience and a personal understanding of just what the principle of mankind’s oneness really means!
The excerpts from letters from pioneers clearly show this gain.
Shingletown, California
In Memoriam[edit]
- Donald Adamcek
- Forest Park, IL
- February 17, 1982
- Allen D. Albrecht
- Hoquiam, WA
- Date Unknown
- Harold Barnes
- Blue Island, IL
- February 1982
- Wallace M. Castle
- Gamerco, NM
- March 1, 1982
- Samuel T. Chambliss
- Americus, GA
- November 20, 1980
- Gordon P. Collins
- Valley Falls, SC
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Alice Conley
- Marietta, GA
- Date Unknown
- Ulysses Davis
- Americus, GA
- December 7, 1975
- J.Q. Demery
- Gresham, SC
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Mary L. Fields
- Tuskegee, AL
- Date Unknown
- Vincent Filoramo
- Middletown, CT
- April 11, 1982
- John H. Frazier
- Spring Branch, SC
- December 1981
- Henry Golphin
- Ellaville, GA
- 1981
- Amos Gray Jr.
- Marshallville, GA
- September 6, 1980
- Percy Grays
- Madison, AL
- February 1982
- Harvey Haley
- Springfield, IL
- March 5, 1982
- Mrs. Sallie Hawkins
- Waukegan, IL
- Date Unknown
- Sylvester Hill
- Billings, MT
- Date Unknown
- Walter L. Johnson
- Marshallville, GA
- November 19, 1974
- Charles Kidd
- Blue Island, IL
- October 1982
- Johnny Lane
- Marshallville, GA
- January 14, 1979
- Miss Mary A. Lewis
- Bainbridge, GA
- Date Unknown
- Juan Marrabotto
- Downey, CA
- April 1980
- Mose McCaster
- North Chicago, IL
- 1981
- Mrs. Rentha Park
- Ottawa, KS
- June 1981
- Lisle Pollard
- Lancaster, NH
- April 1, 1981
- Mrs. Myrtis Richardson
- Gresham, SC
- July 1981
- Willie Bird Rogers
- Ideal, GA
- Date Unknown
- Jimmie L. Rumph
- Marshallville, GA
- January 23, 1982
- Theodore C. Shepard
- Phenix City, AL
- Date Unknown
- Dr. C. Russell Soper
- Spokane, WA
- April 9, 1982
- Jerry Spratling
- Phenix City, AL
- Date Unknown
- Leo Stork
- Spokane, WA
- April 5, 1982
- Mrs. Jean Tabor
- Buffalo, NY
- February 1982
- Daniel Walks
- Billings, MT
- Date Unknown
- Ralph Weaver
- Cordele, GA
- November 20, 1981
- Miss Meta Wetterau
- Milwaukee, WI
- April 17, 1982
- Ben Wicker
- Carmi, IL
- December 1981
- Eugene Williams
- Inman, SC
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Kathleen Williford
- Tampa, FL
- 1981
- Paul Wilson
- Riviera Beach, FL
- 1981
- Mrs. Viola Winters
- Douglas, AZ
- February 1981
- Cecil H. Winters
- Spokane, WA
- February 1982
- Charles Woods
- Fort Valley, GA
- March 11, 1981
Bahá’í a trustee of med student group[edit]
John Woodall, a Bahá’í from Urbana, Illinois, has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Student Association, an organization of some 24,000 medical students in the U.S.
Mr. Woodall is regional trustee for one of the association’s regions, and will sponsor and preside over two regional meetings, coordinate regional activities both at and between medical school chapters, and attend Board meetings in Washington, D.C., to help determine AMSA policy.
Gayle Morrison’s honest, loving, and provocative biography of Louis G. Gregory, holds the answer—and much more!
Available only in cloth. $16.00* Catalog No. 332-072
Order through your local librarian, or send $16.00 (plus 10% for postage and handling) to Bahá’í Publishing Trust
Bucknell succeeds Dr. Bustard as Trust’s general manager[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has named Larry Bucknell general manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, succeeding Dr. John Bustard who resigned effective May 1.
Mr. Bucknell, 32, comes to the Trust from B. Dalton of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the nation’s largest book seller, where he was the buyer for all religion and philosophy titles.
A native of Hastings, Nebraska, he has a degree in philosophy and religion from Hastings College.
Mr. Bucknell has been a Bahá’í for 10 years and has served on Spiritual Assemblies in Hastings and Minneapolis.
He and his wife, Janet, are living in Evanston.
Dr. Bustard, who came to the Trust in August 1980 from Urbana, Illinois, where he was principal of the Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, will continue serving at the National Center as a volunteer in the Department of Community Administration.
“It was always my intention to work in Community Administration,” he says. “The National Spiritual Assembly asked me to assume the position of general manager at the Trust until someone with the necessary qualifications could be found.
“Now I believe that person has been found, and I am most happy to turn the reins over to Larry Bucknell. I’m sure he’ll do a fine job as general manager.”
N. York City honors Master’s 1912 visit with proclamations[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of New York City is sponsoring a month-long series of proclamation events this month in honor of the proclamation in that city on June 19, 1912, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá of His Station as the Center of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.
The Master subsequently designated New York City as “the City of the Covenant.”
Plans include an “open house” at the Bahá’í Center on weekdays with firesides and showings of “The Spiritual Revolution” videotapes, plus special events on weekends.
Race Unity Day will be observed June 13 in Harlem, and Race Unity Week will culminate June 19 with a “Unity in Diversity Festival” at a Center-area park, featuring “people, music and dance from around the world.”
The festival marks a first for the Bahá’ís in New York City, and is being supported by several community groups and City Hall, with an expected appearance by the mayor.
Australia invites American Bahá’ís to Conference[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia warmly invites the members of the American Bahá’í community to attend the Bahá’í International Conference to be held September 2-5 at Noah’s Lakeside International Hotel in Canberra.
The Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery will represent the Universal House of Justice at the conference, which was scheduled after the conference in Manila, the Philippines, was canceled.
At the end of the conference, the National Assembly has arranged for its guests to visit the Bahá’í House of Worship near Sydney.
For more details of the conference, contact the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Third Indigenous Council to be held in Alberta[edit]
The third Continental Indigenous Bahá’í Council will be held August 12-15 at the Blood Reserve in Alberta, Canada.
These councils are held to provide people of native descent the opportunity to understand the Bahá’í teachings and to share fellowship with native peoples from throughout North America.
THE THEME of this third Indigenous Council is “Come Soar With the Knowledge of the Spirit.” The program will provide a blend of inspirational talks, workshops and entertainment by native people of many tribes.
An all-nations pow wow also is planned—so bring your tribal dress, songs and dances to share.
A children’s program will be made available to provide supervised activities while you enjoy the council.
The Blood Reserve is in southwestern Alberta. Calgary is the nearest international airport. Special arrangements are being made to take those arriving in Calgary (either by plane, train or bus) to the council site.
When arriving, please telephone 403-277-6391 (Calgary) or 403-320-0296 (Lethbridge).
Motel rooms at reasonable rates are available in Cardston and Fort MacLeod.
Free accommodations are available in the dorm, with bedding provided on a first come, first served basis. Additional floor space is available, but bring your sleeping bag. There are elders’ rooms available.
SOME accommodations will be made available in tents to handle any overflow, but bring your own bedding.
Camping space also is provided. Washrooms and showers are available in the residence, but if possible bring food and cooking utensils to lessen pressure on the cafeteria facilities.
Meals in the cafeteria will cost $3 per meal per person. Tickets will be provided when registering.
Water and firewood will be provided for campers. We would appreciate campers being able to cook their own meals.
A snack shop with sandwiches, hamburgers, pop, etc., will be set up for the convenience of everyone.
To register, please fill out the form and send it to: Continental Indigenous Bahá’í Council, c/o Mrs. V. McFarlane, ________ West Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 4C1.
Vanguard[edit]
Continued From Page 15
steps. But a quota system for women closed Stanford to her as a freshman. She went instead to the University of California at Berkeley, and in a Laylí-and-Majnún twist met a dashing young Persian graduate student—Ali M. Yazdi—who became the love of her entire life.
“But the love that transcends even that of Marion’s beloved Sheikh-Ali was her love for the Bahá’í Faith. That has shaped her every movement and decision since she became a Bahá’í in 1914.”
Through letters from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, memoirs (hers and others’), college letters to her parents, photographs from family albums, Mrs. Yazdi takes us into a special earlier time that ends up having many of the same tests and bounties as our own.
Ordering information on Youth in the Vanguard will be published in The American Bahá’í and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust Update in the near future. Make plans now to use this intriguing new book in your teaching and deepening plans for youth and adults.