The American Bahá’í/Volume 18/Issue 5/Text
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Ridvan message from the Universal House of Justice
To the Bahá’ís of the world Dearly-loved Friends,
The launching of the Six Year Plan at Ridvan 1986 coincided with the opening of a new epoch—the fourth—in the organic unfoldment of the Formative Age of our Faith. The administrative institutions of this growing Cause of God had already begun to show signs of an increasing maturity, while at the same time emerging from the protective obscutity of their early days into the larger arena of public notice. These twin processes were signalized by a development of far-reaching consequence to the internal life of the Baha’i community and by an outward activity of a magnitude unprecedented in its entire history.
The former was a devolution of responsibility whereby all national communities, through their National Spiritual Assemblies, in consultation with Counselors, local Spiritual Assemblies and the generality of believers, were requested to formulate, for the first time, their own objectives for achievement during the new Plan. This expectation of ma Mensaje de Riḍván en espanol, pdgina 30.
turity challenging the national communities was matched by their formulation of national plans submitted to the World Center for coordination into the world-embracing Six Year Plan.
The latter was a united uprising of the entire Baha’i world community to distribute the statement, ‘‘The Promise of World Peace,” issued in October 1985 to the peoples of the world. Heads of state, large numbers of the members of national governments, diplomats, teachers, trade unionists, leaders of religion, eminent members of the judiciary, the police, legal, medical and other professions, members of local authorities, clubs and associations, and thousands of individuals have been presented with the statement. It is estimated that more than a million copies, in some 70 languages, have so far been distributed. These two activities alone have heavily reinforced the growing strength and maturity of the Baha’i world community and given it a more
clearly defined and readily recognizable public image.
Other factors have contributed greatly to the rapid entrance of the Faith onto the world stage. Indeed it appears that every activity of the widespread Army of Life is now observed or commented upon by some section of the public, from the General Assembly of the United Nations to small and even remote local communities.
The steadfastness of the sorely-tried Persian believers continues to be the mainspring of this world-wide attention increasingly being focused upon the Faith. While the brutal executions of heroic martyrs are now less frequent, the harassment and deprivations, vilification and plundering of the long-persecuted community continue—more than 200 are still in prison—giving the representatives of the Baha’i International Community at the United Nations firm grounds for strong and persistent appeals, which have aroused the concern of the General Assembly itself, and re See RIPVAN page 12
‘Abdu’ | -Bahd
in-AmericaX \
SARY
ANNIVER! DIAMOND JUBILEE 1912 - 1987
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Sun of Truth illumines earth, dispels myths
The following talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was given May 2, 1912, at the Plaza Hotel in Chicago, and is reprinted from The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912, Copyright © 1982 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. The notes were taken by Marzieh Moss.
°
This morning the city is enveloped in fog and mist. How beautiful is a city brilliant with sunshine.
_ Just as these mists and vapors conceal the phenomenal sun, so human imaginations obscure the Sun of Truth.
Consider the radiant glory of the great solar center of our planetary system: how wonderful the sight, how its splendor illumines vision until clouds and mists veil it from the eye.
In the same way, the Sun of Truth becomes veiled and hidden by the superstitions and imaginations of human minds.
When the sun rises, no matter from what dawning point on the horizon it appears—northeast,
erican Baha’i
Am ‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge. ’—Bahá’u’lláh
Justice Society holds 2nd meeting
The Baha’i Justice Society (BJS), at its second annual meeting March
27-29 in Evanston, Illinois, adopted by-laws and elected a new Board of
Officers.
Society members also reviewed the organization’s charter for the first time since its approval February 24 by the National Spiritual Assembly.
The BJS is the first professional society established by the National Assembly as called for in the Six Year Plan.
In the Society’s annual report, the outgoing Board of Officers re Resolution voices UN Commission’s concern over Iran
On March 11, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, for the sixth year in succession, adopted a resolution expressing its deep concern over the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, referring specifically to the Baha’ is.
The Commission renewed for a further year the mandate of its Special Representative on Iran, Dr. Reynaldo Galindo Pohl, requesting that he ‘‘... present an interim report to the (UN) General Assembly at its 42nd session on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the situation of minority groups such as the Baha’is ... and a final report to the Commission at its 44th session ...””
counted its activities since its inception in January 1986.
Among the highlights were the drafting of the Society’s charter and its approval by the National Spiritual Assembly; participation in the Baha’i National Convention, the International Peace Conference, and the Association for Baha’i Studies conference; publication of the Society’s first brochure; inauguration of plans for observing the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution; and drafting a set of by-laws for the Society.
More than 45 people attended the three-day annual meeting which included a keynote address by Counselor Fred Schechter on “‘Baha’is and Ethical Conduct’’; a presentation on ‘‘Legal Ethics’’ by Diane Loftus, an attorney from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and a presentation on ‘‘The Application of Baha’i Law’’ by Anna Lee Strasburg, director of Community Administration for the National Spiritual Assembly.
Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer of the National Assembly, spoke at a public meeting Saturday evening sponsored by the Justice Society on ‘‘Bartiers to World Peace.””
Nearly 100 people attended that
See ‘ABDU’L-BAHA page 4
See UNITED page 13
See JUSTICE page 20
‘Spirit of Roses’
The 189 days lived in the ‘Spirit of the Roses”’ have ended, but the influence of those historic days will not end.
The “‘Spirit of the Roses’’ was described by Counselor Robert Harris in a message to the Feast of “lm (October 15) as “‘a movement that illustrates the power of the individual to arise, a movement that promises to shape the spirit of the entire Six Year Plan.”
The ‘‘Spirit of the Roses’ became all of that—and more.
At last year’s National Convention the American Bahá’í community was presented a gift of 189
prelude to Master’s sacrifices
roses by the Baha’i prisoners in Iran. Delegates carried a rose back to their districts, promising to urge the friends in their areas to “‘redeem the rose’’ through heroic services to the Cause.
In October, the National Spiritual Assembly launched a 189day effort in “the Spirit of the Roses.’’ Beginning with the anniversary of the Birth of the Bab, that period came to a triumphant conclusion at this year’s National Convention.
The friends in America were thus able to respond to the gift from the Iranian believers by com piling a journal filled with stories of loving and sacrificial service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh—of teaching activities, service projects, presentations of the peace statement, support for the Fund, and much more.
It was an effort worthy of the dramatic changes the Faith has undergone throughout the world in recent years.
The persecution of the Bahda’is in Iran has led to the Faith’s emergence from obscurity, while the formation of the goals of the
See SPIRIT page 4
Pictured are members of Congress and congressional staff who attended a breakfast April 2 in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the House of Representatives’
Volume 18, No. 5
May 1987
Human Rights Caucus, at which members of the National Spiritual Assembly spoke about the continuing persecution of Bahá’ís in Tran.
D.C. breakfast briefing focuses on persecution of Iran’s Baha’is
On April 2, representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly attended a breakfast briefing in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Human Rights Caucus.
The National Assembly was represented by its secretary, Dr. Robert C. Henderson, and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman and director of its Office of External Affairs.
The co-chairmen of the House Caucus, Reps. Tom Lantos of California and John Porter of Illinois, both stated in their introductory remarks that in their opinion the plight of the Bahd’{ community in Iran is the most egregious violation of religious rights in the world today.
Five other congressmen attended the breakfast: Ben Gilman, Bill Green and Ted Weiss, all of New York state; Jim Leach of Iowa, and Henry Hyde of Illinois.
Also present were aides representing a dozen other congressmen.
Mrs. Marjorie Sonnenfeldt of the public relations firm of Fleishman & Hillard, who had made most of the arrangements for the event, attended the breakfast and the National Assembly’s followup sessions and meetings.
To publicize the situation of the Baha’is in Iran, the National Assembly, two days before the breakfast, had placed an ad in The Washington Post about the three most recent executions of Bahá’ís in that country.
These killings, the National Assembly said in the Post ad, “‘are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic effort to destroy a religious community. ...
“The world must not forget the continuing plight of these inno See BREAKFAST page 4
Bahda’is support Cambodia cause
On April 7, representatives of the U.S. Armenian, Jewish and Baha’i communities took part in a press conference in New York City called by the Cambodia Documentation Commission to publicize the genocide of the Cambodian people under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s.
David Hawk, director of the
Cambodian Documentation Commission, explained that a letter
signed by more than 200 Cambodians will be sent to 70 of the sov
See CAMBODIA page 2
�[Page 2]
2. / The American Baha’i / May 1987
300 Assemblies asked to host
°87 Conventions
The National Spiritual Assembly has asked approximately 300 local Spiritual Assemblies across the country to host this year’s 168 District Conventions. A letter and planning information were sent in April to each prospective host Assembly.
The main date for conventions this year is October 4, the first Sunday of the month, but convention planning teams can choose any other Sunday or Saturday during the first three weeks in October if another day would be preferable for their district.
In most cases, two Assemblies will work together to plan the convention, jointly forming a convention planning team. In a few areas, however, a single Assembly, District Teaching Committee, Group or task force will be involved in making arrangements for the meeting.
This year the convention planning teams are again being encouraged to adapt the length of the convention and its agenda to the needs of their particular district, and to plan some other enjoyable activity either before or after the convention.
A list of convention sites will be included in the September issue of The American Bahá’í and mailed to adult Baha’is with their voting materials. Plan now to attend the convention in your district.
Cambodia
from page 1
ereign nations that have signed the International Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
The commission hopes that at least one of those nations will file suit against the Cambodian government in the International Court at The Hague under the provisions of the Genocide Convention,
Farzad Azizi, a Bahdé’i from Long Island who is the son and nephew of Baha’is executed in Iran, read a statement describing the persecution of the Baha’is in that country.
The other participants included Dith Pran, the protagonist, and Dr. Hang Noor, the actor who portrayed him in the film ‘‘The Killing Fields”; Rose Vartian, executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America; and Professor Elie Wiesel, winner of the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize.
Have you registered yet for
SUMMER SCHOOL?
“How wonderful it would be if all the friends could arrange to spend at least a few days in one of these summer schools ...’” —Shoghi Effendi
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| VIEWPOINT
“If love and agreement are manifest in a single family, that Samily will advance, become illumined and spiritual; but if enmity and hatred exist within it destruction and dispersion are inevitable.”’—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
°
With repercussions of the recent International Year of Peace still being felt all over the world, it would seem appropriate to reflect on the question of peace in the family, for it is there that peace
begins.
Baha’u’llah wrote, “The wellbeing of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established,’’ and the Universal House of Justice has stated that ‘‘a fundamental unity is that of the famys,
Because the family is such an essential link in the great chain of universal peace, the Baha’i teachings point out that ‘‘wherever there is a Baha’i family, those concerned should by all means do all they can to preserve it,’’ and, “unity of (the) family should take priority over any other consideration.””
Peace in the family radiates its life-giving influence not only toward the society around us; it also powerfully influences the peace of mind, contentment and happiness in the heart of each member of that family. It protects the faith dwelling within that heart.
Establishing and maintaining that peace is not an easy task in present-day society, where obscure and insidious forces are constantly at work to weaken and destroy the sacred ties of the family.
For this reason, the Guardian’s secretary wrote on his behalf of the ‘‘almost superhuman effort’’ that is needed to establish the reign of peace in the family.
But we are not alone and without assistance in this worthy endeavor. Our teachings and our universal community provide us with infinite support as we seek to knit our hearts together.
Consultation, we are told, is one of the ‘“‘two luminaries’’ shining from “‘the heaven of divine wisdom.”’ We should not think that the use of this mighty instru
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the U.S.A.
The American Bahá’í (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, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Laura E. Hildreth. The American Bahd’é welcomes news, letters and other items of luals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be ‘olor or black and white glossy photo; should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The The American Baha'i, Wilmette, IL. 60091. Copyright © 1987 by the National Spi itual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in
‘By Darian Smith, Apex, North Carolina
Peace among nations must begin with love, peace in each family unit
ment of peace is restricted to resolving conflict and making decisions in our Assemblies and other organs of our divinely-ordained Administrative Order.
The Universal House of Justice has explained that “‘family consultation employing full and frank discussion, and animated by awareness of the need for moderation and balance, can be the panacea for domestic conflict.’”
On the other hand, we hesitate all too often and all too long to seek consultation with our Spiritual Assemblies when we are not able to solve problems within the framework of the family.
The Bab exhorted us to pray for other members of our family: “Blessed is he who remembereth his parents when communing with God.’’ And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated that God’s acceptance of such intercession “‘is one of the special infinite bestowals of this Dispensation.’”
Respect for the rights and prerogatives of others must be strictly observed. The Master said, “‘The integrity of the family bond must be constantly considered and the rights of the individual members must not be transgressed."”
These rights and prerogatives also imply duties and responsibilities toward the other members of one’s family and toward the family as a whole. These, too, must receive our constant attention.
If differences arise among family members, the solution can be found in the adoption of a conciliatory and friendly, indeed even a self-sacrificing, attitude.
It can be found in concentrating on the good qualities of the other family members and in praying for the strength to persevere along
Young Baha’i makes the dean’s list at Florida high school
The youngest member of the Baha’i community of Citrus County, Florida, 14-year-old Francis Wayne Eury II, better known as ‘‘Tag,’’ is on the dean’s list at Citrus High School in Inverness.
While in Middle School in Inverness, he was in the honors class for gifted students, has played soccer for four years, and soon will play the part of the scarecrow in a drama class presentation of “The Wizard of Oz.’’
He plans to study veterinary medicine at the University of North Carolina.
This month’s article, ‘Peace in the Family,’’ was written by John Paul Vader of Bossiere, Switzerland.
this path, whatever the reaction of others may be.
We must not forget that spiritual ties are infinitely more it portant than ties of physical kinship. To render eternal such blood kinship, we must create a spiritual communion among the various members of the family.
This is possible if we are moved by the love of God, if the love we bear for our family is a reflection of that Divine love, and if we endeavor to translate that love into acts of service toward our family, and, beyond that, toward the great human family.
Reading from the Writings and praying together—activities that are destined to become a tradition in every Baha’i family—will do much to contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere in the home.
Regular family meetings, organized, for example, according to the model of the Nineteen Day Feast with its spiritual, consultative and social or recreational parts, are an excellent means for simultaneously putting into practice several of the principles that have been discussed.
If we become conscious of the priority and the sacred nature of the family, if we do everything in our power to preserve this ‘‘fundamental unity,’’ we can be assured that the life of the family will be restored to its original purity and will fulfill its true social, moral and physical functions.
Then will the home become a reflection of the home of the Master:
“My home is the home of peace. My home is the home of Joy and delight. My home is the
home of laughter and exaltation. Whoever enters through the portals of this home, must go out with gladsome heart. This is the home of light; whoever enters here must become illumined.”
Then will we begin to behold the “incalculable benefits and blessings” destined to ‘‘descend upon the great human family.’’
The call of the Universal House of Justice, addressed to the peoples of the world, would seem here appropriate: ‘‘Let men and women, youth and children everywhere recognize the eternal merit of this imperative action for all peoples and lift up their voices in willing assent.’”
The
26 Plan
+ Carrying the healing Message of Baháu'lláh to the generality of mankind
+ Greater involvement of the
in the life of human
society
translation, productior bution and use of Baha'i literature
+ A worldwide increase in the
+ Further acceleration in the process of the maturation of local and national Baha'i communities
+ Greater attention to universal participation and the spiritual enrichment of individual believers
+ A wider extension of Baha’ education to children and yo and the strengthening of Bahai family life
+ The pursuit of projects of
Social and Economic Developwell-established Baha'i communities
Two more Baha’is are executed in Iran CONVEY SAD NEWS PAST FEW DAYS MR. SURUSH JABBARI AND MR. ABDU’L-QASIM SHAYIQ WERE EXECUTED IN TEHRAN. EXACT DATE AND MANNER OF THEIR EXECUTION ARE NOT KNOWN AS NO ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE, AND THERE IS NO INDICATION WHETHER OR NOT TRIALS WERE HELD. THEIR BODIES WERE BURIED WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE THEIR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.
MR. JABBARI WAS 42 YEARS OLD AND HAD BEEN IN PRISON SINCE 15 SEPTEMBER 1984. HE WAS AN ENGINEER. MR. SHAYIQ WAS 47 YEARS OF AGE AND HAD BEEN IN PRISON SINCE 13 FEBRUARY 1984. HE WAS A GRADUATE IN HISTORY AND WORKED FOR THE GOVERNMENT BEFORE HIS DISMIS SAL AS A BAHA’I.
NO OTHER DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
MARCH 12, 1987
& = LETTERS
“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
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 views or to attack anyone on a personal level. Opinions expressed in these columns are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.
Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to the Editor, The American Bahá’í, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL. 60091.
We must face ‘divisions’
To the Editor:
I am writing in response to Sharon Karnik’s letter (February) in which she suggests that poorer Baha’is should not be disheartened if they cannot afford to attend some activities.
Such advice might be appropriate on an individual level, since Baha’is are exhorted by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to face all trials with “‘radiant acquiescence.”’ But this is not an adequate response for us as a community.
The class divisions among Baha’is are real, and ignoring them will not cause them to disappear.
It is true that we cannot now make all Baha’j activities affordable to everyone. The real question, then, is: Which events will be accessible to less affluent Baha’ is, and which will not?
Poor and working-class Baha’ is have long been excluded from conferences, summer schools and conventions, as well as from some local activities, because of their financial position. In some areas, a large percentage of Baha’i social events are fund-raisers that are not affordable to a segment of the community.
Some Baha’is even have difficulty finding transportation to free events. Thus there exists a disturbing pattern within the community of some Baha’is being unable to participate fully in Baha’isponsored activities.
This has far-reaching repercussions, some of which are not obvious.
For example, it is primarily at regional and national events that acquaintances are made and social networks developed which result in appointments to national committees and other positions of prominence in the Faith.
Although ethnic minorities and women are well-represented in Baha’i administration, those who have such positions are almost all from the middle or upper classes. Hence there is a tendency for the planning of Baha’i activities to teflect middle-class values, while the concerns and insights of the poor and working class are underrepresented in our consultations.
There are similar problems in some local communities. Baha’is who are unable to attend all activities come to be seen as outside of the active core of the community, regardless of their level of commitment. They are therefore less likely to be given committee
appointments or other responsibilities.
At an individual level, there is a natural tendency to develop friendships with people from one’s own class, a tendency that is. exacerbated by the geographical distribution of classes (we usually live near people of our own financial status).
We must all try to resist this impulse, as we strive to overcome other forms of prejudice in our personal relationships.
Since this problem is complex, with financial, social and cultural aspects, there is no simple solution. We might consider holding the next major national conference at an inexpensive location in, say, South Carolina. Or we could hold summer schools in cities, so that Baha’is there could attend without paying for transportation and accommodations.
We could also increase the number of scholarships to regional and national events. As individuals, we might consider ‘‘deputizing’’ others to attend them.
Our starting point, however, must be a recognition that class stratification in the community is causing real problems, and that we must be sensitive to this in the planning of all Baha’i activities.
Richard Hollinger Los Angeles, California
Bravo, traveling teachers
To the Editor:
I wonder if the friends fully appreciate what a bounty we have in our traveling teachers who come to our communities to renew our spirits and inspire us to accomplish new and greater goals for the Cause.
Recently we had one of these jewels, Florence Mayberry, come to Dallas to give a four-part study on “‘The Great Adventure,’’ based on the Holy Writings.
It was a spiritual experience for all who attended. We can thank our local teaching committee for bringing her to us and handling all the details.
Mrs. Mayberry also consented to speak at the Lighthouse for the Blind where I do some volunteer work.
I have been able to teach the Faith to some staff members and some of the participants in the program, but what was especially exciting to me was now the entire group of about 40 people heard the words ‘‘Baha’i Faith,’’ perhaps for the first time, from Mrs. Mayberry.
I am deeply grateful to her for helping me in my teaching efforts at the Lighthouse. I cannot actively teach there but do so indirectly through trying to live a Baha’i life and by giving many Baha’i books and pamphlets to these dear people.
Mary Furlet Dallas, Texas
More on life insurance
To the Editor:
I wholeheartedly agree that Baha’is and non-Bahda’is alike must learn more effective money management; but to lump life insurance (or any kind of insurance) in with lotteries and high pressure condo sales (Craig Loehle, ‘‘Letters,’’ February) is not only naive but dangerous.
Life insurance is not only protection for your children. If you are a childless working couple, and one of you dies, where does the other get the money for necessary burial costs? What about
mortgage payments on your home? If you’ve been depending on two incomes for living expenses, should the surviving spouse become a burden on your family?
Not only can insurance money be a necessary tool for maryivalhit it is also a wonderful potential gift to the Bahdé’i Fund when both spouses die.
I believe that insurance is a responsibility for anyone who will be leaving someone behind when he or she dies. And that someone could included the Baha’i Fund!
Heather Fisher Deerfield, New Hampshire
To the Editor:
This letter is in reference to the letter from Craig Loehle (February) in which he offered his ideas on how to help the National Fund.
His statement about buying term life insurance as a “‘wise buy’’ depends on one’s individual needs and circumstances.
Permanent life insurance, such as whole life, universal, or “‘interest-sensitive,”’ can be wise purchases if based on fulfilling one’s goals and needs.
Mr. Loehle’s statement that it is a ‘“‘waste of money’’ isn’t necessarily so. Life insurance is a perfect gift to give to the National Fund.
Permanent life insurance that has a cash value and pays dividends can be charitably given to the Fund, whereby the Treasurer’s Office will not have to pay premiums and will have access to the cash value if needed.
Ultimately, “the Fund” will receive the face amount of the policy upon the donor’s death, to replace the contributions the donor will no longer be able to make. Actually, the donor has given a gift that will last long after he has passed to the Abha Kingdom.
This is a method used by many universities and religious institutions to help fund their long-term projects and building funds.
In addition, many people use this type of planning to maximize their personal estate plans. Baha’is can help the Fund, using this concept, if they have permanent life insurance policies and feel they no longer have a personal need for those policies.
Rick D. Miller Tampa, Florida
‘Dinners around the world’ To the Editor:
I was tired of my finicky eaters complaining about pork chops, pot roast and other perfectly good American food. ‘‘What the heck?’’ I thought. “‘If they’re go The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 3
ing to complain anyway, at least they should complain about something different.””
So I got out the globe and had the children choose several countries. Then I went to the library and did some research. The next week we st “dinners around the world.””
We began with stir-fry vegetables with tofu from China, then moved to chili relleno and refried beans from Mexico.
Next came Hawaiian meatballs and masoor dal with rice and yogurt from India. Salade nicoise from France was followed by toad-in-the-hole from England, and we finished with frikkadels and orange rice from South Africa.
My pickiest eater was displeased only with parts of three of the dinners. Some of the recipes have joined our regular repertoire of family meals.
You, too, can eat internationally! All it takes is a little research (free at the public library) and the ability to tolerate your family saying ‘‘yuck’’ to your cooking.
This would be an interesting family project for the fast, Ridvan, or any time of year that you have the ‘‘I-don’t-know-what-tocook”’ blues—and it’s also great practice for those international potluck dinners. Bon appeti
Shari Meyer Clearfield, Utah
Kids need involvement
To the Editor:
Have you ever wondered what guarantee Bahá’í parents have that their children will decide at the age of 15 to declare their belief in Baha’u’ lah?
As mother of a large family, it pleases me greatly to know that one more of our offspring has just embraced the Faith at the “age of maturity.”’ Not all of our children have.
I have often wondered if it was because we did not pressure them to make a commitment at that time of their life, and try to find consolation in the thought that I have planted the seed and nurtured it and prayed for them, but could not take from them their freedom of decision.
I was raised in a Christian home where I was expected, without questioning, to follow in my parents’ path. I could not do this to my children.
I think parents must try to involve their children more in the many aspects of the Faith. Not just children’s classes, but extra activities such as Baha’i family outings, weekend seminars, or summer and winter schools. It is important for them to meet and
become friends with other Baha’i children.
I’m sure the last two years we spent at the Wisconsin Baha’i summer school helped to enrich my family’s life and decisions. The classes for children, youth and adults were informative and interesting, and there was always time to relax and enjoy other activities in a Bahd’{ family atmosphere.
There are many wonderful opportunities like this all over the country. Why not start planning now to include a Baha’i school in your list of things to do this sum If you’re planning a trip to the Midwest in July, come join us at the Wisconsin Baha’i Summer School at Camp Byron in Brownsville.
Beverly Fraker Waukesha, Wisconsin
Prayer and privileges
To the Editor:
My 11 and 13-year-old children find that the worst punishment is to be cut off from their friends.
When they have been contentious at home, I tell them they need to reflect on how to treat family members before they can use the phone or go out with friends.
When a privilege is removed, however, it can be earned back if the child memorizes a prayer.
It’s amazing how quickly they can memorize things, and how calming are the prayers. Rather than an unproductive, angry episode of punishment, we end up united and happy—and then they can go out and play.
Deborah Clark Levine Towson, Maryland
India: another view To the Editor:
As we reflect upon one of the greatest experiences of our lives, we remain on a natural high that defies any description that could adequately be made about the dedication of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the Indian subcontinent in New Delhi.
Sadly, we have to say (although some may think we should not) that there were some disturbing occurrences that one might possibly be able to overlook if this were a gathering of non-Baha’is.
But we were/are Bahá’ís, and the following are three examples of behavior we believe to be very un-Baha’j-like:
1, On the evening of the dinnerdance, once the call to dinner was made the food tables were simply mobbed by the friends, in near chaos.
See LETTERS page 35
New from George Ranald, Publisher by arrangement with Cambridge University Press
The Babi and Baha’i Religions
From Messianic Shi‘ism to a world religion
by Peter Smith
is going to.
Order through your local libra
A refreshing new approach to the rise of the Baha’i Faith. The first general study to include sociological themes and factors. Fascinating and readable, with an invigorating prospect of where the Baha’i Faith
226 pages. Hardcover $19.95, Softcover $11.95
. or send check or money order to: Baha Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
�[Page 4]
4/ The American Baha’i / May 1987
CHAMPIONBUILDERS
3
Esther (Nettie) Tobin in the cornerstone room with ‘the stone.’
One day while sitting alone, occupied in her daily work as a dressmaker, Esther (Nettie) Tobin heard a voice questioning her.
“Do you believe in immortality?” the voice asked.
“Yes, I do,’’ she replied.
“Then get a stone,” the voice said.
A few days later she heard the voice again, this time louder than before: ‘‘Do you believe in immortality?’”
Again she replied, ‘‘Yes, I do.’’
And again the voice said, ‘‘Get a stone.”’
Puzzled, Mrs. Tobin delayed carrying out the strange request. The voice came a third time and commanded her to obtain a stone.
So she began to look for one, and was inspired to go to a place where a building was under construction.
The contractor, after hearing her request, told her to choose any stone she wanted. She chose a very large one and started to haul it away in a small hand-drawn wagon.
Along the way the wagon collapsed, but a friendly milkman helped Nettie carry the stone to the foot of a hill on which the Baha’i House of Worship now stands. Two boys then helped them get the stone to the top of the hill.
Of course, Nettie Tobin will always be remembered as the one who was inspired to bring the dedication stone that was blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on that blustery May | in 1912 when He joined Baha’is from the Chicago area in breaking ground for the Mother Temple of the West. The above story about the stone was told by Albert R. Windust in The Bahá’í World after Mrs. Tobin’s death in 1944,
Mrs. Tobin moved to Chicago after her husband’s death in 1892, bringing with her their two small sons, her half-sister and her brother. Only 29, she supported her family by working as a seamstress. It was a difficult time for her, and she prayed daily for spiritual guidance.
While in Chicago she attended classes given by Paul K. Dealy, one of the first Baha’i teachers in America. Soon afterward she declared her faith in Bahd’u’ll4h, which was a source of strength to
See TOBIN page 36
Spirit
from page 1
Six Year Plan by National Assemblies and Boards of Counselors has signaled a new level of maturity within the institutions of the Faith.
The “Spirit of the Roses’’ marks a new stage in the ability and determination of the individual and of grass-roots institutions in the U.S. to arise, to sacrifice, and to serve. We are different than we were before.
And the efforts will go on. Many communities have informed the National Center of activities to be carried out in the coming year. The National Spiritual Assembly will continue to acknowledge efforts made in the “‘Spirit of the Roses.”
It is significant that the closing days of the ‘‘Spirit of the Roses’’ campaign coincided with the start (beginning April 11) of the 75th anniversary of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to North America.
It was only after He had fulfilled the responsibility placed upon Him by Bahda’u’llah to provide a fitting resting place for the remains of the Bab that the Master could turn His attention to the West.
Having paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Iranian believers, we may now turn to the still greater opportunity presented to us to vindicate the sacrifices made by
- Abdu’l-Bahá to plant the seeds of
the Cause in America.
“““Abdu’l-Bahá was at this time broken in health ...,’’ Shoghi Effendi has written. ‘“Yet as soon as He had laid the Bab’s body in a safe and permanent resting place ... He arose with sublime courage, confidence and resolution to consecrate what little strength remained to Him, in the evening of His life, to a service of such heroic proportions that no parallel to it is to be found in the annals of the first Bahá’í century.””
In one of His talks in America, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: ‘‘May you become... the roses of one garden ... for you are the ones who are called to uplift the cause of unity. ...””
In one sense, the gift of roses from the Iranian prisoners represented the Iranian believers themselves—their services and sacrifices for the Faith. In the months to come, we, the roses of the American Baha’i community, have a
Breakfast
from page 1
cent victims of fanaticism and religious intolerance.’’
After the briefing, Dr. Henderson, Dr. Kazemzadeh, Mrs. Sonnenfeldt and the Office of External Affairs staff met with Mrs. Annette Lantos, the wife of Congressman Lantos, and other congressional staff to discuss suggestions made at the breakfast and other activities to help publicize the plight of the Baha’is in Iran.
Later, the two members of the National Assembly met for more than an hour with Rep. Tom Foley, the House majority leader.
Finally, they conferred with several members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to explain the concern of the American Baha’i community for the safety of its co-religionists in Iran.
fresh opportunity to arise and, through our own services and sactifices, follow ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
But it is not only His footsteps we wish to trace, commemorating His talks and visits. It is His example we must follow—an example that may be summarized in His challenge to us in the Tablets of
the Divine Plan to teach, to be firm in the Covenant, and to manifest love and unity with our fellow-believers.
These three duties reflect our responsibilities in the Six Year Plan for growth, development and integration.
“O that I could travel, even
though on foot and in the utmost poverty ...,”" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says to us, “‘and raising the call of ‘Ya Bahd’u'l-Abhd’ in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the Divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.””
Afnan Library Trust formed to help preserve papers of late Hand of Cause Hasan Balydzi
In 1985, the Afnan Library Trust, an independent charitable trust, was set up in accordance with the wishes of the late Hasan M. Balyizi that his collection of papers, books, manuscripts, photographs and newspaper clippings be formed into a library, named the Afnan Library, founded in the name of Muvaqqaru’dDawlih and his wife, Munavvar Khanum, and dedicated to Khadijih Bagum, the wife of the Bab.
The goal of the library is to promote the study of the Faith by maintaining and expanding Mr. Balyuzi’s collection.
The range of topics to be covered in the collection includes, apart from material directly about
the Baha’j Faith itself, the fields of British, European and world history, Middle Eastern studies, and comparative religion.
Apart from the library, which constitutes the main concern of the Trust, the Trustees are empowered to promote the study of the Faith by sponsoring lectures, classes and conferences, by the publication of books and periodicals, and by the awarding of grants and scholarships for study, travel and the provision of materials.
The Trustees consist of three persons nominated by Mr. Balyizi—Mrs. Mary Balyizi, Mr. Robert Balyizi and Dr. Moojan Momen—as well as representa
International Women’s Day was
commemorated March 8 in New
York City with a Vigil for Peace
whose theme was ‘Women Are a
Key to Peace.’ A number of organizations including the Bahá’ís of
the United States co-sponsored
the event which was organized
through the initiative of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Pictured is one of the speakers, Shiva Tavana of Norwalk, Connecticut, who represented the Bahá’ís of the United States.
tives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom.
The Trust has received support from the Universal House of Justice which ‘‘views the final accomplishment of the wishes of the late Hand of the Cause as of the very greatest importance.””
The income of the Trust consists solely of donations and bequests. Annual accounts will be available for inspection.
Thus far, the Trust has been engaged principally in cataloguing the books bequeathed by Mr. Balyuzi and adding to the collection by purchasing additional papers and books.
However, the Trustees have decided that in pursuing the objectives of the Trust, priority must now be given to purchasing or leasing suitable premises to serve as a library and then furnishing and equipping them. This is an essential step in order to realize the wish of Mr. Balyizi that the collection be. made available “‘to all who seek knowledge.”
In addition, the Trustees will be endeavoring to keep the library up-to-date by purchasing such books and periodicals as funds will allow.
The Trustees envision that when funds become available, the other activities indicated here will expand in a number of directions.
It is to carry out these plans that the Trust is now launching an appeal for donations, which may be general or specified for any of the objectives outlined above.
Should you feel able to make a donation, please forward it to the Treasurer, The Afnan Library Trust, 3 Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead, London NW3, England.
72nd Esperanto World Congress
set for Warsaw
More than 5,000 people from all over the world are expected in Warsaw, Poland, the birthplace of Ludwig Zamenhof, inventor of Esperanto, July 25-August 1 for the 72nd Esperanto World Congress.
The Baha’i Esperanto League has taken steps to organize two Baha’i meetings and run a Baha’i information desk during the Congress, which marks the Centenary Jubilee of Esperanto.
