The American Bahá’í/Volume 17/Issue 9/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 17, Issue 9

Cook Islands Prime Minister confers with House of Justice

IN HUMBLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BAHA’U’LLAH’S UNABATING CONFIRMATIONS, WE INFORM FRIENDS EVERYWHERE PRIVATE VISIT TO BAHA’{ WORLD CENTER PRIME MINISTER COOK ISLANDS SIR THOMAS DAVIS AND LADY DAVIS 3 AND 4 AUGUST. OCCASION MADE HISTORIC BY PRIME MINISTER’S INITIATIVE IN REQUESTING CONSULTATION WITH UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE REGARDING WORLD PEACE. VISIT ALSO MARKED MOST CONCRETE RESPONSE TO DATE BY POLITICAL LEADER TO PEACE STATEMENT RELEASED TO PEOPLES WORLD LAST OCTOBER. DURING CONSULTATIONS WHICH TOOK PLACE ON FIRST DAY IN COUNCIL CHAMBER FOLLOWING PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT SHRINE BAB AND ON SECOND DAY AT MANSION BAHJi FOLLOWING HIS VISIT SHRINE BAHA’U’LLAH, SIR

THOMAS DISCUSSED HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT WORLD PEACE AND HIS DESIRE FOR PRACTICAL ACTION CONSONANT WITH CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING VAST PACIFIC AREA.

OCCASION ALSO ENABLED LADY DAVIS, LEADING MEMBER COOK ISLANDS NOBILITY AND ONE OF FIRST BAHA’iS THAT COUNTRY, TO UNDERTAKE BRIEF PILGRIMAGE THUS SPIRITUALLY ENHANCING TOTAL UNPRECEDENTED EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATED WITH VISIT TO WORLD CENTER THESE TWO DISTINGUISHED PERSONS. WHILE SIR THOMAS MET WITH US IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, LADY DAVIS WAS RECEIVED AT SEAT INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER. PUNCTUATED BY BANQUET AT SEAT UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE, THEIR ACTIVITIES AT WORLD CENTER ENDED WITH LUNCH AT MAZ RA’IH. SUBSEQUENTLY SIR THOMAS AND LADY DAVIS TRAVELED TO JERUSALEM WHERE THEY WERE ENTERTAINED BY OFFICIALS GOVERNMENT ISRAEL. THEY DEPARTED HOLY LAND ON MORNING 5 AUGUST, ONCE AGAIN ACTION BY LEADER FROM PACIFIC OCEAN CALLS TO OUR MINDS ONE OF BAHA’U’LLAH’S MOST TRENCHANT ASSERTIONS CONCERNING POWER HIS CAUSE: ‘‘SHOULD THEY ATTEMPT TO CONCEAL ITS LIGHT ON THE CONTINENT,”’ HE WROTE, “IT WILL ASSUREDLY REAR ITS HEAD IN THE MIDMOST HEART OF THE OCEAN AND, RAISING ITS VOICE, PROCLAIM: ‘I AM THE LIFEGIVER OF THE WORLD!’ ” UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE AUGUST 7, 1986

erican Baha’i

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Friends win big victory with 108 teaching projects

A total of 108 teaching projects have been held so far this year, easily surpassing the National Teaching Committee’s goal of 95 projects.

“This victory is especially significant for two reasons,’ says Cap Cornwell, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

“First, we have more than doubled the number of projects held last year—this despite the fact that this is the first year of a new Plan, traditionally a slow time for teaching activities.

“Second, the increase is due largely to Assemblies taking on projects at the local level, replacing district-wide projects run by District Teaching Committees.

“This is a promising sign of the growing maturity of local Assemblies,”” says Mr. Cornwell. ‘‘Also, having local people involved in projects supports ongoing teaching and consolidation efforts.””

The projects involve a wide range of activities from service to mass teaching, from firesides to social and economic development.

Although enrollments of new believers did not reach the levels attained last year in such large projects as Tabarsi in South Carolina, this was offset by the involvement of more believers resident in the project communities and by an emphasis on consolida See PROJECTS page 10

‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’—Bahá’u’lláh

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Ruhtyyih Khanum visits with Indian children during @ gathering July 24 on the Pine

Ridge Reservation in South Dakota at which she was the honored guest.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum visits South Dakota Reservation

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khaénum spoke at a public meeting July 24 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in response to an invitation from the American Indian Teaching Committee to visit the new Indian Baha’ is in that state, where teaching activities over the past several years have led to the formation of 17 new local Spiritual Assemblies.

Many of these new Assemblies are all-Native American, a goal greatly desired by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.

IN THE NEWS...

WORLDWIDE response to ‘Promise of World Peace’ . TRAN’S ‘gift of love’ lights fire of action.......... CAREER choice is important for prospective pioneer. YOUNG Baha’is arise in U.S. to proclaim Cause. . .

SEVEN regional Teacher Training Conferences set in ’87. SECOND conference for Spanish-speaking Baha’ is slated . COUNSELOR Serrano visits five cities in Texas, Mexico. o COMPLETE listing of District Convention sites..........

The American Baha’i (USPS 042-430) is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, $36 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Membership and Records, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL. 60091. Editor: Jack Bowers. A‘ Laura E. Hildreth. The American Bahd'/ welcomes news, letters an 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 photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wimette, IL 60091. Copyright © 1986 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

One of these all-Native American Assemblies has pledged in turn to help raise up another 19 Assemblies during the Six Year Plan.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rihiyyih Khánum was formally welcomed to the Reservation by the Oglalla Lakota Tribal Chairman, Joe American Horse, who was given a copy of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’’ immediately after his welcoming address.

The meeting was held at the pow-wow grounds of the Oglalla Lakota College in Kyle, and included Amatu’l-Bahá Ruhjyyih Khanum’s address, a traditional Indian dinner, and Indian social dancing.

The Hand of the Cause presented gifts to the Spiritual Assembly of Eagle Butte, and personally

See AMATU’L-BAHA page 11

Volume 17, No. 9

September 1986

Town Meetings report splendid plans, concepts

In June, 168 Town Meetings were held across the U.S. to draw up plans for local communities and districts and to make recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly for consideration in devising national goals and strategies for the Six Year Plan.

In July, the results of those meetings began arriving at the Baha’i National Center. By the end of the month, some 201 communities had reported their plans and forwarded their recommendations to the National Assembly.

Each of these reports is being carefully studied; the recommendations contained therein will be of great help to the National Assembly and Counselors as they consult together to formulate a national plan of action for the coming six years.

The genesis of the Town Meetings was a letter from the Universal House of Justice dated January 2, 1986, in which, the Supreme Body introduced to the Baha’is of the world the major objectives of the Six Year Plan and announced a new process for the development of national plans.

In previous plans, goals for each national community had been established at the World Center. But during the Six Year Plan, the House of Justice wrote, the process would be changed.

“This new process,”’ it said, “whereby the national goals of the next plan are to be largely formulated by National Spiritual Assemblies and Boards of Counselors, signalizes the inauguration of a new stage in the unfoldment of the Administrative Order.”

This change in the status of Baha’i institutions is highly observable in the American community in which a significant increase in the number of teaching projects, expansion goals and local plans adopted by Assemblies has been

See MEETINGS page 4

District Conventions scheduled in October in 168 electoral units

All Baha’is are warmly invited to attend the District Conventions which are to be held this year on either Sunday, October 5, or Sunday, October 19.

The District Convention provides an opportunity for all adult Baha’js to take part in the electoral process leading to the election of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The 171 delegates elected at the 168 Conventions will represent their electoral units and elect the National Assembly at the 78th National Convention to be held April 23-26, 1987, in Wilmette.

The District Convention is also a time for fellowship and goodwill as the friends in the various units become better acquainted with one another and share their hopes and concerns about the growth

See CONVENTIONS page 4

India Temple registration deadline extended

To assure that Baha’is who plan to attend the dedication in December of the Baha’i House of Worship in New Delhi, India, can do so in large numbers, the Dedication Committee has extended the registration deadline to September 30.

All registrations must be postmarked no later than September 15. Those registering after September 1 will pay $60 for each adult and child over 12, $20 for each child age 5-11, $30 for two children and $35 for three or more children in the same fam ily.

delay.

If the registration is received in New Delhi by August 31, the registration fee remains the same as in the dedication brochure, Air mail takes at least two weeks to reach India.

Baha’is are also reminded to make their airline reservations as early as possible, as they may not be able to secure the desired dates for the trip if they

[Page 2]2/ The American Baha’i / September 1986

‘Promise of Peace’ spurs worldwide action, response

WORLD CENTRE

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News continues to flow into the Baha’i World Center of successful and creative peace conferences, wide-ranging press coverage, and impressive evidence of the new spiritual dynamism manifested among Baha’is and non-Baha’is alike in the wake of the release and distribution of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.””

In Australia, Jack Malardy, leader of the Karradjarrie Aboriginal people of Western Australia, and his wife, Lilly, enrolled in the Faith, having been close friends for several years with members of the Baha’i community of Carnarvon.

Taking advantage of a visit from Counselor Hooper Dunbar, a member of the International Teaching Center, the National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador hosted a two-day conference on “The Promise of World Peace.”

Assisted by Mr. Dunbar and three other Counselors, Dr. Hidayatu’llah Ahmadiyyih from Belize, Rodrigo Tomés from Costa Rica and Arturo Serrano from Mexico, the weekend activi Texas presentation

The Spiritual Assembly of Houston, Texas, recently presented a copy of “‘The Promise of World Peace’’ to Sissy Farenthold, an attorney and former Texas gubernatorial candidate.

Ms. Farenthold, a peace and women’s activist, was recently featured in Ms. magazine for her efforts in erecting a peace tent at the Africa Women’s Conference.

Green Acre

| VIEWPOINT

I recently had the privilege of attending the Green Acre Baha’i School’s weekend program on “Racism: A Major Barrier to Peace,’’ conducted by Bette Roberts and Carol Rutstein.

The weekend was a real eyeopener for many of us who had perhaps assumed that the American Baha’i community had made great strides in eliminating many of the problems associated with this immense and challenging issue.

During the course of the weekend, we examined where we are as a community and where we’d like to be. Our session leaders gave us a glimpse of the gaps between the vision of racial harmony and the present reality, shaking us out of our complacency and inspiring us to greater resolve.

In doing so, they stressed the importance of our taking ourselves into account as a community and making steps toward becoming a model for the world.

They began by sharing some working premises to be used as a foundation for the weekend:

1, The issue to which the Guardian refers deals with black people and white people in America—but the solution and consequences

ties attracted some 250 participants including well-known professional, civic and government leaders.

Exemplifying the strong emotional impact of the conference was a spontaneous drawing by a student of a fountain in which the water was labeled ‘‘light, love, peace’ and the fountain itself labeled ‘‘Baha’i.””

The splendid media coverage included publication of the audience comments.

The Baha’ is in the Faroe Islands were delighted to have the entire text of the peace statement published in the Sosialurin, the second largest daily paper in the Faroes, over a period of one week along with photographs of the Prime Minister, Atli Dam, accepting a copy of the statement from a Baha’i delegation.

Coincidentally, that particular week was devoted to the topic of world peace by the Faroese organization, ‘People for Peace.’”

Friends in Guinea Bissau (formerly The Gambia) persevered for eight months before they were able to present the peace statement to the president; it was presented through the office of the secretary-general.

The response of that country’s official community, most of whom are Muslims, has been impressive. As part of the peace activities, a peace statement program for the schools was prepared and endorsed by the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Mrs. Louise Niie.

Such was the success of the program that it is to be continued into the next school year.

The presentation of the peace statement to Dr. Helmut Kohl, the Chancellor of West Germany,

took place on July 4.

During the 40-minute interview the Chancellor proved to be both knowledgeable of and favorable toward the Baha’i Faith. He also expressed concern about the persecutions of Baha’is in Iran, and gave assurances of his support.

The Baha’is of Duisburg have been invited to the inauguration ceremony November 5-8 of the “‘Willy Brandt Foundation for the Third World.”’ With the help of the National Spiritual Assembly, famed trumpeter John (Dizzy) Gillespie has been booked to perform and will be introduced as the official contribution of the Baha’i community.

Further, the National Assembly has invited Mr. Gillespie to present “‘Baha’i Concerts for Peace’’ in three major cities in Germany for a week, the proceeds to be given to funds of UNICEF and a local German charity.

From Mozambique comes this exciting cable about the presentation of the peace statement “... amidst 4,000 people gathered at official opening ceremony of International Year of Peace 7th June at Maputo.

“Present were listers of External Affairs, Justice, and Education (wife of President Samora Machel). Representatives of 20 embassies present.

“Speakers were of organizations of women, children, workers, youth, Christians, Muslims, Baha’is, and the Ministers of Defense and of External Affairs.

“Peace message handed over to chairman for the president. Complete program including Baha’i prayer was broadcast live on Radio Mozambique.”’

A newspaper clipping from Siamrat newspaper, Bangkok,

Thailand, announces an essay contest on peace sponsored by the Baha’is in cooperation with the Coalition for Peace and Development and the Office of the State University.

The project was begun last March with results to be announced in August and a cele bration and awards presentation planned in mid-September.

Theme topics include ‘‘Peace and Development,’’ ‘‘Peace Through Education,’’ ‘‘Religion and Peace,’’ ‘‘Peace Through World Government,”’ ‘‘Woman’s Role in Peace,”’ and ‘‘Is Peace a Dream or a Reality?’’

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By Ellen Wallen, Beloit, Wisconsin

conference on racism proves real eye-opener

concern all Baha’is.

2. The concept of “‘race’’ as we commonly understand it is constantly changing and evolving.

3. A knowledge of the true history of America is necessary for Baha’is to deal with this issue. (One of the books they recommended is The Invention of the Negro by Earl Conrad.)

4. Everyone has been affected and infected by racism.

5. The progress in solving this issue is the key to success with other goals we have as Baha’is.

As a group, we then discussed the fears we have as Baha’js in addressing the issue. Confrontation, hurt feelings, opening unresolvable issues, discomfort, embarrassment, having to change one’s ways, and causing disunity were mentioned, as well as obstacles to learning such as defensiveness, tisfaction, lack of trust, an attitude of ‘‘already knowing,’’ guilt, insensitivity, and not hearing or being heard.

This was followed by reviewing the distancing behaviors or “‘games’’ we often use to avoid taking constructive action.

Then, because the facilitators found the group to be open and receptive to frank discussion within a safe environment, an experiment was made: small groups were formed in which participants were separated by heritage to assess the real conditions of our Baha’i communities.

This month’s column about a weekend program at the Green Acre Bahá’í School was written by Anne Gordon Atkinson, a staff member of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in Wilmette, Illinois.

This was especially valuable for the black participants, who welcomed the opportunity to consult together.

Some of the conclusions reached by the white groups were:

Some of the conclusions made by black groups were:

¢ There is polarity, separation, intolerance and exclusion of blacks within the Faith.

nantly a white, middle-class Anglo-Saxon culture, and the contributions of blacks are often discounted.

Blacks feel a “‘controlling’’ influence by white Baha’is.

There is pain for blacks as Baha’is.

In looking at some of our failures to confront the “most challenging issue,”” we spoke openly and honestly about deep feelings.

One white’s response was, ‘“‘We haven’t grown because we haven’t

solved this problem, and we aren’t raising up communities capable of matching our spiritual destiny.

“‘This is particularly destructive when we send out pioneers who may not have conquered the subtleties of racism and who then ii flict their attitudes on other cultures.’””

One black’s response was, “Whites do not go beyond Louis Gregory in terms of appreciating the achievements of blacks, We need to widen our circle of appreciation.

“Blacks have so much love to give and can teach the Baha’is so much about community, but we often aren’t given a chance.””

One of the perceptions of the group leaders was that white Baha’is have to take the responsibility to ‘‘own’’ this issue and demonstrate sincerity by not expecting black Baha’is to coach us in reorienting ourselves.

She reminded us that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had likened ‘the colored people to the black pupil of the eye surrounded by the white. In this black pupil is seen the reflection of that which is before it, and through it the light of the spirit shineth forth.’’ (Quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 37), and that we need to listen very carefully when a person of color offers a remark so that we will all benefit from the perception.

Beyond the shock, beyond the pain of looking at how far we

must go in freeing ourselves from racial prejudice was the vision of the Baha’i community as a model of unity in the world.

The weekend conference gave us a glimmering promise of how the implementation of this vision can create a tangible and lasting unity that will have an enormous impact on the larger society around us, for, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said, ‘‘the accomplishment of unity between the colored and white will be an assurance of the world’s peace.” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 39)

I would like to salute these two women, Bette Roberts and Carol Rutstein (one biack and one white), whose exemplary friendship and partnership and whose courage in addressing these issues had such a profound impact on the participants at Green Acre.

Perhaps now that we have the new compilation from the Baha’i Publishing Trust on prejudice, racism and unity, we can all delve more deeply into the writings and develop our own resolve to root out the remnants of condescension, mistrust and disunity that hold us back from attaining our highest destiny.

(Editor’s note: The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism is now available from the Baha’i Distribution Service and is described on page 15 in this issue.) [Page 3]

LETTERS

“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions. ”’—‘Abdu’|Baha

The American Bahá’í 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 and opinions, never to denigrate another’s opinion or to attack anyone on a personal level.

Letters should be as brief as possible (a maximum of 250 words is suggested). Letters are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to the Editor, The American Baha’i, Bahai National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091.

Louhelen discounts

To the Editor:

We want to support our hardworking children’s class teachers by offering them 20 per cent discounts to any program at the Louhelen Bahd’{ School in 143 B.E. when sponsored by their local/regional communities.

The National Teacher Training Conference held at Louhelen in June reached new highs in spirit and substance, and found many individuals attending via local community sponsorship.

We thought this was a fitting “thank-you’’ to these teachers from their communities, but deserved wider application. So we’re opening up the entire year of programs (through April 1987) at 20 per cent off to children’s class teachers who are sent by their communities.

Come and claim your APPLE FOR THE TEACHER at Loulehen! (Actually, we’re known for a variety of standard and specialty fruits.)

The Louhelen Bahá’í School Council

Baha’i/Marxist dialogue

To the Editor:

A brief comment about the “first Baha’i/Marxist dialogue’ and the objections raised in the letter (June) from Arthur M.

Ryan:

In Circle of Unity, Nader Saiedi writes, ‘‘It is common among Baha’is to believe that Marxism and the Baha’i Faith oppose and contradict one another in all their major principles. It is supposed that the two movements can find no common ground in their basic philosophical, social, economic and political approaches.””

The purpose of the Baha’i Faith is to unite the world into one nation and one religion. We cannot do this without dialogue with every other major group.

The fact that a dialogue is held with any one group cannot be held to imply an endorsement of that group or rejection of any other. We are not straddling a fence; we are bridging a chasm. c.

While I think that having a “‘Baha’i/capitalist dialogue”’ is a good idea, I would suggest that such a dialogue is rather continuous. Since most western Baha’is live in capitalist countries, most are quite familiar with capitalism, and many capitalists are familiar with the Faith and are influenced

to some degree by it.

As there are relatively few Baha’is in ‘‘Marxist’’ nations, there has been almost no dialogue between Baha’is and Marxists.

We should keep in mind that capitalism and Marxism are philosophies and not political parties. Thus, dialogue with either group is far removed from political involvement.

Indeed, having a dialogue with political partisans can itself be removed from political involvement as long as one is careful to neither oppose nor advocate political positions or candidates.

In this divided, war-torn world, unity is desperately needed. Unity can be based only on understanding, and understanding is impossible without dialogue.

John Bower Comayagua, Honduras

To the Editor:

In reply to the letter (June) criticizing the historic Baha’i/Marxist Dialogue, I would like to enlarge the issue outside the boundaries of political rivalry, which is the basis of most of the world’s problems.

I didn’t attend the sessions at Louhelen, as I am well beyond this stage, having spent most of my life in western Europe where communism has become a diminished but at times useful opposition party and simply a part of everyday life.

I was a teen-ager during the Stalinist era and fought Communists in bloody riots in the streets of Paris. At the same time, my best friend was a Jewish Communist girl while my Catholic family belonged to the extreme right of the political spectrum and was anti-semite.

Yet I credit my friendly but energetic dialogue with my Communist classmate as the origin of my “independent investigation of truth”’ which led me finally to the Baha’i Faith (my friend is no longer a Communist and is studying the Faith in Paris).

When I investigated Marxist philosophy, I realized that communism as known in the world today is as remote from Marx as Christianity is from Christ. Actually, if churches had applied Christ’s teachings, Marx would have had nothing to say. That is why Christian/Marxist dialogue is an ongoing process in western Europe and elsewhere.

The ‘Communist Manifesto” was published in 1848 to protest the social conditions prevalent in the Industrial Revolution. Poor people including women and children were working 14-hour days and seven-day weeks in factories for a pittance.

Churches, supported by the factory owners, were preaching resignation on earth for a reward in heaven, justifying Marx’s calling een “the opiate of the peo ie.”

It is thanks to the subsequent development of Marxist-inspired workers’ unions that we now enjoy humane working conditions and social benefits in the western world.

What I mean is that, considered in its historical context, Marxism has been an important element in the spiritual and cultural evolution ushered in by the Baha’i Revelation. Marxism has the ideal of uniting the downtroddens of the world through class struggle and a process of adapted social evolution called ‘‘dialectic’? which is claimed to be scientific.

In the history of communism, this process turned into bloody repression and the smothering of the human spirit; an historical demonstration of hatred instead of the brotherly love professed by Marx.

But as a sincere Christian, I had to admit that churches and Christian doctrine had failed equally to direct the evolution of mankind toward the spiritual and cultural value of the law of Love of Creation demonstrated by Jesus.

Having survived World War II starvation and allied bombings in France, and horrified by the nuclear aberration, I thought that humanity was inevitably doomed.

No church, I thought, would ever be dedicated to the truth and powerful enough to reverse the tide of history and establish the Kingdom of God on earth, while the materialistic economic ideologies of the West could not stop communism and were mostly succeeding in bringing mankind to the brink of world bankruptcy and other disasters.

When I investigated the Baha’i Writings, I was overwhelmed and elated by the magnificent historic miracle of the Baha’i Revelation, by the tremendous spiritual power released which is upsetting and reversing the tide of 2,000 years of misinterpretation of Christ’s teachings.

The Baha’i principles have nothing to do with communism or capitalism: they are the spiritual, social and scientific applications of the Law of Creation—Love and Justice.

However, a Baha’i/Marxist dialogue, or a dialogue between Baha’is and any current philosophy, is a healthy process of education. Besides reaching different strata of academic and social circles, such a dialogue enlarges the minds of Baha’is and puts the Baha’i Teachings in the perspective of world history and evolutionGod’s Creation.

Eliane A. Hopson New York, New York

To the Editor:

After years of reading the letters section of The American Bahd’ before any other and enjoying the elevated tone and intelligent content of most letters you have published, I was truly sorry to see the letter (June) in response to the April ‘‘Viewpoint’’ about the first Baha’i/Marxist Dialogue at the Louhelen Baha’i School.

I had to re-read the letter several times to be sure that I was understanding it correctly. And with each perusal I found myself more and more ‘‘put off” by its negative tone and base appeal to paro

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 3

chial nationalism.

Each statement the writer made seemed to be running contrary to my understanding of the fundamental teachings of the Faith, limited though that understanding may be.

Finally, after much soul-searching, I mustered enough courage and, I hope, dispassionate objectivity to write and let you know how disappointed I was to see this periodical used as a platform for a revival of those discredited ideas and attitudes of the McCarthy era of the 1950s.

In the interest of saving space and yet providing as succinct an answer as possible to the author of that letter, I herewith present what I consider to be the definitive statement on the issue of dialogue between any philosophy, theory or current thought and the Baha’i Faith.

1 offer this quote from the Writings of Bahda’u’ll4h with my sincerest wish that it will lay to rest, once and for all, the obvious fears and misgivings that the writer has concerning this Faith’s increasing encounters with the ‘‘outside’’ (ie., non-Baha’i) world on its progressive march from obscurity:

“Soon will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead.””

John F. Algeo Sapulpa, Oklahoma

It pays to advertise

To the Editor:

At a recent Feast it was recommended that our Group send a letter to The American Bahá’í encouraging everyone to make an effort to wear a T-shirt or badge or button or some type of clothing or ornamentation mentioning the Faith, or at least mentioning one of its principles.

It is hoped that this method of proclaiming the Faith will encourage people to stop us and ask about the message we blazon on our clothing. Then, if we’re truly prepared, we can give the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to them on the spot, or invite them to a fireside, or even give them something to read—a pamphlet or, perhaps, the peace statement—a supply of which might be carried in our purse, auto glove compartment, briefcase, school notebook, backpack, baby’s diaper bag, etc. (be creative)!

Just a suggestion, but if everyone of us took the time to wear such an item of clothing on those days when we go shopping, to the doctor or dentist, to fill up the gas tank, to pick up a quick lunch or our cleaning, think how many

teaching opportunities might Think how many seeds Bahd’u’ll4h may allow us to plant, without saying a word, when people see the Greatest Name in any form or when they start thinking about one of the principles of the Faith because they first saw it on a T-shirt worn by some courteous and well-mannered Baha’ i! Gwyn Magaditsch Norco, California

Avoid confrontation

To the Editor:

We must never be the cause of our own persecution.

We love confrontation; it’s our animal nature. A good battle, especially when we expect it, have indisputable answers, and are assured of ultimate victory, is exhilarating.

To suffer righteously offsets guilt from past mistakes and removes doubt about our own spiritual strength. Getting others into the fray, having one denomination ‘‘on our side’’ against others, will feel like a small victory.

It is thus easy to stumble into controversy, thereby fostering and intensifying persecution.

We must not interpret angry behavior and argument as persecution. It is natural that people and groups should be fearful of new ideas. Anger is one expression of fear. Many an angry or belligerent person has become a faithful Baha’i once his fears were resolved.

Anytime we shake another’s confidence, he must become defensive. We have forced him to resist.

Shoghi Effendi said, ‘‘ ...the world-wide Law of Baha’u’llah ... can conflict with no legitimate allegiances, nor can it undermine essential loyalties. ...”” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 41)

Angry responses can be avoided or disarmed. We are good at this when it is appropriate and we remember to act like Baha’is.

Tact, patience, forbearance, praise, agreement, silence, etc. are all Godly attributes, and we’ve had plenty of practice with them. The question is, ‘When is conciliatory behavior appropriate?”’ The answer: always!

“Conflict and contention are in no wise permitted.”? (Baha’i Administration, p. 9)

“(Refuse) to utter the word that would needlessly alienate or estrange any individual, government or people.” (Baha’i Administration, p. 102)

“If anyone offends another, he

See LETTERS page 31

New from George Ronald, Publisher

Reginald Turvey/Life and Art

edited and compiled by Lowell Johnson

‘Spiritual father of the Baha’is of South Africa.’ Shoghi Effendi on Reginald Turvey

‘I would place Reg Turvey as good as anyone who has painted landscapes since Constable.’ Bernard Leach, world-famous potter and Baha’i

A lovingly compiled book about a rare and sympathetic man, who ‘lived the life’ as artist and Baha’i. Beautifully illustrated with 16 pages in colour and 32 in black-andwhite. 176 pages. Softcover only, $14.95

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order to: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

[Page 4]4/ The American Baha’i / September 1986

CHAMPION pe

BUILDERS

LOYCE DRUGAN LAWRENCE

During the European International Teaching Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, in July 1953, Loyce Drugan Lawrence was captivated by the vision of the global crusade described by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, and stirred by his call for pioneers to arise and carry the Faith of Baha’u’llah to the remotest corners of the earth.

Despite her preference for warmer climates, she offered to settle in the Lofoten Islands within the Arctic Circle and left immediately for Svolvaer, an act that brought great joy to the heart of the Guardian and won for her the designation ‘‘Knight of Baha’u’llah.””

Born in 1905 in Winchester, Massachusetts, the eldest of three children whose mother died when they were still quite young, Loyce was raised by her grandparents and an aunt in Beverly, Massachusetts, where she was graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1926.

To satisfy her adventurous spirit and thirst to know more about people, religion and the world, she traveled extensively in her free time.

In the course of her search for a foundation on which to base her spiritual growth, she learned of the Baha’i Faith. Her early teachers were Lorna Tasker and Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Ober.

In 1942 Loyce was married to Gustavus G. Lawrence. Although not a Baha’i, he was supportive of Loyce’s Bahd’{ work, and their home in Gloucester was open to the Baha’is for meetings and other gatherings.

To deepen her knowledge of the Faith, Loyce attended the Green Acre Baha’i School, and served from 1948-50 as an editor of The Bahd’( World.

Mr. Lawrence never became a Baha’i, but as Elizabeth Ober wrote, ‘‘The marriage was one of unity and love. Her bereavement was great when her husband died in 1951 because their hearts were so firmly knit.’”

Elizabeth and Harlan Ober spent much time with Loyce during this period and noted how her heart was lightened by the plans she made to attend the Stockholm conference and the Asian Intercontinental Teaching Conference which was to follow in October 1953.

She was able to attend both conferences and to complete a trip

See LAWRENCE page 32

Meetings from page 1

seen.

It was in response to this growth and maturity within the community that the National Assembly felt moved to call upon the local Assemblies and individual believers to take part in the development of our national plan through participation in the Town Meetings in June.

In a letter to all individual Baha’is in the U.S., the National Assembly noted that it wanted ‘‘all Baha’ is to have a role in this process (formulation of the national plan),’’ and it was for this purpose that the Town Meetings were convened.

In addition, local Spiritual Assemblies were asked to develop two-year plans for their communities and to present these plans at their Town Meeting. It was hoped that through this grassroots effort, ideas would be exchanged and areas in which communities could collaborate would be identified.

The meetings were focused largely on the seven major goals of the Six Year Plan as outlined by the Universal House of Justice:

Greater involvement of the

Faith in the life of human society.

A worldwide increase in the

translation, production, distribution and use of Baha’i

Further acceleration in the

process of the maturation of local and national Baha’i communities.

° A wider extension of Baha’i education to children and youth, and the strengthening of Baha’i family life.

¢ The pursuit of social and economic development in well-established Baha’i communities.

Their results are being summarized and compiled by National Center staff who have broken them down into two main categories:

1. Activities which the communities are planning, and

2. activities which the friends have recommended for the national plan.

In both cases, the results of consultation are being categorized within the seven major goals of the Plan according to the percentage of responses.

For instance, within Goal No. 1 (carrying the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind), 73 per cent of the communities say they’ll make greater use of the media, while 67 per cent plan more public proclamations.

Concerning the goal of greater involvement of the Faith in the life of society, 69 per cent report that they’ll step up association with other organizations; 58 per cent indicate that their priorities will include wider distribution of the peace statement.

Meanwhile, 61 per cent say they'll be placing more Baha’i books in public libraries, 42 per cent are planning projects with other assemblies, 73 per cent plan to hold deepening classes in thei community, 60 per cent are aiming to improve or expand child education, and 35 per cent plan to work with outside agencies on social and economic development projects.

Recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly have generally reflected the goals set at the local level, with 65 per cent of communities recommending increased use of the media in proclamation; 35 per cent, greater association with other organizations; 37 per cent, a wider availability of Baha’i books to the public; 35 per cent, more development and training for local Assemblies; 40 per cent, more video educational materials; 41 per cent, the development of curricula and materials for children; and 34 per cent, the initiation of social and economic development projects.

In its report to the National Spiritual Assembly, the National Teaching Committee has made the following observations based on reports received so far:

cess (Town Meetings) and encouraging them to create their own plans has already had a positive effect on the community. Enthusiasm has been generated and a sense of responsibility is developing. This process should be continued this year and throughout the Six Year Plan by a series of well-planned activities

designed to improve the friends’ ability to analyze their communities and develop strategies for growth.

.

Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem addresses the friends at the 13th Conference of

Nur, held May 30-June 1 at Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) Col lege.

2 Counselors among speakers at 13th Conference of Nur

More than 270 adults, youth and children attended the 13th Conference of Nur, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and held May 30-June 1 at Elizabethtown College.

The speakers, Counselor Robert Harris, Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem, and Peter Oldziey, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board, all spoke eloquently on the conference theme, ‘“‘The Unfoldment of World Peace.’”

The talks were followed by six simultaneous workshop sessions for adults and youth.

Youth also had their own inspiring session, as did the younger children, the latter planned and carried out by LEAP advisers in eastern Pennsylvania with help from many volunteers at the conference.

Saturday evening was reserved for entertainment with performances by international folk dancers and a variety of talented musicians.

Comments heard afterward included ‘‘...it was exciting, “*...truly inspiring,” and ‘‘...it was the best conference I’ve ever attended.”’

Conventions

from page 1

and development of the Faith.

Besides the activities for the adults, excellent children’s programs will be offered. In many cases a session for youth will also be held.

These will be the first District Conventions held in the new electoral units. Districts that elected more than one delegate last year were split up into two or more electoral units after the Universal House of Justice announced last year that it is preferable for each unit to elect only one delegate.

