The American Bahá’í/Volume 14/Issue 12/Text

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December, 1983

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December 1983

American

The

Baha'i

Office of Social, Economic Development

House of Justice creates development agency

To the Baha’is of the World Dear Baha'i Friends,

The soul-stirring events in Baha’u’llah’s native land and the concomitant advance into the theatre of world affairs of the agencies of His Administrative Order have combined to bring into focus new possibilities in the evolution of the Baha’i world community.

Our Ridvan message this year captured these implications in its reference to the opening before us of a wider horizon in whose light can dimly be discerned new pursuits and undertakings upon which we must soon embark. These portend our greater involvement in the development of the social and economic life of peoples.

FROM THE BEGINNING of His stupendous mission,

Baha’ u’ll4h urged upon the attention of nations the necessity of ordering human affairs in such a way as to bring into being a world unified in all the essential aspects of its life.

In unnumbered verses and tablets He repeatedly and variously declared the ‘“‘progress of the world’’ and the ‘development of nations” as being among the ordinances of God for this day.

The oneness of mankind, which is at once the operating principle and ultimate goal of His Revelation, implies the achievement of a dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life on earth.

The indispensability of this coherence is unmistakably illustrated in His ordination of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, the spiritual center of every Bahd’{ community round which must flourish dependencies dedicated to the social, hu

manitarian, educational and scientific advancement of mankind.

Thus, we can readily appreciate that although it has hitherto been impracticable for Baha’ stitutions generally to empha: development activities, the concept of social and economic development is enshrined in the sacred Teachings of our Faith.

THE BELOVED MASTER, through His illuminating words and deeds, set the example for the application of this concept to the reconstruction of society. Witness, for instance, what social and economic progress the Iranian believers attained under His loving guidance and, subsequently, with the unfailing encouragement of the Guar DEVELOPMENT Page 4

See

lran’s National Spiritual Assembly responds to ban with an open letter to the government

On August 29, 1983, the Revolutionary Prosecutor General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Siyyid Husayn Misavi Tabrízi, declared in a press interview that Baha’i reli: gious organizations were illegal and partici pation in them was a criminal act. The decree outlawed the National Spiritual Assembly, governing body of the Iranian Ba“ha’i community, and 400 local Spiritual Assemblies, as well as their committees and subsidiary institutions. In conformity with the teachings of their Faith, the Baha'is of Iran disbanded all their organizations.

THE DISSOLUTION of organizations that the Baha’is call administrative institutions means much more than those who are unfamiliar with the role Spiritual Assemblies play in a community that has no clergy may imagine. The Spiritual Assemblies collectively perform the work of priest, teacher, adviser, trustee of funds, and keeper of records. They admit to membership, witness. marriages, supervise the religious education of children, settle disputes among individuals, grant religious divorce, encourage good deeds and censure bad behavior. Thus Spiritual Assemblies are central to the life of the Baha’i community.

The document presented here is a letter written by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Iran in response to the statement of the Prosecutor General outlawing Baha’i administrativé institutions. One will realize the degree of courage it took the members of the National Spiritual Assembly thus to address the Islamic government when one recalls that 17 of their predecessors on the National Assembly had been either abducted or executed by the

Index

Viewpoint

Letters .

Goals Committee.

Youth New:

Education -9 Teaching. 10-11 Native American 13 Publications .15 of Iran. Classifieds 118 Persian . 20-24 The Media 25

2 The National Spiritual Assembly urges all 3 Local Spiritual As 6 lated believers t

7 government oft open letter written by the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran in response to the banning of Baha’i religious institutions by the government

“The letter is an historic document of exceptional power,”’ says Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the

same regime.

The letter, delivered to some 2,000 government officials and prominent personages

in Iran, eloquently testifies to the heroism of its authors and the peaceful nature of the community they led. It exemplifies also the confidence and pridé of those who firmly believe that the One unknowable God has decreed the ultimate triumph of truth and justice.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States November 1, 1983 . The Banning of Baha’i Religious Institutions An open letter (translated from Persian) September 3, 1983 Recently the esteemed Prosecutor General of the Islamic Revolution of the Country, in an interview that was published in the newspapers, declared that the continued functioning of the Baha’i religious and spiritual administration is banned and that membership in its is considered to be a crime.

THIS declaration was made after certain unjustified accusations were leveled against the Baha’i community of Iran, and after a number of its members—ostensibly for imaginary and fabricated crimes but in reality merely for the sake of their beliefs—were either executed, or arrested and imprisoned. The majority of those who were imprisoned have not yet been brought to trial.

The Baha’i community finds the conduct of the authorities and the judges bewildering and lamentable—as indeed would any,

emblies, Groups, and isohare with their local media, cials and leaders of thought the

ional Spiritual Assembly. ‘‘It is

fair-minded observer who is unblinded by malice. The authorities are the refuge of the people; the judges in pursuit of their work of examining and ascertaining the truth and facts in legal cases devote years of their lives to studying the law and, when uncertain of a legal point, spend hours poring over copious tomes in order to cross a ‘‘t”’ or dot an “i.”

Yet these very people consider themselves to be justified in brazenly bringing false accusations against a group of innocent people, without fear of the Day of Judgment, without even believing the calumnies they utter against their ‘ims, and having exerted not the slightest effort to investigate to any degree the validity of the charges they are making. ‘Methinks they are not believers in the Day of Judgment.” (Hafiz, a 14th century Persian poet)

The honorable Prosecutor has again introduced the baseless and’ fic that the Bahá’ís engage in espionage, but without producing so much as one document in support of the accusation, without

i f in any form, and wi to what is the m is country of this extraordinary number ‘spies’: what sort of information they

of obtain and from what sources? Whither do

they relay it, and for what purpose?

What kind of “‘spy’’ is an 85-year-old man from Yazd who has never set foot outside his village? Why do- these alleged “spies’’ not hide themselves, conceal their religious be and exert every effort to penetrate, by every stratagem, the government’s information centers and offices?

R Page 26

See IRAN L)

Share letter, National Assembly urges friends

important that community leaders be kept informed about the situation of the Bahá’ís in Tran.”

Copies of The Banning of Baha’i Religious Institutions in Iran—An Open Letter are available (in Eng fice of Public Affairs, Wilmette, IL 60091 for cost-of-production price of 50 ce Please make checks payable to ‘Bah: Fund’’ and include 10 per cent additional for postage (minimum postage 75 cents),

|e SS SSS

lish or Pei

n) from the Baha’ Ofa

each, jervices.

RAUL PAVON Counsellor Pavon dies in Lima, Peru

D ‘ALOUS

LY DEPLORE LOS SERVANT CAUSE RAUL PAVON DIST! PROMOTER FAITH AND INE

AS MEMBER BOARD LLORS AMERICAS AND

PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS RADIANT SOUL WORLI GOD AND SOLACE LOVING COMSREAVED FAMILY. DEARLYCHERISHED PARENTS REJOL ABHA KINGDOM RANGE HIS

MEMORIAL GATHERINGS BEFITTING HIS HIGHLY-VALUED CONTRIBUTIONS BELOVED FAITH.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE OCTOBER 23, 1983

[Page 2]VIEWPOINT

The American Baha’i

Feast letter lranian friends show dignity, courage

To the American Baha’i community (For the Feast of Qawl)

Dear Friends:

The eloquent letter which the National Spiritual Assembly, of Iran sent to the government on September 3 to announce the disbanding of all Baha’i institutions in that blood-stained land is a document of tremendous significance.

WITH GREAT dignity and supreme courage, nine Baha'is, two sets of whose predecessors on the National Assembly had been either abducted or executed, dared to challenge the authorities by exposing the falsehood of the charges leveled against the Baha’ institutions, showing how incompatible the actions of the Islamic regime were with the genuine teachings of Islam, and reaffirming the dedication of the Baha’is to the principles of t Faith.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Iran stated that it was bowing to the edict of the Revolutionary Prosecutor General, but in doing so it was obeying the commands of the Faith.

Love of God and submission to His Will manifested in Baha’u’llah motivated their actions and the actions of the 400 local Assemb! These brave friends boldly proclaimed to their persecutors that ‘‘alare entirely obedient and subordinate to the government ion of the affairs which are in the jurisdiction of Baha’i organizations, matters of conscience and belief, and in accordance with their spi al principles, they prefer martyrdom to recantation or the abandoning of the divine ordinances prescribed by their faith.”

As we read this inspiring document, let us recall the words of Baha’u’ll4h Who, writing of the trials and tribulations of the friends, proudly noted that ‘‘Every single one of these souls was first Ordered to blaspheme and curse his faith, yet none was found to prefer his own will to the Will of God.”’ (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 76)

It is this boundless devotion, this unshakeable determination to fulfill the Will of God that guarantees the advancement of the Cause throughout the world and the eventual advent of the World Order of Baha?u’ll4h.

With loving greetings,

National Spiritual Assembly of vt the Baha’is of the United States

Comment

vant.’’ (Arabic, No. 5, p. 4)

Keeping this two-sidedness of the Covenant in mind, let us look at the promises we receive from our Lord and the promises we give to Him.

A Covenant, according to the dictionary, is ‘‘a formal, solemn and binding agreement.” It is also defined as ‘‘a promise for a prom The moment we declare our

faith in Baha’u’llah we sign or enter into a Covenant. It is a spiritual pledge by which we receive certain things and promise to give certain things in return,

THIS two-sided aspect of the Covenant is perfectly demonstrated in the following Hidden Word of Baha’u’llah:

“O Son of Being! Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O ser

The American Bah:

(USPS 042-430) Published monthly by the National Spirit

I Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, $36 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL.

Baltor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: David E, Ogron,

‘The American Baha'i welcomes news, letters ana, other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color or black and white glossy photos should be included whenever possible. Address all materials to the Editor, The American Baha’, Wilmette, IL 60091

His promises to us include (1) faith, love, hope, happiness, tranquillity, highest aspirations of humanity and spirituality, at the personal and individual level; and (2) at the societal level, the unity of mankind, universal brotherhood and universal peace, which result naturally from the adaptation of the above-mentioned personal and individual qualities.

To achieve each of these objec tives, He has given us exp teachings, guidelines and methods.

Among our spiritual and inspirational practices are daily obligatory and other prayers, reading the Creative Word, contemplation and meditation, and fasting, the thorough and constant practice of which are conducive to the purification of heart and sanctification of soul.

ALSO among His invaluable teachings is the commandment of justice. In The Hidden Words Bahá’u’lláh says

“O Son of Spir

The best be

1s observance of Ui in October,

of Spri jd, Oregon, presented copies of the books My Name Is Nabil and

The Secret in the Garden to the children’s librarian, Ellen Williams (center). Shown with Ms. Williams are Baha’i children Jenny Jones and Daniel Friedrich.

Phen

The photo was published with an article in the Springfield News. The Springfield community also had a picnic and bike ride for the children.

Teaching Committee promotes Campaign of Unified Action

As a part of the Campaign of Unified Action, Counsellor Fred Schechter and members of the Nanal Teaching Committees participated October 21-22 in a teachng conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Las Cruces, New Mexic

The District Teaching Committee of West Texas/Southern New Mexico is sponsoring a direct

This month's article, ‘Our Coyenant with Bahá’u’lláh,”” is excerpted from a talk by Auxiliary Board member Jalil Mahmoudi in September 1983 during the annual conference commemorating the visit by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in 1912 to Colorado Springs, Colorado.

loved of all things in My sight is justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee ...’”

My gift to thee loving-kindness. S thine eyes.’’ (Arabic, No. 2, pp. 3-4)

Something that is ‘‘the best beloved of all things’” in the sight of the greatest Mani ation of God must be a great thing indeed, and certainly worth thinking aboutespecially when He calls it a “gift? from Him and says it is the sign of His ‘‘loving-kindness.””

There are many definitions of “justice,”’ the most common of which, according to the dictionary, is ‘‘the maintenance or administration of what is just. of the definitions of ‘‘j something that is ‘morally right or good.”

teaching campaign in that area from December 17-January 3. Robert G. Wilson, secretary of

the National Teaching Committee, attended another teachii

lumbus, Ohio.

On November 5-6, the Baha’is in southern Ohio won first prize for their booth in a United Na Covenant our ‘spiritual pledge’ to Baha’u’llah

ONE OF the deepest and most profound statements of Baha*u'llah, every word of which requires the utmost deliberation and contemplation, is this:

“Be fair to yourselves and to others, that the evidences of justice may be revealed, through your deeds, among Our faithful servants. Beware lest ye encroach upon the substance of your neighbor. Prove yourselves worthy of his trust and confidence in you, and withhold not from the poor the gifts which the grace of God hath bestowed upon you. He, verily shall recompense the charitable, and doubly repay them for what they have bestowed.’ (Gleanings, p. 278)

This entire passage should be analyzed for the broad and profound meanings intended in its many-fold aspects:

“Be fair to yourselves and to others that the evidences of justice may be revealed, through your deeds, among Our faithful servants.’”

To deprive ourselves of obedience to the Divine laws and ordinances is to be unfair to ourselves. To neglect the fulfillment of our pledge to our Lord is to break an item of the Covenant; and to

is conference October 29-30 in Co-.

tions Festival. The booth was seen by an estimated 10,000 people, and 30 interest cards were filled out.

The National Teaching Committee is encouraging the friends to save jeopardized Local Spiri-. tual Assemblies and to bring large Groups to Assembly status in the name of disbanded Assemblies in Iran.

break any item of the Covenant with our Lord is to be unfair to ourselves.

TO BE fair to ourselves and to our friends is to educate ourselves, thus increasing our devotion, and to ‘encourage and deepen our friends, so that they too will say their daily obligatory prayers, and read, study and meditate on the Creative Word.

Remember that Baha’u’llah

sal

Beware, O people of Bahá, lest ye walk in the ways of them whose words differ from their deeds. Strive that ye may be enabled to manifest to the peoples of the earth the signs of God, and to mirror forth His commandments. Let your acts be a guide unto all mankind, for the professions of most men, be they high or low, differ from their conduct. It is through your deeds that ye can distinguish yourselves from others. Through them the brightness of your light can be shed upon the whole earth. Happy is the man that heedeth My counsel, and keepeth the precepts prescribed by Him Who is the AllKnowing, the All-Wise.”’ (The

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_cemanesser ger a SE AARP EN A AE EP EE a TE ES PET ES [Page 3]

LETTERS

December 1983

3

Love, respect important in teaching Christians

“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash

of differing opinions.’’—‘Abdu’lBaha The American Baha'i welcomes

letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the “‘letters’’ column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas, never to derogate another's opinions or attack anyone on a personal level.

s should be kept as brief le (a maximum of 250 is suggested). Letters are subject.to editing for length and style.

Please address all letters to the Editor, The American Baha'i, BaNational Center, IL 60091.

To the Editor:

is letter is directed toward those dear friends on the teach front who may be some degree of futility i forts. How about a proach?

Are all of your energies spent solely in covering the life story of Baha’u’llah, His principles, etc.? If so, we can easily run into the danger of being labeled a cult.

WE MUST remember that most of the Christians we are trying to reach love Christ dearly. If we can reveal to them that we, too, revere Christ, it makes it possible for us to win their respect.

For instance, if we can quote some pertinent passages from the Bible, we are then speaking their language. And from there we are in a posi uss the rela tionship between Christ gnd Bah:

u'llah.

In this respect, I should like to call your attention to the book, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah (Volume 1), by Adib Taherzadeh.

In chapter 10 he says, ‘‘Instead of explaining at once the proofs of the authenticity of the mess: the Bab, Baha’u’llah first spe: about other Prop! their lives ... describes the common features of their Faith. In u vay He brings to the understan His own religion.

ferent ap

“Having built this strong foundation He then, toward the end of the book (the Kitab-i-iqan) speaks of the Bab and His message and applies to this new Revelation the standards He has applied in verifying the truth of other Prophets.””

As I said earlier, there is a basic need for us to be able to quote from scripture, too, whenever there is a need to do so. We should try to avoid having ‘two strikes against us’? when we are teaching.

How would you like to see our numbers double by next Ridvan? Here may be a step toward achieving that goal.

ng of the reader the truth of I would like to see seminars in various states in which the friends would be instructed in ways of studying certain aspects of the Bible.

In turn, after returning to their communities, these Baha’is could organize a series of classes in their area.

As the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears has said, “‘We need to redouble our efforts’’and here is a wa

You'll find a in his book, which could serve us well in the proposed study class s all work together on this. Time is running out, and faster than we would like.

Edward W. Clay! South Beloit, Mlinois

To the Editor:

1am perplexed by the increasing number of letters to the editor that appear to admonish the friends for fai of which the letter writers would have no informatio

There is a marked difference between this kind of letter and one that seeks to clarify a point, asks us to consider another view, or gives an opinion about a topic that is under discussion in the “‘letters’’ section of The American Baha

I’ve been a Baha’i for 15 years and don’t recall reading anywhere about the right to admonish another for what we assume is his or her shortcoming, failing or problem.

Perhaps if we could exercise more tolerance toward one another, it would lend the warmth of encouragement to our task of mastering this difficult path we have chosen.

As ‘Abdu’l-Baha is quoted (in Star of the West, Vol. VI, No. 6, p. 43) as having said in answer to questions by Dr. Edward C. Getsinger:

“No obstacle should be placed before any soul which might preit from finding the truth. 4h revealed His direcgs, and laws, so that souls might know God, and not that y utterance might become an obstacle in their way .

“To be approved by God alone should be one’s ain Carol Goodrich

Bellingham, Washington

To the Editor:

I would like to reiterate a point that was made by Sally Hill (September) and by Anthony Lee (May), namely, interest in community affairs.

If we hope to attract the interest of people outside of the Faith, or even to win friends for the Faith, we should seriously consider becoming involved in the things that concern them.

Many Baha’is tend to isolate themselves from mundane affairs and concentrate only on Baha’i

matters. This attitude may be standing in the way of progress for the F

Not every Baha’i would have to get involved in every phase of community life, but all of us should be involved in some aspect of ii chools, arti enocial services, anti-drug , care of the elderly, racial problems, unemployment to name only a few.

Check the New Testament and you'll see that Jesus Christ first reached out to those in need—fed the hungry, ministered to the sick, showed concern and sympathy for those who grieved, and took a personal interest in the problems of those He met—before preaching the Gospel to them.

More recently, the Servant of Baha certainly showed a keen personal concern for those who needed His help.

This matter, it seems to me, warrants our earnest consideration.

Lena H. Watson Marshall, Texas

To the Editor:

I was touched and wept while reading Ron Frazer’s letter (September) on martyrdom.

It is interesting that he finds cause for martyrdom in thi sobedience of the Baha’is,’’ and that some time in the future there will be an end to martyrdom. se see The Hidden Words (Arabic) Nos. 45 and 46: “‘Is it thy wish to die upon thy bed, or ... a martyr in My path?’’

Here is another passage on the , Vital, necessary and enZ aspects of martyrdom:

“Help them through Thy strengthening grace, I beseech Thee, O my God, to suffer patiently in their love for Thee, and unveil to their eyes what Thou hath decreed for them behind the tabernacle of Thine unfailing protection, so that they may rush forward to meet what is pre-ordained for them in Thy path, and may vie in hastening after tribulation in their love towards Thee.’’ (‘Abdu’l-Baha, in The Baha’i Revelation, p. 171)

Winnie Pringle Hillsborough, North Carolina

To the I am not sure what your mandate is; that is, do you have to accept and publish all letters even though they are of little ‘‘uplifting’? value? My wife and I (and our two daughters) are in Korea, and one of the highlights each month is receiving The American Baha’i Dear friends, do you realize how lucky you really are to be in a country with such freedoms, where you can express yourselves so openly and without reprisal?

I don’t wish to infer that we should have censorship in letters to The American Baha'i, but it seems logical to me that a publica

tion such as this, which goes to all Baha'is in the U.S. including newly-enrolled, often sensitive souls, should not print letters that may turn off or discourage others from serving.

Let’s keep our negative interpretations to ourselves and on with our main work—teaching the Faith.

Richard Hatch Taegu, Korea

the Editor:

In the October issu: letter writer suggested that you ‘‘adopt a policy of refusing to publish let

ters, or parts of letters, border on backbiting or sla der ...’”

Censoring opinions or, worse, deleting parts of letters which, someone’s opinion, do not conform to “Baha'i standards’ such ideas are f

Baha'u'llah giv right of self-expressi opinions may at times be worse than (forgive me) bad breath is the risk we take to maké a public statement

We

an presume that this “right”? includes the idea that others can read or listen to the opinion, else the right would be merely the privilege of mumbling to oneself without any audience.

Any news organ is capable of propaganda. It is particularly refreshing to read cogent ideas put forth courteously, but unfortunately, some of us don’t write that well, nor are our motives always that pure.

On the one hand, we can become fanatical trying to make all other Baha’is conform to the di

vine standard; on the other, we can become so compassionate and loving as to forgive a misspelled word.

Moderation is n t mediocrity. The American Bah: ns to be striving for very high standards. Keep it up.

Leo Baldwin Arcata, California To the Editor:

Regarding your profile (September) on Miss Ella Bailey:

More than 30 years ago, the beloved Guardian made it clear to Bahia and me that he would like to have us pioneer to an Arabicspeaking African country,

OUR dear friend, Ella Bailey, secretly wanted to go to Africa with us but feared that she would be a burden.

Baha’is and non-Baha’is alike scoffed at the idea of her going. To settle the question, we sought the advice of Shoghi Effendi who

promptly cabled: “Approve Bailey accompany you.”’ (see The Baha’i World, Vol. XIII, pp.

685-88)

On the journey to Tripoli and after our arrival, Miss Bailey received constant attention and assistance, particularly from Bahia’s mother, Shawkat-‘Ali Faraju’llah.

For years, a large part of Miss Bailey’s income had been contributed by the non-Baha’i son of a prominent believer. Under the impression that the Baha’is would take care of her needs in Africa, he stopped providing funds. So five people were persevering in a

See LETTERS Page 30

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[Page 4]The American Baha’i

4

HARLAN FOSTER OBER

From Baha’i Temple Unity to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada; and from the laying of the dedication stone by ‘Abdu’l-Baha at the site of the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette in 1912 to the dedication of the Temple 41 years later, Harlan Foster Ober played an active part in the affairs of the Faith in the U.S., in India (where he was sent by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá), and in South Africa (where he pioneered at the request of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi).

BORN October 6, 1881, in Beyerly, Massachusetts, Harlan Ober became a Baha’i shortly after he was graduated from Harvard University.

In 1906 he visited ‘Abdu’l-Baha Who was still confined as a prisoner in ‘Akká.

Later that year he accompanied Hooper Harris on a seven-month teaching trip to India at ‘Abdu’lBaha’s request. Later, the Master would write, ‘Truly I say Mr. Ober rendered a great service to the Kingdom of God and undertook a long and arduous trip to India.”’

It was ‘Abdu’l-Baha who suggested a marriage between Mr. Ober and Grace Robarts, and the Master was present at their marriage ceremony which took place July 17, 1912, in New York City.

Harlan and Grace, along with their close friend, Alfred Lunt, were involved in various Baha’i conferences and school sessions at the Green Acre School in Eliot, Maine, where Mr. Ober served on the Green Acre Fellowship Board.

HE SERVED as president and secretary of the Baha’i Temple Unity’s executive board, as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada (1938-41), and on various national committees.

It was from a room in the Ober home in Cambridge, Massachu See OBER Page 13

Martha Root biography a modern-day ‘life of saint’

A review of M.R. Garis’ Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold (Wilmette, IL: Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1983), 496 pp., notes, index, photographs. (HC, Cat. No. 332-105, $20; SC, Cat. No. 332106, $11). By BRET BRENEMAN

“Who was this woman who heard about the Baha’i Faith, examined it, and reshaped her life to follow its teachings and to trumpet them throughout the world?’’

“‘Where did Martha Root come from, really?”’

“WHO was she? From what level of spirit had their defenses

M.R. Garis’ able, thoroughly researched, and profoundly edifying biography of

eminently read

Faith profiled in Catholic magazine

The fall 1983 issue of Catholic Near East magazine has a cover photo of the Bahá’í House of Worship at sunset which accompanies a four-page article entitled “The Baha’is: One of the World’s Newest Religions.”

The magazine, which has a readership of about 250,000 in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries, is published by the Catholic Near East Association.

Martha Root spends its nearly 500 pages attempting to demonstrate an answer to these questions.

Since they touch on the central mystery of faith, they cannot be answered in any ways other than in those in which the faculty of faith itself will be satisfied—that is, evocatively, spiritually.

And in a certain sense the biographical task was nearly doomed from the start. But the book, like the life of its subject, is a glorious triumph. It succeeds in helping to fulfill a prediction of Shoghi Effendi that Martha Root would serve as an ‘‘immortal example’’ for the Baha’is.

In Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold we see a ‘‘spiritual skylark”’ fledgling in its prototypically turn-of-the-century American nest, see it flexing its wings in the commercial and professional world, see it take to the air at the call of ‘Abdu’l-Baha—its sweet, bright song trailing down—see it soar beyond the highest peaks and disappear slowly over the horizon.

A skylark, rather than a lioness—the title notwithstandingis what Martha Root seems in this book.

IN FACT, the designation is one of its themes. Martha’s own unfading song resonates throughout, not only in her own often

quoted words and in the record of her amazing deeds, but in the selfless, intelligent, urbane and fluent style of the author.

It is.a befitting biography of the “first, finest fruit Formative Age Faith Bahá’u’lláh has yet produced.””

Appropriate to the life of action

cords, Martha Root is organized chronologically. Other biographies of Baha’is—such as the two of Shoghi Effendi, by Ruhiyyih Rabbani and Ugo Giachery, and David Hofman’s of George Townshend—are organized according to categories of achievement.

The difference in Martha Root is a heart-stabbing one, for as the author writes, ‘‘She was destined to roam, to teach, to love, to endure,”’ not to accomplish all that she might have, professionally or intellectually.

All of her unique capacity was focused single-mindedly on travelteaching, on a latter-day apostleship, on fulfilling the Master’s wish expressed in the Tablets of the Divine Plan that American believers spread the Divine Message of consummation throughout the world.

WE SEE in this biography how she became not only the personifi

cation of the Master’s words but of those spiritual qualities enjoined by Baha’u’llah upon mankind, particularly that of selflessness, which allows the other attributes to shine through.

We read in M.R. Garis’ book a modern-day “‘life of a saint.’”

The problem with a chronological, narrative approach when treating a life so full of incident is that either the text can become monotonous in its inclusion of detail, or the stress on events can outweigh a sense of their significance and of the life’s meaning.

The author has solved this problem by striking a fine balance between the general and the specific. Her text is studded with unobtrusive summaries and statements of theme and pattern.

As necessary, she interweaves history and exposition into her narrative but not in such a way as to interrupt the ascension of the narrative toward its climax when. the skylark takes its final flight.

NOT surprisingly, it is the words of Shoghi Effendi, quoted toward the end of the book, that show what Martha Root has become.

Through his letters to her, to the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran before her historic visit to

See MARTHA Page 29

Development

Continued From Page 1

dian of the Cause.

Now, after all the years of constant teaching activity, the Community of the Greatest Name has grown to the stage at which the processes of this development must be incorporated into its regular pursuits; particularly is action compelled by the expansion of the Faith in Third World countries where the vast majority of its adherents reside.

The steps to be taken must necessarily begin in the Baha’i community itself, with the friends endeavoring, through their application of spiritual principles, their rectitude of conduct and the practice of the art of consultation, to uplift themselves and thus become self-sufficient and self-reliant.

Moreover, these exertions will conduce to the preservation of human honor, so desired, by Baha’u’llah. In the process and as a consequence, the friends will undoubtedly extend the benefits of their efforts to society as a whole, until all mankind achieves the progress intended by the Lord of the Age.

It is indeed propitious that systematic attention be given to this vital sphere of Baha’i endeavor. We are happy, therefore, to announce, the establishment at the World Centre of the Office of Social and Economic Development, which is to assist the Universal House of Justice to promote and coordinate the activities of the friends throughout the world in this new field.

THE INTERNATIONAL Teaching Centre and, through it, the Continental Boards of Counsellors are poised for the special responsibilities which devolve upon them to be alert to possibilities for extending the development of social and economic life both within and outside the Baha’i community, and to advise and encourage the Assemblies and friends in their strivings.

We call now upon National Spiritual Assemblies to consider the implications of this emerging trend for their respective communities, and to take well-conceived measures to involve the thought and actions of Local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals in the devising and implementing of plans, within the constraints of existing circumstances and available resources.

Progress in the development field will depend largely on natural stirrings at the grassroots, and it should receive its driving force from those sources rather than from an imposition of plans and programs from the top.

The major task of National Assemblies, therefore, is to increase the local communities’ awareness of needs and possibilities, and to guide and coordinate the efforts resulting from such awareness.

Already in many areas the friends are nessing the confirmations of their initiatives

such pursuits as the founding of uotial and other schools, the promotion of ntetacy, the launching of rur: opm: the

inception of educational radio Mea and te operation of agricultural and medical pra:

jects. As they enlarge the scope of their enMenor other modes of development will undoubtedly emerge.

THIS CHALLENGE evokes the resourcefulness, flexibility and cohesiveness of the many communities composing the Baha’i world.

Different communities will, of course, perceive different approaches and different solutions to similar needs. Some can offer assistance abroad, while, at the outset, others must of necessity receive assistance; but all, irrespective Of circumstances or resources, are endowed with the capacity to respond in some measure; all can share; all can participate in the joint enterprise of applying more systematically the principles of the Faith to upraising the quality of human life. The key to

success is unity in spirit and in action.

We go forward confident that the wholehearted involvement of the friends in these activities will ensure a deeper consolidation of the community at all levels.

Our engagement in the technical aspects of development should, however, not be allowed to supplant the essentials of teaching, which remains the primary duty of every follower of Baha’u’llah. Rather should.our increased activities in the development field be viewed as a reinforcement of the teaching work, as a greater manifestation of faith in action. For, if expansion of the teaching work does not continue, there can be no hope of success for this enlarged dimension of the consolidation process.

Ultimately, the call to action is addressed to the individual friends, whether they be adult or youth, veteran.or newly enrolled.

LET THEM STEP forth to take their places in the arena of service where their talents and skills, their specialized training, their material resources, ‘their offers of time and energy and, above all, their dedication to Baha’i principles, can be put to work in improving the lot of man.

May all derive enduring inspiration from the following statement written in 1933 by the hand of our beloved Guardian:

“The problems which confront the believers at the present time, whether social, spiritual, economic or administrative will be gradually solved as the number and the resources of the friends multiply and their capacity for service and for the application of Baha’i principles develops. They should be patient, confident and active in utilizing every possible opportunity that presents itself within the limits now necessarily imposed upon them. May the Almighty aid them to fulfil their highest hopes.””

With loving Baha’ greetings,

The Universal House of Justice October 20, 1983

[Page 5]eee nnn a em

The American Baha

December 1983

5

More than 500 people from 13 countries participated November 4-7 in the eighth annual Conference of the Association for Baha’i Studies, the first such event ever held outside of Canada

This year’s Conference, at the Palmer House in Chicago, was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem.

A SPLENDID array of Baha’i and non-Baha’i speakers _presented scholarly addresses on a wide range of topics within the framework of the Conference themes, ‘New Dimensions in Development,’’ ‘“‘Integrating Personal and Social Change,’’ and “The Elimination of Violence as a Prerequisite for World Peace.””

Three simultaneous Saturday evening sessions included presentations on ‘‘Uses and Abuses of Power,” ‘‘Arts and Sciences in the New Age,’’ and ‘‘Historical Studies on the Baha’i Faith.” yizi Lec. ture, named in honor of the Hand of the Cause of God whose scholarly works on the history of the Faith are known to Baha over the world, was delivere day afternoon by Dr. zemzadeh, professor of Russian history at Yale University and

Above: The Tahirih Choir from southern Ontario entertains at the 8th Conference of the Association

tional Spiritual Assembly. Dr. Kazemzadeh’s topic was “The Soviet Official Interpreta

Another for this year’s Conference was a Sunday evening session at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmett

presentation and talk on the history of the Temple entitled ‘‘The Dawning Place,”’ presented by Bruce Whitmore, administrator of the House of Worship and secretary of its Activities Committee, followed by an address by Dr. Amin Banani, professor of Islamic Studies at the University of California at Los Angeles, entitled “Religion or Foreign Intrigue: The Case of the Babi-Baha’i Movement in Iran.””

The non-Baha’i speakers at the Conference were Dr. Ervin Laszlo, director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Dr. Joanna Macy, an author, community development facilitator and professor at the University of California at Berkel

Dr. Laszlo’s topic was ‘‘The Coming Transformation of Global Society and Today’s Action Imperative.””

Dr. Macy spoke on “‘A Spiri tual Approach to Social Change.””

r speaks ture of Penal

Conference RED LACQUER ROOM

Other speakers and their topics:

Brian Aull, doctoral candidate in Electrical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts (“‘The Baha’i Faith and 20th Century Science’).

DR. JULIE Badiee, assistant professor of art history, Western Maryland College (“Images of the New Age in 20th Century Art’’). Sheila Banani, Santa Monica, California (‘‘Unity: The Ultimate Paradigm Shift’

Christopher Buck, student in religious studies, University of British Columbia (‘‘Illuminator Redeemer: A Trajectory of

ite Christology from Prophet nism to Bah Theophanology”’).

Dr. Gustavo Correa, project director, FUNDAE! li, Colombia (““FUNDAEC: A Case Study of an Alternative for Rural Development”)

Dr. Glen Eyford, professor of international development, University of Alberta, and member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada (“Strategies for Social Change’).

Richard Gagnon, doctoral candidate in political science, Laval University, Quebec, Canada (“Structure of Power in the Baha’i Administrative Order’).

DR. CHRISTINE Ḥakím, author and sociologist, Pully, Swit

zerland (‘‘Victory. Over Violence’’).

Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, program chairman, social sciences pro gram, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah (‘‘The Institutions of Government and Politics and the Baha’i Faith’’).

Jack McLean, secondary school teacher, Hull, Quebec, Canada (‘The Role of Intuition in the Knowledge of God’’).

Harvey McMurray, adjunct assistant. professor, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey (‘General Principles for a CrimeFree Society: A Baha’i Perspective’).

Brad Pokorny, reporter, Boston Globe (‘‘Disarmament and the Baha’i Faith’’).

Dr. Udo Schaefer, author and

500-plus attend Association’ s 8th Conference

Above: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary of the U ational Spiritual Assembl,

annual Hasan Balytizi

vers the

Lecture.

senior public prosecutor, Heidelberg, West Germany (‘‘lustitia Fundamentum Regnorum: On the Future of Penal Law’).

JOHN Paul Vader, Nyon, Switzerland (‘‘Professor Auguste Forel in Defense of the Persecuted Persian Baha'is: 1925-1927’’). Mr. Vader’s paper was presented by May Hofman Ballerio.

Will van den Hoonard, professor of sociology, University of New Brunswick, Canada (‘‘World Views and the Shape of Baha’i Communities’’).

Awards for excellence in Baha’i studies were presented in three categories: high school, college, and general.

The high school winners were Helen and John Danesh of Norman, Oklahoma (‘‘The Role of Youth in Peace’’).

In the university category, the winner was Susan Stiles, a student in religious studies at the University of Arizona, Tucson (‘‘Zoroastrian Conversions to the Baha’i Faith in Yazd, Iran’).

TOP honors in the general category were won by Shirin Sabri of Nicosia, Cyprus (‘‘The Purpose of Poetry”).

The annual meeting of the Association, held Sunday afternoon as a part of the Conference, was

Below: Dr. Ervin Laszlo, a nonBaha’i who is director of the UN Institute for Training and Research, addresses the audience.

chaired by Dr. Hossain Danesh, chairman of the Association’s Executive Committee and chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Monday’s final Conference session was devoted to a panel discussion, ‘‘From Ideas to Action,”” in which oral and written questions from the audience were addressed.

The panelists were Dr. Danesh, Dr. Laszlo, Dr. Macy and Dr. Schaefer.

Entertainment at the various Conference sessions was supplied by santour player Kiu Haghighi of Glenview, Illinois; pianist Niuta Isserlin of St. Petersburg, Florida; and the Tahirih Baha’i Chorus from southern Ontario, Canada.

In all, some 510 people were registered at the Conference. The countries represented were Bermuda, Canada, Colombia, C prus, England, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Portugal, Switzerland and the United States,

THE Association, which exists to cultivate opportunities for formal presentations of the Baha’i Faith at universities a colleges and to promote Baha’i scholarship, was established in 1974 by

See STUDIES Page 12

s=

AR. [Page 6]IGC: PIONEERING

The American Baha’i

6

Shown with im members of the International Goals Committee staff and guest speakers are the 32 people who attended a Pioneer Training Institute held October 27-30 at the Baha’i National Center in Wilmette. The speakers included the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem (standing in third row just right of center), Auxiliary Board member Jayidukht Kha.

dem (standing in front of Mr. Khadem) and Dr. Firaz Kazemza 8 as deh, secretary of the Nati Spiritual Assembly (not shown). Also present was a representative of the Spiritual Assembly of San Diego, California. Participants were planning to pioneer to Malta, Tanzania, American Samoa, the Windward Islands, Belize, Brazil, the Caroline Islands, ica, Denmark, Hong Kong, South Africa, Swaziland and Portugal.

Pioneers urgently needed to help fill remaining overseas goals by Ridvan

Beloved friends! Can any of the comforts and ease of modern life ever compare even remotely with the spiritual rejoicing you will experience when you open your life to pioneering?

Time is running out. The missionaries, the merchants, the politicians are reaping harvests in countries that should belong to Bahá’u’lláh.

Hurry, before it’s too late, and offer your pioneering service, so that you may share the joy of knowing about Bahá’u’lláh with those souls who are awaiting your presence. “‘Seize thy chance, for it will come to thee no more!’”

A number of countries have not received their full complement of pioneers during the third year of the second phase of the Seven Year Plan. Only a few months remain before Riḍván, when the goals must be filled.

| Institutes designed to help prospective pioneers

Every other month, a picture appears on the Pioneering page of The American Baha'i showing the people who have attended the most recent Pioneer Training Institute.

You may have wondered:

WHAT IS a Pioneer Training Institute?

Who can attend one, and how does one find out about them?

Why should anyone attend such an Institute?

What kinds of information are given during an Institute?

What does the program include?

Pioneer Training Institutes are held five or six times each year, usually at the Baha’i National Center but sometimes at one of the Baha’i schools.

They are designed to help people who are well along in their plans to leave this country, or who have been working with the International Goals Committee over a period of time.

Because of the specialized and intensive nature of the Pioneer Training Institutes, attendance is limited to an invitation-only basis. About 30 to 35 people usually attend, many of whom have jobs lined up in other countries.

SOME pioneers leave for their posts within a few days after attending an Institute.

Sessions begin on Thursday. evening and end at noon Sunday. The program ordinarily includes talks by a Hand of the Cause of God or a Counsellor, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, an Auxiliary Board member, or other guest speakers, and members of the International Goals Committee staff.

Among the weekend highlights are special tours of the Archives and House of Worship, where each day begins with praye it

8:30 a.m. Classes begin at 9:15 a.m. and continue throughout the day and evening, usually ending by 10 o'clock.

Individuals who attend the Institutes are responsible for their own meals, and for transportation to and from the Chicago area.

Housing is provided by Baha’is in the area, and rides are arranged while the Institute is in progress.

A TYPICAL program includes talks on the Covenant; preparations for leaving; what to be aware of after a pioneer arrives at his or her post; adjusting to a new culture; health and medical advice; inspirational stories; specific information about various _countries; interviews with the committee secretary, who can help with personal planning; and plenty of time to visit the House of Worship and bookstore, and to see video tapes of Hands of the Cause as they discuss various aspects of pioneering.

Both the spiritual and practical aspects of pioneering are given a great deal of attention during an Institute.

The International Goals Committee feels that the most successful pioneer is one who relies upon God through prayer, meditation, and study of the Writings, as well as having his feet planted firmly on the ground.

Many pioneers have written to the committee to say that the Pioneer Training Institute helped them to settle and remain at their posts.

Others write even before leaving. the U

- THE experience we had at the

Pioneer Training Institute ranks second only to pilgrimage as the highlight of our Baha’ lives. We are eager to settle at our post as soon as possible.’

“The information and knowledge, the helpful hints and mature counseling shall, we are certain, be with us always, but most of all, we Cherish those treasured intimations, so much sought by all of us, of the spirit, the inspiring and animating force of the Cause of Bahd’u’ll4h which was so earnestly conveyed to us.””

Some prospective pioneers have reasoned that it is expensive to go all the way to Illinois, and that their money would be better spent on air fare to reach their post.

But think of the situation this way: Would it be better to spend a few hundred dollars to come to Wilmette to receive information, counseling and training, or go directly to one’s post without the spiritual or practical preparation afforded by the Institute, and have to spend twice as much money to return to the U.S. ina short time?

The International Goals Committee strongly urges the former course of action.

Time and again, various Counsellors and National Spiritual Assem around the world have told the committee that, because of the Institutes, U.S. pioneers are better equipped to deal with the changes in their surroundings, to adjust to a new culture, and to become a viable part of their new national community.

If you are preparing to pioneer, the International Goals Committee hopes that you will plan to attend a Pioneer Training Institute before leaving for your post.

Although it is certainly not the only preparation you should consider, it plays a significant role in the success of your pioneering endeavor. Pioneering is too important a task to risk lack of preparation.

A brief description of some of the most urgent goals is given here. Full information can be obtained from the International Goals Committee, the agency of the National Spiritual Assembly that is responsible for sending pioneers oversea:

Truk, in the Caroline Islands, is a large lagoon with many islands within it. In September the U.S. was assigned two goals for Truk, as there is an urgent need for pioneers there. While teaching jobs are sometimes available, a selfsupporting couple who could obtain a missionary visa would have a better chance to stay. The Universal House of Justice has asked for ‘deepened believers who can assist with the consolidation work as well as with bringing in new believers.””

Denmark, which lies between the Baltic and North Seas, needs three U.S. pioneers. Only about 100 of Denmark’s five million people are Baha’is, and that community needs a great deal of help to achieve its goals for the second phase of the Plan. Pioneers who are retired or self-supporting are’ needed, as people holding passports from European Economic} Community countries can usually obtain work permits, whereas] Americans usually cannot.

Leeward Islands in the Caribbean include a number of islands, but the greatest need for pioneers is in Antigua, Montserrat and Barbuda. Temperatures are warm and tropical year round, and th lifestyle is simple and quiet. As in Denmark, retired people would be best, as nationalism is growing, many jobs are reserved for local people, and work permits are not, readily obtained. However, the need for pioneers and traveling teachers is great. Without them, the goals there will not be won.

Dominica is another Caribbean island, not far from the Leeward Islands, with a similar climate. In May 1983, Dominica elected its first National Spiritual Assembly. One in every 100 Dominicans is a Baha’i, and there are 17 Local Spiritual Assemblies. Traveling teachers are urgently needed; a minimum stay of two months is requested by the National Assembly, as that is the time that an individual can be most effective.

Marshall Islands in the south Pacific is a U.S. Trust territory that desperately needs pioneers.

Notice

All travelers are asked to contact the International Goals Committee before making any kind of trip abroad.

This applies to vacation tours, business trips, traveling teaching, relocating or pioneering.

Through the generosity of two Baha’i families, transportation funds have been contributed to the Goals Committee to help two or more pioneers settle there. However, jobs need to be secured before reaching the islands. Especially needed are school teachers and health professionals such as nurses and public health people. It is possible to start small businesses there. The National Assembly of the Marshalls will help in finding employment.

Easter Island, off the coast of a is famous for its giant stone statues. The small, hilly island is not part of a sunken land mass but is a typical oceanic high island formed by a series of separate underwater volcanic eruptions. The climate is superb, similar to that of Hawaii. About 1,00 people live on the island, most in the village of Hanga-Roa on the sheltered west coast. The goal is to form one Local Spiritual Assembly. Only one Bahá’í lives there, a native who speaks English, Spanish and the local language. Because of the many tourists who visit, there are possibilities for earning a living, but the ideal pioneers would be a retired married couple.

The Bahamas in the Caribbean is a young community in constant need of pioneers either to open new areas and form new Local Assemblies or support and strengthen an existing Assembly. An important goal area is San Salvador, which was mentioned in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and pioneers of either Native American or Eskimo descent who are used to living in a rural area are needed for this lovely small island. Teaching jobs are available, especially this school year, as are jobs for doctors and nurses.

More information about these extremely important goals, where pioneers are urgently needed, can be obtained by writing the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or by phoning the committee at 312-869-9039.

More than 500 pray in Wichita, Kansas, for Baha’is in Iran

More than 500 people participated October 23 in a Sabbath Day of Prayer for Persecuted Baha’is in Iran sponsored by the Inter-Faith Ministries of Wichita, Kansas.

Among those who addressed the audience on the persecution of the friends in Iran was Velma L. Sherrill, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas.

Also voicing their support were U.S, Rep. Dan Glickman of Kansas and Mayor Margalee Wright of Wichita.

ce SSS SS a SS SE SEY

[Page 7]YOUTH NEWS

December 1983

7

Youth gather rich harvest in Georgia campaign

In December 1982 four assistants to Auxiliary Board member Adrienne Reeves, meeting at a Baha’i Regional Youth Conference at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, formulated plans for a cam South Georgia District Teaching Committee, the plans were set in motion and the campaign was scheduled for July 9-August 21, 1983.

SERVING as a base of opera

paign of teaching and consolida a tions was the spacious Albany tion to be carried out by youth in

home of two of ‘Dr. Reeves’ as

south Georgia where there were — sistants, Warren and Emma Lomlarge communities of largely un- bard. deepened Baha'ts: Funds were provi

With the enthusiastic support of projecteers, staff, visitors, the

Dr. Reeves and approval from the __ District Teaching Committee, and

Youth editorial Patience, understanding keys to unity

There has been a great deal of conversation in the American Baha’i community lately about problems between the American and Persian believers. True, there are some problems.

Instead of giving up in frustration, however, or assuming that the problems will simply go away if we ignore them, there are some basic things that each of us can do to help eliminate any existing tensions.

FIRST OF ALL, we must be open-minded enough to recognize that these problems do exist. Then we must take steps within our lives to correct them. We can’t expect the ‘‘other guy’” to take charge.

There has to be a starting point for the healing of our community. This starting point lies in the realization of two facts:

The first is that those of us who were not raised in Baha’i families bring all of the prejudices and weaknesses that afflict the world into the Faith with us. Second, those of us who were fortunate enough to be born into Baha’i families are by no means immune from the corrupting influences of a decadent age.

This is our starting point, the realization that none of us is perfect. Now we must strive for unity within the ranks of the believers, within our communities, and, most important, within our hearts.

Ours is a mighty task. The Baha’i community must lead the world to the recognition of Bahá’u’lláh as the Supreme Unifier. We have made tremendous strides toward this goal, but we should remember that we must strive continually to unify our own embryonic community.

THE DEGREE to which the Baha’i community is unified at any given point in time determines the degree of unity that the world at large can achieve af that same point in time. The Master has stated:

“The great and fundamental teachings of Baha’u’ lah are the oneness of God and the unity of mankind. This is the bond of union among Baha’is all over the world. They become united themselves, then unite others. It is impossible to unite unless united.””

There are certain other things the Persian and American Baha’is can do to deal with our problems. First, the Americans must realize that the Persian believers have been ruthlessly plucked out of their culture, their country, and a certain life pattern.

American Baha’is must also recognize that being Iranian in the U.S. at this time brings about the wrath of a still angry populace. We need to be sensitive to the fact that because most Americans still harbor ill feelings toward Iranians, their language, customs and heritage have in effect been rendered invalid. Iranian Baha’is are discovering the woes that all minorities have suffered in thi untry.

For their part, the Persian Baha’is must come to realize certain things if we are to put an end to the cultural strains that plague our beloved community. They must first understand that they are here not because of Khomeini, or an accident of history—they are here as a result of the Plan of God which is above the comprehension of all men.

TRAGIC EVENTS in the world create refugees, but the Plan of God has raised a corps of pioneers to serve His Cause. The Persian Baha’is are just that—pioneers. They must now prepare to serve the Faith from this country, not bide their time until they can return to Iran.

The home of God is in the heart, not in Iran or in America. The Iranian Baha’is should begin to expand their services in the teaching field. They must especially become lights of guidance to the black and Native American peoples. ;

The Americans and the Persians should begin now to take advantage of the tremendous cultural exchange that exists within the American Baha’i community. We must share our gifts with each other.

The Persians can teach the Americans reverence, and the need for strong family relations. The Americans should incorporate the Persians into the administrative fabric of the community, the teaching field, and gently help break their fall into a harsh new culture.

Finally, and above all, both Americans and Persians must be patient with each other and actively seek fellowship with each other. This is where unity begins.—Smokey Ferguson

who made a genjon.

During the first two weeks of the campaign, eight youth from three southern states participated.

One of them, Geoff Harris of Jupiter, Florida, a newly enrolled Baha’i, composed a song, ‘‘We are the Warriors of Peace. fighting for the oneness of humanity,’’ which became the theme song of a singing group formed by the youth to teach, deepen and attract their peers and others to the Faith,

Before the six weeks were over 28 youth from around the country had taken part in the campaign with two members of the National Spiritual Assembly (Dr. Wilma Brady and Soo Fouts), members of the National Education Committee, National Youth Committee, Race Unity Committee, and many other friends.