Just before the Universal Congress, the International Esperanto Youth Congress will be held in Cracow, Poland, from July 17-24.
At the request of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, a preparatory seminar for Baha’i participants is planned for June 5-8 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
Expected to be included are language courses at several levels, lectures on Esperanto and the Baha’i Faith, and on Poland and the Universal Esperanto Congress.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá from page 1
east, southeast—the haze and mists disperse, and we have clear vision of its glory mounting to the zenith.
Similarly, the nations have been directed to the dawning points of the Sun of Reality, each to a particular rising place from which: the light of religion has become manifest; but after a time the dawning point has become the object of worship instead of the Sun itself, which is ever one Sun and stationary in the heavens of the divine will.
Differences have arisen because of this, causing clouds and darkness to overshadow again the glorious luminary of Reality.
When the mists and darkness of superstition and prejudice are dispersed, all will see the Sun aright and alike. Then will all nations become as one in its radiance.
Inasmuch as these clouds and human vapors of superstition hide the light of the spiritual Sun, we must put forth our utmost endeavor to dispel them. May we
unite in this and be enlightened to accomplish it, for the Sun is one and its radiance and bounty universal.
All the inhabitants of earth are recipients of the bounty of the one phenomenal sun, and none are preferred above others; so,. likewise, all receive the heavenly bestowals of the Word of God; none are specialized as favorites; all are under its protection and universal effulgence.
Human strife and religious disagreement complex and disfigure the simple purity and beauty of the divine Cause until clouds obscure the light of reality and disunion results.
Therefore, make use of intelligence and reason so that you may dispel these dense clouds from the horizon of human hearts and all hold to the one reality of all the Prophets.
It is most certain that if human
souls exercise their respective reason and intelligence upon the divine questions, the power of God
will dispel every difficulty, and the
eternal realities will appear as one
light, one truth, one love, one
God and a peace that is universal.
�[Page 5]
Effective May 4, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed Stephen Jackson, assistant to the Treasurer, to a new position as Fund consultant for the Office of the Treasurer.
Mr. Jackson, who has served as assistant to the Treasurer at the Baha’i National Center for 15 years, will continue to serve in the Treasurer’s Office working on special projects.
At the same time, he will devote an increasing amount of time to his work as an outside consultant in financial and administrative management.
Mr. Jackson, a graduate of
Yale University and the University of Chicago (MBA), joined the National Center staff in 1972 at the beginning of the Five Year Plan, after having worked as a financial analyst for the Chemical Bank in New York City.
During his long tenure at the National Center he has helped the National Spiritual Assembly to develop a broad range of Fund education materials and to plan and implement strategies for funding such major projects as the reconstruction of the Louhelen Baha’i School, WLGI Radio, the Louis Gregory Institute, and the refurbishing of the dome of the House of Worship in Wilmette.
He has also been instrumental in developing the Faith’s excellent relationship with its banks.
Mr. Jackson has been active in community affairs, serving on the
Staff members at the National Treasurer’s Office were delighted recently to receive donations to the National Fund in the form of a large ‘gift package’ from three Bahá’í communities in North Caro lina: Asheville, Black Mountain and Buncombe County. Most of the ‘gift boxes’ contained contributions, but one was a box of cookies for the hard-working staff to enjoy and appreciate.
Board of Education in Deerfield, Illinois, and later as a village trustee. Since 1985 he has served on the community’s Police Commission.
“As my wife, Patty, and I focus more attention on our long-time desire to pioneer,’’ he says, ‘‘this new assignment will give me greater flexibility to accept consulting projects from government agencies and private firms.
“At the same time, I can continue to use my experience and training to serve the Faith.’”
Mr. Jackson recently returned from a two-month consulting project in Liberia for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) where he served as an adviser in financial management for the Liberian Rural Communications Network, a developmental radio project.
Yvor Stoakley, the newly appointed Fund development director, will assume many of the administrative responsibilities presently handled by Mr. Jackson.
.
The National Spiritual Assembly has named Yvor E. Stoakley, an attorney from Glendale Heights, Illinois, to the recently established position of Fund development director in the Office of the Treasurer at the Baha’i National Center.
Mr. Stoakley joins the National Center staff after two years in private practice with the Chicago law firm of Arnstein, Gluck, Lehr & Milligan where he specialized in civil litigation and bankruptcy matters.
A graduate of the Northwestern University School of Law and Grinnell College in Iowa, Mr.
Yes,
our local Spiritual Assembly, or Group, would like to participate in the Automatic Contribution System!
TheNational Bahai Fund
RINT FOUN
. fesiding at =
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 amot
Signed, Bana‘ ID # __ Date:
Home phone:
Work phone:
Yes,
unt of your authorization.
Number of participants: _
Mall’ NATIONAL BAHA‘i FUND Wilmette, iL
60091
our local Spiritual Assembly, or Group, would like to increase its monthly goal to the Automatic Contribution System!
ION
‘amount being witha
UPDATED AUTHORIZATK ELECTRONIC BANK TRANSFER
MONTHLY
‘hereby authorize the National Spiritual Assembly ofthe Bahis ofthe United States to change the raw trom my checking acount each fyregoran} month Wom
Return this form inthe enciosed bie envelope
The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 5
Stephen Jackson, Yvor Stoakley in new Treasurer’s posts
STEPHEN O. JACKSON
Stoakley brings to his new position additional experience as a journalist, editor, high school English teacher and specialist in marketing communications.
As Fund development director, he will help the National Spiritual Assembly plan and implement long-term strategies for broadening the base of the National Fund and to create and evaluate a variety of financial services for the Baha’i community.
Among other things, this includes identifying target groups within the Baha’i community and designing specialized materials and programs to educate those groups about the Fund; editing and publishing an estate planning newsletter; consulting with donors of large gifts; helping with major fund-raising campaigns; and
working with Baha’i professionals
YVOR E. STOAKLEY
on a number of Fund development projects.
One of Mr. Stoakley’s first assignments has been investigating the feasibility of a credit union to serve the Baha’i community.
A life-long Baha’i, Mr. Stoakley has pioneered to Sierra Leone where he served on that country’s first National Spiritual Assembly.
He has also served on teaching committees, youth committees and local Assemblies, and has taken part in youth teaching projects in the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, and on the Omaha Indian Reservation.
Mr. Stoakley presently serves as a member of the Board of Officers of the Baha’i Justice Society and of the Chicago Area Persian-American Affairs Committee and is active in community service ana professional organizations.
La ad OA AL Members of the Bahá’í Youth Workshop from San Diego, California, captivate more than 200 people during an Ayydm-i-Hé
ae celebration while demonstrating the power of unity in their friendship, activities and contributions to the Fund.
Baha’i shows you’re never too old to make good use of peace statement
One is never too old to make good use of the peace statement, “The Promise of World Peace,” as is evidenced by these remarks from an 82-year-old Baha’i in Ann Arbor, Michigan:
“I don’t go out much socially except to Baha’i meetings, but I have given the peace statement to several of my friends.
“‘One was so enthusiastic about it that she asked for a copy for her son and one for a neighbor. ...He commented that the Baha’is he had met in the Near East all seemed like fine people.
“‘Another friend who was leaving to study in England noticed a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ on my table; she mention ed the effect of the war threat on people her age (college) and seemed interested in taking it with her to England.
“I sent a copy to another friend of mine who has been active in “Beyond War.’ She said, ‘Thank you for giving this to me. I was immediately struck by its wisdom. I am sending it to my sister who introduced me to Beyond War. I know she’ll find it very sympathetic. I am delighted that we are working side-by-side. Your giftbook expressed my own deepest hopes and beliefs so beautifully.”
“After I’ve given these presentation copies of the peace statement to my friends, I add their
names to my prayer list.’”
�[Page 6]
6 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
A pioneer looks back on the many lessons learned
Deborah Clark Levine declared her faith in Bahá’u’lláh in June 1970. She describes herself at that time as “a 19-year-old war protester and civil-rights organizer who immediately recognized in the Faith constructive answers to the world’s problems.”’ Here is her story, as she tells it:
I grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, and was always aware of the Baha’i Temple, but my impression of the Faith was that it was comprised mainly of elderly women.
The Wilmette community received me warmly—I was a young native-born convert—and didn’t hesitate in my deepening.
The first class I attended was conducted by Edna True, and the topic was Covenant-breaking. After I had been a Baha’i for three months, the Assembly asked me to co-teach with Sylvia Parmelee, a life-long Bahda’i, a series of classes on The Tablets of the Divine Plan.
Mrs. Parmelee and I divided the book by chapters, and I took very personally the chapters I was to teach. Looking back, it almost seems like a prank—could the Assembly have known that I would find those Tablets so moving that in a few months I would go pioneering?
In them, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá talks about striving to attain the station of a member of the heavenly ar International Picnic slated in Niagara Falls
The Spiritual Assembly of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is sponsoring an International Picnic on Sunday, August 30, at Queenston Heights Park in Niagara Falls.
For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Niagara Falls, P.O. Box 145, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6S8, Canada.
mies, those souls who are entirely freed from the human world, transformed into celestial spirits, and how it’s possible to become “incarnate light’? and ‘‘personified spirit.’’
It sounded incredible, but He actually lists certain conditions: firmness in the Covenant, fellowship and love among the believers, and spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the world. The urgent message was clear. I decided to pioneer.
I had spent the summer of 1968 in France and Switzerland and was confident of my ability to speak and write French; I built on that knowledge to learn Italian.
When I left in January 1971 to pioneer to Italy, I was a 16-monthold Baha’i, not yet 20, and had every intention of making Italy my home. I even gave away almost all my clothes and other belongings except for a few Baha’i books.
I believed that in recognizing Bahá’u’lláh I had found an answer superior to what any college could provide. Anyway, my career goal was to be a writer, and I had always heard that writing can’t be taught but must be learned through practice.
When I became a Baha’i, I thought I could use my writing skills to advance the principles of Baha’u’llah, a goal I am only now beginning to attain.
The Baha’is in Rome outlined their country’s goals, one of which was to raise an Assembly in Mantua. I knew little about Italy, but was convinced by Baha’is in Rome that northern Italy would be better for a single woman, and Mantua was an important goal.
The Baha’i youth were forming a singing group they called ‘‘The Dawnbreakers,”’ and I was invited to join. Their plan was to hold “thappenings’’ in target cities throughout Italy, singing their songs with Bahda’i messages and following up with organized discussion groups in prearranged spots.
In 1971, after the first Intercon
Shown are some of the Mapuche Indian Bahá’ís who come on foot or in carts to attend the rural Bahá’í School in Chile named in
meen MERE ate
honor of the late Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir. The school is sponsored by Radio Bahd’s in Chile.
Pioneer Post on subscription basis 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 1,300 or so U.S. pioneers in the field, as well as to Counselors and Auxiliary Board members. Now it is being offered on a subscription basis to anyone who is interested for $4 a year. Make checks payable to ‘‘Bahd’{ Services Fund’’ earmarked for IGC Pioneer Post and send them to the International Goals Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. You'll find Pioneer Post a continuing source of inspiration and love.
tinental Youth Conference in Fiesch, Switzerland, ‘‘The Dawnbreakers” had a ‘“‘happening’’ in Mantua. Many of my friends there became Baha’is, and some are strong and dedicated believers even now.
I supported myself on money I had saved from working various jobs over the years, meanwhile trying to figure out a way to earn money in Italy. Then in October I put everything on hold and went on pilgrimage.
While there I had some conversations with the Hand of the Cause Mr. Furiitan, and following advice from him and several pilgrims, I decided to return to the States for a second year of college so that I could enroll in an Italian university.
The one I had in mind was the University of Trieste. I returned to Chicago in November and crammed a year’s worth of college credits into six months at the University of Illinois.
I returned to Italy in time to help coordinate a summer youth project in the Piedmont region, and was accepted at the College for Interpreters and Translators at the University of Trieste, where I intended to study Russian as well as English and Italian.
But there were problems. Documents that the Italian consulate in Chicago sent in my behalf were lost, so the university told me I couldn’t officially enroll. (The documents had been held up in Rome and didn’t arrive at the university until 1974; by that time I was no longer there.)
There were many tests to be faced. I was depressed, lonely, isolated and poor, and soon I had abandoned all my well-laid plans. A few months later I had a Baha’i marriage with a non-Baha’i. We traveled and did leather work and other crafts.
In my mind, I replayed the words of Glenford Mitchell who spoke at the first Pioneer Training Institute in Wilmette in 1970: “Move to the goal country. Marry the people. Send your children to their schools.””
My personal goal had been to do those things, to become a world citizen by practicing it. My daughter was born in Trent and began first grade in Naples. ...
Italy was as austere a post as any jungle could be. Because I had expected this European culture to be similar to American life, my estrangement may have been more intense than it would have been had I been in a place that was obviously foreign, like Asia or Africa.
Baha’ is often endow the service of pioneering with great mystical qualities. Indeed, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says that a pioneer can become as ‘‘incarnate light’? and “personified spirit,’ it sounds pretty mystical. But what would be a scientific understanding of these mystic promises?
Because my peers back in the States were finishing college and “getting ahead’’ in a material sense, I often review my pioneering experience to see what value it actually had, both for my post and for me.
The difference between pioneering and, say, missionary work, the Peace Corps, or simply traveling is that the pioneer is a Bahá’í from one culture who intends to move to another culture
to bring the teachings of Baha’w’ll4h.
Pioneering is fundamental to the Faith, so apparently it will continue for centuries. The only traveling companion of a pioneer is God—so a pioneer is truly on his or her own.
A pioneer is not merely a tourist or an expatriate, but an individual who is trying to put the Teachings into practice so carefully that even as a foreigner, the pioneer can and will attract people to the Faith.
The pioneer respects the culture he or she moves to and adopts its ways, but also brings ideas from home. A Baha’i who makes inroads at all into the life of his or her goal country automatically teaches unity in diversity.
The laws of the Messengers of God have always been for the betterment of humankind. For instance, we abstain from alcohol because we’re stronger when we do so.
Pioneering is similar: Humanity has evolved largely through the interchange of ideas among people, perhaps too often by conquering armies and aggressive explorers.
Living among people of a different culture not only enables the pioneer to bring the teachings to them, but also teaches another possible way of doing things. Thus the pioneer experiences the arbitrariness of culture and truly
appreciates what is universal.
One of the biggest lessons of pioneering is this: to learn what is your cultural baggage, and what is truly universal.
As a pioneer equipped with Baha’i teachings and trying to live by them in order to deliver your message to others, you are forced to examine your prejudices and you must eventually conclude “that there is simply a great variety possible in the ways of accomplishing the business of human life.
Pioneering is a gentle invitation offered by spiritual troops. And when you return to your homeland, it is with the knowledge that your native country has its own points of view, but there are so many others out there.
As I put my pioneering experience into perspective at a time when my peers are entering second careers, or questioning altogether the emphasis they have placed on pursuing monetary success, I am able at least to recognize that my path to maturity was entirely different, and that pioneering was an incomparable education.
Deborah did return to college, earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1983, and is presently working toward a master’s degree. She is a freelance writer, paints portraits, and is raising a two-year-old son.
Thank you!
Pioneers, traveling teachers carry Faith to corners of world
In its Riḍván 1987 message to the Bahá’ís of the world, the Universal House of Justice announced that “‘during the first year of the Six Year Plan 338 pioneers, guided by the needs set forth in previous Plans, have already arisen and settled in 119 countries.’”
These numbers will be even larger when reports are received from various countries reflecting those who were still to arrive at their posts by April 21, 1987.
The American Baha'i community acknowledges with gratitude and admiration those 183 pioneers who settled at their posts ‘on behalf of the U.S. this year. Additionally, 205 traveling teachers (26 of them youth) made 333 teaching trips to other lands, proving once again that American Bahá’ís are keeping before them the vision of the country’s intercontinental mission, the spiritual regeneration of the planet.
The following is a listing by continent of U.S. Bahá’í pioneers who arose during the first year of the Six Year Plan:
AFRICA
Mary P. Allen, Judith W. Ashelman, Peter Ashelman, Lloyd David Squire Brown, Carol Candler, Bruce Dibble, Thomas Dibble, John Ellerman, Karen S. Ellerman.
Becky Fairley, James Fairley, Miranda Harris, Molly Harris, Robert Vail Harris, Gregory A. Kintz, Virginia C. Kintz, Kathleen Le Mone, Barbara Ruys, Mitra Daliri Sabet.
Mohammad Hossein Sabet, Barry Ira Shapiro, Mahnaz Shapiro, David Songer, Nancy Songer, Mark Alan St. Clair, Susan R. Stengel, Helga Stokes, Michael Stokes, Donna Taylor, Anthony N. Vance, Ladan Vance.
AMERICAS Wilson Ballard, Lorna Bergner,
Louis Harry Bergner, Ernest Bradley, Francis Vincent Brooks, Kathy Ann Brooks, Martin Cerrud, Deborah Eckert, Lynn Ann Gardner.
Jacqueline T. Gwathney, Kristin Jeanne Gwathney, Lisa Elaine Heaton, Colleen Huffman, Howard Huffman, Anne Hunt, Shawn Hunt, Samuel Johnson, Alanna F. Rassekhy Khadem.
Brent Kilgore, Jeanne Kilgore, Williaia Kilgore, Firuz Labib, Joan Labib, Lizette Lopez, Vanessa Lopez, Ivette Lucas, Gary Marx, Kathleen Marx, Jill Margaret Mattinson.
Nancy McKeand, Robert L. McKeand Jr., Edith McLaren, Munirih McLaren, Sarah Ellen Merritt, Linda K. Lucero Newman, Timothy Overlock, Hamed Parsiani, Virginia Parsiani.
Juanita Roedell, Kenneth Roedell, Homa Sabet, Constance Smith, Mark Quincy Smith, Judith Stump, Gregg M. Suhm, Diane Mary Tanning, Mark Tanning, Dwight A. Thompson.
Suzanne Thompson, Marjorie F. Twitty, Jean M. Williams, John R. Williams, Theresa Ann Zingery.
ASIA
James P. Allen, Maria Lolita Allen, David C. Alley, Gerrold Bagley, Gary J. Boivin, Penny Kay Boivin, Dwight Cox, James Elliott, Lynn Elliott, Charles Fuller, Rubee Fuller.
Karen Gardner, Steve Gardner, Katherine Gieger, J. Michael Goss, Jean Goss, William E. Grohe II, Brendon R. Hanna, Patricia Knode Herriott, Eugene Jones.
Alan Kellogg, Jennie Yamada Kellogg, Jonathan King, Beverly J. Layton, Margretta LeRoy, Andrea Mark, Beth Joyce McKenty, Madeline Morris, Charles E. Nuttal, Gretchen B. Nuttal.
Carolyn Reusche, Gary Reusche, Karen J. Smogor, Lee Robert Steinmetz, Noreen Steinmetz, Deborah J. Todd, Dale Walton.
See PIONEERS page 10
�[Page 7]
The American Baha’i / May 1987/7
(
The Baha’i Club at San Diego State University in California has been busy this year.
During the fall semester they sponsored the ‘‘Peace Scroll Campaign. The Baha’is of California have designed a ‘‘Peace Scroll’’ that reads, ‘‘Peace ... The Prom ise—The Right Time ... The Right Choice.” The scroll was making the
rounds in California last fall, being signed by people everywhere, and was presented to the United Nations on its 41st birthday.
The SDSU Baha’i Club also hosted an ‘‘International Coffee Hour,”’ which they describe as ‘‘a noon-time social gathering of students from many countries.””
Sixty to 70 people attended and enjoyed about 200 bologna sandwiches prepared by club members. Many of those attending asked about the club and the Faith.
.
The Van Manens, Dave and Helene, a talented couple from Colorado, are touring the country this summer. If your Baha’i College Club or Association is interested in having these entertainers or other traveling teachers and musicians perform at your school, contact Dale Sollars,
Blackfoot, ID 83221, or phone him at 208-785-4495, .
The National Spiritual Assembly of Korea has asked if any of the U.S. Baha’i Clubs would like to have a sister Bahd’{ Club in Korea.
If your club is interested in corresponding with a club in Korea, write to the National Youth Committee and we’ll put you in touch with one.
- .
Don’t forget to turn in your annual Review Forms. This is important information that the National Youth Committee needs to keep in touch with the Bahd’{ College Clubs and Associations.
If your club or association has not received an Annual Review Form, please write to the National Youth Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, and one will be sent to you.
°
CAMPUS CLIPS is for you! This column is here to serve the college clubs. If you have any ideas, comments, suggestions or articles, send them to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Ayyam-i-Ha dinner in Virginia raises $540 for the Fund
Forty-nine adults and 10 children attended an Ayydm-i-Ha fund-raising dinner February 27 in Baileys Crossroads, Virginia.
Guests enjoyed a Persian dinner and entertainment by singer Roshan Bashir-Elahi.
As a result of the event, the sponsoring communities of Baileys Crossroads and Springfield were able to send $540 to the National Baha’i Fund in the ‘‘Spirit of the Roses.”
es ”
A group of Baha’i youth from Region 10 (Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho) has issued a challenge to all the Baha’i youth of the U.S. The challenge is for the youth of each region to vie with one another to see which region can get the greatest percentage of youth to contribute to the National Fund in a year’s time.
The statistics here break up the country into 12 regions. The last column indicates the average percentage of youth in relation to the population of that region who have given to the Fund. The region in the lead
will always be shown in italics.
Youth Participation in the Baha'i Fund
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MONTHS
‘Peace Scroll’ nets big results, leads to close new friendships for UC-Fullerton’s Baha’i Club
It all started with the Peace Scroll, the same one that was at San Diego State University.
When the scroll was at the University of California in Fullerton, they didn’t get as big a turnout, but the numbers were not as important as who was there.
The president of the Black Business Students Association saw the Peace Scroll and asked, ‘‘What’s that banner for, and what does your club represent?”’ The results could not have been imagined.
After hearing about the Baha’i Club at UC-Fullerton, the Black Business Students Association decided that the two clubs should do something together.
Even together, the group was small, but the plans were big: an event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to be held April 2.
The Bahá’í Club borrowed a banner from the club at California State University in Long Beach and planned a special fireside to follow the event.
The National Youth Committee was called for encouragement, help in finding performers, and for copies of the peace statement.
A program was designed, with each copy to include the peace statement inside, and the Los
Angeles Baha’i Youth Workshop and the McPhersons agreed to perform.
While the Baha’i Club was planning these aspects, the Black Business Students Association was arranging for a number of speakers and performers including a Martin Luther King Jr. impersonator and a reggae band, both of which were well-received.
‘Meanwhile, another group decided to offer its help, and so the event was also sponsored by the Multi-Cultural Council.
Even though many other events happened on the same day, students not only showed up for the commemoration but many others dropped in from time to time to see what was going on.
More than 150 programs, with peace statements enclosed, were given out at the start of the event. Many students read the statement while waiting for the program to start.
Most important, the Baha’i Club and Black Business Students Association at California-Fullerton have developed a close relationship of mutual respect and admiration.
See SCROLL page 34
Ree The Niasisticss Region # < $8 » : $8 +8 e 8
- S]aS [FSS] 28 leosiass
Region1 | 359] 14 +4 | 4% 14 4% Region2 | 870} 17 +6 | 2% 17 2% Region 4 | 280 1 -10 | 3% 1 3% Region S| 254} 17 +6 | 7% La 7% Region 6| 194 5 - 3% 5 3% Region 7 | 143 S +4 | 3% &) 3% Region 8 | 269 2 - 1% 2 71% Region9 | 261 7 +1 | 3% if 3% Region 10] 91 4 3 4% 4 4% Region 11] 188 3 -1 2% 3 2% Region 12| 576 9 -4 2% 2 2% TOTAL |3505 | 84 +5 | 2% | 84 2%
"These statistics represent the # of Bahá’í Youth between the ages 15 - 21. These statistics do not represent the youth that don't include their Bahá’í 1D. number, or use the automatic contribution system.
Summer offers number of opportunities for overseas service to young Baha’is
There are many opportunities for short-term international service this summer.
In Belize, the National Assembly hopes to have three projects in different parts of the country. Needed are teachers experienced in consolidation and with children’s classes. The language is English, the dates are July 15-August 15. Accommodations are provided; teachers will need $5-$8 per day for food.
From July 9-12, a summer school will be held in the Bahamas. Food and lodging are free for teachers and musicians.
In Dominica, teachers are needed for children, youth and adults from August 3-8. Housing can be provided for $10 a day.
Guatemala, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean also need traveling teachers this summer.
In Guatemala, English is necessary, Spanish is helpful, and $200 U.S. should cover all expenses.
Jamaica wants five American and five Canadian youth to help stimulate activities, especially in rural areas. English is the only language needed for this six- to
eight-week program that starts July 15. $7 a day should be enough to cover expenses.
In the Caymans, teachers experjenced in ‘‘mass teaching’ are needed. Males are especially needed to reach out to Baha’i youth in their 20s. Lodging will be provided in the homes of local Baha’is. The cost of food is about twice that of the U.S.
If you have any questions about these or other projects, please contact the National Youth Committee. The phone number is 312869-9039, ext. 253.
17-year-old Baha’i in Oregon is district wrestling champion
In February, Shoghi Tufts, a 17-year-old Baha’i youth from Alsea, Oregon, won the district wrestling tournament championship.
Shoghi, who was competing
with athletes from larger schools,
went on to place second in the
state competition in March, and
was named his school’s most improved wrestler for the third year
in a row.
�[Page 8]
8 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
Amoz Gibson Training Centre sets summer 1987 schedule of courses
Following is the 1987 summer schedule of courses at the Amoz Gibson Training Centre in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
June 15-July 3: Introduction to
Development Media. A_ threeweek introductory course designed to give students a general overview of development media as well as hands-on practice in the basics of graphic arts, photog raphy, audio-visual presentations, radio, the press, silkscreen, and much more including the design of unified media campaigns. Focus is on specific skills that can be of use in the field. Principal instructor: Randie Gottlieb. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.
July 6-24: Community Radio Broadcasting. An intensive threeweek general level course designed to train students in the fundamen-. tals of radio: educational and cultural broadcasting, community radio, scriptwriting, announcing, programming and production, management, legal and technical
The Bahá’ís of Nevada J.D. (Grass Valley), California, had this exhibit at the 1986 Nevada County Fair. The local Assembly later received a letter of appreciation from the local chapter of the UN Association, which said in part, ‘The space there that you
shared with us made possible the first conspicuous presence of the United Nations flag and information about the UN at the Fair. Our presence was an important statement and educational experience for Fair-goers and we are most thankful you made it possible.’
aspects, and more, with special emphasis on the history and philosophy of Radio Baha’i. Principal instructors: Susan McLaren, K. Dean Stephens. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.
July 27-August 14: Development Communication. An intensive three-week course in the use of appropriate media and technology for international development. Emphasis on local participation, collaboration and control. Instruction in audience analysis, formal and non-formal education through media, materials design and production, legal and technical aspects, training of counterparts, cross-cultural communi tion, and case histories—with special focus on broadcasting and the example of Radio Baha’i. Principal instructors: To be announced. Languages of instruction: English, Spanish.
Other courses and workshops to be announced later.
Tuition and reservations: $450 (U.S.) per course including materials, room and board for the three-week period. Special earlybird tuition of $400 if $100 deposit is received two weeks before the course; remaining $300 is due when the course begins. There is an additional discount for students registered in all three courses—$1,100 total. Checks drawn on U.S. banks, or money orders in U.S. currency, should be made payable to ‘“‘Amoz Gibson Training Centre.’’ Non-reserved applicants are admitted only if space is available. Eligible students can receive up to six academic credits per course. For more information, write to the Centre, Arecibo, PR 00612, or phone 809878-4189 before 9 p.m. (EST).
April Baha’i News celebrates 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s historic visit to U.S., Canada
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America, the entire April issue of Bahá’í News is devoted to the Center of the Covenant and His historic journey to the West in the evening of His life.
The commemorative issue features as its cover the recently discovered color portrait of ‘Abdu’!Baha taken during His visit to Paris in 1911, a few months before His arrival in New York City in April 1912.
This marks only the second time in its 63-year history that Bahd’f News has printed a full-color cover.
Of course, proper coverage of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s nine-month visit to North America requires more than one issue of Bahá’í News, so for the next nine months the magazine will follow His travels and report on many of the places and people He visited.
The April issue includes an article, excerpted from Bruce Whitmore’s book, The Dawning Place, about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s dedication of the cornerstone for the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, IIlinois, and another, by Marzieh Gail from Volume VI of The Baha’ World, about the 25th anniversary observance of His visit.
Also included is a calligraphed version of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Prayer for America, designed especially for this commemorative issue by Michael Hughey of Asheville, North Carolina.
Future issues will chronicle the seven most important events of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit as enumerated by Shoghi Effendi.
Subscribers to Bahd’f News will have already received their copies of the April issue. Single copies are available at $2 each, and, while they last, new subscribers will receive a free copy of what will soon become a collectors’ edition of Bahá’í News.
Baha’i News
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Oe a alee
Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem speaks on ‘The Mystery of Sacrifice’ at the ‘Green
Lake in the Spring’ conference March 28 in Green Lake, Wisconsin.
‘Green Lake in Spring’ says thank-you to Board members
About 150 Baha’is from Illinois, Wisconsin and upper Michigan gathered March 28 at the American Baptist Assembly’s Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin, for the ‘‘Green Lake in the Spring” Conference.
They came to express their deep gratitude for the services of former Auxiliary Board members D. Thelma Jackson and Khalil Khavari, and to extend a warm welcome to newly appointed Board members Javidukht Khadem and Morris Taylor.
Another purpose was to bid a fond farewell to Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland who was unable to be present. His territory, which had included Wisconsin, now encompasses North and South Dakota, lowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska.
In his talk, entitled “‘In Quest of Service,’”” Dr. Khavari pointed out that some of our most meritorious acts are those that are unknown to anyone but ourselves and Baha’u’ lah.
In discussing ‘‘Interaction for the Evolution of Baha’i Institutions,’’ Miss Jackson said both arms of the Administrative Order need each other to work smoothly and to fulfill the purpose of their design.
Mrs. Khadem spoke on ‘‘The Mystery of Sacrifice.’’
Throughout the history of the Faith, she said, we have seen proof of how sacrifice has preceded victories, from the sacrifices of the Bab and 20,000 martyrs to those of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian, and the Baha’is in Iran today, and that the
Baha'i wins AARP Elderhostel Award
Mrs. Eva Walker, a Baha’i from Covina, California, has been chosen by AARP—The American Association of Retired Persons— as winner of an AARP/Elderhostel Award for 1987.
Mrs. Walker was chosen for her voluntary contributions to the Azusa Senior Center.
As a winner, she will receive a one-week learning vacation at any of the Elderhostel programs now being offered on more than 800 college campuses throughout the country.
regeneration of mankind will be born as a result of those sacrifices.
Mr. Taylor’s presentation was titled “Star Trek and World Peace: A State of the Union Address.’
The television series ‘‘Star Trek,”’ he said, reflects a future that people are longing for, a society in which men and women of all races work together in unity, with mutual respect and without prejudice.
“We should understand how the vibrating influence of Bahá’u’lláh’s Message is transforming the non-Baha’i world,’’ he said, “and we should take advantage of. that transforriation when we teach the Cause.””
One red rose, next to the speakers’ podium, represented the “Spirit of the Roses’’ sent by Iranian prisoners to the U.S. National Convention last year.
At the close of the conference, the rose was sent to the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds where the National Spiritual Assembly was meeting that weekend.
Four International Youth Conferences slated this summer
Four International Youth Conferences are to be held this summer:
Canada: July 8-12, University of Western Ontario, London. Theme: “Let It Be This Generation.” Baha’i and non-Baha’i youth from 14-28 are welcome. No program for children or adults. Cost: $150 (four nights shared accommodation, 10 meals; registration included).
Mexico: July 24-26, Guadalajara, Jalisco. Two-week teaching project beginning July 27!
United Kingdom: August 5-9, Armitage Centre, Manchester University. Theme: ‘‘Service ... At All Times, in All Climes.’’ Service projects, July 18-August 4; teaching project, August 9-16.
Africa: August 17-22, Botswana. Theme: ‘‘A New Challenge for a New Generation.’’ All ages are welcome!
For more information, write to the National Youth Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.
�[Page 9]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Instill in hearts of children
the love of God
DIAMOND JUBILEE 1912 - 1987
Remarks by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at a reception in Washington, D.C. (after singing by the children)
What a wonderful evening this is! These are the children of the Kingdom. The song we have just listened to was very beautiful in melody and words. The art of music is divine and effective. It is the food of the soul and spirit. Through the power and charm of music the spirit of man is uplifted. It has wonderful sway and effect in the hearts of children, for their hearts are pure, and melodies have great influence in them. The latent talents with which the hearts of these children are endowed will find expression through the medium of music. Therefore, you must exert yourselves to make them to sing with excellence and effect. It is incumbent upon each child to know something of music, for without knowledge of this art the melodies of instrument and voice cannot be rightly enjoyed. Likewise, it is necessary that the schools teach it in order that the souls and hearts of the pupils may become vivified and exhilarated and their lives be brightened with enjoyment. ...
I pray in behalf of these children and beg confirmation and assistance for them from the Kingdom of Abh so that each one may become like a lighted candle in the world of humanity, a tender and growing plant in the rose garden of Abha; that these children may be so trained and educated that they shall give life to the world of humanity; that they may receive insight; that they may bestow hearing upon the people of the world; that they may sow the seeds of eternal life and be accepted in the threshold of God; that they may become characterized with such virtues, perfections and qualities that their mothers, fathers and relatives will be thankful to God, well pleased and hopeful. This is my wish and prayer.