All of the units in any given district still share a common District Teaching Committee, but each of the units will have its own Convention and elect its own delegate.

In many areas, the smaller electoral units will mean that the friends will not have to travel as far to attend the Convention and will be able to participate more readily.

In many cases, the Conventions will have a far different look than in the past. While some will last most of the day, others are being

held only in the morning or afternoon.

Some are being preceded, in the morning or the night before, by social events, workshops or picnics. Others are being followed by a party, dance or program to celebrate the anniversary of the Birth of the Bab.

More detailed information about the Conventions will appear in district newsletters or will be sent out in many areas by the Convention planning teams.

The local Assemblies that are co-hosting the Conventions in each unit are working hard to make them stimulating and enjoyable. Please make every effort io attend.

An invitation to the Convention has been mailed with voting materials to every adult Baha’i with a known address who is eligible to vote. The invitation includes information about the site, date and time for the Convention. This information is also listed on pages 16-17 in this issue of The American Bahá’í.

A mail ballot recipient/contact person is also listed for each unit. If you need Convention information or are uncertain about which

Convention you should attend, please contact one of these people. The mail ballot recipient can tell you whether someone else lives in your unit (and is thus eligible to be elected a delegate).

If you are unabie to attend the Convention, please vote by absentee ballot. Simply use the ballot and follow the instructions you receive in the mail.

If you do not receive your ballot

in the mail and are unable to attend, vote in the following manner: Print the name of the person you wish to vote for on a slip of paper. Vote only for one person, unless you live in New York City/Rochester County, or the city of Los Angeles, in which case you should vote for two or three delegates, respectively.

Place your ballot in a plain envelope and seal it. Do not mark this envelope in any way.

Place the envelope containing the ballot in another envelope, seal it, and write your name in the return address area of the outer envelope.

Mail it to the mail ballot recipient for your electoral unit so that it is received before the Con vention, or have a friend bring your ballot to the Convention for

you.

Any Baha’i in good standing who is at least 21 years old and who is a member of your electoral unit is eligible to vote and to be voted for as a delegate to the National Convention.

The only exceptions to this are the Hands of the Cause of God and members of the Continental Board of Counselors.

Auxiliary Board members are eligible for election; however, if elected, an Auxiliary Board member must choose between accepting this responsibility and remaining on the Auxiliary Board.

In voting, please bear in mind the following instruction of the Guardian concerning the attitude to be adopted in electing representatives of the Faith:

“It is incumbent ... to consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best. combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience.”” (Bahá’í Administration, p. 87) [Page 5]

A gift of love from the impris oned Baha’is in Iran is igniting a fire of action across the country.

The gift—189 red roses, each honoring one of the recent Iranian martyrs—was received by the Am erican believers during the National Convention, after which each delegate carried a rose back to his or her district.

This gift of love was offered by the captive Baha’is as a challenge to us to compensate for the services they are ‘‘prevented from rendering.’”

With the roses came a message from the hearts of the ‘‘brokenwinged birds of Bahd’’—the Ba ha’i prisoners.

Their words assured us that they “‘feel the effects of our progress,” and that our actions only increase their resolve to “‘be more devoted and steadfast in the field of service to His Threshold.””

The reports of Town Meetings, presently under careful analysis by the National Spiritual Assembly, often make mention of “the rose.’”

handling

Benefits to

support is assured

Receipts

Participation

I SEASYe.

1, Fill out the Form. 2. Send it to the National Baha’i Fund with your check attached.*

AUTOMATIC CONTRIBUTIONS

The Automatic Contribution system is a convenient way for individuals, groups, and Assemblies to contribute to the National Baha’i Fund.

Benefits to YOU

You are assured that your obligation to contribute to the National Fund is always met. What's more, you eliminate the cost of postage and the inconvenience of

The National Baha’i Fund

The cost of processing, receipting, and mailing is reduced and a regular base of

Your contribution will be deducted from your bank account on or around the 20th of each (Gregorian) month. A record of this transaction will be listed on your monthly bank statement. In February, you will receive a year-end

contribution receipt for tax purposes

Individuals giving by Automatic Contribution are considered regular annual contributors and are counted as participants for each Baha’i month. Automatic Contributions will be reflected on the monthly National Fund chart

It takes 30-45 days for your automatic contribution to be processed the first time

TheNational Baha’

Fund

PRINT FULL NAME

. residing at

Signed: _. Baha’i ID # Date

Home phone Work phone:

hereby authorize the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States to charge my checking account each (Gregorian) month the fixed amount of

(If your account is with a credit union or money market fund, please provide the address and telephone number of the office servicing your account.)

Attach this form to a check in the amount of your authorization.

Number of participants:

™ailt0’ NATIONAL Baha’i FUND

Wilmette, IL 60091

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 5

‘GIFT OF LOVE’ FROM IRAN LIGHTS FIRE OF ACTION

In Kansas, a response to ‘the rose”’ was “‘to take ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to all county seats statewide,’’ and ‘‘to inspire each other to help achieve universal participation in giving to the Fund.”

In Illinois, a response was “‘to mount and frame the district’s rose in an attractive way and circulate it from community to community to encourage the believers to make sacrifices for the Fund.””

Plans ‘‘to plant 189 rose bushes around a local Baha’i Center’’ and ‘‘to make donations (to the Fund) in honor of Iranian martyrs’’ were contained in a report of a Town Meeting in Arizona.

In all, a wide range of activities is emerging in response to the gift from the captive Baha’is.

Our Persian friends are hoping and praying that we carry the development of the Cause of God forward with renewed energy and strength.

“This, truly,’’ they write, ‘‘will give solace to our eyes and a sense of spiritual pride to us as we journey in the path of the WellBeloved in the cradle of the Faith of God.”

The American Baha’i community is arising to the challenge of “the rose.”” The National Spiritual Assembly would like to hear of your community’s response.

Above: Musicians Dave and Helene Van Manens from Beulah, Colorado, entertain during the Jirst Regional National Treas urer’s Representatives and Local

TON

Treasurers’ Institute held July 25-27 in Boulder. Below: Rick James, an NTR for northeastern Colorado, addresses the audience.

1st Regional Institute held for NTRs, local treasurers

The motivating force behind the first Regional National Treasurer’s Representatives and Local Treasurers’ Institute, held July 25-27 in Boulder, Colorado, was the spirit of partnership.

The Institute gave NTRs, local treasurers and National Treasurer’s Office staff an opportunity to share concerns and ideas about the institution of the Fund. The outcome was a new sense of unity and purpose.

The Institute’s theme was ‘‘The Advent of Maturity—Its Impact on the Functioning of the Treas Auxiliary Board member Carol Brooks addressed the opening session by focusing on an aspect of “the advent of maturity’’—the importance of the individual.

Among the highlights of Saturday’s sessions were “‘kitchen table discussions,’’ small group discus sions that fostered the free exchange of ideas, comments and thoughts about Fund administration and education.

Larger group discussions addressed topics ranging from technical and bookkeeping issues to the spiritual nature of the Fund.

Although the Institute was nationally sponsored, it was coordinated by Colorado NTRs Chuck Hall, Rick James and Roya Mahmoudi.

This local initiative played a large part in the success of the Institute and further confirms the recent messages from the Universal House of Justice that stress the importance of the individual arising to champion the Cause.

The design of this Institute wili serve as a blueprint for future regional Institutes for NTRs and local treasurers [Page 6]6 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

Career choice an important component in pioneering

SE Pioncenna

This is the second in a series of articles on preparing for pioneering and international service.

°

When you were a child, how many times did someone come up to you and say, ‘‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’”

Often, in your eagerness to answer, your thoughts would turn to the heroes and heroines that you had seen on television or read about in a book, and your eyes would sparkle as you answered.

Fortunately, even such a simple

Sir Edmund Hillary given peace statement

While visiting the Hillary schools and hospitals in the Khumbu area of Nepal, Jerry Vinal, a Baha’i from Whitman, Massachusetts, was able to give a copy of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, ‘‘The Promise of World Peace,’’ to the chairman of the Hillary Trust, Sir Edmund Hillary, who is also the ambassador to Nepal, India and Bangladesh from New Zealand.

Other presentations were made to the Rinpoche of Tangboche (the area’s leading Buddhist divine incarnate), to be placed in the first Sherpa museum and library for everyone’s use; to the Maharaj Kumari, daughter of the Nepalese ruling family before the pre-1950s revolution; and to Mr. Malla, the leading producer of jute and sugar in Nepal.

question gave the the chance to focus your attention on the idea that you would have a future and that part of this future would be the development of your talents to acquire an art, trade, craft or profession.

Many of you may be in the process of doing this for the first time, or changing your profession, or gaining experience within your chosen field.

While it is true that many pioneers are self-supporting in businesses, schools and home industries, using the talents and skills they obtained through hobbies or avocations, this article will acquaint you with specific skills that are highly employable in the pioneering field, now and in the future.

The international job market has been fairly consistent in its need for certain skills. These include elementary and secondary school teachers, university professors, non-formal educators, and counselors; doctors, nurses, technicians, health educators and health program directors; agronomists, horticulturists, conservationists, environmental specialists, soil and water specialists and crop scientists; and tradesmen, plumbers, electricians, master brick layers, auto mechanics, diesel engine and large, off-road equipment mechanics and operators.

The emphasis on socio-economic development has opened several other areas of employment, specifically the computer science field and occupations in the media.

There is a growing need for individuals not only to teach computer science but also to set up

Seven Year Plan must be kept

ASIA

©) India

(K) Korea

(E) Nepal

(E) Philippines (Th) Thailand

AUSTRALASIA Caroline Islands (E) Kosrae (E) Palau (E) Truk (E) Fiji Mariana Islands (E) Rota (E) Tinian (E) Marshall Islands (E) Samoa (E) Tuvalu

AFRICA

(F) Benin

(E) Lesotho (E) Liberia

| ® Mauritania (E) Nigeria (E) Tanzania (E) Uganda

| LANGUAGE KEY E—English F—French Gr—Greek K—Korean S—Spanish Th—Thai T—Tarkish

Ridvan 1986

Until a new assignment is given to the United States by the Universal House of Justice, all goals assigned for the last phase of the

R GOALS

filled. The countries are:

AMERICAS (S) Argentina Bahamas (E) San Salvador Is. (B) Barbados Chile (S) Easter Island (S) Colombia (E) Dominica (F) French Guiana Ecuador (S) Galapagos Is. (S) El Salvador (E) Grenada (S) Guatemala (S) Honduras Jamaica (E) Cayman Islands (E) Leeward Islands (BE) Anguilla (E) Montserrat (S) Mexico (S) Yucatan (S) Puerto Rico (E) St. Lucia (B) St. Vincent Turks and Caicos Is. (E) Grand Turk (E) Providenciales (Provo) (E) North Caicos (E) Middle Caicos (S) Uruguay

EUROPE (S) Canary Islands (Gr,T,E) Cyprus

() Ireland

computer labs, offer technical help and training, and develop specialized software.

At the heart of the development of many rural areas is the use of media, specifically radio. There is a need for individuals who can develop educational curricula, provide the technical expertise needed to set up a radio station and studio, serve as liaisons between the radio station and public officials and organizations, and train indigenous peoples.

Your level of education will determine to a great extent the kinds of jobs that will be open to you. In the field of education, if you are interested in teaching primary or secondary school, a bachelor’s degree with current certification is sufficient. Often, however, a master’s degree is preferred.

To teach at the university level, a master’s degree is usually required, and a doctorate is preferred for certain subjects. In large cities and more developed areas, the requirements tend to be higher.

Right now the most soughtafter degrees are: in education, a master’s degree in English or linguistics with certification or emphasis on teaching English as a second language; any level of degree in the physical sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, especially with teaching certification; any level of degree in math, with an increasing emphasis on computer science as well; in medicine, a medical degree with a master’s in public health is most beneficial, while an RN degree with an MPH, a master’s in public health, a bachelor’s in nursing are all valuable; in agriculture, for most field positions at entry level, a bachelor’s degree, especially in

horticulture, soil science or soil conservation is sufficient, and a degree in agri-business at any level is advantageous; project directors usually are required to have a master’s or Ph.D and previous international experience.

Skilled technicians and tradesmen need to have certification or some documentation indicating that they have achieved their level of expertise. Highly skilled secretaries and administrative assistants are needed especially for governmental agencies.

There is also a need for individuals with training in the arts. Graphic artists can find work with

‘international corporations as well

as in media production. There is always a need for mu Baha’i from Illinois music director on 3-month ocean cruise

Bob Bellows, a Baha’i from Skokie, Illinois, who is a wellknown entertainer, is the music director on a three-month cruise now in progress aboard the liner Royal Viking Sea.

The cruise, which began July 28, includes stops in Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki, Leningrad, Hamburg and Southampton before crossing the Atlantic to Canada and New York City and continuing down the East Coast to Charleston and Fort Lauderdale.

The liner then heads through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Puerto Vallarta, ending its cruise October 28 in Lima, Peru.

sicians, entertainers and artists; however, earning a viable income is questionable until one establishes himself, which can take many years.

Theatre is another area that can be developed in conjunction with work in education. Often, combining work in theatre with tutoring will provide a living wage.

ever, require a high level of expertise to achieve and maintain a reasonable standard of living.

If you have any questions or are uncertain about the career that you would like to pursue as you strive to serve the Cause internationally, please feel free to contact the International Goals Committee office, Wilmette, IL 60091, or

All areas of the fine arts, how- _ to phone 312-869-9039.

a Baha’is in Huntington Beach, California, had a booth at this year’s Mina Rassekh, Ursula Alai and Huntington Beach Community Harold Jackson. (Photo by ae Festival. Pictured at the booth are Caraco)

left to right) Robert Jenkins,

Pioneer Post available to subscribers

Pioneer Post is a newsletter consisting of excerpts from letters written by pioneers from the U.S. to the International Goals Committee. In its eight-year existence, it has been sent quarterly to the 1,500 or so U.S. pioneers in the field as well as to Counselors, Auxiliary Board members, and a few others who have requested it. Now it is being offered on a subscription basis to anyone who is interested for $4 a year. Send your checks to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. You’ll find Pioneer Post a continuing source of inspiration and love.

MATERIALS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE

BOOKS

A Manual for Pioneers by Rihiyyih Rabbani, $4.50—A MUST for pioneers and traveling teachers, this practical guide by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khaénum covers topics of concern such as health, diet, public speaking, local customs, simple furniture building, travel hints, Baha’i administration, etc. The book shares many personal experiences gleaned from several trips made around the world.

Quickeners of Mankind: Pioneering in a World Community, $1.50—This compilation contains quotes from Bahd’u’ll4h, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, and Hands of the Cause regarding pioneering. The quotes, arranged topicaily, provide an inspirational guide to deepening on the ‘“‘most meritorious of deeds.”’

Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook by David Werner, $7—Guidance for home diagnosis and remedies for many health problems encountered in other countries.

Preservation of Personal Health in Warm Climates by the Ross Institute of Tropical Hygiene, England, $2.50—This health care manual concentrates on those ailments and health concerns common to tropical climates. It provides specific information regarding inoculations, skin diseases, travel and camping preparations, and more.

CASSETTES

Pioneer by Joany Lincoln, $6—Pioneer Joany Lincoln has recorded in English and French many popular songs regarding service to Bahá’u’lláh including the ‘Persian Pioneer Song” and “Strong Brilliant Sunshine.’’

PERIODICALS

Pioneer Post newsletter, $4/year, published quarterly—Pioneer Post is compiled by the International Goals Committee from letters and reports of U.S. pioneers in more than 100 countries. Previously provided only to pioneers, the publication, full of heart-warming stories, practical advice and moving accounts of pioneers’ spiritual growth in serving Baha’u’llah, is now available to the entire Bahá’{ community.

NOTE: All prices include postage. Make checks or money orders payable to Baha’i Services Fund earmarked ‘‘IGC books.’”’ Send your order and payment to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

[Page 7]

aa

oe i.

Summer volunteer Shane Etzenhouser at work in the Office of the Treasurer at the National Center.

ee

Young volunteer gains valuable insight into importance of Fund

In response to the goal of dramatically increasing youth participation in giving to the National Baha’i Fund, the National Youth Committee received a letter from a youth who worked this summer iG the National Treasurer’s Of ice.

Dear Friends,

For the last couple of months I’ve been working in the Treasurer’s Office at the Baha’i National Center. Working here, I can’t help but gain an awareness of the importance of the National Fund.

The beloved Guardian said to the National Spiritual Assemblies of the U.S. and Canada that ‘‘the progress and execution of spiritual activities is dependent and conditioned upon material means.’”

The Baha’i community has now arisen from obscurity. The peace statement has been released. The Six Year Plan is in its first year. The ‘‘spiritual activities’? of the Faith are certainly increasing; therefore, the ‘‘material means’’ must also increase.

There must be an increase in contributions to the Fund. However, contributions so far this year are lower than they were at this time last year.

Less than two per cent of the Baha’i youth contribute regularly to the National Fund. Even in the summer months, this trend continues despite the fact that many youth have jobs.

The Baha’i youth, because of a lack of resources, may not be able by themselves to supply the increase in contributions needed by the Fund. But the participation of youth should not be this low.

Instead of going to a movie, buying french fries with your cheeseburger, or making that long distance phone call, you could take that money and give it to the Fund.

Contributions by youth can help the Fund while inspiring other Baha’is to contribute when they see the sacrifices made by the youth,

On page 84 of Bahd’/ Prayers, it says, ‘‘All of the friends of God ... should contribute to the extent possible, however modest their offering may be.’”

The National Youth Committee has challenged the Baha’i youth to a dramatic increase in youth contributions to the National Fund. I hope and pray that we will arise to meet this material and spiritual challenge.

Shane Etzenhouser Silver Lake, Kansas

YOUTH

Teachers have arisen in overwhelming numbers this summer to help spread the Word of Bahá’u’lláh in the army of 1,000 youth.

Gail Etzenhouser, secretary of the National Youth Committee, reports that ‘‘the National Youth Committee was ecstatic about the youths’ response to the goals of 95 summer projects and 1,000 youth projecteers.

“Despite a slow start, the youth rallied together, without benefit of a huge conference, and arose to vindicate the recent martyrs in Iran and continue to fulfill their destiny of ‘living sacrifice.”

“‘We have been unable,’’ she says, ‘‘to keep track of all the youth project sites. Many youth set up their own weekend projects, and we have no way of knowing who they are or where they taught.

“Some project sites have not yet reported in yet either, so we can only guess that we are close to reaching our goal.””

The Youth Office has received reports of successful teaching efforts in all areas of the country. Young traveling teachers, ranging in age from 12 to their mid-30s, have been especially successful in reaching the Native Americans.

On the Amoz Gibson Project in South Dakota the youth had several memorable meetings with the spiritual leader of Cherry Creek. The peace statement was presented to him, and the principles of the Faith were explained in great detail.

His impression of the Faith was so favorable that he gave his wife an introduction to the Faith. Baha’i youth and Native Americans sat one evening with him in an unplanned circle of nine and exchanged Baha’i and Lakota pray

ers.

Many Baha’is joined the Native Americans at a pow-wow in Kyle, South Dakota, which was graced by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rihiyyih Khanum who spoke on the basic principles of the Faith and answered a question from a Native American about the Baha’i view of the spiritual destiny of the American Indians.

The Hand of the Cause took part in a pipe ceremony, and world renowned Baha’i Kevin Locke performed his famous hoop dance to the delight and admiration of everyone present.

“Project. Dawn-Breakers’’ in northern Minnesota began by inviting the youth from the local Reservation in Inger to a game of basketball and followed up with

Youth invited to share their thoughts, ideas

Youth, junior youth and older youth in the Central States who feel isolated or wish to share thoughts, ideas or inspiration with their peers are invited to take part in a Youth Movement Central States Information and Communication Network.

Those who are interested can write to David Markusen,

Cold Springs, MN 56320. It doesn’t cost a cent, and can be very rewarding.

swimming. By the end of the week-long project, the local youth were

eagerly asking questions about the Faith and inviting the Baha’is to attend the local pow-wow in September. ‘

On another Reservation in the area the Baha’is held a successful dance that gained the friendship of many of the local people.

Many other sites have experienced tremendous success including southern Georgia where more than 20 people were enrolled, and in Florence, South Carolina, where there were 40 new believers.

It is reported that Wichita, Kansas, welcomed 36 new believers into the Faith during a teaching project of several weeks’ duration.

These reports simply confirm the numerical victories in a few places. They do not even come close to delineating the tremendous consolidation work, the dissemination of Baha’i principles, the proclamation efforts, or the sacrifice of Baha’is of all ages who worked diligently to set up projects and/or participate, the spiritual growth of the seekers and teachers, and the joy of arising to serve.

“Say: To assist Me is to teach My Cause. This is a theme with which whole Tablets are laden. This is the changeless commandment of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Comprehend this, O ye men of insight.”’ (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 196)

If you haven’t had the opportunity to participate in a teaching project, there’s still time. If you have a free week or even a weekend, the following projects can use youth. All projects are ongoing unless dates are indicated. Northeastern States «. Project Lua, Newfane/Wilson, NY (teaching and consolidation); contact Jeanne Delaney, 716-8255457.

The Gathering, Montague Center, MA (teaching); contact Jeanne Kendrick, 617-367-2363. Southern States

Project Olinga, Maryland; contact Jeremy Lauer, 301-263-7205.

Olinga Teaching Project, Falls Church, VA (teaching and consolidation); contact Jamshid Amini, 703-820-0610.

Carolina Victory Train, North Carolina (teaching and consolidation); contact Sam Williams, 919679-2623.

Atlanta Project, Atlanta, GA (early fall; Hispanic and Oriental neighborhood teaching); contact John Simpson, 404-266-1729.

Heart of Texas, central Texas; contact Lynn Richards, 512-4923147.

Central States

Toledo Baha’i Teaching Project, Toledo, OH (through September); contact Behrooz Modarai, 419-381-3931.

Danville, Illinois, Project (teaching); contact Rachel Weller, 217-344-6182.

Victory Harvest, Kansas City, MO (teaching); contact the Baha’i Center,

Kansas City, MO 64127.

Victory Harvest, state of Kansas (teaching and consolidation); contact Phyllis Medrano, 316-6228243.

Amoz Gibson Project, Nebraska (consolidation, Spanish teaching); contact Kay Webster, 402837-5736.

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 7

Amoz Gibson Project, South Dakota; contact Edwin Roberts, 605-332-0127.

Western States

Angus Cowan Project, Spokane, WA (through September 21; teaching, consolidation); contact Laura Lee Notley, 509-9432A16.

Annual Winter Teaching Project, New Mexico S/Texas W (late December and early January; teaching, consolidation); contact Richard Gurinsky, 505-437-0173.

Ratil Pavén Project, Phoenix, AZ (teaching and consolidation); contact Martinez, 602-936-8114.

AKISA, Santa Ana, CA (service); contact Adelina Browne, 714-554-6846.

Mona Teaching Project, Fres ‘Young teachers arise to proclaim Cause

no, CA (teaching and consolidation); contact Gayle Scott, 209264-7393.

Rail Pavén Project, Salinas Valley, CA (service and teaching); contact Ann Miller, 408-688-0221.

South Sacramento Sustained Teaching Project (teaching); contact Donald Erby, 916-381-5419.

Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Project, California; contact Dalimata Dia or Fatou Gueye, 209928-3252.

Local Middle and High School Teaching (September 1986-87; teaching youth); contact Gregory Ives, 503-746-6708.

Booth at West Washington State Fair (September 5-12); conby Anita Sheldrick, 206-845

their trip.

first-come, first-served basis.

mette, IL 60091.

Name Street address City

Phone __/.

An invitation to youth to take part in pilgrimage

ATTENTION YOUTH AGES 15-24: Each year for the past several years there has been a special Youth Pilgrimage for people your age. Eighteen youth and two adult advisers travel to Israel. Youth usually tour the Holy Places of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim religions before or after their Baha’i pilgrimage, and are encouraged to incorporate some international travel teaching into

Dates for the 1987 Youth Pilgrimage are June 22-30. The Pilgrimage Office will send out applications for the trip from October 1 through December 15, 1986. Applications are due by December 31, and placement in the group will be determined on a

If you are interested, please complete the coupon below and send it to the Office of Pilgrimage, Baha’i National Center, Wil Please rush me information about the 1987 Youth Pilgrimage.

State ____- Zip

Age

Letter from young Kenyan Baha’i shows love, steadfastness, devotion to Faith

In July the National Youth Committee received the following letter from Shiva Tavana of Norwalk, Connecticut:

Dear Friends,

Last night I received a letter from a Baha’i youth in Kenya, East Africa, which was so inspiring that I wanted to share it with the youth in the U.S.

I met Andrew Mboya, who wrote the letter, when I visited Kenya in July 1985. It was my privilege to stay with the Mboyas in Nairobi while attending the UN Final Conference for the Decade for Women.

During my stay, Andrew showed me around Nairobi, an experience I’ll always cherish because it is so valuable to see and understand a country and its people and culture through the eyes of someone who lives there rather than as a tourist.

Here are excerpts of what Andrew wrote:

“We are getting along fine here in Kenya in spite of the heavy rains and flash floods we are experiencing at the moment.

“There are a lot of exciting things happening. The youth of Kenya have established a Youth Movement similar to the one in America and everyone is thrilled at the prospect. ...

“You remember about the pos sibility of a job opportunity I asked you to check for me at the Holy Land? Well, I applied and they accepted me. I am leaving Kenya for the Holy Land on June 15 to go and work as a security guard for a period of one and a half years and I am very excited about it. ...

“Recently our Kenyan president received the peace statement, and the Baha’is got good media coverage of it on radio, TV and the local dailies.

“We are all working very hard

‘See KENYA page 12

Youth, don’t forget your Convention!

Don’t forget District Convention next month. With the new judicial districts, your Convention may be closer than you think,

District Conventions are being held for one day on one of the first two weekends in October. Check with your Assembly to find out the time and place.

Although you may be too young to vote, you’re never too young to take part in the consultation with voting members, and many places will ofSer sessions for youth.

Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the Administrative Order!

[Page 8]8 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

Peter Murphy, a teacher and poet from Ventnor, New Jersey, spent three weeks in August at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan as the first recipient of the Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry. A review board comprised of three established Bahá’í poets selected Mr. Murphy from a dozen applicants based on the originality and evidence of potential of his submitted works. Mr. Murphy has had more than 25 poems published in national, regional and university journals and has been active in professional organizations and writing workshops. While at Louhelen Mr. Murphy worked on his poetry, conducted readings, and took part in some of the sessions. The Hayden Fellowship in Poetry, supported by an endowment fund, is one of the programs being conducted at Louhelen as part of its mission to develop, in the words of the Guardian, into ‘a cultural center of the Cause Established in memory of the renowned poet Robert Hayden, the program strives to carry on his legacy of encouragement and support for aspiring writers. Additional information about the program is available from the school.

LOUHELEN Baha’i SCHOOL . Fall/Winter Schedule

October 5-11: Elderhostel (for senior citizens).

October 24-26: Youth Conference.

November 7-9: Conference on Interracial/Cross-cultural Marriage.

December 5-7: Exploring the Baha’i Approach to Substance Abuse, with Dr. A.M. Ghadirian and other Baha’is working in that field.

December 27-January 1: Winter Session.

January 16-18: Telecommunications Conference; exploring the applications of computer science and telecommunications for the administration of the Faith, the economic and social development of mankind, and the promotion of world peace.

February 20-22: Singles Conference.

February 27-March 1: College Club Conference.

March 21-22: Naw-Rúz Gala.

April 3-5: Conference for New Believers, Seekers and Veteran Believers.

April 19-24: Youth Conference.

Anyone wishing to register for or obtain more information about any of these programs may write to the registrar, Hermione Pickens, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

During this exciting year of peace, when communities all over the world are making proclamations to public officials and persons of note, Brilliant Star magazine is centering each issue around an aspect of peace.

The newest issue, September/ October, is no exception. Its theme is ‘‘World Peace through Law.”

The idea of justice and mercy inherent in the Baha’i Faith is examined. There is a moving story by Robert Atkinson entitled “Matthew Bullock: In’ Love with

Justice,’’ an adaptation of an article originally written by Dr. Elsie Austin.

The Parents’ Page talks to the adults about showing justice in our lives, so children will have an example and understand its importance.

A story by Susan Allen tells about the Bab when He was taken to prison, and a new musical version of ‘‘Blessed Is the Spot’? is included.

Other selections include three fictional stories, an article on “Why Does God Sometimes Let

Bad Things Happen to Me?” a piece on the U.S. Constitution, and two science articles—one about the zoo, but a special zoo of insects, and the other about clouds.

As always, Brilliant Star is wonderful and a delight to receive, and the cover of the September/ October issue makes it even more $0. Michael Hughey, a calligrapher from North Carolina, has designed a stunning cover of the word “‘peace”’ in many languages. It’s sure to be an asset to any coffee

World peace is theme of Brilliant Star issues

table!

Why not subscribe today, for yourself or a friend.

If you don’t know a friend but would like to help support the magazine, we’ll hook you up with a needy child or family through our “‘Brilliant Star Connection.”

Send $12 for a one-year subscription or $23 for two years to Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343. Foreign rates available upon request. Make someone happy—do it today!

Gregory Institute host to 146 from 10 states at S.C. Summer School

One hundred forty-six people from 10 states attended the South Carolina Baha’i Summer School held June 26-29 at the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute near Hemingway.

Among the speakers were Counselor Wilma Brady; Auxiliary Board member William Roberts; Robert Ferguson, representing the National Teaching Committee; three members of the National Race Unity Committee, Duane Dumbleton, Roy Jones and Mary K. Radpour; Richard and June Thomas; Bret and Anne Breneman; Charles Abercrombie, and Mary Beckmon.

During the session more than $1,600 was contributed for the Office of External Affairs and the Baha’i International Peace Conference in San Francisco.

LT caro oRGIAN,, oronowkt

INSTITUTE

Sites of the regional Children’s Teacher Training Conferences to be held next January and February Seven regional Teacher Training Conferences set in early ’87

EDUCATION

’

Seven regional Children’s Teacher Training Conferences will be held next January and Febtuary. They are an outgrowth of the national Teacher Training Conference held July 2-7 at the Louhelen Baha’i School in Davison, Michigan.

The regional conferences will include teacher training topics presented at the Louhelen conference such as ‘‘Music Education,”’ ‘‘Meeting the Needs of Baha’i Junior Youth,’’ and ‘‘Curriculum Development,”’ as well as other topics selected by the planning task force for each region.

In addition to teacher training

program.

Residential College opening postponed

At its meeting in June the National Spiritual Assembly decided to direct the Louhelen School Council to postpone for one year the opening of the Louhelen Residential College.

The National Assembly felt it was prudent for the Council to take time to develop more fully its plans before inaugurating the

Anyone having questions about the status of the Residential College or wishing to apply for admission in the fall of 1987 may write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

sessions, a feature at each conference will be the display and sharing of curricular materials developed by children’s teachers who attend. These will provide a regional curriculum pool from which other teachers can draw.

Task forces for planning and carrying out each conference have been appointed. The regions and locations are:

Central—Louhelen Baha’i

School

Northeastern— Wilhelm Insti

tute

Southeastern—Louis Gregory

Institute

Northwestern—Boise, Idaho

Southwestern—Native American Institute; Dallas, Texas

° Western—Bosch Baha’i

School

According to a spokesman from the National Teaching Committee’s child education office, annual conferences for the training of children’s teachers will be held during the Six Year Plan.

F 1 Pictured on graduation day, June J, are members of the Baha’i Chil

of ings, Colorado. (Photo by F.A. Mann) [Page 9]On June 27-29, an_ historic workshop focusing on the “most challenging issue’? and the equality of men and women was held at the Green Acre Baha’i School in Eliot, Maine.

The workshop, entitled ‘‘Valuing Difference: Developing a Consciousness of the Oneness of Mankind Through Multi-Cultural and Female/Male Awdreness,’”’ was designed and facilitated by Leonard Smith of Concord, Massachusetts, and Linda Giardina of Boston.

Using knowledge of other models for personal growth laboratories and race and gender issues, Mr. Smith created a new model and built into it a highly successful process for visioning and goal-setting.

In addition, participants received a package a week before the workshop containing informative readings and were given notebooks during the workshop with additional articles.

What made the workshop truly unique was the combination of

this experiential model with the vision of Bahá’u’lláh. In group work, Baha’i consultation was a necessary step toward reaching new levels of unity, and people found the visioning exercises quite powerful.

At the close of the workshop, participants were moved to send a

letter to the National Spiritual Assembly stating their commitment to work for the oneness of mankind and challenging themselves as Baha’is to become models for the world.

Plans are being made for similar workshops in the future including the training of trainers.

Some comments about the Green Acre workshop:

“This has been the most impressive experience I’ve had in a personal growth workshop. I feel that the Baha’i Faith provides us with a foundation that gives us a way to move forward that no one else has.’’