EACH morning, the youth arose at 6:30 and gathered for prayers at\7:30. Following breakfast and chores, which were shared by all, morning classes were conducted by staff members or guests.

Afterward, teams were formed and sent to various towns or neighborhoods with specific tasks such as correcting addresses, contacting Local Assembly members, or inviting the friends or seekers to a unity feast or a performance by the Warriors of Peac

Evenings were spent giving reports of teaching activities, consulting on plans, listening to talks prepared from research assignments, or conducting meetings in goal areas.

The youth themselves gradually assumed greater responsibility for planning and carrying out the work, electing their own officers each Monday through the Baha’i electoral: process and planning new believer-youth conferences each weekend.

Seventeen declarations resulted from the campaign. New Baha’i Youth Clubs were formed in Albany, Leesburg and Dawson, Georgia, to continue the work begun by projecteers, and another is planned in Americus.

THE YOUTH in that area, monitored and guided by the Auxiliary Board and South Georgia

istrict Teaching Committee, are uing to work toward consolidating the gains that have been made.

The long-range goal is to develop a strong sense of Baha’i identity among those who live in

Conference canceled

The International Baha’i Youth Conference which had been scheduled for January 1984 in Panama has been canceled.

No further det able at this time.

are avail

of Peace’ T-shirt during an address October 9 in Atlanta,

Meinbers of the ‘Warriors of Peace’ singing group included (front row left to right) Patricia Hunter, Smokey Ferguson, Michelle Ernst; (second row left to

that area, to increase their use of the Creative Word, and to activate the Spiritual Assemblies that have already been formed in those communitie:

When the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears visited Atlanta on October 9, several members of the Warriors of Peace presented him with a bright red ‘‘Warriors of Peace’ T-shirt.

Much to the delight of everyone present, Mr. Sears graciously accepted the shirt as he removed his suit coat and vest and donned the T-shirt, which he wore for the remainder of his presentation.

Auxiliary Board member Adri enne Reeves.

right) Wanda Barthel, Jeff Stuckig, Diane Hunter, Wayne Lan, and (back row left to right) Shoghi Lombard, Mary Hunter, Warren Lombard.

For many adults and youth who worked in the Albany campaign, a new concept of the role of Baha’i

youth in developing the new World Order was born.

As the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, wrote in a letter dated October 2, 1951, Bahá’í youth must make up their minds ‘‘to do great deeds for the Faith; the condition of the world is growing steadily worse, and your generation must provide the saints, heroes, martyrs and administrators of future years. With dedication and will you can rise to. great

San Diego youth conference draws 330

About 330 young people from California, Arizona, Texas and other areas participated last August 26-28 in a Baha’i Youth Conference in San Diego, California.

The conference, whose theme was ‘‘Arise to the Challenge,’’ was organized by the Baha’i Youth Committee of San Diego.

The speakers and their topics

|v mee sn SSE RT PETA SESE ESET RSS ETS ST EE EEE SCENT SE SESE ECCI

were:

Marque Sisson (‘The ThreeYear Youth Plan’’).

Larry and Traci Gholar (‘‘Relationships’’).

Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi Seven Valleys’’).

Lisa Janti (‘‘Science and Religion’’),

(‘The

[Page 8]EDUCATION

Bahá’í Schools

+ Assembly Development Program

(Child's Way) Magazine jon Advis »r Program

Personal Transformation Program

The American Baha’i

Bosch School draws praise for fine Elderhostel program

“You Baha'is are giving these people something they have a hard time finding in the world,” the retired* psychologist said, ‘‘esteem, and a sense that they have value.’’

A woman seated across the table, also a non-Baha’i, paid a supreme compliment:

“THIS past week here at the school was better than the week I just spent with my granddaughter,’’ she said. *‘Really, it was!””

These people were praising the Elderhostel session they were attending in October at the Bosch Baha’i School in Santa Cruz, California.

Neither had had any previous exposure to the Faith, and both were now favorably impressed with it.

This was the third Elderhostel held this year at Bosch. Elderhostel is a non-profit, non-denominational international organization with several hundred thousand members worldwide.

Members are people over the age of 60 who come together for socializing and education in a variety of settings such as university campuses throughout the U.S:, Europe and Israel.

The 45 Elderhostelers attending, the Bosch school were lavish in their praise of the program, the kindness with which they were treated by the staff, and the beauty of the school itself.

ONE couple said they had attended about 50 Elderhostels over the years, and that this was the best one.

The Bosch School Council and staff had carefully planned the Elderhostel session, striving for excellence in the program and seeking in all ways to make the Elderhostelers comfortable and happy.

Classes and course content w igned not to teach the ith but to use Baha’i princ wherever applicable.

A few of the visitors had pressed on their registration forms an interest in learning about the Faith; most had not.

The five-day program included three daily classes, one of which, entitled ‘*Revelation and Civilization,’’ was a comparative study of aspects of Christianity, Judaism, Islam and the Baha’i Faith.

THAT CLASS was taught by Dr. William Maxwell, a professor at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji and former member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

A second class, ‘“‘Changes and Challenges: Issues of the 1980s,”” dealt with social problems such as nationalism and nuclear war, and emphasized the importance of individual attitudes in solving them.

The class was taught by Robert Phillips, an educational consultant from Santa Cruz.

The third class, presented by Dr. Jack of Reno, N

was entitled “‘Effective One-toOne Communication’’ and was designed to enhance one’s communication skills.

During the evenings, the Elderhostel program included a dance, a concert, a talent show, and a special reception at the home of the school administrator, James Kelly.

The Elderhostelers were pleased to be invited to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, as such hospitali is ‘‘beyond the call of duty’ not typical of Elderhostel sessions.

One man’s parting comments

summed up the feelings of many of the Elderhostelers: ‘ou Baha’is have done a di to Elderhostel—you’ve spoiled for us the rest of the Elderhostels we'll attend. I plan to register for the sessions you'll hold next spring the day I receive the new catalog.””

The Bosch school will host three Elderhostels in the spring of 1984 and several more next autum:

These events will be publicized in the Elderhostel catalog which reaches 400,000 readers world

wide.

Education

Zach packet

‘h can be presented to a Baha’i teacher to help establish

ld’s Baha'i identity in the ssroom, contains a 1984

A

T

¥

(4

1984 UNICEF

WALL

CALENDAR

PMC ker Ct EC NRL ane

UNICEF calendar;

et of lesson plan:

grades 4 through 6 (teachers can

adapt the material for younger

children); and a fact sheet entitled The Bahá’í Faith and Its World

Community’ (for the teacher's information). The packet cost: and can be ordered by request from the National Education Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Louhelen School steps up its community involvement plans

The Louhelen Baha’i School Council has taken steps to put the facility to greater use during the fall, winter and spring. This generates additional income while creating a greater public awareness of the Faith.

Among the uses of the Louhelen school that have been arranged are the following:

The Council has launched an

after-school remedial and enrichment program for children in grades four through six.

The program, called PRISM, is run by Sandy and Alonzo Coleman and Colleen Williams, and is designed to help children in language arts, math and enrichment a through small group instruction and learning centers.

A 12-day Spanish Intensive course was held in August at the Louhelen Bahi’i School in M The course was designed to introduce the students to Spanish quaint them with the basics of Spanish grammar, provide them with an extensive practical vocabulary and knowledge of Bahd’s terminology, and give them insights into the history and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples. The instructor, David Alley, t

the U 'y of Georgia and uses an approach that emphasizes visual and participatory learning. Louhelen plans to offer the course again next summer. Shown here are (seated left to right) Carol Bowie, Dr. Alley, Mary Carter, Doris Ballard, and (standing left to right) Kathleen Boerste, Tamineh Parsons, Linda Brown, Paul Hartman, Camilla Hutch’ son, Marda Rodriguez, Yasi Jaid, Ladan Javid, René Steiner,

metics sales organization held a retreat at Louhelen on September 30 and October 1. The 30 women who attended were impressed with the facility and with the cooperation of the Baha’i staff, and intend to make the retreat an annual event.

The local chapter of Spiritual

Frontiers Fellowship, an_ interdenominational Christian group interested in a range of spiritual areas, held a retreat October 7-9. Fifty-five people from the midMichigan area attended.

At the invitation of the organizers, Alonzo Coleman presented a Saturday evening talk on the Faith. As a result of this conference, many people in the group expressed an interest in the Faith, several bought prayer books, and three more conferences involving related groups were tentatively booked at the school.

On November 5, the Whaley Hospital Children’s Center held a conference at the school for 80 foster parents.

© Delinger Resources, a human development organization, has rented a classroom for two weekends every month this year to conduct personal development seminars, © The Thumb Area chapter of Sweet Adelines, a women’s chorale composed of 60 members, practices at Louhelen every Tuesday evening. In exchange, the f | times

during the year at Louhelen pro grams,

The school has been ap

proached by several other religious, educational and social service groups about renting the facilit

“These various uses of the school have opened many avenues for direct and indirect teaching,’’ says Dr. Geoffry Marks, director of academic affairs.

“‘Also, these uses have enabled us to have a high visibility in the areas of service and education. The school is functioning more and more as both a center for Baha’{ learning and a center for service to the community.

“We feel that this service aspect will, in the long run, contribute greatly to the growth and stature of the Faith in this area.””

In addition to providing services to the community, these uses of the facility are helping it to become more self-sufficient.

“Groups renting the school are charged the average rate for conference centers in the area—a rate considerably higher than that charged to Baha’is,’’ says Dr. William Diehl, director of administrative affairs. “‘These uses help us keep rates relatively low for Baha’i conferences and generate some income. In short, they help us become more independent of

the National Fund,”’ The Louhelen Council welcomes ideas from the friends

about other groups that may be interested in renting the facility or other uses for the school. during the non-summer season:

[Page 9]EDUCATION

December 1983

9

A question and answer session on LEAP

The following questions and answers about the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP) were compiled by the National Education Committee.

°

Q. What is the Local Education Adviser Program?

A. The Local Education Adviser Program is a‘ program designed to train representatives of Assemblies and Groups, on a district-wide basis, to serve as education resource persons to their respective local communities, and to help meet the needs of Bahá’í children and youth on a districtwide level.

Q. What is the content of the program?

A. LEAP materials and activi ties are designed to meet a variety of needs but are especially addressed to the directives contained in the Five Year and Seven Year Plans, those dealing with ‘‘the active participation of children in Baha’i community life’’ and the “establishment of classes for the Baha’i education of children.”

These complementary aspects of Baha’i education are represented in LEAP materials. Participants in the adviser program are encouraged to look beyond as the only means of ing Baha’i educational experiences for the children. Ways of incorporating children and youth into the ‘“‘natural’’ Baha’i calendar events, particularly the Nineteen Day Feast, form an im

California’s New Era School observes ninth year at party

The New Era Baha’i School in Sacramento, California, held a party October 9 to celebrate the start of its ninth year of continuous operation in the same location.

The well-attended event was combined an observance of Universal Children’s Day with a speaker from the local UN Association chapter who discussed with the adult class the work of UNICEF.

The New Era School, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Carmichael, is an intercommunity endeavor that receives regular support from seven Baha’i communities.

Marc and Sara Platz, members of the South Sacramento Baha’i community, have served for the past four years as the school’s directors with members of several ities sharing the teaching responsibilities.

Classes for children and adults are held each Sunday morning at premises rented from a private cooperative pre-school.

Representatives from participating communities meet once a month, before class, to make plans and evaluate the progress of the school, which has become an important unifying activity in the greater Sacramento area.

portant focus for consultation.

In addition to exposure to educational theory, methods and materials, an emphasis in the workshops is on consultation and communication skills, so advisers can better serve community efforts to help the children love Baha’u’llah and identify with His Teachings.

Workshop topics most recently made available through the program are ‘Politeness and Manners: Children and the Nineteen Day Feast’? and ‘Developing Baha’i Lesson Plans.””

Q. What does an adviser do?

A. The adviser serves as a specialized resource person to the local community in transmitting information about consolidation and educational materials developed by the National Education Committee. These materials are designed primarily to address the needs of children, as well as of youth and families. Local advisers are encouraged to perform these specific tasks:

conduct deepenings prepared

by the National Education Committee;

serve as a child/youth advocate in the local community;

teach or administer children’s

classes;

Not every adviser will carry out all of these tasks, but will carry out those most suited to circum

tate Assemblyman (center) presents

New Jersey

Joseph Bocchit a copy of a resolution which he co-sponsored declaring October 1 “Universal Children’s Day’ in New

Jersey to Baha’is Eric Simon (left)

and Bob Weber. A copy of the resolution was forwarded to Jeanne Kirkpatric! the U.S. delegate to the United Nations. The Baha'is of Hamilton Township observed Universal C1

ton where stories were told, gift en, and ‘Wally the Clown’ entertained the children,

stances in the local community, and to his own capacities and interests. Some advisers will initiate activities other than those outlined here.

Q. Who may become an adviser?

A. The program is open to Local Assemblies, Groups, and isolated believers. The interested candidate who lives in an Assembly area is requested to receive permission from his Assembly before contacting the LEAP district coordinator to schedule an introductory training session.

Q. What are the qualification for an adviser?

A. Candidates should

(a) have a personal interest in, and a sense of commitment to, Baha’i children and youth;

(b) be prepared to attend all adviser sessions and complete required homework assignments. Following the initial training session, future workshops sponsored by the National Education Committee are held at least twice a year to introduce new skills and topics, and to provide opportunities for advisers to share ideas and experiences with each other.

The pace and quality of workshop activities are intensive, and participants should be prepared for this. As a follow-up to LEAP workshops, advisers are often expected to carry out homework assignments in the local community.

Q. Can a community have more than one adviser?

A. Yes. The more advisers in a community, the broader the base of support, initiative and information that is provided. The National Education Committee hopes to attract to the program persons who are especially suited for this work, and who are able to make the education of Baha’i children and youth a priority in their Baha’i life.

Q. How long does an adviser serve?

A. The adviser serves indefinitely. If he moves from one area

of the country to another, he is automatically transferred on the national data processing Adviser print-out and can continue LEAP activity in the new area.

If at some time an adviser is no longer able to serve, or does not wish to remain an adviser, he or the sponsoring Assembly need only notify the LEAP district coordinator who removes his name from the adviser list.

Q. What does the LEAP district coordinator do?

A. The district coordinator fills a critical role in determining the effectiveness of the program within a district. The coordinator’s specific responsibilities include:

encouraging the ongoing work

See LEAP Page 14

About 150 attend conference at U. of Nebraska

About 150 Bahá’ís from Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa were present October 29-30 at a ‘Unified Action’? Teaching and Consolidation Conference at the University of Nebraska Center for Continuing Education.

The two-day event was conducted by members of the National Education Committee and Auxiliary Board members Ronna Santoscoy and Robert Postlethwaite.

National Education Committee members served as moderators for workshops on ‘Setting Goals for Personal Transformation” (David Smith); ‘Consolidating the Assembly and the Community’ (Donald Streets); ‘Prayer and Deepening—Its Role in Spiritual Development” (Linda Giardina); and ‘‘Consultation’’ (Jayne Mahbubi).

Mrs. Santoscoy and Mr. Postlethwaite conducted a workshop on “Success in Teaching.”

remain Bah;

Year A

000 500

8

=

a Sees S Soo

Test your skill in math!

What’s the numerical increase? Can you fill in the blanks? In column A: Of 1,000 children born to Baha’i parents in 1975, all At age 25, each marries a person who is not a Baha’i but each couple brings up their children as Baha’is. All couples have two children who remain Baha’ is. Everyone lives to be older than 75 years. Column B: Same as column A, except only one-half of all children in each case remain Baha’is.

See if your figures correspond with the figures to be given in next month’s issue of The American Baha'i.

[Page 10]

TEACHING

The American Baha'i

The homefront pioneer

John H. Wilcott, homefront pioneer from Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Kendall, Montana from 1910 until his death in 1963.

In response to the goals of the Universal House of Justice for the Seven Year Plan, the National Teaching Committee has set a goal of raising 200 homefront pioneers by Ridvan 1984. The homefront pioneer program has been established as a resource to help reach that goal. The questions and answers that follow are a continuation of those printed in this column fast month.

.

Q. What is a homefront pioneer?

A. A homefront pioneer is any Baha’i who moves to another locality and fills a National Teaching Committee goal.

Q. What kind of person should be a homefront pioneer?

A. Any Baha’i who has a desire to serve the Faith is a potential homefront pioneer.

Q. How long a commitment must one make as a pioneer?

A. Commitments vary. As a general rule, homefront pioneers are encouraged to remain at their posts for at least two years. This is a subject you should discuss with the homefront pioneer coordinator.

Q. What sacrifices or changes must I make to be a homefront pioneer?

A. All service to the Faith demands some element of sacrifice. A homefront pioneer must consider all aspects of relocation, such as employment, schools, climate and housing.

Q. I am a youth. Can I be a homefront pioneer?

A. Definitely. Youth between 15 and 20 years of age can be homefront pioneers. A youth can be a valuable asset to a Baha’i community. Youth should contact the National Teaching Committee or National Youth Committee.

Q. My spouse is not a Baha’ Can I still be a homefront meer?

A. Yes, if the family is willing to relocate.

Q. If Lam a student, can I also be a homefront pioneer?

A. Every student should seri‘ously consider homefront pioneering. Many college towns are either homefront pioneer goals or have

See HOMEFRONT Page 11

| SSS SSS SSS SSS SSS

Green Bay teaching institute focuses on Faith’s history, laws

On Saturday, October 15, the Baha’i community of Green Bay, Wisconsin, sponsored a day-long teaching institute at the local YMCA.

About 28 people from Green Bay and arby communities heard Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland speak about the history, Central Figures, and prin

ciples of the Faith, and Sue and Rick Schaut from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, discuss Baha’i laws and administration.

The purposes of the institute were to review the basics of the Faith, reinforce teaching abilities, and provide an introduction to the Faith for seekers.

New Mexico slates ‘Project Daybreak’ as follow-up to ‘Trail of Light’ campaign

As a follow-up to the recent “Trail of Light’’ teaching campaign, the Spiritual Assembly of Espaiiola, New Mexico, is sponsoring ‘Project Daybreak,” an ongoing teaching plan whose focus is on Indians living in the eight Northern Pueblos around Espafiola.

The Trail of Light, which cluded as teachers Indian Baha'is from South America, created new interest in the Faith among the Pueblos, some of whose governors asked that the Baha’is return

so that they might learn more about the Message of Baha’u’llah.

Prayers for the success of Project Daybreak are being said by the Universal House of Justice.

Your participation in this important campaign is invited and would be warmly welcomed. Hospitality and transportation will be provided by the Spiritual Assemblies in New Mexico.

For information please contact Project Daybreak, c/o the S| tual Assembly of Espafiola, P.O. Box 1443, Espafiola, NM 87532.

The Spiritual Assembly of Miami, Florida, has begun a long-term teaching and consolidation project in that city’s ‘Little Haiti’ section. Teaching teams composed of French-, English- and Creolespeaking Baha'is have been entering the area on a weekly basis, and have found the Haitians to be open and receptive to the Bahá’í Future plans include public meetings, study s for adults and children, and contact with leaders in the Haitian community. Shown here (left to right) are Baha’i teachers Carlos Gonzales (a youth originally from South America), Martine Levy (originally from Belgium), Jeannie Robinson (originally from Canada) and her son, Jesse, and Leone Naylor (originally from the Seychelles Islands).

First mid-Atlantic conference to be held in Newark, Delaware

The first Regional Teaching Conference for the mid-Atlantic states will be held January 14 at the University of Delaware in Newark.

The focus of the one-day gathering, which is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Newark, will be practical aspects of teaching.

The program includes discussions on making firesides a suching Christians, riendship Teams,’ and a

presentation on three ig campaigns that worked.

Speakers will include National Teaching Committee member Dr. Eugene Andrews and Robert Riggs, a Baha’i from Charlottesville, Virginia, who is the author

of Apocalypse Unsealed.

Mr. Riggs will discuss using the Book of Revelation to teach the Faith to Christians.

A special program is planned for children 0-10 years of age.

The conference will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. Advance registration is $5; registration at the door is $7.50.

The site is Clayton Hall at the University of Delaware, a 10-minute drive from I-95 (exit at Delaware highway 896 or 273).

To register in advance, send a $5 check payable to the Newark Baha’i Fund to Nelson MeMillan,

Newark, DE 19711.

laws and administration during a

teaching itute October 15 sponsored by the Baha'i community of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

At the National Teaching Committee office there is a large map of the United States. This year, several volunteers located each

iritual Assembly in the marked it with a pin. A large secti

Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas are large in size but sparsely populated. Large mountain ranges, deserts, and plains separate the small Baha’i communities in these states.

In Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Wyoming, the enrollments are relatively few. These states can be proud that in October they

have welcomed new Baha’is into The U.S. totals for October:

TOTAL, 141. Total enrollments in October 1982 were 248.

Adult

Alabama 0 Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Towa

Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada

New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee

=

Texas Utah

Wyoming Washington, D.C.

IS WNONKROH CONH- OCA LORE ORK HEH RHE UCOUNSOON=SOENSOESNNEOD

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continental United States and n of the map has very few pins.

their communities. ADULTS, 131; YOUTH, 28;

Youth * Total

CHmoonoenoococoe VKH ONOSOOH OH SOOO S—SONSO—-NOSO

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[Page 11]TEACHING

December 1983

11

Dear co-workers in the Cause of Baha’u’llah:

This month we are sharing with you a translation of part of a poem written by a Baha’i prisoner in Iran,

This man was imprisoned with several other Baha’is in one of the cities of Iran. Their ‘crime’? was their belief in the Teachings of Baha’u’llah.

In mid-1982 this man was told that the Islamic court had decreed that he should be put to death. On hearing the decision, he composed a poem for his son, Soroush:

My Soroush, behold your father and see how perplexed he is.

He keeps to,himself and muses. He is captive in the hands of the oppressors,

like Joseph in the well of Canaan. My Soroush ...

I miss your love and your sweet voice.

See how the enemies ruined our home,

at this fall season which is followed by winter. ke

You trembled like autumn leaves in the bosom of your mom,

As a part of the Campaign for Unified Action, Counsellor Fred Schechter and members of the National Teaching Committee participated October 21-2; a teaching conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Southern New Mexico/West Texas district has grown from. six Local Spiritual Assemblies only four years ago to a projected 32 by Ridvan 1984. The District Teaching Committee

is sponsoring a direct teaching campaign there from December 17-January 3. Shown here (left to right) with Counsellor Schechter (fifth from left) are National Teaching Committee members Jerry Bathke, Keyvan Nazerian, Cap Cornwell, Juana Conrad, Eugene Andrews, Tahirih Foroughi and Robert Wilson. The committee held its regular monthly meeting in Las Cruces. (Photo by Eugene Robinson)

when you heard that your father was in the hands of the enemies.

They attacked our home ... Books, pamphlets and notebooks were all taken,

picture of the Beloved too, which was so dear ...

At this time I heard a sweet message:

Why is the bird of your heart so sorrowful?

Don’t be sad; this is the bounty of the Beloved

that you are in this prison corner. His calamity is His providence, rejoice.

Good for the head which is given for His path.

Drink the everlasting wine from the cup-bearer’s hand.

If they took ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s picture, why worry?

it is engraved on the wall of my heart.

If they took the prayer book, many tablets are hidden in my heart.

If they broke the tapes of the voices of the friends,

the bird of my heart is a sweetsinging bird.

They cannot drain the fountain of the Sun,

even though clouds are now ruling in this region.

Look at the tiny prison cells which are filled with the melodies of prayer and the mention of God. Listen to the cry of ‘‘O Baha, O my God,”’ *

which echoes like a thunder and roars.

The sound of the “‘remover of difficulties’? chanted by the friends, flies to the Heaven of God like an eagle.

One friend is saying the song of “Praise be to my God the exalted,’”

From Iranian prison: A poem of faith, hope, love

and the other is chanting the verse of ‘“O Beloved look at Thy lovers.””

One is full of joy from the song of “Q God,”

and the other is weeping at the chanting of ‘‘Al-mustaghath.”’ One is drunk with the wine of “Our God the Most Pure,’”

and the other is astonished at the inebrity of the wine of ‘‘if there were no calamities.’’

We must make the most of these various-colored wines,

since the cup-bearer is the beauty of the Beloved.

I wonder from which cup I should drink,

since there are so many wines in this happy feast.

Although the cell is filled with absolute darkness,

the beauty of the Beloved is shining in the garden of my heart.

If the judge finds out about my joyous state,

I am sure that he will regret his decree.