I give you my advice, and it is this: Train these children with divine exhortations. From their childhood instill in their hearts the love of God so they may manifest in their lives the fear of God and may have confidence in the bestowals of God. Teach them to free themselves from human imperfections and to acquire the divine perfections latent in the heart of man. The life of man is useful if he attains the perfections of man. If he becomes the center of the imperfections of the world of humanity, death is better than life, and nonexistence better than existence. Therefore, make ye an effort in order that these children may be rightly trained and educated and that each one of them may attain perfection in the world of humanity. Know ye the value of these children, for they are all my children.
4 Ce
i 0 ‘ 3 Mrs. Sue Powers and her husband, Terry, are shown with the
Bahá’í children’s class who presented a homemade quilt to the Green Acre Bahd’f School during ‘Connecticut Bahá’í Weekend at Green Acre’ February 14-15. Mrs. Powers had the children color their own special squares with original designs; she then transferred them (‘iron-on’) to the quilting cloths and sewed them together as
@ gift to the Green Acre restoration. More than 60 Bahá’ís— adults, youth and children—attended the weekend sessions to discuss issues of Bahá’í family life and the Six Year Plan in Connecticut, Discussion leaders were Auxiliary Board member Mara Khavari and Marcia Smith, an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Billy Roberts.
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.
bi Pictured are two of the children who attend a Bahá’í children’s class begun last February in Anthony, New Mexico, in the ‘Spirit of the Roses’ by Tom and Diane
The American Baha’i / May 1987 LS
Pe ‘ Pauley. Between 20 and 40 children and adults attend the classes in a community where there previously had been no regularly scheduled Bahá’í activities.
Brilliant Star’s May/June issue cornucopia of treats for all ages
> EDUCATION
Star magazine is one to remember. The cover sets the tone with a lovely acrylic by Hong T. Foo entitled ‘Mountain Waves.””
And the cover is only the beginning. Open the magazine and find three excellent pieces of fiction.
A story by Joseph Galata, ‘The Missing Picture,’’ is beautifully illustrated by Barbara Trauger. The next is called ‘Cheese to Chocolate’ by Pat Harralson, while “Origami to the Rescue,’ by Dona Schenker, rounds out the trio by showing siblings another way to get along.
Also included are poems by Barbara Fioretti and Helen Rames.
Fritz Mann has illustrated ‘‘Today I Dreamt I Was Jacques Cousteau,’’ a biographical piece by Sue Lang.
Another remembrance touches the hearts of all Baha’is and is especially appropriate this year, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to the U.S. in “A Picnic to Remember.” The diamond celebration of the historic ‘Souvenir Picnic’’ held in 1912 in New Jersey is told by editor Debbie Bley and illustrated by Linda Orlando.
And of course, included in this issue are our regular features—a song, a craft, a crossword, and Book Nook—which reviews a
Minnesota Baha’is share holiday spirit
The Bahd’{ community of Moorhead, Minnesota, shared the spirit of Ayydm-i-Hé this year with 35 residents of a high-rise complex where one Baha’i resides.
Tom and Judy Jenkins and their son, Ryan, presented a nature slide program entitled “Every Created Thing’? which was accompanied by many quotations from the Baha’i Writings.
Afterward, refreshments were served by the Baha’is.
On March 3, Judy Jenkins traveled to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and, helped by another slide program, taught the Faith to 112 high school juniors and seniors and three teachers.
book for children and one for adults! Carole Miller, in “‘Parenting Decisions in a New World Order,”’ discusses points of interest to all parents.
To subscribe, simply send your check or money order ($12 for one year, six issues) to Brilliant Star, c/o Subscriber Service, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please note the new subscription address—we’re back at the National Center!
Brilliant Star returns subscriber service to Baha’i National Center
In our continuing efforts to serve the children, teachers and parents of the Faith and others who hold spiritual development and moral instruction close to their hearts, Brilliant Star magazine is moving its subscriber service back to the Baha’ National Center.
The move, which took effect May 1, places Brilliant Star back in the hub of activity and reunites it with the other periodicals that are published by the National Spiritual Assembly.
What does this mean to you? It means that all your subscription needs can now be filled through one office, one letter or one phone call.
Candace Moore, who is responsible for Baha’i Subscriber Service, handles Bahá’í News, The American Bahá’í, U.S. Bahá’í Report, and World Order magazine. Brilliant Star is rejoining a prestigious group!
The editorial branch of the magazine will remain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and it will continue to be printed in Pennsylvania, near our art editor.
All other information, questions and suggestions can be directed to Brilliant Star’s manager, Janet Richards, Yardville, NJ 08620.
So get out your check book and subscribe (or re-subscribe), for yourself or a friend, to the best Baha’i children’s periodical there is. One year (six issues) is only $12, a small price to pay for deepening, strength and a feeling of unity as children all over the world share Brilliant Star.
Send your check or money order to Brilliant Star, c/o Subscriber Service, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
At your Baha’i Schools
BOSCH
May 22-25: Marriage Enrichment, designed for married couples; limited child care available, space permitting.
1987 summer sessions begin June 20 with Week 1, Junior Youth Week. Weeks 2-10: General Sessions with classes for all ages.
For details about summer sessions, see the insert in the April issue of The American Bahá’í.
Session update recording: 408423-3093. Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific time) Wednesday-Sunday. Phone 408-4233387.
GREEN ACRE
May-June: No conferences are scheduled to allow time for extensive facility repairs and improvements.
1987 summer programs will open July 4 and continue with weekly sessions through August 30. Each week is a “family week’” with programs scheduled daily for children, youth and adults.
From August 15-23, a full week of events will celebrate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Green Acre. The cultural arts will be featured with outstanding speakers and performers.
Detailed summer session information and registration materials will be sent on request. Write to: Green Acre Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-0019. Offices are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
LOUHELEN
June 5-7: Dialogue on the Equality of Men and Women including talks by Dr. Jane Faily, Dan Popov, Richard Reid and others.
July 3-6: National Teacher Training, focusing on the Bahá’í writings and the Montessori meth
July 10-14: A Single-Ar Experience.
July 19-24: Family Session.
July 26-31: Youth Academy; Adult Intensive Study.
August 2-7: General Session.
August 9-14: General Session.
August 16-21: Youth/Junior Youth Week.
August 23-28: Camp Louhelen (for children ages 8-11).
September 4-7: Homecoming.
For detailed information, see The American Bahd’ (April) or contact the Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-6535033). Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central time) Tuesday-Friday and weekends when conferences are in session.
LOUIS GREGORY INSTITUTE
June 6: “Louis Gregory Day” with a presentation by Dr. Elsie Austin.
June 27: Unity Feast to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first Souvenir Picnic.
July 5-August 1; Baha’s Youth Academy.
For more information or to register, please phone the Institute, 803-558-5093.
NATIVE AMERICAN BAHA’i INSTITUTE
May-August: Teacher orientation and deepenings in support of the Navajo-Hopi Teaching Project; construction of new classroom facilities; workshops and deepenings for the translation of the Baha’ writings into the Navajo language; annual Inter-Cultural Council Fii
For specific information, schedules and ways you can support these efforts, please contact NABI, P.O. Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506, or phone 602-367-8595 or 602-3675126, ext. 8595.
�[Page 10]
10 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
On January 25, the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Hempstead, New York, co-sponsored an interfaith ‘Fiesta’ in its extension teaching goal, Rockville Centre. More than 100 people, many from the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre, accepted an in vitation from the Ecumenical Program and Outreach Council to attend the event which was chaired by the Bahá’ís and included music by Miguel Corrales (pictured), a Bahá’í who braved icy weather to come from New Jersey to perform.
Australian aborigine traveling, teaching Faith on visit to U.S.
Noel Blomeley is the first Australian Baha’i of aboriginal ancestry to travel and teach in the U.S.
Being a traveling teacher is not a new experience for Noel, who has not only covered more than 20,000 miles traveling and teaching in his own country but has also made teaching trips to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Europe, Scandinavia, Britain, New Zealand, India and Malaysia.
Noel, who serves on the National Youth Committee of Australia, has personally financed all his travels by working as a private math tutor with aboriginal secondary school students.
Since mid-February, he has been traveling in the Eastern, Midwestern and Southern states, taking part in consolidation activities, youth deepenings, workshops, children’s classes, public meetings, firesides and youth con
Rural Minnesota
Teaching Project
spreads the Faith
For the past several months the Spiritual Assembly of Burnsville, Minnesota, has been sponsoring the Rural Minnesota Teaching Project.
Projecteers have distributed copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace” and other literature to several libraries in the area, as well as to doctors, clergymen and chiropractors.
They have also visited several Indian Reservations, and have left literature at the cultural centers, in schools, and with people they have met.
Pamphlets have also been posted on bulletin boards in shopping centers, banks, laundromats and grocery stores.
Next, the projecteers plan to visit several hospitals and homes for the elderly.
The project is designed to help achieve several of the goals of the Six Year Plan, namely, to carry the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind, to increase the involvement of the Faith in the life of society, and to increase the distribution and use of Baha’ literature.
ferences.
While visiting a Seminole Indian Reservation in Florida in March, Noel was invited to participate in ‘‘the sweat’’—an Indian ritual that has a therapeutic effect, literally purifying the body while symbolically purifying the spirit.
He found that the ritual has a similar effect as the Australian “‘walkabout.’’ A close bond was formed between Noel and the friends on the Reservation.
Leaving an unforgettable impression on him, says Noel, is “the coming to life of the Writings of the Faith in regard to traveling teaching.’’
The promises of assistance and success that are made to one who arises to serve as a_ traveling teacher are being granted before his eyes.
During a recent telephone interview, Noel said, “If you have the desire to go traveling teaching, so many doors will be placed before you which you will be able to pass through. But often, you have to look for these doors, and then try the handles before they will open.’”
After attending the International Youth Conference this summer in London, Ontario, Noel plans to cross through the U.S. to Los Angeles, and travel to the Amoz Gibson Project in South Dakota.
He hopes to remain in this country until August.
Gregory Institute conference aims at Assembly development
About 175 adults, youth and children gathered February 8 at the Louis Gregory Baha’ i Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, to discuss the American Baha’i community’s Six Year Plan goal to systematically develop Spiritual Assemblies in South Carolina.
The meeting was ignited with spirit and enthusiasm as those who attended prayed, sang and consulted on the challenges that lie ahead.
Among those taking part were Counselor Wilma Brady; two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Alberta Deas and Jack McCants; Auxiliary Board members Elizabeth Martin and Trudy White; Jacqueline Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee; members of the South. Carolina Task Force; almost all members of the seven District Teaching Committees in South Carolina; several assistants to the Auxiliary Board; and staff at the Louis Gregory Institute and WLGI Radio Baha’i.
As consultation progressed, it soon became clear that the successful development of Assemblies first requires the establish ment of a Baha’i community life and identity.
This may begin with children’s classes, deepenings for the elderly, youth groups, family prayer sessions, service projects, Baha’i choirs, or whatever a community decides it most needs or wants.
Also central to the consultation was the ongoing development of the Institute and WLGI Radio.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this statewide meeting was the overwhelming commitment to unified action in approaching the challenges at hand. Most of those present pledged their support toward achieving specific tasks.
Before the Sunday meeting, the representatives from each of the District Teaching Committees met with the Task Force to consult on their specific concerns relating to accomplishment of the goals.
Based on its own consultation, the statewide meeting, and input from the District Teaching Committees and Auxiliary Board members, the Task Force submitted its report to the National Teaching Committee, which approved the plans outlined in the report.
Pioneers
from page 6
Gary Allen Wayne, Lucy J. Wei ner, Claudia L. Whitington, Infinite Cloud Whitington, Timothy P. Whitington, Roland S. Yazhari.
AUSTRALASIA
Leanetta Ashcraft, Terry Ashcraft, Diann Boone-Wallis, Donald P. Boone-Wallis, Jean Louise Chavez, Mary Churchill, Ruth Margaret (Peggy) Evans.
Gary Michael Johnston, Stanley David Koplan, Frederick O’Brien, Patricia O’Brien, Anita L.D. Aranga Parkinson, Elisha Michael Sheridan, Jeanne Sheridan.
John Sheridan, Pearl W. Shoudel, Sepehr Sohrab, Maria Rosita Tajeddini, Soheil Tajeddini, Stephen Weiss.
EUROPE
Iraj Ayman, Lilli Ayman, Senta Azarkadeh, Shahbaz Azarkadeh, Shirley Fay Benson, Sarah Mayfield Bonet, William Dennisuk, Mary Frances Broder Firdawsi.
Leo Carzail Hall, Sharone K. Hall, Douglas Ralph Hartman, Marilee A. Hartman, Charles O. Lerche, Loni J. Bramson Lerche, Susan Miraftabi, Betsy Omid-Varan.
Shahab Omid-Varan, Linda S. Purviance, Michael A. Purviance, Homayoon Gloria Sharify, Karen Van Den Boogart, Rudy Van Den Boogart, Joseph Yahr. 2
Souvenirs for your Souvenir Picnic
a
Shai zat)
Imagine this logo in full color; reflecting the di
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It was designed especially for the unity picnics commemorating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America. It con
veys to Bah
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Master's visit...to unite the hearts of mankind. Just complete and mail the order form below.
T-Shirts (full color)
T-Shirts come in 3 colors with the logo printed in full color. All sizes are $9.00 Shirts are 50% cotton, 50% polyester. Indicate how many in each size. Sizes: XL_L. M S Youth Red
ellow)
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¥ balloons: BI. Brown, Red, Yellow, Quantity Cost White. All packages are mixed colors. Pkg. of 5 | $4.50 Quantity Cost Pkg. of 25 $16 Pkg. of 10 $2 Pkg. of 100 | $50 Pkg. of 50 [ $7 Pkg. of 100 | $12 Total Pri
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�[Page 11]
Kansas announces Project ARISE,
issues teaching challenge to lowa Dear Friends,
Warmest love and greetings to you all! Inspired by the ‘‘Spirit of the Roses,”’ guided by the Universal House of Justice and our National Spiritual Assembly, and motivated continually by the unfailing example of our beloved Hand of the Cause, William Sears, the Kansas District Teaching Committee is announcing Project ARISE!
The goals of the project are to re-form all lost Assemblies (since the beginning of time in Kansas), raise selected small Groups to Assembly status, open new localities, and enroll many new believers from all ethnic backgrounds. Specific attention will be given to working toward geographic balance within our district, teaching all minorities including Native Americans, consolidation, and district-wide involvement. The project begins May 23 and continues on consecutive weekends through District Convention in October (19 weekends). A master schedule of locality sites and dates will soon be available.
The District Teaching Committee is excited about the potential of this project. In the spirit of the ‘‘VIE’’ Campaign we would like to challenge the Baha’i District of lowa to compete with us in the number of Assemblies raised, localities opened, and enrollments during this period. Be prepared to watch the Central States ARISE this summer and secure masses of new victories to offer to our brothers and sisters in Iran.
Be assured of our constant love and prayers.
Warmest Baha’i regards,
Kansas District Teaching Committee
March 24, 1987
78th Baha’i
Coming next month...
in The American Bahá’í, ‘The Year in Review,’ our annual round-up of events that shaped the course of the American Baha’i community during B.E. 143. Also, coverage of the National Convention ... and a whole lot more ... all in the June issue!
asi ; More than 100 Bahá’ís and their guests attended a Naw-Rúz celebration at the New York City Ba { Center which featured Chinese food and entertainment. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the recently appointed Chinatown Teaching Task Force, the enthusiasm of local Bahá’ís and the wholehearted support of the Ba
The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 11 —
hd’i institutions, the celebration was a successful Chinese teaching event. At least seven university students from China attended as well as two marvelous Chinese dancers from the Chinese Dance Company of New York who provided the entertainment, and some journalists from a local Chinese
ah
language newspaper. Previously, a TV station had broadcast two introductions to the Faith and a five-minute interview, both in Chinese. Also, two Chinese newspapers printed urticles about the Bahá’í new year and about
ward G. Browne’s interview with Bahá’u’lláh. (Photo by Al Burley)
Teaching in smaller towns ‘wonderful bounty’
TEACHING
Recently, I heard a Baha’i from a large city express concern for traveling teachers who made sacrifices to travel to smaller communities where the ‘‘return’’ on their “‘investment’’ might be small.
Like many Baha’is who have served primarily in these smaller communities, this got me right up
CORRECTION
In- the January issue of The American Bahá’í, Western Colorado was incorrectly listed as having had the highest percentage of voters present at the 1986 District Conventions.
Actually, the highest participation was in Northwest Washington—C (East King County) where 55 per cent of those eligible to vote cast ballots.
on my soap box.
Baha’u’llah, in Gleanings (p. 16), states: “Oh, how I long to announce unto every spot on the surSace of the earth, and to carry to each one of its cities, the gladtidings of this Revelation ...’”
Recently, a Baha’i in Idaho hesitantly took up this calling. After returning home from a visit to a small community of two believers in Wyoming, he reported, ‘They treated me like I was a Hand of the Cause!”’
Another Baha’i, in Oregon, traveled to six communities in as many days, none of which was larger than 10,000 people and none of which had more than five Baha’ is.
Yet during that week he shared “The Promise of World Peace’’ and the Message of Baha’u’llah with 28 seekers; not exactly mass teaching, but, in his own words, “a wonderful bounty.’”
Travel teaching enables us to fulfill ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s longing to
travel through ‘‘cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans’’ to ‘‘promote the Divine teachings.””
He left no area unmentioned, not even “‘villages’’ which we term small towns. To go to these
smaller communities that have only a few believers is a special bless
other areas, longing to hear the
name of our beloved Baha’u’ lah,
anxious to share His message, the
traveling teacher is a precious gift.
With him comes the opportunity to hear of the victories in other communities, to study the Writings anew, and, most especially, to proclaim the Cause through the media, to renew old contacts and seek out new ones—an opportunity to teach the Cause.
Teaching brings the renewal of the spirit, uplifts our hearts, and is very nearly the cause of our exis
‘Effective Teaching’ takes fresh look at topic
“Effective Teaching,’ a booklet produced by the National Teaching Committee, is receiving considerable praise from those who have purchased it. The booklet takes a fresh approach to the
topic of teaching.
The material opens with a discussion of the purpose of teaching—connecting a ‘soul with God—surveys 10 elements of effective teaching, studies the exam
Order from:
Baha’i Distribution Service
415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
800-323-1880 or 251-1854 in Illinois EFFECTIVE TEACHING otlithings Cost Name Student Workbook @ $2.00 ea.
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ple of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, identifies some of the barriers that may hinder our teaching, and reviews messages from the Universal House of Justice concerning God’s Plan for mankind.
‘Communities and group study: Be sure to order a workbook for each student along with your instructor's guide!
Number
tence.
For the teacher, there is also a blessing. To meet the friends is always a joy. To hear of their victories, to share their food and the Word of God for today, is an added bounty.
Perhaps the teacher will arrange a wonderful fireside, but when he arrives, often many miles from home, he finds that no seekers are expected. Still, the hearts of the friends in that community are so happy. Still, teaching plans can be made. Still, the Message of Baha’u’llah can be studied.
And the teacher, for his or her sacrifice, can return home with a
renewed spirit and say, as did one recent traveling teacher:
“T returned home with a grateful sense of the blessings which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has _ repeatedly promised would accompany such a journey; and thanking God for the privilege of being part of our ... community. I hope it will be possible for many others to enjoy similar experiences in the days and months ahead. Contact the DTC (or the regional travel-teaching coordinator) for travel arrangements to ‘heaven on earth.’ ”
—Marcia Veach Bend, Oregon
André Brugiroux, an author and world traveler, conducts a fireside sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Miami, Florida, January 23 at the Haitian Refugee Center in Miami. The fireside was presented
in French and English. Of the 20 people who attended, 11 were not Bahá’ís. The Assembly in Miami plans to hold regular firesides at the Refugee Center.
Contact the NTC to rent the inspirational VHS videotape "The Plan of God", an option designed for use with Lesson 5 ($5.00)
Archives setting up auctions mailing list
The National Baha’i Archives is developing a mailing list of those who are interested in receiving its duplicate book auction catalogs. The Archives hopes to have 2-3 auctions of duplicate books each
year. 5 If you would like to be on the iling list, simply send your
name and address to the National
Baha’ Archives, Baha’i National
Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
�[Page 12]
12 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
yy, HEART ene LOTUS
A FILM ON THE BAHAI FAITH IN INDIA
Now Available on Videotape
VHS or Beta $25.00
India’s remarkable history is closely tied to the religions that have flourished there. The Heart of the Lotus shows how the Baha'i Faith is evoking a response that has far-reaching implications for India’s social and economic future. Produced by Asterisk Films of Toronto, The Heart of the Lotus includes scenes of the newly-dedicated Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi. This film is designed for proclamation events and for showing to civic and community groups.
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India’s new House of Worship exerts great impact on people, architecture
WORLD > CENTRE
The following report from the Bahá’í World Center was received March 13:
The impact of the newly dedicated House of Worship in New Delhi has far exceeded our brightest hopes since it was opened to public worship January 1.
Each day that has passed has seen several thousand visitors, a record of 20,000 persons having toured the Temple on a single Sunday. As many as a quarter of a million people may already have seen the building.
The demand for literature quickly exhausted the generous supply that had been prepared.
Even more striking is the importance the House of Worship is achieving as an attraction for government delegations visiting New Delhi from abroad. This has been especially true of diplomats from Eastern European countries and from China.
This month, a 50-person delegation from the Soviet Union, led by the deputy Minister of Defense, arranged through their Embassy that the Temple would be the first place visited after they had paid their respects at the memorial to the late prime minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
In addition to the cordiality that has marked them, these diplomatic visits have led to animated and searching discussions of Baha’i teachings, especially of the principles set forth in the peace statement. A great many of the visitors have asked for literature.
Most gratifying, too, has been the response of the architectural
world. The friends will be pleased to know that three of the 10 top architectural publications in the world are carrying major stories: (a) “‘Architecture”’ (the journal of the American Institute of Architects) in September; (b) ‘‘Building’”’ (one of the two leading publications in the field in Britain) in its most recent issue; and (c) “Progressive Architecture’’ (the second-ranking journal in the U.S.) in April.
A similar response has come from engineering publications. The current issue of ‘Concrete Quarterly,” a top British publication in the field, has used the story as its feature article and carries a photograph of the Temple on the cover.
The photographs that are being used by the professional press have been taken, for the most part, from the work of Norman McGrath, one of America’s best-known architectural photographers.
When he saw the first preliminary pictures of the House of Worship last November, Mr. McGrath spontaneously expressed his desire to undertake a study of the building, waiving his $1,000-a-day fee and receiving only his travel expenses.
The resulting photos are stunningly beautiful and have further enhanced professional interest in the Temple as an architectural masterpiece.
In addition, scores of articles illustrated with striking photographs of the Temple have appeared in Indian media. A partial report from a member of the committee in charge of publicity for the dedication points out that the press conference held on December 10 brought together 50 representatives of Hindi, English and
other language publications from many parts of India including the Indian edition of the ‘‘Reader’s Digest’? and the TASS news service of the USSR.
This was the largest press gathering of its kind ever held by Baha’fs in India, and it generated much of the initial coverage of the Temple’s dedication.
Arthur Ericson, one of America’s leading architects and an influential figure in the architectural community, recently paid an extraordinary tribute to the Temple, saying after a visit to New Delhi that it represents ‘‘one of the remarkable achievements of our time, proving that the drive and vision of the spirit can truly achieve miracles.”
As this report was being prepared, the news arrived that two well-known Japanese architectural journals, ‘Architecture and Urbanism’’ and ‘Process: Architecture,’’ had commissioned articles on the House of Worship.
Plans are under way to assure that the House of Worship also receives appropriate recognition at competitions in a number of major centers.
When the new academi¢ year opens in September, the Office of Public Information at the World Center will distribute to schools of architecture throughout the world video cassettes of a special architectural film on the Temple.
Baha’i wins contest
Ruhi Tufts, an 11-year-old Baha’i who is the son of Ray and Diana Tufts of Alsea, Oregon, recently won first prize of a $75 savings bond from the Elks Club in Corvallis in a poster contest promoting eye protection.
Winners and their parents were honored guests of the Elks at an awards dinner.
Ridvan from page 1
sulted in representations to the Iranian government on behalf of the defenseless Baha’is by the Commission on Human Rights, and by many powerful nations including the various governments constituting the European Community.
All this has kept our beloved Faith under international observation, an interest increased not only by the circulation of the peace statement but also by the rapidly expanding activities in the field of economic and social development, ranging from the inauguration and operation of radio stations—of which there are seven now broadcasting—to schools, literacy programs, agricultural assistance and a host of small but valuable undertakings at village level in many parts of the world.
National Bahá’í communities have organized and successfully conducted inter-religious conferences, peace seminars, symposiums on racism and other subjects on which we have a specific contribution to make, often achieving widespread publicity and the interest of highly-placed leaders of society. Baha’i youth, inspired and uplifted by the vision and idealism of ‘‘the new race of men’’ have, through their many gatherings, attracted large numbers of their compeers and galvanized their own members to direct their lives toward service in the many fields in which a rich harvest awaits the dedicated Baha’ worker.
Added to this rapidly burgeoning association of our fellow-men with Baha’i activities, has been one outstanding magnificent achievement, the completion and dedication of the wondrous Baha’i Temple in New Delhi, which received, within the first 30 days of its dedication to the worship of God, more than 120,000 visitors. This symbol of purity, proclaiming the Oneness of God and His Messengers in that land of myriad diverse religious beliefs, befittingly marks the power and grandeur with which these portentous days in the life of God’s Holy Cause have been endowed.
The stage is set for universal, rapid and massive growth of the Cause of God. The immediate and basic challenge is
pursuit of the goals of the Six Year Plan, the preliminary stages of which have already been initiated. The all-important teaching work must be imaginatively, persistently and sacrificially continued, ensuring the enrollment of ever larger numbers who will provide the energy, the resources and spiritual force to enable the beloved Cause to worthily play its part in the redemption of mankind. To reinforce this process the international goals of the Plan have been adopted, calling for the undertaking of many hundreds of inter-Assembly assistance projects, the re-formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Zaire at Ridvan 1987 and the establishment, in the course of the Plan, of new National Spiritual Assemblies, of which those of Angola, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Macau have already been approved. During the first year of the Six Year Plan 338 pioneers, guided by the needs set forth in previous Plans, have already arisen and settled in 119 countries. A new appeal is now being prepared, details of which will be announced shortly. The promotion and facilitation of service projects for Baha’ youth in the emergent countries of the world are now called for. National Spiritual Assemblies are asked to arrange, in consultation with each other and with the assistance of the Continental Boards of Counselors, the best means of ensuring the effective service of those who respond.
Preparations for the Holy Year 1992, when the 100th anniversary of the Ascension of the Blessed Beauty and the inception of the Covenant will be commemorated, have already begun. It is fitting, then, that the Covenant of Baha’u’llah, which links the past and future with the progressive stages toward the fulfillment of God’s ancient Promise, should be the major theme of the Six Year Plan. Concentration on this theme will enable us all to obtain a deeper appreciation of the meaning and purpose of His Revelation—“‘A Revelation,’ in the words of the Guardian, “hailed as the promise and crowning glory of past ages and centuries, as the consummation of all the Dispensations within the Adamic Cycle, inaugurating an era of at least a thousand years’ duration, and a cycle destined to last no less than five thousand centuries, signalizing the end of the Prophetic Era and the beginning of the Era of Fulfillment,
unsurpassed alike in the duration of its Author’s ministry and the fecundity and splendor of His mission. ...’” The questions that such concentrated study should answer will undoubtedly include the meaning of the Baha’i Covenant, its origin and what should be ouf attitude toward it.
Ever present in our contemplation of these profound questions is the magnetic figure of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant, the Mystery of God, the perfect Exemplar, Whose unerring interpretation of the Holy Texts and luminous examples of their application to personal conduct shed light on a way of life we must strive diligently to follow. During the course of the Six Year Plan the 75th anniversary of His visit to the West will be observed with befitting celebrations and proclamation activities. Simultaneously, there will be observed the 50th anniversary of the first Seven Year Plan in the Americas, launched in 1937 at the instigation of Shoghi Effendi and which, in setting in motion the systematic execution of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s grand design for the spiritual conquest of the planet, marked the opening of the first epoch of the Divine Plan.
Great and wonderful tasks challenge us as never before. They demand equally great and wonderful sacrifice, dedication and single-minded devotion from every one of us. At present, the Baha’i International Fund is utterly inadequate to support the tremendous expansion now required in all the multitudinous activities of the Baha’i world community. The record of the Seven Year Plan, just completed, stands witness to our ability to meet the growing demands of the Cause. The heroism of the beloved friends in Iran, the eager response of 3,694 dedicated pioneers to the call raised for this essential service, the unceasing activity of teachers, administrators, local communities and individual believers throughout the entire organism of the embryonic World Order, have endowed this growing Army of Life with new strengths and capacities. As we stride forward into the future we may be fully assured of His ever-present bounty and the final victory of our efforts to establish His Kingdom in this troubled world.
With loving Bahá’{ greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
Riḍván 1987
�[Page 13]
oneal fh
From the House of Worship
More than 50 responses to the Esperanto correspondence course! And still more coming in. Janet Bixby, a long-time Baha’ and former president of the Chicago Esperanto Society, is thrilled by your response. Esperanto classes are also being held in conjunction with Tuesday evening firesides at the House of Worship under her direction and that of friends from the Esperanto group of Chicago.
.
Successful Baha’i teachers! We invite your ideas as we continue on our redecoration of the House of Worship’s Visitors Center. Our intention is to present a bright, happy, warm and friendly atmosphere with a coherent, understandable and relevant presentation of the Faith through graphics and text that will appear on the walls of the Visitors
Center.
Our general approach is to first present the oneness of mankind through happy, diverse faces in the long entryway. Second is the oneness of religion with graphics and text; third, social implications of the Faith including the peace statement; fourth, the principles and concepts in greater detail; and fifth, where it all comes from (the Central Figures) and how it relates to the visitor’s system of belief.
We are especially interested in the ideas of those of you who have a history of discovering many new Bahá’ís through your teaching efforts, and who in turn have become teaching Baha’is themselves.
We are looking for either specific content and design ideas for the displays or ideas on a different sequence of information if you think it more effective. Send all ideas to the House of Worship.
DON’T FORGET! (1) Summer Youth Project at the House of Worship. We have had good initial response to our guiding project for 50 youth—for June, July and August. We still have openings, so let us hear from you if there is any possibility that you can come.
(2) Retired or retirement approaching? Can you think of a better place to be than at the House of Worship, sharing your Faith with our more than 200,000 visitors? Investigate the possibilities.
Pictured are members of the Albion (Michigan) College band who performed recently at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wil mette, Illinois, with the 80-member Albion a cappella choir. All high school music students in the area were invited to attend.
United Nations
from page 1
The most recent victims of the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran are Surush Jabbari, 42, who was imprisoned since September 1984, and ‘Abdu’l-Qasim Shayiq, 47, imprisoned since February 1984.
Their executions, carried out so far as is known without trials, bring to 208 the number of Baha’fs known to have been killed in Iran in recent years because of their religious beliefs.
Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, 152 Bahá’ís have been executed by the authorities, 14 have died in prison, five have been assassinated, 22 have been beaten, stoned or burned to death by mobs, and 15 have simply disappeared and are presumed dead.
Meanwhile, Iranian courts have refused to allow prosecutions in cases involving the murder or manslaughter of Baha’is, or to award compensation to the families of victims, on the grounds that Baha’is are ‘‘unprotected’’ (under Islamic law).
More than 200 Baha’is remain in prison in Iran, and many have been and are being tortured.
Countless others have lost their jobs, homes and possessions, and Baha’i children are denied access to higher education unless they are willing to recant their faith.
All Baha’i holy places and community properties in Iran have been confiscated, and in many cases destroyed, while the financial assets of the community have been appropriated by the government and all Baha’i administrative and community activities in Iran have been banned.
The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 13
Members of the choir of the First Church of [Deliverance Inerform at the Bahá’í House of Worship.
House of Worship’s interfaith series of devotions carries Faith to public
October 26, 1986.
Initially, this may not seem to be an important date, but in the annals of the House of Worship, it is significant.
On that Sunday afternoon, the first Interfaith Devotional Service in the current series took place to set the trend for greater ang more consistent involvement by non-Bahá’ís in the many activities undertaken by the House of Worship.
Earlier last fall, Ken Jeffers, the new administrator at the House of Worship, and Donna Kime, who was then co-director of the House of Worship choir, met to discuss what could be done to attract more people to the Sunday worship services in the Temple auditorium.
Ms. Kime, as the new interfaith music coordinator, now serves to bring guest choirs and soloists to two Sunday services each month, as well as ministers who serve with others as readers for the devotions.
The other two Sundays in each month still feature the House of Worship choir, directed by Merrill Miller, and Baha’i readers.
During the past few months, hundreds of people from local communities and faiths have taken part in the interfaith devotions—evidence that the program is popular among our non-Baha’i neighbors.
Since their inception, the interfaith programs have highlighted the cooperative spirit of a diversity of people with a common goal; to share in the worship of the one true God.