°

“One of the important things about this workshop was that we focused on some of the problems we have with racial unity and equality within the Baha’i

community.” °

“The sexism work helped me move beyond my anger. I realized that men are just as impris

oned by inequality as women.” .

“I was reassured and encouraged by the progress I saw in addressing the racism issue, and I was encouraged by the integrity and good faith shown in dealing with sexism.””

°

“This workshop had a profound impact on my relationships with family and friends.””

°

“The workshop has profoundly influenced the things I'll be doing from now on. I have a deeper commitment to doing those things that will promote changes both in the Baha’i community and outside of it.”’

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 9

Green Acre workshop probes racism, equality of sexes

Pictured are participants in the workshop on ‘the most challenging issue’ and the equality of men

and women held June 27-29 at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine.

Bosch School sets tentative fall/winter schedule

id EDUCATION

The Bosch School Council has set dates and a tentative program for the fall and winter sessions at the Bosch Baha’i School in Santa Cruz, California.

Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27 to Sunday, November 30. This session will have classes for all ages six and over. Class topics will be ‘‘Baha’i Vignettes,’’ “Parenting Teen-agers,”’ ‘‘Historical Perspective on the World and the Baha’i World, 19791992,”’ and some facet of ‘‘Baha’i History.”

Winter I: Sunday, December 21

Children use crayons, paper and their imaginations to deepen during a week-long school planned by the Baha’i teaching committee of

Children in Orlando,

the Greater Orlando, Florida, area. Pictured (left to right) are Sara Kowalski, Robert Hall and Richard Hall.

Florida, area learn

about Iran, martyrs at week-long school

On July 21-25, the Baha’i teaching committee of the Greater Orlando, Florida, area, under the guidance of the Spiritual Assembly of Seminole County, planned a week-long series of classes for children in that area.

The school was named ‘‘A Week with Mona,” in loving memory of Mona Mahmunidzhad, a young Persian Baha’i who loved children and gave her life for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Classes were held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at the Speirs home in Altamonte Springs. Each day, after prayers and songs about the teachings of the Faith, the children were deepened in the Writings.

This was done through questions and answers, after reading,

and also through art, music, nature walks, and a field trip to the Orlando Science Center.

On the first day, Mrs. Minoo Nasseri spoke of her friendship with Mona and her time in prison in Iran. The children were eager to learn what it was like to grow up as a Baha’i in Iran.

On the final day, Auxiliary Board member Benjamin Levy gave, the children words of encouragement and greatly pleased them when he showered them with candies.

Before leaving the school, the children presented a musical show and art program for the parents.

The committee hopes that each year a program such as this can be given in different communities in the Orlando area.

to Friday, December 26. Classes will be available for all ages over one year. Topics to be covered are “Christianity: Finding Common Ground,’’ ‘‘Women,’’ ‘‘Pioneering: Why and How,” and ‘‘Ḥuqúqu’lláh.’”

Winter IT; Monday, December 29 to Saturday, January 3. Limited to adults and youth, 15 and older. Topics will include “Achieving Baha’i Self-esteem,”’ “Attaining Wealth—Trials and Triumphs of the Material World,”’ ‘‘Resurgence of Islamic Fundamentalism: Its Causes and Its Course,’ and an in-depth study of the book The Seven Valleys.

To register for any of these sessions, send a non-refundable $15 deposit to the Bosch Baha’i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Phone registrations can be made using VISA or MasterCard. Office phone: 408-423-3387. Information phone: 408-423-3093 (recorded message updating sessions, teachers, space availability, etc.).

A flyer regarding these sessions may be obtained by contacting the school.

Dr. Maxwell has half-hour interview on Houston station

In Houston, Texas, KPFT Radio, a listener-supported station that is a part of the Pacifica network, has been quite responsive to the Baha’is.

The station is accepting and broadcasting press releases received by the Houston community from the Baha’i National Center, and recently Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, was interviewed for half an hour, speaking about the Faith and the persecutions in Iran.

The host, a man of Jewish background who has a high level of understanding of the situation in Iran and the Faith, also hosts a weekly Jewish-oriented program, Mazeltov, and asked Dr. Maxwell to return as a guest on that program in August.

Louhelen Conference to provide forum for interracial, cross-cultural families

The Louhelen Baha’i School will hold a conference November 7-9 for interracially and crossculturally married couples.

“*Abdu’l-Bahá encouraged Baha’is to marry people of other races,’’ says Dr. Geoffry Marks, Louhelen’s director of academic affairs. ‘This conference will give individuals who have entered into an interracial or cross-cultural marriage an opportunity to meet others who share the same experience and to discuss common concerns.

“Interracial families,”’ he says, “are in the front lines of the battle for racial unity. They face unique challenges and need our support. This conference is a first step in our effort to provide interracial couples and families with that

support.”” .

Another goal of the conference is to give the Center for Interracial Unity—a social development project of the Louhelen Council—insight into the issues facing interracially married couples.

The interracial family has been chosen by the Center as an area of concentration, and the conference will give the Center an opportunity to learn more about the nature of interracial marriage and its unique characteristics and the kinds of needs that interracial couples and families have.

Anyone interested in attending the conference or in contributing comments or ideas may write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

Children, youth and adults with songs, instruments and readings produced a Ridvdén celebration during the week of June 28-July 3 at the Bosch Bahá’í School under the direction of Donna Kime (standing), one of the directors of the choir at the Bahá’í House of

Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Also during that week, Dr. Michael Bond of the Chinese University, Hong Kong, conducted a workshop encouraging participants to recognize and develop their best qualities in the process of learning consultation skills.

Special notice: A national Teacher Training Conference for children’s class teachers will be held during the week of July 4, 1987, at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan.

[Page 10]10 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

2nd conference of Spanish-speaking Baha’is set

TEACHING

Teaching stories...

© Chester Kahn, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Jeff Kiely, director of the Native American Baha’i Institute, were among those who spent three days in July translating ‘‘The Promise of World Peace”’ and Baha’i prayers into the Navajo language.

Navajos will chant the prayers with the traditional drumbeats used for prayer.

A Chinese professor at Harvard University, Mr. Lu, researched the Baha’i Faith for a recent

presentation on peace to the Chinese community in Boston.

“Why has the Baha’i concept of universal peace spread so rapidly?” Mr. Lu asked. ‘‘Why in just over 100 years do people in all parts of the world know of it and accept the concept? What is the force and power that has made this happen?’”

A Baha’i, Farzam Kamalabadi, spoke about this history and future of the Faith; prominent Bostonian Chinese praised its teachings; and the Chinese-language newspapers carried the story of the event.

A Baha’i “‘pen-pal”’ program

for American Indian youth and youth from Taiwan is beginning.

If you would like to make a new Baha’i friend, please write to Harold and Anna Mae Brown Bear, P.O. Box 351, Allen, SD 57551.

© Augustine Mirabel, a Pueblo Indian and a Baha’i for 25 years, is now a key leader of three of the most significant Taos Pueblo social and governing institutions—the healing society, the “runners’? or youth, and the tribal council.

Taos Pueblo in New Mexico is itself a significant Pueblo, situated at the closest point to the sacred mountain lake for many Indian tribes in the Southwest.

¢ In Montana, Robert Jones recently returned from a company trip to the Soviet Union and said the slogan ‘‘Mirv Mir’’ (world peace) is seen on top of many department stores and around airports.

© Four Cambodians have been enrolled in Atlanta, Georgia, as a result of teaching efforts of the friends there, helped by a Vietnamese Baha’i who was enrolled during the Lowell (Massachusetts) Project in 1985 and has since moved to Atlanta.

Two college courses taught by Baha’i

Two new courses in comparative religion, ‘‘Islamic Contributions to Western Civilization’” and “The Status of Women in Zoroastrianism, Islam and the Baha’ Faith” are being taught this summer at Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida, by a Baha’i, Schole Raoufi.

The courses were introduced at Eckerd under the ‘‘Elderhostel Program,” a nationwide effort designed for persons 62 years and older.

As a result, Ms. Raoufi has been asked to teach the same courses at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

The Spiritual Assemblies of Fillmore and San Fernando, California, and Ensenada, Mexico, are pleased to announce the second annual Conference of Spanish-speaking Baha’is, to be héld October 10-12 at the San Fernando Baha’i Center.

Those who are able to remain through Columbus Day, October 13, will be invited to take part in direct Spanish teaching in San Fernando.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘‘The Six Year Plan and Me.””

Workshops will include teacher training using materials from Colombia’s Ruhi Institute; a firesidetraining seminar using video tapes

of sample firesides; border teaching strategies—a fresh approach; hands-on production of Spanishlanguage audio materials for teaching, deepening and broadcasts; integrating and exploiting the potential of Hispanic Baha’ is; and several more.

Special guests will include Paul Lucas, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico; Dr. Tony Cubero of Largo, Florida; Dr. Linda de Frazelle of Mexicali, Mexico; Mrs. Jeanne Serrano of Ensenada; Mrs. Carmen de Burafato of Guanajuato, a member of the National Assembly of Mexico; Michael Pietrzak of Reynosa, Mexico; Mrs. Angelica Cortez Huerta of Los Angeles; Dr. Mar cos Selaya of San Fernando; Mrs. Femaline Dunbar of Palm Desert, California; and Sergio Montenegro of San Jose.

The Continental Board of Counselors will be represented by Counselors Arturo Serrano of Ensenada and Fred Schechter of La Mesa, California.

Conference registration is $5 for California residents, $10 for California families. For all out-ofstaters and visitors from Mexico, etc., the fees will be waived.

Every effort will be made to obtain free housing for all and to keep meal costs to a minimum.

Advance registration is not necessary, but the Spiritual Assembly of San Fernando would appreciate

advance notice from those who plan to attend.

Those who prefer hotel accommodations should phone the host Assembly at 818-361-6931 or 818361-8744 for more information. We regret that group rates are not available.

Those who would like to donate their time as teachers for children’s classes should contact the Spiritual Assembly of Fillmore, 805-524-2022.

Non-Spanish-speaking Baha’is who live in the area and would like to help by supplying food, cooking, helping with housing, etc., are also welcome to contact us.

iNos vemos en San Fernando!

Projects

from page 1

tion.

Two highlights carried over from the previous year were widespread activities in minority teaching and the participation of youth.

Projects reached Asian, Hispanic, black and Native American communities, while more than 400 youth traveling teachers took nart in one or more of the projects.

The exciting results will no doubt continue, as many of the projects are ongoing efforts that will continue year round.

Many more projects are being planned by local communities. Of the first 200 community plans for the Six Year Plan received at the National Center from Groups and Assemblies, some 63 per cent listed a teaching project as a goal for the coming year.

Among the highlights of this year’s projects:

One week is spent at each site with a local Assembly setting up the activities for the week.

There has been a high level of support from the Assemblies and about 20 youth participants so far. The projects are supported by the musical talents of Wilford Johnson and ‘The Sound.””

¢ In the Lowell, Massachusetts, area, about 18 people have embraced the Faith since spring. Teaching efforts have been slow but consistent, based on a firm spirivual foundation.

Consolidation efforts from last year have been quite successful; there are four Cambodians on the new Assembly in Lowell, and the entire community participated in the election.

¢ In Phoenix, Arizona, the Raul Pavén Project shines with two more declarations, bringing the number since January to 150 including Native Americans, Hispanics and blacks. Border teaching with Mexico has been started.

far.

The youth on the project used a van with audio/visual equipment to show films. They taught other youth on the streets from the van and had many interested in attending firesides. Door-to-door teaching was also done.

Following the month-long pro ject, the community began consultation on holding classes for deepening and consolidation.

¢ “‘The Greatest Undertaking,” a teaching/deepening project in Florence, South Carolina, recently ended with 45 declarations, more than half from homes with existing Baha’is, and 20 children registered.

Teaching teams from Kansas and older youth from northern states helped on the project. As a result, the Florence community has identified the number of Baha’is in its area as close to 500.

The main priorities in Florence are to develop deepening programs and to open a Baha’i Center to serve the community.

During the two-week ‘‘Nii Jii (friendship) Project in Wisconsin and Michigan, projecteers visited

door-to-door, attended powwows, hosted firesides, gave a newspaper interview, and helped with a booth hosted by an Indian Center at a fair, all with the intention of forming lasting friendships.

An unexpected result was the enrollment of four persons by one of the projecteers who made a side trip at the end of the project, as well as one person who was met during the project.

Meanwhile, those on the

Wind River Reservation in Wyoming have reported high spirits, many new friendships, and the possibility of another project next summer.

The projecteers all expressed an interest in following up on the new friendships that were made, and several said the people of the Wind River Reservation had found a permanent place in their hearts.

© The District Teaching Committee of Iowa reports: ‘‘Have begun entry by troops in Davenport, Iowa, with 23 enrollments August 1-2. The first two Mesquakie Indians living on the Mesquakie Settlement have enrolled.”

° Teaching efforts continue in Lapwai, Idaho, where Baha’i youth this summer refurbished the Baha’i Center and donated their services to the city, renovating park benches and restoring the local cemetery. ‘

Later in the summer the youth returned to work at the local high school and sponsored a performance by the Los Angeles Baha’i Youth Workshop that was attended by more than 100 non-Baha’is.

There have been some declarations, many friendships made, and bonds are being strengthened by holding unity feasts. More than 100 Baha’ is have taken part in the project this summer.

Columbia, Boone County, Missouri, collaborate to assure widest possible distribution of ‘Promise of World Peace’

The Spiritual Assemblies of Columbia and Boone County, Missouri, have collaborated to distribute ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’’ in that area, using several methods of distributing the statement.

To reach as many people as possible, a series of 12 newspaper ads was developed featuring passages from ‘The Promise of World Peace’’ which ran weekly in the local paper.

Anyone who responded to the ads was contacted and given a copy of the peace statement.

The Assemblies wrote to each group in the area actively working for peace, presented them with copies of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace,’’ invited them to several meetings, and sponsored a booth at a local peace fair.

A plan was developed to personally present the statement to local government officials, civic leaders, educators and clergy.

To date, presentations have been made to the mayor and city council of Columbia, the presidents of the two local colleges, top officials at the University of Missouri including the chancellor and board of curators, and to the area’s congressional representative.

Letters have gone out seeking appointments to present the statement to the state senator and four state representatives in the area.

While these activities were taking place, individuals were encouraged to personally present

A member of the city council of Columbia, Missouri, accepts a copy of ‘The Promise of World

copies of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’’ to friends and associates, which has resulted in a much wider distribution of the statement.

A letter sent to the district social studies chairman included a copy of the peace statement and asked permission to send similar letters

Peace’ from John Willenberg, a Bahá’í from Columbia.

to all social studies teachers in the district with an offer to provide a speaker on the peace statement and/or the Baha’i Faith from an historical perspective.

Also planned is a letter presenting ‘The Promise of World Peace’’ to all public school administrators in the area.

L.A. Baha’is raise $220 to help feed homeless

Baha’is in Los Angeles’ Feast Area 5, in an immediate and generous response at the Feast of ‘Azamat, raised $220 to help feed the homeless.

The money, along with delicious homemade casseroles, salads and other foods, contributed to a breakfast and dinner May 31 for

the 125 people housed at the Valley Interfaith Shelter.

With so many contributions of food, enough money was left to fund a second day of meals on June 22—and there is a movement afoot to make this a monthly event. [Page 11]Counselor Serrano visits six cities on five-day visit to Mexico, Texas

TEACHING

Counselor Arturo Serrano traveled to six cities during a five-day visit to northeastern Mexico and southwestern Texas in July, covering 1,000 miles and giving talks on a variety of themes to more than 200 people.

The trip, from July 18-22, began and ended in San Antonio, Texas, and included stops in Monterrey, Reynosa and Piedras Negras, Mexico, and McAllen and Uvalde, Texas.

Its success can be attributed to the effective collaboration between local Assemblies, regional teaching coordinators, three Auxiliary Board members and their assistants.

Dr. Serrano’s purpose in visiting the area was threefold: (1) to obtain a clearer vision of the needs and resources of the Baha’i communities along this section of the U.S.-Mexico border; (2) to promote border teaching work; and (3) to promote the distribution of “The Promise of World Peace’’ through public talks and media coverage.

During a visit with the Baha’is

Amatu’!-Baha

from page 1

served many Indian people, particularly elders and children, pieces of cake which had been given to her by Indian children from the Rosebud Reservation.

Other gifts presented to her by the Indian people included a star quilt, which is usually thought of as the highest gift to be presented to a guest; an eagle feather, and lovely beadwork pieces.

It was Amatu’!-Bahd Rúḥíyyih Khanum’s wish to spend the night on the Reservation, and she and her traveling companion, Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani, stayed at Piya Wiconi, in the college’s guest apartment.

The Hand of the Cause helped with the offering of prayers through a pipe ceremony, and later honored the Lakota people by dancing with them during a song sung in her honor.

She and Kevin Locke, chairman of the American Indian Teaching Committee and emcee for the day’s events, led the dance, with Indian children flanking them, and were followed by both Indian and non-Indian Baha’is as well as a number of people who are not enrolled Baha’is at this time.

Others who helped with arrangements and introductions included Auxiliary Boacd member Stephen Birkland; David Hadden, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; and Jaci Delahunt, secretary of the American Indian Teaching Committee and member of the National Teaching Committee.

Area Baha’is and many non-Bahd’{ Indian people helped with arrangements locally.

Besides the Lakota, tribes represented at this historic gathering included the Ojibway, Navajo, Arapaho, Omaha, Tlingit, Yaqui, Pottawatami and Tsimsian.

in Monterrey, Mexico’s third largest city, Dr. Serrano said, ‘‘The Universal House of Justice is offering the world the example of the Baha’ is as a model for a peaceful society, and we must make an effort to distinguish ourselves by our unity.””

Later that day the Spiritual Assembly of Monterrey hosted a public talk followed by a reception which was attended by a representative of the state governor, the rector of a major university, and some 60 other prominent people.

Dr. Serrano expounded on the content of the Universal House of Justice’s statement to the peoples of the world, cultivating a curiosity, interest and respect for the Baha’i community and its tenets, goals and activities.

The next day, in McAllen, Texas, the Counselor shared with the Baha’is an inspirational view of the Faith’s progress in other parts of the world and challenged them to ever greater service in the teaching work, thus generating more enthusiasm for further collaboration with the Baha’i community of Reynosa.

In Reynosa and Piedras Negras, the peace statement was thoroughly presented to interested gatherings, each of which was covered by newspapers and radio.

After a brief stop in Uvalde, Texas, to visit Henry and Mary Cantu, a homefront pioneer family who have done much work in teaching the Faith along the

border, Dr. Serrano, accompanied by five American pioneers to Mexico, arrived in San Antonio, the last leg on his tour.

On the evening of July 22, fol lowing a dinner hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of San Antonio, Dr. Serrano spoke to some 45 Baha’ is and guests, addressing the themes of border teaching and strengthening the local Assemblies. “To the Baha’is,”’ he said, ‘‘there are no national borders. All of us live in the same country. Therefore, we must extend our vision to reach beyond national borders and embrace all.””

New Jersey student receives top awards

Pamela Jeanne Strong, a young Baha’i from New Jersey, received several top awards this year upon graduation from Palmyra High School including:

¢ Community Service Award from the mayor of Beverly;

a cash award for outstanding

achievement in English.

Miss Strong, a member of the National Honor Society, was chosen by her schoolmates as queen of the Senior Prom and Homecoming queen.

The United. Nations Program Guide for the International Year of Peace is now available in limited quantities from the Bahá’í National Center. The attractive 8 1/2-by-11 inch softcover booklet includes the UN proclamation of the International Year of Peace (IYP), adopted by the General Assembly in October 1985; the text of the message of the SecretaryGeneral at the IYP inauguration; guidelines for the IYP program; a

|

calendar of IYP events for 1986; and a list of ongoing projects. The guides have been provided free of charge by the United Nations and will be shipped to the first 100 respondents. To order yours, send a check or money order for $2 to cover postage and handling, made payable to ‘‘Baha’i Services Fund,” to TYP GUIDE, National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 11

Dr. Harry Moore (left), director of the Memphis, Tennessee, chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, accepts the

:

George Henderson Human Unity Award on behalf of the Baha’is of Greater Memphis from Azizollah Ḥakími.

Memphis ceremony sees Baha’is give ‘Unity Awards’ to NAACP, two others

On June 7, the Baha’is of Greater Memphis, Tennessee, presented the George Henderson Human Unity Awards to the Memphis Literacy Council, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and Maxine Smith, executive secretary of the Memphis branch of the NAACP. .

The awards, designed by Baha’ artisan Mike Morris of Nashville, are made of etched glass surrounded by stained glass.

George Henderson, for whom they are named, was taught the Faith by Louis Gregory and pioneered to Memphis in the early years of this century, opening a black-oriented business college that remained active long after his

death in 1944.

This year’s ceremony was made especially memorable by the presentation to the National Conference of Christians and Jews, in Persian, by Azizollah Ḥakími, standing in for his son who was unable to attend because of illness.

The ceremony was followed by a reception that lasted more than two hours as the guests, mostly non-Baha’is, lingered to discuss George Henderson and the Baha’i principles.

Attending was a reporter from the local newspaper which ran a prominent article about the event the following day.

Teaching Committee hoists ‘Standard’

The National Teaching Committee is happy to hoist ... The Standard, a 12-part study course designed for individual at-home study that has also proven to be useful for group study classes.

The lessons provide information on the history of the Faith and the Station of the Central Figures as well as such concepts as progressive revelation and the existence of God. Other topics: the nature and purpose of man; the mission of Bahd’u’ll4h; the Covenant; Baha’i administration; and living a Baha’i life.

The course also makes an excellent gift for new Baha’is, youth, and interested seekers. Its title refers to the standard or flag raised above the believers by Quddús and Mullá Ḥusayn at the command of the Bab as they headed to Fort Tabarsi and their heroic defense of that fortress. This was the standard that Muhammad spoke of that would symbolize the coming of the Promised One of all ages.

The National Teaching Committee hopes to raise, through this course, a similar standard with a similar challenge: to enlist in the Cause of God, preparing through study to engage in deeds of heroism. Subscribers may enroll in the program by filling out the coupon below and mailing it to the National Teaching Committee. The subscription fee for the 12-part program is only $5 ($10 overseas), and payment should be enclosed. The program may be started at any time, and mailings will be sent once a month.

Get on the registration list today, and hoist The Standard in your community!

PLEASE ENROLL ME IN “THE STANDARD: A CORRESPONDENCE COURSE.” I enclose payment of $5 per subscription ($10 for overseas mail). Mail my monthly lessons to:

Name. Age. Sex. Address. City. State. Zip.

Mail with payment to: National Teaching Committee, Baha’i Nationa! Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 12]12 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

Some perspectives on social, economic development

SOC/ECONOMIC

ae

The following are questions and perspectives offered for consultation at District Convention report meetings.

“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 process of social and economic development is one path toward the ‘‘reconstruction of society.’”

We are encouraged to take action individually and through our institutions. As we are trying what has never been done before, we will make mistakes.

But undaunted by the fear of

SED Conference set at L.A. Baha’i Center

“The Preservation of Human Honour’ is the theme of a regional Social and Economic Development Conference to be held October 25-26 at the Baha’i Center in Los Angeles, California.

William Davis, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, will be the keynote speaker.

A special guest at the two-day event will be Charles Wolcott, a member of the Universal House of Justice.

The conference, sponsored by the National Social and Economic Development Committee and the Administrative Committee of the Baha’is of Los Angeles, is for Baha’is of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

It will focus on these major themes:

Demonstration of rectitude of

conduct.

Practice of the art of consultation.

Arts and human development.

The conference fee is $5 per person.

For more information, write to: SED Conference, c/o Eileen Estes, 1433 Harvard St., Santa Monica, CA 90404,

Kenya

from page 7

at distributing the statement to all the authorities. How is it there in America, anything exciting? I certainly expect so.’”

The reason I feel Andrew’s letter is so significant is that it proves to me once again that what we do here in the U.S., our activities, our efforts, our teaching work, has effects far beyond our national borders, effects which we may not even know about, or hear about. Let this knowledge be a source of inspiration for us.

The Bahd’{ youth of Kenya have established a Youth Movement similar to the one in America. Ya Baha’u’l-Abha!

Loving greetings,

Shiva Tavana

mistakes we shall, with the aid of consultation and through the application of Baha’i principles, discover the meanings of Baha’i social and economic development and achieve the victories that are promised in our teachings.

1, What is your vision for your community in five or 10 years? Identify nine conditions that you would like to see in the community in five years.

2. Identify the barriers to 1.

3. What is your vision of your involvement in five or 10 years? Identify five conditions you would like to see that center around you

personally.

4. Identify barriers to 3.

5. What are the strengths of your community (rank).

6. What are the weaknesses of your community (rank).

7. Are you and members of your community familiar with the Universal House of Justice’s message on social and economic development?

8. Can social and economic development work in your community?

9. What conditions and elements are necessary for your community to develop socially and economically?

10. What can an individual in this community do to help achieve the vision stated in questions 1 and 3?

11. What skills, knowledge or other resources do you have that could be of strategic help in the development of the community?

12, What must happen before you will commit (more) time and energy sacrificially to the community?

13. How often are you willing to meet with the community for the purpose of developing the community socially and economically? What times of day and days of the week are best for you?

14. Do you have a preference of: meeting place (setting), food, child care, tables, lighting, length of meetings, etc.?

15. What is the first and most important thing an _ individual must do to begin to have the vision for the community realized? Special considerations

There are several considerations that the Universal House of Justice’s letter of October 20, 1983, calls to our attention. Do you have the understanding and resources to address the following:

1, “The steps to be taken must necessarily begin in the Baha’i community itself ... through the 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.””

2. ‘*... the preservation of human honor ...””

3. ‘In the process and as a consequence, the friends will undoubtedly extend the benefits of their efforts to society as a whole ...’’

4. “*... Assemblies and individuals ... devising and implementing plans, within the constraints of existing circumstances and available resources.””

5. ‘Progress ... depends on the natural stirrings at the grassroots, and should receive its driving force from those sources rather than from an imposition of plans and programs from the top down.”

6. “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.””

7. “Ultimately, the call to action is addressed to the individual friends. ...””

Among the many passages in “The Promise of World Peace,”’ the statement addressed by the Universal House of Justice to

“the peoples of the world,’’ there is one that is especially called to your attention in the context of social and economic development:

“There are spiritual principles, or what some call human values, by which solutions can be found for every social problem. Any well-intentioned group can in a general sense devise practical solutions to its problems, but good intentions and practical knowledge are usually not enough. The essential merit of spiritual prin ciple is that it not only presents a perspective which harmonizes with that which is immanent in human nature, it also induces an attitude, a dynamic, a will, an aspiration, which facilitate the discovery and implementation of practical measures. Leaders of governments and all in authority would be well served in their efforts to solve problems if they would first seek to identify the principles involved and then be guided by them.’’

On May 30, Yee R. Xiong, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, completed a flight training program and earned a Certified Flight Instructor rating, thus becoming the

first Hmong flight instructor in the world. Mr. Xiong’s involvement with aviation began in 1970 in Laos when, as a lieutenant in the American-Hmong Allied Army, he was trained and served asa

navigator, flying some 1,800 missions with American and Hmong pilots. He presently serves as executive director of the Eau Claire Hmong Mutual Assistance Association.

Baha’i at peace meeting with U.S., Soviet

Behzad Zandieh, a Baha’i from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was one of four members of the Interfaith Peace Committee of Greater Harrisburg who took part in a meeting in Philadelphia on April 15 between Soviet and American religious leaders on the topic of peace.

The program was sponsored by the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Bridge for Peace—the Friends Peace Committee of the Religious Society of

Friends (Quakers).

The other members of the delegation from Harrisburg were a Catholic, a Quaker and a Presbyterian.

When one of the Russians asked what American groups are doing to promote peace worldwide, Mr. Zandieh said Baha’is all over the world are dedicated to peace because it is one of their religious beliefs.

And now, he said, during the

religious leaders

International Year of Peace, the Universal House of Justice had issued a statement, ‘‘The Promise of World Peace,”’ which was being presented to leaders of many countries including President Reagan and Premier Gorbachev. At the end of the meeting, Mr. Zandieh was able to present copies of the statement to three of the Russian clerics as well as to the coordinator of the event and the chairman of its sponsoring body.

new from the Bahai

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[Page 13]INTERMEDIA

News from Office of Public Information

BUSY Baha’is

Middle Eastern Dancer magazine has advised author Debra Ogle of Sevierville, Tennessee, that it will publish her article on one of the Faith’s first female martyrs, the poetess Táhirih, in its September/October issue.

Ms. Ogle, who performs Middle Eastern dances, makes reference to the veil traditionally worn in both the culture and its dances: “To us it is a mere theatrical prop, albeit a beautiful one. But to the women in Islamic countries it is only one of many fetters that keep them chained to the past. Fortunately, that is changing (although slowly). Hopefully, the day will soon dawn when they can drop their veils as easily as we now do.’’ She then points out that Táhirih was the first Persian woman to discard her veil in public, and tells the story of Táhirih’s efforts on behalf of women and the new Faith she embraced at the age of 21.

The Southeast Regional Baha’i Youth Conference, held June 18-22 in Huntsville, Alabama, received widespread coverage in area newspapers. The Huntsville Times, The Decatur Daily, and the Athens NewsCourier all carried articles about speaker Bernice King’s address to the conference. Ms. King, daughter of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., compared the races of the world to the fingers of a hand, saying, ““They all.work together for the good of the hand. That’s the way we have to look at the different races in the world today. We may come from different heritages and may have our own identities, but we must work together for the betterment of society and the oneness of all races.”

The Orange Grove Express, a newspaper owned and edited by Marlene Meyers, a Baha’i in Orangeburg, Mississippi, recently published a feature article entitled ‘‘I Swam the Red Sea for Peace.’’

Last May, John Michael O’Keefe entered the Red Sea on the coast near Eilat, Israel, and began swimming east toward Aqaba, Jordan, carrying a flag representing all the people of the earth. Picked up by a Jordanian gunboat just past the buffer zone between the two countries, Mr. O'Keefe was interrogated by Jordanian authorities, convinced them of the sincerity of his mission, and was allowed to swim back to Israel where he later made a special trip to Mount Carmel and the Baha’i Shrines. .

Mr. O’Keefe concluded his account by saying, ‘‘I am not a member of the Baha’i Faith, but have met many Baha’is. The principles of the Faith are directed toward world peace and unity of the nations. ...Baha’is are progressive people who look toward a positive future and believe that the world can overcome its problems and live in harmony. ...I would like to thank the members of the Baha’i Faith for their support and dedication to world peace. I look forward to meeting with Baha’is on all my travels which involve the raising of the ‘Earth Flag.’ ’”

SIGNIFICANT MENTIONS

On July 4, Dr. Helmut Kohl, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, received a delegation from the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany. The meeting generated national media attention and was a highlight of the successive presentations of the peace statement to most of the high-ranking persons in Germany including the chairman of the Social Democratic Party and Nobel Peace Prize winner Willy Brandt.

Arild Juel Petterson, a Baha’i sculptor from New York City, has been asked by the World Center to take part in a project to ensure the preseryation of Baha’i marble structures in the Holy Land. An article about Mr. Pettersen’s contribution to the project appeared in May in the Norway Times, America’s leading Norwegian-language newspaper. It read in part, “‘Is it not an amazing coincidence that the same decades which see the Parthenon’s existence threatened in the land where the cradle of democracy stood should witness the rebirth of the classical architecture in the Baha’i gardens of Haifa where democracy is now reaching its fullest universal form?”

The Baha’ is of Palm Beach, Florida, were interviewed by a local rabbi and priest on a half-hour television show broadcast by the ABC network affiliate in Palm Beach. After the program, the interviewers invited the Baha’is to join the community’s interfaith council.

Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, was interviewed on the Mazeltov program on listener-supported KPFT Radio in Houston, Texas. The Pacifica Radio affiliate has been most receptive to Houston-area Baha’is; Baha’i ad slicks appear in its program guide and Baha’; events are announced in its new-age, peace, and weekend calendars.

A recent editorial in the Atlanta Constitution spoke out against the persecution of Baha’is in Iran and, echoing the U.S. State Department, called for a ‘‘world outcry’’ against these violations of human rights.

An article in the ‘‘Religion/Ethics”’ section of the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch featured ‘‘Maria,’’ a 20-year-old Iranian refugee, who told the story of her flight from Iran after four members of her family (including her mother) were executed. The article included some background on the Faith, and printed a large photograph of the young woman.

As a result of contact made in a peace statement presentation, an article about the Faith in Chinese appeared recently in The Chinese News. The paper, whose circulation is 10,000, is based in Richardson, Texas.

Recently, articles in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and The Huntsville (Alabama) Times have included passing references to the Faith without any accompanying elaboration as to its nature. The fact that the papers’ editors assumed there was a general familiarity on the part of their readers with the name ‘‘Baha’i”’ is a small but encouraging reflection of its emergence from obscurity.

Some strategies

for media approach

From time to time, the National Baha’i Office of Public Information receives from Baha’is around the country suggestions for more effective approaches to the media.

Often, these suggestions are strategies that have been used by a community, or are bits and pieces of information that may not be generally available.

We would like to share some of the suggestions we have compiled, and invite you to send us yours as well. They will be included in future issues of The American Bahai.

The Press-Enterprise, a newspaper published in Riverside, California, recently published a compilation of articles on ‘‘Religions in Riverside County.”’ Each article presented the history of a particular religion as well as surveying its present status in the area. The Baha’ is, of course, were included. A similar undertaking could be a great public service project to suggest to your local paper.

In the same vein, the Baha’is of Graham, Texas, suggest that Baha’i communities take advantage of local celebrations (sesquicentennials, etc.) to urge their media to do stories commemorating the various churches and their histories.

These ideas may help to stimulate your own creativity. There are abundant opportunities to get the name ‘‘Baha’i’’ into print, but often one needs to take the ii tive to create them.

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 13

_AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS

Media materials available

The National Office of Public Information makes available more than 50 different items to be used in conjunction with local media projects. The following are only a few of the materials distributed for the office by the Baha’i Distribution Service: PRINT MATERIALS, REPRINTS AND FACT SHEETS Kits (assembled in presentation folder)

Press Kit (specify Spanish or English)—Includes ad slicks and news releases for Baha’i Holy Days and special event days. Also provides introductory material on the Baha’i Faith; glossy photos of the House of Worship and Shrine of the Bab; for presentation to media contacts.—$5.

Public Officials Kit—Includes information on the Baha’i Faith, the National Assembly, ‘‘Loyalty to Government’’ statement, fact sheets, photo of the House of Worship.—$5.

Funeral Director’s Kit—Comprehensive information about Baha’ funerals; includes prayers, depiction of proper grave marker; suitable for presentation to families of Baha’is and funeral directors; not intended as guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies.—$5.

Persecution Background Kit—Suitable for presentation to leaders of thought, editors, religious leaders and others. Includes “The Baha’is in Iran’’ and its update, ‘‘The Baha’is of Iran’’ (the Minority Rights Group report), reprints of news articles, and fact sheets on the Baha’j Faith in the U.S. and the world.—$5.

U.S. Committee for Refugees Report on Iranian RefugeesDecember 1984—‘‘Many Faces of Persecution’’—19-page issue paper, attractively bound and published by the U.S. Committee for Refugees (an independent agency), tracing the background of the Iranian revolution, featuring a photo of the demolished House of the Bab and many references to the Baha’is.—10/$1.50. REPRINTS

Reader’s Digest reprint of ‘‘Their Crime Is Their Faith’’ (December 1984)—the story of the plight of the Baha’is in Iran.—$25/$5.75.

Radio Public Service Announcements

Racism—one 60-second spot; makes a strong statement on eliminating racism.—$5.

There’s Still Time—three 30-second spots and one 60-second spot/peace themes; features England Dan and John Ford Coley

See MEDIA page 31

peace...

ple Cars and bridges. I's the city that saw the formation of

world thanks yout

A fom the BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL PEACE CONFERENCE SAN FRANCISCO

‘AUGUST 28.

1 Faith offers a new

framework for human affairs. The worldwide Baha’i com

unity 1s a

onsuiation. It offers proof that humanity can live as one globat society.

‘A message trom the BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL PEACE CONFERENCE

Advertising slicks (above) created by the San Francisco Media Task Force especially for the Baha’i International Peace Conference are now available through the National Office of Public Information. The set of seven slicks is easily adapted to your community’s needs. The text that refers to the peace conference can be replaced with local information, and the graphics are general enough to be used anywhere. Price: $14/one set of seven. Please add 10 per cent of the total for Services Fund’’ and mail to the Bahd’{ Office of Public Information, Wilmette, IL 60091.

» Make checks payable to “‘Baha’i

[Page 14]14 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

A Compilation by Elias Zohoori

The National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica is publishing a new compilation on health and healing called The Throne of the Inner Temple ($6 SC). Compiled by Elias Zohoori, Throne of the Inner Temple contains selections

Reginald Turvey/Life and Art contains 56 illustrations of his work (16 in color), and essays about the man Shoghi Effendi re

tsa

Serred to as ‘the spiritual father of "known during his lifetime but is

the Bahá’ís in South Africa.’ Mr. Turvey’s work was largely un

now the subject of a major exhibition touring South Africa.

from the Baha’i writings on the human body, its health, nutrition, purity and holiness; the science of medicine; illness; and healing, both physical and spiritual. It is on order and is expected to be available for sale in September.

Baha’i World Vol. 18 set for release in late October or early November

Jo . | DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

The Baha’i World, Volume 18, covering one of the fateful and dynamic periods in Baha’i history, 1979-83, is expected to be available in late October or early November from the Baha’i Distribution Service.

The Baha’i World volumes are the international record of the events taking place in the Baha’i community, and Volume 18 reflects the momentous events that took place from 1979 to 1983.

Its more than 1,000 pages, copiously illustrated, cover: the observance in 1982 of the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf and the holding of five international conferences in her memory; the successful completion of the first stage of the restoration of the House of ‘Abdu’ lah Pasha and its opening to pilgrims; the completion in 1983 of construction of the permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice; the holding in the Holy Land that same year of the fifth International Convention; progress in the construction of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the Indian sub-continent and the first in the Pacific Islands; the progress made in the Seven Year

Plan inaugurated at Ridvan 1979; the resumption in Iran of the persecution of Baha’is, unprecedented in recent history, with the goal of extirpating the Faith from the land of its birth; and the unparalleled sympathetic response of governments, world leaders and the mass media to the plight of Iranian Baha’is and the corresponding increased awareness of the Revelation of Baha’u’llah.

The Baha’i Distribution Service is offering a special price of $35 on The Baha’i World, Volume 18, until October 15. After that time, the price will increase to $40. Please use the coupon on this page to place your order.

Two workbooks for children among three

Peace is the theme of three new books, published in Canada, and expected to be available in September from the Baha’i Distribution Service.

Unity: The Creative Foundation of Peace by Dr. Hossain Danesh reflects further insights on the process of achieving world peace.

Dr. Danesh’s book is a co-publication of the Association for Baha’i Studies and Fitzhenry-Whiteside Publishers in Canada and will also be available through com

mercial bookstores in Canada.

Unity: The Creative Foundation of Peace is $8.95 in softcover.

Dr. Danesh is a psychiatrist with 20 years’ experience, a former professor at the University of Ottawa, and the present secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Baha’i Publications Canada has just printed two workbooks for children based on the statement on peace from the Universal House of Justice.

The workbooks are called The

new peace titles

Promise, volumes | and 2, and sell for $5 each.

Volume 1 is designed for children ages 6 to 8, volume 2 for ages 9 to 11. A third volume, for the 12-14 age group, is expected to be available soon.

This is ‘the first material based on the peace statement designed specifically for children. Because they are workbooks, they will be especially valuable to parents and teachers in Bahd’{ schools who want to teach the concept of peace to young people.

Eunice Braun, a former general manager of the Baha’ Publishing Trust, has a new book available, A Reader’s Guide ($14.95 HC, $8.95 SC), published by George Ronald. Divided into two main sections, A Reader’s Guide gives a brief history of Bahá’í literature in English, and in its second section lists books, pamphlets and periodicals published within the Bahá’í world community to the present day.

Quan.

__The Advent of Divine Justice, HC —The Advent of Divine Justice, SC

—This Century of Progress, CS —Peace: More Than an End to War, SC

—The Power of Unity, SC —Quickeners of Mankind, SC

Z£r7Onm DPmozwo

—The Baha’i World, Vol. 18, HC 35.00*

—Peace: More Than an End to War, HC

Amt. Quan. $12.00 _A Reader's Guide, HC 8.00 _AReader’s Guide, SC

7.00 __Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, SC

16.00

7.95 _Tablets of the Divine Plan, SC 7.95 Throne of the Inner Temple, SC 1,00 _Women: Equality and Peace, CS

Price effective until October 15, 1986

Baha’i Distribution Service

415 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE, IL 60091

—Reginald Turvey/Life and Art, SC —Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, HC

TAB/September 1986

Amt. $14.95 495 VISA/MC/AMEX (CIRCLE ONE) 1495 6.00 Exp. Date Card No. 4.95 24.00 No postage within continental U.S. oy (add 15% outside U.S.) 7,00 Name Address Sea Cl

Credit card orders ($10.00 minimum) are accepted by phone: 800-323-1880 (outside Illinois), or 312251-1854 (within Illinois).

Enclose a check for the full amount, or

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Prices good through October 31 except where noted [Page 15]The Six Year Plan

Reaching the “‘generality of i

necessitate our willingness to relocate to areas where there are no believers.

This has been true since the early days of the Faith when there were only a handful of Baha’is to spread the word.

What will inspire us to sacrifice

Increasing the number of localities in which Baha’is reside

complacency and comfort in order to support the goals of the current Plan? What will challenge us to explore options that will allow us to be of greater service?

What will rouse us to take to heart the goal of increasing the number of localities where Baha’ is reside? The following books are among those that offer guidance on this subject.

= Ga}

| ae |

‘Abdu Bahá

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s master plan Jor all

of the teaching plans of the past, present and future—whether we choose to go abroad or remain here. Includes characteristics of and directives to Bahá’í teachers, along with prayers and Tablets to specific regions. SC $5.

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 15

Shoghi Effendi’s letter to the North American Bahd’( community assuring us of our successes, responsibilities, and glorious future, Here the paramount importance of teaching is spelled out, with instructions and encouragement that will help each believer acquire the virtues and contribute to the achievement of the destiny of this continent. HC $12; SC $8.

Juickeners “Mankind

A compilation showing how we can all assume our share of the responsibility for taking the teachings to all humanity and how our mightiest exertions must coincide with the ‘lowest ebb of mankind’s Sast declining fortunes.’ Useful to anyone interested in teaching or homefront pioneering, as well as in foreign pioneering. SC $1.

Powe

Beyond Prejudice and Racism

Unity

The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism is a new compilation of the Bahá’í writings compiled by Bonnie Taylor, the National Bahd’ Race Unity Committee, and the Baha’i Publishing Trust. Containing 334 extracts including newly translated passages by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and previously unavailable letters of Shoghi Effendi, the 142-page book is now available (in softcover only) for $7.95.

First since ‘Race and Man’

New compilation probes prejudice, racism, unity

The bad news is that there hasn’t been a compilation of the Baha’ writings on prejudice, racism, and unity since Race and Man was published in 1943.

The good news is that a compilation on the above topics has just been published by the Baha’ Publishing Trust and is now available for distribution.

“This new compilation has been badly needed by the Baha’i community for many years, and we are pleased that we’ve finally been able to publish it,’” says Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Baha’i Publishing Trust.

“Not only does it bring together many references from the writings of Baha’u’llah, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of on the important topic of racial unity and diversity,’’ she says, ‘‘it also includes previously unavailable sources and new translations.

“The Power of Unity is a response to a 1980 decision of the National Spiritual Assembly asking the Publishing Trust to consider bringing out a new edi

tion of Race and Man.

“Finding Race and Man unsuitable for publication for a number of reasons,” Dr. Fisher explains, *‘the National Baha’i Race Unity Committee undertook the preparation of a new compilation based on an earlier one by Bonnie Taylor. The Universal House of Justice provided many new extracts and translations.””

The result, she says, is a substantial and significant source book for inspiration and information on the topic. The most vital and challenging issue is broadened to include the protection, cultivation, and assimilation of all minorities in the Faith, particularly those who have experienced the effects of prejudice.

This is good news. With the many references on prejudice, racism, and unity included in The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism, we can all deepen and help transform ourselves and our communities, thus hastening the process of achieving world peace.

Three new cassettes deal with women, peace and history

PUBLISHING TRUST

Bi

Women: Equality and Peace, by Counselor Peter Khan, a member of the International Teaching Center, Haifa, 60-minute audio cassette, $7.

Dr. Khan illustrates the important connection between women and peace and between the equality of the sexes and peace, surveys the history of women, shows how religion has contributed to the subjugation .of women through the rise of male-dominated theology and priesthood, points out the inequalities and shameful practices that persist today, contrasts the Baha’i teachings with such practices, and shows how the Baha’i community can emerge as a model of women’s emancipation

How to order

To order any titles listed on this page, individuals living anywhere in the world should see the Baha’i Distribution Service coupon on page 14.

Baha’i institutions outside the contiguous 48 states should order directly from the Baha’i Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

and participation in society and of the equality of the sexes. Showing the importance of the role of women in religious history, Dr. Khan also describes the role of the Covenant in protecting the rights of women and in preventing the rise of male superiority in this

dispensation by eliminating the role of clergy and supporting the participation of women in consult bodies. Finally, he discusses guiding pri achieve a civilization based on equality and supportive of peace. Excellent for deepening and teach

‘Stories from the Dawn-Breakers,’ four 60minute tapes of tales from early Bahá’í history, told by the Hand of the Cause of God

William Sears, $24.

Deluxe edition of ‘Promise’ in third printing

The presentation edition of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ is currently being reprinted for the third time. Almost 40,000 copies have been sold to date. We hope that the third printing arrives before the supply is exhausted. If not, back orders will be taken.

ing.

This Century of Progress, by Dr. Bahia Mitchell, 60-minute audio cassette, $7.

Dr. Mitchell examines unfavorable world conditions that mitigate against peace, explores other conditions that promote cooperation leading to peace, and discusses the social and scientific achievements of the 20th century that are leading to the creation of a peaceful society. Her talk, inspired by the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice, elaborates on many of the implications of that statement. It helps us understand the practical and visionary aspects of world peace and will provide many ideas that we can share with friends. Ex cellent for personal and community deepening and teaching.

Stories from the Dawn-Breakers, told by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, four 60minute audio tapes, $24.

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears retells more than 30 dramatic incidents from the Heroic Age of the Faith adapted from Stories from the Dawn Breakers, a book by Zoe Meyer. The tapes are packaged in a vinyl binder with a full-color illustration on the front. They provide an excellent means for introducing children, youth and adults to episodes from Baha’ history. Keep a set in the car for trips and commuting. Available in mid-September.

and softcover editions.

stamped in gold.

Seven Valleys reprint, now available, ideal for seekers or for one’s library

A reprint of The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, Baha’u’llah’s mystical treatise on the states and stages of the seeker’s journey in the path of God, is now available in both hardcover

The new reprint now matches three other volumes of the Creative Word—Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Kitáb-i-Íqán and The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. The hardcover edition is bound in maroon leather and embossed with a nine-pointed star. The softcover is bound in rich red with the title

The new Seven Valleys is an ideal gift for seekers, and it makes a lovely addition to a Baha’i library, especially if the collector has the matching books in the set. HC $6; SC $4.95.

[Page 16]16 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

Complete listing of District Convention dates, sites

The following list of District Convention sites includes dates, times, and names of ballot recipient/person to contact for more

information. °

Unit 1: Alabama, Northern. University Center, Univ. of Alabama at Huntsville, Oct. 5, Reg. begins at 9 am, Tim Tyson,

Huntsville, AL 35803; 205/881-3640

Unit 2: Alabama, Southern / Florida, Northwestern. Monroeville Community Center, Golf Drive, Monroeville, AL, Oct. 5, 10 am (9 Reg.), Ruth Wendling,

lobile, AL 36618; 205/344-2580

Unit 3: Arkansas. Creekmore Community Ctr, Rogers Ave. at South M, Fort Smith, Oct. 19, 12:30 - 4 pm (12 Reg.), James True, Baha’i Ctr., Little Rock, AR 72205; 501/224-3246

Unit 4: Arizona, Northern +A (Northwest AZ). Cottonwood Civic Ctr, 805 N. Main St., Cottonwood, Oct. 19, 9 - 4 (8:30 Reg.), Robert Carroll,

Cottonwood, AZ 86326; 602/634-9712 Unit 5: Arizona, Northern

- B= (East-Central AZ). Tempe Community Ctr., 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe, Oct. 5, 1 - 4 pm (12 Reg,), Calvin ‘Thur, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253; 602/948-3582 Unit 6: Arizona, Northern = C (Southwest AZ). Baha’i Center, 944 E. Mountain View, Phoenix, Oct. 5, 9 am, Carol Dastan, Phoenix, AZ 85028; 602/996-7092 Unit 7: Arizona, Southern. NW Neighborhood Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave., Tucson, Oct. 5, Reg. begins at 9 am, Joyce Fuller Kleikamp, P.O. Box 37121, Tucson, AZ 85740; 602/293-6041 Unit 8: California, Central

1 - A (San Francisco & San Mateo

Counties). San Francisco Baha’i Center, 170 Valencia St., Oct. 19, 9 am, Johanna Anderholm, Redwood City, CA 94062; 415/369-9809 Unit 9: California, Central

1 =~ B (Contra Costa Co.). The

Schoolhouse, 205O Oak Park Bivd., Pleasant Hill, Oct. 5, 10 am (9 Reg.), ‘Andrey Mepaaen leasant Hin, CA 94523; 415/932-8052 Unit 10: California, Central #1 - C (Alameda Co.). Student Union, College of Alameda, 555 Atlantic Ave., Alameda, Oct. 19, 10 am (9 Reg.), Debra Taylor, P.O. Box 462, Newark, CA 94560; 415/794-3461 Unit 11: California, Central #1 - D (Santa Cruz Co.). Bosch Baha’i School, SOO Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, Oct. 5, 10 am 3:30 m (9 Reg.), Sandy Vesper, ox 3068, Santa Cruz, CA 38063; 408/475-6829 Unit 12: California, Central #1 - E (Santa Clara Co,). Strawberry Park School, 730 Camina Escuela, San Jose, Oct. 5, 9:30 am (8:30 Reg.), Amy Reid, Mountain View, CA 94043; 415/964-7879 Unit 13: California, Central #1 - F (North Monterey & San Benito Counties). Carmel Middle School Library, Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (.6 Miles East of Hway. 1), Oct. 5, 10 am, Theresa Brodsley,

Carmel Valley,

CA 93294; 408/659-2843 Unit (14: California, Central #1 - G (Southeast

Monterey Co.). King City Fairground, King City, Oct. 26, (Note Special Date) 10 am - 3 pm, Ann Miller, La Selva Beach, CA

95076; 408/688-0221

Unit 15 : California, Central #2. Holiday Inn, Route 198, Visalia, Oct. 5, 9:30 am - 5 pm (9 Reg.), Farahnaz Taoloubadei, P.O. Box 4542, Visalia, CA 93278; 209/732-6741

Unit 16 California, Northern #1 - A (Northeast CA). Bidwell Elementary School, 1256 Walnut St., Red Bluff, Oct. 5, 10 4:30 (9 Reg.), Claudia Thrailkill,

P.O. Box 43, Red Bluff, CA 96080; 916/529-1411

Unit 17 =: California, Northern #1 - B (North-Central CA). Sacramento City College, Lillard Hall, Room 101, 3835 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, Oct. 5, 10 am, Gaye Stahl, P.O. Box 420338, Sacramento, CA 95842; 916/344-7014

Unit 18 : California, Northern #2. Veterans Memorial Bldg., 1425 J St., Arcata, Oct. 5, 9 am (8:30 Reg.), Janice Pool, P.O. Box 4932, Arcata, CA 95521; 707/822-3818

Unit 19 California, Southern #1 - A (North Los Angeles Co.). Lakeshore Club House, 24316 Ventury Drive, Valencia, Oct. 5, 10 am, Susan Zia,

Valencia, CA 91355;

805/253-2053 Unit 20 : California, Southern #1 - B (West Los Angeles Co.). Roxbury Park Auditorium, 471 South Roxbury Dr., Beverly Hills, Oct. 5, 1 - 5 pm

(11:30 Picnic, 12 Reg.), LSA of Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA_ 90402; 213/394-5449 Unit 21° : California, Southern #1 - D (City of Los Angeles). Los Angeles Baha’i Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, Oct. 19, 12 - 5 pm, Los Angeles Baha’i Center, 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles, CA_90016; 213/933-8291 Unit 22 : California, Southern #1 - D (East-Central Los Angeles Co.). Girls Club of Pasadena, 3160 E. Delmar Bivd., Pasadena, Oct. 5, Reg. begins at 9:30 am, Phyllis Barrett, Altadena, CA 91001; 818/798-3755, Unit 23°: California, Southern #1 - E (Southwest Los Angeles Co.). Community Resource Ctr., 320 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach (Comer of Pacific Coast Highway), Oct. 19, 1:30 pm (1 Reg.), C. Hendershot, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; 213/372-5856 Unit 24 : California, Southern #1 - F (SE Los Angeles Co.). CA State University, Student Union, Multi-purpose Room, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, Oct. 19, 1:00 pm, Rhea Mealey,. Long Beach, CA 90803; 213/431-1141 Unit 25 : California, Southern #2 - A (San Bernardino & Riverside Counties). Redlands Community Ctr., 111 W. Lugonia Ave., Redlands, Oct. 5, 9 am, Gwyneth Magaditsch, Norco, CA 91760; 714/735-8499 Unit 26 : California, Southern #2 - B (North Orange Co). Rancho Santiago Community College (Formerly Santa Ana College) Russell Hall, Room R124, 17th at Bristol, Santa Ana, Oct. 5,1 - 5 (12:30 Reg.), Bernyce Stillwell, Anaheim, CA 92802; 714/750-4305 Unit 27° : California, Southern #2 - C(S. Orange Co.). Heritage Community Park, Youth Services Center, 4601 Walnut, Irvine, Oct. 19, 1:00 pm, Adrienne Jackson, P.O. Box 6332, Huntington Beach, CA 92615; 714/962-3922 Unit 28 : California, Southern #3. Allan Hancock College, Student Union, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, Oct. 5 9:30 - 1:30, Claudette Nelson, Santa Maria, CA 93455; 805/937-3430 Unit 29 : California, Southern #4 - A (North San Diego Co.). Pala Tribal Hall, Pala Reservation, Pala, Oct. 5, 10 - 4 (9:30 Reg.), Shirley Stevens, San Marcos, CA 92069; 619/471-2293 Unit 30 : California, Southern #4 - B (South San Diego & Imperial Counties). La Mesa Community Ctr, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa, Oct. 's, 8:30 am, Paula Hillman, La Mesa, CA 92041; 619/589-6949 Unit 31 =: California, Southern #4 - C (San Diego). San Diego Baha’i Ctr., 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr., San Diego, Oct. 5, 10 - 4, San Diego Bahai Ctr., n Diego, CA 92111;

Sai 619/268-3999

Unit 32 Colorado,

Northeastern. Thompson Valley High School, 1669 Eagle Dr., Loveland, Oct. 19, 9 am (8 Reg.), Martin Minney, P.O. Box 8455, Ft. Collins, CO 80525; 303/221-0726

Unit 33 Colorado, Southeastern. Pikes Peak Community College, Cafeteria. 5675 S. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, Oct. 5, 10 am -' 12:30 pm (9:30 Reg., 12:30 - 5 Social), Soheila Afnani, oe

Colorado Springs, CO 80907; 303/590-7049

Unit 34 Colorado, Western. Beech Street Kindergarten, 510 N. Beech, Cortez, Oct. 5, 10 am (9:30 Reg,), Harriet Brock, P/O. Box 308, Cortez, CO 81321; 303/565

8862 Unit 35 Connecticut. Wesleyan University, Science

Building, Church Street, Middletown, Oct. 5, 9 am (8 Reg.), Delano Cassar, Ridgefield, CT 06877; 203/438-3316 Unit 36: DelMarVa. Delmar Fire Department, Bi-State Blvd. & Grove St., Delmar, DE, Oct. 5, 9 am (8:30 Reg.), Roger Blaine, New Castle, DE 19720; 302/322-5644 Unit 37: Florida, Central. Gold Key Inn, 7100 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Oct. 5, 9:30

am, Florence Pringle, Palamar Trailer Park,

Orlando, FL_32805 ; 305/422-3707

Florida,

High

Unit 38 : Northern. Orange Park Ser School, 2300 Kingsley Av Park, Oct. 19, 10 am (9 Reg. Sheehan, sonville, "FL 32216; 904/725-2776

Unit 39: Florida, Southeastern - A (Palm Beach Co. area). Oct. 5, For information contact: Joanne Schwandes,

Belle Glade, FL 33430;

305/996-0482 Unit 40 : Florida,

Southeastern - B (Broward Co.).

Marriot Marina Hotel, 1881 SE 17

‘St, Ft. Lauderdale, Oct. 19, 9 am (8:30 Reg), Marcia Cherniachovsky,

Sunrise, FL 33322; 305/742-8963,

Unit 41 Florida, Southeastern - C (Monroe and Dade Counties). Holiday Inn, 10775 Caribbean Blvd, Miami, Oct. 19, 1 pm, Sima Mellman,

Miami, FL 33156; 305/595-1902

Unit 42 Florida, Southwestern. Gulfport Community Ctr., 5730 Shore Bivd. S., Gulfport, Oct. 5, 10 am (9 Reg.), Farinaz Gheysari, Valrico, FL 33594; 813/684-0497

Unit 43: Georgia, Northeastern. Martinez Community Room, Washington Road, Martinez, Oct. 5, 12 - 4 pm, Nancy Schear,

Augusta, GA_ 30907; 404/860-1066 Unit 44 Georgia, Northwestern - A (Northwest GA).

For information contact: Kathy Hamilton, Carroliton, GA 30118; 404/258-5951 Unit 45°: Georgia, Northwestern - B (Cobb and

Fulton Counties). Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Ctr., 450 Aubum Ave. NE, Atlanta, Oct. 5, 11 am - 5 pm,

‘Thad Taylor,

Atlanta, GA’ 30311; 404/344-9829 Unit 46: Georgia,

Northwestern - C_(Northwest Central GA). DeKalb College South Campus, 3521 Panthersville Road, Decatur, Oct. 5, 8:30 am, Ronald E. Fortin, Stone Min, GA 30083; 404/294-0694

Unit 47°: Georgia, Southern - A (Southwest-Central GA). Agricultural Building, 1021 Commerce St., Perry, Oct. 5, 9:30 - 4 (9 Reg.), Sally Brown,

- Perry, GA 31069; 912/987-5707

Unit 48 : Georgia, Southern - B (Southeast GA). Goodyear Elementary School, 3001 Glynn Ave., Brunswick, Oct. 19, 10 am (9 Reg.), Joan & Joe Shinnick,

St. Simon's Island, GA 31522; 912/638-5046

Unit 49 Georgia, Southern - C (Southwest GA). Home of Emma & Warren Lombard, 416 Fifth Ave., Albany, Oct. 19, 9 am, Ella Young,

Albany, GA. 31707; 912/439-8069

Unit SO : Lowa. Camp Hantessa, Highway 164, (Next to Ledges State Park) Boone, Oct. 5, 8:30 am - 5 pm, Kim Heidarian,

Des Moines, IA

50317; 515/265-5535

Unit 51: Idaho, Northern

Eastern. Chief

, 1517 S. Pioneer

Way, Moses Lake, WA, Oct. 5, 10 am, Verna Zuttermeister,

Wenatchee, WA 98801;

509/662-7927

Unit 52 : Idaho, Southern. Best Western Burley Inn, 800 N. Overland Ave., Burley, Oct. 5, 9:30 am - 5 pm (9 Reg.), Dawn Bowman,

Pocatello, ID 83204; 208/233-9849

URI SS ts Illinois, Northern #1. Saratoga Hotel, 311 S. Lincolnway, N. Aurora, Oct. 19, 1 am Reg., Linda Hawkin:

Elgin, IL 60120; 312/8882887

Unit 54 : Illinois, Northern #2 - A (West and South Cook Co.). For information contact: Kurt Hemmati,

Des Plaines, IL 60018;312/296-2545

Unit 55 : Illinois, Northern #2 - B (Northeast Cook Co.). Foundation Hall, Baha’i House of Worship, Linden Ave., Wilmette, Oct. 5, Devotions,

20 Reg.), “Susan Fox,

Skokie, IL 60076; 312/675-4694 Unit 56° 3 Illinois, Northern #2 - C (Chicago). Lincoln Park Towers, Hospitality Room (Top Floor), 1960. Lincoln Park West, (Corner of Clark & Armitage) Chicago, Oct. 19, 1 - 5 pm (12 Reg., 5-7 Dinner & Fellowship), Chicago Baha’i Ctr., Chicago, IL 60616; 312/431-1919 Unit 57 Illinois, Southern - A (Central IL). Bradle' University Student Ctr., 901 N. Elmwood Ave., Peoria, Oct. 5, 9:30 am, Juliette Whittaker, Baha’i Ctr.,

Peoria, IL

61614; 309/674-3721 Unit 58: — Illinois, Southern - B (Southern IL). Holiday Inn - Collinsville, 475 N. Bluff Road, Collinsville (at junction of 1-55-70 & IL 157), Oct. 5, 10 am (9 Reg.),

Michael’ McLaughlin, Alton, IL 62002;618/465 Unit 59 : Indiana. Greenfield High School, 810 North Broadway, Greenfield, ‘Oct. 5, 9 am, Sally Webber, ‘Indianapolis, IN 46234; 317/291-6110

Unit 60 : Kansas. Emporia State University, Memorial Union Dent Room, 1200 Commercial, Emporia, Oct. 5, 10:00 am, Gena’ Snyder, Emporia, K: 66801; 316/343-3135

Unit 61 : Kentucky. Univ. of Louisville, Belknat Campus, Humanities Building, Room 205, Louisville, Oct. 5, 10 - 4 (9 Reg.), Marilyn Sykes, Louisville, KY 40206; 502/8979258

Unit 62 : Lo Rodeway Inn, 10330 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, Oct. 19, 9 am, Ric Hutchens,

Baton Rouge, LA 70819; 504/272-0286

Unit 63 : Massachusetts A (Wester MA). Sprague/ Griswold Arts Theater, American International College, 1000 State St., Springfield, Oct. 5, 10 am (9 Reg.), Juan Caban,

Amherst, MA 01002; 413/549-1666

Unit 64 : Massachusetts B (North-Central MA). Keefe Technical School, 750 Winter St., Framingham, Oct. 5, 9:30 am (9 Reg.), Sara Harrington,

Worcester, MA 01602; 617/795791

Unit 65 : Massachusetts C (Southeastern MA). MIT Campus, Bldg. 10, Room 250, Mass. Ave. Cambridge, Oct. 5, 10 - 3 (9 Reg), Amy Scott, Centerville, MA 02632; 617/778-7287 Unit 66 : Maryland / Washington, DC - A (Western MD and DC). For information contact: Mrs. Cynthia (Muse) Massey, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 301/587

1141 Unit 67 : Maryland / Washington, DC - B (Central MD). Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Lane, Columbia, Oct. 5, 11 am (10:30 Reg.), Ann Beasiey, Baltimore, MI 21213; 301/563-2294 Unit 68 : Maine. University of S. Maine, 10 Bailey Hall, Gorham, Oct. 19, 9 am, Carl Pabst, P.O. Box 3305, ' Portland, ME 04104; 207/773-3170 Unit 69 : Michigan, Mainland - A (Southwest Mi. The Hilt Building, Beardsley Theater 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, Oct. 19, 10 am (9 Reg., Holy Day program to follow), Bonnie Cooper, Fruitport, MI 49415; 616/865-6560 Unit 70: Michigan, Mainland - B (Northeast MI). Louhelen Bahá'{ School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, Oct. 19, 9:30 am, Hermione Pickens, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S." State Road, Davison, MI 48423; 313/742-6208 Unit 71 : Michigan, Mainland - C (Southeast MI). Student Center Building, Wayne State University, Detroit, Oct. 5, 10:30 am, Linda Strom Detroit, MI 48219; 313/532-4584

Unit 72 Minnesota, Northern. Holiday Inn Convention . 5, 9:30 am,

ae Aes: 36601; 218/751-8282 73 : Minnesota,

Sentieee’ Northstar Ballroom; St. Paul Student Center, University of MN, 2017 Buford Ave., Falcon Heights, Oct. 5, 9 am, David Ingham, Minneapolis, MN 55417; 612/823-9074 Unit 74 : Missouri A (West MO). Ramada Inn Hawthorn Park, 2431 N. Glenstone, Springfield, Oct. 5, 9 am, Lee McGee, Springfield, MO 65807; 417/887-5299 Unit 75 : Missouri B (East MO). Heman Park Community Ctr. 975 Pennsylvania, University Ci Oct. 5,10 4, Mildred Birkett, St. Louis, MO 63119; 314/962-9314 Unit 76 Mississippi. Roosevelt State Park, Dining Ml, Morton, Oct. 19, 9 am - 4 pm (i Reg.), Herman Fowlkes, Jackson, MS 39213; 601/982-5739 Unit 77 : Montana. Helena Movement Center, 38 S. Last Chance

Gulch, Helena, Oct. 5, 10 - 4 (9 Reg,), Linda Wanzenried, Helena, MT 59601; 406/442-1288

Unit 78 : Navaho-Hopl. For information contact: Lorraine Kahn, clo Native American Bahá't Institute, P.O. Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506; 602/367-5126 ext. 8595

Unit 79 : North Carolina, Central A (NorthCentral NC). Gibbs Hall, A & T University, E. Market St., Greensboro, Oct. 5, 9:30 am, Skip Ebert,

Greensboro, NC 27403; 919/8543929

Unit 80 : North Carolina, Central B (South-Central NC). Cumberland Community Foundation, 310 Green St., Fayetteville, Oct. 19, 9:30 am, Dara Gay Shaw,

Fayetteville, NC 28303; 919/867-2421

Unit 81 : North Carolina, Eastern - A (East-Central NC). YWCA, 1012 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, Oct. 5,10 am (9:30 Reg,), Robert Ruby, P.O. Box 51194, Raleigh, NC

27609; 919/847-2885

Unit 82 : North Carolina, Eastern - B (East NC). Hayes Elementary School, Andrews & Washington (Rte. 17) Williamston, Oct. 5, 10 am (9:30 Reg.), Robert Bares,

illiamston, NC 27892; 919/792-1973

Unit 83 : North Carolina, Western - A (West NC). Black Mountain Clubhouse, Lake Tomahawk (Laurel Ln.), Black Mountain, Oct. 5,

9:30 am (9 Reg.), Hay Tac eiaeees cs NC

28711; 704/669-5537

Unit 84: North Carolina, Western - B (West-Central NC). High Country Inn, Highway 105 South, Boone, Oct. 5, 10 - 4 (9 Reg,), Janie Winebarger Dougherty,

[Page 17]_ Boone, NC 28607; 704/264-4001 Unit 85 : North Dakota. Kirkwood Motor Inn, 800 S. Third St,, Bismarck (just west of Kirkwood Plaza), Oct. 5, 9:00, Patricia Schulte, Bismarck, ND 58501; 701/223-8473 Unit 86 : Nebraska. St. Augustine Mission, Winnebago, Oct. Soin KAyAW costae) Macy Ni NE 68039; 402/846-5459 Unit 87: New Hampshire. Univ. of NH, McConnell Hall, 2nd Floor, Durham, Oct. 5.9330 am (8:30 Reg), Jeanette Nashua, NH "53662; 603/881-4951 Unit 88 : New Jersey - A (North NJ). Catchings Rm., Glenfield School, 25 Maple Ave. (at Bloomfield), Montclair, Oct. 19, 10 4 (9:30 Reg. a 7 pm Celebration), Habib Hosse Bloom: field, NJ 07003;2017748-5511 Unit 89 : New Jersey - B (South NJ). Grice Middle School, 901 Whitehorse-Hamilton Sq. Road, Hamilton Township, Oct. 5, 10 3:30 (9:30 Reg.), Evelyn Grammar,

. Trenton, NJ 08610; 609/888-0118 Unit 90 : New Mexico, Northern. Los Alamos Community Bidg., 901 Trinity Dr., Los Alamos, Oct. 5, 10 am, Sharon W. Ewing, Santa Fe, NM 87505; 505/471-5333 Unit 91: New Mexico, Southern / Texas, Western - A (Southwest NM). Dona Anna Community College, Wells & Espina Streets, Las Cruces, Oct. 19, 9:30. am, Pauline Hoff, Las Cruces, NM 88001; 505/522-8258 Unit 92: New Mexico, Southern / Texas, Western - B (Southeast NM). Washington Heights Nursery School, 203 E. Texas, Hobbs, Oct. 5, 10 am, James Bullok, Hobbs, NM 88240; 505/392-6101 Unit 93 : New Mexico, Southern / Texas, Western - C (West TX). Recreation Hall, SOO ‘Transmountain Rd., Canutillo, Oct. 5, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (9 Reg.),Betty Beck, El Paso, TX 79904; 915/751-3903 Unit 94 : Nevada, Northern. Travelodge Reno Conventi ir, 3800 S. Virginia St, Reno, Oct. 5, Reg. at 9:30 am, Mary Ann Risley, P.O. Box 505, Sparks, NV 89431; 702/355-8772 Unit 95 Nevada, Southern. YMCA, 4141 Meadows Lane, Las Vegas, Oct. 5, 10 am (9 Reg.), Shirley Hayes, Las Vegas, NV 89103; 702/870-7026 Unit 96 : New — York, Eastern - A (Northeast NY). Best Wester Inn Towne, 300 Broadway, Albany, Oct. 5, Reg. at 8:30 am, Joni Bisnett, msterdam, NY 12010; 518/343-. 3856 Unit 97°: New York, Eastern - B (New York Cit Westchester Co.). Public Sch 116 W. Lith St., New York City, Oct. 19, 10 am o Reg.), Antonio Otero, 117-52 S. Ozone Park, NY 11420; 718/738-2456 Unit 98 :|New York, Eastern - C (Nassau & Suffolk Cos.). Hofstra University, _Hempstead, Oct. 5, 10 am, — Dunn, Bellport, NY 11713; 516/286-8343 Unit 99, : New York, Western - A’ (Western NY). State University College, Classroom Building, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, Oct. 5, 9 am, Meimanat

Grant, _ ‘BE. Amherst, NY 14051; 716/688-1417

Unit 100 : New York, Western - B (Central NY). Quality Inn, Carrier Circle, Syracuse, Oct. 19, Reg. begins at 9 am, Gail Watson, Syracuse, NY_ 13224; 315/446-0360

Unit 101 : Ohio, Northern - A (Northwest OH). Findlay High School, Broad St., Findlay, Oct. 5, 10 am - 4:30 pm (9 Reg.), Heda Sami Findlay, OH

419/423-9669

458.

Unit 102 : Ohio, Northern +B (Northeast OH). Orange Community Center, Orange City Schools, 32000 Chagrin Bivd. Pepper Pike, Oct. 5, 10 am (9 Reg.), Janet Weaver,

Lakewood, OH 44107; 215/228-2866

Unit 103: : Ohio, Southern. John Bryant Community Center, 100 Dayton St, Yellow Springs, Oct. 5, 9 am, Bonnie Phillips, P.O. Box 16, Alpha, OH 45301; 513/429-5971

Unit 104 : Oklahoma, Eastern. For information contact: John Algeo, 510 S. Oklahoma St., Sapulpa, OK 74066; 918/224-8252

nit 105 : Oklahoma, Western. Alberta's Tearoom, French Market Mall, 2862 NW 63rd Oklahoma City, Oct. 5, 10 am (9 Reg.), Toby Hamilton, Edmond, OK 73017; 405/348-1807

Unit 106 : Oregon, Eastern. Little Vert, SW 4th & Dorion, Pendleton, Oct. 5, 9:30 4:30 (9 Reg.), Ronald Parker,

Pendleton, OR 97801; 503/276-5322

Unit 107 : Oregon, Western - A (Northwest OR). Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus, 17705. Springville Road, POnyentte Oct. 18, (note special date) m (12 Reg., Dinner/Dance rs Follow), ane Steiger, ea verton, OR 97005; 503/644-6751

Unit 108 : Oregon, Western - B (Multnomah Co.). Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Ave., Portland, Oct. 5, 10 am - 4 pm (9:30 Reg.), Lynne Wolters,

Troutdale, OR 97060; 503/666-3904

Unit 109 : Oregon, Western - C (West-Central OR). LaSells Stewart Ctr., 26th & Western, Corvallis, Oct. 19, 10 am (9:30 Reg.), Hooshyar Hamedani,

Corvallis, OR 97331; 503/753-0125

Unit 110 : Oregon, Western - D (Southwest ‘OR, 4H Building, 215 Ringuette (next to county fairgrounds) Grants Pass, Oct. 5, 10 - 4 (9 Reg.), Marilyn Boesch,

Medford, OR 97501; 503/772-5502

Unit 111 Pennsylvania, Eastern. Pottstown High School, Pottstown, Oct. 5, 9:30 am, Gity

Etemad, Villanova, PA 19085; 215/527-3114 Unit 112: Pennsylvania,

Western. Best Wester University Inn, 1545 Wayne Ave. Indiana, PA, Oct. 19, 9:30 am (8:30 Reg.), Cornelius J. Frijters, State’ College, PA 16801; 814/237-1055 Unit 113 : Rhode Island. Univ. of RI, Alton Jones Campus, West Greenwich, Oct. 5, 10 am (9:30 Reg.), Alegra Jones, Cranston, RI 02905; 401/941-0425 Unit 114 : South Carolina, Central - A (West-Central SC). Columbia Jr. College, 3810 Main St., Columbia, Oct. 5, 12 - 5 pm, Alison Ewing, P.O. Box 210646, Columbia, SC 29210; 803/782-6470 Unit 115 : South Carolina, Central - B (Lee & Sumter Cos.). Mount Vernon Hotel, 2-10 Broad St., Sumter, Oct. 19, 2'- 5 pm, Heloise Herbert,

Columbia, SC 29209; 803/776-4596 Unit 116: South Carolina,

Central - C (Calhoun & Clarendon Cos.). For information contact: Doris Morris, Columbia, SC 29210; 803/772-6757 Unit 117 : South Carolina, Central - D (Orangeburg Co.). Russell St. Inn, Orangeburg, Oct. 5, 1 - 4 pm, Sandra Sigmon, North, SC_ 29112; 803/247-5360, Unit 118 : South Carolina, Eastern #1 - A (Chesterfield and Marlboro Counties). For information contact: Mildred & Vance McCall,

Bennettsville,

SC 29512 Unit 119 : South Carolina, Eastern #1 - B (Darlington Co.

West). Lawton Park, Lake Presswood, Hartsville, Oct. 5, 1 - 5 pm, Moses Richardson, Darlington, SC 29532; 803/332-2411

Unit 120 : South Carolina, Eastern #1 - C (Dillon Co. North). For information contact: Iona & Centry Harley, Minturn, SC 2957; 803/714-6520

Unit 121 : South Carolina, Eastern #1 - D (Darlington Co. East). For information contact: Linda

Unit 122 :

South Carolina,

Eastern #1 - E (Dillon Co. South). For information contact: Emery Ford, Lake View, SC 29563

Unit 123 : South Carolina, Eastern #1 - E (Florence Co. Central). For information contact: Deloris & David McLeod,

Savannah Grove, SC 29541; 803/665-1044

Unit 124 : South Carolina, Eastern #1 - G (Florence Co. North). For information contact: Anne & Bret Breneman,

Florence, SC’ 29501; 803/667-1540.

Unit 125 : South Carolina, Eastern #1 - H (Lake City area). For information contact: Genell Grimsley, P.O. Box 1033, Lake City, SC_ 29560; 803/394-8056

Unit 126 : South Carolina, Eastern #2 - A(Marion Co. Northwest). For information contact: Frank & Ellen Jordan-McAlilister, P.O. Box 581, Kingstree, SC 29556; 803/382-9738

Unit 127 : South Carolina, Eastern #2 - B (Marion Co. E. & Horry Co. N.). Loris Bakery, Meeting

Loris Oct. 19, 4 pm, Mrs. Esther

Loris, SC

Skipp 29569;, 803/756-6537

Unit 128 : South Carolina, Eastern #2 - C (Marion Co. S. & Horry Co. W/Central). Aynor Elementary Annex, 11th St., Aynor, Oct. 5, 9 am, Wilbur Vereen, P.O.

Box 181, Aynor, SC 29511; 803/358-6854

Unit 129 : South Carolina, Eastern #2 - D (Horry Co.

Southeast). Home of Delane & Kurt Hein, 118 Wofford Circle, Conway, Oat. '19, 1:00 pm, Delane & Kurt Conway, sc 49526; 803/347-4708 Unit 130 : South Carolina, Eastern #2 - E(Williamsburg Co. Northwest). Home of Laura Schell, 113 Madison Ave., Kingstree, Oct. 19, 3 pm, Laura Schell, Kingstree, SC 29556; 803/354-5229 Unit 131 : South Carolina, Eastern #2 - F (Williamsburg Co. S & NE). Jordan-McAllister-Bishop home, Behind St. Mark AME, Hwy. 527, 13 miles $ of Kingstree, (Rt. 1, Box 184), Oct. 19, 10 am, Debbie Jackson, P.O. Box 915, Hemingway, SC 29554; 803/558-9289 Unit 132 : South Carolina, Eastern #2 - G (Georgetown Co,). Home of Jennie Green, 44 Indigo Hall Apts., Georgetown, Oct. 19, 3 pm, Jennie Green, Georgetown,SC 29440;803/546-6254 Unit 133 ; South Carolina, Northern - A (North-Central SC). Home of Dr. Kamran Borhanian,

42 Fire Tower & Pleasant Grove

Road, Chester, Oct. 5, 9:30 am (9 Reg.), Mildred L. Ewing, Spartanburg, SC 29301; 803/583-3123

Unit 134 : South Carolina, Northern - B (York Co.). For information contact: Helen Thomas,

Rock Hill, SC 29730; 803/328-8395

Unit 135 : South Carolina, Southern #1 - A (Dorchester & Berkeley Counties). Home of Curley & Terry Brown, Route 1, Box 955, Monck's Comer, Oct. 5, 10 am, Terry Brown, Monck's Comer, SC 29461; 803/761-4915

Unit 136 : South Carolina, Southern #1 - B(Charleston Co.). For information contact: Alonzo Nesmith, - Charleston, SC 29407; 803/766-7826

Unit 137 : South Carolina, Southern #2 - A (Southwest SC). Davis Elementary School, Dale, Oct. 19, 9:30 am, Juana Kenney, ilton Head, SC 29928; 803/681-2087

Unit 138 : South Carolina, Southern #2 - B (Colleton Co.). For information contact: Amber Spahn, P.O. Box 236, Frogmore, SC 29920; 803/838-5453

Unit 139 : South Carolina, Western. Jim Rice Ctr., 403 Jefferson Ave., Anderson, Oct. 5, 9 am - 4 pm, Gail Black,

Easley, SC 29640; 803/859-8514 nit 140 : South Dakota A (West SD). Martin Elementary School, Sth St., Martin, Oct. 19, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Patt Haugen,

Rapid City, SD 57702; 605/342-3562

Unit 141 : South Dakota B (East SD). Antelope Community Center, Mission, Oct. 5, 10:00 - 4,

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 17

Sandi Lebeau, P.O, Box 484, Eagle Butte, SD 57625;

Unit 142 ': emia Eastern. Rodeway Inn, I-40 & 1-75 at Cedar Bluff Road, West Knoxville, Oct. 19, 10 am (9 Reg.), Sharon

Tubman, Knoxville, TN 37919; 615/588-3675 Unit’ 143: | Tennessee,

Western. Looby Center, 2301 Metro Center Blvd., Nashville, Oct. 5, 9:30 - 4 (9 Reg.), William Ahlhauser, Murfreesboro, TN 37130; 615/896-4219 Unit’ 144: Texas, Central

1 - A (Central TX). Austin Baha’i

Ctr., 4317 Airport Blvd., Austin, Oct. Fe 9:30 am (8:30 Reg. ), Hovieh Hezari, Austin, TX 78758;512/834-8551 Unit 145: Texas, Central

1 - B_ (Southwest-Central TX).

Incarnate Word College, Nursing Building, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209, Oct. 19, 9:30 am (8:30 Reg.), Gretchen Hofer, Comfort, TX 78013; 512/995-2599 Unit 146 : Texas, Eastern

1 - A (Denton area). Denton Senior

Ctr., 509 N. Bell Ave., Denton, Oct. 5, 9:30 am (9 Reg.), Michael Ard,

Plano, TX

75023; 214/881-1294 Unit 147: Texas, Eastern

1 = B (Northeast TX). Texas

College, Home Economics Building, 2404 N. Grand, Tyler, Oct. 5, 10 am

- 4 pm (9 Reg.), Jamal Ma‘ani, P.O. Box 7613, Tyler, TX 75711; 214/581-8222

Unit 148 : Texas, Eastern

1 - C (Fort Worth/Waco area).

Hurst Recreation Center, 70O Mary Dr., Hurst, Oct. 5, 10 am 030 Reg.), Lupita Ahangarzadeh, Bedford, TX 76022; 817/571-1709 Unit 149 : Texas, Eastern

1 - D (Dallas Co.). Dallas Marriott

Park Central, 7750 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Oct. 19, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (8:30 Reg.), Barbara Schenkel, Coppell, TX 75019; 214/462-8676 Unit 150 : Texas, Eastern

2 - A (Southeast TX). Houston

Baha’i Center, 2121 Oakdale, Houston, Oct. 19, 9 am (8 Reg.), Dennis Busch, P.O. Box 9028,

College Station, TX 77840; 409/764-3160 Unit 151 : Texas, Eastern

2. - B (Harris Co.). Hobby Airport

Holiday Inn, 9100 Gulf Freeway, Houston, Oct. 19, 9 am (8:30 Reg.), Anita Locher, Ss. Houston, TX 77587; 713/944-3794 Unit 152 : Texas, NorthCentral. Holiday Inn (Country Villa), 4300 W. Highway 80, Midland, Oct. 19, 10 am, Gisela

Webb, Lubbock, TX 79424; 806/794-7359

Wisity 1153 8 Texas, Southern. Holiday Inn of Emerald Beach, 1102 South Shoreline, Corpus Christi, Oct. 5, 9 - 4:30, LSA of Corpus Christi, c/o Karen Toporowski, P.O. Box 7288, Corpus Christi, TX’ 78415; 512/852-2191

Unit 154 : Utah. Sons of Utah Pioneers, 3301 East 2920 South, Salt Lake City, Oct. 19, 1 pm (12 Reg.), Deborah J. Rothaar,

Salt Lake City, UT

84106; 801/486-3670

Unit 155 Virginia, Northern - A (Northwest VA). Lord Fairfax Community Center, Office of Continuing Education, Rte. 11, Middletown, Oct. 5, am, Cynthia Cole, Sterling, VA 22170; 703/430-1670

Unit 156 : Virginia, Northern - B (Northeast VA). N. Virginia Community College, Bisdorf Building, Room 111, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alex-andria, Oct. 5, 10 am - le m (9:30 Reg.), Baha’i Faith, c/o Wiener, : Alexandria,,VA_22301;703/998-7517

Unit 157: irginia, Southeastern. The Hotel Madison, Granby & Freemason Streets, Norfolk, Oct. 5, 9:30 am (9 Reg.), Ha Ea ‘Theriault, Beach, VA 23455; 80.4/460-3

Unit 158 Virginia, Southwestern. YWCA, 60: 08 First St. SW (at Franklin), "Downtown Roanoke, Oct. 5, 9:30 am (9 Reg.), Jason Gray, Roanoke, Nc 24017; 703/563-0801

Unit 159: Vermont. Vermont Technical College, Conant Bldg., Randolph, Oct. 19, 9:30 - 4 (9

Reg.), Barbara Goldman, BratUeboro, VT 05301; 802/254-6918 Unit 160: Wa:

Northwestern - A (Ni WA). Mt. Vernon Court House, Third & Kincaid, Mt. Vernon, Oct. 19, 1:30 pm (11 am Social & Potluck, Celebration to follow), Lina Zeine, Bellingham, WA

98225; 206/734-7408 Unit 161: Washington, Northwestern - B (West King Co.). Langston Hughes Cultural Ctr., 104 17th (at Yesler Way), Seattle, Oct. 5, Noon (11:30 Reg.), Robert

Wilson, Seattle, WA_ 98103; 206/547-8377 Unit 162: Washington, Northwestern - C (East King Co.). Odle Middle School, 14401 N.E. 8th St., Bellevue, Oct. 19, Noon, Naomi Robinson, Bellevue, WA 98004; 206/451-1794 Unit 163: Washington, Southwestern. Evergreen State College, Olympia, Oct. 5, 10 - 4 (9 Reg.), Celia Johnson, Bremerton, WA_ 98312; 206/377-1977 or 206/876-2121 Unit 164: Wisconsin, Northern/Michigan, Peninsular Howard Johnson's, 2001 N. Mtn. Road, Wausau, Oct. 5, 9:30 am (8:30 Reg.), Jane LaRonge, Wausau, WI 54401; 715/842-1060 Unit 165 Wisconsin, Southern - A (Southwest WI). Forester Hall, 136 Cliff St, Sun Praise: Oct. 19, 9 am, Richard L. Scha Sun Prairie, Wi 53590; 608/837-8609 Unit 166 Wisconsin, Southern - B_ (Southeast WI). Milseante Bahá’í Ctr., 2526 W. Vliet Milwaukee, Oct. 5, 9:30 am, Miiw. Bahai Ctr., Milwaukee, WI 53205; 414/342-7636 Unit 167 : West Virginia. ‘The Executive Inn, 3300 MacCorkle Ave. SE, Charleston, Oct. 19, 1 pm (11 Reg., 12 Lunch, Holy Day Celebration to follow), Wayne Morganroth, Charleston, WV 25314; 304/346-2984 Unit 168 : Wyoming. Casper College Student Ctr:, Rooms 20: 204, 125 College Dr., Casper, Oct. 5,9 am - 4 pm (8:30 Reg.), Mary Vaughan, P.O. Box 1781, Casper, WY 82601; 307/237-9177

Youth teacher training consultations slated in October, November

To help transform the spiritual energies created this summer into action during the school year, the National Youth Committee and National Teaching Committee are sponsoring 12 youth teacher training consultations throughout the U.S. in late October and early November.

The sites are as follows: Green Acre (Maine), Bosch (California), Louis Gregory Institute (South Carolina), Native American Baha’i Institute (Arizona), Texas, Kansas, Washington state, Chicago, Florida, New York, and Washington, D.C.

The consultations will focus on effective ways to teach on college campuses and in high schools. Please make plans now to attend the one closest to you.

Archives has guide to open collections

The National Baha’i Archives has available a guide to those collections open for research.

The 19-page guide covers 149 collections of institutional records, personal papers, community histories and personal recollections, giving the collection title, quantity, and some information about contents and significance.

The guide can be ordered for $2 from the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 18]18 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha’i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha’i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted Sor publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

.

EMPLOYMENT

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs is seeking help in both its Wilmette and New Haven offices. The position in Wilmette is for director of the Office of Public Information. The director manages the office that is responsible for the training and development of the Baha’i public information network and a network of Baha’is who are media professionals. The office also supplies the Baha’i community with media materials. One to two years of professional administrative and supervisory experience is necessary as well as a college degree. Excellent verbal and written communications skills are required; public speaking experience is recommended; background in conference planning and program development is desirable. Two positions are open in New Haven: office administrator and secretary. The administrator processes mail; types correspondence for the director and deputy director; makes travel arrangements; orders and maintains office supplies; maintains office accounts. Previous office experience and strong typing and organizational skills are required. Some bookkeeping and word processing experience would be helpful. The secretary acts as receptionist, types correspondence, and maintains files in a fast-paced, highpressure environment. Previous office experience, pleasing telephone manner and typing skills of 60 wpm are necessary. Word processing experience is desirable. The Office of External Affairs is responsible for contact with the U.S. government, national media, national organizations and prominent individuals. Those who are interested in applying for service in that office should write directly to the Office of External Affairs, - New Haven, CT 06510.

EXCELLENT employment opportunities for Baha’i occupational therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, and physical therapists at a progressive, comprehensive rehabilitation center in historic rural Georgia, 70 miles southwest of Atlanta. The Roosevelt-Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation (the largest rehab facility in Georgia) needs O.T. and P.T. supervisors, senior level O.T.R., C.O.T.A. and all level P.T.’s to help the occupational therapy director (a Baha’i) in re-developing therapy services and in homefront pioneering to help build a Baha’i community. Salaries are high, benefits excellent through the State Merit System, and low-rent housing on the Institute’s 2,000-acre grounds is

available. Please write to Ellen Scherling, MA, OTR, Warm Springs, GA 31830, or phone 404-655-2349 (home) or 404-655-2807 (work).

QUALIFIED individual is sought to serve as a secretarial assistant in the Office of the Secretary at the Baha’i National Center. This person will help with mail screening, process correspondence, help with special projects and perform other duties as needed. Strong clerical and organizational skills and typing of 55 wpm are required. A firm Baha’i background, common sense, and the ability to work independently and under close supervision also are required. Those interested in serving in this position may contact the Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039 to obtain an application and further information.

BEAUTICIAN is needed for a new, two-chair, Baha’i-owned beauty salon on an Indian Reservation in northern Wisconsin. Lease possible; living quarters available. Please phone Corky, 715-588-3323.

THE BAHA’{ World Center is continuing its search for applicants to fill current or future positions. Certain needs are ongoing while in other cases, openings may not be available for some time but applications are kept on file to be considered at a later date. A basic need for most positions is a good or excellent proficiency in English apart from other qualifications. For short term positions up to one year, it is not economically possible to provide financial assistance for travel expenses. Short term Positions: interns for Archives office; garden helpers; janitorial; security staff. Middle or long term positions: administrative assistants/executive secretaries; audiovisual manager; investment analyst/administrator; investment/ general accounting; statistician; storekeeper/purchasing assistant; buyer; driver; mechanical technician; carpenter; electrician; plumber; mason/plasterer; painter; auto mechanic; professional gardeners; professional janitorial; general office worker; bi-lingual typist/word processor; Arabic/English translator; computer programmer; bookkeeper; indexer; audio-visual projectionist. Any friends who have an interest in

erving the Universal House of Justice in this rewarding and challenging way should contact Karen Crenshaw, Department of Human Resources, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 to obtain an application and/or information about qualifications for specific positions at the World Center.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HOMEFRONT pioneers: Consider moving to East Tennessee, a land of mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, and low property taxes. DeKalb County (Smithville), with a Group of four, has inexpensive housing. One could live in the county and work in Smyrna (where a new car plant is being built) or work in Nashville or attend Tennessee State University at Cookville. Phone 615-597-1700. Four-year construction jobs are available in Pigeon Forge, a major tourist community that is only a few miles from the Great Smoky Mountains and within commuting

distance of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville or Knoxville College. Phone 615-928-0905. Crossville, in the Cumberland Mountains, is the fourth-rated retirement area in the U.S. and famous for its setting and mountain crafts. The Baha’i couple now living there will soon be leaving for an overseas pioneering post. Phone 615-484-1977. Morristown has a large two-year community college and new printing companies for Sunday newspaper magazine supplements. For more in! mation about pioneering possibilities in Tennessee, phone 615-5817540 after 5 p.m. (EST) or write to the Eastern Tennessee District Teaching Committee, Morristown,

TN 37814.

CASHION, Arizona, a_predominantly Spanish community of hard-working field hands and their families west of Phoenix, needs a homefront pioneer. Housing is available at reasonable rates. The Spiritual Assembly of Phoenix has an ongoing teaching, deepening and consolidation project in the area and will give every possible assistance to pioneers. A returning pioneer from South America or someone with Spanish-speaking experience would be excellent. The community is eager and waiting for the Message of Bahá’u’lláh; an Assembly has been formed and maintained for two years with a small core of believers. Please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Phoenix,

Phoeni AZ 85068, or phone 602-247-4535.

NEEDED: homefront pioneers. The Spiritual Assembly of Bismarck, the state capital of North Dakota, is in jeopardy. Our community of eight is warm-hearted, diverse in race, careers and ages, unified and active. We have much to offer those who are ambitious and want to teach the Faith in the Midwest and to Native Americans. If you are considering a move, we invite you to contact us for a brochure and newspaper ads (or other information). Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bismarck, Bismarck, ND 58501, or phone 701-223-8473.

DENHAM Springs, Louisiana, needs homefront pioneers. Since the job market is poor, pioneers should be self-supporting. There are several major universities nearby, and vast teaching opportunities await you. Persian families would be dearly welcomed. There is presently only one active Baha’i family in the area. For more information, please phone Sharon Irwin, 504-665-7143.

MOBILE home situated on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho, an ideal teaching activity base for a homefront pioneer, is available for rent or purchase. For more information, contact Aziz Ghalili, Hillview Motel, American Falls, ID 83211.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

HAIRDRESSERS interested in purchasing a well-established business in North Cyprus are being offered a well-equipped modern salon by former pioneers from Canada. Interested individuals should contact Ahmet and Cindy

Yamach, 7 _ Alberta, Canada TOE 2CO, or phone 403-962-5521.

ZIMBABWE needs a horticulturist to serve as research officer in charge of a small government

station involved with applied research on vegetables and temperate fruits. The station has two other researchers and a support staff of 42. A master’s degree is preferred, but a bachelor’s in horticulture or fruit science is acceptable. Experience in field research is also a plus. Position includes transportation to Zimbabwe, and must be filled by January. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Botswana is seeking a manager/administrator for the Baha’i Teaching Institute in Mahalapye. Duties would include conducting regular deepening classes, possible involvement in social and economic development projects, and perhaps even a tutorial school. Retired couple or persons with an independent source of income are needed. If you would like to serve in this capacity overseas, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BOLIVIA needs a health educator/program planner to work for Project Concern. A degree in nursing or public health is preferred with two or three years experience. Housing, transporation and a good salary are included. The project is in an area designated as a goal by the National Assembly of Bolivia. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

UGANDA has two openings, one for a technical instructor in graphic reproduction and design, the other for a technical instructor in machine printing, letterpress and offset. Both require a diploma and certification in printing techniques or printing management or a related field. Ten years of practical experience with three years of technical teaching experience is desired. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A JOB for a draftsman/surveyor is open in the South Pacific island nation of Tuvalu. Position is based on the main island of Funafuti but involves travel to the outer islands. Requires recognized qualification in land surveying; experience with cadastral surveys is a plus. Applicants must be fully conversant with the use of up-todate surveying equipment. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TRUK, Caroline Islands, has a position open for a staff attorney to work for the Government Office. Duties include supervising legal matters, civil and criminal litigation, research on legal and constitutional issues, preparation of formal and informal Attorney General opinions, administrative hearings, drafting bills and resolutions, and proving technical assistance to lower level attorneys and personnel. Requires a law degree from an accredited school and admission to the bar in any jurisdiction, although U.S. is preferable. Professional experience is advantageous but not required. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity,

please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INDIA has an opening for a chemical plant engineer to facilitate the start-up of production of citric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Responsibilities include training personnel and making sure that plant equipment is properly set up and operating. Applicants should have a chemical plant ment/production background. Also needed is a general manager for housing and food services at a division of International Crops Research Institute. Duties include executive, fiscal and personnel administration. Applicants should have a degree in hotel/restaurant management and five years experience. as a general manager in housing and food services. For details, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

KOREA, which is pleading for pioneers, has openings for instructors in teaching English as a second language. Minimum teaching load is five hours a day. Applicants should have a master’s degree in TESL or linguistics. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, -Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

CHIEF of computer services for the Asian Development Bank is needed in the Philippines. Responsibilities include planning and directing the design and implementation of computer-based information systems and office automation. Applicants should have a degree in computer science, business administration or math, and 15 years experience in senior level management in an IBM environment. For details, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

JOB announcements have been received by the International Goals Committee for several positions in Pohnpei, in the U.S. Trust Territory of the Caroline Islands, Positions open with the College of Micronesia include a professor of business studies and an instructor in math/computer science. Government positions include a sports and recreation officer; chief of the Division of Energy; engineers with civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical or other backgrounds; agriculturalist; and an auditor. If you are interested in learning more about any of these positions, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

WANTED

AM SEEKING Baha’i Date Books for the current year and Past years, in any condition, new or used. Write to Tom Millington, P.O. Box 781355, Los Angeles, CA 90016.

CARETAKERS are needed for the Baha’i National Center in Transkei, Southern Africa, a large house with an attached two-bedroom unfurnished apartment for caretakers with bathroom, separate entrance and large kitchen (shared with the Center). Rent is free; utilities are shared. A selfsupporting couple or single man is

See ADS page 30 [Page 19]

A short primer in Persian

“Acquire the Persian tongue, so as to learn of the meanings of the divine words and to know the divine mysteries, to develop an eloquent speech and to translate the blessed Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. The Persian language shall become noteworthy in this cycle; nay, rather the people shall study it in all the world.””—(Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, v. Il, p. 306)

PERSIAN (FARSI) ENGLISH

al-IA-ho-ab-hA Allah’u’Abha

mo-nA-jAt Prayer

ho-val-IAh He is God (in Arabic)

kho-dA. God (in Persian)

ayn ayn A.A. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá Abbas. This is the signature that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá uses at the end of the prayers He has revealed.)

ke-tAb Book

ee-qgAn Certitude (Iqan)

ke-tA-bee ee-qAn The Book of Certitude

lowh Tablet

low-e ah-mad Tablet of Ahmad

mah-fel Assembly

mah-fe-le ro-hA-nee Spiritual Assembly

mah-fe-le mel-lee National Assembly

mon-shee-ye mah-fel Secretary of the Assembly

bay-tol-ad-le a-zam Universal House of Justice

ho-qoo-qo-lAh Huqtqu’ll4h

a-yA-me-hA Ayydm-i-Ha

roo-zeh The Fast, fasting

no rooz Naw-Rúz

ay-de sho-mA mo-bA-rak Happy Naw-Rúz

rez-vAn Ridvan

ja-mA-le mo-bA-rak The Blessed Beauty (Baha’u’ lah)

haz-ra-te a-lA. haz-ra-te va-lee-ol-amr

His Holiness the Bab The beloved Guardian

PRONUNCIATION CODE

Vowels: A (upper case) as in father; a as in bat. ee as in see, e as in bed. 00 as in food, o as in toe. i as in high, ay as in day. Consonants: Kh as in loch or Bach. Q is a hard clicking (velarized) sound not found in European languages. It is a kind of cross between “‘K’’ and a hard “G.”’ H is aspirated slightly more than in English. The other consonants have approximately the same value as in English. Most multi-syllable words in Persian are accented on the last syllable (e.g., rez-VAN).

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Dapartment of Human Resources, National Baha’i Center, Wilmette, I11., 60091

Tel. (312)869-9039

BAHA'I MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENTS lee elas5! pele Lad eS 5 syle pence I) ll ole: ue ld RxG oh Jd ce Bt dee nh a HE Sly Jew & gyal als the de ly clyrl GSS G snls 3y sgl ily Jim Ko Sylar 294 Fuss legs ‘Ugh, poly UI, GAS Als

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The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 19

NEW PUBLICATIONS

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415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, I11. 60091

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[Page 20]20 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

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an cle oat lS gaze stot 3 -.39,So bul 3) SG & Ve asgerme gal 3) cles eAtyls eol> lS jo5e Dr. Elsie Austin P.0.Box 927 Silver Spring, MD , 20910 Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA, 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi

Rocky River, Ohio, 44116

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(ovotye Tile gslufeutlh) 39% poltuTosry [Page 22]22 / The American Baha’j / September 1986

BAHA’?i CROSSWORD

g 7

Latest issue of World Order reflects intention to stimulate, inspire and serve thinking people

The latest issue of World Order magazine strongly reflects its intention of stimulating, inspiring and serving thinking people in their desire to find relationships between contemporary life and contemporary religious teachings and philosophy.

Articles on the emergence of a universal moral order, higher education, Baha’i laws on the status

readers and editors round out an issue sure to find many uses in the Baha’i community.

Linda and John Walbridge’s essay on the Baha’i laws on the status of men in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas is certain to provoke thought and discussion on the role of men and women in marriage and childrearing.

Geoffrey Nash’s article on

the West.

This most recent issue of World Order is an extra-large, double issue dated Fall 1984/Winter 1985. It was mailed to subscribers during the last week in July.

Single copies of the issue, and of ali back issues, are $3 each Subscriptions are $10 for one year (four issues) and $18 for two years.

of men, and Thomas Carlyle and Thomas Carlyle and Islam is For more information, write to = — Islam all make for provocative, bound to provoke thought of an- Subscriber Service, Baha’i Nathoughtful and intriguing reading. other kind, for Mr. Nash shows _ tional Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, Photographs, poetry, an edito- how Mr. Carlyle, more than any- or phone 312-869-9039 and ask 23 2a rial on shaking off ancient feuds, one else in the 19th century, legit- for Subscriber Service. | and an active interchange between imized Muhammad and Islam for 25 26 27 28 429 = = 7 eo = | Guidelines for receiving newly arrived refugees 30 st 32 | By the end of September a total refugees have resettled in your the National Center should be in| of between 400 and 450 Baha’i area or in areas nearby. formed of the name and address 33 z | refugees from all over the world The foliowing steps should be of the refugee(s). A copy of the will have arrived in the U.S. dur- taken when a Baha’i refugee ar- Handbook for Newly-Arrived ing this fiscal year. rives in your area: Persians will be sent to them along Ke Eo It is quite possible that Bahd’{ 1. The Baha’ Refugee Office at with other necessary materials. 2. The refugees should be helpPuzze copyright ¢ 1986 by uiewe Wnitater | World Center seeks Guardian’s letters — _‘©. complete the forms for Transfer of Membership for PerACROSS hast busied thyself with thy fan- | To all National Spiritual Assemblies sian Baha’is. Local Spiritual As 1. “O Son of Spirit! My first counsel is this: Possess a : kindly and radiant heart (The Hidden Words, Arabic, No. 1)

3. “I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to Thee. ...’’ (Noon obligatory prayer)

9. “O Brethren! Be ing one with another and set not your affections on things below.’’ (The Hidden Words, Arabic, No. 48) 10.A drop from the eye. 12. Alcoholics Anonymous (initials).

13. “I yield Thee thanks, O my Lord, that Thou has awakened me from my sleep and red me up, and created in me ...’’ (Bahd’/ Prayers, p. 54)

15. To attempt to do.

16. To assert as true without prov

ing. 17. To hasten forth.

18. “‘O Son of Man! If thou lovest Me, ____ away from thyself ...’” (The Hidden Words, Arabic, No.

2

19. To contemplate sacred mat ters.

23. ‘Out of the clay of love I

molded thee, how dost thou busy

thyself with _____?”” (The

Hidden Werds, Arabic, No. 13).

25. Prayer draws our minds to the dom of God.

27. “Ye are the _____s of My

garden, ye must give forth goodly

and wondrous fruits ...’’ (The

Hidden Words, Persian, No. 80).

28. Anno Domini (initials).

30. ‘‘... let us think of the eternal

worlds and we shall be full of

——_!””_ (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris

Talks, p. 111)

31. “‘O Son of Man! aday

hath passed over thee whilst thou

Glory devotes issues

to topics of peace

During the International Year of Peace, Glory magazine plans to devote its coming issues to peace and other allied topics. Materials for these issues are therefore especially welcome from the Baha’is in the U.S.

In addition, Glory is open to poetry, articles, stories, photography, calligraphy or anything with a Baha’i perspective.

Send materials to Glory Editorial, P.O. Box 19, Panchgani 412 805, Maharashtra, India.

cies and idle imaginings.’’ (The Hidden Words, Arabic, No. 62). 34. Prayer is a means of handling and difficulties.

35. A common, unsightly and troublesome plant that grows in abundance.

36. ‘*... let him give to the words of His chosen ones.’’ (The Hidden Words, Persian, No. 56).

DOWN

1. Convincing; powerful.

2. To put into practice.

3. “*O Son of Man! ___all that We have revealed unto thee with the ink of light upon the tablet of thy spirit.’” (The Hidden Words, Arabic, No. 71)

4. Certain prescribed prayers are required at least once a day.

5. A prefix.

6. ‘‘O Son of Being! If povert; overtake thee, be not _____...”” (The Hidden Words, Arabic, No. 53)

7. Hour (abbreviation).

8. Appreciate versation with God.

11. Causing fear and apprehension.

12. Parched with heat, like a desert.

13. Savings and Loan (abbreviation).

14. To tell of events.

15. The daily obligatory prayers

as con are _______ in number.

20. District Attorney (abbreviation).

ely ne O my servant,

the verses of God that have been received by thee...” (Baha’i Prayers, p. 3).

22. A brief composition or topic; in music, a recurring melody.

24. To speak in loud, abusive tones.

25. and thou shalt ______ of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor ...’” (The Hidden Words, Arabic, No. 2)

26. ‘Suffer not your

fancies, your evil passions, your insincerity, and blindness of heart ...””. (Baha’u’llah, Gleanings, p. 327)

29. Abnormal, difficult; as in a function.

32, ‘‘______ not of Me that which we desire not for thee ...’’ (The Hidden Words, Arabic, No. 8) 33. Identification (abbreviation). 34. Transpose (in proofreading).

Dear Baha’i Friends,

In December 1967 the Universal House of Justice wrote to all National Spiritual Assemblies requesting that they send to the World Center originals or photocopies of letters from the beloved Guardian, or written on his behalf, and addressed to Baha’( institutions or individual believers.

The response to this request and to one issued in May 1975 was encouraging, but it is now clear that the originals and photocopies held at the World Center represent only a part of the letters the Guardian is known to have written.

The House of Justice is eager to pursue, as swiftly as possible, the task of tracing such vitally important documents, and has therefore given the Archives Office the urgent task of collecting information which will enable it to work toward the completion of the collection held at the World Center.

To avoid giving institutions and believers a great deal of unnecessary labor, the Archives Office will be directing letters with specific guidelines to certain National Assemblies and individuals who are known to have received large numbers of letters from the Guardian, sending a list of the letters of which originals or satisfactory photocopies are already held at the World Center. The recipient will then be able to check whether he has any that have not been supplied to the World Center.

National Assemblies which have in their National Archives only a small number of letters written by the Guardian, or on his behalf, could help greatly by sending to the Archives Office at the World Center immediately a list of such letters, specifying in each case the name of the addressee and the date.

Although the majority of National Spiritual Assemblies have come into being since the passing of Shoghi Effendi, they may well have within their jurisdiction local Spiritual Assemblies and individual believers who corresponded with the Guardian, or the children and grandchildren of such believers, who may have the letters in their possession.

Therefore, all National Spiritual Assemblies are asked to publish a statement in their newsletters, requesting that all local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals who have in their possession original letters from the Guardian, or written on his behalf, notify the World Center of that fact either directly or through their National Assembly.

They should be asked to state the number of letters that they have and, if these are only a few, to list the date and the exact name of the addressee of each one.

In this announcement the National Assembly should stress the point made in earlier appeals: that any such letter is the property of the person to whom the Guardian wrote, and that that person is perfectly entitled to keep the original or pass it down in his family. He does not have to give it up to any Baha’i Archives.

In such a case, however, the Archives needs to have a good photocopy, and arrangements will be made for this to be done. Alternatively, if the individual wishes to give the original document into the safekeeping of the Archives, but would like to have a photocopy, this can be sent to him. It should also be mentioned that whenever the contents of a letter are seen to be confidential, that confidentiality is respected.

Since many believers have already sent such letters to their National Archives, National Assemblies are asked to send to the World Center a list of the names of those persons and other institutions, such as committees, for whom they hold originals or photocopies. This list will be checked here, and the Archives Office will write in due course to inquire further as appears necessary.

In closing, the House of Justice asks us to stress that it is not asking for any of the Guardian’s letters to be sent now. It merely wishes to collect information so that the Archives Office can systematically work to trace those letters that are lacking from the World Center collection.

With loving Baha’i greetings,

Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat August 26, 1984

semblies should have these forms on hand; if not, they can be obtained from the Office of Membership and Records at the Baha’i National Center.

The refugees will need to complete these forms regardless of any other credentials they may have, and mail them to:

Office of Membership and Records, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

3. The refugees should be made to feel welcome. Although they are happy to be in the American Baha’i community, they are homesick for their friends and the style of life they have had to leave behind. They have usually spent 15 months or more in transit and are faced with adapting to a completely new environment.

Individual Baha’is should make extra efforts to befriend them, to help them to understand and to function in American society, and show kindness and hospitality to them. Simply inviting them to tea and discussing their experience as refugees will help make them feel welcome.

Peace Bible contains writings on peace from scriptures, thinkers

In “The Promise of World Peace,’’ the Universal House of Justice observes that peace has long been envisioned by ‘‘seers and poets’’ and that it has been promised in ‘‘the sacred scriptures of mankind ...””

The validity of that statement is documented in a new book from Kalimat Press, The Peace Bible, a compilation of quotations on peace from sacred scriptures and various religious thinkers.

The Baha’ Writings are quoted frequently in the book, and the Bahd’{ teachings have provided the inspiration for its format.

There are, for example, chapters on the role of women in attaining peace, and on the need for a world government.

The Peace Bible is ideal for introducing Baha’j themes on peace to those who may not wish to read a “Baha’i book.” It is also a useful tool for deepening.

The book is now available from Kalimat Press, 1600 Sawtelle Boulevard, Apt. 34, Los Angeles, CA 90025. [Page 23]NATIVE AMERICANS

Many visitors give time, energy to help Institute prosper

During the past year many Baha’is from off the Reservation have visited the Native American Baha’j Institute in Arizona. Some of them have -stayed for many weeks.

Last summer, adults and youth from the, Bay area in California came and invested much energy in the work of the Institute and in visiting Navajo communities across the Reservation.

John Nicol visited this year and soon joined the Institute staff as architect and property developer.

Michael Freisinger, from British Columbia, Canada, helped with property surveying and archeological drawings of Anasazi ruins on and around the Institute property.

Maynard Eakan has spent considerable time at the Institute and has lent a helping hand throughout the Reservation, especially in the Tsaile-Wheatfields Chapter where he helped form the local Spiritual Assembly in April.

Adrian Trevino of Albuquerque visited several times, bringing with him much-needed supplies and equipment at low cost.

Toni Isaac of Bisbee, Arizona, visited for five weeks this summer and gave a helping hand by cleaning the buildings, teaching and helping with the children.

In the past few months two special groups have visited the Institute: an architecture class from the University of New MexicoGallup branch, numbering eight students and an instructor, who studied the Institute’s architecture; and a group of 10 Mormon youth from Farmington, New Mexico, who visited July 8-9 to study the Faith and learn more about the Navajo culture.

National Assembly names new Council to guide Institute

In May the National Spiritual Assembly appointed the following Baha’is to serve on the new Native American Baha’i Institute Council: Elizabeth Dahe, Benjamin Kahn (elected as chairman), Helen Kiely, Jeff Kiely (elected as secretary), Moses Nakai and Muffy Yellowhorse.

The Council serves as a consultative body to guide the development of the Institute. Some of the things it must take care of include:

Evaluating the Institute and staff; creating policy; acting as “ambassadors”’ for the Institute; making short-, medium- and longterm plans for the Institute; reviewing and approving the Institute’s budgets; and putting together a developmental plan for the Institute property.

The Council held its first meeting June 29 at the Institute, discussing the ‘‘statement of purpose’’ drafted by the National Teaching Committee and recommending some changes, mostly having to do with facility development.

The Council also established “principles of conduct” to help the Institute’ reflect beauty and spirituality.

These are important days. The Faith of Baha’u’llah is ‘‘emerging from obscurity.’’ The Baha’is in Iran are standing fast in the face of horrible persecutions by the leaders and clergy of that country, and the world is hearing about it.

Many leaders and nations have lifted up their voices on behalf of the Baha’is. And the Baha’is of Iran continue to show their strong faith.

As a result, the people of the world are becoming aware of the Faith. Also, all over the world the Baha’i institutions and communities are becoming stronger and more mature.

So the Universal House of Jus tice knew that it was time to speak forth; in wrote a wonderful letter to ‘the peoples of the world’’ called “The Promise of World Peace,’’ and many leaders throughout the world have received this message. Most of them received it with great reverence and gratitude.

At the same time, the Baha’is on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations are becoming stronger, and our Baha’i communities are starting to grow.

The Native American Baha’i Institute is also becoming stronger. We feel that the Institute is leaving its “‘infancy’’ and entering into a time of greater service and increased activity.

A new Institute Council has been formed. The property and buildings are looking better than ever.

Soon, God willing, our well will be finished and our water system will be in place. Many activities

Taos Baha’i leader of 3 Pueblo groups

Augustine Mirabel, who lives in the Taos (New Mexico) Pueblo, has been a Baha’i for 25 years and is now the leader of three of the most significant pueblo social and governing institutions.

Mr. Mirabel is head of a healing society, head of the ‘‘runners’”’ or youth, and head of the tribal council.

Taos itself is a significant pueblo, situated at the closest point to the sacred mountain lake for many tribes in the Southwest.

are planned—and many more can be scheduled, especially if you and your community let us know what your needs are, and what kinds of activities you would like to see.

As we enter the new Six Year Plan, the Institute will be focusing on the following priorities:

1. Supporting and helping the increasingly dramatic expansion and consolidaticn of the Faith on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations.

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 23

Native American Institute becoming stronger

2. Increased translation of the Creative Word into the Navajo and Hopi languages.

3. The preparation of effective materials and strategies for teaching the Faith and developing Baha’i communities on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations.

4. The training of Navajo and Hopi teachers of the Faith.

5. Helping with the increased production of audio-visual materials for proclamation, teaching

and deepening.

6. Helping with the development of materials and methods for the effective Baha’i education of Navajo and Hopi children, youth and families.

7. The construction of further facilities to more fully accommodate the operations and activities of the Institute, most notably water systems, dormitories, classrooms, and an administrationmedia center.

Last October 24, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the charter for the College of World Peace was signed in Lilburn, Georgia. To mark the occasion, Mayor Andrew Young declared it ‘College of World Peace Day’ in Atlanta. Pictured are members of the college’s board of: directors: seated

(left to right) Sharon Wright, Betsy Haynes, and standing (left to right) Phil Breitenbucher, Parvis Ízadí, Leslie Cummings, Randy Wright, Kenneth Shiver, Brad Cummings. (Not pictured is Dr. Gwen Lewis.) The college was founded by a group of Bahá’ís in northwest Georgia to promote the

cause of world peace through education. Although its board of directors is composed primarily of Baha’is, the school is open to anyone, and already has two members in the Republic of Malta. Inquiries should be sent to P.O. Box 774, Lithonia, GA 30058.

Baha’is aid Crafts Fair

Baha’is from Taos, Espanola and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and from the Navajo-Hopi District in Arizona helped Picuris Pueblo (near Taos) with its second annual Tri-Cultural Arts and Crafts Fair held July 4-6.

The Baha’is were specially invited to come and help by the governor of the Pueblo, which is trying to earn money to restore its Catholic church.

ate

A Peace Festival held May 16-17 in Pendleton, Oregon, brought together Bahá’ís and non-Baha’is to discuss their views on world peace. A highlight was the presentation of an eagle feather by Tesaie Williams (center) of the

Umatilla Indian Reservation to Baha’is Bernice Erskine (left) and Giorgi DeCarlo of Pendleton. The presentation was made in the Indian language, and the eagle JSeather was reverently displayed throughout the day-long festival.

Jaci Delahunt leads Pioneer Consultation

On March 15-16, Jaci Delahunt of the American Indian Teaching Committee conducted a Pioneer Consultation at the Native American Baha’i Institute in Houck, Arizona.

On April 5-6, 58 Baha’is from the Navajo-Hopi District came together at the Institute for a Unified Action Conference that included a Native Consultation session.

One of the recommendations from the Navajo elders was to hold a traditional Navajo blessing of the Prayer Hogan at the Institute. This was agreed to, and 41 people attended the blessing ceremony on April 26.

During the April conference Institute planner John Nicol took the friends on a ‘‘beauty walk”’ of the Institute property, explaining to them many of the ideas that are being worked on for the property’s ‘‘master plan’’ and asking for their ideas and suggestions.

“The beauty walk ended with prayers at the grave of Gordon Tong.

Gregory Institute celebrates Louis Gregory’s birthday

On Saturday, June 7, the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute in South Carolina held its first celebration of the anniversary of the birth of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory.

Mr. Gregory was born June 6, 1874, in Charleston.

The speaker, Mrs. Jacquie Jones, related the story of how Louis Gregory, an educated black man, gave up a promising law career to enter the arena of service to the Cause of Baha’u’llah.

Charles Thomas then led the audience in singing several songs including ‘‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” said to have been one of Mr. Gregory’s favorite songs.

Taiwan.

tants of Taiwan.

Taiwan seeking Native Americans

In cooperation with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Taiwan, the International Goals Committee is appealing to Native Americans to consider pioneering or travel teaching to

The Baha’ is of Taiwan are presently reaching out to the aborigines living in mountain areas. Native Americans would be of invaluable assistance in reaching the hearts of the original inhabi If you would like to help with this important teaching work, even if you do not have the financial means, please contact the International Goals Committee, c/o Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

[Page 24]24 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

La visita del Consejero de Mexico tiene tres objetivos

SPANISH

El Dr. Arturo Serrano, el Consejero que reside en Mexico, hizo un giro de 6 ciudades diferentes a través de 5 dias, desde el 18 de julio hasta el dia 22, viajando una distancia de unos 1,600 kilometres, y dando conferencias sobre varias temas a mas de 200 personas.

El viaje, el primero de un consejero a ésta region, empez6 con la llegada del Dr. Serrano al Aeropuerto Internacional de San Antonio, Texas; despues, siguid a Monterrey, Mexico; McAllen, Texas y ciudad-hermana, Reynosa, Mexico; posteriormente a Piedras Negras, Mexico; Uvalde, Texas, y se finalizé en donde empezé, San Antonio.

Se puede atribuir el exito del viaje a la colaboracién efectiva entre varias Asambleas Locales Espirituales, Coordinadores Regionales de Ensefianza, ayudantes de los miembros del Cuerpo Auxiliar y tres miembros del Cuerpo Aux Ambos brazos del Orden Administrativo Bahd’{ trabajaron juntos durante cada fase del viaje, desde la planificacién, los preparativos y la publicidad hasta el transporte y hospedaje.

La visita del Dr. Serrano a ésta

region tenia tres objetivos: (1) obtener una visién mas clara de las necesidades y los recursos de las comunidades Baha’is a lo largo de esta seccién de la frontera entre E.U.A. y Mexico; (2) promover la ensefianza fronteriza; y (3) promover la diseminacién del Mensaje de la Casa Universal de Justicia, titulado ‘‘La Promesa de la Paz Mundial,” por medio de conferencias publicas y los medios masivos.

En Monterrey, una ciudad en tercer lugar de tamafio en la Republica Méxicana, y en primer lugar como centro industrial, el Dr. Serrano reunié con los Baha’is la mafiana del dia 19 de julio cuando se consideré “‘la unidad de visién y empefio’”’ de la comunidad.

“La Casa Universal de Justicia esta ofreciendo al mundo entero el ejemplo de los Baha’is como un modelo de una sociedad pacifica,” dijo el Consejero, ‘‘y nosotros tenemos que hacer un esfuerzo para que nos distinguemos por nuestra unidad.””

Hizo notar que el espiritu de la consulta atestiguado durante la sesin fue una indicacién alentadora de la madurez creciente de esa comunidad.

Mas tarde, la Asamblea Local Espiritual patrocinéd una conferencia publica seguida por una recepcién a la cual asistieron un representante del Gobernador del Estado, el rector de una universidad

importante, y mas que 60 personas prominentes y miembros de la comunidad Baha’i El Dr. Serrano hablé del Mensaje de la Casa Universal de Justicia a los pueblos del mundo, cultivando una curiosidad, interés y respeto por la comunidad Baha’i y sus principios, objetivos y actividades.

EI dia siguiente, el Dr. Serrano habl6 con un grupo de Baha’is en McAllen, Texas, compartiendo con ellos una vista inspiradora del progreso de la Fe en otras partes del mundo, y dandoles el desafio de rendir cada vez mds servicio en el campo de la ensefianza, asi produciendo entusiasmo para un colaboracién més extensa con la comunidad Baha’i de Reynosa, México.

En sus charlas dadas en Reynosa y Piedras Negras, el Dr. Serrano hizo una presentacién muy completa del Mensaje de la Paz. Es interesante notar que se logré mucho uso del radio y los periédicos.

Por medio de los esfuerzos de un pionero en Piedras Negras, Donald Greer, se establecié una relaci6n muy cordial con personas claves en el periddico local, una radiofusora y una estacién de televisién. Como resultado, la Fe Baha’i goza de una cobertura excelente en los medios masivos.

Se pag6 la publicidad en un periddico de amplia circulacién regional en Reynosa con la ayuda

La segunda conferencia anual de Baha’is de habla Hispana viene 10 de octubre

Las Asambleas Espirituales de los Baha’is de San Fernando y Fillmore, California, y Ensenada, México, tienen el gran gusto de anunciar la segunda Conferencia Anual de Baha’is de Habla Hispana, a celebrarse en el Centro Baha’i de San Fernando.

Este esfuerzo tinico por parte de 3 Asambleas entre dos naciones cuenta con el apoyo entusiasmado del Comité Nacional de Ensefian Za.

Se celebrard la conferencia comenzado en la tarde de viernes, 10 de octubre, levantandose formalmente el domingo, 12 de octubre. Los que pueden quedar hasta el lunes 13 (Columbus Day), podran intervenir en la ensefianza directa a los latinos de San Fernando.

El tema de la conferencia sera “El Plan de 6 Afios y Yo.”’

Las ‘‘mesa redondas’’ compren dardn el entrenamiento de maestros baha’is utilizando los materiales desarrollados en el Instituto Ruhi de Cali, Colombia; un seminario sobre el cémo llevar a cabo una reunién hogarefia usando hogarefias simuladas captadas en video; estrategias nuevas para la ensefianza frontizera; produccién practica de materiales grabadas para la ensefianza y la profundizacion; la integracién y explotacién de las potencialidades de los baha’is hispanos de E.E.U.U.; y otras.

Entre los invitados especiales anticipamos la intervencién del Sr. Pablo Lucas, Coordinador de la A.E.N. de México; el Dr. Tony Cubero de Largo, Florida; la Dra. Linda de Frazelle de Mexicali; la Sra. Jeanne de Serrano de Ensenada; la miembro de la A.E.N. de México Dofia Carmen de Bu

_—_— Maintenance Gardening __— Office work Name Street address City Phone

This year the Baha’i National Center hired 20 youth from out of state to work there in a variety of departments: maintenance, grounds, treasurer, National Teaching Committee, etc. The youth are paid employees and pay their own expenses. James Beckmon from South Carolina, who worked in the maintenance department, had this to say about the experience: ‘‘Totally awesome. That sums it all up. And I say thata straight from the heart.’”’

If you are between the ages of 16 and 24 and are interested in taking part in this great opportunity for service, write to the Youth Committee now for an application for the summer of 1987. Hurry! Opportunities are limited.

I would be interested in the following type of work ...

Please send an application to me right away.

State

Age =

Zip

rafato de San Miguel de Allende; el miembro Cuerpo Auxiliar, Sr. Michael Pietrzak de Reynosa, México; la Sra. Angélica Cortéz de Huerta de Los Angeles; el Dr. Marcos Selaya de San Fernando; la Sra. Femaline de Dunbar de Palm Desert, California; y el Sr. Sergio Montenegro de San Jose, California.

El Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros seré bien representado por los Consejeros el Dr. Arturo Serrano de Ensenada, y el Sr. Fred Schechter de La Mesa, California.

La registracién para la conferencia cuesta tan s6lo $5 por persona residente de California y $10 por familia californiense. Para todos los visitantes de otros estados, México, etc., les brindamos la matricula gratuita.

Haremos todo lo posible por albergar a todos gratuitamente y conservar en lo minimo los gastos de la comida. No sera necesario registrarse de antemano, pero la Asamblea anfitriona de San Fernando si agradece su grato aviso de intencién de participar.

Los que prefieren hospedarse en algin hotel también habran de comunicarse con la Asamblea anfitriona llamando al 818-361-6931 © 818-361-8744 para mas informes. A todos los demas se les pide que traigan ropa de cama, bolsas de dormir, etc.

A todos los interesados en ofrecer sus servicios en las clases para los nifios, se les pide que llamen a la Asamblea de Fillmore al 805-524-2022. Si desean contribuir con comida o como cocineros, ofreciendo su casa como lugar para dormir, etc., también no tengan pena en comunicarse con nosotros.

iNos vemos en San Fernando!

de la Asamblea Local Espiritual de Harlingen, Texas, asi manifestando una colaboracién creciente entre los amigos en la frontera.

Después de una visita muy breve en Uvalde, Texas, donde residen pioneros de la frente interna quienes han colaborado extensivamente en la ensefianza fronteriza, el Consejero Serrano, acompafiado por cinco pioneros de México, lleg6 a San Antonio, el ultimo paso en su viaje de ‘‘relampago.””

Después de una cena dada por la Asamblea Local Espiritual de San Antonio la noche del dia 22 de julio, el Consejero hablo con unos 45 Baha’is e invitados. Se trataron los temas del fortalecimiento de la Asamblea Local Espiritual y la ensefianza frontizera.

El Dr. Serrano hablé con los Baha’is acerca de cuales son sus responsibilidades y privilegios de vivir en ese area del pais, y dijo: “‘A los Baha’is no hay fronteras

nacionales. Todos vivimos en el mismo pais. Por lo tanto tenemos que extender el alcance de nuestra visién més alla de las fronteras nacionales para abrazar a todos.”

La luz que brillé en las caras de los amigos durante la reunién, atestiguo a la estimulacién espiritual producida por la visita del Consejero.

En una sesién muy animada de preguntas despues de su charla, se notd que los amigos fueron conmovidos a considerar maneras mas eficaces de ensefiar a la gente de habla espafiola, unos 60 por ciento de la problacién de esa region.

La maiiana siguiente, el Consejero Serrano abordé el avion que lo Ilevé a su hogar, a su esposa, Jeannie, y sus tres hijos pequeiios. El exito tremendo de su viaje es debido, en alguna medida, al apoyo amoroso de su propia familia, un hecho pocas veces reconocido.

Farshad and Farnoosh Lanjani, brothers from Iran who are students at Northern Oklahoma College, pose with one of three largerthan-life-size statues they have sculpted over the past year for the Ponca City school. The statue of a woman reading, titled ‘Independent Search for Truth,’ now stands in front of the school library. As reported earlier in The American Baha’i (August 1985),

the brothers have also created statues of a student in cap and gown atop a globe and an athlete holding aloft a torch, and have begun sculpting a statue of a flute player to stand in front of the music department. The talented Lanjanis, who came to the U.S. two years ago from India, have also created several murals for the student union building.

Congressman receives peace statement

On April 14, the Baha’is of Smithtown, New York, together with the Baha’is of Brookhaven, presented a copy of the peace statement to Congressman William Carney of New York’s Ist Congressional District.

A week later, on April 21, the Smithtown community, in cooperation with the Baha’is of Huntington, Long Island, presented a copy of the statement to Rep. Robert Mrazak of the 3rd Congressional District.

Each presentation was made by five Baha’i representatives: one to introduce the delegation, one to give a short talk, one to hand the

statement to the recipients, and two to round out the presentation and show the diversity of the Faith.

On May 20, members of the Smithtown community presented the statement to town supervisor Patrick Vecchio.

Requests for formal presentations have been made to eight churches, the four town councilmen and two local newspapers.

In addition to personal presentations, copies of the statement have been mailed to local businesses, organizations and church¢s. [Page 25]Juana Conrad, a founder of Women for International Peace and Arbitration, addresses a conference entitled ‘Women as Peace makers: A Conference for Men, Women and Youth’ held July 26 at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

On July 26, about 75 Baha’is and their guests gathered at the Olmsted Center of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, for “Women as Peacemakers: A Conference for Men, Women and Youth.”

The tone of the day-long event was set early with a lovely, inspiring and thought-provoking slide presentation on spheres of evolution and global unity narrated by Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy.

Throughout the day, participants were treated to addresses by

National Assembly asks Baha’is to consider supporting ‘Peace Child’ play, ‘First Earth Run’

The National Spiritual Assembly has asked several local Spiritual Assemblies to consider supporting some events which began in September in their They are called ‘‘Peace Child”’ and the “First Earth Run.”

Both events have been designed to foster a spirit of international cooperation and to increase individual and community awareness of the global issue of peace.

Peace Child is a play promoted by the Peace Child Foundation, a non-profit educational corpora

Peace statement goes to 3,000-plus in K.C.

The Baha’i Office of Public Affairs in Kansas City, Missouri, is completing a project in which more than 3,000 copies of a locally produced special edition of “The Promise of World Peace’’ have been mailed to leaders in that community.

Among those who have received the peace statement are local politicians, most of the staff at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, clergy, and members of the Kansas City Interfaith Peace Alliance.

tion based in Washington, D.C.

The story starts in a future time when world peace has been established and children celebrate an annual ‘‘Peace Day’’ by re-enacting the events of the 1980s, when American and Soviet children made it their mission to build understanding and friends! between themselves and their leaders, thus reversing the course toward destruction of the superpowers.

Starting in September, a mixed cast of Soviet and American children is performing the play in York and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; New York City; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, California; and Washington, D.

The First Earth Run is an international project to commemorate the UN International Year of Peace. Its creator and chief organizer was the director of the 1980 Winter Olympic torch relay and the American Bicentennial relay.

Other National Spiritual Assemblies and many local Assemblies are planning to be a part of

Fred Bruning, a Baha’i from California who is an attorney, speaks at the June 28 adult session of the Nine Oaks Baha’i School in San Luis Obispo County on ‘Our Legal System: Dispensing 20th

Century Justice in an 18th Century System.’ At the evening session Dr. Bruning spoke on ‘A Global Perspective on International Relations.’

this unique global torch relay, which began at the UN this month and will proceed by foot and plane around the world, ending in New York City on December 31.

There will be community celebrations in a number of Baha’i communities on the East and West Coasts as the runners pass through. There are regional First Run offices to coordinate the various levels of participation, ranging from carrying the torch to sparking interest and involvement of organizations within the community.

The National Spiritual Assembly has informed the local Assemblies and District Teaching Committees through whose cities and towns the Run will pa

Oklahoma governor, congressman given peace statement

On February 10, the Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, presented a copy of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’’ to U.S. Rep. Glenn English, and three days later presented another copy to Governor George Nigh.

The presentation to Rep. English was made by Alex Resnick, assisted by a Baha’i youth, Roya Pakbaz, and Al Daniels, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City.

Governor Nigh received the statement in his office at the state capitol from John Shipway of Yukon, who was accompanied by Virginia Harden, Roya Pakbaz, Victor Wong, Mr. Daniels and Mr. Daniels’ six-year-old daughter, Viola.

The presentation ceremony was video-taped by Foad Zahrai.

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 25

‘Women as Peacemakers’ is theme of day-long Des Moines conference

Juana Conrad, a founder of Women for International Peace and Arbitration, and Hoda Mahmoudi, a member of WIPA and the National Teaching Committee, as well as by Auxiliary Board member Robert Postlethwaite.

Seven outstanding workshops were offered by the conference speakers along with Dan and Linda Popov, experts in psychology and marriage enrichment, and Dan Himes and Richard O’Ketch of Iowa.

The workshops explored various aspects of women’s (and men’s) roles in bringing peace to the family and to society.

Many new insights and stimulating ideas originating from both the Baha’i writings and current research added to the energizing

spirit of the day, which was assured by requests for and promises of prayers for its success by the Universal House of Justice.

New and old friends from several states and even Nigeria, responding to some 1,500 flyers sent to individuals, groups, Assemblies and District Teaching Committees, shared in discussions and fellowship in the lovely, dignified university setting.

To top off the wonderful day, local ABC and NBC affiliated TV stations covered the event and reported it during the early and late evening news programs.

The conference was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Des Moines and planned largely by Kim Heidarian and Marge Nelson-Willis.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph was taken by Edward Geisinger, probably in ‘Akká or Haifa, around 1900. He has captioned the picture ‘Bahá’í Teachers’ but does not give any

individual names. If you can furnish any or all of their names, please write to the National Baha’ Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Baha’i receives award for documentary

J. Rock Johnson, a Baha’i who is a graduate student in broadcasting at the University of Nebraska’s Lincoln College of Journalism, was one of six students who received awards for a minidocumentary, ‘‘The Great American Smokeout,”’ that was broadcast on the school’s radio station last November during the American Cancer Society’s week-long

Great American Smokeout.

The documentary won first place in the ‘Student Mini-Documentary’’ category at the Northwest Broadcast News Association seminar; an award in regional competition from Sigma Delta Chi, Society of Professional Journalists; and an honorable mention in public affairs from the NEAP Broadcasters Association.

"| New from George Ronald, Publisher from 24 publishers!

A READER'S GUIDE gives you

More than 500 tith

— a history of the development of Baha’i

literature in English

— an up-to-date descriptive listing to 1986 of English publications in print from Baha’i publishers around the world

— a list of Baha’i publishers with their

addresses

An invaluable guide for the general reader. 176 pages. Hardcover $14.95, Softcover $8.95

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order to: Baha’i Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

[Page 26]26 / The American Baha’i / September 1986 Happy birthday to you..!

In The Colony, spreading Faith a ‘piece of cake’

¢

id WORLD NEWS

The New Baha’i School in Las Moras, El Salvador, recently held its second graduation ceremony. Fifty-seven students received diplomas from the school which teaches kindergarten through third grade. ...

The Wiesbadener Kurier of February 27 published an article on the Baha’i Home for the Aged, the first dependency of the Mother Temple of Europe. Plans for the home were among Germany’s goals for the Seven Year Plan. ...

The first local Spiritual Assembly on the island of San Salvador was formed January 17, fulfilling one of the goals of the Seven Year Plan for the Bahamas. ...

On March 3, a delegation of Baha’is met with the Governor’s Commission on Information to present the peace statement to the governor of Lagos State, Nigeria. The presentation was covered by Lagos State television and radio and by the national press. ...

Six women’s organizations including a six-member Baha’i delegation participated in March in a conference sponsored by the ‘‘Association des Femmes Martiniquaises’’ (Association of Women of Martinique) in Fort de France.

The Baha’ fs were invited by the French government’s Regional Representative for Women’s Affairs, under whose patronage the conference was held. She had recently received a copy of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.” ...

The National Spiritual Assembly of Sierra Leone recently announced the acquisition of two acres of land in the Bo district. A Baha’i teaching institute will be built on the property.

The ‘Women’s International Network News’’ for Winter 1986 published a review of A Baha’i Programme for Mothers, a series of informative booklets written by Delane Hein and Deborah Christensen, illustrated by Sarah Kiunga-Kamau, and published by the Baha’i Publishing Trust in Nairobi, Kenya. ...

A local Spiritual Assembly has been formed in Eupen, Belgium, the first Assembly to be formed in the German-speaking area of that country. ...

In an eloquent response to the peace statement, Shimon Peres, the prime minister of Israel, wrote on February 14: ‘‘Peace is not only the behest of prophets and sages. Peace is also more than a natural and elementary ideal. Peace is a guarantee that mankind

will not perish from the earth. It is’

a promise from one generation to the generations to come. ... Let us hope that your vital message will win support and followers in all corners of the world.” ...

Baha’is in the Solomon Islands were recently given the opportunity to present the Faith at two schools, to an assembly of 450 at a secondary school and to 150 students at a national teachers’ college, both in Honiara.

A talk by Mrs. Roxanne Terrell on peace and the development of unity was followed by a presentation of slides of the Baha’i Holy

Terri Walker was excited that clear Texas morning when she found a flyer on her front porch announcing an upcoming Baha’i proclamation event.

Terri had been the only Baha’i living in The Colony, Texas, for a long time, and was not aware that a Baha’i family had moved in.

The Rushes—Dick, Jennifer and their children, Jennette, Dawn and Adam—had come to The Colony from Fair Oaks, California, because they believed it to be an unopened community.

How excited they all were when Terri called to welcome them. But before the new-found friends had the chance to meet face-to-face, Terri was killed in an automobile accident.

Since that time, The Colony’s Baha’is have been actively working on a “Terri Walker Teaching Campaign’? during which this prayer is recited daily in Terri’s name by each Baha’ in the community:

“O Mustagath, O Lord, open Thou the door, provide the means, prepare the way, make safe the path that we may be guided to those souls whose hearts Thou hast prepared for Thy Cause, and that they may be guided unto us.””

Now, five years later, the first Spiritual Assembly of The Colony is functioning.

Formed two years ago, the Assembly recently ended the first phase of a successful proclamation that began four years ago when one of the Baha’is said, “Why don’t we celebrate the city’s birthday?”’

That first year the small group of Baha’is decided to phone the city manager and simply ask to be put on the city council’s agenda.

The following week they showed up at the council chambers carrying a cake with six candles and a gift for the city—a stack of Baha’i books for the library.

The city council accepted the gifts and thanked the Baha’is by saying, ‘‘You’re the first group to appear before us to give us something instead of asking us for something.” The story and a photo of the event made the front page of the local newspaper.

The following year the council warmly accepted the request to be put on the agenda, at which time

Baha’is and their guests attend a tree-planting ceremony at a city park in The Colony, Texas, dur the familiar cake was brought along with bottles of sparkling cider and a gift of nine Japanese black pine trees to be planted in one of the city parks.

At the tree-planting ceremony one of the council members, Marlene Poole, received the gift of trees over which prayers were said.

After acknowledging the Baha’is’ statement that the trees were being dedicated to represent the city council’s service to the community, Ms. Poole turned to them and said without forewarning, “‘I accept this gift on behalf of the council and in turn rededicate these trees to the memory of your fallen martyrs who have suffered in Iran.””

Each tree now bears the name of one who has given his all to serve the Cause of God.

Last year, the city’s eighth birthday, brought new surprises. By now, the cake and festivities had become a tradition, and the Baha’i gift to the city was two park benches to be placed near the trees.

The city’s surprise for the Baha’is was the encouragement to “adopt” a park in the city.

This park now has, in addition to the pine trees and benches, 18 crepe myrtle trees and a garden

Children and adults help blow out

the candles on the annual birthday cake presented to The Colony, Texas, by its Bahá’í community, something they’ve done for the

past four years and will do again next January during the combined 10th anniversary and Texas Sesquicentennial celebration.

ing which k pine trees were planted in honor of the city council’s service to the

that will soon become a ‘‘unity garden’’ in which all the churches in town will be asked to plant a flower to symbolize the unity of all religions.

The park, situated in the center of the community, will soon bear the sign ‘‘Perryman Park—The Baha’i Faith,”” which will be seen by most of the residents who must pass by the location.

But the real excitement is just now beginning!

This year, 1986, is Texas’ Sesquicentennial year. Throughout the state, cities are celebrating 150 years of statehood.

In The Colony, the Sesquicentennial Commission was formed to plan events month by month throughout the year. Because the Baha’is had unselfishly honored the city’s servants for the past three years, the commission asked them to kick off the Sesquicentennial this year with a birthday party—the city’s ninth—and to officially end the year with the city’s 10th birthday celebration in January 1987.

For this year’s party the Baha’is sent invitations to the city’s 100 or so businesses and its 55 service clubs and organizations, each of whom was told that the names of those attending would be permanently recorded on a scroll that would hang in city hall throughout the year.

The junior high school cafeteria was rented for the celebration, and a mayoral proclamation was prepared declaring 1986 the International Year of Peace in The Colony, which gave the Baha’ fs an opportunity to present the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement to the city council as this year’s birthday gift.

Another gift, given by the local Chamber of Commerce, was a time capsule in which items will be placed for future generations to find when it is unearthed in the. 2\st century.

The Baha’is’ program agenda for the birthday party will be the first item placed in the capsule. It lists the principles of the Faith and fireside dates that will be found by our Baha’i brothers and sisters many years from now.

Nearly 200 non-Bahd’{ adults and scores of children attended the birthday celebration at which

community and in memory of the Baha’ martyrs in Iran.

the entire city council and staffs of all city agencies were introduced and honored for their service to humanity. e

Baha’is from all over the Dallas area helped, some by praying, others by taking part in the program as performers, and some even brought a float that appeared in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade the week before the party.

A six-foot-high cake was made from wood bearing nine ‘‘candles’’ on top and 150 on the bottom tier, made from red, white and blue Christmas tree lights.

At the end of the evening, the mayor said to the Baha’is, ‘‘Next year, on our 10th birthday, would you please wait to hold the party until our new City Hall is completed so we can celebrate this event as the grand opening of that building?”’

Of course, the Baha’is happily said, ‘‘Yes!’”

Not only have these annual events given the Faith unfailing credibility in the eyes of the city’s leaders and residents, they are opening their hearts and minds as well to accept the Message of Baha’u’llah.

83-year-young Bahai profiled by paper for helping ‘older people’

A feature article about Marvin Newport, a Baha’i from Pacific Grove, California, appeared June 22 in the Pacific Grove Sunday Herald.

Headlined ‘‘Leading the Active Life at Age 83,’’ the article describes Mr. Newport’s many activities including singing each Friday at luncheon meetings of the Alliance on Aging.

Mr. Newport, who sang in the 1930s with the Horace Heidt orchestra, says his introduction to the Baha’i Faith some 50 years ago “was the turning point in my life.”

Afterward, he became a salesman, and since retiring in 1964 has devoted much of his time to helping older people in a variety of ways.

“You'd have to lock Marvin Newport in his apartment,’’ the author of the article writes, ‘‘to keep him from getting out with people.”” [Page 27]

Baha’i National Review

September 1986 No. 122

Baha’i burial laws

There are certain Baha’i laws regarding burial that should be observed:

1. The body is not to be embalmed (unless required by state law).

2. Interment must take place within an hour’s travel time from the place of death.

3. Cremation is forbidden.

4, Baha’is can donate their bodies for medical research or organ transplants. They should stipulate, however, that they do not wish the remains to be cremated.

5. A specific ‘Prayer for the Dead’’ should be said before interment. This prayer is published in Prayers and Meditations (No. CLXVII) and on page 40 in Bahd’s Prayers (1982 edition)

Extracts on Baha’i burial

“It is forbidden you to carry the body more than an hour’s distance from the town; bury it with tranquillity and cheer in a nearby place.’’ (Bahá’u’lláh, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

Question: Regarding the carrying of the dead where it is bidden that they should be buried within one hour’s distance, does this law apply to transportation both by land and sea, or is it otherwise?

Answer: The law applies to transportation by land as by sea, whether it be an hour’s distance by boat or train. The purpose is the time-limit of one hour, no matter what means of conveyance is employed. However, the sooner the burial takes place, the more fitting and preferable. (Questions and answers, a supplement to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

Briefly the jaw for the burial of the dead states that it is forbidden to carry the body for more than an hour’s journey from the place of death; that the body should be wrapped ina shroud of silk or cotton, and on its finger should be placed a ring bearing the inscription ‘I came forth from God, and return unto Him, detached from ali save Him, holding fast to His Name, the Merciful, the Compassionate”; and that the coffin should be of crystal, stone or hard fine wood. A specific ‘“Prayer for the Dead’’ is ordained, to be said before interment (see Note 1i). It has been explained by ‘Abdu’!-Baha and the Guardian that this law prohibits cremation of the dead. The formal prayer and the ring are meant to be used for those who have attained the age of maturity.

Note 11: The ‘‘Prayer for the Dead’’ is published in Prayers and Meditations of Bahá’u’lláh, No. CLXVII. It is the only Baha’i obligatory prayer which is to be recited in congregation; it is to be recited by one believer while all present stand. There is no requirement to face the Qiblih when reciting this prayer. (Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

Regarding the Baha’i funeral servi is extremely simple, as it consists only of a congregational prayer to be read before burial. This prayer will be made available to the friends when the Aqdas is translated and published. In the meantime your N.S.A. should take great care lest any uniform procedure or ritual in this matter be adopted or imposed upon the friends. The danger in this, as in some other cases regarding Baha’i worship, is that a definite system of rigid rituals and practices be developed among the believers. The utmost simplicity and flexibility should be observed, and a selection from the Baha’i Sacred Writings would serve the purpose at the present time, provided this selection is not rigidly and uniformly adopted on all such occasions. (From a letter dated January 10, 1936, written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S.)

Both the Baha’i marriage service and the Baha’i funeral service are extremely simple in character, and you must have certainly read in the Baha’i News the explanation given by the Guardian on these two points. As already stated, all forms of rigidity and uniformity in such matters should be avoided by the believers. What is of vital importance is to strictly observe the laws and directions specifically revealed by Baha’u’llah. These will be gradually brought to the attention of the friends and explained to them by the Guardian. In the meantime great care should be taken to prevent the introduction of unnecessary details and additions of a man-made nature to the body of the Teachings. (From a letter dated May 19, 1936, written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer)

There is no objection whatsoever to non-Baha’is being present when the long prayer for the dead is read, as long as they respect our manner of reading it by rising and standing as the Baha’ is do on this occasion. Nor, indeed, is there any objection to non-Baha’is being present during the reading of any Baha’j prayer for the departed.

In reporting Baha’ marriages it is much better to mention that the ceremony was performed by the Assembly, as this is the proper thing to do, and an individual only acts

for the Assembly on this occasion. As a funeral is not a legal ceremony more latitude can be allowed, especially as the family of the deceased may want some particular Baha’i friend to officiate.

Mr. and Mrs. ... are naturally quite free to be buried in their own plot in the cemetery, if that is what they desire.

An official Baha’i funeral service should only be given for a believer, but there is no objection to the reading of Baha’i prayers, or indeed to a Baha’i conducting the funeral service of a non-Baha’i, if this has been requested. (From a letter dated July 20, 1946, written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S.)

The body may be conveyed by any means to a distance that can be covered in one hour’s journey. (From a letter dated August 5, 1949, written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer)

The Guardian thinks the ideal thing would be for the believers to have a Baha’i cemetery. (From a letter dated September 5, 1950, written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer)

Regarding the questions which you ask concerning Baha’ burials, etc. At the present time, the Guardian is not stressing these matters, as their establishment might divert attention from the supreme tasks we have before us. However, the answers are as follows: Under Baha’i teachings it seems clear that the body is not to be embalmed. The burial should take place within an hour’s travel time from the place of death. The preparation for the body for burial is a careful washing, and placing in a shroud of white cloth, silk preferably. There is nothing in the teachings with regard to turning the body over to Scientific Institutions for scientific research, and therefore the individual may do as he wishes, until such time as the Universal House of Justice may legislate on this matter, if they ever do. The practice in the Orient is to bury the person within 24 hours of the time of death, sometimes even sooner, although there is no provision in the teachings as to the time limit. (From a letter dated April 2, 1955, written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer)

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

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

The spirit has no more connection with the body after it departs, but, as the body was once the temple of the spirit, we Baha’is are taught that it must be treated with respect. (From a letter dated March 22, 1957, written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer)

For the burial of the dead the only requirements now binding in the West are to bury the body (not to cremate it), not to carry it more than a distance of one hour’s journey from the place of death, and to say the Prayer for the Dead if the deceased is a believer over the age of 15. (From a letter dated June 9, 1974, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Iceland)

You have asked whether it is permissible for the friends to chant a prayer collectively. There is a difference between chanting a prayer collectively and congregational prayer. The latter is a formal prayer usually led by an individual using a prescribed ritual. Congregational prayer in this form is forbidden in the Faith except in the case of the Prayer for the Dead. While reciting prayers in unison and spontaneously joining in the recitation of the Words of God are not forbidden, the friends should bear in mind the advice of the beloved Guardian on this subject when he stated that:

“*,.. although the friends are thus left free to follow their own inclination, ... they should take the utmost care that any manner they practice should not acquire too rigid a character, and thus develop into an institution. This is a point which the friends should always bear in mind, lest they deviate from the clear path indicated in the Teachings.”’ (From a letter dated February 6, 1975, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

The Universal House of Justice advises that the place of death may be taken to be the city or town in which the believer passes away, and therefore the hour’s journey may be calculated from the city limits to the place of burial. However, it should be borne in mind that the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh’s law is to be buried near where one dies.

At the present time there are no definite regulations for preparing Baha’i cemeteries. However, in a Tablet of the Master’s, He emphasizes the need for the cemetery to have a beautiful outward appearance and states that the graves should not be joined together but that each one should have a flower bed around its four sides. He also indicates that it would be pleasing if a pool were located in the center of the

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 27

cemetery and beautiful trees were planted around it as well as around the cemetery itself. (From a letter dated February 20, 1978, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil)

The Prayer for the Dead should be recited at the funeral if the deceased is 15 years old or more. If there is no one at the funeral able to read, it is sufficient to say only that part of the prayer which requires the repetition 19 times of each of six short verses.

The body must be placed in the grave in such a position that the feet point towards ‘Akká (the Qiblih). (From a statement prepared by a National Spiritual Assembly in Africa and approved by the Universal House of Justice on June 14, 1982)

Serving alcoholic drinks

In response to questions raised on the permissibility of serving alcoholic drinks in a number of different circumstances, the Universal House of Justice has formulated the following guidelines:

The fact that Baha’is themselves must not drink alcoho! is abundantly clear and needs no comment here. With regard to the serving of alcohol to non-Baha’is:

1. No Baha’i institution should serve alcohol to non-Baha’is under any circumstances.

2. If an individual Baha’i is entertaining an individual guest or a small group of guests as an official representative of the Baha’i community, he should not serve alcohol in his own home, but must use his discretion whether or not to do so if the entertaining is taking place in a restaurant.

3. No Baha’i should serve alcohol at any function or reception given by him, such as a wedding reception or party to which a number of people are invited.

4. When a Baha’i is privately entertaining an individual non-Baha’i or a small group of guests in his own home, he must himself judge whether or not to serve alcohol. This will depend to a great degree on the customs of the country in which he is living, the individuals concerned, and the host’s relationship to his guests. Obviously it is better for the Baha’i not to serve alcohol if possible, but against this he must weigh the probable reaction of the guest in the circumstances which prevail and in the particular situation. In some countries there would be no problem in failing to provide alcohol to a guest; in others it would be regarded as extremely peculiar and anti-social and would immediately raise a barrier to further contact. It is not desirable to make a major issue of the matter.

5. When such private entertaining of an individual or small group of non-Baha’is is taking place in a restaurant the same general principles as in point 4 above apply, except that in such a public place a failure to provide alcoholic drinks would be less easily understood than in a private home, and the Baha’i must use his discretion accordingly.

6. Alcohol must not be served in a restaurant or other business which is wholly owned by Baha’is.

7. If a Baha’i is employed by others in a job which involves the serving of alcohol, he is not obliged to change that employment. This is a matter left to each individual to decide in the light of his own conscience. Obviously such kinds of employment vary widely from bartending to serving in a grocery in which wine is retailed. If the job requires a great deal of involvement with the serving of alcohol it is better for the Baha’ to obtain other employment if he can. (Statement issued by the Universal House of Justice on January 31, 1982)

.

“*As regards the questions you asked: Under no circumstances should Baha’is drink. It is so unambiguously forbidden in the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh that there is no excuse for them even touching it in the form of a toast, or in a burning plum pudding; in fact, in any way.’’ (From a letter dated March 3, 1957, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

.

“With reference to your question whether those foods which have been flavored with alcoholic liquors such as brandy, rum, etc. should be classified under the same category as the intoxicating drinks, and consequently be avoided by the believers, the Guardian wishes all the friends to know that such foods, or beverages, are strictly prohibited.” (From a letter dated January 9, 1939, written on be ‘continued on page 28 Voting for Assembly officers

Question: In voting for officers of a local Spiritual Assembly is it permissible to read the names of those persons who have tied?

Answer: When voting for officers of an Assembly a result is only reached when one member receives five or more votes. Until that result is reached, all members are eligible for the office in question, and the results of all inconclusive ballots should be made known in the meeting. (From a letter dated July 29, 1971, from the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)

[Page 28]28 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

Baha’i National Review

September 1986 No. 122

half of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) °

“We have found no texts prohibiting the friends from using flavored extracts in their food. This may be a matter for later legislation by the Universal House of Justice but for the time being the friends should be left to do as they choose. The same principle applies to those who are employed in factories manufacturing such extracts.”” (From a letter dated April 7, 1974, written by the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)

.

“Institutions that are entirely managed by Baha’is are, for reasons that are only too obvious, under the obligation of enforcing all the laws and ordinances of the Faith, especially those whose observance constitutes a matter of conscience. There is no reason, no justification whatsoever, that they should act otherwise. ...’’ (From a letter dated October 2, 1935, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly)

°

“Concerning the third question (sale of alcoholic drinks at Baha’i-owned premises and restaurants), the beloved Guardian has asked me to point out that this practice is highly improper and reprehensible and would be tantamount to encouraging acts that are forbidden in the Faith. It is indeed the conscientious duty of every true Baha’i to abandon such practices. However, should a Baha’i owner rent his property without himself taking any part whatever in the business, or giving aid to the tenant, then he would incur no responsibility. Nevertheless the landlord should resort to every possible means to rid his premises of the defilement of this degrading business; how far more injurious if he himself were engaged in such repugnant affairs.’” (From a letter dated November 6, 1935, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly)

.

“*As to question number 6 concerning the sale of alcohol by a believer, as you state, ‘Obviously he should cease to deal in the sale of alcohol in his shop.’ However, as he is a new believer and was engaged in this business before becoming a Baha’i, he should be given a reasonable opportunity to find another means whereby he can earn a living and should be given every assistance by the National Spiritual Assembly to do so. He should be treated with patience and understanding, especially if he is making efforts to dispose of this business and to seek other employment. However, if after a reasonable time has elapsed and no effort has been made to comply with the Baha’j law, then, as a last resort, the Assembly would have no alternative but to suspend his administrative rights.’’ (From a letter dated March 13, 1974, written by the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)

The preceding extracts were compiled for inclusion with a letter dated February 8, 1982, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States)

Assessing peace, social groups

In their efforts to collaborate with groups dealing with peace and related issues, Baha’is are often faced with the problem of determining the appropriateness of participating with or joining particular organizations. The following general guidelines are provided to help individuals and Assemblies to determine whether they should become involved in such activities or organizations.

The chief criteria are: Are the aims of the organization compatible with the Baha’ laws and principles? Is membership open to persons of all racial and religious backgrounds? Is it free of partisan politics? Does it condone civil disobedience? (In order to answer these questions it would be necessary to carefully review the organization’s charter.) As explained by the Universal House of Justice:

“In associating themselves with people and undertakings

they find of interest, the friends must at all times make

certain that such association does not lead to a compro mise with any of the principles of the Faith. ... (From a

letter dated April 4, 1983, to an individual believer)

Sometimes the initial high motives of certain organizations become confysed and misdirected. Over the last 35 years a number of peace movements and organizations

Use of Baha’i directories

Those who have access to Baha’i mailing lists and directories should remember that they are furnished for the work of the Faith only and are not to be used for promotional or advertising purposes or for business solicitation. It should be noted that there are a growing number of businesses that sell Baha’i specialty items which have been required to compile

their own mailing lists.

have been skillfully exploited by one or another interest group for purposes that had nothing in common with the search for peace.

Baha’is should ensure that an organization or activity is free from partisan political activities and does not have, at its base, a partisan motivation or affiliation. As explained by the Guardian:

Let them refrain from associating themselves, whether by

word or by deed, with the political pursuits of their re spective nations, with the policies of their governments and the schemes and programmes of parties and factions.

In such controversies they should assign no blame, take

no side, further no design, and identify themselves with

no system prejudicial to the best interest of that worldwide Fellowship which it is their aim to guard and foster.

While Baha’is would welcome every opportunity to participate in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable and educational organizations and enterprises, they should also bear in mind that the primary purpose of any collaboration is to secure, in time, the recognition, by those with whom they associate, of the paramount necessity and the true significance of the Baha’; Revelation.

In The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 43, the Guardian states:

Let him also attempt to devise such methods as association with clubs, exhibitions, and societies ... or participation in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and educational organizations and enterprises, which, while safeguarding the integrity of his Faith, will open up to him a multitude of ways and means whereby he can enlist successively the sympathy, support and ultimately the allegiance of those with whom he comes in contact. Let him, while such contacts are being made, bear in mind the claims which his Faith is constantly making upon him to preserve its dignity and station, to safeguard the integrity of its laws and principles, to demonstrate its comprehensiveness and universality, and to defend fearlessly its manifold and vital interests.

NOTE: While it may not be advisable for Baha’i institutions or clubs to seek formal affiliation with a particular organization (as this would indicate that the Faith is officially sanctioning the organization’s beliefs and activities), an individual may support the organization if its philosophies and methods are compatible with Baha’i principles.

Consent for marriage from parents living abroad

In increasing instances, Baha’ is or their prospective non-Baha’i mates who wish to marry have parents who reside outside the continental United States. In the past, the verification of parental consent had to be ascertained by the National Spiritual Assembly of the country in which the parents live and transmitted by that Assembly to our National Assembly.

The National Spiritual Assembly has reconsidered this policy and adopted a new one which, in essence, merely makes consistent the requirements of parents living outside and within the U.S. The new policy is as follows:

Concerning the manner of consent, it is preferable that

consent of parents be given in writing. However, oral

consent is permissible under conditions acceptable to the

Assembly. It is assumed that in the case of written con sent a letter is sufficient evidence of the granting of ap proval, and thus requires no further verification. This applies to all parents irrespective of where they live.

In the case of parents who live in Iran or other countries where the Faith is restricted, please refer the matter to the National Assembly (Office of the Secretary), which will advise you of the action to take in light of present circumstances.

Smoking during Baha’i meetings

The following extract is from a letter written by the Universal House of Justice and dated March 4, 1974, answering the questions of a believer:

“«... In answer to such letters the Guardian’s secretary replied on his behalf that Baha’is had no right to prevent anyone from smoking; that Baha’is were free to smoke but it was preferable for them not to do so; and that an issue should not be made of this matter. The use of tobacco, in common with other personal practices, should be subject to considerations of courtesy. The Baha’ in his daily life, whether smoker or non-smoker, should always be conscious of the rights of those about him and avoid doing anything that would give offense.

‘Believers have also raised the question about smoking during Baha’i meetings. It is entirely within the authority of local and National Spiritual Assemblies to prohibit smoking in meetings held under their auspices. An Assembly may well feel that it does not wish to raise an additional barrier to seekers by prohibiting smoking at public meetings in a society where it is the accepted practice to smoke. On the other hand, it might be wise for the Assembly to

caution the Baha’is to restrain their smoking at teaching meetings and firesides in case it is offensive to some seekers. In the case of Nineteen Day Feasts or meetings of Assemblies or committees, it is not right that friends who find smoking offensive should be made to endure it in Bahda’{ meetings that they are required or expected to attend. If certain individuals feel that they must smoke, then arrangements, such as a break in the meeting, could be made for their convenience. It would, of course, be entirely inappropriate to smoke during the devotional part of a Feast, or at any other devotional gathering.

“It is to be hoped that the widespread publicity being given to the evil effects of smoking, both on smokers and ‘on those who have to breathe smoke-laden air, will help to convince everyone of the wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in strongly discouraging Baha’is from smoking. However, Baha’is must be careful not to go beyond the Teachings in this matter and try to enforce as a law a matter in which Baha’u’llah has deemed it wise to allow freedom of decision.”

Smoking in relation to Fast

“*As to the question of smoking in relation to the Fast, the Guardian’s translation of the passage to which you refer is that one must ‘abstain from food and drink’ during the hours of fasting.

“This should be regarded as sufficient guidance for the Western friends for the time being.”’ (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, included in a letter of January 5, 1972)

“*... the Universal House of Justice has instructed us to say that the prohibition of smoking as an aspect of fasting, as explained in Note 16 on page 59 of the ‘Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-i-Aqdas’ has not yet been applied in the west and therefore the friends should not make an issue of it.’ (From a letter dated July 17, 1980, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a Natio Spiritual Assembly) 4H

Matters of confidentiality

Every institution in the Faith has certain matters which it considers should be kept confidential, and any member who is privy to such confidential information is obliged to preserve the confidentiality within the institution where he learned it. Such matters, however, are but a small portion of the business of any Baha’i institution. Most subjects dealt with are of common interest and can be discussed openly with anyone. Where no confidentiality is involved the institutions must strive to avoid the stifling atmosphere of secrecy; on the other hand, every believer must know that he can confide a personal problem to an institution of the Faith, with the assurance that knowledge of the matter will remain confidential.

Members of Assemblies, whether they are assistants or not, are obviously in a position to receive confidential information as individuals from several sources. It is an important principle of the Faith that one must not promise what one is not going to fulfill. Therefore, if a Baha’i accepts confidential information either by virtue of his profession (e.g., as a doctor, a lawyer, etc.) or by permitting another person to confide in him, he is in duty bound to preserve that confidentiality.

In the relationship between assistants and the National Spiritual Assembly no problems should arise, because the functions are entirely separate. An assistant is appointed by an Auxiliary Board member to help him in a specified area of the territory and he functions as an assistant only in relation to that area. Assistants, like Auxiliary Board members, function individually, not as a consultative body. Assistants who are members of a National Assembly or a national committee do not function as assistants in relation to that body, and they have the same duty to observe the confidentiality of its consultations, and of matters considered by the Assembly to be confidential, as does any other member. An assistant can, of course, be a member of a local Spiritual Assembly, but his task here as an assistant is to help the Spiritual Assembly to function harmoniously and efficiently in the discharge of its duties and this will hardly succeed if he gives the Assembly the feeling that he is reporting privately everything it does to the Auxiliary Board member. He should, on the contrary, do all he can to foster an atmosphere of warm and loving collaboration between the local Assembly and the Board member. (Letter dated August 2, 1982, from the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)

Covenant-breakers’ materials

Should the friends receive or come across any questionable material or material that may have been written by Covenant-breakers, they should contact their local Spiritual Assembly, the National Spiritual Assembly or their Auxiliary Board member for advice. ‘

[Page 29]The Bahá’ís of Beaufort County, South Carolina, presented their 10th annual Human. Rights Day awards last December 7. Shown with their plaques are (left to right) Ben Racusin, former mayor of Hilton Head Island, cited for his ‘undaunted efforts in promoting justice, fairness and unity’; Earnestine Atkins, who accepted on behalf of the Lowcountry Community Alliance ‘for its services as a mouthpiece for the people of the islands to speak up in defense of their own interests,’

Scholars praise Hayden biography by John Hatcher

From the Auroral Darkness: The Life and Poetry of Robert Hayden (George Ronald, 1984) by Dr. John Hatcher is being well received by the scholarly community.

A review in Choice (July-August 1985) stated that ‘‘this book has genuine and lasting value and can be recommended not only for academic libraries but for community college, secondary school and public libraries as well.’’

L.M. Coilins, in the Nashville Tennessean (March 31, 1985) said, “Praise Hatcher for an in-depth study of an American poet.’’

More recently, in the winter ’85 issue of Black American Forum, Marcellus Blount of Columbia University wrote, “Hatcher brilliantly describes the intricacies of Hayden’s poetic style, and his readings of individual poems are often quite stunning ...,”” and “From the Auroral Darkness is by far the best study of Hayden’s poetry.”

On the basis of his study of poet Robert Hayden, Dr. Hatcher was recently designated Scholar of the Year for the College of Arts and Letters at the University of South Florida where he teaches in the English department.

In the fall, Dr. Hatcher, who taught the first college-credit course on the Baha’i Faith, will teach a two-week section on the Faith in a graduate seminar on world religions for the Religious Studies department at USF.

5 Kansas cities visited by Robert Stockman

Robert Stockman, author of The Baha’i Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, spoke in five cities in Kansas during a visit to that state June 15-21.

Included were stops in Topeka, Wichita, Emporia, Hutchinson and Enterprise.

In all, Mr. Stockman gave three deepenings, six talks, one radio interview, traveled 750 miles, and helped re-open Enterprise to the Faith.

and Helen ‘Honey’ Robinson, a teacher at Hilton Head High School, recognized for her work in ‘promoting international understanding and cooperation.’ The awards were presented by Firuz Labib (right), chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Hilton Head Island. About 130 people attended the ceremony whose keynote speaker was Jack McCants, a Baha’i from Weatherford, Oklahoma. A photograph and article appeared December 16 in the local newspaper, the Island Packet.

News in brief

To help foster an understanding of what life in the streets is like for millions of street children around the world, UNICEF is offering a new board game, TOMBO, which can be played like any other competitive game but encourages cooperation and solidarity among players while leaving room for their creativity.

Each player in the game, which was developed by Duccio Vitale and Paul Kirby, represents a child going into town to work. The streets of the town are drawn on the game board, and roads are divided into “‘stations”’ to calculate moves.

On the right-hand side of the board is a time gauge marking the time from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Halfan-hour represents one full round during which each player travels to town, works, and, possibly, buys something with the money he has earned.

The children must manage to take food and medicine home before nightfall.

To account for the complexity of choices and decisions a street

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 29

UNICEF’s newest board game mirrors life of ‘street children’

child must make every day, TOMBO contains original mechanisms of simulation and strategy, as well as time, chance and risk factors.

Another educational game, produced for UNCHS (Habitat) by the Human Settlements Program of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IEED) and designed to help better understand the kinds of problems and frustrations faced by the homeless, shows a poor family’s search for a real home in a Latin American city.

This poster game, developed in connection with the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (IYSH), 1987, shows that the search for housing is not a gameit is often a matter of life or death.

TOMBO, for one to six players ages 8 to 88, is available (in English or French) from National Committees for UNICEF or from the Development Education Unit, UNICEF, Palais des Nations, CH 1211, Geneva 10, Switzerland.

The IYSH poster game is available from UNCHS, P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi, Kenya.

Stanford community host to Dr. Kazemzadeh

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vicechairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, spent the weekend of June 6-8 in Stanford, California, as the special guest of the Stanford Baha’i community, winner of the Central District No. 1’s second annual ‘‘month of firesides.””

On Friday afternoon, Dr. Kazemzadeh was a guest at a faculty luncheon at his alma mater, Stanford University.

That same evening he spoke to more than 100 people at a public meeting on campus, and on Saturday evening addressed an audience of nearly 150 Baha’is on issues relating to the Faith and the Six Year Plan.

While visiting Stanford and the surrounding area, Dr. Kazemzadeh was a guest at several other Baha’i-hosted activities at which members of the community had an opportunity to visit with him in more intimate and personal surroundings while sharing views and ideas.

A wonderful weekend was had by all including the new Baha’i who declared his belief after Dr. Kazemzadeh’s talk at Stanford on Friday evening.

°

“The Last Romantic,”” a new book about Queen Marie of Rumania by Hannah Pakula (Simon & Schuster), mentions on page 337 the Queen’s attraction to the Baha’i Faith during a time of deep trouble and turmoil in her coun try. “The Baha’i call for the unification of humanity under one faith was vastly appealing to the Queen, who had always rebelled against the rigid distinctions separating her immediate family into three religions,’’ the author writes, ‘‘and the Baha’i goal of universal peace and its warnings of social upheaval seemed prophetic to the distraught woman. ‘‘Although she continued to attend the Protestant Church, she said that she prayed ‘better at home with my Baha-u-llah books and teachings. ... For the first

time, I have felt religion,” said the woman who had tried and failed throughout her life to find the unquestioning belief she thought she ought to have and now needed for support.’”

.

On July 18, the Baha’ is of Malibu, California, premiered a new musical comedy, ‘‘Peace Is Possible,”’ as a benefit for the Beyond War movement.

The play was written and produced by well-known composer/conductor Russ Garcia and his wife, Gina.

Included in the cast were Baha’i entertainers Geraldine Jones and Leslie & Kelly along with local artists and the Crimson Ark Singers.

“Peace Is Possible’ is choreographed by Janell Kirzner and directed by Lynne Lohman. The premiere was coordinated by Mr.

Garcia’s daughter, Judith Kulp, a homefront pioneer to Malibu with her husband, Hank.

The National Baha’i Archives Committee will be holding a daylong conference October 11 in Wilmette to discuss the future development of the National Reference Library.

Anyone interested in attending the conference should send a brief statement or resumé of his or her background including any experience in library work to the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 0091.

Each participant will be responsible for his own housing and transportation.

Arise! To Teach

Florida newspaper devotes July 4th magazine to Faith

An impressive July 4th celebration edition of a newspaper’s magazine was devoted almost entirely to the Baha’i Faith.

Four photographs—one of the House of Worship in Wilmette, three others of racially diverse Baha’is—and a quote from the Writings graced the cover of the eightpage religion section of The Palm Beach Post, whose circulation is 155,000.

Inside, six of the eight articles printed about the Faith were written by local Baha’is. Mixed in with ads sponsored by various churches was a simple display ad with the Prayer for America.

This impressive proclamation effort was the result of ‘“‘months and months and months of building a personal relationship with the editor,’’ according to Covey Cantville Jr., one of the members of the Assembly of Royal Palm Beach who participated in the project.

The Assembly was invited by the editor to take on the project in his absence. He went on vacation, and asked only that the July 4th holiday be briefly tied in to one of the articles. The Baha’is did so by providing an article about the persecutions in Iran.

Mr. Cantville emphasized that the project was a collaborative effort, accomplished by an Assembly that operates on a slim budget.

“Money has nothing to do with what you can accomplish,” he said. “‘Successes like this one come from the simple commitment of a few individuals.

“Tt was amazing to see how everything came together once we decided to do this. The same is true for any Baha’i work, whether it’s teaching or the media—whatever.””

Notice to travelers

Bahd’{s traveling outside the U.S., please contact the International Goals Committee, c/o Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312869-9039). Two months’ notice is desirable.

A disc connec!

ssion

on

true equality

Women: Equality and Peace by Counselor Peter Khan

International Teaching Center member

the on among peace, women, and the equality of the sexes with a survey of the history of women and guiding principles that will help us achieve

Baha’i World

important

from the Baha’i Publishing Trust

Two new audio cassettes on important peace statement themes

This Century of Progress by Dr. Bahia Mitchell

staff member

An examination of world conditions with an overview of the social and scientific achievements contributing to the establishment of international peace in this century

Excellent for deepening and teaching at home, in Baha’i gatherings, while you commute

$7 00 each

60-minute cassette

Order through your focal librarian, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling) to;

Baha’i Distribution Service

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1880 “Price valid only in the United States

[Page 30]30 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

Ads

from page 18

needed to supervise the cleaning and yard work, do small repairs, and greet visitors. If a person had a dollar income it would be possible to live well on a small amount, as the rate of exchange is 3 to 1. Contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED: Original Tablets of “‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following individuals, with approximate dates of the Tablets: Paul Tyner, Cincinnati (1910), Dirk Verloop, Portland, OR (1910), Emma Valentine, Teaneck, NJ (1914), Cora A. Watson, Cincinnati (1908), Catharine A. Weil, Chicago (1909), Miss Mary P. Wicks, Chicago (1907), Louise Washington, New York City (1910), and Thomas H. Zucker, East Orange, NJ (1911). Anyone having information on the possible location of these Tablets is asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BRILLIANT Star magazine wants your stories, pictures, photos, etc.! Please send them today to Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

Baha’i dancers are needed to help develop an Orange County (California)-based ensemble to perform at Baha’i functions and other community events. Needed are male and female dancers with two or more years of performing experience in jazz, ballet, modern and/or tap. Please send your resumé or letter of interest to Adrienne Jackson, P.O. Box 6332, Huntington Beach, CA 92615.

VOCALISTS and instrumentalists are needed for a new ensemble, ‘‘The New Melody,’’ in the Chicago area. Please phone 312256-2297 and leave a message.

POETRY wanted for possible inclusion in a planned annual anthology of Baha’i verse. Please send only Baha’i spirituallyoriented poetry or prose (and include a stamped self-addressed envelope) to the editor, Linda Martin,

Reedley, CA 93654.

KANSAS Baha’is (present and past): To celebrate the 90th birthday of the Baha’i community of Kansas, a history is being compiled of activities back to 1897. We need your reminiscences, anecdotes, old bulletins (1920s1970s), and any other information you can share. We need remembrances from traveling teachers too! Send to Duane Herrmann,

Berryton, KS 66409. The future thanks you!

ITEMS AVAILABLE

WANTED to buy: Taped copies of talks given by the late Apache singer, Philip Cassadore, during the 1971 Jamaica cruise. Please contact Roosevelt and Lillian Wilson, P.O. Box 206, Claypool, AZ or phone 602-425-9295.

A COURSE on ‘“‘The Historical Dialectic: The Operating Principles of Social Change,”’ taught by Auxiliary Board member Edward Diliberto, is an analysis of global spiritual and political movements seen in the light of the emerging Baha’i Order. The course offers a tich historical perspective on the

fundamental principles of social development. Excellent for personal or community study. Four tapes, $20. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

BACK ISSUES of Brilliant Star and Child’s Way magazines are available for purchase—$2 for Brilliant Star and $1.50 for Child’s Way. Send requests to Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343. Please list the issues wanted and include proper payment.

THE NATIONAL Baha’ Archives has available a guide to those collections open for research. The 19-page guide covers 149 collections of institutional records, personal papers, community histories and personal recollections, giving the collection title, quantity, and some information about contents and significance. The guide can be ordered for $2 from the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

A COURSE on “‘Scriptural and Spiritual Answers to Fundamentalist Questions,’’ by Jack McCants, is an examination of basic Christian concepts in the light of Baha’i teachings and_ includes many stirring stories used to illustrate spiritual truths. Excellent for personal or community study. Four tapes and some handouts, $23. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

DO YOU want to make Feasts as meaningful for the children in your community as they are for the adults? The Nineteen Day Feast Lesson Guide for Children, a compilation of easy-to-teach lessons based on the Baha’i calendar for ages four and up, is back in print after being unavailable for several months. Designed to be used only during the business part of Feasts, the guide makes it possible for every adult to share the responsibility of teaching the children on a rotating basis. It’s that simple! The guide is a non-profit publication by Baha’is in the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP). Copies of the current printing are $12 each (Texas residents add 72 cents sales tax). Please make checks payable to BCC Publications and send to Bonnie Wilder/Claude Sellars,

Houston, TX

77077.

INDEXES to Brilliant Star magazine are available for $2 each. Stipulate which year you want. Send to Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

MISCELLANEOUS

PRINT SHOP for sale or lease or share in partnership with homefront pioneer on Indian Reservation in northern Wisconsin. Wellequipped, middle-sized operation in the heart of lake region has lots of potential. Presently 20 Baha’i youth and 20 adult Baha’is in community are in urgent need of deepening. Please phone Corky, 715-588-3323.

THE NEW Era Aviation Fellowship has been formed and plans to publish a quarterly newsletter of shared aviation teaching experiences, flight safety tech nology, operational and technical problems, and experiences and stories through letters to the editor. They’ll be setting up a data base on all pilot information received. For information, write to

the New Era Aviation Fellowship, P.O. Box 1327, Gaborone, Botswana.

THE TRUST fund set up for Willow, the daughter of Jocelyn

Horvat, is still intact. Any friends of Jocelyn who would like to contribute, please send to the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton Twp., P.O. Box 2529, Hamilton, NJ 08690.

Young Baha’is:

Emily Merrell, a Bahá’í youth from Goodrich, Michigan, was one of 10 finalists this year in the annual ‘America and Me’ essay contest for eighth grade students in Michigan sponsored by the Farm Bureau Insurance Group. Her essay, for which she received a plaque, a $200 savings bond, and a tour of the state capitol, was entitled ‘Why I Am Important to America’s Future.’ Nearly 10,000 students from more than 500 schools entered the contest.

Shavval Reid, an 18-year-old Bahá’í from Grand Rapids, Michigan, will attend Grand Rapids Junior College in the fall as a recipient of the Grand Rapids Press Minority Scholarship, awarded on the basis of her academic performance and extracurricular involvement during high school. In addition to presenting the twoyear scholarship, the Press will employ Shavval in various parttime jobs dealing with journalism and newspaper operations. Shavval, a third generation Bahdé whose grandmother, Glovie McMichael Reid, served on the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland, Ohio, played violin in the high school orchestra and was a member of the pompon squad and German Club.

“The Sacred Literature of the Baha’i Faith conveys enlightenment. It inspires life. It frees the mind. It disciplines the heart. For believers, the Word is not a philosophy to be learned, but the sustenance of being throughout the span of mortal existence.”” —Horace Holley Religion for Mankind, p. 64

striving for excellence

Devona Patrice Bailey, a 14-yearold Baha’i from Hueytown, Alabama, is one of 50 youngsters recognized as Junior Honor Society students at Pittman Junior High School. The honor is based on consistency in achievement, citizenship, assistance to others, trustworthiness, and respect for others in the community. Devona plans to be an archaeologist.

Craig Grammer, a Baha’i since 1976, was graduated with honors in 1985 from Hampton (Virginia) University. He is now employed by Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York. Besides serving for four years as a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Hampton, Mr. Grammer won an honorable mention with two of his classmates in a national product marketing competition.

Parisa Afsahi, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia, has been chosen for the second year in a row for inclusion in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Parisa was graduated from J.E.B. Stuart High School with an advanced placement diploma and was a member of both the presidential and governor’s honor programs. A member of the District Youth Committee of Northern Virginia, she plans to attend George Mason University to study psychology.

&.

On April 2, George Davis, a Bahá’í from Loves Park, Illinois, received the Young Religious Leader award from the Rockford Jaycees at a banquet attended by more than 100 guests including Jaycee members, other award recipients, leading citizens and guests. Mr. Davis, who was nominated for the award by the Spiritual Assembly of Rockford, is director of the Association for Retarded Citizens in Rockford and of Camp Sunshine, a program for handicapped young people. He has had leading roles and directed plays at a local theatre and is a former director of the Black Theatre Ensemble. As a Baha’i, he served last year as chairman of the District Convention and was a delegate to this year’s National Convention in Wilmeti

Baha’is sponsor UNICEF booth at ‘Cornucopia Days’

The Baha’i community of East Kent, Washington, sponsored a UNICEF booth July 11-13 at “Cornucopia Days,” a large arts and crafts fair held each year in Kent.

To help pay for the booth, more than $200 in UNICEF materials was sold to the public.

Also, many Bahda’{ pamphlets and other materials were given away to those who expressed an interest in the Faith and its principles.

Answers to crossword puzzle ACROSS DOWN

1, Pure 1. Potent

3. Worship 2. Use

9. Forbear 3. Write 10. Tear 4. Obligatory 12. AA 5. Re

13. Stir 6. Sad 15. Try 7. Hr

16. Allege 8. Prayer 17. Hie 11. Alarming 18. Turn 12. Arid 19. Meditate 13. SL 23. Another 14. Relate 25. King 15. Three 27. Tree 20. DA 28. AD 21. Intone 30. Joy 22. Theme 31. Many 2A. Rant 34. Tests 25. Know 35. Weed 26. Idle 36. Ear 29. Dys 32. Ask 33. ID

34. Tr [Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

About 8,000 Baha’is from around the world attend the first three International Teaching Conferences called by the Universal House of Justice to promote victory in the Five Year Plan.

The conferences are held July 5-8 in Helsinki, Finland; July 23-25 in Anchorage, Alaska; and August 3-6 in Paris, with others planned later in the fall.

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum, representing the Supreme Body at the Paris conference, whose audience numbers 6,050 Baha’is from 55 countries, says it is the largest conference ever held under the auspices of the Universal House of Justice.

Also at the Paris conference are the Hands of the Cause of God Shu’a’u’ll4h ‘Ala’i, Collis Featherstone, Zikru’lláh Khadem, Rahmatu’ll4h MuhAjir, John Robarts and Valiyu’ll4h Varga.

The friends at each of the three conferences are urged to carry forward the spiritual energies released by the gatherings, to follow the example of the Master, to serve the Cause more actively, and to surpass the goals of the Five Year Plan. ...

A summer campaign continues through August 14 in Oregon, resulting in 375 declarations in 72 localities including more than a dozen from out of state. More than half the declarants are youth. ...

Failure to attain the level of contributions needed to maintain the activities and services of committees and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly leads to a reduction in the size of each issue of The American Bahá’í.

Reports of local activities that would otherwise have been published are being deferred. Meanwhile, every effort is being made to continue to carry news from the community that will stimulate and inspire every Baha’i to help achieve the goals of the Five Year Plan. ...

More than 400 people attend the 64th annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá held June 26 at the Wilhelm properties in Teaneck, New Jeracy....

More than 120 Baha’i youth gather July 30-August 1 at the Louis Gregory Institute in South Carolina for a youth conference sponsored by.that state’s Regional Teaching Committee.

Workshops are held to assist the youth i thing and consolidation activities. Among the speakers are Auxiliary Board member Elizabeth Martin and Jenefer McNair, a youth from Greene County, Alabama. ...

Opportunities to converse with many Roman Catholic priests and nuns who have visited the Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel, occur at the 41st International Eucharistic Congress held during the first week of August in Philadelphia.

A Baha’i booth, containing the exhibit prepared for the U.S. Bicentennial observance earlier in the year, occupies a central position in the Civic Center where hundreds of exhibits are assembled to attract some of the more than one million visitors to the Congress. ...

Letters

from page 3

offends God ...’’ (The Promise of Universal Peace, p. 468)

“*...disputes are not allowable, not even with Satan _himself.”’ (Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 276)

Right now, the ability of sensitive Baha’is to unite divergent groups toward common goals is amazing. This is the leaven that will raise up the Lesser Peace.

It is possible because we are seen as good, pure, non-violent, a source of guidance and safety.

When the persecution becomes newsworthy, we will lose this favored position. Even the government, although it may recognize that we are innocent, may be forced to go along with the majority and we may be seen as troublemakers.

At that time, our unific role may be over for a while. If it is the will of God, for the sake of the Iranian friends and the oppressed everywhere, persecution here will not start until we have finished our part in raising up the Lesser Peace.

Our greatest danger is not adversity or persecution but rather our response. Whatever the situation, we must be careful not to be the cause of disunity or persecution.

“If a soul is seeking to quarrel, ask ye for reconciliation; if he

Leon Sternberger, tireless worker for Cause, dead at 77

Leon Sternberger of Hollywood, Florida, who spent the last 20 years of his life as a tireless worker for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in Florida and elsewhere, died June 29 while at a Baha’i summer school in Durham, North Carolina.

He was 77 years old.

Born into the Jewish faith, Mr. Sternberger retired to Florida in 1966 after operating the Sternberger Paint Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for more than 20 years.

The following year he embraced the Baha’i Faith and quickly became a leader in groups devoted to peace, ecumenism and the United Nations.

In 1982 he and his wife, Susan, were pioneers to Jamaica, and together they traveled around the country in 1984 teaching the Faith.

IN MEMORIAM

Socorro Fierro

El Paso, TX

May 1986

Flora Holden

Dunn, NC

Date Unknown

Betty Lengyel Swarthmore, PA July 20, 1986

Vivian Pooley Colorado Springs, CO July 14, 1986 Zuhourullah Sobhani New York, NY

May 17, 1986 Firoozeh Varghizadeh New Brunswick, NJ June 8, 1986

blame you, praise him; if he give you a deadly poison, bestow ye an all-healing antidote; if he createth death, administer ye eternal life. ... these are the epitome of the teachings of the Baha’i Cycle.’’ (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 353) Rouha Rose

Seattle, Washington

‘Go that extra mile’

To the Editor:

The International Year of Peace has given us an excellent opportunity to “‘go that extra mile’’ in our teaching efforts.

Some 500 marchers with the Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament have been walking across the continent to bring that issue into the forefront of the world’s awareness.

As a Baha’i on the march, I’ve had many chances to talk about the Faith. The march is a perfect example of unity in diversity as we have all ages, philosophical and religious backgrounds.

“‘Baha’is are everywhere!’’ exclaimed one marcher. That is to say, we’ve been prominent with our visibility in peace work relative to the march.

On August 17 an interfaith service was held at the House of Worship in Wilmette to honor peace and the marchers.

I’m looking forward to meeting more of my fellow Baha’is, and would like to invite them to share in this historic event as we come through their community.

Briar Willard Capitola, California

Apartheid stifles freedom

To the Editor:

It is peculiar to me that the Western world, while loudly advocating freedom and equality, continues to support, among others, the efforts of Poles, Afghans, our brothers in Iran, and Soviet Jews, yet pays little more than lip service to the problem of the suffering in South Africa.

During a time when the equality of rights and equitable access to the resources of the U.S. is being severely tested in the nation’s black communities and other communities of color, one can clearly see the extent to which there is a correlation between the struggle of black South Africans and Afro-Americans.

When I speak of freedom it is with a guarded qualifier, for indeed there are many who believe—I among them—that for most people of color in the U.S., freedom is tenuous at best.

I feel freedom basically because 1 am free in my own mind, rather than because of any significant degree of reality manifested in our society.

The attitudes that shape the absence of those realities have come full circle, as evidenced by the refusal of the U.S. and most of the western world to act on behalf of black South Africans.

As a black citizen of this country who has and continues to contribute to it in a positive way, I’ve heard all the platitudes, absorbed the condescensions, and listened to the masters of the “great pretenders.”’ And I am tired and angry. We as a people are tired. Tired of the pretending, the lies, the lack of deeds, and the silence. Silence.

History records that as the Nazis rose to power most of the world, including its great religions, watched in virtua) silence.

The American Baha’i / September 1986 / 31

Silence.

Today, if one were to ask me what is the most disturbing aspect of this disgrace to any laws of humanity and morality, I would have to reply that it is perhaps the silence of the friends in the Faith on this great issue.

When I think of “‘The Promise of World Peace’’ and ponder the profoundness of that statement, I am reminded by our continued lack of concern and silence on the South African question (and other social/humanitarian issues) how far we must go to awaken our consciences and begin a move to make that promise a reality.

I urge the friends to begin to live up to the principles of our Faith and to speak out for human rights for all peoples including black South Africans.

Jihmye Collins San Diego, California

‘The Letter Exchange’

To the Editor:

1 would like to share some information about a magazine called “‘The Letter Exchange.’’

It’s a magazine for letter writers and presents a variety of topics including religion and philosophy. Through it I’ve begun a wonderful series of exchanges with people who are asking for information and are honestly open-minded.

For those who can’t get out to teach, this is a marvelous way to communicate with people who are longing to ‘‘talk’’ via letters.

“The Letter Exchange’’ is published three times a year—spring, summer and fall. A one-year subscription is $9, and sample copies are available for $3.50 each.

The cost for listings is $5 for 20 words or less. Perhaps some Assemblies might consider getting a subscription for the community.

T’ll sign off with a listing I answered and am now teaching: ‘‘Is there any proof that prayers work? If not, and it is God’s will which cannot be changed, why pray?”

I’m having a wonderful time! The LEX’s address is P.O. Box 6218, Albany, CA 94706.

Romana R. Bell Santa Barbara, California

Our love proof enough

To the Editor:

As Baha’ js we give great importance to knowing and reciting the dates and facts associated with Baha’u’ llah’s Revelation. There is no blame in this.

However, to also impart a clear message of joy and love serves as a

proof directed to one’s heart that is as valid as the intellectual proofs.

While on pilgrimage my husband and I visited the Shrine of the Bab many times, but one visit was especially meaningful to me.

We were in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Shrine saying prayers when, acting on inspiration, we sang part of the Gleanings aloud. 1 couldn’t continue after a short time because the utter joy that welled inside my heart was total proof of God’s presence there!

I began to laugh, and knew ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s message clearly: “Be happy, love one another, rejoice, rejoiee, for God is with you always.”

‘Abdu’ l-Baha was the Exemplar because He was the supreme Caregiver. We must care about one another. When we convey that love we will attract the waiting souls.

Our love is proof enough to convince a skeptical world.

Constance D. Wallace Solvang, California

Fund contributions nearly $1 million under goal-to-date

Contributions to the National Baha’i Fund, while regular, are lagging nearly $1 million behind the goal-to-date.

In the first five Baha’i months of this year $1.5 million was received—slightly less than during the same period last year.

During the summer months the National Spiritual Assembly sponsored a wide range of activities throughout the country such as Baha’i Summer Schools, teaching projects, and the International Peace Conference.

While summer activities are convenient for many Baha’is and allow increased attendance, these activities place an additional strain on the national budget. Meanwhile, contributions to the National Fund are typically lower during the summer months.

Increased sacrifice is needed to help ease the financial burden of these praiseworthy and necessary activities.

Our spirits have been renewed by the Baha’i schools, institutes, conferences and other activities that have taken place this summer. We have never been more prepared to rededicate ourselves to the advancement of the Cause and the progress of the institutions of the Faith.

Media

from page 13 (music background).—$5.

60-second Baha’i spot.—$5.

and his true reality.—$35.

Wage Peace—four 30-second spots on peace themes; one

Television Public Service Announcements (PSAs)

Various Subjects—Seven 30-second award-winning spots professionaly produced by Karl Krogstad. Six in English and one in Spanish: unity of nations (‘‘compete in the spirit of unity and everyone wins’’); two variations on the theme that youth is not to be judged by stereotypes; statement on prejudice/racism/sexism; statement on family, friends and faith (‘‘creating a healthy spiritual environment begins at home. And what happens in your home can change your world’’); and a spot featuring physicallyimpaired singer Danny Deardorff which emphasizes man’s spirit

Send your order to the Baha’i Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Credit card orders ($10 minimum) are accepted by phone: 1-800-323-1880 (outside Illinois) or 312251-1854 (within Illinois). NOTE: No postage is necessary if delivered within the continental United States.

[Page 32]32 / The American Baha’i / September 1986

Lawrence

from page 4

around the world, but her commitment to serve the Cause came into full focus in Sweden where she decided to pioneer to Norway’s Lofoten Islands.

Loyce found great joy taking part in the establishment of the Spiritual Assembly of Svolvaer and then serving on the National Spiritual Assembly of Norway.

She traveled throughout Scandinavia teaching, serving as an administrator, transporting youth to summer schools and taking part in any and all Baha’i activities. Her auto, a beach wagon, became a veritable bus for the Baha’is, and she generously placed it at their disposal.

While on pilgrimage she met Shoghi Effendi whose dinner talks about the future of the Cause in the northern hemisphere were a source of inspiration to her. He spoke about her meritorious services in pioneering so far from home.

Afterward Loyce returned to the U.S. for nearly a year to nurse her aunt who was suffering from terminal cancer. After her aunt’s death she returned to her pioneer post.

Her last visit to the States was in 1966 when she visited the House of Worship in Wilmette and met with Baha’is who were acquainted with the Scandinavian languages and who might find it possible to serve in Scandinavia even for a brief time to help the teaching work.

Faith represented at conference on ‘peace with justice’

More than 600 people heard of the Baha’i Faith and its peace statement at the Wisconsin Council of Churches’ ‘Peace with Justice’ conference held May 8-10 in Appleton.

The Faith was represented in a forum on comparative religion by David Rouleau, an employee in the Office of the Secretary at the Baha’i National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

Later, Mr. Rouleau conducted an extremely well-attended workshop entitled ‘‘Baha’i Perspectives on Peace.’’ Each attendee was given a copy of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.””

A Baha’i booth, beautifully decorated, was first in the line of booths and was always busy.

To top things off, Charlotte Shaw, a Baha’i from Appleton, opened the afternoon session, reading a prayer revealed by Bahá’u’lláh on the oneness of mankind and explaining Who had given us the prayer.

Arkansas hosts 3-state Race Unity observance

On Friday, June 6, Baha’is from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas gathered at Agri-Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to celebrate Race Unity Day.

On the program were flutist Elizabeth Whiren, singers Cindi Franks and Robin Cannon, Albert Porter, international folk dancers, Leslie Oelsner, and ‘‘commercials’’ by representatives of the Regional Youth Committee.

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‘In 1968 Loyce returned to Haifa to take part in the election of the Universal House of Justice.

Later that year her close friend, Leonora Norman, learned that Loyce was battling cancer. By October her condition had deteriorated rapidly, so Leonora and Loyce’s sister, Ruth, hastened to Trondheim where Loyce was receiving care.

“The Norwegian friends from far and wide called or came to Trondheim to ask whether there was something they might do to serve Loyce,’’ Leonora remembered. ‘‘One of the most difficult things I’ve ever done was to leave her.

“We talked freely about death and the Faith. We read prayers and studied the Writings.

“‘Her Lofoten friends longed to take her home to Svolvaer, but it was far too late to move her. They came and sat with her each day.

“Seven days after Ruth and I left, Loyce was released from the suffering of terminal cancer.’’

Helene Dreschler, the first person from Svolvaer to become a Baha’i, described Loyce’s last hours:

“Tt really was a bounty to me to be able to be with Loyce, to serve her, and help her slip away from this life, although it bothered me to witness her pain and suffering ...

“She was firm in her belief, patient and courageous, and always had strength to inspire and uplift others. She said that if her pain could open the hearts and minds of people then she could only thank God for giving it to her ...

“About a week before her passing Loyce insisted that her wedding ring be engraved with words from the Writings of Bahd’wllah. ... She is missed very much.””

On December 19, 1968, one day after her passing, the Universal House of Justice cabled: “‘Grieved learn passing devoted Knight of Baha’u’llah Loyce Lawrence. Her services establishment Cause God Lofoten Islands unforgettable. Supplicating Holy Shrines progress her radiant spirit Abha Kingdom.”

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World peace is theme of Baha’i’s valedictory address

Jennifer North, a 17-year-old Bahda’t, daughter of Fred and Jean North, gave this speech as valedictorian of this year’s high school graduating class in Mancos, Colorado.

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School Board members, Mr. Archuleta, Mr. Peacock, faculty, parents, fellow students and guests:

We shall follow our dreams forever, and forever our dreams shall carry us on. Each of us has a different dream. My dream is the dream of a world at peace.

For centuries past, war and social unrest have marred the earth. Unnecessary conflicts have tarnished the trust between nations.

Misunderstandings have caused the destruction of societies, and preconceptions have led to the devastation of beautiful races. _

In addition to these catastrophic occurrences, the progression of technologies has made war become much more disastrous. The world is now faced with a serious threat: global destruction.

A solution to this problem is mandatory if the human race is to survive. Peace can and will be es tablished, but it is up to us, the future leaders of the world, to decide which steps the world must take to establish peace.

Peace may be obtained through inconceivable tragedies brought about by the stubbornness of nations. There would be no winners; only a few survivors. Instead of gaining peace to advance society, the world will have digressed to the lifestyles of cavemen.

The goal of peace can be achieved if the nations’ leaders see this dreadful threat of world destruction and consult on this issue in an open-minded and unpredudiced manner.

The world would then achieve peace. Nuclear arms would be destroyed. The $660 billion spent on the military could be put to use to help developing nations advance and overcome the problems of malnutrition and extreme poverty.

After war is no longer a threat to peace, the people of the world must work to obtain an international understanding and to establish a universal language and educational system to provide for the great need of global communica tion. We must realize that we are all of one race: the human race. Although obtaining peace is a long and arduous task, peace will be reached—but it is our decision on how it is to be obtained. We must rise above doubts, miscon ceptions, prejudices, suspicions and narrow self-interest to form a harmonious global society.

Imagine a world without hate, without prejudice, without suffering, without war. Imagine a world at peace.

35 take part in Lapwai service project

Thirty-five adults and youth traveled to the Nez Perce Reservation at Lapwai, Idaho, over the Memorial Day weekend to serve on a community project there.

The volunteers cleaned and painted the newly remodeled Baha’i Center, calling the color “‘Bahjí blue.’’ The paint was donated by a Persian Bahd’{ from Seattle, Washington.

The Baha’i Center is now usable and functioning.

The volunteers also continued work begun by the city in a park at the request of city administrators, and inade themselves available to clean grave sites at the cemetery. Throughout the weekend, various residents of the Reservation called to ask for their help in cleaning the grave sites of loved ones.

Many friendships were formed,

and the community is looking forward to having Baha’i youth take part in this summer’s service project on the Reservation.

Two Carrollton ‘firsts’

The relocation in Carrollton, Georgia, of a young Baha’ refugee from Iran has resulted in two “firsts” for that Baha’i community: the first front-page article about the Faith in the Carrollton Times-Georgian, and the first two-part series about the Faith in consecutive issues.

The articles tell of the persecution of Baha’is in Iran and describe the young Baha’i’s escape with companions through Turkey and his eventual reunion with a brother who teaches at West Georgia College in Carrollton. �