Drink from the wine of true understanding in secret, O friends, and whip lashes will be your punishment.

Look at the degree of the ignorance of the guard,

I am fully drunk and he wants order.

Thanks to God since with the help of the Beloved

prison has become a palace to His lovers.

Dear friends, let us follow in the footsteps of this beloved prisoner and drink from the wine of true understanding.

Let us teach the Cause of Baha*wilah until the whole world becomes intoxicated with these various-colored wines (of His Teachings) in the happy feast of. His wondrous Faith.

Homefront

Continued From Page 10 goal towns nearby.

Q. A job transfer or personal situation has forced me to move to a specific location. Can I still be considered a homefront pioneer?

A. If your new location falls within those categories mentioned above, you can indeed be counted as a homefront pioneer.

Q. I have only recently moved to this country. Can I be a homefront pioneer?

A. Yes, The National Teaching Committee encourages new re: dents in the U.S. to contact our office for a homefront pioneer post.

Q. Can I be a homefront pioneer during my year of patience? A. The National Teaching Committee advises potential homefront pioneers observing a year of patience to complete the year of waiting before pioneering. Q. My ultimate goal is to be an international pioneer but it is not

feasible for me to leave the country now. Should I consider homefront pioneering?

A. By all means, yes!

Q. Our community has only nine members. Should I consider homefront pioneering?

A. Not at this time. One of the purposes of homefront pioneering is to help strengthen Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Q. I would like to be a homefront pioneer but am afraid I would not be able to stay as long as I would like. Would I be a disappointment if I had to leave my homefront pioneer post?

A. No. A homefront pioneer for any length of time would be of great service to the Faith. However, we do encourage homefront pioneers to make their pioneer post their permanent new home.

Q. am thinking about moving sometime this year. When should I contact the National Teaching Committee?

A. Please contact the National Teaching Committee immediate

ly. Q. Once I have contacted the

National Teaching Committee, how long does it take for my request to be processed?

A. After contacting the National Teaching Committee, you will be sent a volunteer form. Upon its completion, you will be contacted immediately by the homefront pioneer coordinator. In consultation, you will be apprised of goal areas in the locations you have chosen.

Q. How can I prepare to become a homefront pioneer?

A. The best way to prepare for homefront pioneering is to be of the greatest service you can in your present community. Potential homefront pioneers are encouraged to read the Tablets of the Divine Plan and The Advent of Divine Justice.

Q. I have reéently moved but never contacted the National Teaching Committee. Is it too late to be counted as a homefront pioneer?

A. Any Baha’i who has filled a homefront pioneer goal can be counted as a homefront pioneer.

Call or write the National Teaching Committee and let us know.

Q. How can I be sure that Pil be counted as one of the pioneers fulfilling the goals of the current Plan?

A. You'll be counted as a homefront pioneer only when you notify the National Teaching Committee that you have arrived at your post.

Q. I want to be a homefront pioneer. Where do I start?

A. You may wish to begin b: consulting with your Local Spi tual Assembly, District Teaching Committee or Auxiliary Board member. Then request a homefront pioneer application form from the National Teaching Committee. You are also free to phone the committee office at 312-8699039.

°

The National Teaching Committee is developing booklets and other materials with advice for prospective homefront pioneers. Those who are interested are asked to phone the committee, 312869-9039.

TEACHING THROUGH FRIENDSHIP TEAMS

As of this writing, our tally of Friendship Teams has reached 300. These teams live in 172 cities and towns in 42 states.

Your team might ask your Assembly secretary if the Friendship Teams in your community have been reported to the National Teaching Committee (a postcard was provided for that purpose), or you may wish to write us a note yourselves.

We look forward to news of your activities and accomplishments. If you live in a Group area or are an isolated believer, this column will be your main source of information about Friendship Teams.

A Friendship Team is:

A way of achieving teaching

plans.

A good resource for Assemblies and committees to use in

their activities.

¢ Flexible. It adopts plans and performs services that aid community goals.

¢ Inclusive. Teams should. consist of people from different races, cultures and backgrounds. They help us get to know each other while uniting the community.

An enjoyable, exciting way to

serve the Faith and develop a unified, loving spirit in the Baha’i community.

Next month we'll list what Friendship Teams are not. Until then, keep having fun, and teaching the Faith through your Friendship Teams.

God’s Great Plan reprinted by Trust

The National Teaching Committee is pleased to remind the friends that the splendid teaching book, God's Great Plan, is back in print. This book, which is quite useful for teaching in rural and inner city areas and as a deepening book for mass-taught Baha’is, has a new cover that illustrates the principle of progressive revelation. The price is $2, and it can be ordered from the Baha’ Publishing Trust.

|S SSS SSS SS SH

[Page 12]The American Baha'i

Caan

12

PLEASE PRINT

(Mr./Mrs./Miss). (Mr./Mrs./Miss). (Mr./Mrs./Miss).

(Mr./Mrs./Miss).

Address.

75TH BAHA’i NATIONAL CONVENTION (April 26-29, 1984)

CONVENTION SEATING REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION BY LETTER IS ACCEPTABLE; HOWEVER, PLEASE INCLUDE ALL THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT RESERVE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT THE HOTEL DIRECTLY.

USE ONE FORM PER FAMILY

LIST ALL ATTENDEES 15 YEARS OLD AND OLDER

Baha’i I.D, No.. Baha’i 1.D. No.. Baha’i 1.D. No.

Baha’i I.D. No..

Telephone(__).

Child’s name Sex

Age

CHILDREN’S REGISTRATION

LIST ALL CHILDREN 14 YEARS OLD AND UNDER Please note special needs (medical, emotional, dietary, etc.) ‘

Special needs

A QUALITY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM IS PLANNED. PRE-REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL TO INSURE YOUR CHILD’S PLACE IN THIS PROGRAM.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW! Mail to: Office of Membership, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

The 75th Baha’ National Convention will be held April 26-29, 1984, at the McCormick Inn, 23rd & the Lake, Chicago, 60616. The toll-free number is 800-621-6909 (in Illinois, phone COLLECT, 312-791-1901).

RATES: $48 per night (plus tax)—1, 2, 3 or 4 ina room (two double beds). Rollaways are available @ $10 each.

SUITES AVAILABLE: | bedroom, $96-$200; 2 bedrooms, $144-$248 per night. (All suites have parlors with sleepers in addition to the bedrooms).

RESERVATIONS: Must be made directly with the hotel. Please be sure to identify yourself as attending the Bahd’{ National Convention, April 26-29, 1984. Request confirmation to ensure that your reservation was received. PLEASE (1) give

More Convention information

the names of ALL those sharing the room with you, and (2) indicate any special facilities needed for the handicapped (rooms to accommodate wheelchairs, etc.), as the number of such rooms is limited.

SHARING ROOMS: The hotel will NOT find you a roommate. You must make your own arrangements.

There is regular bus service—Continental Air Transport—to the McCormick Inn from O’Hare Airport ($6) and from Midway ($5). Taxis are also available.

The coupon above includes registration information for seating and for the registration of children at the Convention.

National Assembly must be consulted When delegates can’t serve

Replacement of delegates to the Baha’i National Convention:

There have been occasions when an elected delegate has left his district of residence before the Convention. In such cases, it may be necessary to send a replacement.

However, the person'who received the next highest number of votes does not automatically become the delegate. This matter must be referred to the Na

tional Spiritual Assembly for certifi appointment.

In a letter written December 30, 1974, on its behalf, the Universal House of Justice advised that “*.., there is no provision in Baha’i procedure for the election of alternate delegates.’’ The Supreme Institution further advised that the replacement of delegates is left to the discretion of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Comment

Continued From Page 2

Advent of Divine Justice, p. 21)

Baha’u’llah has also given mankind a perfect pattern for future society. The pattern includes ‘‘the establishment of a world commonwealth ... which consists of a world legislature, ... a world executive backed by an international force; and a world metropolis ... as the nerve center of a world civilization.””

The details of such a ‘‘world federal system’ are presented by the beloved Guardian in his book, The World Order of Baha’u’llah.

OUR promises and pledges to Him include: To try constantly to know Him, to love Him, to obey Him. To endeavor to the best of our ability to carry out each and every one of His principles, teachings, and laws completely, wholeheartedly, and lovingly.

The salient point in our promise is the fact that we pledge to become a Baha’; and to become a Baha’ is a constant, day-by-day endeavor. It is a lifelong effort accomplished by immersing ourselves in the ocean of His writings and teachings.

Unlearning obsolete thoughts and values, and replacing them with high spiritual qualities, requires real effort. Like everything else in life, it takes place over a period of time. It requires extra effort and steps that need to be taken every day.

What makes the task easier is constant, real and wholehearted communion with God.

“To become conscious of this divine bounty of communion,”’ to use the words of Horace Holley, “to practice it day by day as a great musician perfects his power to evoke beauty from a violin, this is the essence of life, for all other gifts and talents become worthless if we fail to commune with God.”” (From Religion for Mankind, Baha’i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, 1966, p. 209)

OUR other major promise and important pledge to our Lord is to share with our fellow human beings this great gift of faith that we have received from Him.

In everyday language we refer to this as ‘‘teaching,’’ and teaching is nothing else but sharing the invaluable gift of faith, Faith is not a gift to hold—it is a bounty to share.

Proclamations, firesides, and all other means of giving the Word and sharing the Message are wonderful means of teaching the Faith,

There is, however, a personal obligation of each one of us to share this great gift with our brothers and sisters, and this is a person-to-person interaction, as described by Bahd’u’ll4h in these words:

“Say: Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá, for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message,

and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds. Such a deed is acceptable only when he that teacheth the Cause is already a firm believer in God, the Supreme Protector, the Gracious, the Almighty.’’ (Gleanings, p. 278)

WHILE we are on the subject of teaching, I would like to share with you the following passage from ‘‘Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies,”? p. 66, quoting. the Universal House of Justice:

“The purpose of teaching is not complete when a person declares that he has accepted Baha’u’llah as the Manifestation of God for this age; the purpose of teaching is to attract human beings to the divine Message and so imbue them with its spirit that they will dedicate themselves to its service, and this world will become another world and its people another people ... If a fire burns only so long as the match is held to it, it cannot be truly said to have been kindled; ... a truly kindled fire will not be extinguished by the first breath of wind.”

In short, this is an oversimplification of our Covenant with Bahá’u’lláh. The details of this process are up to every individual Baha’ to read, to strive toward attaining, and to act accordingly.

Now, dear friends, let us bow our heads to the Center of the Covenant and pay homage and express our gratitude and love to Him Whom our Lord destined to be the greatest Exemplar of His Cause, and we are all here because of Him, our beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Who taught us how to become Baha’is, ‘‘little by little, day by day.”

Studies

Continued From Page 5

the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada as the Canadian Association for Studies on the Baha’i Faith in response to a goal of the Five Year Plan‘given to the Baha’i community by the Universal House of Justice.

In 1981, owing to its worldwide expansion, the Association secured the approval of the House of Justice to change its name to the Association for Baha’i Studies,

The Centre for Baha’i Studies, adjacent to the campus of the University of Ottawa, coordinates the activities of the Association and serves as a center for research, instruction and information on Baha’i studies.

In addition to its annual Conference, the Association holds a number of regional conferences each year which provide opportunities for Baha'is and others who are interested in Baha’i studies to make formal presentations and exchange ideas.

The Association’s ninth annual Conference, whose theme is ‘‘The Vision of Shoghi Effendi,’’ will be held November 2-4, 1984, at the Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa, Canada.

0 I EE RES ERS RRR TY RS SSG EAT

[Page 13]

NATIVE AMERICANS

December 1983

13

‘Trail of Light’ team forges bonds oF friendship

By REGINA ANCHONDO

September 27 marked the beginning of a month-long visit to the United States by the Camino del Sol (“Trail of Light’) teaching team.

The team visiting this country was one of three teams comprised of South American Indian Baha’is.

THEIR purpose was threefold: (1) to return the visit made to Latin America last year by the Trail of Light teams from North America; (2) to share and exchange cultural traditions, and (3) to spread the Message of Bahau’ll4h among their indigenous brothers and sisters in Central and North America.

The Trail of Light itself was a

cooperative venture that received support from the Continental

Board of Counsellors in the Americas and 14 National Spiritual Assemblies.

Among the members of the Trail of Light team that visited North America was Auxiliary Board member Sabino Ortega, a Quech

The 13 members of the three teams first met one another in Panama City, Panama, for orientation and fellowship.

One five-member team remained in Central America, a second team of four departed for Canada and Alaska, and the third team, also with four members, headed for the United States.

The four Baha’is who arrived September 26 in Tucson, Arizona, represented three indigenous groups: the Mapuche of Chile, the Quechua of Bolivia, and the Cuna of the San Blas Islands in Panama.

ALTHOUGH the activities of the team varied according to the setting, the Faith was always mentioned, even if indirectly.

During meetings with various tribal cou: it was possible to discuss the Faith at length, as it related to traditions and prophamong the indigenous peo

ples. Radio, television and newspa per interviews also offered similar opportunities since the interviewers were intensely interested in the purpose of the tour and the organization that was sponsoring it.

During the many public meetings in which the team participated, cultural presentations were interspersed with the teachings of the Faith and their relationship to the fulfillment of Indian prophecies and traditions.

‘The fact that the Trail of Light had come from South America was highly significant to many of the peoples visited; they remembered the stories of their ancestors about a time in the past when there were no frontiers, and when such visits were common.

MORE important, they remembered the prophecies that the re

titution of such visits would ‘ignal the renewal of their civilization.

This expectation and the interest in the visit of brothers from the South opened many doors that had previously been ‘closed to local non-Indian Baha’is.

In many places, bonds were forged that will never be broken. Even those who could not comprehend the Message of Baha*w'lláh were inexplicably drawn toward the members of the team and asked permission to accompany them on visits to other nearby Reservations.

Whenever space permitted, these new-found friends were welcome to accompany the team.

It is impossible at this time to measure accurately the impact of the Trail of Light on teaching the Faith to Indians in this country.

PERHAPS a glimmer of the true value of their contribution to ‘our teaching work can be found in the nature and results of various encounters along the way.

In the next two issues of The American Baha’i, we will follow the Trail of Light from Tucson to Neah Bay, Washington.

In doing so, we will learn about the dedication of the team and those who accompanied it as translators and managers, the generosity of spirit of the Native Americans of North America, and of the Baha’i communities, institutions and committees that helped make all of this possible.

Most important, we will learn of the foundation that has been laid and upon which we must now build if we are to share the Message of Baha’u’llah with the original inhabitants of this continent.

The Spiritual Assembly of Montezuma County, Colorado, sponsored a well-attended United Nations Day unity feast October 22 in Mesa Verde National Park. Seven speakers addressed the

semblage including Chester Kahn (seated at far left), a Navajo In jan from Houck, Arizona, who

is a member of the National S tual Assembly. Shown delivering

his talk is Mitchell Silas, a Navajo from Aneth, Utah. Seated next to Mr. Kahn is another of the Native American speakers, Dicky Silas of Aneth. (Photo by Fritz Mann)

Shown playing their handmade musical instruments from South America are two members of the Trail of Light team, Clemente

Pimantel (left), a Quechua Indian from Bolivia, and Egon Nieto, a Mapuche from Chile.

Ober

Continued From Page 4 setts, where the National Teaching Committee had its office, that the first. “Teaching Bulletin’’ was issued in 1919.

After becoming a Baha’i, Mr. Ober had deci ide his time betwee ind earning a living as a lawyer following his graduation from Northeastern University law school in Boston.

He was in great demand as a speaker at race unity conferences and at Baha’i summer and winter schools in the U.S. and Canada.

Following a second pilgrimage in July 1920, during which the Obers visited with ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Haifa, they returned to the U.S. and England.

It was in England that they met Shoghi Effendi who was then attending Oxford University

THIRTY-SIX years later, after visiting the Guardian in Haifa, Mr. Ober and his second wife, Dr. Elizabeth Kidder Ober (his first wife had died in 1938) carried out the wishes of the Guardian and settled as pioneers in Pretoria, South Africa.

The following year Mr. Ober was appointed an Auxiliary Board member for protection in Africa. He helped form the first all-African Spiritual Assembly in Pretoria and served for two years as a member of the National Teaching Committee of South and West Africa.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Ober regularly received letters from the Guardian in which Shoghi Effendi offered guidance for him and for the newly formed administrative bodies and committees.

Harlan Ober died July 20, 1962,

and his earthly remains were laid to rest in Pretoria. The Hands of the Cause of God in the Holy Land summarized his nearly 50 years of service to the Cause in their message:

“Deepest sympathy passing dear Harlan Ober, devoted, distinguished American believer both Heroic (and) Formative ages Faith. Early global travels, membership Temple Unity Board and later National Assembly, historic

services Africa pioneer Board member unforgettable. Assure loving prayers Shrine. HandsFait

Baha’is in Alaska providing social services to public

Baha’i communities in Alaska are providing a variety of social or humanitarian services for the general public.

In Bethel, for example, two Baha’is have been producing a weekly radio program for village children for nearly a year. The project was begun in an effort to enrich the spiritual lives and characters of local children.

In Kake, the Spiritual Assembly provides. spiritual guidance for people who are being treated for alcohol-related problems through an arrangement with a government counselor who sends his clients to the Baha’is for help.

In Point Barrow, Baha’is are working to provide a radio news service in the Inupiaq language, and have loaned their Baha’i Center to a radio station for use as a studio.

Presently, all radio programming in that city is in English.

In Anchorage, the Spiritual Assembly has begun a monthly ‘‘coffee house,” thus providing a meeting place where alcohol is not

[Page 14]

The American Baha'i

14

The front page of the

Redlands Daily Facts in Redlands, California, carried an article July 22 about a surprise 100th birthday party for John Collins, a member of the Baha’i community of Yucaipa. Mr. Collins, a native of

Weston Point, England, who came to the U.S. in 1907 and has lived in California ever since, became a Baha’ in 1979. His secret for longevity: ‘Keep on breathing and practice moderation in all things.”

Conference

Continued From Page 7

Fereshteh Bethel (‘“The Destiny of America’).

Edward Diliberto (‘‘Pioneering’).

Shahrooz Rahnejat (‘‘Martyrs and Their Impact on Youth’’).

Daily classes on Saturday and Sunday were combined with evening recreational activities, a talent show and dance for a most enjoyable weekend.

Sunday afternoon, a large number of people came to Mission Bay Park to see a program by the Los Angeles Baha’i Youth Workshop.

The conference ended Sunday evening with a fireside at the San Diego Baha’i Center.

In a spirit of ‘‘universal participation,”’ $700 was raised at the conference for the National Fund. A total of $2,500 was sent to the Fund, the $700 plus another $1,800 in conference fees.

Moreover, in memory of the 170 martyrs in Iran, 170 participants accepted the ‘‘Baha’i Challenge,’’ committing themselves to serving the Cause by teaching, deepening, praying and participating in service projects for 170 days following the conference.

2 Minnesota Baha’is appear on popular cable TV program

Two Baha’is from Hopkins, Minnesota, Mina Rafiee and Curtis Ewing, appeared in August on the program ‘Now You Are Aware’ on the St. Louis Park cable TV system.

The Baha’is were invited to appear by the cable system’s coordinator who saw a news release in July in the Hopkins-Minnetonka Sun about an intercommunity memorial service in Minneapolis for the martyrs in Iran.

Sheboygan group proclaims

The Baha’i Proclamation Committee of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, formed last March, has had a busy nine months since then.

Its first activity was a bus trip for Baha’is and their guests to the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette to observe Race Unity Day, June 12.

TWENTY-ONE Baha'is and 28 non-Baha’is took the trip, which was financed by Baha’is who painted a home for a relative of one of thé friends.

Next, the committee entered a float in Sheboygan’s annual Fourth of July parade.

About 15;000-20,000 people saw the float, which had the word “‘Peace”’ spelled out in several languages on the front of a heart and the dove of peace in tissue on the back of the heart.

Flags of various nations adorned the top of the float, while children of several ethnic backgrounds rode on the back.

The float was also entered in the Kiel parade August 14 in Manitowoc with another 15,000 watching.

Peace was the theme of a Baha’ booth at the Sheboygan County Fair, and 81 school children participated in a Baha’i-sponsored essay contest on ‘‘My Wish for a Peaceful World.””

EACH of the participants was given a book mark designed by one of the Baha’is, and all contest entries were displayed at the fair booth.

Invitations were sent to more than 40 individuals and organizations for a World Peace Day public meeting at which Dr. Steve Suhm spoke on ‘Education for

Peace in a World Without War.’”

A non-Baha’i, Janet Ross, was presented a copy of the book, Prevent Doomsday, for her work in the peace coalition.

Thirty people including eight non-Baha’is attended the event.

A United Nations Day panel discussion in October had as its panelists Kate Marrs, Wisconsin coordinator for UNICEF; Trudy Mesbah, a Baha’i from Middleton, Wisconsin; Mr. Eckhardt from the Sheboygan Post Office; and Richard Flannery, instructor in international politics from the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan.

The chairman was Nancy Phillips, the mayor of Sheboygan’s United Nations chairman. Ms. Phillips is also chairman of the Baha’i Group of Sheboygan.

THIRTY-ONE people

cluding 23 non-Baha’is attended

Universal Children’s Day and Halloween were celebrated at a gala costume party whose participants included five non-Baha’i adults and nine non-Baha’i children.

Earlier, on September 19, a lengthy article in the local newspaper, headlined ‘Couple Finds Harmony in Teaching, Religion’’ profiled David and Rene Lea, members of the Baha’i Group of the Town of Sheboygan.

The proclamation committee, which is sponsored by the Southern Wisconsin District Teaching Committee, includes representatives from the City of Sheboygan, Town of Sheboygan, Town of Wilson and Town of Lyndon.

Auxiliary Board member Edward Diliberto addresses a World Peace Day audience Whittier, Cali

fornia. Seated (left to right) are Prof. Mahlon Woirhaye, Luis Quijada, and Mrs. Faith Leith.

‘Wage Peace’ is Peace Day theme of Whittier, California, observance

- Wage Peace’’ was the theme

of a World Peace Day observance September 18 in Whittier, California.

The speakers were Auxiliary Board member Edward Diliberto; Mahlon Woirhaye, professor of communications at Rio Hondo College in Whittier; and Luis Quijada, a Roman Catholic layman

from St. Church. The moderator was Tom Kavelin, a Baha’i from Los Angeles. Dr. Donald Inlay, senior pastor at the East Whittier United Methodist Church, welcomed everyone to the meeting in the church hall, which he graciously allowed the Baha'is to use again this year.

Gregory the Great

Fa

bal Va Yt) LASTING Tee

Me ets

The Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, Bahá’í Proclamation Committee entered this float whose theme was ‘Peace’ in two parades

It receives help and support from the Town of Meeme in Man LEAP

Continued From Page 9

of advisers;

LEAP district coordinators are appointed for one-year terms beginning June 15 each year.

Q. Is the Local Education Adviser Program available in all dis tricts?

A. The program is now in 84 of 94 districts. The National Education Committee intends to introduce it in all districts by June 1984,

Q. How many advisers are there? |

A. There are more than 1,000 advisers serving the 84 districts.

Q. What are the plans for the future?

A. Besides introducing the program in the remaining 10 districts, a primary focus will be the in th with fervor

this summer, the Fourth of July parade in Sheboygan and the Kiel parade in Manitowoc County.

itowoc County and the City of Brillion in Calumet County.

creased effectiveness of LEAP district coordinators in carrying out their duties.

The district coordinator serves as the vital link between the worker in the field and the National Education Committee. In addition to stimulating the efforts of advisers at the grassroots level, the coordinator is called upon to provide accurate statistical information about the children and youth in his district.

By the end of the Seven Year Plan (Ridvan 1986), the National Education Committee anticipates that all districts will be self-sufficient in their understanding and use of NEC-developed child education materials and strategies.

A National LEAP Conference for advisers and coordinators is to be held next Memorial Day weekend in Wilmette, Illinois. There will be workshops on a variety of child education topics, and opportunities to share ideas and activities from various regions.

‘Gift of Love’ certificate sure to be appreciated by friends, relatives during Ayyam-i-Ha season

Order a ‘‘Gift of Love”’ gift certificate (Catalog No. 868-000) for friends or relatives for Ayyam-iHa.

Ordering is simple. Send (1) the name and address of the recipient; (2) your name and address; and (3) a check or money order for the amount of the certificate in full dollars only—there is no handling or postage charge on orders for the gift certificate—to the Baha’i Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone toll free 1-800-323-1880.

You must provide VISA or MasterCard information on all phone orders.

The certificate, in a handsome

gift envelope, will be sent either to you or to the recipient, as specified when you order.