The most successful of these programs was held March 15. Taking part was a 170-voice choir from the First Church of Deliverance who, with their minister, Eugene Gray, serving as a reader, gave a most inspiring presentation.
A large number of the church’s congregation also attended, filling most of the auditorium. Indeed, they filled the House of Worship with the spirit of God.
Chuck Ferguson, a Baha’i from Chicago who frequently attends the devotional services, later said, “I had been to other interfaith programs at the House of Worship, but none was as dynamic as the one offered by the First Church of Deliverance.
“The theme revolved around the second coming of Christ. The people had been immersed in the message that Baha’u’llah is the Promised One of all Ages ... that Christ’s prophecy had been fulfilled so that now all people have a basis for unity.
“This is the essential message of the Faith. This is who we are and what we presented to these people. It made for an exciting day all around.
“In fact,’”? he says, ‘after the choral presentation (in Foundadon Hall after the program upstairs), the minister came forward and told us how he had known of the Faith, and had asked God that he be invited one day to come to the Baha’i Temple. Well, the audience applauded that. Of course his day had come—his prayers had been answered. ...
What is most exciting, says Mr. Ferguson, is that ‘‘the Baha’is are becoming mixed in with mainstream America. ... I mean, there were nine busloads of people from that church in March. That’s the way it should be.
“‘Many people who come to devotions have some knowledge of the Faith, but had never been inside the House of Worship before. The Temple is there to draw mankind to the Faith—to touch people’s hearts. ... It is finally the time that the true purpose of the Temple is being realized. ...””
Indeed, the reality of the results of the interfaith devotional programs is evidence of the Faith’s emergence from obscurity. Such an intermingling with the non-Baha’i public has fostered friendships that have bridged the gap between people of various colors, cultures and religions.
Ms. Kime recently told of how well members of the Church of Deliverance had accepted their Baha’ hosts, including the sharing of much happiness through the exchange of genuine warm and close feelings.
Later, she found that they shared similar beliefs with the Baha’is, such as the oneness of God and the importance of eliminating prejudices—and that they, too, read from the scriptures of various religions during their Sunday services.
As a tribute to their successful teaming with Baha’is, the minister announced later that evening (on
the church’s radio program) that they had had a wonderful experience at the Baha’i House of Wor ship. Through the Interfaith Devotional Services, various local
churches and synagogues have gained an awareness that Baha’is are willing to offer their services by speaking or singing before their congregations.
As Ms. Kime explains, ‘This is just now beginning to happen, and perhaps sometime in the near future—with a lot of hard work and prayer—who knows how many will unite to defend the Faith in times of peril or how many will embrace the Cause of Baha’u’llah. ...’”
Many thanks go to other choirs that have participated in the past few months: from Evanston, Ebenezer AME; the combined choirs from the First United Methodist Church and Garrett Seminary; Friendship Baptist Church; Hei enway United Methodist Chui the Redeeming Church of Chri: and the St. Athanasius Catholic Church; from Glencoe, the North Shore Methodist Church; and from Chicago, St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church youth choir, and the Chicago Children’s Choir. In April, the North Shore Unitarian Church of Deerfield participated.
Three programs were scheduled this month: On May 3, a guest choir from Trinity Lutheran Church of Glenview, directed by Jack Oleander, was joined by two soloists from the House of Worship choir, Lee Anne and Larry Olson.
On May 17, the 50-100 voice children’s choir from Walker School in Evanston, directed by Brenneta Simpson, performed with guest readers from the school and Baha’i soloists Rosamond Brenner and Lennell Grace.
The program on May 31 was to feature the ‘‘Voices of Christ Temple” from Christ Temple Missionary Baptist Church of Evanston, directed by Samuel Martin, with Baha’i soloists George Davis and Donna Kime.
Other Baha’i soloists who have performed in past programs include Terrill Hayes, Gerry Helt, Merrill Miller and Sheryl Rak.
Anyone who would like to per See DEVOTIONS page 36
�[Page 14]
14 / The American Baha’i / May 1987,
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America
April 1912
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
NEW YORK:
Ship (S.S. Cedric) anchored, city visible.
Entered harbor next morning.
11
Interviewed by Wendell Phillips Dodge of the New York City News Association; the report was sent out through Associated Press. Was driven to the Hotel Ansonia—then to West End Avenue to the Kinney home where several hundred people awaited Him.
12
Held interviews in His
hotel suite. Addressed Addressed an immense 1000 people in the crowd at Marjorie Howard MacNutt home. Morton's home. Addressed 1000 people
in Miss Phillips’ studio. Visited Cooper Institute.
_
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Spoke to the Visitors—among them, | Visitors Visitors—meeting inthe | Went to Broadway Spoke in Earl Hall at WASHINGTON D.C.:
congregation of 2000 Secretary of the New e home of Mr. Kinney. play—The Terrible Meek. | Columbia University. Arrived at Pennsylvania
at the Church of the York Peace Society. e e R Audience of Baha'is and | Met with visitors at the Railroad Station at 1:33
Ascension at friends of both black and | hotel. Spoke to students 26 | Bim. Every afteroon at
Sth Avenue and white races. at Columbia University. 5:00 pm receptions were
10th Street. @| oe Visited the poor in the Visited by Secretary of held at the Parsons’
i Bowery Mission. the Treasury, Lee home where ‘Abdu'-Baha
a = McCung. Addressed stayed. Saturday
DDD 23 24 2:5, | ladies of President Tatts | evening, spoke to over
Spoke to 200 people at | Addressed | Spoke to over 1000 students, faculty, | Spoke at Studio Hall ata _| Met with the Chem 600 people of the Persian
Studio Hall at 1219 dignitaries | administrators and guests at Rankin reception for children. Theosophical Society of PaaeG = American Society.
Continental Avenue. at the Chapel, Howard University. Had private | Addressatthehomeof | and a group of ee ee ess
‘Addressed more than Parsons’ | interviews at Persian Embassy;among | Andrew J. Dyer. Wentto | Esperantists at the tocoatansel We oat Dili
1000 persons at the home. visitors were Admiral Peary, Alexander | the home of Alexander _| Parsons’ home. Was ee menial eS Universalist Church at Graham Bell and Louis Gregory. Spoke | Graham Bellandspoke | visited there by former = Srieret ite ol Reception at the
13th and"L" Streets. to the Bethel Literary and Historical gj | to Bell's fellow scientists | President Roosevelt. A | ,ausntersoline Parson's home—Spoke
Society at the Metropolitan African and friends. Stayed as large reception was held | 31 ae Seas with a Justice of the
28 Methodist Episcopal Church. I | hisovernightguest. | by Diya Pasha. fe etentet ie Supreme Court
29 3 0 American Federation of
Left Washington D.C. for Labor, the Secretary of
Chicago. CHICAGO: Spoke to over 750 people at Hull House; welcomed by Jane Addams. the American Peace
=< _| Mtivedin the evening | Spoke at Handel Hote tothe ath annual convention ofthe National Society, anda
and drove to the Plaza __| Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Spoke representative of the
Hotel next to Lincoln about building the Baha’ House of Worship to over 2000 at the closing US Bureau of Education.
me Park. session of the 4th national convention of the Baha'i Temple Unity. a
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s manner cools heat of anger
One day ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, an interpreter, and Howard Colby Ives, at that time a Unitarian minister, were alone in a reception room.
Mr. Ives later wrote, ‘* ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had been speaking of some Christian doctrine and His inter pretation of the words of Christ was so different from'the accepted one that I could not restrain an expression of remonstrance. I remember speaking with some heat:
“ ‘How is it possible to be so sure?’ I asked. ‘No one can say with certainty what Jesus meant
ee
u'l-Baha
1912-1907
assist.
Wilmette, IL
Are you planning any other activities related to the Master's visit to America? If so, please contact the National Teaching Committee and share your plans with us. If not, please write or call to find out how we can
National Teaching Committee Baha'i National Center
Attn: Kathy Magill (312) 869-9039 Ext. 234
~
Is your community planning to hold a unity picnic on or near June 27th in celebration of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's Unity Feast?
60091
after all these centuries of misinterpretation and strife.”
“He intimated that it was quite possible.
“It is indicative of my spiritual turmoil and my blindness to His station, that instead of His serenity and tone of authority impressing me as warranted, it drove me to actual impatience. ‘That I cannot believe,’ I exclaimed.
“I shall never forget the glance of outraged dignity the interpreter cast upon me. It was as though he would say: ‘Who are you to contradict or even question ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!’
“But not so did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá look at me. How I thank God that it was not! He looked at me a long moment before He spoke. His calm, beautiful eyes searched my soul with such love and understanding that all my momentary heat evaporated.
“He smiled as winningly as a lover smiles upon his beloved, and the arms of His spirit seemed to embrace me as He said softly that I should try my way and He would try His.” (From Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 54)
Who was the first American Baha’i woman? Find out in
The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900
Tour to mark designation of ‘City of Covenant’
A festive event is being planned in New York City by a special task force to commemorate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to that city, beginning on the anniversary of the day on which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá designated New York as the “City of the Covenant’ with a program at the New York City Baha’i Center on the evening of June 19.
On Saturday, June 20, friends of the Baha’is are being invited to accompany them on a bus tour of some of the places visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while in New York City.
Among them are the Church of the Ascension, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave His first public address in North America; the former
home of Juliet Thompson, where the Master sat to have His portrait painted; the Bowery Mission, where He addressed a group of homeless men and gave them quarters as they left; the Mount Morris Baptist Church (now Mount Moriah Church), where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave a vibrant address about the nearness of God; and the J. Pierpont Morgan Library, where the friends may be able to see the signature ‘Abdu’l-Bahá left in the library’s guest book.
Although details of the tour have not been completed, the task force expects at least four buses and about 200 people to take part in this exciting tour.
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD.We are looking for a suitable site.
America.
won’t want to miss. PROVIDENCE, RI—The rose
the children.
great results promised by fulfillment of America’s spiritual
Unity Picnic plans from across country...
open on your calendar—participate in a nationwide observance commemorating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s trip to
BIRMINGHAM, AL—The Baha’i community will be sponsoring the Souvenir Picnic for our area, at one of the local parks, and Mrs. Soo Fouts will-come to speak, so it will be an event you
have been reserved for Saturday, June 27, for a Unity Feast. There will be a guest speaker, a picnic lunch, music and games for
INDIANAPOLIS, IN—Our Unity Feast will be one of the 1,500 gatherings across the nation called for by the Hand of the Cause William Sears and our National Spiritual Assembly. Let’s
\—Picnic plans are being made. . Please keep this day (June 27)
gardens at Roger Williams Park
the Master as we move toward destiny.
�[Page 15]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
DIAMOND JUBILEE 1912 - 1987
In God Passes By, p. 288, Shoghi Effendi refers to seven acts performed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while in America which fully demonstrate the importance of His visit.
One of these acts was “‘...the dynamic affirmation by Him of the implications of the Covenant ituted by Bahá’u’lláh, following the reading of the newly translated Tablet of the Branch, in a general assembly of His followers in New York, designated henceforth as the ‘City of the Covenant.’ ’”
It is easier to appreciate the significance of this act if we have an understanding of what the Covenant instituted by Baha’u’llah was and why its affirmation was so important at this time.
By simple definition, the word
“covenant’’ means ‘‘agreement.’’ Throughout history, God has kept an agreement with man through His Manifestations that if humanity accepts and follows the teachings of the next Manifestation, God will never leave humanity alone to its own devices.
In the same way that Abraham promised the coming of Moses, Moses promised the coming of Christ and so on until the Bab promised the coming of Bahda’u’'ll4h.
Bahda’u’llah also promised that, after at least 1,000 years, another Manifestation of God will appear.
Yet there was a second Covenant that Bahá’u’lláh made with His followers, a characteristic of His Revelation which made it unlike any other in the past.
Bahá’u’lláh, at first obscurely in the Kitab-i-Aqdas and later quite clearly in His Will and Testament, indicated the One to whom the Bahá’ís should turn after His passing.
He appointed His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to be the ‘‘Center of the Covenant’’—the interpreter and expounder of His Writings and the exemplar of His Teachings. It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá whom the followers were instructed to obey.
This was done to guard against disagreement, discord and disunity among the Bahda’is in the absence of Bahd’u’ll4h, so that the Faith could advance toward its
primary goal of world unity without the interference and distraction of petty differences among the followers.
During His visit to the U.S., “Abdu’l-Bahá described this Covenant in the following manner:
“Inasmuch as great differences and divergencies of denominational belief had arisen throughout the past, every man with anew idea attributing it to God, His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh desired that there should not be any ground or reason for disagreement among the Bahá’ís.
“Therefore with His own Pen He wrote the Book of His Covenant addressing His relations and all the people of the world, saying: ‘Verily, I have appointed One who is the Center of My Covenant. All must obey Him; all must turn to Him; He is the Expounder of My Book and He is informed of My Purpose. All must turn to Him. Whatsoever He says is correct, for verily He knoweth the texts of My Book. Other than He, no one doth know My Book.’
“The purpose of this statement is that there should never be discord and divergence among the Bahá’ís but that they should always be unified and agreed. ...’”
Tt was on June 19, 1912, that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá first expounded upon the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh in public. To underscore His dynamic explanation, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America
A The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 15
Covenant pivot around which Faith of God revolves
had the Tablet of the Branch translated and those who had gathered heard these words of Baha’u’ lah:
“Whosoever turns to Him hath surely turned unto God, and whosoever turneth away from Him hath turned away from My beauty, denied My proof and is of those who transgress.””
Because it was in New York that “Abdu’l-Bahá made this emphatic declaration of His unique station, that city was designated by Him as the “City of the Covenant.’”
This was an especially important declaration for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to make, for at the time, many of the Baha’is were quite confused as to what His station actually was.
Many did not recognize His authority, thinking Him to be merely the son of the Prophet; yet many more of these new Baha’is were
under the false impression, having recognized His extraordinary spiritual qualities and His unquestionable authority, that He Himself was the Manifestation of God, the return of Christ.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s explanation helped to eliminate those misconceptions and to clarify His unique role in the minds of the American Baha’is.
“Abdu’l-Bahá then made a Covenant with the believers in His Will and Testament, stating that after His passing the Bahd’{s should turn to Shoghi Effendi and the Baha’i administration.
As Shoghi Effendi has also passed from this world, the Baha’i administration, with the Word of Bahá’u’ll4h as its unshakable foundation, now stands as the structure upon which the World pees of Bahd’u’ll4h is being
ilt.
Baha’i chairs Minority Suppliers’ conference
Jerry S. Bathke, a Baha’i from Newhall, California, who is director of external relations for ARCO oil and gas company, served as general chairman of the 1987 conference of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, held in Los Angeles.
Afterward, a full-page article about the conference, written by Mr. Bathke, appeared in ‘‘Commentary,’’ a publication of the Southern California Regional
Purchasing Council which is reproduced in other such publications around the country.
Included in the article is a quote from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh which begins, ‘Hear Me, ye mortal birds!”
Mr. Bathke’s work with ARCO brings him into contact with many minority groups—blacks, Native Americans, Hispanics, Asians— and enables him to introduce the principles of Baha’i consultation.
May 1912
Sunday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
- rs Met the Indian 5 4
Laid the foundation Talked to groups in the “| Ciub of Chicago in the Spoke to the stone for the Bahá’í Hotel LaSalle. hotel: Viehid Lincold Theosophists at “ House of Worship in Addressed suffrage : Parerars BER i Park Zoo, discussed Northwestern Qe 5 era use| ween oven O09 “unity” with the friends. University in Specially invited children | Arrivedin CLEVELAND fia iE my 8 Perea peek Hada consultation EVANSTON. to be brought to the Large | at 4:00 p.m., checked = (members of Indian Club _| Meeting with the Parlor at the Hotel into the Hotel Euclid and Caughta train for 2nd of Chicago), believers. LaSalle, talked to each talked to reporters. Had WASHINGTON, D.C. i ‘one and gave each an areceptioninthehome | Wentto PITTSBURGH. | visit Wentto the Pa bau 10 11 envelope of rose petals. of Dr. C. M. Swingle. Checked into Hotel Parsons’ and spoke to a Spoke ata women's Left Washington D.C. for Walked to the statue of Returned to the hotel and | Schenley and talked to group of dignitaries, Received visitors all day, | Meeting and visited a NEWYORK. Renteda Abraham Lincoln and © | addressed 500 people in | the friends privately. Had | including cabinet mainly ministers inviting | Settlement house for top story flat in the stood gazing up at it apublic meeting. Talked | a public meeting in the officers, Senators, Him to speak in children. Went to the Hudson Apartment ‘Spoke at the Plymouth to reporters on various hotel, and afterwards. foreign diplomatic their churches. home of Mrs. Alice House overlooking the Congregational Church ‘subjects including inter- held an informal talk with | service officials, and Barney for supper (talked | Hudson River. and the All Souls’ Church. | racial marriage. doctors and educators. armed forces officials. late into the night). 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Took a ferry to NEW JERSEY and | Was ill from Traveled to LAKE Walked and talkedwitha_| Gave Mr. Smiley a Returned to NEW YORK | Gave talks and caught the trainto MONTCLAIR. | exhaustion and MOHONK, NY, site of the | group of young people. Persian rug before He in the afternoon and told interviews all day long. ‘Spoke to the Unity Church under | had a high International Peace Stayed the nightat Lake _| left Lake Mohonk. the friends about the Dr. Bagdadi recalled: He Reverend Edgar S. Wiers. Had _—_| temperature. Met | Conference Mohonk. conference. used to take a walk in the lunch wit th tends, sookers, | withthe New York | where He was Br — park along Riverside and Mr. and Mrs. Wiers in the Feces Soy Fi | ae feted Qay 24 | dive. eee crete ocr . a . Drove inquirers. to $0 the International Peace Forum. 20 21 22) WORCESTER. Atthe | Hallin BOSTON and 25 19 In NEW YORK, gave interviews and | Arrivedin BOSTON. At8:00 p.m. University of Worcester spoke to 1000 persons at | Spent the day in
- public talks—one talk was spoke to nearly 3000, including 800 | spoke to 1000 students _| the Free Religious Associ- | individual interviews.
‘Spoke at the Church of the Divine _| addressed to a women's suffragist | ministers, atthe American Unitar- | and faculty members. ation of Unitarians. Then, | Hada farewell dinner at Paternity of Reverend Frank Hall. | group in the Metropolitan Temple. ian Association Conference. The Traveled by car on to drove to BROOKLINE to | Huntington Chambers Later, traveled to JERSEY CITY presiding officer was the Lieuten- CAMBRIDGE where ‘speak, and went back to | Hall and spoke to an and spoke at the Unitarian % z z z ¢ z z z ant Governor of Massachusetts, i BOSTON, to the Boston | audience of nearly 1000. Church of Howard Colby Ives. Robert Luce, who introduced Him. Hotel. Later spoke for two hours at a meeting in DG. #257 23 29 the home of one of the Atnoon, before leaving Boston, Was evicted from His hotel because of the friends. visited the Syrian Organization. immense flow of visitors. Moved to the home of Arrived in NEW YORK at 6:00 Saffa Kinney at 780 West End Avenue. Spoke at 31 p.m. Stopped at the home of a Peace Forum at the Metropolitan Temple. Traveled to FANWOOD, NEW JERSEY Edward B. Kinney. Then went to Introduced by Reverend Frederick Lynch who. Theosophical Lodge and | and visited the Hoar’s Sanitarium. Spoke Mount Morris Baptist Church and had first seen ‘Abdu'-Baha at the play, The at the University of New ata public meeting and in the afternoon, ‘spoke to the congregation. Terrible Meek, and then at Lake Mohonk. York. presented an address in the Town Hall.
Dates and events wore ext acted tem the book 299 Days
�[Page 16]
16 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
re
CLASSIFIEDS
Classified notices in The American Baha’i are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í 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
HEAD Resident sought for the Louhelen Residential College. Complete description of the position and application materials are available from the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).
QUALIFIED individuals are being sought to fill vacancies in the National Teaching Committee office: Minority Development Coordinator—responsible for stimulating and devel all efforts related to minority teaching projects and issues, Experience working with minority groups is essential, with written and oral fluency in Spanish highly desired. College degree is preferred; some typing skills and a willingness to learn computer skills are required. Secretary—handles and processes a high volume of detailed work; works with staff at all levels, interacts with the public. Several years of strong secretarial and administrative experience is required including excellent typing, word processing, oral and written communication skills. Flexibility is essential. Regional Development Coordinator—motivates and inspires the District Teaching Committees to set and fulfill goals; initiates and responds to inquiries from the field; helps with coordination and placement of traveling teachers and homefront pioneers; helps with conference planning; and maintains files for LSAs, DTCs and Groups. A solid knowledge of Baha’ administration is necessary together with LSA and/or DTC experience. Good writing ability, a pleasant and courteous phone manner, strong organizational and-clerical skills are required. For more information or an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
ENGINEERING supervisor needed for small (four employees) office in Raleigh, North Carolina, whose nearby town of Cary has a functionally jeopardized Assembly and needs homefront pioneers. Must have BSEE or BSME plus five years’ experience (in both disciplines) in commercial and industrial design. Send resumé and salary requirements to Tom Moore, c/o Jackson Associates,
Raleigh, NC 27607. Cary (pop. 35,000) has one of the best public school systems in the Southeast, an within a 30-minute drive of Duke U1 versity (Durham), the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and North Carolina State University (Raleigh). There are also eight smaller colleges and universities in the area plus many trade and technical schools, and the Research Triangle Park is less than 15 minutes away. For more information about Cary, contact Diane McKinley, Cary, NC 27511 (phone 919-469-2783).
‘THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs, which is responsible for contact with the U.S. government, national media and organizations, and prominent individuals, is seeking an administrative assistant for its office in Wilmette.
The administrative assistant handles
phone inquiries, opens and sorts mail,
types correspondence, maintains public information network mailing lists,
processes orders for a/v and special
materials, and analyzes news clippings. Requires a flexible person with
previous experience in a fast-paced office environment, good organizational
skills, typing of 50-60 wpm, and a
pleasant telephone manner. Word
processing skills are desirable. For further information and an application,
please contact the Department of
Human Resources, Bahd’{ National
Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone
312-869-9039.
SUMMER teaching staff sought at Louhelen: child education coordinator, master teachers, teachers’ assistants for July and August. You may serve for one week, two weeks, or even the whole summer. Room and board provided as needed; stipend included for some positions. Experience preferred. For details and to apply, contact the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.
THE FOLLOWING are positions that need to be filled at the World Center now or in the future; certain needs are ongoing while in other cases, applications are kept on file for later use. A basic need for most positions is a good or excellent proficiency in English, apart from other qualifications. Positions include those for security
staff; administrative assistants/executive secretaries; audiovisual manag Statistician; store
keeper/purchasing assistant; mechanical technician; carpenter; electrician; handyman; mason/ plasterer;
painter; general office help;
Arabic/English translator; computer
programmer; bookkeeper; indexer;
audio-visual projectionist; craftsman/restorer; construction supervisor; control manager; curator; and
data entry clerk. Applications or inquiries may be sent directly to the
World Center, c/o Personnel Department, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel.
TWO positions are open in the Substance Abuse Clinic at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Needed are a coordinator of the substance abuse program (Ph.D required with experience in the field; salary commensurate with experience), and a substance abuse counselor (master’s degree required; experience helpful; salary range, $20-$25,000). Good opportunity, good benefits, and the challenge of working with a small but dynamic Assembly in the Galveston area. Write to Dr. Houshmand Tirandaz, UTMB Substance Abuse Program, Galveston, TX 77550, or phone him at 409-761-2258 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (MST) Monday-Friday.
THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of the Republic of Ireland is seeking caretakers for the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Dublin. The ideal people would be a retired, self-sufficient couple willing to carry out such basic services as maintenance and cleaning and to act as hosts to visitors. Rentfree accommodations would be made available. If you are interested in this service, please write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
SUMMER positions: An exciting summer of service awaits you at the Louhelen Baha’i School. The school is seeking a program director, assistant registrar, children’s class director and teachers, librarian, grounds assistant, food service assistant, and housekeeper. Positions are for July and August; room, board and a weekly stipend are included. For information and application materials, write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.
PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)
KENTUCKY is one of three states in which the growth of the Faith has been slowest. While there are centers of Baha’i activity, there are many parts of the state with no Bahá’í presence. Baha'is are especially needed in the Appalachian, southern and western regions. The Kentucky District Teaching Committee feels that, because of Kentucky's traditionally conservative nature, pioneering efforts are most effective if they are long-term. We are looking for pioneers who would be willing to settle in a community with the intention of making it their home and who would become actively involved in community life. Having a profession that provides stable employment and contact with many people would be ideal for this type of pioneering; married couples are preferable because they are more likely to stay for the long haul. Kentucky is a pleasant place to live. It has a mild climate and scenic beauty, the people are friendly, and there are five Assemblies and a District Teaching Committee willing to offer support. If you are interested in Kentucky, please write to Susan Troxel, Berea, KY 40404, or phone her at 606-986-1752. Come and meet Baha’is who are already living in some of the state’s small cities and towns. We need you in Kentucky.
WATER lovers: Pioneer to South Hill, Virginia (pop. 5,000), with easy access to two lakes boasting a total of 1,150 miles of shoreline. South Hill is a quiet town 80 miles from Richmond and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, and near an interstate highway. It had an Assembly at one time and needs ambitious, outgoing Baha'is to get things rolling again. Write to the Bahá’ís of Mecklenburg County,
Clarksville, VA 23927, or phone Gail or Joe at
SUMMER teaching and service on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations: traveling teachers and short- and longterm pioneers are needed and warmly welcomed in the Navajo-Hopi District. Help out at the Native American Baha’i Institute in construction, office or teaching work. Live with a Navajo family. Help with Hopi children’s classes. Visit some of the 400 Baha'is in the district. Help with mobile teaching institutes, Council Fires, and conferences, or with children’s camps, youth activities, service projects and deepenings. Take pictures and put together slide programs, radio programs, and teaching materials. Beautiful opportunities, rustic living conditions. Experience in travel teaching, pioneering, Third World development and/or teaching project work is preferred. Contact Ken Morphet-Brown,
Tuba City, AZ 86045 (phone
602-283-4950) or Jeff Kiely, NABI,
Houck, AZ 86506 (phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595).
DEVOTED homefront pioneers are urgently needed in Salinas, California (a racially diverse city of 91,000), to help maint its Assembly. Salinas is eight miles inland from Monterey Bay, 11 miles from Carmel, and 106 miles south of San Francisco. It is the agricultural, industrial, financial, governmental and military center of Monterey County, has a warm climate, a community college, and housing, although expensive, is readily available. We are willing to help you find housing, jobs, schools, etc. If interested, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Salinas, P.O. Box 3512, Salinas, CA 92912, or phone Julie Dragna at home (408-424-2150) or work (408449-3232).
PIONEERING (OVERSEAS) THE FOLLOWING opportunities in the field of medicine or health are available in Latin America and the Caribbean: Belize—program manager for primary health program, nurse
occupational therapist,
apist. Ecuador—agricultural/nutritional specialist. El Salvador—medical
director. Haiti—pharmacist, medical
equipment specialist, anesthesiologist,
RN, medical lab technician, chief of
pharmacy, OR supervisor. Guyana—
physiother
general practitioner/family practi
tioner. Guatemala—nutritionist, RN,
medical lab technician. Puerto Rico—
pediatrician, neomalogist/pulmonary
physician, OB-GYN, pharmacist,
physical therapist, X-ray technician,
RN. St. Lucia—general surgeon, dentist, anesthesiologist, ophthalmologist, EENT, dermatologist, lab technician, urologist, X-ray technician,
nurses. Mexico—health program coordinator, nurses, physician’s assistants, medical librarian. Chile—preventive health care worker. For more
information, contact the International
Goals Committee, Baha’i National
Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone
312-869-9039.
THE BRITISH Virgin Islands, lovely land of endless summer known as “the yachting capital of the Caribbean,” have no pioneer. Ideal sit tion for a couple, either retired or with independent income, in this Englishspeaking paradise (pop. 12,000). Easy access to U.S. mainland; dependable power and phone systems; rapidly developing island group; some investment opportunities for people in the marine or tourist industries. Contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Lesotho urgently needs caretakers to look after the National Center in Maseru. A retired married couple is preferred. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).
CARETAKER needed starting in June for the local Bahá’í Center in Dededo, Guam. Quarters include an air-conditioned bedroom, kitchenette, and another shared kitchen. The rent is $120 a month plus utili $65 a month). If you are interested, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-8699039).
JAPAN: The University of Maryland’s Asian Division Program is seeking lecturers in English, business, technical management, Asian studies, computer studies, U.S. history, mathematics, psychology and sociology. Minimum requirements include a master’s degree in the subject area, recent U.S. teaching experience, and U.S. citizenship. Family and school allowances are not paid and the job requires frequent travel. For more details, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-8699039.
NIGERIA: A chief agronomist is needed to help in crop improvement and rural development programs. Present projects include improvement of rain-fed and irrigated farming through improved seed production and on-farm implementation of new techniques through training programs. Applicants should have an advanced degree and at least 10 years’ experience in crop development and small-scale irrigation development. Write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-8699039.
HONDURAS: A first grade teacher is needed for a private elementary school in Tegucigalpa. Applicants should have experience teaching a class of at least 32 students in subjects such as reading, spelling, math, science and health. A bachelor’s degree in elementary education is also required. Also needed is an education
specialist to supervise a privately run special education program for rural children and children with developmental problems. Should have a master’s degree in special education or relevant experience in special education. Both positions require Englishspeaking applicants who are also fluent in Spanish. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).
THE FOLLOWING positions in the field of medicine and health are open in Africa: Mozambique—field representative for women and development program; Nigeria—country representative, civil engineer, public health worker, OB-GYN, surgeon, urologist, dentist. Guinea-Bissau— field representative for women and development program. Sudan—physicians, health educator, assistant program director, midwife, sanitation specialist, nurse/midwife, maternal child care/public health nurse. Somalia—project | manager/civil engineer. Mauritania—project director for rural primary health care project. Burkina Faso—public health doctors. Niger—public health doctors. Ethi‘opia—physician, public health nurse. Mali iti it non-formal m specialist, project manager. Malawi—pediatrician, OB-GYN, dentists. Kenya—general/family practitioners, internist, surgeon, physician's assistants, nurse instructors. Ghana— OB-GYN, pediatrician. Liberia—lab technician, surgeons, internist, pediatrician, nurses/midwives. Equatorial Guinea—nurses, doctors. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
tion as management and financial adviser to the Electricity Board in Belize. The adviser is responsible for improving management, planning, and financial capabilities of the board. Will advise in the implementation of a new $15 million World Bank/Caribbean Development Bank Power Project designed to upgrade electrical distribution and strengthen the technical, organizational and financial structure. Should have a university degree with specialization in engineering insti tion and at least five years’ senior management experience with exposure to administrative, engineering, accounting and financial aspects of managing, and the ability to work effectively with people in government and the private sector. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.
CAMEROON: A training specialist is needed for a community development project to provide leadership in the implementation of comprehensive bi-lingual training programs in areas of community development administration, community mobilization, project design, and management. Duties also include designing and carrying out specific training interventions for senior, mid-level staff in collaboration with the project director. Fluency in French plus a minimum of four years’ experience in community development project management and training, including design, are required. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
CREDIT and training adviser is needed in Lesotho to be responsible for providing on-site technical help in developing credit and training systems. Requires a degree in economics, agricultural economics, management or business administration or equivalent experience. Also required are five years of coop/credit union experience in credit and training plus skills in design, management and ad
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ministration of agricultural credit programs. For more information, contact
the International Goals Committee,
Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL
60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
POHNPEI, Caroline Islands, has various positions open: financial management officer (with a degree in accounting and four years’ professional experience); health services specialist in communicable diseases (with a degree in biological science such as bacteriology or a related field plus at least four years’ experience in the identification, prevention and control of communicable diseases); attorneys at three levels (with law degrees and acceptance to the Bar plus work experience); and an auditor (with accounting degree and three years’ experience in auditing and CPA). For more information about any of these positions, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).
THE SEYCHELLES, off the east coast of Africa just north of Madagascar, urgently need a gynecologist/obstetrician and consulting physician fluent in English. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
BERMUDA has openings in its primary schools for reading resource teachers and special program teachers; in secondary schools for teachers of reading, home economics/needle work and cookery, woodwork/technical drawing, special programs, geography, biology/mathem: physics, instrumental music, ‘ogy/chemistry, metalwork/technical drawing, computer education/math; and in a special school for teachers of the physically handicapped, the hearing impaired, industrial arts, and special education. Applicants should have a teaching certificate and at least two years’ recent teaching experience in the appropriate subject. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
HEALTH trainer is needed in the Philippines to determine opportunities and needs for community-based health training, developing and implementing programs to meet the training needs of community health workers and trainees. Medical credentials (i.e., M.D:, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, etc.), work experience in community-based health programs, and the development and implementation of community-based health training programs is required. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.
PANAMA needs a production manager to be responsible for the orga zation and control of pharmaceuti products and supervision of formula processes. A degree in pharmacology, 2-4 years’ experience in production management, and fluency in Spanish are required. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bah’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
SRI LANKA: A regional economic adviser is needed to provide and faci tate technical assistance to the AsiaPacific Region by analyzing the feasand design of new program initiatives in the sector of small-scale enterprise and credit. Additional responsibilities include sector training. Requires superb cross-cultural sen: tivity, demonstrated training skills, and proven skills in the design, implementation and evaluation of smallscale enterprise/credit programs. B.A. in relevant discipline essential, M.A. preferred, plus a minimum of two years’ experience in managing smallscale enterprise/credit programs. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i Na
tional Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or
phone 312-869-9039.
THE FOLLOWING positions are open in the field of medicine and health in Asia: Thailand—assistant country representative, radiologist, pediatricians, dermatologists, urologists, cardiologists, maintenance technicians, surgeons, internists, pathologist, physical therapist. Taiwan— medical specialists for emergency and intensive care, food sanitation specialist, environmental pollution speciali open heart surgeon, respiratory therapists, physician’s assistants. India— female pediatrician, pediatric nurse, physician’s assistant. Bangladesh— medical director, health trainer. Nepal—infection control nurse, general/family practitioner, pediatricians. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
CREDIT technician is needed in Malawi to help develop credit ui savings incentive programs, provide training to credit union staff, develop and introduce a planning system for credit unions, and develop and implement train-the-trainer programs for credit union/league staff and leadership. Requires a B.A. in business administration, management or equivalent, the ability to design management, planning and control and credit union inspection and auditing systems. Skills in credit union promotion, organization, development, bookkeeping, budgeting and computerization are helpful. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.
DIRECTOR of Community Development Training Project is needed in Cameroon to administer a bi-lingual staff training program for senior, midlevel personnel. Duties include supervising all aspects of project management and implementation in collaboration with the department director, training specialist, and funding agencies. Requires fluency in French and a minimum of four years’ management experience including design, administration of community development programs, and the ability to work effectively with multi-national project teams. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.
THREE positions are presently available in Mozambique: a public health coordinator for Save the Children health programs; an AFSC representative for Women and Development Child Care Projects; and a field office director to design and implement C-BIRD programs. For more details about any of these positions, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).
A COUNTY public health physician is needed in Liberia to help implement a public health project at the county level. Duties include mobilizing the community, organizing health worker training programs, and implementing health management systems. An M.D. with MPH or equivalent degree plus two years’ experience in public health and/or health services administration is required. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-8699039.
TRAVELING TEACHERS
THE BAHA’i community of Davenport, lowa, invites traveling teachers to join them this spring and summer by teaching in Davenport and surrounding areas. Needed are teachers and musicians, help with deepening new believers, and funds and teaching materials. The project is called ‘Fire in the Heartland.” Dozens have been enrolled since last
summer, and the project is continuing to expand. Also wanted are people to reach the upper- and middle-class groups as speakers and entertainers. Hospitality is available for the teachers. To serve, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Davenport,
Davenport, [A 52809, or phone 319-386-2106.
SCHOOLS, CAMPS
THE LOUHELEN Residential College is accepting applications for fall 1987. A minimum of 13 students is needed to enroll in this program; students to live at Louhelen, have classes in Baha’i studies, and take part in Baha’i conferences, fellowship, social, recreational and devotional activities while enrolled in degree-earning programs at the University of MichiganFlint or Mott Community College. For information and application materials, write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.
DESPERATELY seeking students! Investigate the excellent liberal arts school in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and help preserve a 10-year-old campus Baha’i club that faces the loss of its charter in June when the number of Baha’i students at the university will be reduced to one. UWGB is a fine school with strengths in all departments, emphasizing interdisciplinary problem-solving and encouraging flexibility and individual study. It combines the advantages of a small campus (enrollment 4,000, student-teacher ratio of 10-1) with the prestige of a Big Ten university connection. The 700-acre campus borders the waters of Green Bay and includes a nine-hole golf course. The ‘parent’? Baha’i community in Green Bay is eager to help any Baha’i student interested in UWGB. Write to the Assembly c/o Suzanne Ryan, secretary,
Green Bay, WI 54303.
CONFERENCE catalog of spring and summer conferences at the Louhelen Baha’i School is available from the Registrar, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.
CAMP Kamal is a Baha’ residential camp that offers young people (ages 10-13) of all faiths and backgrounds an enriching environment of purposeful outdoor living. The camp, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beloit, Wisconsin, is located on 75
The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 17
wooded acres in north-central Wisconsin including prime lakefront property and three private islands. Campers live in tents, cook some meals outside, and use the summer home during wet weather. One counselor is provided for every three campers. Session dates are August 1-9. For more information, contact Camp Kamal, Spiritual Assembly of Beloit,
Beloit, WI 53511, or phone the registrar, Monica Grimsmer, 608-365-0843.
WANTED
DISTRIBUTORS: individuals, groups or Assemblies are sought to serve as distributors of the “Mankind Is One’ sweatshirts and T-shirts. Distributors will receive compensation. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.
UNIVERSIDAD Nur in Bolivia is seeking texts and reading materials (periodicals, books, pamphlets) in Spanish or English for its “Mohajir Memorial Library.” This Baha’i-run university is recognized by the Universal House of Justice as a socioeconomic project set up and developed by Bahá’ís in a private capacity. Presently, the three primary areas of study are (1) administration (in health, education and public administration); (2) communication science (primarily radio, TV, production and transmission); and (3) computer science. For more information about how to send books, please contact Francisco Anello, P.O. Box 364, Amherst, MA 01004, or phone 413-549-7789.
THE NATIONAL Baha’i Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions, 1952-67, for Connecticut, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, and Washington, D.C. Anyone having lists they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha’i Archives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
WE ARE seeking Bahd’{s who are interested in marketing their arts and crafts. If you or anyone you know would be interested, please contact Sheryl Fogarasi,
San Antonio, TX 78250 (phone 512-681-9151) or Ronda Snow, 6306 Ridgehurst Road, San Antonio, TX 78250 (phone 512-681-6938).
NEEDED at the Native American Baha’i Institute: audio production
studio equipment including reel-toreel tape recorder, mixer, high-speed cassette duplicator, microphones, floor stands, turntable, headphones, etc. Must be durable, productionquality. Equipment will be used to produce and duplicate audio tapes in the Navajo and English I
major form of “literature” for getting the Creative Word into the minds and hearts of the Navajo people; also, Navajo music will be taped, and radio programs developed. Contact Jeff Kiely, NABI, Houck, AZ 86506 (phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595); for technical questions, contact Kurt Hein, WLGI Radio Baha’, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554 (phone 803-558-2977).
SINGERS: The Baha’i House of Worship Choir is looking for additional singers of all races, backgrounds and levels of experience to fill out its size and sound. This is an open invitation to all singers within driving distance of Wilmette to sing at the Mother Temple of the West. We rehearse each Thursday evening, and sing at devotional services two Sundays per month. Participate as much as your schedule allows—the idea is to join us in song and prayer as much as you are able. For a choir schedule and further details, contact Merrill Miller at the Baha’i National Center, 312869-9039, ext. 283.
BAHA’S actor/singer is looking for new or old material to perform at Baha’ or public events: for television, video and stage. Songs will be -performed in rock, blues, reggae and other rock-and-roll styles. Also forming a rock band; interested musicians are invited to apply. Please send scripts, plays, jokes, songs, etc. to Patrick Frugie, San Francisco, CA 94110, or phone 415-648-5123.
THE BAHA’I Esperanto League is trying to put together an archive of older or unusual Bahá’í materials in Esperanto. We are also interested in Persian-language materials for studying Esperanto, or in developing such materials. Anyone who has potential archival materials or who would like to help in creating Persian-Esperanto learning materials is asked to contact John Dale, P.O. Box 1078, Washington, DC 20013.
SEEKING Bahd’{ electricians, auto/diesel mechanics, HVAC-R ser See ADS page 34
THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE
A Statement by the Universal House of Justice
/$52
packaged in tens
New proclamation opportunities with pocket-sized edition of the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice
§ designed to fit into a woman’s purse, a man’s jacket pocket, and a No. 10 envelope
@ ideal for handy reference and for giving away
Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling) to:
bp tease ers ‘ Bahda’i Distribution Service
415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, iL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1880 "Price valid only in the United States
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18 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
‘Heart of Lotus’ documentary video nears completion
DISTRIBUTION SERVICE
A new film produced by an award-winning Canadian documentary unit and designed to show the impact of the Baha’i Faith in India has been completed.
The provocative new film, The Heart of the Lotus, will be available from the Baha’i Distribution Service on video tape in June in both VHS and Beta for $25.
While the recent dedication of the House of Worship in New Delhi is fresh in our minds, that is not the main focus of this documentary, according to the Baha’i Office of Public Information in Haifa.
“The profusion of civilizations that have sprung up through the history of the Indian sub-continent testifies to the remarkable capacity of India’s people to respond to the successive interventions of the divine into human affairs,” says the Office of Public Information.
“The Heart of the Lotus examines this phenomenon as it occurs in our own age. The Baha’i Faith, youngest of the world’s religions, is evoking a response from Indians of all backgrounds that has far-reaching implications for the economic and social future of their country.
“The Heart of the Lotus explores this development, and the exquisite marble Temple which has risen in New Delhi is a dramatic expression of the spiritual force behind it.”
Scenes of the dedication of the House of Worship in India are included in The Heart of the Lotus, which was produced by Asterisk Films of Toronto.
Asterisk has produced a number of films for international agencies and organizations, and has considerable experience producing films where cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity are required.
A campaign to promote the film among non-Baha’i agencies is being prepared by the Baha’i Office of Public Information in New York. The Heart of the Lotus is
perfectly suited for use at proclamation meetings of all sizes sponsored by Baha’is, or for showings to civic and professional organiza tions.
Copies of The Heart of the Lotus on film will also be available from the Baha’i Distribution Ser Copyright © 1987 by Norman McGrath
vice on a special order basis. Please contact the Distribution Service for details about the availability of the film version.
Stories from Star of the West is the latest in a group of historically-based stories for children. Published in Australia, Stories from Star of the West contains 21 vignettes compiled and edited by Andrew Gash and illustrated by
Tushar Kanti-Paul. Each story is one or two pages with appropriate drawings to help younger readers or listeners picture the scenes depicted. Stories from Star of the West is $3 in softcover.
Baha‘ Distribution Service ORDER FORM
Home Phone No, Work Phone No,
Quantity
Title
{Chacko Money Order
Masters
‘Werte, 6009" Date PRUCES ARE SUBJECT 10 CHANGE WITHOUT NONE
‘ORDERED BF ‘SHIP TO: Wraterend
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‘you have questions please call 1-800-229-1880.
‘Type: Hard Cover, Soft Cover, Poster, Cassette, Card, etc.
Total
TAB 5/87
Cassette celebrates newest House of Worship
A group of Baha’ musicians is bringing its talents together on a music cassette as part of the celebration of the newest Baha’i House of Worship in New Delhi, India.
‘All the music (on the tape) was contributed to the House of Worship,” says producer Jack Lenz. “Songs are either written from inspiration provided by the building, or are about the martyrs, or about Baha’u’llah.””
Jewel of the Lotus ($8 CS) is expected to be completed and available later this month.
The cassette contains both the English and Hindi theme songs of the dedication ceremonies. The title track is the English theme, written by Jimmy Seals and Jack Lenz and sung by Dash Crofts. An Indian choir from Toronto performed the theme written in the Hindi language for the Temple dedication.
Seals and Crofts also perform a song called ‘‘Traces’’ on the tape. Jack Lenz, who produced the cassette, presents a dramatic reading set to music inspired by Tennyson’s poem, ‘‘Akbar’s Dream.””
Paul Parrish performs the song “The Royal Falcon,’’ written about Bahá’u’lláh, that is being released as a commercial single in Europe.
Mary Davis, a Baha’i from Florida, sings her own composition, “Táhirih”; Nancy Ward, from Canada, sings ‘‘When Will It Be,”’ dedicated to the martyrs in Iran; and Tom Shoemaker, a Baha’i from Switzerland, sings the song he wrote, dedicated to the Temple, entitled ‘Forever in Bloom.”
Study Guide
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada has produced A Study Guide for Baha’i Marriage and Family Life. The guide, which sells for $3.75, focuses on the development of spiritual qualities needed for marriage, the qualities to consider when choosing a mate, the legal requirements for Bahá’í marriage, the role of marriage as the foundation of a new social order, and the qualities of marriage that help to create unity between husband and wife and among children and the extended family. It can be used either in individual or group study.
Be like the fountain— empty yourself, and be refilled
National Baha’i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091
New book probes sociology of Baha’i Faith
A new book dealing with the sociological factors and themes of the Baha’i Faith is the first book on the Faith to be published by Cambridge University Press.
The book, by Peter Smith, is titled The Babi and Bahá’í Religions. It is being distributed to the Baha’i market by George Ronald, Publisher, at a much lower price
Bahá’u’lláh’s ‘Holy Tablet,’ also known as His Tablet to the Christians, has been printed along with ‘An Appreciation’ by Bahá’í Publications-Australia. The appreciation was written by Eric Bowes, an Australian writer and a Bahá’í for more than 30 years. His introductory book on the Faith, These Things Shall Be ($2 HC) is now available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. ‘Tablet to the Christians’ and ‘An Appreciation’ ($2 SC) is a valuable teaching and deepening aid.
than is charged by Cambridge University Press.
“While I am primarily a sociologist of religion by training,”’ says the author, ‘‘what is here presented is basically a work of history. ... the reader will note that although sociological ideas are implicit in many sections of this book, formal sociological analysis has been excluded.
“This study has been written with the intention both of describing the original and changing contexts of the Babi and Baha’i religions, and of providing an account of their overall development.
“I also offer a few concluding comments in which some of the possibilities of future Baha’i development are outlined.’’
According to George Ronald, “The rise and development of the Baha’i Faith ... provides a vivid example of religious change in the modern world. The process is more fully documented than is the case in any other religion and Peter Smith is able to trace in detail the emergence of the major beliefs and values in their social and historical contexts.”
Mr. Smith has completed his doctorate in sociology, and lectures at Lancaster University in England. He is currently a visiting scholar at Mahidol University in Thailand.
The Babi and Bahá’í Religions ($19.95 HC, $11.95 SC) is expected to be available sometime this month.
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Trust offers a new array of titles
At the Baha’i National Convention in April, the Publishing Trust released a wide selection of new spring titles. The new books, described below, are now available from the Baha’i Distribution Service.
The Purpose of Physical Reality
Have you ever wondered why we begin our life in a physical world?
Dr. John Hatcher explores the answers to this question in his new book, The Purpose of Physical Reality.
Drawing upon the Baha’i writings to explain the Baha’i view of physical reality, he addresses other issues such as how our physical experience changes us spiritually, how metaphor plays an important role in our spiritual education, and how our earthly performance affects our progress in the life beyond.
Dr. Hatcher, a professor of English literature at the University of South Florida, also draws upon other literary works to show how the experience of physical reality has been seen historically. He evaluates the authors’ conclusions in light of the Baha’ writings.
Readers will gain a greater appreciation of the role our physical life plays in the shaping of our eternal destiny. The book will also help Baha’is more clearly expound on the meaning of life—and death—from a Baha’i perspective.
The Purpose of Physical Reality is now available, in softcover only, for $9.95.
New Pocket-Sized Edition of the Peace Statement Fill in the blanks:
Remember when you met that interesting _____ (man/woman/ youth/child) on the (bus/ plane/train/other) and wished you had a copy of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’”’ in your (purse/pocket/briefcase) to give to ______ (him/her)? Or when you were at the (committee meeting/deepening/non-Baha’i_ organization event/other) and wanted to refer to a point in the statement but didn’t have a copy with you?
Now you can have copies of “The Promise of World Peace’’ at your fingertips. A new pocketsized edition has just come out.
The new edition, designed to fit into a woman’s purse, a man’s pocket, or a No. 10 envelope for mailing, is printed in an attractive blue on tan stock. It is packaged in 10s, and the pt for 10 is $5.50, making each statement only 55 cents each. Order soon. It’s likely to be a sell-out item.
The Gift of Life
Your best friend is about to have a baby. The couple who moved in next door are expecting. Your boss and her husband are talking about wanting a child.
You remember how The Open Door helped your friends and relatives (Bahá’í and non-Baha’i)
JOHN S. HATCHER
he
if. Rea
i Kagtlom Nahe
7
when they were coping with the loss of a loved one, and you wish there was something similar to explain the Baha’i teachings on life to give to new parents or parentsto-be.
Wish no more. The Gift of Life, a booklet of gems from the Baha’i writings on the sacredness of life, has arrived and been delivered (no pun intended) to the warehouse of the Baha’i Distribution Service. Now you can order at least 10 (because they are packaged in 10s) to keep on hand to give to friends who are thinking about having children, are expecting, or have recently delivered.
The Gift of Life includes extracts from the writings on the purpose of human creation, the importance of education, the role of parenting, the sacredness of marriage, and the value of prayer. It also includes some prayers for children.
The cover features a photograph of a newborn infant. Printed on recycled ivory paper in black ink with a lavendar bar on the front cover, the booklet comes with a matching envelope. Price: 10 for $12.50.
REPRINTS
Prayers and Meditations
Have you long wished for a pocket-sized copy of Prayers and Meditations that you could take to work or on a teaching trip, as you carry around Bahd’ Prayers and your pocket-sized copies of Gleanings and the Kitdb-i-[qdn?
Have you also wanted a copy of the hardcover Prayers and Meditations to match your new Gleanings and [qdn?
The Giftof Life
Both of your wishes will be granted when you order new copies of Prayers and Meditations. The new hardcover reprint is bound in handsome maroon with an embossed _nine-pointed star on its cover. (It matches the hardcover Gleanings and Iqdn.) The new pocket-sized reprint, in dark red with gold stamping, matches the pocket-sized editions of Gleanings and the Igdn.
The collection of nearly 200 prayers revealed by Bahda’u’ll4h was compiled by Shoghi Effendi to help the friends deepen spiritually. The new reprint—in its hardcover and pocket-sized forms—is an important addition
to your library. The hardcover edition sells for $14.50, the pocket-sized for $3.75.
God Passes By
You may have been wanting to give a copy of God Passes By toa graduating high school or college student but have been frustrated because it was out of print. Or perhaps you are a new Baha’ who has wondered when you could get a copy of the history book you have yearned to study.
God Passes By, the Guardian’s definitive history of the first century of the Bahd’{ Revelation (1844-1944), is once again available—in both hardcover and softcover.
Spanning the period from the birth of the Babi religion through the rise of the Baha’i Administrative Order, God Passes By is a significant key to our understanding of the Faith. The new cover design is similar to that of The Advent of Divine Justice and The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
The hardcover edition is available for $21.95, and the softcover for $12.95.
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era You have probably given away a hundred copies of the popular introduction to the Faith, first published in 1923. You are still convinced that it is the best tool around for sustaining a seeker’s interest and as a general reference to the Baha’i teachings.
You’ll be delighted to know that Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era has returned in another reprint, with updated statistics, some new translations, a new reference list, and a new cover design featuring a multi-colored watercolor wash and abstract globe.
The popular work contains chapters on almost every facet of Baha’i history and teachings, and includes an introduction and index. The new softcover edition sells for $3.50.
Blessed Is the Spot
As an adult, you remember fondly the time you spent looking at the pictures and memorizing the verse in Blessed Is the Spot, and you wish your own children could have the same experience.
Well, now they can. We have reprinted the old favorite, with its large, easy-to-read type and charming illustrations of multicultural children. The familiar quotation by Bahá’u’lláh helps show children that God can be praised everywhere.
Adults and children alike will enjoy the new reprint, which also makes a nice gift for a children’s library collection. In hardcover only, for $8.95.
The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 19
The Six Year Plan
More and more attention is being given in the news to the increased incidence of suicide and depression among youth. This disturbing fact reminds us as Baha’is that society as a whole is in a dire condition.
Pressured from many sides and affected by the confusion, turmoil and indirection of society, youth today are often overwhelmed by fear and hopelessness.
One of our goals during the Six Year Plan is to ‘‘encourage Baha’i youth to move toward the front ranks of those professions, trades, arts and crafts necessary to human progress.”” We must give our youth, first of all, a sense that civilization will continue, that humanity will progress, and that all
A compilation of the Bahá’í writings on peace that includes the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice. It can help prepare a student for courses on peace studies as well as offer any reader a Bahá’í point of view on the condition of today’s world; the goal of human evolution; the vital role of religion; the barriers to peace such as racism, economic disparity, unbridled nationalism and the denial of the equality of the sexes; and the means toward securing the basis of human happiness, all of which relate to other areas of study such as race relations, religious studies, history, a political science. HC $16; SC 95.
NEW CASSETTE
The Major and Minor Plans of God, a new cassette tape of a talk by Dr. Peter Khan, is now available.
Dr. Khan presented the talk at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
The tape focuses on the Baha’i view of history, discusses the major and minor plans of God as described in the Writings, and includes a healthy approach to viewing actual or potential ‘‘calamities.”” CS $7.
Encouraging Baha’i youth to front ranks of professions, trades, crafts
The twelfth in a series of articles focused on the goals of the Six Year Plan.
youth will have an important role to play in the future of the world.
To encourage our youth in terms of specific professions and trades, we can point out what the writings advise us to consider as we make decisions about education and a career.
Combining spiritual education with human education and studying disciplines that benefit humanity will help give our youth a direction that many of their peers do not have.
Some of the resources that may be of benefit to our youth as they search for their own ways to find the profession, trade, art or craft that will offer them personal satisfaction while contributing to human progress are listed below.
A compilation of extracts from the writings that helps us balance all the facets of living a Bahá’í life. Included is a chapter on education that offers suggestions for courses of study. Among the Fields that are discussed are literature, public speaking, history, economics, sociology, philosophy, rural development, agriculture, health, radio and the arts. SC $7.95.
A compilation of the Bahá’í writings on the importance of women and the equality of the sexes. Applicable to the field of women’s studies, the compilation can also help youth (of both sexes) understand the critical role of education in the development of women, the application of the principle of equality to family life, the station of women in the world at large, and the essential connection between the development of women and the establishment of world peace. These concepts relate directly to many disciplines including sociology, history, anthropology, political science, and other arts and sciences. SC $1.
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 in this issue.
Baha’i institutions outside the contiguous 48 states should order directly from the Baha’i Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
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20 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
CHARTER OF THE BAHA'I JUSTICE SOCIETY i PREAMBLE
ACKNOWLEDGING THAT LAW AND LEGAL SYSTEMS are cornerstones for civilization; and
Recognizing that justice and international peace are proper goals for mankind to achieve through acts of consultative will;
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’s of the United States hereby invites the participation of people desiring to work for the ideals of justice and hereby authorizes the formation of the Baha’ Justice Society.
ARTICLE I Purposes of the Society
The purposes of the Society, to be achieved in a manner consistent with the principles of the Baha’ Faith, shall be:
Section 1: To contribute to the improvement of jurisprudence, the world’s legal systems and the practice of law.
Section 2: To discover, train and encourage legal and related talent to promote the principles of justice and its application to all aspects of human society.
Section 3: To promote an understanding of the relationship between the Bahd’{ Faith, jurisprudence, the administration of justice, and the practice of law.
Section 4: To promote communication of the principles of the Faith to justicerelated institutions.
Section 5: To advance the honor and dignity of the profession of law.
Section 6: To promote the highest ethical and moral standards within the profession of law.
Section 7: To promote the rule of law in the world.
ARTICLE It Membership
Section 1: Membership shall be open to all residents of the territory within the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States who are interested in fostering the purposes of the Society.
Section 2: Affiliate membership shall be open to those persons not residing in the territory described in Article II, Section 1, who are interested in fostering the purposes of the Society.
Section 3: Membership may be organized into geographical, topical or other sections or subdivisions.
ARTICLE Il Officers
Section 1: The administration of the Society shall be vested solely in a Board of Officers, consisting of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2: As supplemented by the By-Laws, the duties of the officers shall be:
A. Chairperson: Preside at all meetings of the Board and of the Society.
B. Vice-Chairperson: Preside at all meetings of the Board and of the Society in the absence of the Chairperson.
C. Corresponding Secretary: Except as otherwise provided in the Charter and By-Laws, maintain the records of the officers and the Society, and in the absence of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, preside at all meetings.
D. Treasurer: Maintain a bookkeeping system which accurately records all income and expenditures of the Society, receive and disburse all funds, and render periodic financial reports to the Society and the Board. The Treasurer shall preside at all meetings of the Society in the absence of the Chairperson, ViceChairperson, and Corresponding Secretary.
E. Recording Secretary: Prepare and distribute the minutes of meetings of the Board and of the Society.
Section 3: Meetings of the Board shall occur in a manner consistent with the By-Laws and may be conducted via electronic or similar means.
Section 4: A quorum of officers shall be required to conduct business. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board.
Section 5: The officers may delegate authority to members or committees of the Society.
Section 6: Officers shall be at least twenty-one years of age and members in good standing of the Society.
Section 7: A member who engages in conduct contrary to the purposes of the Society and the principles of the Baha’i Faith may be sanctioned or expelled by the National Spiritual Assembly.
ARTICLE IV Election Procedures
Section 1: All elections and voting procedures shall be conducted in accordance with the principles of Baha’i administration and Baha’i election procedures.
Section 2: Election of officers shall occur annually as provided in the ByLaws.
Section 3: The general membership eligible to participate shall vote annually for a Board of Officers consisting of five persons. The elected Board shall thereafter vote for specific office holders.
Section 4: Officers shall be elected by plurality vote of the Society membership eligible to vote. At the annual election of the Board, a temporary chairperson and a temporary recording secretary shall be elected by the members present to preside over and record the election process.
Section 5: All members in good standing who are at least twenty-one years of age are eligible to vote and to be elected to office.
Section 6: Recommendations and resolutions of the general membership shall require a majority vote of the members of the Society.
ARTICLE V Relationship to the National Spiritual Assembly
Section 1: The term “National Spiritual Assembly” as used in this Charter shall mean the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, whose headquarters are located as of the date of this Charter in the Village of Wilmette, Cook County, Illinois.
Section 2: The National Spiritual Assembly may dissolve the Society at any time.
Section 3: The National Spiritual Assembly shall have the authority to reverse or modify any decision of the Society or the Board.
Section 4: The National Spiritual Assembly shall have the authority to sanction, remove or expel any officer or member of the Society who engages in conduct contrary to the purposes of the Society or the principles of the Baha’i Faith.
Section 5: The Board shall prepare an annual report of the activities of the Society to be submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly and to be made available to the Society members.
See CHARTER page 34
Justice
from page 1
meeting, to which more than 100 attorneys in the Chicago area had been invited.
The Nelsons also made some opening remarks Sunday during a Naw-Rúz celebration at the House of Worship, hosted in part by the Justice Society and attended by about 110 people.
Another feature of the Society’s annual meeting was a panel discussion that addressed the need for jurists and political leaders to meet on a global level to prepare for world peace, and the importance of networking with organizations that are working for world peace.
Dennis Gayle of Monterrey, California, moderated the panel whose members were John T. Dale Jr. of Takoma Park, Maryland; Rouha Rose of Seattle, Washington; and Barbara Haluapo of Kelso, Washington.
Five persons were elected to the Society’s Board of Officers for 1987-88. They are:
Ted Amsden, Mt. Clemens, Michigan, chairman; Linda Khadem, Atlanta, Georgia, vice-chairman; Steven Gonzales, East Lansing, Michigan, corresponding secretary; John T. Dale Jr., Takoma Park, Maryland, recording secretary; Yvor Stoakley, Glendale
Heights, Illinois, treasurer.
The Society increased its membership to more than 20 during March including the registration of two additional lifetime mem bers.
Also approved were the establishment of the Society’s first affiliated chapter abroad, and the initiation of a regular newsletter.
The Baha'i Justice Soci lawyer,
improvement of exi
court administrators, interested in promoting justice, wo ing legal syste:
y is an organization of jurists,
legal assistants and others order, the and the establishment
of ethical standards in the practice of law consistent with the principles of the Baha'i Faith.
Membership and participation by all interested persons are
welcomed United States may join as
If you would like to join is open to all interested registration form. If you about the Society, please
Individuals residing Affilliate Members.
The Baha'i Justice Society, persons, would like further information contact us.
utside of the continental
which complete the following
Home Address:
Business Address: _
Profession: _ Law Specialty (If any) Tel/Hone: Es;
You may list my name,
Yes
__ Business _
address & specialty in a directory.
No
Check one: Annual Membership ($35.00) Life Membership ($750.00) Make check payable and mail to: BJS
1010 Michigan Avenue East Lansing, MI 48823
Passing of life-long Baha’i from Iran hastens acquisition in Houston of ‘Baha’i cemetery’
After years of planning, the Spiritual Assembly of Houston, Texas, has succeeded in establishing a Bahá’í cemetery large enough for nearly 100 burials.
The long search for a block of land in a cemetery for use by Baha’is was speeded up when Mrs. Shokat Taeed Yazdani, a Baha’i who was visiting her family in League City, was hospitalized last year after suffering a stroke.
The search paid off when the owner of a lovely cemetery north of Houston offered 96 plots to create a ‘‘Baha’i Garden’ for a nominal fee, a price about onetenth of the actual value.
When Mrs. Yazdani died on June 25, the cemetery owner agreed to allow her burial there pending signing a contract with the Assembly at a later date.
Recently, after making a down payment, the Assembly signed the contract with the cemetery owner and the important task of establishing a Baha’i cemetery in the Houston metropolitan area was accomplished.
The cemetery is so located that many nearby communities can use it for burial according to the Ba+ha’{ laws.
Mrs. Yazdani, who was born December 14, 1915, in Nur, Mazandaran, in Iran, was raised in a Baha’i family.
Her great-grandfather, when a very old man, had met the Bab while He was being moved from Shiraz to Tehran, and had told his son and grandson to investigate the Bab’s claim. Afterward, both became Babis and then Bahda’is.
After her husband’s death in 1969, Mrs. Yazdani made several trips to Europe, Africa and America. Although she learned little English, she always enjoyed being with Baha’is of all cultures and
- ree The gravesite of Mrs. Shokat Taeed Yazdani in the ‘Bahd’{ cem backgrounds.
The last milestone in her life came in 1979, at the inception of the Seven Year Plan, when she helped save the Spiritual Assembly of Oliver in Ontario, Canada.
Although the harsh winters there were hard on her frail and fragile body, she happily pioneered in that snow-covered town etery’ near Houston, Texas.
ship, remaining at her post until her death at age 70.
One of her ardent wishes was fulfilled when she became a Canadian citizen only five months before her passing.
For information about the Baha’i cemetery project, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Houston, 713-529-1919.
Health group refers
The plight of Bahd’{ refugees from Iran was mentioned at a recent meeting of the American Council on International Health in Seattle, Washington.
Patricia McCollum, a Baha’i from Springfield, Oregon, who attended the gathering, heard the representative of the UN Commission on Refugees refer to a “‘littleknown group of refugees called Bahda’is.””
He went on to say that refugee camps were using these ‘gentle people’’ as health care workers because they seemed to have more
to Iranian refugees
knowledge of good health care than others, and were personally clean, honest and reliable.
Afterward, Ms. McCollum, who is a member of the Social and Economic Development Committee of Western Oregon, contacted the speaker, told him she was a Baha’i, and explained how the Faith was working with refugee camps to sponsor Baha’is there.
He said the Baha’i Faith in the
Middle East was one of his organization’s most reliable contacts
with health care and refugee problems.
�[Page 21]
ta
Pictured are some of the children in Mrs. Mashid Vafai Yousefian’s Sunday school class in Chester, South Carolina. In front (left to right) are Neda Yousefian, Eu mika Wilson, Atikki Wilson,
Shantae Wilson, Janet Foster, Catrina Foster, Tabitha Wilson and Thomasina Foster. In back are Mrs. Yousefian and her daughter, Saba.
Pioneers from N.Y. find eager response from §.C. children
Last year, Dr. Mehrdad Yousefian and his wife, Mashid, moved with their daughters, Neda and Saba, from New York City to Chester, South Carolina, one of the most rural areas in the state.
They had always heard that there was a great need for pioneers to assist in deepening and consolidating the believers. They found this to be true.
One small aspect of that need is the education of Baha’i children. Mrs. Yousefian decided to start a Sunday school for five small children.
The first day she went to pick them up, there were 12 ready to go. Since her car was too small she was about to leave eight tearful Baha'i children standing when she
called some nearby Baha’is for help and managed to bring them
Classes are spiritual in nature, and the children, she says, are hungry for this kind of instruction. Parents of the children study notes made at class so they also can deepen in the Faith.
In the rural South, say the Yousefians, there are countless opportunities for service. Doctors are desperately needed and can find positions almost at once.
It is somewhat like living in a Third World country ... one can pioneer without leaving the U.S. It’s a place where just one person with a sincere desire to serve can often influence the course of events in an entire community.
This photograph may have been
taken in Chicago in the early
1900s. If you can identify anyone
in the picture, please contact the
Can you identify anyone in this picture?
National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
‘Mona’ video part of Anne Frank exhibit during recent stop in Cleveland, Ohio
“Mona with the Children,”’ a music video featuring Doug Cameron, a Baha’i musician from Canada, was part of a touring exhibit titled ‘Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945’’ during its recent stop in Cleveland, Ohio.
The exhibit, sponsored by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, was seen by some 30,000 visitors while in Cleveland from November 17-December 31.
Two Bahda’is, Kay Farzaneh, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland Heights and its public information consultant,
and the Assembly’s vice-chairman, Gerald T. Johnson, served on the volunteer committee which worked on the exhibit under the auspices of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the exhibit’s sponsor in Cleveland.
In addition, 25 Baha’is volunteered as exhibit docents.