To make the gift certificates available, we regret that they cannot be purchased from or redeemed through local or school librarians. They cannot be charged to community or school accounts, and they are not eligible for the 10 per cent community discount.

A certificate may be redeemed any time within two years of the date of issuance by sending it with an order to the Publishing Trust. A letter explaining how the gift certificate can be redeemed will accompany each one sent.

[Page 15]PUBLICATIONS

December 1983

The Creative Word

Tablets of Baha’u’llah Revealed After the Kitab-i-Aqdas

Where do you turn for inspiration to live the Baha’i life?

How can you demonstrate to others the healing power of Baha’u’llah’s message?

The Seven Year Plan calls on us to center our lives around the Creative Word. ‘Abdu’l-Baha particularly exhorted the Baha’is to read “with close attention”’ the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh.

He called the Tablets ‘‘the dynamic power to motivate the inner self.”” He also said they contain ‘‘a healing balm for the sores on the body of mankind.” Children in His household learned the Tablets by heart, so important did the Master feel they were to the development of healthy spiritual habits.

Ornaments, Words of Paradise, Glad-Tidings, and Splendors—these are some of the 16 ‘‘mighty’’ Tablets collected by the Universal House of Justice in Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas. They represent, according to Shoghi Effendi, the ‘‘choicest fruits which His mind has yielded’’ and should be “‘read and read over again’’ by every Baha’i.

As you look for ways to grow spiritually and aid the needs of your community, what better direction can you find than to turn to Baha’u’llah’s own instructions? For therein is the ‘‘magnet,”’ ‘Abdu’l-Baha

promised, ‘‘to draw down eternal glory.” _ Hardcover, Catalog No. 103-021, $10.

NEWS from the Publishing Trust

New Editions

Pocket-size edition of Kitab-iigan

New—for your teaching and proclamation efforts. A portable, inexpensive and handsome edition of Kitab-i-iqin. Plan a study class on progressive revelation now! (PS, Cat. No. 103-032, $3.50)

God’s Great Plan

Now available in a new edition, with large easy-to-read typeHenry Ginn’s popular study guide ‘on progressive revelation. Use the cover to open a discussion about God’s progressive conversations with humankind,

Price of New Era temporarily reduced

The price on the hardcover edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (Catalog No. 231-004) has been temporarily reduced from $10 to $3 NET, according to Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Baha’i Publishing Trust.

The special price is possible only because of an overstock of the book. When the surplus is reduced to a suitable level, the softcover edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, which is out of stock, will be reprinted, and the price of the hardcover edition will once again return to $10.

The special price for the hardcover edition is $3 NET. ‘‘NET’’ indicates that no discounts will be given to librarians.

The special price is also available only in the 48 contiguous states of the United States. No orders from other countries will be accepted for the $3 NET price.

“Now would be an excellent time,’’ says Mr. Bucknell, ‘‘to purchase copies of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era for presentation to local libraries or dignitaries.””

The text draws liberally on Biblical quotations and uses simple explanations of Baha’i principles to unfold the Baha’i teachings to the Bible-oriented seeker.

(SC, Cat. No. 341-012, $2)

New Price

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, HC The price on the hardcover edition of J.E. Esslemont’s popular introduction to the Baha’i Faith has temporarily been reduced from $10 to $3 NET. See article on this page for explanation,

and take advantage of the savings. The price is good only in the 48 contiguous states of the United States.

(HC, Cat. No. 231-004, $3 NET)

Corrections to 9/215/83 Price List

The Open Door, 10/$7.50 Prophecy Fulfilled, 10/$4

Titles from Around the World

GR—George Ronald KP—Kalimat Press

New

Some Baha’is to Remember (GR) In a dozen essays, O.Z. Whitehead portrays believers from the first days in America, England, Japan and Australasia. 304 pp., 24 illustrations.

(HC, Cat. No. 332-112, $14.95) (SC, Cat. No. 332-113, $7.50)

Back in Stock Door of Hope (GR)

(SC, Cat. No. 332-100, $9.75) ‘An Index of Quotations from the Baha’i Sacred Writings (GR) (HC, Cat. No. 368-062, $37.50) Miracles and Metaphors (KP) (HC, Cat. No. 332-090, $11.95) (SC, Cat. No. 332-054, $8.95)

iqan’s higher price a result of rising production costs

A frequently asked question nowadays, according to Terrill Hayes, production manager of the Baha’ Publishing Trust, is, “Why does the new pocket-size edition of the Kitaéb-i-Iqan cost 50 cents more than the pocket-size edition of Gleanings?”

The answer, says Mr. Hayes, is simple.

“The-cost of paper and cover material has gone up since we printed Gleanings back in April 1983. Even though the two pocket-size books are almost the same size, we simply had to pay more when we printed the fqan in September.

“The increased costs had to be reflected in the price of the book, or we would have lost money on each copy we sold,” Mr. Hayes explains.

“It is important to remember that many printing costs go up approximately every six months or so. A trip to a local bookstore is always a good way to remind oneself that prices of Baha’i books are still lower than the prices of comparable volumes on bookstore shelves.

“Even so,” he adds, ‘‘we are always looking for ways to reduce costs. The pocket-size Gleanings and {gan would have been impossible even a year or two ago.

“Printing techniques that were* available only to large printers a year or two ago are now allowing us to do things that we, as a smaller publisher, had no access to a short time ago.”

The top 10 community librarian accounts for the first six months of 1983-84:

1, San Francisco, CA

2. New York, NY

3. Los Angeles, CA

4. San Jose, CA

5. Riverside, CA

6. Peoria, IL

7. Rapid City, SD

8. Dallas, TX

9, Oklahoma City, OK

10. Lincoln, NE

Where will your community

rank at the end of the next six months?

Coupon for Order

Price Qty

_ Kitab-i-fgan $3.50 Tablets of Baha'u'llah, HC 10.00 Tablets of Baha’u'lkth, LT 6.00

— Baha'u'llah New Era, HC 3.00

Baha’i Publishing Trust

_ Index of Quotations, HC $37.50 Martha Root, HC Martha Root, SC

Miracles Metaphors, HC

2,00 Miracles Metaphors, SC 8.95

God’s Great Plan re-issued

God’s Great Plan, the popular mass-teaching booklet that has been out-of print for several years has been re-issued in a new edition prepared by the Baha’s Publishing Trust in consultation with the National Teaching Committee.

Written in simple language and printed in large, easy-to-read type, God’s Great Plan, by Henry Ginn, contains many references to Bible prophecy. Hence, it makes al starting point for serious discussions with sincere, Biblebelieving Christians.

The cover of the booklet has been deliberately redesigned to enable Baha’is to open discussions. with seekers about God’s plan for the world.

The words ‘‘God’s Great Plan’’

Title Prive

appear in large type at the top of the cover. Underneath is a list of Manifestations of God beginning with Abraham and ending with the Bab and Baha’u’llah.

At the bottom of the cover is the subtitle: ‘‘Progressive Revelation for Mankind.””

The text of the booklet traces the development of God’s plan through history and shows how Baha’u’llah fulfills Bible prophecy.

God’s Great Plan (Catalog No. 341-012, $2) has been reissued in a 51/2 x 81/2 inch format that makes it ideal for study classes. The text is interspersed with photographs of ethnically diverse groups.

ing from the Publishing Trust

Enclosed is my check or money order for $____

20.00 11.00 11,95

14,95 Open Door, PM. hepa Ar 7.50 Prophecy Fulfilled, PM 10/4.00 y MC 9.75 Name Address City

(including 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1.50). Charge to: ($10.00 minimum order)

Card expires

Card expires.

State, Zip

(All orders are NET—no discounts. No charges on

TAB 12/83

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091

librarians’ accounts accepted. Credit card orders accepted by phone: 1-800-323-1880.)

Prices good through February 15, 1983

Prices valid only in 48 contiguous states of the United States

[Page 16]

an Baha’i

lovely float with the theme ‘Unite the World ... One Heart at a Time,” sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Wapato, Washington, participated in 17 parades from April through October, 1983, winning 13 trophies and ribbons including seven first place awards (non-commercial di n) in such prestigious events as the

Seattle Seafair Torchlight Parade, Moses Lake Moonlight Parade, Omak Stampede, and Ellensburg Rodeo Parade. At its final appearance, in the Issaquah Salmon Days Parade, the float won the special Elks Trophy. It was seen on prime time TV news, noted in newspapers, described on radio,

and seen by parade-goers, proclaiming the Faith to an estimated three to four million people in the Pacific Northwest. The float was prepared through the dedicated efforts of two pioneers to the Wapato Reservation, Arne and Joyce Eklund, with help from more than 30 other Baha'is.

This Certifies that

of

has heen atvarded this certificate for

Bahai Month

U

NF

Gertificate of Afvard

Spiritual Assembly Representative

AS rAd.

Rigby, Idaho, Assembly develops children’s packet for Fast

The Spiritual Assembly of Rigby, Idaho, has developed a children’s packet, ‘Ladder of Loftiness,” to be used during the

Archives to undertake oral history project

The National Bahá’í Archives Committee has started an Oral history project to collect personal reminiscences of Baha’is.

Anyone who has copies, either taped or written, of personal recollections or who can interview Baha'is is asked to write to the National Baha’i Archives Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

month of ‘Ala.

The packet is designed for jildren as a way for them to participate and share in the wonderful bounties that are bestowed on everyone during the period of the Fast.

The packet includes a coloring page with stickers; crafts; p1 to memorize (on three level able to the age of the child); recipes; a ‘‘good deeds’’ chart, and a “‘certificate of achievement’? to be signed by a Spiritual Assembly or Group representative and a parent or guardian as recognition for work well done in the spirit of prayer.

The packet is suitable for nonBaha’i children and would make an excellent gift.

The cost per packet is $2.50; order now to assure delivery by Ayyam-i-Ha 1984.

Send your order to ‘Ladder of Loftiness,”’ c/o the Bahá’ís of Rigby, P.O. Box 467, Rigby, ID 83442.

Please make checks payable to the Spiritual Assembly of Rigby. Any profits from the sale of the

packets will be forwarded to the ©

National Baha’i Fund earmarked for repair of the dome of the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette.

Cae head ts

Louhelen School schedules ‘youth week’ in December

A special ‘‘youth week’? will be held December 18-23 at the Louhelen Baha’i School.

Programs will be held for senior youth ages 15 and older and for junior youth ages 11-14.

THE PROGRAM for senior youth will feature a course entitled “Bahai Administration: Visions of a New. World Order,’’ to be taught by David Rouleau, coordinator of the Assembly Development Program.

Another course, “‘Human Issues,’’ will be discussion-oriented and will take its subject matter from issues that concern and trouble youth.

An active recreational and social program also is planned.

“‘Baha’i youth rarely have the chance to learn, socialize and interact in an entirely Baha’i environment,”’ says Dr. Geoffry W. Marks, Louhelen’s director of academic affairs. “It’s our hope to give young people a taste of what it would be like to attend a Bah: school full-time and to gain a glimpse of what life in a Baha’i society would be like.’’

Enrollment for the junior youth session is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

To register, send a $10 non-refundable check, per person, to the registrar, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-6535033).

Freeport, Illinois, hosts 2nd youth conference

Nearly 50 Baha’i youth participated July 21-24 in the second annual Freeport, Illinois, Youth Conference.

The weekend event, which was co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago and the District Youth Committee of Northern Illinois No. 2, was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem who spoke to the youth on Saturday evening.

Other adult speakers were Mark Brush (‘‘Defending the Faith’’), Douglas Samimi-Moore (‘‘Mar riage and the Family’), and Myrlaina Seraphin (‘*Choosing a Ca Youth speakers were Debby Jackson, Rainn Wilson, Merrill Miller and Tracy Smith.

Other activities included a campfire on registration night, two dances, a Saturday evening talent show, and a Sunday afternoon canoe excursion on a nearby river.

Youth from five states—IIlinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio—attended the conference.

1 ef RN OTE SSS ST ESR SS TESS SEE ESS

[Page 17]

THE FUNDS

December 1933 1 7

BUILDING \WLGI TAKES Lots or “GIRDERS” USE THIS HANDY WLGIL ENVELOPE AND SEND IN

YOURS .., AND REMEMBER , ovr DEADLINE is: DECEMBER 31 ,1983

[Page 18]CLASSIFIEDS

The American Baha’i

18

Classified notices in The American Baha'i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha’i 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.

°

THE NATIONAL Education Committee is seeking 50 persons to attend a Youth Directors’ Training Session to be held April 14-15, 1984, at the Louhelen Baha’i School in Davison, Michigan. They will be trained to serve as youth directors for Baha’i schools and for special events. Interested persons are asked to submit their names and a statement of background and experience either by mail or phone to the National Education Committee, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039) before December 25, 1983. Those who are selected will be responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the training session.

COMPUTER positions are abundant in South Africa. The International Goals Committee has information about jobs in computer management, analysis, programming, education, sales, etc. Salaries are good, as are the ben . efits in most cases. Pioneers are

especially needed in the homeland areas. If you have a degree or working experience in computer science, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ST. JOSEPH, Michigan, a city of 10,000 in the heart of southwestern Michigan's fruit country, is looking for minority homefront neers to diversify the community and help save the Assembly. St. Joseph, on Lake Michigan just 90 miles from Chicago, is known for Whirlpool Corporation, Auto Specialties, and the Heath Company which will soon hire 300 people to fulfill a government contract. Area public schools, including a community college, are excellent, and within 50 miles are Andrews University, Western Michigan University, Notre Dame, Indiana University-South Bend,

Librarians must file

As of June 1, 1983, accounts for Baha’i librarians who had not filed new account authorization forms were closed.

However, librarians can still obtain new authorization forms by calling the Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1-800-3231880, or by writing to the Trust at 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. A form will be sent by return mail.

Any charge order returned with the completed authorization form will be honored.

801-487-5080 or 702-752-3353.

‘LET’S GET Spiritual!’ A Re gional Baha’i Youth Conference will be held July 13-16, 1984, in Concord, California. Fabulously grand! Truly far-out! And definitely the hottest conference to take place next summer. So ... BE trade-off—city conveniences fora THERE! Keep watching for more peaceful country way of life? If details, or contact the ‘Youth so, we need you. We are a jeopar- Energizing Service’ of Contra dized Assembly in southwestern Costa County, P.O. Box 42, ConOregon’s Illinois Valley, near the cord, CA 94522. California border (population UNIVERSITY instructors, all about 12,000), home of the Ore- jeyels, all subjects, are needed in gon Caves, surrounded by beau- South Africa. Specializations tiful mountains, with a nearby needed range from business to agredwood forest, a lovely place for riculture, science to the humanithose who long to breathe clean ties, arts to education. If you are air, drink clean water, have a interested in arising to pioneer, small farm, or hunt, fish, raft, now may be your opportunity, etc. We are seeking help in de- please write to the International veloping a more diverse commu- Goals Committee, Baha'i Nanity and in’ strengthening our tional Center, Wilmette, IL teaching efforts. Housing is no 60991, or phone 312-869-9039.

problem. Because this is a depressed timber industry area, jobs THE DISTRICT Teaching are scarce, and it would probably Committee of Western Colorado be a more suitable area for one desperately needs homefront piowho is self-employed or finan- neers to work with Spanishcially secure. The nearest large speaking Bahá’ís who have not city is Grants Pass, 30 miles away. been deepened because of a lack For more information please write Of resource people in or near the to the Spiritual Assembly of Il- area who speak Spanish. Needed linois Valley, P.O. Box 973, Cave are pioneers who (1) can speak Junction, OR 97523, or phone Spanish; (2) are probably self503-592-2863. supporting; (3) are willing to work « with consolidating many SpanishOPPORTUNITIES for nurses speaking Baha'is and commuand teachers abound in the U.S. nities; (4) are able to trayel oyer an territory of the Mariana Islands. area that includes several counties Math, science and special educa- of the San Luis Valley in south tion teachers are especially need- central Colorado around the comed. Nurse educators and nurses in munity of Alamosa, which has a obstetrics and pediatrics are also state college. Please contact the sought. Salaries are adequate, but istrict. Teaching Committee of living conditions are spartan on Western Colorado c/o Fred the islands. Strong, healthy indi- North, Box 666, Mancos, CO

viduals are preferred. If you are 81328, or phone 303-533-7892.

willing to arise to serve the Cause

THE NATIONAL Baha’i

at this Pacific post, contact the InArchives is seeking copies of the

ternational Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, following books, in good or excellent condition: ‘Abdu’l-Baha ii

IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). London (paper, 1912); Founda URGENT! The incorporated tions of World Unity (cloth, 1927 Assembly of Medford, Oregon, is and 1945); Paris Ge (cloth, in jeopardy and needs three or 1912, 1951, 1961, 1969); Paris more homefront pioneers. Med- Talks (paper, 1912, 1951, 1961); ford, in the Rogue River Valley Some Answered Questions (cloth, among the Cascade Mountains, 1937), Anyone who is able to doonly two hours from the Oregon nate any of these books is recoast, has been designated one of quested to contact the National America’s 50 most livable cities Baha'i Archives, Bahá’í National because of its good weather, shop- 4 Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ping facilities, medical services, ‘6 cultural events and natural beau- PANAMA needs a Baha’i couple to work in public relations at

ty. There are a variety of businesses, but you should have some the House of Worship in Latin skill or profession to compete in America. Should speak English the job market, or be self-sup- and Spanish, be mature and reporting. For more information sponsible, no small children, have please write to the Spiritual As- a good character and the qualities sembly of Medford, P.O. Box necessary for a dignified appear534, Medford, OR 97501, or ance before the public, be able to phone Marilyn Boesch, 503-772- treat with enthusiasm any inves5502. tigator, and have a deep knowla edge of the Bahd’{ teachings. BAHA’I couple is needed.to Prefer a couple that is economimanage a Best Western Motel in cally independent; if necessary, Wells, Nevada. Absolutely no can offer $300 for monthly exchildren. Prefer a middle-aged _ penses. Free lodging at the Temple couple able to do some repair workshop, free water and elecwork. Salary plus furnished apart- tricity. For more information, ment. Will be trained to manage please contact the International the motel. Please phone Jamshid Goals Committee, Baha’i NaTalabreza, person-to-person, at tional Center, Wilmette, IL

and Purdue University-Michigan City. Cultural stimulation is readily available, and opportunities to teach the Faith abound. Please contact Adrian Davis, __ St. Joseph, MI 49085, or phone 616-983-5479.

ARE YOU willing to make a

60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

STUDENTS: Are you seeking a quality education and involvement in a Bahd’{ 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, one and one-half hours from San Francisco, an hour from Sacramento and three hours from the Bosch Baha’i School and Lake Tahoe. Members of the Baha’i Club will soon be graduating, and new members are needed to retain its charter. There is great opportunity at UOP. Stockton has an active Baha’i community, and the College Club encourages 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 Shirin Lee, Kappa Alpha Theta, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211.

MOVING to the Puget Sound area? A former resident of Olympia, Washington, has a large oldfashioned house for lease to a Baha’i family. Three-car garage, fruit and black walnut trees, on a large corner lot 15 blocks from downtown, one block from buses, two blocks from an elementary school. Has been used as a Baha’ Center and could be again if friends move in. Even comes complete with an old-fashioned friendly ghost (honest)! Please phone Janet Tanaka, 206-3927858 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Pacific time.

PSYCHIATRIST is needed on a lovely island in the Atlantic. More information can be obtained from the International Goals Committee, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

THE BAHA’I Group of College Park, Maryland, is struggling to regain Assembly status and needs Baha’is who can make a commitment to. stay. College Park, home of the University of Maryland, is a suburb of Washington, D.C. White collar and/or blue collar jobs are plentiful in the area, as are institutions of higher learning. The Group will try to offer help in finding housing and employment. Write to the Baha’is of College Park, Box 42, College Park, MD 20740, or phone the Rishworths at 301-474-4496.

PIONEER(S) needed in Olney, Texas, a lovely town of about 6,000. Possible job is available for hearing aid specialist or audiologist. Will train interested people. Send resumé to P.O. Box 175, Graham, TX 76046.

NEWARK, Delaware, a lovely small city on the east coast, only two hours from New York City, Washington, the finest Atlantic Coast beaches, and one hour from Philadelphia or Baltimore, has an Assembly with eight active members that would welcome with

open arms any homefront pioneer who would be interested in joini the community. Newark home of the University of Delaware, nationally recognized for its programs in chemistry, business and engineering. Delaware is the home of duPont and many other well-known companies. Though brimming with big-city opportunities, Newark is reminiscent of a small New England college town. For more information write to the Spiritual Assembly at

} , Newark, DE 19711.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Vermillion, South Dakota, a lovely city of 12,000 on the Missouri River about 45 miles from Sioux City, Iowa, will be in jeopardy in January when one of its members graduates from college. Two others must move next May. Can you help? Vermillion is the site of the University of South Dakota, a four-year university offering a variety of degrees including medicine, law, business, education, and fine arts, with master’s and doctoral programs as well. Job openings at the university include assistant. professor of bacterial pathogenesis, genetic associate, medical technologist, computer programmer analyst, senior data processing specialist, and parttime nursing instructor. Vermillion has excellent elementary and secondary schools; a nice place to raise a family. For more informa- . tion please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Vermillion, Box 402, Vermillion, SD 57069, or phone 605-624-8330.

BAHA’I pioneers to Chile wish to sell their newly constructed North American-style home in Temuco. The house, on the edge of town, has a large living room with a chimney specially designed to circulate heat, four bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, family room with a wood-burning stove, ut room and work room. Also, windows on the north side for passive solar heating. Asking $55,000 to $60,000, but would be willing to discuss the price. Please write to Rebecca Johnston, Casilla ,

Chile, South America.

THE International Goals Committee knows of three job openings for anesthesiologists for a country in Asia. Medical doctors with this specialization are urged to contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 312-869-9039.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are sought by the Spiritual Assembly of Washington County, Oregon, to live in its goal area, Sherwood, a community of about 2,500 in a lovely rural setting on the outskirts of the Portland metro area (population around 750,000). Many employment opportunities are available within a 30-minute radius, the beach and mountains are a one-hour drive away, offering year-round skiing and many

See ADS Page 31

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[Page 19]

The American Baha'i

19

December 1983

Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, lights one of the ‘seven candles of unity’ during a World Peace Day observance September 18 in San Bernardino, California. To her left are the other two featured speakers, Chris Brown of the Inland Empire Nuclear Freeze

Baha’

Network, and Mary G. Langford, president of the Southern California chapter of the United Nations Association. Also pictured are Mark Peterson, Melissa Peter son, and Ken Jeffers. Among the 300-350 people who attended the event were more than 100 non-Baha’is.

is in San Bernardino area attend

24th annual World Peace Day observance

Baha’ is from 34 communities in San Bernardino, Riverside and parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties in California supported the 24th annual observance of World Peace Day held September 18 in San Bernardino.

The event was the first undertaking of the recently formed Baha’i Regional Public Affairs Council sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of San Bernardino.

More than 100 of the 300-350 people who attended were not Baha’is.

The speakers were Judge Dorothy W: Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly; Mary G. Langford, president of the Southern California chapter of the United Nations Association; and Chris Brown of the Inland Empire Nuclear Freeze Network.

Proclamations key Peace Day observance in Harrisburg area

The Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sponsored a World Peace Day observance September 18 at a local park.

World Peace Day proclamations were issued by the governor of Pennsylvania, the mayor of Harrisburg, and the Dauphin County board of commissioners.

Representatives of the governor and commissioners were present to read their proclamations.

Prayers for peace were read by a Baha’i and a representative of the executive director of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches.

The speakers were Brian Lepard (‘‘The Long-Lasting Peace’’) and April Neal (‘‘The Role of Women in the Establishment of Peace’’).

The event was publicized on radio and television and in a newspaper article. About 40 people attended, half of whom were not Baha'is.

More than a dozen newspapers carried news releases about the event, there were three hour-long radio interviews with local Baha’is, an interview on cable television, and public service spots on at least two radio stations.

More than 650 invitations were sent to members of the press, clergy, civic groups, and other prominent people.

As a result of the event, several firesides have been reported.

News in brief

Charlotte media committee surges forward; N.Y. Baha’is use personal computer to teach

A half-page newspaper article ‘on the persecution of Baha’i Iran is the latest result of the efforts of the Baha’i Public Information Office of Metrolina, a committee of the Spiritual Assembly of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The article, which appeared in The Charlotte Observer, came after a series of news releases submitted to the paper and several visits to the editor by members of the committee.

The information office, which serves a 16-county area around Charlotte, also has succeeded in obtaining local television coverage of the Iranian persecutions.

It participated in the World Peace Day ‘‘Wage Peace’’ campaign by submitting releases to local papers and distributing taped public service announcements to 30 radio stations.

Adopting the ‘Wage Peace’’ theme for the year, the information office plans to mount five “Wage Peace” billboards in the near future.

To raise funds for its operation, the office has designed and printed ‘‘Wage Peace’’ stickers.

The stickers, which measure 11/4 x 13/4 inches, and are printed in blue and black, 32 to a sheet, are available directly from the Baha’i Public Information Office of Metrolina, P.O. Box 1661,

More than 190 Baha’is gather at 71st Thornton Chase commemorative service

More than 190 Baha’is gathered on a clear, sunny day in Inglewood, California, September 25 for the 71st annual commemorative service for Thornton Chase, who was designated by ‘Abdu’lBahd as the first American Baha’i.

When the Master visited Mr. Chase’s grave in 1912 He ordered the gravestone and revealed a prayer about the spiritual qualities of Thornton Chase, saying, ‘“This illumined personage will shine ever like a star’? and that in the future we would understand his station.

‘Abdu’l-Baha prayed that the friends would annually ‘‘visit his grave on my behalf and bring flowers,”’ and “‘have the utmost consideration for the members of his family.”

Following opening remarks by the chairman of the committee, there were prayers in English and Persian, after which a description of Mr. Chase by ‘Abdu’l-Baha was read.

Auxiliary Board member Joyce Dahl made a brief presentation, and there. were greetings and a message from Auxiliary Board member Anthony Lease.

The prayer for Thornton Chase revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha was read, followed by a prayer for

firmness in the Covenant.

The prayer for America ended the formal service, after which refreshments were served.

Youth hold fund-raiser

On Saturday, October 1, the Baha'i youth in San Diego, California, held a fund-r: ig. cleanup day at the San Diego Baha’i Center.

Community members pledged funds for youth to work a certain amount of time. As a result, $700 was raised for the local fund, and the Center was cleaned in time for the District Convention, which was held the following day.

Matthews, NC 28216. The stickers sell for $1 a sheet in multiples of 10 sheets.

kee Baha’is in the Town of Ka tonah, New York, used a personal computer to help teach the Faith

during a sidewalk proclamation

effort June 18.

About 30 Baha'is from the surrounding area participated in manning an information table that was set up along a main avenue in Katonah.

The most unique feature of the display was a personal computer complete with table-top printer.

Passersby were invited to take a pre-programmed multiple choice quiz that included such questions as ‘‘Do you believe in life after death?” and ‘‘Do you believe that world peace is attainable?””

After each response was entered, the computer calculated the percentage of similar answers based on the number of people who had participated.

Upon completing the survey,

each respondent was given a printout bearing the words “‘Baha’i

Faith,’’ a copy of the questions that had been asked, and a phone number where further information about the Faith could be obtained.

Three seekers expressed a desire to investigate further by attending firesides.

wee

The Baha’i community of Carrollton, Georgia, was asked recently to present a program on race relations to resident advisers at West Georgia College.

On Monday, November 7, the program was presented to 65 students at West Georgia by Jack Guillebeaux, a Baha’i from Montgomery, Alabama.

eee

As a result of efforts by the Spiritual Assembly of Hopkins, Minnesota, the Minnesota Cable Systems Southwest, which covers Hopkins, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka and Richfield, aired the video tape of Congressional hearings on the persecution of Baha’is in Iran on three dates in October.

Louhelen rents school to Davison for community education programs

The Louhelen Baha’i School Council has entered into an agreement with the Davison, Michigan, community schools to rent a part of the Louhelen facilities for several Davison community education programs.

Under the agreement, the Davison schools are using several Louhelen classrooms and the activities building for adult high school courses, courses in medical technology, and dance and exercise classes.

Additionally, the Davison schools are providing child care to enable parents with younger children to take advantage of the programs.

“While there are some financial benefits to the school under this agreement,’’ says Dr. William Diehl, Louhelen’s director of administrative affairs, “the benefits

in terms of community involvement and service are far more important.

“More than 250 area residents are attending programs at Louhelen, with 14 classes being offered. Our visibility as part of the educational structure in the Davison area has helped us become a more integral part of the community and has served to show the public the Baha'i commitment to education.”

People attending school at Louhelen have also been exposed to the Fai ‘h through information on boards and through cons ns with staff members,

In addition, all the students enrolled in history classes have been required to do a research paper on the history of the Faith as a part of their study of religions and religious persecutions.

Dr. McClellan, Mrs. Garis to conduct Louhelen winter session

Auxiliary Board member Sam McClellan and Mrs. Mabel Garis will teach the adult classes at the Louhelen Baha’i School’s winter session December 26-31.

Dr. McClellan, a psychiatrist from Danville, Kentucky, who has served as director of several community health centers, will teach a course on the Creative Word of God, drawing on passages from Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and The Hidden Words.

Mrs. Garis, who is the author of

Martha Root; Lioness at the

Threshold, a biography of the

course on the life of Miss Root. Mrs. Garis, who lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, is the pres

ent author of the Uncle Wiggily children’s stories, which were originally written and published by her mother- and ‘father-in-law, Lillian and Howard Garis, and later by her husband, Howard Garis.

Mrs. Garis has also served as the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative at the United Nations.

Also on the program will be children’s classes, with Alonzo and Sandy Coleman among the teachers, and a variety of recreational and social activities.

Those wishing to register for the session may send a non-refundable $10 check, per person, to the registrar, Louhelen Baha’i Schoo!, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

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Laan PERSIAN PAGE 21

December 1983

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The American Baha’i

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[Page 25]

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THE MEDIA

December 1983

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INTERMEDIA

News from the Office of Public Affairs

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A “Wage Peace’’ billboard (pictured above) at Routes 73 and 130 in New Jersey attracted two seekers to firesides the first week it was up

The Intercommunity Media Committee of Long Island, New York, presented the ‘“‘Wage Peace’’ billboard to a local outdoor advertising company and was offered 79 free billboard public service spaces ...

Spokane, Washington, reports six calls per day from interested seekers resulting from its “‘Baha’i, It’s a Revelation’ billboard. The area has had 12 declarations this year, many of whom attributed their initial interest to media contact.

The Inland ap Media Committee built a float that has, to date, won nine prizes .

“Wage Peace”? World Peace Day programs (September 18) made ite, North Carolina; Tempe, Arizona; Huntsvill Georgia, and other places.

The campaign didn’t end on September 18, however. Baha’i College

lubs will carry on throughout the year ...

Seattle, Washington, and environs plan to launch a mass media blitz (radio, TV, billboards, bus cards, posters, buttons—the works!). Phone 206-682-6587 if you want to order buttons or T-shirts

The World Peace Day program in Atlanta attracted some 125 people. ‘One of the speakers, who is not a Baha’i, held up a quotation by ‘Abdu’l-Baha against prejudice and said that’s all he needed to know about Baha’is, because it was true! A dramatic moment. After his speech, he was given a standing ovation ...

Sapulpa, Oklahoma, reports its booth at the Oklahoma State Fair was seen by some 430,000 attendees ...

In Denver, Colorado, invi ms to teas have gone to a selected number of influential people including the governor. A prominent speaker highlights each affair. Check this out for your own community ...

In Wichita, Kansas, the Inter-Faith Ministries commemorated World Order Sabbath, October 23, with an impressive program of prayers for the Baha’js in Iran. Representatives of nine major faiths participated in the event at the Mid-America All Indian Center.

The speakers included Counsellor Velma Sherrill, Mayor Margalee Wright, U.S. Rep. Dan Glickman, and the executive director of the Ministry, the Rev. James Bell. The entire program was video taped ...

Night Line: Don’t forget to keep in touch with the latest events by calling the O! of Public Affairs’ ‘‘Night Line’’ (312-869-9843) after

p.m. CST .

In Montana, the Treasure State Baha’i Media Service has put together a high profile/low budget media packet of ideas and advertising materials for media use. All this for only $5. (P.O. Box 50125, Billings, MT 59105) ...

Congratulations to the Baha’is of Lubbock, Texas, for 400 column inches of news coverage in the last three months!

The Public Affairs Committee of greater Phoenix, Arizona, has set a record for the longest run of the Jeff Reynolds Show. Two radio stations have been carrying it for seven years!

To add to that, a TV station in Phoenix ran the Danny Deardorff

{at service spot free during August and September—a total value of

$2,700 worth of viewing time . In Saginaw, Michigan, Bahá’ís scored with three television programs ‘on the Faith in October ... Orange County, California, has the ‘‘Spiritual Revolution’” six cable stations! A record? ...

series on

National Assembly launches nationwide drive for resolutions condemning Iran persecutions

The National Spiritual Assembly has launched a nationwide campaign to ask state legislatures to pass resolutions condemning the persecution of Baha’is in Iran and voicing support for actions taken by President Reagan, the U.S. Congress and the United Nations on behalf of the Iranian Baha’i community.

ONE Local Assembly in each state has been selected to coordinate the campaign. (See list of designated Assemblies in box.)

To date, 15 states have either passed resolutions or have one pending. Recent resolutions were passed in Alabama, California, Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Washington state.

Not only is the passage of resolutions being sought at the state level, but every Baha’i community is now urged to inform its local administrative body (e.g., board of aldermen, city council) of the situation of its co-rel ists it Iran and to seek similar resolutions.

In most instances, once representatives are informed of the facts and realize that there are Baha’is living in their districts, a resolution is relatively easy to obtain.

It should be requested that copies of the resolution be sent to President Reagan, congressional representatives, the state governor and local representatives in the state legislature so that they will

- Montgomery, Alabama

Phoenix, Arizona Little Rock, Arkansas

- Sacramento, California

Arapahoe County, Colo. Hartford, Connecticut Wilmington, Delaware Palm Beach County N., Fla. Atlanta, Georgia Des Moines, lowa Boise, Idaho Springfield, Illinois

Indianapolis, Indiana

Topeka, Kansas Lexington, Kentucky Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Beverly, Massachusetts

- York, Maine

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Golden Valley, Minnesota

Jackson, Mississippi Kansas City, Missouri Helena, Montana

Resolution pending

- Resolution passed

Assemblies Designated to Coordinate State Resolutions

Prince Georges County S., Md. Salt Lake City, Utah

Raleigh, North Carolina Jamestown, North Dakota Lincoln, Nebraska Concord, New Hampshire

- Hamilton Township, New Jersey

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Reno, Nevada

New York City, New York Upper Arlington, Ohio Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

- Grants Pass, Oregon
Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania
- Newport, Rhode Island

Charleston, South Carolina

- Pierre, South Dakota

Nashville, Tennessee Dallas, Texas

Montpelier, Vermont

Richmond, Virginia

- Tacoma, Washington

Charleston, West Virginia Madison, Wisconsin Cheyenne, Wyoming

know that positive action on behalf of the Baha’is in Iran has been taken.

Background information about the persecutions in Iran is available from the Office of Public Affairs, Wilmette, IL 60091, in a packet that includes The Baha’is in Iran and its current Update, the August 29 statement by Iran’s Prosecutor General banning Ba ha’i institutions in that country, a sample news release to be given to the media when a resolution has been passed, samiples of resolutions passed in several states, and copies of recent news articles and editorials about the Baha’is in Iran.

The cost is $5 per packet. Please make checks payable to ‘‘Baha’i Services Fund.””

Long Island media team generates wide publicity

How would you like to be on a media committee charged with arranging for news coverage in more than 60 weekly and three large daily newspapers, on 10 radio sta

tions, nine cable TV stations and several commercial stations, in six university newspapers, and numerous other media outlets such as billboards, train and bus

Record cites Iran persecutions

The following statement by Sen. Alan Cranston of California appeared in the Congressional Record on November 2:

“1am deeply concerned about the Iranian government’s con uing persecution of the Bahi The Baha’i faith, practiced worldwide, believes in the unity of mankind, peace, and brotherhood.

“It is a tragedy and an outrage that those who hold these laudable principles are being persecuted

Baha’is interviewed

Two members of the Baha’i community of New York City, Dr. Hussein Ahdieh and Charmaine Jones, were interviewed October 16 on ‘‘Foundations of Faith,”? a weekly Sunday morning program on that city’s WYNYFM.

The 30-minute interview was requested by Sam Hall, the WYNY news director and program host.

and executed for their belief.

“Amnesty International reports that at least 151 Baha’is have been @ ecuted in Iran since the Khomeini rule began in February 1979. The Ayatollah Khomeini came to power in protest of the repressive regime of the shah. Yet even during the shah’s reign, the Baha’is were allowed to practice their faith free from harassment.

“Under the Ayatollah Khomeini’s rule, the Baha’is have faced brutal persecution, imprisonment and even death. I appeal to the government of Iran to stop its policy of persecution of the Baha’i community and to allow its members to practice their faith in peace, free from harassment and persecution.

“1 urge Tehran to show humanity to the Baha’is. And I strongly encourage other governments to appeal to the Iranian mment on behalf of the Ba

posters, and others?

This is the environment in which the Long Island, New York, Intercommunity Media

Project operates.

The media team, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Brookhaven, reports that dedicated persistence has resulted in three major newspaper articles, two editorials, and several letters to the editor in Newsday, the major Long Island daily; a six-week ad campaign in a jeopardized Assembly area; a 30-minute Baha’i program which was rerun 15 times on cable TV; a large ‘‘Wage Peace’’ billboard project in four s, and various radio inter

iews.

In addition, the ‘‘Spiritual Revolution”’ has been confirmed for 26 weeks on one of Long Island’s largest cable TV services.

A quarter-page ad, ‘And Now They Hang Women,’’ which cost $2,555, was purchased in Newsday and was published a second time free of charge.

This is truly an_ impressive record for a three-year-old committee, much of whose success is attributed by its members to the “blood and tears’’ of the martyrs in Iran.

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The American Baha'i

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Continued From Page 1

anywhere else in the world?

HOW COULD students, housewives, innocent young girls, and old men and women, such as those blameless Baha’is who have been recently delivered to the gallows in Iran, or who have become targets for the darts of prejudice and enmity, be “spies’’? How could the Baha’i farmers of the villages of Aftis, Chigan, the Fort of Malak (near Iṣfahán), and those of the village of Nuk in Birjand, be ‘‘spies’’? What secret intelligence documents have been found in their possession? What espionage equipment has come to hand? What ‘‘spying’’ activities were engaged in by the primary school children who have been expelled from their schools?

And how strange! The honorable Prosecutor perhaps does not know, or does not care to know, that spying is an element of politics, while non-interference in politics i is an established principle of the Baha’i Faith. On the contrary, Baha’is love their country and never permit themselves to be traitors. “Abdu’l-Baha, successor of the Founder of the Baha’i Cause, says: ‘‘Any abasement is bearable except betraying one’s own country, and any sin is forgivable other tlian dis “honoring the government and _ inflicting harm upon the nation.

All the other accusations made against the Baha’is by the honorable Prosecutor of the Revolution are similarly groundless. He brands the Baha’i community with accusations of subversion and corruption.

For example, on the basis of a manifestly forged interview, the falsity of which has been dealt with in a detailed statement, he accuses the Baha’i community of hoarding, an act which its members would consider highly reprehensible. The Prosecutor alleges that the Baha’i administration sanctioned the insensible act of hoarding, yet he subtly overlooks the fact that with the proceeds that might be realized from the sale of unusable automobile spare parts whose total value is some 70 million timans—the value of the stock of any medium: store for spare parts—it would be impossible to overthrow a powerful government whose daily expenditures amount to hundreds of millions of tumans. If the Prosecutor chooses to label the Baha’i administration as a network of espionage, let him at least consider it intelligent enough not to plan the overthrow of such a strong regime by hoarding a few spare parts!

YES, SUCH allegations of corruption and subversion are similar to those hurled against us at the time of the Episcopalian case in Iṣfahán when this oppressed community was accused of ‘collaboration with foreign agents, as a result of which seven innocent Baha’is of Yazd were executed. Following this the falsity of the charges was made known and the Prosecutor announced the episode to be the outcome of a forgery.

Baha’js are accused of collecting contributions and transferring sums of money to foreign countries. How strange! If Muslims, in accordance with their sacred and respected spiritual beliefs, send millions of tumdns to Karbald, Najaf and Jerusalem, or to other Muslim holy places outside Iran, to be spent on the maintenance and upkeep of the Islamic sacred shrines, it is considered very praiseworthy; but if a Baha’ieven during the time in which the transfer

Why has no Bahá’í “‘spy”” been arrested

of foreign currency was allowed—sends a negligible amount for his international community to be used for the repair and maintenance of the holy places of his faith, it is considered that he has committed an unforgivable sin and it is counted as proof that he has done so in order to strengthen other countries.

Accusations of this nature are many but all are easy to investigate. If just and impartial people and God-fearing judges will only do so, the falsity of these spurious accusations will be revealed in case after case. The Baha’i community emphi lly requests that such accusations be investigated openly in the presence of juries composed of judges and international observers so that, once and for all, the accusations may be discredited and their repetition prevented.

The basic principles and beliefs of the Baha’is have been repeatedly proclaimed and set forth in writing during the past five years. Apparently these communications, either by design or by mischance, have not received any attention, otherwise accusations such as those described above would not have been repeated by one of the highest and most responsible authorities. This in itself is a proof that the numerous communications referred to were not accorded the attention of the leaders; therefore, we mention them again.

THE BAHA’I Faith confesses the unity of God and the justice of the divine Essence. It recognizes that Almighty God is an exalted, unknowable and concealed entity, sanctified from ascent and descent, from egress and regress, and from assuming a physical body.

The Baha’i Faith which professes the existence of the invisible God, the One, the Single, the Eternal, the Peerless, bows before the loftiness of His Threshold, believes in all divine Manifestations, considers all the Prophets from Adam to the Seal of the Prophets as true divine Messengers Who are the Manifestations of Truth in the world of creation, accepts Their Books as having come from God, believes in the continuation of the divine outpourings, emphatically believes in reward and punishment and, uniquely among existing revealed religions outside Islam, accepts the Prophet Muhammad as a true Prophet and the Qur’dn as the Word of God.

The Baha’i Faith embodies independent principles and laws. It has its own Holy Book. It prescribes pilgrimage and worship. A Baha’i performs obligatory prayers and observes a fast. He gives, according to his beliefs, tithes and contributions. He is required to be of upright conduct, to manifest a praiseworthy character, to love all mankind, to be of service to the world of humanity and to sacrifice his own interests for the good and well-being of his kind. He is forbidden to commit unbecoming deeds.

Abdu’l-Baha says: ‘‘A Baha’i is known by

the attributes manifested by him, not by his name; he is recognized by his character, not by his person.””

Shoghi Rabbani, the Guardian of the Baha’i Cause, says: ‘*...a person who is not adorned with the ornaments of virtue, sanctity, and morality, is not a true Baha’i, even though he may call himself one and be known as such,

He also says: ‘‘The friends of God ... are required to be virtuous, well-wishers, for ctified, detached from all ex

Iran letter refutes government’s allegations

cept God and free from worldy concerns. They are called upon to manifest divine attributes and characteristics.”

THE TEACHINGS and laws of the Baha’i religion testify to this truth. Fortunately, the books and writings which have been plundered in abundance from ;the homes of Baha’is and are available to the authorities, bear witness to the truth of these assertions. Baha'is, in keeping with their spiritual beliefs, stay clear of politics; they do not support or reject any party, group or nation; they do not champion or attack any ideology or specific political: philosophy; they shrink from and abhor political agitation.

The Guardian of the Baha’i Cause says, “The followers of Baha’u’llah under whatever state or government they reside should conduct themselves with truthfulness, fidelity, trustworthiness and absolute virtue... They neither thirst for fame nor clamor for leadership. They neither indulge in flattery, nor practice hypocrisy, nor are they impelled by selfish ambition or the desire to accumulate wealth. They are not anxious to attain high ranks and positions, nor are they the bond-slaves of titles and honors. They abhor every form‘of ostentation and are far removed from the use of such methods as would entail violence or coercion. They have detached themselves from all else save God and have fixed their hearts upon the unfailing promises of their .. They have become forgetful of their own selves and have dedicated themselves to that which will serve the interests of humanity. ... They unhesitatingly refuse such functions and posts as are political in nature, but wholeheartedly accept those that are purely administrative in character. For the cardinal aim of the people of Bahá is to promote the interests of the whole nation. ...

“Such is the way of the followers of “Bah, such is the attitude of the spirituallyminded, and whatsoever else is but manifest error.”” r

Also, Baha’is, in accordance with their exalted teachings, are duty bound to be obedient to-their government. Elucidating this subject, Shoghi Rabbani says: ‘The people of Bahá are required to obey their respective governments, and to demonstrate their truthfulness and good will toward the authorities. ... Baha’is, in every land and without any exception, should . be obedient and bow to the clear instructions and the declared decrees issued by the authorities. They must faithfully carry out such directives.’*

BAHA’I organizations have no aim except the good of all nations and do not take any steps that are against the public good.

Contrary to the conception it may create in the mind because of the similarity in name, it does not resemble the current organizations of political parties; it does not interfere in poli | affairs; and it is the safeguard against the involvement of Baha’is in subversive political activities. Its high ideals are ‘‘to improve‘the characters ‘of men; to extend the scope of knowledge; to abolish ignorance and prejudice; to strengthen the foundations of true religion in all hearts; to encourage self-reliance, and discourage false imitation; ... to uphold truthfulness, audacity, frankness, and courage; to promote craftsmanship and agrion a compulsory

SNES, Boe apet sR R A TE NR Bk I Lie Me tee an a

- of the publi

‘the country in all welfare services.’”

™ ligions undertake individually and by virtue

basis, children of both sexes; to insist on integrity in business transactions; to lay stress on the observance of honesty and piety; .... to acquire mastery and skill in the modern sciences and arts; to promote the interests to obey outwardly and inwardly and with true loyalty the regulations enacted by state and government; ... to honor, to extol and to follow the example of those who have distinguished themselves in science and learning. ...”” And again, “*..to help the needy from every creed’ or sect, and to collaborate with the people of

In brief, whatever the clergy in other re of their appointment to their positions, the Baha’i administration performs collectively and through an elective process.

The statements made by the esteemed Prosecutor of the Revolution do not seem to have legal basis, because in order to circumscribe individuals and deprive them of the rights which have not been denied them by the Constitution, it is necessary to enact special legislation, provided that legislation is not contradictory to the Constitution.

IT WAS HOPED that the past recent years would have witnessed, on the one hand, the administration of divine jus-—a principle promoted by the true religion of Islam and prescribed by all monotheistic religions—and, on the other, and coupled with an impartial investigation of the truths of the Baha’i Faith, the abolition or at least mitigation of discrimination, restrictions and pressures suffered by Baha’is over the past 135 years.

Alas, on the contrary, because of longstanding misunderstandings and prejudices, the difficulties increased immensely and the portals of calamity were thrown wide open in the faces of the long-suffering and sorely oppressed Baha’is of Iran who were, to an even greater degree, deprived of their birth- * rights through the systematic machinations of government officials who are supposed to be the refuge of the public, and of some impostors in the garb of divines, who engaged in official or unofficial spreading of mischievous and harmful accusations and calumnies, and issued, in the name of religious and judicial authorities, unlawful decrees and verdicts,

Many are the pure and innocent lives that have been snuffed out; many the distinguished heads that have adorned the hangman’s noose; and many the precious breasts that have become the targets of firing squads. Vast amounts of money and great quantities of personal. property have been plundered or confiscated. Many technical experts and learned people have been tortured and condemned to long-term imprisonment and are still languishing in dark dungeons, deprived of the opportunity of placing their expertise at the service Gh the government and the nation.

Numerous are the self-sacrificing em-ployees of the government who spent their lives in faithful service but who were dismissed from work and afflicted with poverty and need because of hatred and prejudice. Even the owners of private firms and institutions were prevented from engaging

Baha’ is. y

MANY privately-owned Baha’i establish- ° ments have been confiscated. Many tradesmen have been denied the right to continue working by cancellation of their business lice: Baha’i youth have been denied ac

[Page 27]

The American Baha'i

December 1983

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cess to education in many schools and in all universities and institutions of higher education. Bahá’í university students abroad are deprived of receiving money for their education, and others who wish to pursue their studies outside of Iran have eee denied exit permits.

Baha’is, including the very sick toes only hope for cure was to receive medical treatment in specialized medical centers in foreign lands, have been prevented from leaving the country. Baha’i cemeteries have been confiscated and bodies rudely disinterred. Numerous have been the days when a body has remained unburied while the bereaved family pleaded to have a permit sued and a burial place assigned so that the body might be decently buried.

As of today, thousands of Baha’is have been divested of their homes and forced to live as exiles. Many have been driven from their villages and dwelling places and are living as wanderers and stranded refugees in other parts of Iran with no other haven and refuge but the Court of the All-Merciful God and the loving-kindness of their friends and relatives.

It is a pity that the mass media, newspapers and magazines, either do not want or are not allowed to publish any news about the Baha’i community of Iran or to elaborate upon what is happening. If they were free to do so and were unbiased in reporting the news, volumes would have been compiled describing the inhumane cruelty to and oppression of the innocent.

FOR EXAMPLE, if they were allowed to do so, they would have written that in Shiraz seven courageous men and 10 valiant women—seven of whom were girls in the prime of their lives—audaciously rejected the suggestion of the religious judge that they recant their faith or, at least, dissemble their belief, and preferred death to the concealment of their faith. The women, after hours of waiting with dried lips, shrouded themselves in their chddurs, kissed the noose of .their gallows, and with intense love offered up their souls for the One Who proffereth life.

The observers of this cruel scene might well ask forgiveness for the murderers at Karbala, since they, despite their countless atrocities, did not put women to the sword nor harass the sick and infirm, Alas, tongues are prevented from making utterance and pens are broken and the hidden cause of these brutalities is not made manifest to teach the world a lesson.

The Prosecutor alleges that they were spies. Gracious God! Where in history can one point to a spy who readily surrendered his life in order to prove the truth of his belief?

Unfortunately, it is beyond the scope of this letter to recount the atrocities inflicted upon the guiltless Baha’ is of Iran, or to answer, one by one, the accusations leveled against them. But let us ask all just and fairminded people only one question: If, according to the much-publicized statements of the Prosecutor, Baha’is are not arrested and executed because of their beliefs, and are not even imprisoned on that account, how is it that, when a group of them is arrested and each is charged with the same “crime”? of ‘‘spying,’’ if one of them recants his belief, he is immediately freed, a photograph of him and a description of his defection are victoriously featured in the newspapers, and respect and glory are heaped upon him?

WHAT KIND of spying, subversion, illegal accumulation of goods, ager conspiracy, or other ‘‘crime’’ cai

is capable of being blotted out upon the recantation of one’s beliefs? Is this not a clear proof of the absurdity of the accusations?

In spite of all this, the Baha’i community of Iran, whose principles have been described earlier in this statement, announces the suspension of the Baha’i organizations throughout Iran, in order to establish its good intentions and in conformity with its basic tenets concerning complete obedience to the instructions of the government.

Henceforth, until the time when, God willing, the misunderstandings are eliminated and the realities are at last made manifest to the authorities, the National Assembly and all local Spiritual Assemblies and their committees are disbanded, and no one may any longer be designated a member of the Baha’i administration.

The Baha’i community of Iran hopes that this step will be considered a sign of its complete obedience to the government. in power. It further hopes that the authorities—including the esteemed Prosecutor of the Islamic Revolution who says that there is no opposition to and no enmity toward s, who has acknowledged the existence of a large Baha’i community, and has, in his interview, guaranteed its members the right to live and be free in their acts of worship—will reciprocate by proving their good intentions and the truth of their assurances by issuing orders that pledge, henceforth:

1. TO BRING to an end the persecutions, arrests, torture and imprisonment of Baha’is for imaginary crimes and on baseless pretexts, because God knows—and so do the authorities—that the only ‘‘crime’’ of which these innocent ones are guilty is that of their beliefs, and not the unsubstantiated accusations brought against them;

2. To guarantee the safety of their lives, their personal property and belongings, and their honor;

3. To accord them freedom to choose their residence and occupation and the right of association based on the provisions of the Constitution of the Islainic Republic;

4. To restore all the rights which have been taken away from them in accordance with the groundless assertions of the Prosecutor of the Country;

5. To restore to Bahá’í employees the rights denied them by returning them to their jobs and by paying them their due wages;

6. To release from prison all innocent prisoners;

7. To lift the restrictions imposed on the properties of those Baha’is who, in their own country, have been deprived of their belongings;

8. TO PERMIT Baha'i students who wish to continue their studies abroad to benefit from the same facilities that are provided to others;

9. To permit those Baha’i youth who have been prevented from continuing their studies in the country to resume their education;

10..To permit those Baha’i students stranded abroad who have been deprived of foreign exchange facilities to receive their allowances as other Iranian students do;

11. To restore Baha’i cemeteries and to permit Baha’is to bury their dead in accordance with Baha’i burial ceremonies;

12. To guarantee the freedom of Baha’is to perform their religious rites; to conduct funerals and burials including the recitation of the Prayer for the Dead; to solemnize Baha'i marriages and divorces, and to carry out all acts of worship and laws and ordinances affecting personal status; because al

though Baha’is are entirely obedient and subordinate to the government in the administration of the affairs which are in the jurisdiction of Bahá’í organizations, in matters of conscience and belief, and in accordance with their spiritual principles, they prefer martyrdom to recantation or the abandoning of the divine ordinances prescribed by their faith;

13. To desist henceforth from arresting and imprisoning anyone because of his previous membership in Bahá’í organizations.

Finally, although the order issued by the Prosecutor of the Islamic Revolution was unjust and unfair, we have accepted it. We beseech God to remove the dross of prejudice from the hearts of the authorities so

port, Maine, to a group of nearly a dozen Baha'is and non-Baha’is on f Baha’is in Iran. Mrs. Huddleston is ori;

nally from southern Iran, and some members of her family who are Baha’ to live in that country. Her talk was well that, aided and enlightened by His confirmations, they will be inspired to recognize the true nature of the affairs of the Baha’i community and come to the unalterable conviction that the infliction of atrocities and cruelties upon a pious band of wronged ones, and the shedding of their pure blood, will stain the good name and injure the prestige of any nation or government, for what will, in truth, endure are the records of good deeds, and of acts of justice and fairness, and the names of the doers of good. These will history preserve in its bosom for posterity. Respectfully, National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Iran

received, and a large article with a photograph appeared the next day in the local newspaper. While in Maine Mrs. Huddleston visited several communities, was interviewed on radio and by newspapers, and taped a television interview that was broadcast twice.

Baha’ scientist informs colleagues of persecutions

Acting on a recommendation from the Universal House of Justice to acquaint prominent members of one’s profession with the Baha’i Faith, Dr. Keyvan Nazerian, a research scientist from East Lansing, Michigan, recently sent a letter detailing the persecution of Baha’is in Iran to a number of his colleagues in this country and abroad.

ALSO INCLUDED was a fact sheet on the nature and goals of the Faith and its world community.

The response to the letter has been uniformly positive. Here are some examples:

“Certainly, I share your moral outrage. From a minority myself, I see my own people consistently harassed and persecuted, so I would certainly stand with you in condemning such persecutions

“TI am quite familiar with the Baha’i movement, since I was good friends at Yale with Firuz Kazemzadeh and Howard Garey ...Like you, I am appalled by the genocidal campaign against this peaceloving religious group ...””

“You have my support and my deep sympathy for the Baha'i people, and I wonder what you.could do to help them and make every government more aware of what is going on in Iran ..,’’

“Having visited Haifa and seen the beautiful Baha’i World Centre, 1 was particu

larly disturbed to learn of the terrible persecution of the Baha’ is (that is) taking place in Iran. I wish I knew how to be helpful other than to voice my feelings at this outrage. The world would be a better place if the Bahá’í religion were accepted universally.”

“The situation is extremely upsetting, particularly, as you had pointed out to me before this all started, since the Baha’ is are probably the most tolerant of all religions ...””

“IT warmly support your intentions and your protest against the atrocities committed at “present against the Baha'is in

ince we became acquainted with the Baha’is through the Temple in Wilmette, we have had great respect for the people who embrace the Baha’i religion ... We will send a donation to Amnesty International. lonly wish we could do more than that ...’”

Dr. Nazerian, a member of the National Teaching Committee for the past three years and presently its chairman, is a researcher working on cancerous diseases in animals.

He is well-known and respected among his colleagues for his valuable contributions toward understanding cancers caused by viruses and for the development of the first vaccine against certain animal cancers.

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The American Baha'i

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Llamado a los Baha’is hacia el desarrollo mundial

A los baha’is del mundo Queridos amigos bahi’is,

Los eventos conmovedores en la tierra natal de Bahá’u’lláh y el avance concomitante de las agencies de Su Orden Administrativo al escenario de los asuntos mundiales se han combinado para hacer claramente visibles nuevas posibilidades en la _evolucién de la comunidad mundial baha’i.

NUESTRO mensaje de Ridvan de este afio capté estas indicaciones en su referencia a la apertura ante nosotros de un horizonte mas amplio, a cuya luz pueden apenas percibirse nuevas actividades y empresas que pronto debemos comenzar. Estas presagian nuestra mayor intervencién en el desarrollo de la vida social y econémica de los pueblos.

Desde el comienzo de Su estupenda misién, Bahá’u’lláh urgié a las naciones a prestar atenci6n a la necesidad de ordenar los asuntos humanos de manera tal que se produzca un mundo unido en todos los aspectos esenciales de su vida.

En un sinntimero de versos y tablas El .declaré repetidamente y de varias maneras que el “‘progreso del mundo”’ y el “‘desarrollo de las naciones’’ se encuentran entre las ordenanzas de Dios para este dia.

La unidad de la humanidad, que es la vez el principio operativo y la meta final de Su Revelacién, implica el lograr una coherencia dindmica entre los requisitos espirituales y practicos de la vida terrenal.

La indispensabilidad de esta coherencia se ilustra inequivocamente en Su ordenacién del Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, el centro espiritual de toda comunidad baha’i alrededor del cual deben florecer dependencias dedicadas al adelanto social, humani educacional y cientifico de-la humanidad. De esta manera podemos comprender fz mente que, aunque hasta ahora ha sido impracticable que las instituciones bah en general enfatizen actividades de desarrollo, el concepto de desarrollo social y econémico se encuentra entre las Enseflanzas sagradas de nuestra Fe.

EL AMADO Maestro, por Sus palabras y hechos iluminadores, fijé el ejemplo para la aplicacién de este concepto a la reconstruccién de la sociedad. Atestiguen, por ejemplo, el gran progreso social y econémico logrado por los creyentes iranies bajo Su guia amoros: subsecuentemente, con el apoyo indefe: le del Guardian de la Causa.

Ahora, luego de todos los afios de continua actividad de ensefianza, la comunidad del Mas Grande Nombre ha crecido hasta llegar a la etapa en que el proceso de este desarrollo debe integrarse entre sus actividades ordinarias; se requi especialmente a la expansién de la Fe en paises del tercer mundo donde reside la vasta mayoria de sus adherentes.

Los pasos a dar deben necesariamente comenzar dentro de la comunidad baha’i misma, con el esfuerzo de los amigos por elevarse, mediante la aplicacién de_principios espirituales, su rectitud de conducta y el ejercicio del arte de la consulta, y de esta manera llegar a ser auto-sufficientes y depender de si mismos.

Ademas, estos esfuerzos conduciran a la preservacién del honor humano, tan deseado por Baha’u’llah. En el proceso, y como consecuencia de éste, los amigos sin duda extenderan los beneficios de sus esfuerzos a la sociedad en general, hasta que toda la humanidad logre el progreso con

templado por el Sefior de la Epoca.

Es por cierto propicio que se de atencién sistematica a esta esfera vital de esfuerzo baha’i. Nos complace por ende, anunciar el establ iento, en el Centro Mundial, de la Oficina de Desarrollo Social y Econdmico, que habra de ayudar a la Casa Universal de Justicia a promover y coordinar las actividades de los amigos en todo el mundo en éste’campo nuevo.

EL CENTRO Internacional de Enselanza y, por su medio los Cuerpos Continentales de Consejeros, estan listos y a la expectativa para asumir las responsibilidades especiales que recaeran sobre ellos, de estar alertos ante las posibilidades de extender el desarrollo de la vida social y econémica tanto dentro como fuera de la comunidad baha’i, y de aconsejar y alentar a las asambleas y a los amigos en sus esfuerzos.

Ahora llamamos a las asambleas espirituales nacionales a considerar lo que implica para sus comunidades respectivas esta tendencia emergente, y a adoptar medidas bien concebidas para envolver el pensamiento y las acciones de asambleas espi tuales locales e individuos en el idear e implementar planes, tomando en cuenta las restricciones de las circunstancias existentes y de los recursos disponibles.

El progreso en el campo del desarrollo dependera en gran medida de la animacion e interés espontaneos a nivel local, y debe derivar su fuerza motriz de estas fuentes y no de la imposicién de planes y programas desde arriba.

La tarea principal de las asambleas nacionales, por ende, es aumenhtar la percepcién de las comunidades locales respecto de las necesidades y posibilidades, y guiar y coordinar los esfuerzos que resulten de tal percepcin.

En muchas areas los amigos ya estan atestiguando las confirmaciones de sus iniciativas en actividades tales como el estable: miento de escuelas tutelares y otras, la promoci6n de la alfabetizaci6n, ¢l lanzamiento de programas rurales de desarrollo, la iniciacién de emisoras educacionales de radio, y la operacion.de proyectos agricolas y médicos. A medida que amplien el abarque de sus esfuerzos, sin duda emergeran otras formas de desarrollo.

ESTE DESAFIO evoca la ingeniosidad, flexibilidad y cohesion de las muchas munidades que componen el mundo bah: Diferentes comunidades, desde luego, percibiran distintos acercamientos y soluciones distintas ante necesidades similares.

Algunas pueden ofrecer ayuda al extranjero, ntras que otras, al comienzo, deben necesariamente recibir ayuda; pero todas, no obstante las circunstancias o los recursos, estan dotadas de la capacidad de responder en alguna medida; todas pueden compartir; todas pueden pi empresa conjunta de aplicar los principios de la Fe mas sistematicamente a la elevacion de la calidad de la vida humana. La clave del éxito es la unidad de espiritu y en accion.

Avanzamos con la seguridad de que la participacion de todo corazon de los amigos en estas actividades habra de asegurar una mayor consolidacién de la comunidad en todos los niveles. No debe permitirse, sin embargo, que nuestra ocupacién en los aspectos técnicos del desarrollo reemplaze los aspectos esenciales de la ensefianza, la cual contintia siendo el deber principal de todo seguidor de Baha’u’llah.

Mas bien, nuestras actividades acrecentadas en el campo del desarrollo deben contemplarse como un refuerzo del trabajo de ensefianza, como una manifestacién mayor de fe puesta en acci6n.

Porque, si no continua la expansién del trabajo de la ensefianza, no puede haber esperanza de éxito para esta dimensién ampliada del proceso de consolidacién.

N ULTIMO término, el llamado a la acin se dirige a los amigos individuales, sean adultos 0 jévenes, veteranos 0 recién enrolados. Que avanzen para ocupar su lugar en la arena del servicio donde sus talentos y habilidades, su entrenamiento especializado, sus recursos materiales, sus ofertas de tiempo y energia y, sobre todo, su dedicacién a principios baha’is puedan ser empleados para mejorar la condicién de

Ja humanidad.

Que todos deriven inspiracién duradera del siguiente enunciado escrito en 1933 por la mano de nuestro amado Guardian:

“Los problemas que confrontan a los creyentes en la hora actual, sean sociales, ituales, econdmicos 0 administrativos, seran resueltos gradualmente a medida que se multipliquen el numero y los recursos de los amigos y se desarrolle su capacidad de servir y de aplicar los principios baha’is. Deben ser pacientes, confiados y activos al utilizar, dentro de los limites que necesari mente les son impuestos ahora, toda oportunidad posible que se presente. Que el Todopoderoso les ayude a realizar sus mas elevadas aspiraciones.””

Con cariiiosos saludos baha’is,

La Casa Universal de Justicia 20 de octubre de 1983

TRABAJADOR INCANSABLE DIGENAS AMERICA LATINA. SUS

RECORDADOS CALUROSAME! PROGR CARINOSO SU FAMILIA DO!

RE,

Lamentable fallecimiento Raul Pavon, Consejero mucho devoto Américas

LAMENTAMOS PROFUNDAMENTE CAUSA BAHA’U’LLAH RAUL PAVON DI N EN LA ENSENANZA DE SERVICIOS SOBRESALIENTES COMO MIEMBRO CUERPO CONSEJEROS AMERICAS Y ESFU! LARES ESTABLECIMIENTO PRIMERA EMISORA BAH E. ORANDO SANTUARIOS SAGRADOS SO SU ALMA RADIANTE MUNDOS DIOS Y ALIVIO CONSUELO NTE. NOS SENTIMOS SEGUROS DE QUE SUS PADRES MUY QUERIDOS SE REG: SERVICIOS DEVOTOS. URGIMOS A TODAS COMUNIDADES AME RICAS LIZAR REUNIONES CONMEMORATIVA: CIONES ALTAMENTE VALIOSAS AMADA F!

PERDIDA SIERVO APASIONADO INGUIDO PROMOTOR FE Y PUEBLOS IN

2Z0S SINGUi DE RADIO

WCIJAN REINO ABHA ESCALA SUS

DIGNAS SUS CONTRIBU

CASA UNIVERSAL DE JUSTICIA 23 DE OCTUBRE DE 1983

El Camino del. Sol comparte

cultura indigena, Fe Baha

E1 27 de septiembre sefialé el comienzo de una visita de un més por parte del Camino del Sol a los Estados Unidos.

El equipo que lleg6 a este pais era uno de trés grupos de indigenas Bahá’ís sudamericanos.

SU PROPOSITO era devolver la visita hecho el afio pasado a Sudamérica por dos equipos de indigen: norteamericanos, ademas de compartir e intercambiar sus culturas y tradiciones, y esparcir el Mensaje de Baha'u'llah entre sus hermanos indigenas de Centro y Norteamérica.

El esfuerzo se llev6 a cabo por la cooperacién del Cuerpo Continental de los Consejeros de las Américas y de catorce Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales.

Los trece miembros de los equipos se encontraron por primera vez en la Ciudad Panama, Panama, donde se juntaron para orientacién y convivencia.

Se formaron los equipos, de los cuales un grupo de cinco se quedé en Centroamérica, otro de cuatro viajaron hacia Canada y Alaska, y el tercer equipo de cuatro salié rumbo hacia los Estados Unidos.

Los Baha’is que llegaron a Tucson, Arizona, el 26 de septiembre representaban a trés grupos de indigenas sudamericanos: los Mapuches de Chile, los Quechuas de Boliva, y los Kunas de las Islas San Blas de Panama.

Las actividades del equipo variaron segtin las circunstancias, pero siempre se mencioné la Fe Baha’i, aun de manera indi

recta.

DURANTE las reuniones con miembros de varios consejos tribales era posible hablar de la Fe extensamente en cuanto a su relacién a las tradiciones y profecias del pueblo indigena.

Entrevistas para la radio, la television y los periédicos ofrecieron una oportunidad semejante ya que los entrevistadores y periodistas mostraron mucho interés en el proposito de la gira y la organizaci6n patrocinadora.

Durante numerosas reuniones publicas en las cuales el equipo hizo su presentacién, se entremezclé el Mensaje de la Fe y su cumplimiento de profecias indigenas con la cultura, bailes, musica y cuentos.

El hecho de que el Camino del Sol vino desde Sudamérica tuvo mucho significado para muchos de los pueblos visitados; recordaron los cuentos de sus antepasados cuando en una época en el pasado no existian fronteras, y tales visitas eran muy comunes y corrientes,

Mas importante aun, recordaron que la reanudacion de esas visitas sefialaria la renovacidn de su civilizacion,

Esta esperanza y el interés general en la visita de los hermanos del sur abrieron Ppuertas que antes se encontraban cerradas para la comunidad Baha’i no indigena.

EN MUCHOS lugares forjaron lazos que nunca se quebraran. Aun los que no lograron captar en Mensaje se encontraron

Véase CAMINO Pag. 29

[Page 29]

The American Baha'i

December 1983

World NEWS

As a result of teaching initiated by two Baha’is, the number of Baha’is in Thailand’s Phanat hom refugee camp now stands at close to 100.

The first to become a Baha’i at the camp, a Cambodian student who came to Thailand about eight years ago, had been told by fellow refugees that his ideas resembled those of the Baha’i Faith. After a long search, he finally found the Faith through an English teacher at the camp.

After enrolling he began to teach others, and, as he later learned, on the same day last June that the martyrs were hanged in Shiraz, Iran, 50 of those he was teaching suddenly decided to become Baha'i:

The Baha'is in that camp began visiting another camp across the road, and by August there were eight new Baha'is there, most of whom are Laotians ...

Some 2,219 women in 187 villages in Uttar Pradesh, India, declared their belief in Baha'u'llah last July during a teaching campaign aimed especially toward women.

Most of the new declarants are the wives, poe ee or mothers of Baha'is .

The Baha’i float in the 1983 Aloha Week parade in Honolulu, Hawaii, _ rece! the Award designating fi the non-commercial divisi

It was’ the 15th award for the Baha’is in 17 years of participation in the parade ...

Sixteen people who tending a week-long Bahia mer School last Augu nica declared their bel ‘u’llah.

One of the new believers was the minister of an important church on Dominica ...

Two hundred-thirty youth from 38 communi in Brazil attended a National Youth Conference last July 15-17 in Salvador ...

A Baha’i professor at Kenyatta University College in Nairobi Kenya, has been invited to p) @ one-year course on the the department of philo: religious studies to candi the M.A. degree who are training to be tutors in Kenya’s teachers’ colleges ...

The Timonde Tutorial School, blished two years ago by the ‘itual Assembly of Timonde, Ghana, been absorbed into the public school system of the area’s educational district.

We have therefore the first Bahá’í primary school in the country at Timonde in the Upper East,’’ reports the National Spiritual Assembly of Ghana ...

Louhelen School schedules intensive course on Islam

An intensive course on Islam will be held December 26-31 at the Louhelen Baha’i School.

The course, to be taught by Linda Walbridge of Escanaba, Michigan, will focus on “‘the age of ignorance’’ before Islam; the life of Muhammad; the major women in Islam and the effect Islam has had on women throughout the ages; how Islam expanded following the death of the Prophet, the direction it took, and the formation of an Islamic society under Umar; how the early Muslims chose their leaders, and how Islam was divided into Sunni and Shi’ah sects.

The group, which will be lim ited to the first 25 people who register, will meet for about five hours each day and students will be given daily aments.

Mrs. Walbridge, a psychologist and author, earned a master’s degree in psychology at the American University in Beirut. Her first novel, about the life of a fictitious companion’ of Muhammad, will be published next year.

Those who wish to register for the course may send a non-refundable $10 deposit to the registrar, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

Martha

Continued From Page 4

the Cradle of the Faith, and in his soul-stirring cables after her passing, the reader gains some understanding of that selfless self that took on such sublime lustre in getting out of the way and letting Baha’u’llah’s Light shine through.

All of the imagery of a “‘frail,”” “dowdy,” “‘gray’? woman who manages to learn the spiritual trick of tuning in to spiritual realms fades into nothingness before the Guardian’s overwhelming

“The Pure Leaf, the illustrious teacher, the sign of detachment, the torch of love and affection, the example of courage and faithfulness, the consolation of the people of Bahá ...’”

tributes

Perhaps the anti-Baha’i propaganda in an Iranian newspaper claiming that Martha Root was ‘‘a daughter of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’’ in disguise is not far from the truth after all!

No Baha’ can read this biography without weeping those tears that will water his or her own soul.

ARCHIVES MANUAL ORDER FORM

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communities faced with the need $7.50.

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TO ORDER: Send this form with a check for $7.50 per copy made payable to “‘National Baha’i Services Fund’’ to:

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copies of Guidelines for Baha’i Archives. | am

Name Address. ae eee City State Zip

' En los préximos dos nimeros Camino del Sol act ‘american Bahi'i seeuizemos De Pag. 28 al Camino del Sol desde Tucson

inexplicablemente atraidos hacia los miembros del equipo, y pidieron permiso para acompaa otras reservaciones cerSiempre que hubo lugar estos nuevos amigos viajaban con el equipo.

Es imposible medir el imp: total del Camino del Sol en la ¢1 sefianza de la Fe a los indigenas de este pais en el momento. Tal vez una vislumbre del verdadero valor de su contribucién se puede encontrar en el cardcter y los resultados de varios encuentros en el camino.

to

hasta Neah Bay, Washington.

Nos enteraremos de la devocion del equipo y de los que les acomron como traductores y orgalores, la generosidad de esti de los indi; norteamericanos, y de las comunidades, instituciones y comités Baha’is que ayudaron a que esta gira fuera posible.

Mas importante, no enteraremos del lecho de roca que se ha construido, y sobre lo cual dei queremos comje de con los habitantes originales de este continente.

Can you identify

anyone in this picture?

The Archives would like the names of the three charming women in this picture. It is not known when or where the picture was taken. Anyone with any in formation to offer is asked to contact the National Bah; rehives, Baha'i National Center, Wi mette, IL 60091.

Archives seeks copies of Baha’i books

The National Baha’i Archives Committee is seeking copies of the following books, in good or excellent condition:

‘Abdu’l-Bahaé in London (paper, 1912); Foundations of World Unity (cloth, 1927 and 1945): Paris Talks. (cloth, 1912.