Like Anne Frank, a Jew who died in a Nazi concentration camp at the age of 15, Mona Mahmudnizhad, a 17-year-old Iranian whose story is told in ‘‘Mona with the Children,’’ was executed for her beliefs.
UNITED NATIONS
A green revolution, wars on hunger, and a flotilla of ships carrying ‘‘food for peace’’ have failed to win the battle against world hunger.
According to the World Bank, half a billion people in the poorest countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America suffer from chronic undernourishment.
The problem goes far beyond the sporadic pictures of starving children on the evening news. Famine victims can be helped in the short term by infusions of emergency food aid. Victims of chronic hunger are not so easily helped.
Such hunger is not caused by worldwide food shortages. In fact, the world is awash in unsold grain. Spectacular and continuing advances in agricultural research have helped to transform countries once dependent on food aid into net exporters.
Yet mass hunger persists. Poor people and poor nations in much of the world are unable either to purchase the surplus food stored throughout the world or to produce adequate food for themselves.
This year, the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA) is examining the intransigent problem of chronic hunger around the world.
It has recently released a briefing book entitled ‘Food on the Table: Seeking Solutions to Chronic Hunger,”’ the fourth in the UNA series of nationwide studies.
The program’s purpose is to involve a broad range of Americans in analyzing and shaping U.S. foreign policy on global issues. The final report of this study will be released on United Nations Day (October 24), 1987.
The UNA-USA_ recommends that ‘‘Food on the Table: Seeking Global Solutions to Chronic Hun The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 21
UN Association tackles problem of worldwide hunger, malnutrition
ger’’ be a theme for community observances of UN Day in order to reach the largest possible audience.
Late this spring the UNA-USA will publish a UN Day kit with suggestions on ways to use the material in the booklet and the results of your community-based study in local UN Day programs.
UN Day organizers should be in contact with local participants in the observance of World Food Day (October 16), held each year on the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The UN Day kit will contain information on ways to link World Food Day and UN Day. The kit may be ordered from James P. Muldoon, United Nations Day coordinator, UNA-USA,
New York, NY 10017.
Bahá’ís who are members of a local chapter of the United Nations Association may be interested in analyzing and shaping U.S. foreign policy by taking part in community-based panels studying ‘Food on the Table: Seeking Global Solutions to Chronic Hunger.””
Many of the UN Association’s 165 chapters and divisions around the country are establishing study panels in their communities and are drawing upon local expertise, using the briefing book recently produced by the UNA-USA to determine policy recommendations.
The national office of the UNA-USA will produce a single report from the local findings and will distribute that document on UN Day, October 24, to the national media, policy-makers in the U.S. and other countries, and to the United Nations.
If you are interested in participating, contact your local chapter of the United Nations Association and ask for the briefing booklet as well as a list of chapters and divisions taking part in the program (if your chapter isn’t, perhaps a neighboring community is).
Additional booklets (“‘Food on
the Table’’) can be ordered directly through the Publications Department, UNA-USA, 485 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017. The cost is $5 each for 1-50 copies; $4.50 each for 51-100 copies, and $4 each for 101 or more copies. Please make checks payable to “UNA-USA.””
Baha’i compilation on peace a winner in contest sponsored
by Religion in Media
Peace: More Than an End to War, a compilation of the Baha’i writings on peace, won a certificate of excellence in the recent Angel Awards competition sponsored by Religion in Media.
The compilation includes the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice, Baha’i writings that support points made in the statement, and prayers for peace.
Peace: More Than an End to War was compiled by Terrill Hayes, Richard Hill, Anne Marie Scheffer, Anne Atkinson, and Dr. Betty Fisher, all of whom worked for a number of months to assemble what is, to date, the most complete compilation of Baha’i writings on peace.
Religion in Media is a nonprofit group that promotes religious and moral programming on major radio and television networks and stations.
The Angel Awards are given annually ‘‘for excellence in religious and moral quality media.’ Among the categories are films, radio and television programs, record albums, and books.
In 1980 The Secret in the Garden, by Winifred Barnum Newman, was the only non-Christian entry to receive an award.
A year earlier, the Baha’i chi ren’s album, Happy Ayydm-i-Hd (produced by Prism Productions) received an award.
The album Come and Sing and the cassette tape Loving Hands have won certificates of merit.
All of these items except Happy Ayydm-i-Hd were produced by the Bana’ Publishing Trust.
new from the Baha'i Publishing Trust
A reprint of the popular and comprehensive introduction to the Baha’ Faith, featuring
@ new design
® updated statistics and facts about the Baha’i community
™ some new translations of passages from the writings
new reference list
Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling) to:
Bahd‘i Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, iL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1880
- Price valid only in the United States
a
�[Page 22]
22 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
Subtle prejudices: part 1
(This is the first of two articles on the subject of ‘‘subtle prejudices.”” The second article will appear in this column next month.)
.
One of the subtle and interesting phenomena that immigrants to this country sometimes remark upon is that they are racially categorized for certain purposes. For example, an Iranian is categorized by, let us say, a real estate agent, more often than not as a Caucasian, and will be shown homes in a white or mixed neighborhood to the exclusion of predominantly black neighborhoods. Although the real estate agent may not accord the same respect to Middle Easterners or Asians that he does to white Americans or Europeans, he still assumes that Iranians do not belong in predominantly black neighborhoods.
Conversely, Haitians, who probably share more cultural characteristics with the French than with American blacks, will nevertheless be categorized as black and will likely be shown houses by the same real estate agent in black neighborhoods.
We might say that this is simply ‘‘human nature’’ and dismiss the point without further thought; but if we reflect upon this point more deeply, it might occur to us to compare the situation in the U.S. to the situation in other countries. In France, for example, though it does have its own problems with prejudice, blacks are usually looked upon and categorized primarily by nationality rather than race (i.e., an individual black is either Senegalese, Cameroonian, Malian or Zairian, etc.).
This being the case, then, our hypothetical real estate agent is acting not on the basis of his ‘human nature”’ but on a subtle prejudice that he has learned or acquired from the culture in which he lives. Of course, his prejudice is based on a variety of not wholly irrational assumptions about factors like income level and perceptions about safety, and these assumptions are probably shared by a majority of his colleagues.
Nevertheless, that prejudice is pernicious and socially debilitating precisely because those basic assumptions and preconceived notions are rarely examined or challenged, and those who are colored by them persist in darkly viewing whole classes or races of people without really seeing them.
Subtle prejudices such as these are passed on to new arrivals in this country (whether immigrants or infants), who will unconsciously learn to adopt and assimilate them as they are repeatedly reinforced by society at many levels. In the Bahá’í community we must take every precaution to ensure that we do not ourselves hold such subtle prejudices, and that we do not perpetuate them by passing them on to our children or to Baha’ is who come to this country from abroad.
There are many forms of prejudice. Of course, all of us as Baha’is strongly desire to find and root out whatever traces of racial or religious or national prejudice we perceive in ourselves. We have been quite successful in overcoming the more obvious forms of prejudice, such as the kind of hatred of other races that we associate with ‘‘rednecks’’ or bigots. But there are other more subtle forms of prejudice, or barriers to integration, that often are more difficult to recognize. Whenever we do recognize these attitudes in ourselves, we strive to correct them, but if we are not ourselves aware of them, it is difficult indeed to change them. Next month we’ll look at some of the more subtle kinds of prejudice.
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Dr. Amin Banani
Santa Monica, CA. 90402
Dr. Daryush Haghighi
Rocky River, OH. 44116
Dr. Elsie Austin P.0. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910
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24 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
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26 / ‘The American Bahá’í / May 1987
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Gregory Institute marks anniversary
of Dr. King’s birth with gala program
Despite rain and cold weather, about 100 people came to the Louis Gregory Institute in South Carolina on January 16 to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
They heard music by the St. John AME Church choir and a keynote address by the Rev. Mot lalepula Chabaku, a South African exile who now lives in North Carolina.
Dr. Roy Jones, director the Gregory Institute, was master of ceremonies.
Other guests who made presentations included Beulah PriestWhite, a teacher and member of
More than 150 including Counselor Arbab attend South Carolina’s winter school
In January, well over 150 adults, youth and children from several states attended the South Carolina Baha’i Winter School at the Louis Gregory Institute in
‘Promises’ mailed
In the ‘‘Spirit of the Roses,” the Teaching Committee of the Spiritual Assembly of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has mailed 2,000 copies of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’ to residents in that city.
Included in the mailing were 1,500 people who are members of the Peace Center, a coalition of groups promoting world peace.
The message was accompanied by a letter from the Assembly and a card on which to request more specific information.
Hemingway.
Among those conducting sessions during the two and one-half day event were Counselor Farzam Arbab; Auxiliary Board members Elizabeth Martin and Trudy White; Terri Earl, and Elting Smalls.
Children’s classes were coordinated by Elizabeth Gore and Anne Breneman, while Jacquie Jones facilitated a dynamic session with the youth,
Opening night featured a performance by Canadian musician Gordi Munro along with the creative talents of area youth.
Last, but not least, the friends were greatly pleased to welcome Ms. Ornette Defreitas from Texas into the Faith upon her declaration during the school session.
The Bahá’í communities of North Miami and Opa Locka, Florida, entered this ‘Wage Peace’ float in the Winternational Parade held last Thanksgiving day, November 27, in North Miami. The parade theme was ‘Great Moments in History,’ and the Bahá’ís chose as
UNIICe
their theme ‘1945: The Birth of the United Nations.’ Spectators at the televised parade were given “Wage Peace’ balloons by the Bahd’{ marchers who came from four communities in Florida and from Suriname.
1987 INTERMOUNTAIN STATES BAHA’i CONFERENCE
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to America September 4-7, 1987 Salt Lake City, Utah
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America
- Social and economic development programs
throughout the world
- Teaching workshops
- Local service projects
- Public fireside
- Children’s program
“Gala party and entertainment You won’t want to miss this exciting conference! Plan on attending now!
Registration information and detailed agenda coming soon. For more information, contact Jan Saeed: 801-582-3135
the Georgetown Committee for Afro-American Special Observances; Fannie Sullivan, a town councilwoman from Atlantic Beach, which is perhaps the only all-black incorporated town in America; Dr. Myrtle Glascoe, director of Charleston’s Avery Research Center for the Study of Afro-American History and Culture; Janice Lever, child development coordinator at the Baha’i National Center; the Rev. Wallace McKnight, pastor of the St. John AME Church; Laura Schell of Kingstree, a volunteer at WLGI Radio; and Sadie Wheeler and Laura James, both of Florence.
At the end of the program, Dr. Jones explained that the Baha’is are dedicating this year to the “Spirit of the Roses,” symbolizing the martyrdom of Baha’is in Iran, and presented each guest with a hand-carved glass rose embedded in acrylic.
The Rev. Chabaku was also given a framed calligraphed prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Stanford Baha’is co-host signing of UN ‘birthday card’
Last August, the Baha’i community of Stanford, California, was co-host at a signing of the Peace Scroll, a huge “birthday card’”’ to be given to the United Nations to commemorate its 41st anniversary.
Two dynamic speakers took part in the ceremony: the first black woman mayor of East Palo Alto, and an American Indian.
The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 27
Pictured is the Bahá’í display table used during a meeting January 12 of members of eight religious groups in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The meeting, entitled ‘Getting to Know Each Other as a
Faith Community,’ resulted from @ suggestion made by the Bahá’í representative to the Inter-Reli ious Forum of Greater Harrisburg.
Harrisburg Assembly reaps big benefits as member of Forum
The Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was recently invited to join the Inter-Religious Forum of Greater Harrisburg. As a result:
1. the Assembly’s representative was asked to serve on the committee that formulated the Statement of Purpose for the Forum, in which two of the Assembly’s suggestions were adopted;
2. a master calendar of all member religions’ holy days is being compiled and distributed to all member faiths, thus proclaiming the Baha’i Holy Days to all the other religions in the Harrisburg area;
3. a suggestion from the Baha’i representative that one of the
group’s four major programs for 1986-87 be an evening gathering to introduce the member religions to one another was approved, and the meeting was held January 12.
At that program, whose theme was “‘Getting to Know Each Other as a Faith Community,’’ were representatives of eight of the member religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Islamic, Baha’i and Unitarian.
Each had a display table, and one person from each religion presented a brief talk introducing the general concepts of that faith.
Most of those who attended were among the leadership of the local religious community.
Dr. Peter Khan no stranger to American Baha’is
Dr. Peter Khan, recently elected to membership on the Universal House of Justice to replace the late Charles Wolcott, is no stranger to Baha’is in the U.S.
Dr. Khan, a native of Australia, spent more than a decade in this country, arriving in 1963 as a
Gordi Munro tour of U.S. continues after Southern swing
Gordi Munro, an entertainer from Canada, is continuing an extensive teaching trip through the U.S. that began in December and had reached a five-state area by the end of February.
A series of well-attended concerts and other events began in Atlanta and Newton County, Georgia, before continuing in Florida with concerts, firesides, and an appearance at the annual Disney World Youth Conference.
Following four appearances in South Carolina, including one at the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute, Mr. Munro traveled to Tennessee and Alabama, ending the first leg of his tour with an. Ayydm-i-Ha fund-raiser in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the International Goals Committee office. A temporary Baha’ identification card will be issued to you, if needed.
Fulbright scholar and remaining to become an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and head of the school’s Microwave Solid-State Circuit Group.
An avid teacher, he was also in demand as a speaker and appeared at many schools, conferences and public meetings in the Midwest and elsewhere.
After returning to Australia in the mid-1970s, Dr. Khan was named to the Board of Counselors for Australasia, and in May 1983
was appointed a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center in Haifa.
Before coming to the U.S. he had served as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, as editor of the Australian Bahá’í News, and as secretary of that country’s National Teaching Committee.
In April 1963 Dr. Khan took part in the first election of the Universal House of Justice, and later that month was among the thousands of Bahá’ís who attended the World Congress in London.
——s “
- 4
Pictured are members of the Greater Cleveland (Ohio) Bowling League, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Warrensville Heights to promote the Faith
the league’s 16 participants (one
of whom is not pictured) are not
Baha'is.
�[Page 28]
28 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
Translation Workshops render Writings into Navajo language
STORIES OF THE MARTYRS
AHMAD BASHIRI
Ahmad Bashiri was born in 1915 to a Baha’i family in Iṣfahán and was raised by his mother and brother after age seven, when his father passed away. After finishing his schooling, he entered the service of the Ministry of Culture in 1937.
In Iran, the Ministry of Culture was responsible for all education through the high school level, and Mr. Bashiri worked in its employ as a teacher and school principal in various parts of the country.
For 21 years he was a principal in Iṣfahán, during which time he earned a law degree by studying in his spare time.
In 1965 he was transferred to Yazd, where he worked for two years before retiring from the Ministry of Culture.
He then moved to Tehran, where he worked at the National University as dean of student affairs in the College of Architecture. In 1980, after 12 years of service, he retired from this job.
Throughout his professional career he was constantly serving the Faith in various capacities. He taught deepening classes, served on local and national committees, and was a member of the local Spiritual Assembly of Iṣfahán, a community of some 1,000 believers.
Mr. Bashiri was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran after the members of the two previous National Assemblies were kidnapped or arrested, and he served on that Assembly until it disbanded itself on August 29, 1983, after the Iranian government defined membership in Baha’i organizations as illegal.
Shortly afterward, Mr. Bashiri was imprisoned, and 15 months later he was hanged. During his time in prison he was cruelly tortured in an effort to obtain a false confession from him to the effect that the Baha’ institutions in Iran were involved in espionage.
Such a confession would have been widely publicized by the government and used as a further justification for attacks on the Baha’is. Mr. Bashiri, however, remained steadfast despite the torture, which failed to break his spirit.
As the Universal House of Justice stated in a telex dated November 8, 1984: ‘‘His endurance,
See MARTYR page 29
NATIVE AMERICANS
How do you translate ‘‘remembrance’’ into Navajo? Is there a special Navajo word meaning “spiritual name’’? What’s the most accurate Navajo word for “God’’?
These are among the questions tackled during Navajo Baha’i Translation Workshops held in Arizona in November, January, February and April.
As a result, 15 Baha’i selections have been translated in draft form, while other Navajo taped materials are available from the Native American Baha’i Institute.
These include “‘A New Day Is Come”’; a Bahd’{ correspondence course based on the book The New Garden; a series of Baha’i deepening tapes in Navajo and English; and a summary of “‘The Promise of World Peace.”
About 25 Baha’is have taken part in the translation workshops, which began last July at the Institute.
Lorraine Kahn and Helen Kiely have coordinated the sessions with help from Jeff Kiely.
Other participants have included Rita Cowboy of Mariano Lake, New Mexico; Judy Cowboy of Fort Wingate, New Mexico; Ruth Whiterock, Leta Gray, Victoria Yazzie, Jimmie Shaw, Milly Gaddy, and the Watson family of Red Lake Chapter, Arizona; Chester Kahn of Houck, Arizona; Ben Kahn, Johnny and Ruby Nelson, Isabelle and Bob Yazzie, Eva Cas tillo and Rayann Brown of Pine Springs, Arizona; and Della Woody of Fort Defiance, Arizona.
At the most recent session, translators spent hours carefully studying the short healing prayer by Baha’u’llah that begins, “Thy Name is my healing, O my God ...””
They also studied the promises of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regarding the importance of the Indian people: “should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no doubt that through the Divine teachings they witl become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.’”
a eae Pictured with some of the friends Srom the area are members of the Spiritual Assembly of White Mesa, Utah, on the day the As sembly elected its officers last November 28. (Photo by Shahin Rohani)
On November 29, native believers from the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in northern Wisconsin joined Pat Miller of the Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohegans and Tom May, a member of the District Teaching Committee of Nor thern Wisconsin and Upper Mich igan who lives on the Oneida Reservation, to present a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to the Mohegan Tribal Council on the occasion of the 50th anniver
sary of the tribe’s being in its present location in central Wisconsin.
A second copy was given to an
elder, Dorothy Davids, who has
been active in the peace movement
for many years.
Indian Studies classes splendid way to learn while making friends
Many colleges and universities, especially those near Indian Reservations, offer courses in American Indian Studies.
Taking classes in one of these programs may not only be a good way to learn about the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the American Indians, but also a way to meet and make friends among Indians who are also enrolled and are living nearby.
Enrolling in such classes enriches our lives and provides opportunities to share the message of Baha’u’llah with members of a racial group whose great spiritual capacity is referred to in the Writings of the Faith.
Included in the goals of the Six Year Plan are these: significantly increasing the number of American Indian believers, developing Spiritual Assemblies on the Reservations, gaining the wholehearted allegiance of members of various tribes to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, and ensuring their active and sustained participation in the conduct of its administrative affairs.
These goals can only be won through dedicated and sustained effort, for which American Indiaa Studies programs could provide a strong foundation.
“The more one can give, the better it is ...” National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091
Navajo-Hopi District to mark historic ’62 meeting
In June 1962 more than 1,000 people gathered in the beautiful Navajo community of Pine Springs, Arizona, for a Baha’i conference—the first and finest of Baha’i conferences on the Navajo Reservation.
In the presence of such notables as the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem; soon-to-be elected member of the Universal House of Justice Amoz Gibson; and conference organizers Chester and Franklin Kahn, 300 Navajos
declared their belief in Bahd’w’ll4h on that historic occasion.
This year the Baha’ is of the Navajo-Hopi District will commemorate that wonderful conference as part of its entry into a new stage of the growth of the Faith on the Reservation.
In conjunction with the nationwide Unity Feast picnic celebrations commemorating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to the U.S., the Spiritual Assemblies of Oak Springs Navajo
Pictured are some of those who attended a Naw-Riz celebration at the newly built Bahá’í Center in Wanblee, South Dakota, headquarters of the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project. A turkey dinner
was served, and old ‘Bahá’í teaching movies’ provided enlightenment and entertainment. Both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís attended the event.
Chapter (home of Pine Springs) and Gallup, New Mexico, are planning a 25th anniversary celebration of the great Pine Springs Baha’i Conference of 1962, to be held June 26-28 at the Pine Springs Community Center.
We'll have more details in the June issue of The American Bahd’f, Meanwhile:
Contact Jim or Roan Stone,
. Gallup,
NM 87301 (phone 505-863-6701); Lorraine Kahn, Houck, AZ 86506; or the Native American Baha’i Institute, Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506 (phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595).
Searches for ‘roots’
An effort by Gladys Wilson, a member of the Baha’i community of Fort Wayne, Indiana, to trace her family’s roots led to an extensive feature article in the February 11-17 issue of Frost Illustrated, Fort Wayne’s leading independent weekly newspaper.
Mrs. Wilson, who is well-known in Fort Wayne for her poetry as well as her interest in genealogy, was born in a small town in Kentucky. Working through census and other records, she has traced her family as far back as a greatgrandmother on her mother’s side, Katie ‘‘Kitchen’’ Fletcher, who was born into slavery in 1805.
After she has gone back as far
as she can, Mrs. Wilson says she
plans to write a book about her
family’s history, as Alex Haley did
in his best-selling book, Roots.
�[Page 29]
Baha’ peace ribbon
chosen to represent
state of Washington
In 1985, the Baha’i women of Cowlitz County, Washington, created a ribbon segment for the “Peace Ribbon’”’ that encircled the Pentagon on the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan.
The over-all theme of the ribbon was ‘‘What I cannot bear to think of as lost forever in a nuclear war,’’ and the Baha’i segment, which was entitled ‘‘the promised peace,”’ symbolized the unity of religion and included an explanation of Baha’j beliefs.
The Baha’is of Cowlitz County were thrilled to learn that their ribbon segment was one of only two or three chosen to represent the state of Washington in a permanent exhibit at the Peace Museum in Chicago.
julboaca, perhaps the first
in northern Louisiana, an active teacher at age 79 who uses her typewriter to help spread the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement among her many Sriends and acquaintances.
Long-time Baha’i works to promote peace statement
Grace Bulboaca, a Baha’i for more than half a century and perhaps the first Baha’i in northern Louisiana, can be found these days at her “‘not so new’’ typewriter composing letters of introduction.
The letters introduce her many friends and acquaintances to the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.’’ Each letter is accompanied by a copy of the statement and asks the recipient not only to read it but to share it with a friend.
So far, Grace has sent more than 30 such packets in the ‘‘spirit of the roses.”
She became a Baha’i in New York City in 1935 after meeting two other believers, Judy and Dudley Blakely. Shortly afterward, she accepted a position at Union Theological Seminary.
While there, she told students and many well-known theologians about the Faith, and invited many of them to firesides to hear talks by such Baha’is as Mountfort Mills and Marzieh Gail.
When she left her job at the seminary, Grace gave several of the professors Baha’ books that dealt with their particular area of interest, as well as copies of The Hidden Words.
She moved to Shreveport in 1947 and has served continuously on the Spiritual Assembly of earevenars since its inception in 1959.
Left photo: In this skit prepared
by a consultative group at the
Regional Bahá’í Conference on
Mental Health held January 31February 1 at the University of
conference’s keynote speakers,
a Minnesota, a Bahá’í couple con sults about how to deal with the day-to-day challenges of the mar ital relationship. Right photo: The
The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 29
Dr. Khalil Khavari (left), Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland (at podium) and Dr. Michael
Bruwer. The conference was spon
sored by the Spiritual Assembly of
Eden Prairie and conducted by its agency, the Minnesota Bahd’{ In stitute.
Minnesota conference probes emotional needs
As a result of interest in relating various mental health issues to the teachings of the Faith, a group of lay and professional mental health workers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area organized a conference entitled ‘‘Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Drawing on the Baha’i Community in Time of Need.””
The conference, which was held January 31-February 1 at the University of Minnesota, was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and conducted by its agency, the Minnesota Baha’j Institute.
More than 100 Baha’is from a 10-state area including Maine,
Florida lawmakers
receive statement
On September 19, the peace statement was presented by the Spiritual Assemblies of Lakeland and Polk County, Florida, to two state legislators and the aide to a third.
Following the presentation, which was held at a local restaurant, each of the recipients responded with a brief statement of support for the Baha’i ideals and for world peace.
Speaking on behalf of the Bahá’ís was Don Newby, vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Polk County.
The event was covered by a reporter and photographer from the Winter Haven News Chief, which published an article and photo the following week.
Kentucky and Arizona pre-registered and attended.
The main purpose of the conference was to consult with the Bahá’í community and assess what the current needs are in several areas related to mental health: family life, Assemblies counseling individuals with personal problems, gaining the support of the Baha’i community for ‘‘fighting our spiritual battles,’’ educating the community about various mental health issues, and finding ways for Baha’is in mental health professions to make their knowledge and services available to the Baha’i community.
The gathering was designed as an initial exploration of these topics to assess which direction further projects should take. It was conceived as a ‘‘working conference’ in which consultation would be used to apply the teachings of the Faith to contemporary problems.
The purposes of the conference were closely tied to several aims of the Six Year Plan, insofar as the conference was aimed at promoting Baha’i scholarship, increasing the self-reliance of the Baha’i community, strengthening family life and obedience to the laws regarding personal behavior, and promoting the use of consultation for social development.
The keynote speakers—Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland, Dr. Khalil Khavari and Dr. Michael Bruwer—opened the conference Saturday morning by
Historic conference on equality of sexes to be held in July in Seneca Falls, N.Y.
Seneca Falls, New York, site of the first Women’s Rights Convention in the U.S., will host another historic ‘‘first’? July 18-19 when the Spiritual Assembly of Victor sponsors a Baha’i Conference on the Equality of Men and Women in that city.
The Baha’i conference coincides with the annual commemoration activities co-sponsored by the Town of Seneca Falls and many civic organizations including the National Women’s Hall of Fame, also located in Seneca Falls.
The Baha’is will hear addresses by Auxiliary Board members Mara Khavari and William Roberts and will be able to choose from a variety of workshops including those on women’s role in Peace, career management, marriage, family life, education, and
nutrition.
The program includes ample time to support the activities of the Women’s Rights Convention commemoration which include tours of the Women’s Hall of Fame and historic homes; music; a parade; speeches; and barge rides on the canal.
A children’s program is planned, but pre-registration is strongly urged.
Information about local accommodations, camping, the children’s program, and conference fee can be obtained from Judy Norton, . Seneca Falls, NY 13148. Those who pre-register will automatically receive an information packet.
The conference site is Mynderse Academy (the Seneca Falls high school).
sharing their thoughts on the challenges we face as Baha’is in the area of mental health.
The rest of the conference was devoted to small-group consultation.
Each group was assigned a facilitator and asked to use the process of consultation to identify the problems Baha’is experience at this time, find the Baha’i principles involved, and “‘brainstorm’’ a list of possible solutions.
At the end of the conference, five of the suggested solutions were further refined and presented to the Minnesota Baha’i Institute as project proposals. They are:
1. A national conference for Bahda’is in the mental health professions.
2. A networking newsletter for Baha’i mental health workers.
3. Developing a packet of information about the Faith for non-Baha’i mental health workers.
4. Developing workshops and study materials about interpersonal relationships.
5. Developing guidelines and procedures to help local Spiritual Assemblies deal with personal problems.
These proposals will eventually be referred to appropriate institutions of the Faith such as local Spiritual Assemblies or the National Spiritual Assembly and its committees.
Saturday evening’s session involved considerable risk-taking by everyone, as each small consultative group presented a skit portraying what its members had discussed and learned.
Although participants began the task with considerable trepidation, the skits proved to be entertaining and inspiring as well as educational.
When participants were asked what they had learned at the conference, the overriding theme was that we all have problems, and that we have the strength within the Faith to work them out together at the grass-roots level.
There was a feeling that we have entered a new era in the development of the Faith, and that there is a growing readiness among Baha’is to move to a new level of personal support for one another.
The over-all result was a great feeling of unity. Suggestions for improving the conference included allowing even more time to consult.
The Minnesota Bahá’í Institute
was created through the collaboration of the Auxiliary Board and the Spiritual Assembly of Eden Prairie to develop and foster Baha’i scholarship.
For more information about the conference or other activities of the Institute, please write to: Minnesota Baha’i Institute, P.O. Box 18057, West St. Paul, MN 55118.
Kalimat to press for more Baha’
titles in bookstores
Baha’is have long complained that books about the Faith are seldom available in commercial bookstores alongside books on other religions. Kalimat Press is now making an effort to change the situation.
“‘We’ve set a goal of getting at least a hundred bookstores to carry a selection of Bahá’í titles by the end of the Six Year Plan,’’ says Richard Hollinger, marketing director for Kalimat.
“‘We’ll be publishing an introductory book on the Faith that will be written specifically with the trade bookstore in mind.””
Bookstores that specialize in works on metaphysics or religion (not Christian bookstores) will be the main target of the campaign, says Mr. Hollinger.
Since such stores are frequented by those seeking out new religions, they are usually open, he says, to the idea of selling Baha’i books. Bookstores with sections of academic books or books on the Middle East will also be approached.
Any Baha’i who wishes to heip with this endeavor, or who knows of a bookstore that should be contacted, is invited to write to Kalimat Press,
Los Angeles, CA 90025, or to phone 213-479-5668.
Martyr
from page 28
steadfastness, like that of his heroic fellow believers, thwarted infamous designs.”’
In his last letter from prison,
Mr. Bashiri praised his wife (a Baha’i whom he marrted in 1945)
and children for their good character and their firmness in the
Faith of Baha’u’llah, and thanks
God for the blessings of a happy
and fulfilling life. He was 69 years
old when he was hanged.
�[Page 30]
30 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
Mensaje de Ridvan de la Casa Universal de Justicia
A los Bahá’ís del mundo Muy amados amigos,
El lanzamiento ede Plan de Seis Afios en Ridvan de 1986 coincidié con la apertura de una nueva época—la cuarta—en el desenvolvimiento organico de la Edad Formativa de nuestra Fe.
Las instituciones administrativas de esta creciente Causa de Dios empezaban a mostrar sefiales de mayor madurez, mientras que la vez emergian de la oscuridad protectora de sus comienzos a la arena mayor de la atencién publica.
Estos procesos gemelos se sefialaron por un desenvolvimiento que tiene consecuencias de largo alcance con respecto a la vida interna de la comunidad baha’i, y por una actividad externa de magnitud sin precedente en toda su historia.
El primero fue una delegacién de responsibilidad por la cual se pidié a todas las comunidades nacionales, mediante su Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, en consulta con los Consejeros, las Asambleas Espirituales Locales y los creyentes en general, que formularan, por primera vez, sus propios objetivos a ser logrados durante el nuevo Plan.
Esta expectacién de madurez que desafié a las comunidades nacionales fue igualada por su formulacién de planes nacionales sometidos al Centro Mundial para ser coordinados al Plan de Seis Afios que abarca el mundo.
La segunda fue un levantamiento unido de toda la comunidad mundial baha’i para distribuir la declaracién, ‘La Promesa de la Paz Mundial,”’ que se emitié en octubre de 1985, a los pueblos del mundo.
A los jefes de Estado, a un nimero elevado de los miembros de gobiernos nacionales, a diplomaticos, a maestros, a miembros de los sindicatos de obreros, a lideres de religién, a miembros eminentes de la magistratura, la policia, la profesidn legal, médica y otras, a miembros de autoridades locales, clubes y asociaciones, y a miles de individuos, se les ha presentado la declaracién.
Se calcula que mds de un millén de copias, en unos setenta idiomas, se han distribuido hasta ahora. Estas dos actividades en si han reforzado mucho el poder y la madurez crecientes de la comunidad mundial bahd’i y la han dotado de una imagen publica mds claramente definida y mas facil de reconocer.
Otros factores han contribuido grandemente a la rdépida entrada de la Fe al escenario mundial. Es mas, parece que ahora cada actividad del extenso Ejército de Vida es observada 0 comentada por algun sector del publico, desde la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas hasta comunidades locales pequefias y aun remotas.
El escenario esta preparado para crecimiento universal, rapido y masivo de la Causa de Dios. El desaffo inmediato y basico es el proseguimiento de las metas del Plan de Seis Afios, las etapas preliminares del cual ya se han iniciado.
Se debe continuar con el trabajo importantisimo de la ensefianza—con imaginacién, persistencia y sacrificio—asegurando el enrolamiento de nimeros cada vez mayores que provean la energia, los recursos y la fuerza espiritual que hagan posible que la amada Causa cumpla dignamente con su papel en la redencién de la humanidad.
Para reforzar este proceso, se han adoptado las metas internacionales del Plan, lamando a que se emprendan varios centenares de proyectos de ayuda entra AsamWee que se vuelva a formar la Asamblea
Espiritual Nacional de Zaire en Ridvan de 1987, y que se establezcan, en el transcurso del Pian, nuevas Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales, de las cuales ya se han aprobado las de Angola, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau y Macau.
Durante el primer afio del Plan de Seis Afios y 338 pioneros, guiados por las necesidades establecidas en planes anteriores, se han levantado, radicdndose en 119 paises. Un nuevo Ilamado se est4 preparando ahora, detalles del cual se anunciaran dentro de poco.
Ahora se requiere la promocién y facilitacién de proyectos de servicio para jévenes bahda’is en los paises emergentes del mundo. A las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales se les pide hacer arreglos, en consulta entre si y con la ayuda de los Cuerpos Continentales de Consejeros, para el mejor medio de asegurar el servicio eficaz de los que responden.
Ya han comenzado los preparativos para el Afio Santo de 1992, cuando se conmemoraran el Centésimo Aniversario de la Ascencién de la Bendita Belleza y el comienzo del Convenio.
Es apropiado, entonces, que el Convenio de Bahá’u’lláh, que une el pasado y el futuro con las etapas progresivas hacia el cumplimiento de la antigua Promesa de Dios, sea el tema principal del Plan de Seis Afios.
La concentracién sobre este tema nos permitira a todos obtener un aprecio mas profundo del significado y propésito de Su Revelacion—‘‘Una_Revelacién,”” en las palabras del Guardian, ‘‘aclamada como la promesa y gloria coronadora de épocas y siglos pasados, como la consumacién de todas las Dispensaciones dentro del Ciclo Adanico, que inaugura una era de por lo menos mil afios de duracién, y un ciclo destinado a durar no menos de cinco mil siglos,
que sefiala el fin de la Era Profética y el comienzo de la Era del Cumplimiento, y que no se ha sobrepasado ni en la duracién del Ministerio de su Autor ni en la fecundidad y esplendor de la misién de El. ..
Las preguntas que este estudio concentrado debe contestar sin duda incluiran: cual es el significado del Convenio Baha’i, cual es su origen y cual debe ser nuestra actitud hacia éste?
La firmeza de los muy atribulados creyentes persas sigue siendo el motivo principal de esta atencién mundial que se enfoca cada vez mas sobre la Fe.
Aunque las ejecuciones brutales de martires heréicos son menos frecuentes ahora, el hostigamiento y las privaciones, el vilipendio y saqueo de la comunidad que se ha perseguido por tanto tiempo continjan— més de 200 siguen encarcelados—dandoles a los representantes de la Comunidad Internacional Baha’i en las Naciones Unidas fundamentos sdlidos para apelaciones fuertes y persistentes que han despertado la preocupacién de la Asamblea General misma y han resultado en representaciones ante el gobierno irani por la Comisién sobre los Derechos Humanos y por muchas naciones poderosas incluyendo los varios gobiernos que constituyen la Comunidad Europea, de parte de los baha’is indefensos.
Todo esto ha mantenido a nuestra amada Fe bajo la observacién internacional, interés acrecentado no sdlo por la circulacién de la Declaracién sobre la Paz sino que también por las actividades en el campo del desarrollo operacién de emisoras de radio— de las cuales hay ahora siete que estan trasmitiendo—hasta escuelas, programas de alfabetizacién, ayuda agricola y una cantidad de proyectos pequefios pero valiosos a nivel de aldea en muchas partes del mundo.
Las comunidades baha’ is nacionales han organizado y realizado con éxito conferencias entre religiones, seminarios sobre la paz, ruedas de conferenciantes sobre el racismo y otros temas sobre los cuales tenemos una contribucién especifica que hacer, logrando a menudo publicidad muy difundida y el interés de lideres de la sociedad que ocupan puestos elevados.
Jévenes baha’is, inspirados y elevados por la visién e idealismo de ‘‘la nueva raza de hombres,” han atraido, a través de sus muchas reuniones, a grandes cantidades de sus pares y estimulado a sus propios miembros a dirigir su vida hacia el servicio en los muchos campos en que una rica cosecha espera al labrador baha’i dedicado.
Agregado a esta creciente asociacién de nuestros congéneres con actividades baha’{s, ha habido un logro magnifico y sobresaliente, la terminacién y dedicacién del maravilloso Templo baha’i en Nueva Delhi
que recibié, en los primeros treinta dias después de su dedicacién a la adoracién de Dios, a mas de 120,000 visitantes.
Este simbolo de pureza, que proclama la Unidad de Dios y Sus Mensajeros en ese pais de una mirfada de creencias religiosas diversas, marca dignamente el poder y la grandeza con que se han dotado estos dias portentosos en la vida de la Santa Causa de Dios.
Siempre presente en nuestra contemplacién de estos temas profundos est la figura magnética de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, el Centro del Convenio, el Misterio de Dios, el Ejemplar perfecto Cuya interpretacién infalible de los Textos Sagrados y Cuyos ejemplos luminosos de la aplicacién de éstos a la conducta personal alumbran un modo de vida que debemos esforzarnos diligentemente por seguir.
Durante el transcurso del Plan de Seis Afios se observara con dignas celebraciones y actividades de proclamacién el septuagésimo quinto aniversario de Su visita al occidente. Simultdneamente se observara el quincuagésimo aniversario del primer Plan de Siete Afios en las Américas, lanzado en 1937 a instigacién de Shoghi Effendi, que, al poner en mocién la ejecucién sistematica del gran disefio de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá para la conquista espiritual del planeta, marcé la apertura de la primera época del Plan Divino.
Grandes y maravillosas tareas nos desafian como nunca antes. Requieren, de'parte de cada uno de nosotros, sacrificio, dedicacién y devocién concentrada e indivisa que sean igualmente grandes y maravillosos.
Actualmente el Fondo Internacional Baha’i est4 totalmente inadecuado para apoyar la inmensa expansién que ahora se requiere en todas las multiples actividades de la comunidad mundial baha’{. El historial del Plan de Siete Afios, que se acaba de completar, es testigo de nuestra habilidad de hacer frente a las crecientes demandas de la Causa.
El heroismo de los amados amigos en Iran, la respuesta entusiasta de 3,694 devotos pioneros al llamado hecho para este servicio esencial, la actividad incesante de maestros, administradores, comunidades locales y creyentes individuales en todo el organismo del orden mundial embrionario, han dotado de nuevas fuerzas y capacidades a este creciente Ejército de Vida.
A medida que caminamos a pasos largos hacia el futuro, podemos sentirnos completamente seguros de Su generosidad siempre presente y de la victoria final de nuestros esfuerzos por establecer Su Reino en este mundo atribulado.
Con carifiosos saludos baha’is,
La Casa Universal de Justicia Riḍván de 1987
Se dedica la Casa de Adoracion del Subcontinente de la India
Bajo la mas intensa onda fria que en los ultimos quince afios haya caido sobre la India, cerca de ocho mil almas ardiendo por el amor a Bahá’u’ll4h, esperaban ansiosas la Dedicacién de la Casa de Adoracién Baha’i del SubContinente de la India.
El ‘“‘Lotus,”” como carifiosamente le llaman en Nueva Delhi, ademas de nombrado como TajMahal del Siglo XX.
Por la mafiana del 24 de diciembre de 1986, con la presencia de tres Manos de la Causa de Dios: Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum en nombre de la Casa Universal de Justicia, dedicéd la primera Casa de Adoracién, Baha’i en el SubContinente de la India y con la asistencia de 400 huéspedes ilustres incluyendo a las Manos de la Causa William Sears y Collis Featherstone, el Vice Gobernador de Nueva Delhi, el Ministro Indio de Relaciones Exteriores, el Embajador de los Estados Unidos, el Alto Comisionado de Canada, el
embajador de Dinamarca, el representante de la Misién del Vaticano en la India, el Primer Secretario de la Unién Soviética, oficiales del Gobierno de la India, y muchas otras personas prominentes. Ocho mil Bahá’ís de 114 naciones asi como creyentes indios de cada Territorio Indio también estaban presentes.
Poco después de las diez horas la Asamblea en pleno $e levanté en sefial de respeto al entrar Amatu’l-Bahá y lentamente ponerse en su sitio.
Después de la oracién respectiva, pidiéd Amatu’l-Bahá que todos se levantaran mientras se leyeran las palabras de Bahda’w'llah.
El efecto de la fuerza majestuosa del Fundador de la Fe y Gran Sefior de la Humanidad se cernié sobre las cabezas inclinadas de los huéspedes y creyentes y subiendo hasta el dorado Mas Grande Nombre suspendido en la blanca béveda.
Amatu’l-Bahá luego pronuncié las palabras de dedicacién fué el unico comentario hablado que se oy6 en el Templo. Dijo:
“Ahora este glorioso loto de méarmol, este simbolo exquisito de pureza y belleza, perfeccién y misericordia que viene a todos los hombres de parte de su Creador, nos envuelve tiernamente en su seno, rogdndonos unificarnos en paz, y dar la bienvenida dentro de sus puertas a gente de todos los credos, razas, naciones y clases, proclamando a todos los hombres que este templo est4 dedicado a las tres verdades fundamentales que animan y sirven como base a la Fe Baha’i. La unidad de Dios, la unidad de Sus Profetas, la unidad de la humanidad.””
Era dificil de explicar la emocién y éxtasis al solo contemplar la figura extraordinaria de este monumento inmaculado a los resplandores de un sol que timidamente asomaba entre las nubes, envidioso tal vez de ver tanta
belleza elevandose hacia el cielo.
Continué el Servicio con las Lecturas Sagradas en Sanscrito, inglés, ind, y persa, lo que cred. un ambiente de belleza y universalidad extraordinarias.
La combinacién de tres coros tejidos en un tapiz musical compuesto por Pandi Ravi Shankar y conducido por Ashif Desal, ambos muy afamados dentro del mundo musical internacional.
El mensaje de la Casa Universal de Justicio aludo el edificio magnifico levantado sobre el continente Asidtico, cuna de las religjones principales de la humanidad, como un “‘tributo digno a Bahd’u "lah, la Gloria de Dios.”
Albé las generaciones de sus seguidores devotos que respondieron a su llamado, trabajaron duro en Su vifia, ofrecieron sus vidas en el sendero de Su amor, sacrificaron su confort, riquezas y posicién por promover Su Causa, establecieron Sus Instituciones y desplegaron Su bandera de Uni
dad y Tranquilidad entre la humanidad.
Ademas el mensaje Ilamé la atencién de los logros notables del pasado reciente cuando debido al valor, constancia y abnegacién de la comunidad Baha’i en su tierra natal, la Fe de Bahd’u’ll4h ha atraido asi dramaticamente la atencién mundial, y la comunidad habia cruzado el umbral de la Cuarta Epoca de la Edad Formativa de la Dispensacién Bahda’i. Calificé la terminacién del Mashriqu’!-Adhkár una ‘‘victoria notable’? que conferira una bendicién sobre el continente de Asia.
Para cerrar la Dedicacién de la ‘Casa de Adoracién Baha’i, Amatu’l-Bahá Ruhifyyih Khánum, se dirig6 a los pioneros persas y hablandoles por mds de 20 minutos, les recomend6é que no abandonen sus puestos de pionerfa, no se podran llamar descendientes de los “‘Rompedores del Alba’’ y que
Véase INDIA pag. 33
�[Page 31]
Jonathan and Jennifer Firooz,
members of the Bahd’{ community of Loveland, Colorado, have
been elected to serve as officers of
their school’s Student Council.
Jonathan, a sixth grader who
plays trombone in the school band
and is active in a number of other
activities, was elected Student
Council president, while Jennifer,
who is in the fourth grade and devotes some of her spare time to
ballet and tap dancing, piano, soccer and skiing, is the Student
Council historian. Both are active
in Bahá’í children’s classes, and
Jonathan serves the Spiritual Assembly of Loveland by keeping
track of firesides and teaching
contacts and reporting them at
Feasts.
News briefs
The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 31
Steffes scholarship begun at Haskell College
The Spiritual Assembly of Lawrence, Kansas, has established a scholarship at Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence in memory of Marianne Steffes, the first Native American to embrace the Faith, who was a Haskell alumna.
The $100 scholarship is to be given to a student with a 2.5 grade point average or above—one year to a male, the next to a female.
A number of contributions to the scholarship fund have been received from outside Kansas including one from as far away as Vermont.
.
Because the peace statement had not been given to many church leaders in the area, the Spiritual Assembly of Corpus Christi, Texas, approved the idea, for World Religion Day, o' dividual Baha’is attending a church of their choice, contacting the minister, and, if appropriate, presenting the peace statement to him.
The plan worked well, and several of those in the community succeeded in presenting the statement to church leaders.
Jim and Chris Wonders, who
attended the African Methodist Church, were not surprised to find that they were the only white people at the service.
Included was a time for visitors to stand and introduce themselves.
When the time came, the Wonders stood and said, ‘“‘We are members of the Baha’i Faith, and because today is World Religion Day the Baha’is of Corpus Christi are visiting churches throughout the area as a demonstration of unity and friendship.”’
The minister said he didn’t know these visitors were coming, but was glad they had and planned on shaking their hands after the service. He did so, and graciously accepted a copy of the peace statement as well.
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Two Bahá’ís are among those chosen for inclusion in the 1986 edition of Outstanding Young Women of America.
Elizabeth Joyce Wakeham of Ada, Oklahoma, and Donna Sue Clayton of Salt Lake City, Utah, were selected from among 115,000 nominees whose names were sub World Center issues request for photographs
To National Spiritual Assemblies Dear Bahá’í Friends,
The Bahá’í World Center has become the main repository for the photographic history of the Faith, and the chief supplier of photographs to research workers, scholars and authors.
It is increasingly being called upon to supply photographs, and in many cases it does not have what is requested, even though there is reasonable certainty that the required photos exist.
The increase in media coverage about the Faith has also opened up another need for varied, specific and high-quality visual documentation, particularly of the early history of the Faith.
To meet these requirements, it is necessary to augment the World Center’s collection as may now be possible, with the help of Baha’i institutions and individual friends. The Universal House of Justice has directed us to write to you concerning this matter.
1, IDENTIFICATION
2. PACKAGING
age a valuable photograph:
heavy-duty paper envelope.
3. MAILING
vibration and rough handling.
Some Guidelines for Best Handling of Photographs
What is described below is an optimal method, which may not be possible to achieve for all mailings.
Information on each photograph’s contents should be on a separate piece of paper fastened to the back of the photo.
a. The following materials will be necessary to properly pack glassine paper—a slick/slippery paper that helps prevent abrasion incurred during long periods of vibration, can be obtained in stationery stores; corrugated cardboard—cut to 1/2-inch (12mm) larger than the photograph on all sides; the fluting of one piece should be perpendicular to the other’s to enhance rigidity and minimize the possibility of bending; pressure-sensitive “Scotch” or masking tape; plastic sheet/film to protect against water damage; newsprint/paper—to be used as cellulotic padding and insulation, unless other materials are available such as Kimpak; and
b. Carefully wrap the photograph with the glassine paper; form a sandwich with the two pieces of corrugated cardboard, with the photograph in the middle, not touching any side; tape all four sides to prevent slipping of the photograph; wrap the corrugated cardboard sandwich with three or four pieces of newsprint paper or one layer of Kimpak, then wrap it with plastic, taping all holes or openings; place in a heavy-duty envelope.
a. Address: Audio-Visual Department, Baha’i World Center, P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel. Give your return address, printed legibly. Mark clearly: “‘Photograph, fragile.’’
b. Send preferably by air mail. NOTE: If the photo is truly valuable, it should definitely be sent air mail. This will reduce the time the photograph is exposed to unfavorable and deleterious conditions, i.e., extremes in temperature and relative humidity,
If the shipment is of many photographs, as in the case of an album, boxing may be required, and reimbursement for mailing costs may be requested. It may be desirable for the World Center to provide special shipping instructions; or the package may be carried to the World Center by pilgrims.
At the present time the principal need is for original photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, the Hands of the Cause, early pioneer believers, and early pictures of historic places for the period up to 1953 when the Ten Year Crusade began.
Individuals who may have important original photographs of those days in their collections are asked to send them to the World Center so that negatives can be made for its files. Where a specific request is received, the originals will be returned after copying.
However, if you donate the originals to the World Center photoarchives, you will be supplied with good quality prints, if these are required. Kindly refer to the guidelines for preparing and shipping these precious records of the Faith.
It would be greatly appreciated if each photograph were identified as fully as possible; i.e., with details as to the place, approximate date, the names of persons shown, the occasion, and other relevant information. If pertinent, the origin of the photograph should be supplied.
The more information given about each photograph, the more useful it can be in the future. Kindly do not identify by writing directly on the photo, but use a method which does not damage the picture. Do not use masking or cellophane tapes on the picture.
In the past, many institutions and individual believers have generously offered to donate photographic collections to the Baha’i World Center, but at that time neither the space nor the staff were available to handle them. Recent developments have now made it possible to accept such collections.
Your help in this vitally important task will be deeply appreciated.
With loving Baha’i greetings,
Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat January 26, 1987
mitted by political leaders, university and college officials, clergymen, business leaders, and various civic groups and community organizations.
The OYWA program, now in its 22nd year, is designed to honor and encourage exceptional young women between the ages of 21 and 36 who have distinguished themselves in many fields of endeavor.
Each young woman chosen will be represented by her biographical entry in the OYWA’s annual publication.
.
Dan Seals, a Baha’i entertainer from Nashville, Tennessee, was honored recently with an award from the National Association of Collegiate Activities, composed of representatives from 1,020 U.S. colleges and universities.
Mr. Seals, who has toured extensively on campuses for the past two years, joined such other honorees as Alabama, Willie Nelson, Johi: Mellencamp and Chuck Mangione as NACA’s 1987 convention in Nashville.
Previous winners of the NACA. award include Kenny Rogers, the Oak Ridge Boys, Asleep at the Wheel, and Sawyer Brown.
On May 23, the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Baha’i Center will be the site of a mini-conference entitled “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Indian Teaching But Were Afraid to Ask.”
The conference, planned for Baha’ is in Wisconsin and Illinois, will feature a keynote address by Jaci Delahunt, a Lakota Sioux who is secretary of the National Teaching Committee.
Other Native American speakers will include Nick Hockings (Chippewa), Patricia Miller (Mohegan) and Dalen Corazon (Seminole).
Alcoholism and direct teaching are among the topics to be discussed during the day-long conference.
.
“Treading the Spiritual Path with Practical Feet”’ is the theme of the 1987 Texas Baha’i Summer School, to be held August 26-30.
The cost is $98 for adults, $74 for children with a $10 late registration fee for those who register after August 15.
There will be four classes for children ages 3-12 and a separate class for youth.
Recreational activities include swimming, soccer and hiking.
For registration and other information, such as where the school is to be held, contact Shahram Rohani, .
_. Grand Prairie, TX 75051, or phone 214-642-8923.
.
About 40 non-Bahá’ís were among those who attended a public meeting February 20 at the Austin, Texas, Bahá’í Center to celebrate Black Heritage Month.
The program included live music, speakers, poetry readings, a photo exhibit and refreshments.
The speakers were Bernice Hart, vice-president of the AISD school board; Arlene Gause-Jackson, a performing poet and publisher; Doug Sivad Davis, an actor, entertainer, writer, businessman and author of Black Semi
DAN SEALS
noles in Texas; and Birdie Caldwell, an officer of a local black history society.
The Simpson Jubilee Ensemble, a choral group, and Ras Iginga, a steel drum soloist from Trinidad, performed.
The program was co-sponsored by the Baha’is of Austin, the Texas Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, and the W.H. Passon Historical Society.
As a follow-up, “Tribal Prophecies,”” an hour-long movie about prophecies of American Indian religions, was shown the next evening, and was introduced by Frank McLemore, a Cherokee Indian Baha’i from Dallas.
On Sunday, a slide program on “The Baha’is of East Africa’ was presented.
.
The recent arrival in Bend, Oregon, of a family of Persian Baha’i refugees via Pakistan was the occasion for splendid coverage for the Faith in local newspapers there.
Two well-written feature articles, one with a photograph, profiled the family of Hooshang Talebi, who made their way from Iran to Pakistan and finally to the U.S. after a 19-month wait for permission.
Both articles were sympathetic in tone as they chronicled the persecution of Baha’is in Iran and told of the Talebis’ hopes for a better life in America.
.
Several Spiritual Assemblies in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area presented a special gift for the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh last November 11: a concert by pianist Mark Ochu at the elegant Villa Terrace, an Italianate mansion on Milwaukee’s lake front that is now a decorative arts museum.
More than 100 Baha’is and their guests gathered to listen to “‘Prerequisites for Peace,” a lecturerecital that uses examples from western classical music to illustrate excerpts from ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.”
The concert was followed by a reception at which the audience was able to meet Mr. Ochu and to enjoy light refreshments.
Any Baha’i can give to the Fund— adult or child National Bahá’í Fund
Wilmette, IL 60091
�[Page 32]
32. / The American Baha’i / May 1987
Pattern of Baha’i community life constantly evolving
In becoming a Baha’i, along with recognizing Bahá’u’lláh, every individual believer takes upon himself or herself the responsibility of putting Baha’u’llah’s teachings into practice in daily life.
Along with new patterns of individual behavior, new patterns of collective behavior emerge as Baha’is form communities in accordance with the pattern laid down by Bahd’u’ll4h.
The pattern of Baha’i community life is evolving. There are no set rituals.
Community life takes shape not only from the principles found in the teachings, but also from the unique contributions made by the various cultures of humanity as they come under the banner of Bahd’u’ll4h.
When becoming Bahá’ís, individuals may find the pattern of community life, whether it be devotional, social or administrative, vastly different from the experience in their previous religion.
Some differences result from the structures established in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh—for example, that there is no clergy. Others stem from the fact that a small or evolving Baha’i community may be unable to meet needs their old religious community addressed.
However, the pattern of Baha’i community life is sufficiently adaptable that it can grow to meet
all the needs of its members. In time, a pattern for a new world society will emerge.
“Wherever a Baha’i community exists,” the Universal House of Justice writes, “‘whether large or small, let it be distinguished for its abiding sense of security and faith, its high standard of rectitude, its complete freedom from all forms of prejudice, the spirit of love among its members, and for the closely knit fabric of its social life.
“The acute distinction between this and present-day society will inevitably arouse the interest of the more enlightened, and as the world’s gloom deepens the light of Baha’i life will shine brighter and brighter until its brilliance must eventually attract the disillusioned masses and cause them to enter the haven of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, Who alone can bring them peace and justice and an ordered life.” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 147)
It is impossible, in the limited confines of this article, to describe fully the nature of Baha’i community life. The following is a brief description of some of the major influences on the pattern of Baha’i_ community life, and some principles which govern it.
Influences
The Bahá’í calendar—As in most religious dispensations of the past, the Baha’i Faith brings with it a new calendar. The Baha’ cal
with the utmost love.
Heavenly Illumination!
ty Feast.
itual Assembly.
From the Writings .. .
“You must continue to keep the Nineteen Day Feast. It is very important; it is very good. But when you present yourselves in the meetings, before entering them, free yourselves from all that you have in your heart, free your thoughts and your mind from all else save God, and speak to your heart. That all may make this a gathering of love, make it the cause of illumination, make it an attraction of the hearts, surround this gathering with the Lights of the Supreme Concourse so that you may be gathered together
“© God! Dispel all those elements which are the cause of discord, and prepare for us all those things which are the cause of unity and accord! O God! Descend upon us Heavenly Fragrance and change this gathering into a gathering of Heaven! Grant to us every benefit and every food. Prepare us for the Food of Love! Give to us the Food of Knowledge! Bestow upon us the Food of
“In your hearts remember these things, and then enter the Uni “Bach one of you must think how to make happy and pleased the other members of your Assembly, and each one must consider all those who are present as better and greater than himself, and each one must consider himself less than the rest. Know their station as high, and think of your own station as low. Should you act and live according to these behests, know verily, of a certainty, that that Feast is the Heavenly Food. That Supper is the ‘Lord’s Supper!’ I am the Servant of that gathering.”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahd’s Meetings/Nineteen Day Feast, pp. 20-21 .
Discuss this passage with the Baha’i who taught you the Faith or with another believer. Review the following questions together:
© What has ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked the individual to do to prepare for each Feast? Why is this important?
- How can the principles of individual behavior outlined in this
statement be applied to other aspects of community life?
© How could you, personally, apply ‘Abdu’!-Baha’s statement to other aspects of your participation in community life?
© What can be done in your community to better build the bonds of love and unity among the believers?
.
If you would like to read more about Baha’i community life or Bahda’{ gatherings, refer to one or more of the following books:
Bahá’í Meetings/Nineteen Day Feast, a compilation of the Writings of Bahd’u’ll4h, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi.
The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism, selections from Bahá’u’ll4h, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice on various aspects of building unity in and outside the Baha’ community.
On Becoming a Bahá’í, a booklet provided to new Baha’is when they receive their membership cards from the National Spir
endar is a solar calendar with 19
months of 19 days each; it also includes four (or five during leap
years) intercalary days.
The Baha’i year begins on March 21. The calendar dates from the declaration of the Bab in 1844. With activities such as Feasts at the beginning of each Baha’ month or the Fast each year in March, the calendar plays an important part in setting the pattern for Baha’i community life.
Teaching—Although primarily the obligation of the individual, the need to take Bahá’u’lláh’s healing Message to all humanity exerts an influence on community life. Through proclamation events, publicity, community firesides and other methods, the community can work collectively to help foster the spread of the Faith.
Devotions—The Feast and Holy Days are primary opportunities for Baha’i devotions in the community. However, other occasions, such as gatherings for dawn prayers, are also encouraged.
Spiritual education—The study of the Writings and training in putting Baha’u’llah’s teachings into practice for adults, youth and children are essential components of community life.
Administration—The structure
of Assemblies and committees provides the means by which the affairs of the Faith are planned and executed. Yet Bahd’{ administration is not something added by the believers; it is an essential component of the Faith established by Baha’u’llah and clarified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. The administrative structure, the Guardian states, is the ‘‘nucleus” and ‘‘pattern’’ of Baha’u’llah’s new World Order. Principles
Love and unity—The believers, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, must be ‘‘in unity with one another, to such a degree that they will become even as one being and one soul.’ (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 203)
This unity should be manifested in all things. Bahá’u’lláh informs us that promoting the unity of humanity is ‘‘the fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God” (Gleanings, p. 215), and that ‘‘no power can exist except through unity.”” (Consultation: A Compilation,” p. 1)
Unity in diversity—The unity which Baha’u’ ll4h wishes for us is not uniformity. It prizes the contributions of each culture, race and nation. It finds value in the diversity of humanity which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá compares to the different flowers of one garden.
FOR NEW BELIEVERS
| 26
This principle of unity in diversity, which Shoghi Effendi describes as the ‘‘watchword”’ of the “animating purpose of the worldwide Law of Bahá’u’lláh” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 41) includes the principle of the equality of men and women along with an understanding of the oneness of humanity.
Consultation—Consultation is an essential tool of Baha’i community life, whether it be used by individuals or groups, administrative bodies or the community itself. In consultation, each individual is free to share his personal opinion; the other participants “listen’’ for ‘“‘truth.””
Through the ‘‘clash of differing opinions,’ says ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, comes “‘the shining spark of truth.’’ It is important that those who wish to consult be detached from their personal opinions and offer their comments without passion and without attacking others.
Consultation, says Baha’u’ ll4h, is “the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding.’’
Nineteen Day Feast gives occasion for Baha’is to come together to worship, conduct business
One of the central elements of Bahda’{ community life is the Nineteen Day Feast. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that ‘‘the greatest means for the union and harmony of all is the gathering of the friends in spiritual meetings.’’ (The Power of Unity, p. 64)
And it is the Feast, initiated by the Bab and confirmed by Baha’wllah, which provides an occasion each Baha’ month for the local believers to come together to pray, read the Writings, discuss plans and activities, and enjoy each other’s company.
The Feast, as a means for creating unity, is therefore not only an important element in community life, but an integral part of achieving Bahá’u’lláh’s goal of unity for all humanity.
“The Feast hath been enjoined upon you once in every month, though it be with water only,” Baha’u’llah states. ‘‘God hath verily purposed to bring the hearts of men together, though it require every means on earth and in the heavens.”” (Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 17)
The Baha’i calendar is made up of 19 months, each of which has 19 days. The Feast is held every 19 days, usually on the first day of every Bahd’{ month.
Each local community holds its own Feast; the pattern is repeated in large cities and remote villages throughout the world. The Feast has three parts: devotional, social and administrative.
The devotional part consists of prayers and readings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Bab and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and possibly, also from the sacred scriptures of other religions.
Music is permitted during the spiritual part—or any part—of the Feast. Indeed, music is strongly encouraged, especially where
the Writings are set to music.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá also encourages the believers to ‘‘chant the divine verses, peruse instructive articles, read the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, encourage and inspire each other with love for the whole human race, invoke God with perfect joy and fragrance, sing the verses, glorifications and praises of the Self-subsistent Lord and deliver eloquent speeches.’? (Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 20)
The social porticn involves fellowship among the believers and food and drink. ‘The primary intent,”’ says ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘“‘is to kindle these stirrings of the spirit, but at the same time it follows quite naturally that those present should partake of food, so that the world of the body may mirror the spirit’s world, and flesh take on the qualities of soul; and just as the spiritual delights are here in profusion, so too the material delights.”’ (Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 17)
The administrative part of Feast gives the believers an opportunity to discuss community affairs in a frank and loving manner, and to make recommendations and suggestions to the local Spiritual Assembly.
A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi indicates: ‘‘In the Aqdas, Baha’u’llah has clearly revealed the spiritual and social character of this institution (the Feast). Its administrative significance, however, has been stressed by the Guardian in direct response to the growing needs of the Baha’i community in this formative period of the Baha’i Era for better training in the principles and practice of Baha’ administration.” (Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, pp. 25-26)
Although attendance at the
Feast is not obligatory, it is strongly encouraged and highly desirable. The Feast fosters “the spirit of service and fellowship in the community” and provides “‘the believers a splendid opportunity to fully discuss the affairs of the Cause and to find ways and means for continued improvement in the conduct of Baha’i activities.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, in Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 26)
Also, the Feasts are ‘‘a rallying point for the friends and help to unite them and deepen them in the Faith.’”’ (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, in Bahd’é Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 28)
“In brief,’’ says ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “this is my hope: that the Nineteen Day Feast become the cause of great spiritual solidarity between the friends, that it may bring believers into the bond of unity, and we may then be so united together that love and wisdom will spread from this center to all parts. This Feast is a divine Feast. It is a Lord’s supper. It attracts confirmations of God like a magnet. It is the cause of the enlightenment of hearts.’”
Tapes, photos sought
The National Baha’i Archives is seeking tape recordings and photographs of the two Navajo Reservation conferences (June 1962 and June 1964) at which the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem spoke.
Both conferences were held at Pine Springs, Arizona.
Anyone having tapes or photographs that they could donate to
the Archives is asked. to send them
to the National Baha’i Archives,
Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
�[Page 33]
India
de pagina 30
no hacen honor a los miartires Iranfes cuando por irse a vivir con sus familiares, abandonen sus puestos para estar mds cémodos 0 disfrutar de una vida mds descansada; que si el pafs, ciudad o poblacién no les gusta, o les disgusta la actitud de las personas o la forma en que la Nacién esta siendo gobernado, o el comportamiento de los habitantes no les satisface, que recuerden que Bahá’u’ll4h vino precisamente a cambiar esas cosas y nosotros adoptamos y ensefiar la Fé para ayudar a que estos errores se corrijan.
La serie de eventos memorables sefialando la terminacién y dedicacién a la oracién del magnifico “Loto de Bahapur”’ como lo han llamado, comenz6 por la tarde del dia 23 en el Estadio Indira Gandhi donde se reuniron miles de personas para escuchar el Mensaje de la Casa Universal de Justicia, lefdo por Amatu’I-Bahá, en el que también aludié al edificio levantado sobre el Continente Asiatico.
Todos los miembros en Asia del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros asistieron excepto uno, vinieron dos de Senegal, uno de Nigeria, uno de Camertin y de Bélgica.
Respondiendo a preguntas hechas por la prensa y el ptiblico, acerca de lo que les inspiré en el disefio del Templo, el arquitecto Sr. Fariburz Sahba contest6é que escogié la forma tnica de loto, cosa nunca antes intendada y que presenté grandes dificultades para su realizacién.
Los participantes llevaron consigo una involvidable imagen del Templo, cuya belleza sobresale por mucho todo los que se ha dicho acerca de él.
Cada dia al amanecer los visitantes veian como los primeros rayos del sol tenian el marmol del Majestuoso Templo, asi como sus pétalos, exteriores de marmol.
Ain més encantador fue el espectaculo nocturno cuando se iluminé el Templo con luces artificiales,- su belleza sdbrenatural aparentemente flotaba por encima de la colina donde esta asentado.
Writers’ Who’s Who includes profile of Baha’i in Kansas
The recently released 1986-87 edition of Who’s Who in the U.S.: Writers, Editors and Poets includes an entry on Duane L. Herrmann of Richland Corners, Kansas, who has been a Baha’i since 1969.
The entry mentions Mr. Herrmann’s contributions to Child’s Way magazine, the ‘‘Spiritual Mothering Journal,”’ the Baha’i encyclopedia, books from George Ronald (forthcoming) and Kalimat Press, the Kansas Baha’i history project which he heads, and his years of editing the Kansas Baha’i newsletter.
‘An article by Mr. Herrmann about the Baha’i history of Enterprise, Kansas, appeared in the March 1987 issue of Bahá’í News.
Teaching Fever Is
CONTAGIOUS! — have YOU Caught the Fever Yet?
The Association for Baha’i Studies’ Pacific Southwest Regional Conference Committee has rescheduled its April 1987 conference for April 1988. All other information about the conference which appeared in the January 1987 issue of The American Bahd’ is correct.
The conference theme, ‘‘Transition to a World at Peace,” is based on the following paragraph from “The Promise of World Peace’’:
“The primary question to be resolved is how the present world, with its entrenched pattern of conflict, can change to a world in which harmony and cooperation will prevail.”
The conference will focus primarily on the important requisites for peace as identified in the last part of Section II of the peace statement, namely:
© The equality of the sexes. © Universal education.
The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 33
ABS Pacific S.W. Conference is reset for 1988
© Improved global communications.
The committee urges you to take part in this historic event by submitting papers and/or works of art (i. poetry, paintings, songs and music, dance, etc.) for inclusion in the program.