1951, 1961, 1969); Paris Talks (paper, 1912, 1951, 1961); Some Answered Questions (cloth, 1937).

Anyone who is able to donate any of these books is asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, . Wilmeite, IL 60091.

Bahai.

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[Page 30]The American Baha'i

Letters

Continued From Page 3

foreign land with practically no income. Looking backward, the risks appear frightening, but God walked with us.

After Miss Bailey’s passing, the Hand of the Cause of God Leroy Toas wrote to us about her spirit of sacrifice.

On one occasion, he said, he had mentioned to her that contributions for the Temple Fund were inadequate. She offered at ‘once to donate $1,000 that she had set aside for burial expenses, remarking that her remains could be laid to rest in a potter’s field. She made the same contribution more than once.

After her passing, the Guardian appointed the three American members of the Tripoli Baha’i community to choose a design to be placed ultimately on her tombstone, and he said he wanted personally to bear the cost of erecting that monument.

The design, by Knight of Baha*u’llah Fawzi Zaynu’l-Abidin, was sent to Haifa; its utilization must await future developments.

By going to Africa, Ella Bailey had achieived the rank of martyr, had shed luster American Baha’ sanctified the soil of Africa. When she , the Guardian cabled:

“Grieve passing valiant exe! plary pioneer. Reward (in) Kingdom bountiful.”

Robert L. Gulick Jr. Glendale, Arizona

To the Editor:

I would like to express my feelings about the spiritual training of children and at the same time, mention and quote from a letter in the January 1983 Baha’i National Review that gives guidance from the Universal House of Justice

concerning the proper behavior of children.

THE LETTER, addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, says ‘‘children should be trained to understand the spiritual significance of the gatherings of the followers of the Blessed Beauty, and to appreciate the honor and bounty of being able to take part in them, whatever their outward form may be.

“Tt is realized that some Baha’i observances are lengthy and it is difficult for very small children to remain quiet for so long. In such cases one or the other of the parents may have to miss part of the meeting in order to care for the child.

“The Spiritual Assembly can also perhaps help the parents by providing for a children’s observance, suited to their capacities, in a separate room during part of the community’s observance. Attendance at the whole of the adult celebration thus becomes a sign of growing maturity and a distinction to be earned by good behavior ...’”

My feeling is that children have the natural spiritual capacity to appreciate the Baha’i prayers and music and should be given the chance to participate in these things.

Being able to. participate and being given the chance to show his parents that he can not only behave but appreciate the beautiful writings that his parents so love builds a strong bond of family unity.

1 FEEL that the expectations of those around the child, especially his parents, also influence the child’s behavior.

If we expect a child to be able to behave, the child senses that positive expectation and will act on it.

It seems also that the primary responsibility for a child’s spiri

On Saturday, September 10, the Baha’is of Cambridge and youth from the greater Boston area braved 90-degree heat and spent the afternoon cleaning Central Square in Cambridge as a public

service. The square, situated in a

working class neighborhood between Harvard and MIT, is heavi Caen eee eae manatee ere ore eC

ly used and often littered. Several residents expressed surprise that the Baha’is, who wore Baha’i T-shirts, were not being paid for the service. This photo of the young Bahá’ís and their ‘litter bags’ appeared in the Cambridge Chronicle shortly after the event.

tual education, which includes his training and behavior, rests upon the child’s parents.

If the meeting is a lengthy adult deepening or talk, it is understandable that the children might have a hard time keeping quiet and should be provided with children’s classes to help them grow spiritually and increase their knowledge of the Baha’i teachings.

The ultimate goal, however, seems to be “‘to understand the spiritual significance of the gatherings of the followers of the Blessed Beauty, and to appreciate the honor and bounty of being able to take part in them, whatever their outward form may be.’”

This also involves the expectations of non-parents that children are indeed capable of developing and manifesting the spiritual attributes of ‘‘courtesy, consideration for others, reverence, and obedience to parents.”

I would like to close with a quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Baha in “Baha’i Education: A Compilation” (p. 23): “‘Among the safeguards of the Holy Faith is the training of children, and this is among the weightiest of principles in all the Divine Teachings.

While the parents have the primary responsibility for this spiritual duty, the entire community and the body of believers as a whole should be supportive of the goal.

Penny Boivin Tuba City, Arizona

To the E

Having read much of the dialogue in “‘letters to the editor’’ since the article on ‘True Feminism’? appeared last March, I find: that everyone seems to be overlooking the obvious.

Women, in our society, have been and continue to be the “‘primary trainers of children.”? What we need to be concerned about, as Baha'is, is the disturbing fact that the average father in America spends less than five minutes a day alone with his children! jis kind of ‘‘absentee responsible for many of the problems today’s. children will encounter in later life.

In the final analysis, we must acknowledge that children are the joint responsibility of both parents.

Christina Reid-Yaseen Park Forest, Illinois

To the Editor;

For some time now I have watched with increasing horror and dismay as the letters to The American Baha'i have degenerated into little better than wellwritten efforts at mudslinging.

It is the unalterable right of every avowed believer in Baha’u’llah to express himself or herself; however, with this right goes the responsibility and/or obligation to couch opinions in the most patient, understanding and loving terms.

We must not forget this injunction of the Blessed Beauty: ‘‘Be

On September 26, the Baha'is of Miami, Florida, presented a copy of To Move the World, the biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory, to Garth C. Reeves Sr. (left), editor and publisher of The Miami Times. Making the presentation are’ Mrs.

Phyllis Valle, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Miami, and treasurer, George Savitt, who has been a Times columnist for 25 years, wi the pen name ‘Phil Ossofer.’ The Miami Assembly is observing its 50th anniversary

ware, beware lest ye offend any heart,’’ or this admonition of the Master: “‘It behooveth all the beloved of God to become as one, to gather together under the protection of a single flag, to stand for a uniform body of opinion, to follow one and the same pathway, to hold fast to a single resolve. Let them forget their divergent theories and put aside their conflicting views since, God be praised, our purpose is one. We are servants of one threshold, we are all gathered in the shade of the same high Tabernacle, we are all sheltered under one celestial Tree.” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, pp. 230-31)

The love for and devotion to each other that first attracted me to the Faith eight years ago I now observe less and less, and when I do see love between the friends as I used to, I am so overcome with joy that my eyes fill with tears and I am revitalized in my belief that this sacred Cause will work and does work after all.

Friends, let us not be so in tune to our own petty feelings and beliefs that we lose sight of our true purpose: to know and to love God and carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.

Lawrence A. Nylin Frederick, Maryland

To the Editor:

In the August issue of The American Baha'i there appeared a letter which remarked on the subtle superiority felt by some Baha’is and pointed out that we have no monopoly on love.

It was a challenging letter, and I was transfixed as I read it, for I could hear an echo of some of my own thoughts and experienc:

1 COULD not, therefore, resi

the ‘desire to share some of my own reflections on the matters raised.

‘As Baha’is, we have many diverse ideas about the writings. But we do not have the exact grasp that the Authors, in their infallibility, do.

None of us is Bahá’u’lláh, or ‘Abdu’l-Baha, or the Guardian. That is why the writings will be.as necessary at the close of this dispensation as they. are now, and why we have the God-ordained institutions that. must grow and guide us.

We are destined to have world peace but with standing armies to secure the nations.

We will have a world tribunal but also a need for that body to settle the problems and disputes that arise between states.

We have laws for now and forever but with sanctions for lawbreakers.

WE WILL become as a race more humane and achieve spiritual heights never before known to man, but we will, after all, still be humans.

If we were capable of absolute perfection there would be no need for another Manifestation of God such as we are promised will appear after our millenium.

‘Abdu’l-Baha described religion

(Some Answered Questions, pp. 84-86) as having a spring, summer, autumn and winter in each dispensation. So it shall be with us. These signs of our human condition point out to us how we must be humble in our understanding of the scriptures.

We have a unique instrument in

See LETTERS Page 32

| i } } \

[Page 31]

The American Baha'i

December 1983

... in The American Baha'i

The Universal House of Justi announces that the next global teaching Plan, to be launched at Ridvan 1974, will be in effect for five years, making it shorter in duration than any of the four Plans carried out so far.

In a letter outlining the goals of the Plan, the Supreme Body calls upon National Spiritual -Assemblies to arrange for conferences and meetings with the Counsellors to consult on its directives, plans which have already been set in motion by the U.S. National Assembly.

The National Assembly decides that the Five Year Plan is to be launched in the U.S. at a large conference August 29-September 1, 1974, in St. Louis, Missouri

The National Teaching Committee sets winter teaching campaigns for high school and college

Baha’i Clubs to help win the goals for this interim year and to prepare Baha’i youth for the challenges of the next global teaching Plan.

The committee asks all campus clubs to consider circuit teaching during vacation periods up to April 1974 ...

About 250 Baha'is attend a regional conference in Columbia, South Carolina, that is sponsored by the Southern Regional Teaching Committee.

The speakers include Counsellor Sarah Martin Pereira; Auxiliary Board members Elizabeth Martin, Jane McCants and Nancy Phillips, and a former Counsellor, Dr. William Maxwell.

The conference, which marks the end of a five-month teaching and consolidation campaign, has as its theme ‘Universal Participation” .

Sixty Baha'is attend a two-day camp-out Towa to study the Comprehensive Deepening Program.

The study session, which is organized by the Spiritual Assembly of Iowa City, is held at PalisadesKepler State Park .

More than 150 ra attend a special program that marks the SOth anniversary of the ment of the Sj

Milwaukee, The speak include Charlotte Linfoot, a: int secretary of the

National Spiritual Assembly; and Beula Brown and Dr. Loftin Clark, both of whom served as members of the first Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee ...

About 125 Baha'is from three states participate in a media conference in Knoxville, Tenne:

ARTHUR J. SCHULTE

Arthur J. Schulte, one of first Kansas Bahda’is, dead at 78

Arthur J. Schulte, a Baha’i for 39 years who was one of the first believers in Kansas, died September 2 in Topeka. He was 78 years old.

Mr. Schulte had served as a member of the Spiritual Assembly, of Topeka at various times since 1943, when he and his wife Cora, also a Baha’i, moved to that city from rural Shawnee County to

“help save the Assembly, which

was then in jeopardy.

Throughout their years in Topeka, Mr. and Mrs. Schulte contributed generously to various teaching projects.

Mr. Schulte was born March 9, 1905, in Peoria, Illinois. He worked for the Sant: Railway from 1920 until his retirement in 1970.

Surviving, besides his wife, are three sons (one of whom is a Baha’i), two sisters, one brother, five grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

In its message of condolence to Mr. Schulte’s family, the National Spiritual Assembly referred to him as a “‘staunch believer and devoted servant of the Blessed Beaut

NER, CHEERFUL DISPO:! REMAIN AS INDELIBLE

MEMORIAL SERVICES.

years old.

this country.

Sylvia loas, devoted servant of Cause, dies in Maryland

SADDENED PASSING DEVOTED MAIDSERVANT BAHA*U’LLAH SYLVIA IOAS. HER LONG YEARS SERVICE DIVINE THRESHOLD CONSTANT SUPPORT CLOSE COLLABORATION HER DISTINGUISHED HUSBAND CROWNED BY HER APPOINTMENT BY BELOVED GUARDIAN AS MEMBER INTERNATIONAL BAHA’i COUNCIL AND HER SUBSEQUENT ELECTION SAME HISTORIC INSTITUTION AND AS ITS VICE-PRESIDENT. HER GRACIOUS MANION, IMPRESSIONS HER FRUITFUL LIFE. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES HER RADIANT SOUL MAY BE RICHLY REWARDED AB! DOM. URGE NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES HOLD BEFITTING

HOSPITABLE SPIRIT

KING UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

AUGUST 25, 1983

Sylvia Kuhlman Ioas, the widow of the Hand of the Cause of God Leroy C. loas and his companion and helper through the many years of their marriage, died August 24 in Olney, Maryland. She was 87

Mrs. loas was residing in the Holy Land with her husband when, in May 1955, the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, appointed her a member of the International Baha’i Council, which served as the forerunner of the Universal House of Justice. ;

Following Mr. Ioas’ passing in 1965, she returned to the U.S. and spent the last 18 years of! her life in

Mrs. loas i is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Anita loas Chapman of Alexandria, Virgina, and three grandchildren. Another daughter, Farrukh, died in 1960.

SYLVIA K. IOAS.

Ads

Continued From Page 18

other recreational opportunities, and Sherwood’s mild climate is moderated by the.on-shore flow of the Pacific Ocean. If you would like to consider moving to Sherwood, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Washington County, P.O. Box 255, Beaverton, OR 97075, or phone 503-645-2629.

THE NATIONAL Baha'i Archives Committee has started an oral history project to collect personal reminiscences of Baha’is. Anyone who has copies, either taped or written, of personal recollections or who can interview Baha’is is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

In Memoriam

Samuel Allen Fort Gibson, MS September 30, 1983

Gertrude Ambrose Beverly Hills, CA

Floyd Lahr W. Hollywood, CA September 10, 1983

Arlena Lucas Wake Forest, NC

Donnie Payne Powell Butte, OR 1978

Milton Richardson John Day, OR

October 11, 1983 Spring 1981 Date Unknown Jeffrey Bailey David Maynard May Verhoeven Palm Springs, FL Burns, OR W. Sacramento, CA: August 24, 1983 July 1983 October 4, 1983

James E. Beane Lincroft, NJ July 1982

Thelma Cawood Jersey City, NJ October 24, 1983 George Davson East Orange, NJ June 1983

Doris Jackson Rock Island, IL October 1983

1979

Andrew McAleece North Fork, CA October 18, 1983

Catherine Minute Wake Forest, NC

George Morgan Chula Vista, CA March 1981 Ophelia Nichols Englewood, NJ Date Unknown

Calvin Weary Bogalusa, LA 1979

Gloria Westerby Mt. Morris, MI Date Unknown

Robert Williams Dousman, WI October 22, 1983

Maude E. Young Wake Forest, NC 1981

HOMEFRONT pioneers! Please call home! We know you are out there, but many of you have forgotten to give us your new addresses. Let us know you are at your post so we may count you as homefront pioneers, Please phone or write. Love, the National Teaching Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091 (312-869-9039, x235).

CHILDREN’S teachers who wish to teach at the Louhelen Baha’i School during June, July or August are asked to send a letter indicating what ages they would like to teach and a resumé of their teaching experience to the school at 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Also welcomed are applications from those who are interested in serving as child education director for the summer.

YOUR Baha'i story is still needed. There is still time to submit the story of how you became a Baha’i—what attracted you, what you were feeling and thinking, what you heard or saw or read, what made it harder or easier, what barriers had to be overcome. Many excellent stories have been received, but more are needed for the first volume of a compilation to be published in 1985. Please send your typed, double-spaced manuscript with a signed note ing permission to edit and publish, and a permanent address, to Randie Gottlieb, P.O. Box 714, Camuy, Puerto Rico 00627, U.S.A.

GOING to the Youth Conference in Orlando? Stop in Tallahassee for a week-long intensive teaching program December 17-28! For more details contact Steve Gardner, 904-575-3491.

THIS HOUSE has held a lot of love, seen a few tears, had lots of laughter, and we quit counting

kids and Baha’is years ago. Now we're 65, retired, and moving from Overland Park, Kansas, to Brazil to begin a new career: pioneering for the Faith. We'd like to sell the house (no, that’s the wrong word)—we'd like to sell our home to someone who will appreciate and carry on the tradition of love and laughter and livingreally living—that permeates the very walls of this lovely place. The memories we'll take with us, but the joy, the friends, the beauty that surrounds it on all sidesthat we'll leave for you to enjoy. Oh, gosh, I think I just sold it—to me! I wish ... Well, please phone Jim or Margaret Walker, 913-6484998 ... and be gentle!

ENGINEERS are needed in South Africa, primarily in the areas of chemical, mechanical, civil, metallurgical, agricultural and mining engineering. Also, jobs related to mining, professional or otherwise, are often in demand. Pioneers are especially needed in the homeland areas. Contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: If you are moving to the New York or Philadelphia metropolitan areas, please consider living in New Jersey, where there are several Groups and two jeopardized Assemblies that could use your help. For more information contact the District Teaching Committee of New Jersey, c/o Richard Tomarelli, secretary,

, Woodstown, NJ 08098.

“There can be no limit to one’s contributions ...’ National Baha’i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

[Page 32]The American Ba

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Letters

Continued From Page 30

the Covenant that has remained intact. It is perhaps our consciousness of the bond we sense with one another under the unbroken strand of history of the Covenant that leads us to speak of “Baha'i love.’”

1 BELIEVE that “‘Baha’i love”” does mean something special, but we do ourselves a disservice when we set it apart from love in general.

There can be aspects of love, but as the writer states, never a partitioning of love. Otherwise, what would hold us together with mankind or the rest of the universe?

The writer correctly says that no faith has a monopoly on love. Indeed, I have seen some churches manage a loving atmosphere superior to some Baha’i communities.

The letter mentions walls that some Baha’is erect. I think some of that has to do with how one believes that he (she)-is a Baha’i and is therefore not supposed to be prejudiced, and should be a warm, loving and concerned person.

So in an effort to be “‘Baha’i,”” he convinces himself that he is not prejudiced and is a warm, loving and concerned person.

BUT this is often a presumption that is made irrespective of one’s gut reactions in real situations. It is a false self-perception that overlooks the long, arduous path of growing to genuinely be that way.

This failing can make us susceptible to being smug about ourselves and about having answers to problems the rest of the world doesn’t have.

If we suspect that we are smug, we need only recall that our understanding will never duplicate that of the Authors of our holy writings.

That is why even local and Secondary Houses of Justice will have an appeals system, and only the Universal House of Justice stands as infallible.

The letter maintains that race is an illusion, an excellent and true point, as anthropology has never successfully drawn hard distinctions between the races.

BUT past and modern cultures are deeply ingrained with the habit of making physical distinctions. Our thoughts, behavior and language put us in context that makes the subject impractical to handle in any other way.

We cannot be color-blind, lest the flowers of God’s garden be rendered colorless.

There really are “‘black’’ people and ‘‘white’’ people and “brown,” etc., just’ as there are blondes, brunettes, dwarfs, and those who are physically handicapped.

What requires attention is our

fear and suspicion and our out

ig about a change in ourselves, our culture, our vocabulary and thoughts that will eventually reflect more purely the principle of one mankind.

I anticipate that others will reply to the letter, and some may even write strongly worded letters such as others I have seen in The American Baha'i.

But the letter has points that are worth patient perusal and thought. If the tone is interpreted as objectionable, perhaps we should see it as an expression of frustration, and who in our beloved Faith has not felt that?

We are only 20th century Baha’is. We have a minimum of 880 years in which to improve ourselves before the millenium ends. Meanwhile, we should, I think, be patient and loving toward each other.

D. Llewellyn Drong Bozeman, Montana

To the Editor:

I was enlightened, amused and cheered by the collection of letters (June) under the headline ‘‘Opinions in letters should not be so ‘personal.’ ””

First, may I say that it is heartening to see the friends rushing to each other’s defense. We may well be in need of this spirit before long.

HOWEVER, as the author of one of the letters in question, I feel the need to respond to the Suggestions and remarks.

Whenever I or anyone else write a letter to The American Baha'i and the letter is published—with name and address attached—the ideas expressed in the letter are left wide Open for discussion and remarks. That, as they say, is the nature of the beast.

Do we want this another way? What other way is there to do this?

Second, we need to ask: are we engafed in consultation here? Surely, many of the rules of consultation -apply—especially the need to “‘let go’’ of our ideas.

That’s fine, but if someone disagrees with my idea, have I been personally attacked? Am I mature enough to realize that this isn’t necessarily the case?

Part of the “‘absolute freedom” to express our opinions lies in the answer to that question. It needs also to be realized that, since we are dealing with these ideas in “slow motion,”’ as it were, the result of our public searching is more readily visible.

IT IS shared by all of us; therefore, if some of us become a bit more than warm to our subject, it appears to be an attack. But there is a difference between attack and disagreement.

On the other side of this, many of the ideas and concerns expressed have bases in the sacred Scriptures; these cannot be ignored. They are, after all, the basis of what we profess to believe.

Second Class Postage Paid At Wilmette, velit December 1983 Winois —— — = a 1 Moving? Name Misi M re 1 I g? Miss Folinyma NO NOT use nicknames 1 Tell us your Residence i mew aucieee ee “House oF Space Number Street, cr Descophon Te To avoid unnecessary delays in te ; 1 ceiving your copies of The American Fe 2 IE ESI Babd't seod your new address and Gy State ZipCode Sa aMEMI ERO iC? as ? I Danae ol omlomerigu | Meta etal £ I Records, Babs’ Rurai Route o* Post Office Box Number .Witmete, TL 1 soon a8 you kao YOu i are going (0 move and what your new , - 5 {_tdatese willbe, We mil do our best iS work S10" Pek (0 se that changes are processed Telephone __ ae Telephone = ee 1 See Mea Bench wii Area Code Number Area Code Number 1 D aposibie Spee Ah ae 1 I Coromonuty eas Re z oi i jame of Local Assembly” Groud) OF olaTed locality where tvs parton resides t NOTE: Use this Monng Osten Sean zs ! form for individual Mailing label snOUls accomeany adress change form 1 | changes only. We have been receiving more than one copy 1 I of The American Baha'i. Because we don’t I need extra copies, please remove my name 1 from the mailing list for this publication. 1 I Please check box. 1 | BAHA‘T NATIONAL CENTER ! 1 Wilmette, Illinois 60091

We must encourszge one another, rather than seck to “‘put down” another. I would venture the hope that my letter, in response to the initial opinion, contained such encouragement.

In sum, I hope the friends might realize that when an opinion is offered, discussion is bound to ensue, and that that discussion should be carried out in a spirit of love, kindliness and encouragement.

We need to understand the difference between discussion of an. idea, disagreement with that idea, and attack—personal or not.

Martin R. Flick San Mateo, California To the Editor:

I recently happened across a bit of common sense from one of our country’s political leaders, who, for obvious reasons, shall remain nameless. He said, in part:

“We have 10,000 strategic weapons right now, cach one infi

nitely more powerful than the one that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945. How ... can anyone argue that we are one bit safer if, instead of 10,000 warheads, we have 15,000?

“Let us suppose the Russians double their warheads. If the Russians want to commit economic suicide by doubling their nuclear force, let them do it. Because they are not going to be one whit stronger if they do that, nor are we going to be one whit weaker.

“If either side uses nuclear weapons, we are all going to die anyway. We’re all going to die with 20,000 warheads just as surely as we're all going to die with 10,000 warheads.””

It is heartening to see members

of the Baha’i community participating in such events as the “march on Washington” (The American Baha’i, October 1983, p. 1) to counter what Glenford Mitchell has referred to as the increasing tendency of American believers to isolate themselves from. the rest of society.

Is it too radical to suggest that we also offer our prayers and service in order that the U.S. might be the first country on earth to stop making these ghastly weap‘ons, the threatened use of which is doing so much real damage to the life and spirit of this planet, Baha’is included?

Philip H. Costa Lubbock, Texas

To the Editor:

Having followed with interest the ongoing debate regarding motherhood vs. career, I now find it necessary to add my own comments.

First, one writer stated that breast feeding is desirable for its contraceptive effect as well as for the bonding it affords.

WHILE I doubt that anyone would deny the benefits of bonding given by successful breast feeding, no one should depend upon it for reliable contraception,

It is true that breast feeding retards the conception rate. It does not, however, prevent conception. Those who for economic, physical, or emotional reasons wish to limit their fertility must necessarily use other methods.

Second, much of what an infant learns about loving and trusting is learned by example and through

the emotional climate surrounding him/her, especially during the first year.

If this climate can be maintained by a full-time mother, good. If, however, the mother is highly educated and trained, and accustomed to working outside the home, the ‘‘joys”’ of full-time motherhood can quickly turn to depression, resentment, and even rejection of the child.

If this happens, then it seems to me much more desirable for the child to be placed in an excellent day care facility, and for the woman to resume her career.

The quality of time spent with the child thus improves, because the woman's interests and needs for achievement are largely met outside the nuclear family.

In the Baha’i Faith, women are

» encouraged to be educated. Fur thermore, ‘Abdu’l-Baha states

that society will not attain its

potential until women are rep resented equally in the sciences and the arts.

Becaise these admonitions are laid upon us, no less than the role of motherhood, it seems to me that motherhood and a career can and should be complementary.

In our roles as mothers and workers, and as active builders of an ‘‘ever-advancing civilization,’” the role models we present and the personal happiness we achieve and foster in our families are every bit as valid and important as those of the full-time mother,

Barbara Smith-Townsend San Antonio, Texas