Those who wish to submit their work for the committee’s consideration must first send a 250-word (maximum) abstract or description to: Association for Baha’i
Studies, Pacific Southwest Regional Committee, P.O. Box 2924, Newport Beach, CA 92663.
Abstracts or descriptions of works of art must be received on or before February 1, 1988, with completed works submitted by March 1.
For more information, please phone Vafa Mavaddat, 714-2491719, or the Spiritual Assembly of Irvine’s message line, 714-5595528.
30 at St. Bonaventure U. for gala International Dinner
About 30 adults including 19 non-Baha’is attended an International Buffet Dinner held in ‘“‘the Spirit of the Roses”’ February 28 at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York.
Tables were colorfully decorated by the Baha’ children’s class of Olean, and flags of many nations borrowed from the local Montessori school served as a centerpiece for the food table.
Each family or person brought a dish from the country that they or their ancestors came from. International music provided a cafélike atmosphere.
Chattanooga Baha’i qualifies for NCAA diving championships
Chris Radpour, a Baha’i from Chattanooga, Tennessee, who is a freshman at Emory University in Atlanta, recently became the first member of the school’s swimming and diving teams to qualify this season for the NCAA Division III National Championships.
A high school wrestling standout, he had competed as a diver only in summer leagues in Chattanooga before entering Emory and deciding to try out for the diving team as a way to stay active.
After qualifying for the Nationals, Mr. Radpour was the subject of an extensive feature article with two photographs in the
March 10 issue of the school newspaper, The Emory Wheel.
A “‘get-acquainted game”’ consisting of a sheet of paper of “mystery people’’ with clues about each one’s background served to break the ice.
Entertainment was provided by anyone who was willing to share something of his/her culture—a story, dance, song, some pictures.
Everyone took part in Bolivian, Greek and Israeli dances, holding hands and stepping to the music.
The culmination of the evening came when those from various countries were asked to tell a story about life in their country, about a father, grandmother or other loved one. It was a wonderful, unique e of sharing and unity, so inspiring that many asked the Bahá’ís when they would be doing this again.
Baha’i teacher gets
PTA fellowship/grant
Allan Wunsch, a member of the Baha’i community of Oyster Bay, New York, who teaches technology education at Copiague Junior High School, is one of 15 teachers in New York State to receive a $500 fellowship/grant from the Parent Teacher Association of New York. The grant is to be used for graduate study during the summer of 1987.
Mr. Wunsch plans to take a three-week course at Trent Polytechnic in Nottingham, England, in conjunction with New York University’s overseas study program.
Musical presentations, puppet shows and speeches presented by the Bahá’ís of Central Dade County, Florida, highlighted the first World Peace Festival held February 1 in North Miami Beach, About 50 people, half of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended
fj di has the event which was conducted by Auxiliary Board member Charles (Cap) Cornwell and supported by Bahá’ís from six nearby communities. Among those taking part were representatives of the World Federalists of South Florida.
Many years of prayers and hard work by Bahá’ís in North Carolina were rewarded last November 1 when the Bahá’ís of Hickory met on the campus at Lenoir Rhyne University to elect the community’s first Spiritual Assembly.
Pictured are Assembly members
(left to right) Jerry York, Peggy York, Jim Martindale, Yvonne Washburn, Robert Sherrill, Mike Hubbard and Trudy Martindale. Not shown are Ted and Valerie Bookwalter. (Photo by Scape Graphics)
First Lady responds to Baha’i’s poem
Haideh Yazdani, a 12-year-old eighth-grader who is a member of the Bahá’í community of Huntingtown, Maryland, has been writing poetry for several years, and recently sent a poem about world peace to Nancy Reagan at the White House.
Mrs. Reagan responded with a personal letter which was printed with an article about Haideh and
her poetry in the local newspaper, the Calvert Independent.
Besides reprinting the poem in its entirety, the paper mentions that Haideh and her parents, Mahin and Kioumarce, are Baha’i refugees from Iran, and outlines Haideh’s plans to become a professor of mathematics and to travel and teach the Faith.
for
3 Feat y dune:
Please send me Writings of Bahd’
Name
Address
The Bahá’í National Youth Committee and the Bahá’í Distribution Service invite you to ...
By offering you a special discount throughout the Six Year Plan on selected books
Take advantage of this special offer and accomplish two goals:
“Increase the regular methodical study of the Baha'i Writings” ‘as requested in the Six Year Plan
© Build your own Baha‘ library.
A pocket-sized edition of one of the most important collections of the writings of Baha’u’llah, covering the major aspects of the teachings of the Faith. Shoghi Effendi says it is a book that “‘should be the continued guide and companion of every believer, especially those who are actively
Regular price
copies of this month’s selection, Gleanings from the dh, at the special price of $3.37 each.
415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
fa
engaged in teaching the Cause.””
Discount price
$3.75 $3.37
Tenclose $. :
Mail order only. Payable by check or money order. No postage necessary in the U.S. Fourth class shipping only. Offer good only in the continental U.S.
�[Page 34]
34 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
those who ‘get their hands dirty” doing it—to initiate a dialogue among
communities. Anyone who is interested is invited to send his/her name, address, phone number, occupation or trade, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to John Krochmalny, Walbridge, OH 43465. All inquiries will be answered.
HELP! We need quality stories, beautiful art work, poetry, music and crafts for Brilliant Star magazine. Send to D. Bley, editor,
Chattanooga, TN 37421.
SEVERAL children on or near the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina are looking for Baha'i
Scroll
from page 7
We are asked in the Six Year Plan to “‘expand the awareness and understanding of the aims of the Faith among individuals and organizations with goals similar to ours,”’ and to “‘establish relations with such groups
After planning the commemoration for Dr. King, the Baha’i Club said, ‘‘We worked with another club and highly recommend it to anyone else. ... The Black Business Students Association really respects our club now, and that has been the best part of the entire thing!’”
children who would like to write to them. They include Rochelle Watty {age 11), Felicia Watty (10), Beverly Watty (9), Jonas One Feather (4), Darrell Taylor (10), Denise Taylor (12) and Dennis Taylor (15), all of Star Route, .. Cherokee, NC 28719; Chuck Lossiah (7), P.O. Box 1633, Cherokee, NC 28719; and Monica Tchakirides (6) and Connan Tchakirides (5), P.O. Box 758, Cherokee, NC 28719; and Frieda Ivey (8) and Leon Ivey (10), P.O. Box 159, Whittier, NC 28789. Each of these children has parents or other relatives who are Baha’is.
WANTED: Ideas, designs and logos using the theme of unity for the preparation of a weather-proofed canvas banner, 4 by 10 feet, professionally executed. Ideas can be new or old, used or partly used, fragmented or complete; not necessarily original. A similar banner produced last year on “Wage Peace’? has been quite useful for many teaching and proclamation events in the greater Austin area. Please send your ideas to the Public
Affairs Committee, Austin Baha’i Center, Austin, TX 78722.
1 AM studying the work of Oscar Ichazo and the Arica Institute and would like to hear from people who have taken part in the Arica training. Are there any friends out there who are implementing some of the Arica ideas in their Baha’ activities? How can Oscar Ichazo’s work be used in the pioneering field? Thank you in advance for your help. Please write to Marylou Krummenacker,
Las Cruces, NM 88001, or phone 505-522-7834.
NAVAJO-Hopi Teaching Project seeks mobile home trailer for its Mobile Teaching Institute. Large enough for A-V and library equipment and materials, kitchen and bath, projecteer use, small meetings. Small enough to be portable, for moving to many locations on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations. Used trailer wel
Charter
from page 20
ARTICLE VI Amendments and By-Laws Section 1: Amendments to this Charter shall only take effect upon the written approval of the National Spiritual Assembly. Section 2: Amendments to this Charter may be passed in one of the two
methods described herein:
A. A majority vote of the entire Board may propose an amendment to the Na tional Spiritual Assembly; or
B. A two-thirds vote of the membership following. written notice to the members of the Society at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting of the Society at which the vote upon the amendment will be conducted.
Section 3: The Board may promulgate By-Laws by a majority vote of the
membership. ARTICLE
vil
Dissolution Section 1: Upon dissolution of the Society, all Society funds and records shall be transferred to the National Spiritual Assembly for use as it may deem ap propriate.
Section 2: The members of the Society may dissolve the Society with the written approval of the National Spiritual Assembly by a two-thirds vote of the membership. A majority vote of the entire Board may also dissolve the Society with the written approval of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Section 3: The Society shall incorporate if so directed by the National Spiritual Assembly. The Society may incorporate with the written approval of the National Spiritual Assembly and by a majority vote of the membership, provided that all terms of this Charter are part of the Articles of Incorporation. No part of the net earnings of the Society or the corporation shall inure to the benefit of the Society members or Board. No substantial part of the activities of the Society or the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda or attempting to influence legislation or participating or intervening in political campaigns on behalf of any candidate for public office. The Charter, Articles and activities of the Society and the corporation shall remain consistent with the tax-exempt status set forth in Chapter 26, United States Code, Section 501(C)(3).
ARTICLE VIII Interpretation of Charter Section 1: Interpretations of this Charter shall be consistent with the Baha’i
Writings and Administration.
ARTICLE IX Effective Date Section 1: This Charter shall take effect upon approval of the National Spir itual Assembly.
Approved by The National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá’ís of the United States February 24, 1987
but should be in good basic condition; interior can be renovated. Contact the Native American Baha’i Institute, Houck, AZ 86506, or phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595.
WHERE are you? The Assemblies of Hempstead and North Hempstead, Long Island, New York are having a joint 25th anniversary celebration at 1 p.m. June 7 and would like all former members of these two Assemblies to attend. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of North Hempstead, c/o Dr. Edward Goldberg,
Carle Place, NY 11514, or phone 516-248-8760 and leave a message.
WANTED: real children of all ages who love the Baha’i Faith, peace and other people, to subscribe to Brilliant Star magazine. Write to Baha’i Subscriber Service, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Send $12 for six issues!
WANTED: a few dedicated souls to conduct Monday-through-Friday Ba‘ha’{ summer camps for Navajo and Hopi Reservation children at the Native American Baha’i Institute in Arizona. Your curriculum will be family-style and cover all aspects of daily life from a Baha’i perspective, from jing songs to evening prayers and devotions including sample meal preparations, consultative problemsolving, and a balanced day of work (on Institute projects), play (cooperative and non-violent) and study (writings on education and parentchild and teacher roles). Ages of children (5-15) will be mixed for older ‘‘Bahá’í sibling” role-playing, but limited to nine or less per session with separate or repeated one-week sessions running through the summer. Interracial (male-female) teams or married couples preferred. Please contact Bill Bright, LEAP coordinator,
Chinle, AZ 86503, or phone 602-674-5685 for details.
NEEDED: A donation of three portable sewing machines in good working order for a youth club to enable underprivileged minority youth to take dressmaking classes. Please contact Maureen Sidio, Edgar Springs, MO 65462, or phone 314-435-6708.
WANTED: Original Tablets of “Abdu’l-Bahá to the following individuals: William F. James, Chicago (1907), Mary J. Packard (1903), John Peterson, Chicago (1902), Charles Steuber (1903), Ella K. Johnson, Chicago (1902), Miss Julia Hard (1908), Cleresa Irene Holmes (1910), and Mrs. Kate Ives, Eliot, ME (1903). Anyone having information about the possible location of these Tablets is asked to write to the National Baha’ Archives, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
PIONEER in Martinique needs puppet dramas or plays that teach the Faith. We have only one drama which has been well-received by adults and children alike. Can be either in English or French. Please send to Mrs. Patty Habegger, Chez ESOR, Riviere L’Or,
Martinique, French
Antilles.
LOOKING for anecdotes and/or pictures of the late Gol Aidun. Her family hopes to compile such memories of her teaching efforts and service to the Faith for future generations. Please send to: Dr. J.S. Aidun,
Brandon, Manitoba R7B 0Z1, Canada.
COMPILING a history of the Faith in Sioux City, Iowa, and would like to correspond with anyone who has lived in Sioux City, knows about the early days of the Faith there (pre-1978) or who has traveled and taught in the area, Contact Pat Williams, Sioux City, IA 51105.
ITEMS AVAILABLE
IMAGES International has more than 2,000 cassette tapes of recorded
talks by such illumined and dedicated speakers as Dr. Farzam Arbab, Dr. Hossain Danesh, Dr. Ervin Laszlo, and many others. Please remember that Images pays royalties to such organizations as the Association for Baha’i Studies, Green Lake, the National Youth Committee, and others. You can help support them by purchasing their materials. Images also distributes musical recordings by such gifted artists as Leslie and Kelly, Gordi Munro, Rose Paulson, Do’a, and Doug Cameron and Jack Lenz. Write today for a
free catalog: Images International,
P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.
TAPES from the Louhelen Women’s Conference: ‘Women and the ‘Age of Equality” by Dr. Jane Faily, and “Women of Color in America” by Dr. Gwen Lewis are now available; $6 per tape. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.
SPRINGTIME is balloon launching time. Proclaim the Baha’ message with “One Planet, One People ... Please’” balloons: $12 per hundred or $100 per thousand (minimum order, 100). Add $3 for shipping. Los Angeles Baha’i Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (phone 213-933-8291).
TIRED of spending hours looking for that activity you can’t find that would be perfect for a children’s class? Look no longer. Indexes to Brilliant Star magazine are available for only $2 each. Specify year. Send requests to D. Bley,.editor,
Chattanooga, TN 37421.
IMAGES International is now distributing music tapes by Danny Deardorff, the New World Generation, Chris and Janet Ruhe-Schoen of Chile, Grant Hindin Miller of New Zealand, Mary Davis, ford Johnson, and Seaforth and Jenkins. Write today for a free catalog to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007, and enjoy a great diversity of music!
“REFLECTIONS” catalog listing “Mankind Is One’? sweatshirts and T-shirts, tapes, books and other Baha’i-related materials is available at no cost from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).
FIRE SALE May-June 1987 of back issues of Brilliant Star and Child’s Way magazines. Get "em while they’re hot! Write to Brilliant Star,
Chattanooga, TN 37421 for quantities and prices still available.
MISCELLANEOUS
TRAVELERS to the People’s Rebublic of China and Eastern European countries: it is very important that you contact the International Goals Committee at the Bahd’{ National Center (phone 312-869-9039) before you go.
THE AMELIA Collins Institute in Puebla, Mexico, is being sold by the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico. A group of Bahd’{ pioneers in the area is trying to buy the Institute to develop a socio-economic project. If you are interested in helping, please write to Enrique Campos,
Somers Point, NJ 08244, or Sandra Berger, Puebla, Mexico, or phone 609-927-6479.
ATTENTION! software and hardware engineers. Let NEBNet (the New England Bahd’{ Network) help you. We need active Baha’is from all over the U.S. to come and set New England on fire. Many companies will pay for your relocation to the area if you are qualified. Want more? There are five Bahd’{s who are willing to circulate your resumé to managers all over the area. So what’s the catch? Simply that if you get the job you then get to live in a town that needs you—in New
Hampshire, by Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, etc. We need more people in Hudson, Salem and Merrimack, New Hampshire; Marlborough, Massachusetts, and other cities. If you have a BSEE ‘or BSCS or equivalent, and/or are a recent college graduate, send your resumé to the Spiritual Assembly of Hudson, c/o Sohail Sobhani,
Hudson, NH 03051. P.S.—You don’t Aave to be an engineer to move to this area. We'd love to have all sorts of people come to New England.
FAMILY reunion in Green Bay, Wisconsin. All alumni are warmly invited to attend the 50th anniversary celebration July 11— an all-day picnic (IL a.m. to 6 ‘psm.) at the Brown County Reforestation Camp (Shelter No. 2), 4418 Brown County Reforestation Road (off Hwy. B), Little Suamico. Even if you can’t come, please let us hear from you. Contact the Bahai Reunion Committee, c/o Ian Bamber,
Green Bay, WI 54301 (phone 414435-8259).
IF YOU plan to attend the National Conference on Non-Violence to be held June 19-23 in the Black Hills of South Dakota (for information, write to the National Conference on NonViolence, Brookings, SD 57006), please let Jeff or Karen Jentz know in advance. Write to them at .
Pierre, SD 57501, or phone 605224-1041.
DELUXE vacation: the most fun and most rewarding time of your life. Be surrounded by love, good humor, and the chance to brush up skills you never knew you had. Volunteer at the Baha’i National Center in Evanston, Illinois. You must furnish your own transportation, housing and meals, but that’s what you would do for any vacation. Write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039—and tell them the Schnackenbergs sent you. Have fun and work hard!
June to witness second Martha Root Conference
The Western Pennsylvania District Teaching Committee will host the second biannual Martha Root Conference June 12-14 at Edinboro (Pennsylvania) University.
The keynote speakers will be Mabel Garis, author of Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold; Gerald Johnson, director of the Cleveland (Ohio) Children’s Museum; and John T. Dale, a fluent Esperantist and attorney with a background in international communications.
Conference events will include lectures, a walking tour of nearby historic Cambridge Springs (Martha Root’s hometown), a slide show, children’s activities, and a public meeting.
Two plans are available for those attending: Plan A includes sleeping accommodations and meals from registration Friday evening through Sunday afternoon ($42 plus a $10 registration fee for adults). Plan B is set up for those attending the conference on Saturday and who only require meals. Adults, $14 plus $10 registration fee; children, $10. There is a family registration rate of $20 per family. Limited hospitality will be provided.
For more information, please
contact Deb Hilbert, secretary,
Western Pennsylvania District
Teaching Committee, 814-7966380, or Jim Gorny, 814-796-2838.
�[Page 35]
10 YEARS AGO
The Board of Counselors in Europe cables the National Spiritual Assembly: ‘Following letter Universal House European NSAs May 5 consulted Dr. Muhájir and suggest 40 USA travel teachers to support 20 small projects two from USA for each team. Six help Germany four each Switzerland France Portugal Spain two each Austria Luxembourg Belgium Iceland Finland Denmark Norway Sweden Arctic area. In order have USA help this summer appreciate your immediate action. Time crucial.—European Counselors”
Two of the Hands of the Cause of God, Zikru’lláh Khadem and William Sears, and the five Continental Counselors and 44 Auxiliary Board members from Alaska, Canada and the U.S. gather in a spirit of celebration April 7-11 at the Hyatt House in Lincolnwood, Illinois.
Newly appointed Auxiliary Board members, nine from the U.S. and eight from Canada, are among those present. Their appointments bring to 45 the number of Auxiliary Board members, the largest number ever in North America.
Expansion of the Auxiliary Boards and an unprecedented increase in the number of assistants, as indicated in a cable from the World Center, are commensurate with the critical needs of the Five Year Plan. ...
A second Two-Year Youth Program, timed to end with the end of the Five Year Plan at Ridvan 1979, is launched March 20 during a Naw-Riz celebration at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.
Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, presents the main address to an audience of more than 400, Baha’is and non-Baha’is alike, in Foundation Hall. It marks the first time that a national Baha’i plan has been announced at an event attended by the general public. ...
A Naw-Riz dinner co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Buffalo and Cheektowaga, New York, draws an audience of 130, about half of whom are not Baha’is.
The featured speaker is Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Two local newspaper reporters who attend the dinner later ask the Bahá’ís of Buffalo to consider contributing a weekly column to the paper.
In Dallas, Texas, the beginning of 134 B.E. is heralded by a two and one-half hour interview with two Baha’is on a major radio station.
From 7:30 to 10 p.m. on March 20, Louise Matthias, daughter of the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker, and Ivan Pruitt answer questions from listeners on a live broadcast.
All salient aspects of the Faith are covered, with questions from the audience centering around the Faith’s relationship to ChristianHye.
More than 1,000 people attend National Treasurer’s Workshops during the six months leading up to Ridvan. ...
Letters
from page 3
2. An atmosphere of profound disrespect—by non-attention and the noise level from conversations—to the evening’s performers which was truly shameful was created by many, if not most, of the friends.
3. Perhaps most disturbing to us was the attitude of superiority sometimes displayed toward the Indian people.
During one of our stops on the way to Agra, a fellow passenger ‘on the bus spent about five minutes trying to get change for a two-rupee bill to make a purchase. We don’t know if he ever got the money, but we do know that his urgency to save one rupee (about eight cents) seemed to indicate a rather low esteem of the Indian people trying to earn a livelihood, and an extreme lack of caring about those less fortunate than
we.
Another young Bahá’í, referring to street sellers, told his companions he “‘wasn’t going to give those people his money.”” He wanted the merchandise offered, but didn’t want to pay the asked for price, bargaining notwithstanding. During this extraordinary week,
we too had some bad moments of impatience (mostly with Baha’is) that manifested themselves in acts (hopefully unnoticed) we are not proud of and wish we could undo.
This simply points to the fact that we all have much work to do if we are to live up to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words: “‘The friends of God must so live and conduct themselves, and evince such excellence of character and conduct, as to make others astonished.” (Bahá’í Readings, p. 230)
While some may see these examples as insignificant and not worthy of mention, we believe quite the contrary.
Indeed, not only should we begin to recognize such behavior but discussions about it should take place if we are to become better servants of the Cause.
We must respect ourselves before we can respect others, and as Baha’is we certainly must abolish any attitudes of prejudice or superiority.
Henry Fitzpatrick, pioneer to Venda, dead at age 44
Henry Fitzpatrick, a 44-yearold pioneer to Venda, South Africa, died suddenly March 10.
Mr. Fitzpatrick became a Baha’i in 1967, and almost immediately desired to pioneer. While serving in the military in South Korea, he was making plans to pioneer to Africa.
After his return to the States his desire to serve abroad did not ebb, but instead of Africa it took him and his family to Jamaica in 1972, where they served for three years.
In 1978, the Fitzpatricks moved to Transkei, an independent homeland of South Africa. Mr. Fitzpatrick served as chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Transkei from its inception until 1985 when the family moved to Venda, another homeland within South Africa.
Mr. Fitzpatrick is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and their four children: Karen, Kevin, Katherina and Kendaa.
Appropriately, two of the Hands of the Cause (Amatu’l-Bahá Ruhfyyih Khanum and Collis Featherstone) referred to the issues of prejudice and superiority in their addresses at the dedication.
It’s time we heeded their wisdom. We'll start with ourselves as we continue to reminisce about the Call of the Nations, and that wonderful gathering of peoples from all over the world for that monumental dedication.
Jihmye and Susan Collins San Diego, California
Lakeport is ‘perfect’
To the Editor:
The Baha’is of Lakeport, California, would like to share the news that our community is again blessed with 100 per cent participation in contributing to the Fund.
Our method for encouraging this is carried out in the process we use for setting up our annual bud 1. Each community member is asked to submit anonymously the minimum amount he or she will contribute each Bahá’í month (no matter how small the amount).
2. The treasurer totals the amount and the budget is set, then divided into the various Funds by percentage of the total.
3. After that, it is up to each individual to keep his pledge. We usually reach our annual goal before the end of the year, which allows us to contribute even more than anticipated to activities and the Funds.
We also hold fund-raising potlucks each first Saturday after Feast (at least until Ridvan). We have a silent auction or white elephant sale, and have sent $189 each Baha’i month to the National Fund in addition to our usual contribution.
We are also making and selling bookmarks, the proceeds from which go to the National Fund as part of our extra contribution in the “‘Spirit of the Roses.’”
We hope these ideas may inspire other communities.
Edith Koff-Miller Lakeport, California
Encouraging youth
To the Editor:
Our Assembly has developed a program we would like to share with others.
While consulting on the goals of the Six Year Plan, we decided to take a more direct approach with our children and youth to recognize their academic achievements and encourage them to enter professions that can be of service to the Blessed Beauty.
We also wanted to tie this in with the Fund, to encourage an interest in and understanding of contributing to it.
We meet with all age groups of children and youth several times during the school year to applaud their achievements, suggest ways to improve their grades, talk about careers, and listen to their ideas and concerns.
At the end of each semester we have them bring their grades to us, and we again meet with each of them individually. We then compute a contribution to the National Baha’i Fund based on the A’s, B’s and C’s earned by each age group.
Our aim is to create in our children a Baha’i identity, to instill in them an awareness of the link between spiritual and material edu The American Baha’i / May 1987 / 35
cation, between striving and service to the Cause.
We hope to inspire them to strive toward excellence and to give serious thought to the careers they will seek to enter. We anticipate wonderful things for our children in the future, as each is lovingly encouraged by a local institution of the Faith. We have children from kindergarten through
college in our program.
Perhaps our effort will serve to inspire others to take an innovative look at the academic achievements of their children and youth and enable them to create new programs to honor their children while helping the Fund, the lifeblood of the Cause.
Spiritual Assembly of Greenfield, Indiana
Baha’i teacher Gol Aidun remembered warmly as community leader in Ontario
Tributes to Gol Aidun, a wellknown Bahd’{ teacher and community leader from Brandon, Ontario, Canada, appeared three times in the local newspaper, the Brandon Sun, following her tragic death in India last January shortly after the dedication of the House of Worship in New Delhi.
Mrs. Aidun, who had remained in India after the ceremonies to travel and teach, was killed when she fell or was pushed from a train while pursuing a thief who had stolen her purse.
Her death, the Sun said in an editorial, ‘‘left a note of sadness in many Brandon homes ... Her dedication to the causes she worked for will be long remembered by people in this community.”
Earlier, in an article headed “‘Aidun remembered as cultural champion,” the paper said she “championed the causes of minority groups in western Manitoba through the Westman Multicultural Council. She was also active in the local peace movement.””
More than 400 people attended a memorial service for Mrs. Aidun in Brandon, while several hundred attended another service at the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Wilmette is the home of her
sister, Mrs. Monireh Sohaili.
At the Brandon service, according to the Sun, she was ‘‘praised as a strong, determined woman who dedicated her life to the service of others.”
Mrs. Aidun, the paper said, “worked tirelessly in the quest for universal peace and the eradication of prejudices.
“Her status as a travel teacher in the Bahd’{ faith took her to more than 100 countries and islands across the world over the last 20 years. She was traveling from her native city of Poona, in western India, to Delhi when the accident occurred.’”
Mrs. Aidun moved to Brandon in 1965 with her husband, Jamshid, and their family which includes two daughters and a son.
On learning of her death, the Universal House of Justice cabled Mr. Aidun: “‘Deeply grieved untimely passing dear wife Gol while traveling in India. Her kindly spirit, great zeal in teaching including many journeys behalf beloved Faith, her historical research on persons and topics of Cause make her loss irreparable. Extend heartfelt condolences all members family. Assure fervent prayers Holy Shrines progress her illumined soul worlds God.””
IN MEMORIAM
David Archie Harold Farris Jack Nash Alexandria, VA Detroit, MI Deerfield Beach, FL Date Unknown Date Unknown January 13, 1987 Madeleine Arent Alfred Filo Wayne Plumman Alameda, CA Wilton Manors, FL Parmelee, SD March 4, 1987 Date Unknown June 4, 1986 William Beaulieu Michael Graves K.L. Storrs
Augusta, ME Tucson, AZ Salt Lake City, UT January 4, 1987 January 7, 1987 January 8, 1986 Leona T. Boyd Mary R. Johnson Irene Symer Richmond, IN Covington, GA Seattle, WA February 22, 1987 January 1987 March 1986 Lucille Buffin Harmon Jones Charles Thompson Miami, FL Newberry Park, CA Seattle, WA March 15, 1987 January 14, 1987 December 1986 Louise Collier Adline Lohse Fred Thompson Seattle, WA Columbus, NC Covington, GA April 1986 February 18, 1987 February 1987 Lathrop Covey Twillie Love Lula Vawter Oshkosh, WI Wagoner, OK Escondido, CA December 30, 1986 Date Unknown March 1, 1987 Ronald Cutaia Doris McClain Genola West Arlington Heights, IL Santa Barbara, CA Wichita, KS February 13, 1987 February 28, 1987 October 14, 1986 Tayebeh Pakbaz Dana Stirling McInnis Anna Mae Williams Oklahoma City, OK = Troy, MI El Reno, OK December 18, 1986 January 16, 1987 March 1986
Joe Davis Archie McPherson Homer Williams El Reno, OK Detroit, MI El Reno, OK
Date Unknown Date Unknown January 1986 Richard Davenport Lourdes Melendez Mee Yang
El Reno, OK Bell, CA Stockton, CA Date Unknown February 1987 October 17, 1986 Khanum B, Eghrari Saeed Nahvi Polly Yatsattie Los Angeles, CA Huntington Beach, CA Zuni, NM October 12, 1986 February 27, 1987 Date Unknown
Almo Etchison
Hot Springs, AR
Date Unknown
�[Page 36]
36 / The American Baha’i / May 1987
Bahá’ís from Maine map strategies for this summer’s Northern Lights Teaching Project during a
Planning meeting held February 22 in Portland. The project is to be held June 19-July 3.
Baha’is in Maine meet, plan summer’s Northern Lights Teaching Campaign
Twenty-five Bahá’ís from a number of communities in Maine were present February 22 at a meeting in Portland whose purpose was plan the upcoming Northern Lights Teaching Project.
Northern Lights, to be held June 19-July 3 in Portland, is dedicated to a martyred Iranian youth, Bijan Talibi.
Among those attending
Tobin
from page 4
the
her in her difficult life.
Her inspiration to carry a stone to the Temple site came as a result of praying often for something to offer toward the building of the “Mashrak-el-Azkar.””
As Bruce Whitmore points out in his book, The Dawning Place, Mrs. Tobin may also have been aware of a letter, written in June 1908 to the American Baha’is by Mirza Asadu’llah, the Persian Baha’i who had proposed the project to the Chicago House of Spirituality in 1903, in which he said, “Now is the time for expending enérgy and power in the erection of the edifice, be it a mere stone, laid in the name of the Bahai Mashrak-el-Azkar. For the glory and honor of the first stone is equivalent to all the stones and implements which will later be used there.’’ (The letter is in the personal papers of Edna True.)
In 1912, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited the Temple site to dedicate the grounds, and after a hole had been dug by representatives of many nations, He had the stone placed inside, and it became the object around which the dedication ceremony revolved.
Mrs. Tobin presented ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with a bouquet of white roses and some grapefruit. He instructed one of His attendants to save the grapefruit seeds to be planted at His home in Haifa, Israel.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá then promised that Mrs. Tobin and her family would be blessed.
Today, when one enters the cornerstone room in the House of Worship and gazes on the unpolished, rough piece of natural rock, he recalls its significance, the greatness of the One Who blessed it by His word and presence, and the faith and effort of the humble soul who was inspired to bring it to that spot for such a unique and remarkable occasion.
February meeting were Auxiliary Board member Mara Khavari and two assistants to the Auxiliary Board, Janot Comeau and Jane Grover.
Issues addressed included the importance of participation by youth; how to use the example set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in teaching and deepening; increasing the diversity of races; and the importance of planning.
Needed are people of all ages and backgrounds to help set Portland and its area ‘‘aglow with the fire of His love.”
For more details, write to the Northern Lights Teaching Project c/o Barbara Vaillancourt, C-8 Deering Pines,
Portland, ME 04103 (phone 207-797-6354).
Devotions
from page 13
form as a soloist at the devotional services, either as a singer or chanter, may send or bring an audio demo tape to Donna Kime, Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette, IL 60091.
You may also participate as a reader. If you wish to serve for these or other programs, or as a host or hostess, please phone David Rodriguez, 312-256-4400.
Some of the goals of the Interfaith Devotional Services for the coming year are:
(1) To continue to offer the program on an ongoing basis.
(2) To make new friends, both Baha’i and non-Baha’i.
(3) To prepare the way for declarations to the Faith.
(4) To involve at least 36 new churches and synagogues and their congregations and choirs.
(5) To draw at least 20,000 new visitors to the Sunday services.
“The response has been wonderful,”” says Mr. Jeffers in summing up the success of the program, ‘‘and many people of different faiths and races have come together during the past few months to help advance the cause of unity and world peace.”
—Larry Brittan
The Fund Is the Life-Blood of the Faith
National Baha’i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091
I MOVING? ! TELL US YOUR I NEW ADDRESS
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This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.
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1 B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: CC—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description P.O. Box or other Mailing Address | City State Zip City State Zip I D—NEW COMMUNITY: I Name of new Baha'i community Moving date
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Gregory Award presented to local NAACP leader
RACE UNITY
On February 1, during a program celebrating Black History Month, the Spiritual Assemblies of Cortlandt and Peekskill, New York, presented the 1987 Louis Gregory Race Unity Award to Mrs. Cleopatra Jones of Montrose, past president of the local chapter of the NAACP.
In presenting the award, Dr. Eugene Andrews, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Cortlandt, noted her dedication to equal rights and racial harmony.
Among those present to honor Mrs. Jones were U.S. Congressman Hamilton Fish Jr.; Richard Jackson, the mayor of Peekskil Town Supervisor Charles DiGiacomo; Marvin Church, president of the NAACP chapter, and many friends, relatives and well-wishers.
An address entitled “‘The True Oneness of Mankind’’ was given by Connie Leavitt, a Baha’i who is a clinical associate at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
- yet Eugene Andrews, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Cortlandt, New York, presents the 1987 Louis Gregory Race Unity Award to Mrs. Cleopatra Jones of Mont
Butler.
Mrs. Cordelia Greer of Peekskill sang two selections accompanied by pianist Alice Lowery of Crugers.
rose, past president of the local chapter of the NAACP. The award was presented February 1 during a program honoring Black History Month,
A special performance honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was given by the Black Culture Club at Peekskill High School directed by Mrs. Carlos �
