The American Bahá’í/Volume 19/Issue 1/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 19, Issue 1

An aerial view of the Green Acre

Bahá’í School property in Eliot,

Green Acre begins opening phase of restoration project

The National Spiritual Assembly, while meeting at the Green Acre Baha’i School in October 1986, joined the Green Acre Council in announcing plans to completely restore this historic national institution as a goal of the Six Year Plan.

After a year of intensive investigation and planning, the Sarah Farmer Inn was chosen as the first phase toward meeting that goal.

The National Assembly has entrusted the Baha’is of the Northeastern states with the responsibility of raising funds for the restoration. The projected cost of $1.1 million is needed by September 30, 1988, to meet the construction schedule of completion by July 1989, the 100th anniversary of the Inn.

Sarah Farmer Inn, in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá slept, overlooks the picturesque Piscataqua River in southeastern Maine and has been the hub of activity for the oldest Baha’i school in North America and the only such school visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

“In the summer of 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spent a week at Green Acre inspiring the friends to renewed activities. No one in attendance can forget the meeting on beautiful Mount Salvat, when the Master dedicated this spot to be the center of a great university with a universal house of worship. In a Tablet, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá further sent encouragement by stating: ‘If one looks for praiseworthy results and wishes to produce eternal effects, let him make exceeding effort, in order that Green Acre may become an assemblage for the Word of God and a gathering place for the spiritual ones of the heavenly world.’ ”’ (The Bahá’í World, Vol. VU, p. 56)

See RESTORATION page 8

‘Maine, showing the Sarah Farmer Inn (large white building) and

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

other structures. In the background is the Piscataqua River.

Beloved Friends,

have readily agreed to.

Universal House of Justice accepts resignations of two of its members

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

In view of the steadily increasing burden of work resting upon the members of the Universal House of Justice, which will undoubtedly grow still heavier during the years immediately ahead, Mr. David Hofman and Mr. Borrah Kavelin, after prayerful consideration as to the best interests of the Cause of God, have, in light of their advanced ages, requested permission to relinquish their membership on this body in accordance with Article V.2.(c) of the Constitution of the Universal House of Justice.

The House of Justice has regretfully accepted the resignation of these beloved members, who have rendered a quarter of a century of continuous and highly-valued service in the Holy Land. They will thus be able to continue their services to the Cause of God free from the inexorable pressure of work at the World Center. Since, however, the next international election is so near, we have requested them to remain in office until that time, and this they

With loving Baha’i greetings, The Universal House of Justice

November 17, 1987

erican Baha’i

Volume 19, No. 1

January 1988

‘Spiritual Conquest of City of Angels’ aim of grassroots L.A. teaching effort

The ‘‘Spiritual Conquest of the City of the Angels’? began last August in Los Angeles.

The goal of the widespread campaign is to increase enrollments within the minority groups mentioned in the Six Year Plan for the U.S. Baha’i community.

Having started as a grassroots effort within the community, it is well on its way toward becoming an outstanding success.

A teaching plan devised by the Los Angeles Teaching and Public Relations Committees was readily adopted by individual Baha’is who volunteered to serve on four task forces to teach Hispanics, Asians, blacks and American Indians.

Another task force arose to teach university students.

Although the membership of task forces is diverse, each is composed primarily of Bahá’ís from the minority group it is focusing on (i.¢., there are mostly Hispanic Baha’is on the task force to reach Hispanics, and so on).

Since the campaign began there have been declarations from among all five minority groups.

The teaching plan emphasizes the role of the individual. A program called ‘‘Fireside Fever,”’ in which Baha’ is are asked to visualize telling someone about the Faith each day and to pray for such encounters, has inspired a

National Assembly opens D.C. office, marks Human Rights Day with reception

On December 10, the National Spiritual Assembly hosted a reception at the International Club in Washington, D.C., in recognition of Human Rights Day and the opening of its new Washington office.

Among those present were Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and its secretary, Dr. Robert Henderson.

Also attending was Dr. Wilma

Brady, administrator-general of the Baha’i International Community’s office in New York City.

The Hon. Richard Schifter, Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, spoke on human rights and the persecution of Baha’is in Iran.

About 100 guests were at the reception including members of Congress and their staffs, dignitaries and media representatives. (See photograph on page 4.)

large number of firesides throughout the city.

Communities in the area around Los Angeles have also become involved in the campaign— many of the task force members are from these communities.

The friends are encouraged to pray each day for the success of the campaign and to bring new believers with them to Feasts, firesides and other Baha’ activities.

The new Baha’is are also involved in teaching, and are invited to speak at cross-cultural firesides held every Saturday evening at the Baha’i Center in Los Angeles.

These programs begin with a potluck and entertainment, after which those present break into groups for firesides, deepenings or children’s classes.

On the first Saturday, 80 people came to the meeting. Attendance rose steadily until, on the fourth Saturday, the number attending was more than 200.

Task forces use various teach Many voices are raised in song during a cross-cultural evening held in November at the Bahá’í

ing methods. Those on the black task force, for example, rely heavily on prayer; the members phone each other every morning at 5:30 to pray together.

Center in Los Angeles as a part of the ‘Spiritual Conquest of the City of the Angels’ campaign.

Meanwhile, the Asian task force has helped one of its members to acquire a rented house in the heart of Chinatown where

See LOS ANGELES page 10

UN expresses ‘grave concern’ about rights violations in Iran

On December 7, the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution that expresses its “grave concern’’ over allegations of continued human rights violations in Iran.

The measure, which was passed by a vote of 64-22, mentions specifically Iran’s persecution of Baha’is and calls for a continued investigation of the human rights situation in Iran.

The Baha’i International Community was quick to praise the General Assembly for its action.

“This makes clear that the world community refuses to accept the Iranian government’s ongoing persecution of the Baha’is,”” said Paul Ojermark, a Bahá’í representative at the United Nations. “‘It will be a great comfort to the

Noticias y reportes en Espanol en la pagina 28

Baha’is in Iran to know that they have not been forgotten.”

Such international support, he said, “is the only means of security for the 300,000 Baha’fs in Iran.

“Persecuted solely for their religious beliefs, the Baha’is are treated as ‘non-persons’ by the Iranian government and have no protection under that country’s constitution, an open door to genocide.””

Resolutions such as this one, said Mr. Ojermark, “‘tell the Iranjan government that it cannot

National Assemblies from 18 countries confer in Germany

The Universal House of Justice called a meeting November 26-28 for representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada, the U.S. and 16 European countries.

The meeting was held in Langenhain, Germany, site of the European Baha’i House of Worship.

The House of Justice was represented by one of its members, Glenford E. Mitchell. The chairman of the meeting was Counselor Wilma Brady, administrator-general of the Baha’i International Community’s New York offices.

Two members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary, and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman, attended with representa

See RESOLUTION page 8

See CONFERENCE page 2 �[Page 2]2 / The American Baha’i / January 1988

John Walbridge named editor of Baha’i Encyclopedia project

The National Spiritual Assembly has hired Dr. John Walbridge of Dearborn, Michigan, as fulltime editor of A Short Encyclopedia of the Bahá’í Faith.

Dr. Walbridge has served as part-time editor of the Encyclopedia since 1984.

“The Encyclopedia is an American goal of the Six Year Plan,” says Terrill Hayes, who is a member of the Encyclopedia’s editorial board and its liaison with the National Center, ‘“‘and was begun with the approval of the Universal House of Justice.

“Much of the last three years,”” he says, ‘‘have been spent planning the Encyclopedia. We expect to have about 8,000 articles on all aspects of the Baha’i Faith.

“The Encyclopedia will have articles on Baha’i history, literature, and teachings, as well as on the Baha’i communities of countries, peoples and important cities around the world. The variety of material we’ve already compiled is fascinating.”

The Encyclopedia, says Mr. Hayes, will be published in three volumes of more than 500 pages each. The first volume is still several years away.

“It’s designed to serve a wide variety of purposes,”” he says. “Scholarship, deepening, practical reference for Baha’i institutions, journalism and so on.

“Another practical benefit to Western readers is that it will give

Conference

from page 1

tives of the Baha’i International Community’s offices in New York and Geneva, Switzerland.

Discussion and consultation took place on the relationship of National Spiritual Assemblies to their governments.

The excitement of the meeting was heightened by the news that the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly had passed a resolution condemning human rights violations in Iran which included mention of the situation of Baha’is in that country. The meeting resulted in a greater sense of the Baha’i world community, and in the future will undoubtedly bring about closer cooperation among the various National Assemblies.

Make an investment in your future: go on a year of service.

Many Youth Year of Service opportunities are available in Taiwan; the National Spiritual Assembly there needs young people to help consolidate the hundreds of new believers.

For information, phone the National Youth Committee, 312-869-9039, or write c/o the Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

access to a great deal of Iranian Baha’i scholarship that had previously only been available to those who could read Persian.’’

Mr. Hayes says the editorial board expects to supplement the present appropriation with funds raised specifically for the Encyclopedia and that a fund-raising plan has been submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly.

The editorial board, appointed by the National Assembly is responsible for producing the Encyclopedia.

Its members are Professor Firuz Kazemzadeh; Professor Heshmat Moayyad; Professor Will C. van den Hoonaard (the Encyclopedia’s social science editor); Mr. Hayes and Dr. Betty J. Fisher of the Baha’i Publishing Trust; Dr. Vahid Rafati, and Dr. Walbridge.

The Encyclopedia will be published by the Baha’i Publishing Trust.

Correspondence should be addressed to Dr. John Walbridge, Baha’i Encyclopedia Project, 1830 N. York Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48128.

On October 19, at a ceremony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, India, was presented one of the world’s top awards for religious architecture, the First Honor Award of the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture (IFRAA), the official religious buildings affiliate of the American

Institute of Architects. A fivemember jury of religious building advisers and architects made the selection from among 57 entries, commenting that the Temple in New Delhi ‘exemplifies care beyond the normal standards in completeness of context, site design, form and materials expression, circulation and design fur nishings.’ Accepting the award JSrom Jack G. Pecsok (right), a member of the IFRAA’s board of directors, is Fariburz Sahba, architect of the New Delhi House of Worship. About 80 architects and designers attended the award ceremony, at which slides of the House of Worship were shown.

Political stance must be grounded in Writings

ag VIEWPOINT

Iran’s government is killing Bahá’ís on the pretext that our Faith is “‘political””—a charge denied by that country’s dissolved National Spiritual Assembly and the persecuted Baha’ defendants.

Against this background, I was dismayed to read in The American Bahá’í (August) a letter debunking the ‘‘myth”’ that ‘the Baha’ Faith is not political.’’

I believe that such statements, however well-meant, are naive and dangerous. In the wrong hands, they could easily be misused as evidence against the Iranian friends.

They are also highly misleading. It was the Guardian, Shoghi E fendi, who stressed the ‘‘nonpolitical character’’ of our institutions (The Priceless Pearl, p. 365), who said we must ‘‘shun politics like the plague,’’ as it is ‘‘infinitely dangerous”’ to the Cause, and that we must practice “‘non-acceptance of political posts, non-identification with political parties, nonparticipation in political controversies, and non-membership in political organizations.’’ (Lights of Guidance, pp. 329-331)

What the letter-writer meant, I suppose, is that the Faith is ‘‘political” in the sense of being concerned with the art and science of government, or in some other extremely broad sense.

But this was nowhere explained; no context was provided.

Be that as it may, the statement

the U.S.A.

The American Baha’ (USPS 042-430) is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’(s of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 0091. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahd’! National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Laura E. Hildreth. The American Bahd’{ welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright © 1988 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in

that the Faith is not political is true in its intended meaning: we do not join political parties, attempt to overthrow established governments, or take part in campaigns for elective office.

This last point—that we stay out of political campaigns—has been obscured in recent publications.

In the book Circle of Unity, Anthony Lee states that as long as we do not join parties, ‘‘Baha’is may ... run for office, as many do each year, usually as judges, members of boards of education, city planners, and the like.’’ (p. xv)

If Baha’ is are mounting election campaigns for such offices—even as political independents—it is news to me. It seems clear that this would violate the prohibition against accepting political posts— a prohibition that has never, to my knowledge, been rescinded by the Universal House of Justice.

In a column in The American Bahá’í (September 1987), Mr. Lee says that ‘‘the present Baha’i principle of non-participation in politics must be regarded as a temporary strategy’? that was ‘‘never elevated to the status of sacred principle by any of the heads of the Faith.”’

I believe he has overlooked the fact that in our own elections we do not have candidates or campaigns—not because of some passing expediency, but because such tactics are inherently divisive and destructive.

“I feel,”’ the Guardian writes in Lights of Guidance (p. 9), ‘“‘that references to personalities before the election would give rise to misunderstandings and differences.

“It is not permissible,’ he further explains, ‘‘to make any reference whatsoever to individual names. The friends must avoid the evil methods and detestable practices of the politicians.

“Baha'i elections,’ he says, “*\ are... sanctified from all traces of canvassing and plotting that characterize the activities of

This month’s column, “‘Politics in Perspective,’’ was written by Gary L. Matthews of Knoxville, Tennessee.

the perfidious.””

Canvassing, according to my dictionary, means to go about seeking votes. I fail to see how such behavior can be wrong in our own administrative conduct, yet be acceptable in our relations with the outside world.

Mr. Lee asks us to imagine a situation in which 90 per cent of the people of a country or city have become Baha’is. ‘‘Would Bahda’is then not serve in the legislature, and indeed in all branches of government?” he asks.

My guess is that by that time the populace, by majority choice, would have adopted the Baha’i Administrative Order—or something patterned after it—as its instrument of government.

In such a society there would be no nominees or campaigns; elections would be much freer and more broadly based since any adult community member would be eligible to vote or be voted for.

Even if a society were only half Baha’i, or slightly less, public opinion might well bring reforms eliminating the need for political campaigns. Bahá’ís could then occupy posts that are off limits to them today.

What would have changed, however, is not our political stance but society itself. Speaking, of the ‘‘pernicious methods, such as intrigues, party politics and propaganda’’ used in western elections, the Guardian wrote: ‘‘The friends should ... abolish these evil practices, not imitate them.” (Lights of Guidance, p. 9)

It may be argued that advocating political reform is itself a political act. In a certain paradoxical way, it is. But the point is that we cannot do this while using ‘‘evil,”” “detestable,” ‘‘perfidiou: “‘pernicious’’ methods—the very ones we seek to reform!

The exclusion of such methods is at the heart of our non-political outlook. This leaves many avenues open: we can make our views known to elected officials, work with them to promote social and economic development, and praise their humanitarian acts.

We cannot, however, take sides in their election battles and institutional power struggles. This distinction is difficult to maintain, but not impossible.

We walk the same tightrope in joining outside groups. Shoghi Effendi, from the earliest days of his Guardianship, encouraged the friends to work with progressive movements while retaining political detachment.

The distinction is subtle but real: we can be active in, say, a teachers’ group without contributing to its political action committee. We can support peace rallies without joining the partisan bickering we may find there.

As Mr. Lee’s column indicates, these are not easy issues to sort out. It is also true, as he says, that “the application of our non-political posture has varied with time and place in Baha’( history.”

His examples illustrate how political withdrawal was imposed in stages, with increasing strictness, in both East and West. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian did not always require it in the beginning.

Yet this hardly makes it a ‘“‘temporary strategy’’ to be discarded as the community grows. After all, the same style of gradual implementation is being applied to Huququ’llah and other fundamental laws.

I differ strenuously with Mr. Lee’s suggestion that the non-political policies of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian are outmoded now that the Cause has emerged from obscurity.

Shoghi Effendi himself clearly rejected this interpretation. As early as 1932, in warning the friends to ‘‘avoid the entangle See VIEWPOINT page 31 �[Page 3]

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 provide ‘spark’

To the Editor:

In these, the closing years of a century the Master referred to as the ‘‘glorious century,”’ the American Bahd’{ community has the unique opportunity to set in motion the machinery that will set the foundation of the Lesser Peace.

In so doing, our community can lead the world on its long journey toward the Most Great Peace.

Our House of Worship, the Mother Temple of the West, the oldest existing Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, was built by the contributions of the Blessed Beauty’s followers all over the world.

Baha’is from the poorest areas of Asia, Africa and Europe gladly gave of what little they had so that the West could be opened to the unifying Message of Baha’u’ll4h.

Now the World Center needs funds to complete the Arc, whose completion must precede the establishment of the Lesser Peace. For the American community, the task of raising the funds for so glorious a project should be quite easy if we make the necessary sacTifices. ©

Couldn’t we each find an area where extra money could be raised or saved and devote that money specifically to the’ completion of the Arc?

Those funds could be collected in a manner similar to that of the regular funds and its total dedicated to the ‘‘upraising of the standard of humanity’’ and the establishment of the Lesser Peace.

Our upcoming national elections give us another chance to contribute to mankind’s maturation. By petitioning the candidates of all political Parties we can, ina

non-partisan way, raise issues that Baha’u’llah has taught us are necessary in the quest for peace: the establishment of an auxiliary language, the equality of the sexes, the need for racial harmony, and the oneness of religion.

Our spark must ignite the old, dried and withered world and set it aflame with the love of Baha’u’ll4h so that from the fire of change the new World Order may be forged by the Divine Hand.

The American community is in the best position to provide that spark, for we have both the means and the numbers to accomplish the task.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá called us the “apostles of Bahd’u’ll4h.”” Can the apostles of the Abhd Beauty continue to cower in the upper room, as did the apostles of the

Spirit of God, or, like those same apostles, are we to go forth and give to mankind the Divine Nourishment it so desperately craves?

Let us arise and serve the Cause of our Beloved in a fitting manner.

Michael Dutton Indianapolis, Indiana ‘Describing’ people To the Editor:

Recently, at a gathering of about 60 Baha’is, we heard something three times that upset us terribly.

It isn’t anything new; we hear it almost every day in this country. However, it is important that we Baha’iis develop the consciousness, the awareness, the sensitivity and the understanding of this

problem.

A composite of what we heard went like this: ‘Do you know —_____? Well, he’s the black

man ...””

Obviously, some ‘‘handle’’ is necessary to remember people, but the color of one’s skin is not, we believe, an accurate description of a human being.

Skin color, occupation, nationality, even one’s home town can carry a negative connotation and contribute, however unconsciously, to prejudice.

We Bahá’ís will have to think carefully about what we say when describing someone who happens to have a different skin color than our own. How would we have described that person if he or she were not ‘‘different’”?

Instead of using artificial and incorrect labels, how about consulting the Writings? What did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá use as descriptive language? How did the Guardian refer to people?

Baha’u’ll4h has given us extensive attributes by which to ‘‘label’” one another for mnemonic purposes. He also tells us to move beyond labels, to know and love one another as He created us to be.

” Richard and Cheryll McCarty Morro Bay, California

All must follow laws of God

To the Editor:

Regarding Huququ’llah and the belief that certain of God’s laws are binding on Persian Baha’is and not on Americans: I do not think that God discriminates among His people according to national origin.

I believe that whenever God’s laws appear, He expects all people to know and follow them as well as they can. There are people of differing capacity everywhere regardless of man-made borders.

Farrokh Sabeti Dearborn, Michigan

More about our ‘image’ To the Editor:

I wish to respond to a letter that urged American Baha’is to be circumspect concerning the image we project, and to the necessity of taking care in how others see us.

I can’t argue against this, but wish to make one distinction. I feel that a believer may adhere fundamentally to the practices and beliefs of the Faith and even present a perfectly acceptable image, but then be indistinguishable from the images that dynamic and successful people from many paths project.

However, we who are Baha’is have the opportunity and guidance to develop a unique spirit of faith that radiates warmth and love. It is a process of growing

from a fundamental-intellectual practice of the Faith as a religion to a deep and abiding emotional relationship between the individual and God.

The effect of this relationship and the ensuing changes in one’s life can make a Baha’i quite distinguishable from the rest of the world.

For many of us, conversion to the Faith was a result of realizing that our most ideal humanly achieved values were dwarfed by the divine guidance of the Baha’i Faith, and so we entered, children of the half-light, with our cultural/intellectual baggage.

The true emotional experience of faith is foreign to us, and we seek to emulate something for which there is no cultural reference. We are intellectuals, dysfunctional in our emotions, only experiencing joy, peace and love as limitedly as the non-believers we once were, but now fascinated and attracted.

This is not surprising, as it is becoming increasingly apparent that the society in which we live is almost totally dysfunctional emotionally, with one source of clear evidence being the steadily growing numbers of addictive disorders. This represents a growing need for love, acceptance and a clearly defined spiritual reality.

That is one reason why the proper image alone is not enough in fact, it is more likely that if the spirit of faith and love are strongly present, even an objectionable image may not be a hindrance.

It would be quite a task indeed to decide what is objectionable to whom, and an even greater one to have to please many.

In ending, it is my fervent prayer that the gnats of intellectual thought may become the eagles of the spirit of faith as we go about the process of learning to know and love ourselves and then others.

C. Jay Cardwell Shreveport, Louisiana

. To the Editor:

I feel impelled to comment on a letter (September) headed ‘‘Our image is important.’’

While I agree with the writer that we must follow the admoni The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 3

tions in the Writings regarding the spiritual quality of our appearance and behavior, his emphasis on ‘‘image”’ seems antithetical to the very spirit of those admonitions.

This concern with an external “image’’ places the emphasis of “living the life’? on the material rather than spiritual aspects of that life. All scripture stresses that the spiritual is our reality, the physical merely a shadow of it.

Furthermore, the writer suggests that we cut the pattern for our image not from our own individual investigation of the clear guidelines of the Faith, but from the minds of people who don’t necessarily share our values.

This comes perilously close to being a “plaything of the ignorant,”’ against which Baha’u’ll4h specifically warns us in the Glad Tidings.

One of our cherished values is unity in diversity. In this context, consider the Church of LatterDay Saints. Its missionaries are immediately recognizable as being religious people, but it’s also immediately recognizable that their religion does not encourage diversity, let alone value it.

We must ask: If we are to meet the expectations of non-Baha’is as to how a “‘religious’’ person looks or behaves, whose expectations do we meet?

Some people don’t expect a religious woman to be a working mother, or play (or listen to) rock music, or write (or read) science fiction. Do I give up my job and my pursuits and don ‘‘feminine’” pastels so the Faith I profess will seem acceptable from their narrow viewpoint?

Another sector equates religious purity with seclusion and poverty. Do I give up my house, my job and my ‘‘mod’’ clothing and take to wearing worn cast-off clothing because they think it’s spiritual to do so?

And how do I determine their expectations? Do I take a poll, then build an image from their collective responses, or should I become a chameleon?

I believe the goal of every Baha’i should be to live up to God’s expectations. In the World Order of Baha’u’llah, religious devotion wears many faces and a myriad of

images. That is part of the beauty of our Faith—it does not call for outward conformity to a manmade form, but rather inward conformity to the Divine Image.

Contrary to what the writer implies, if a person is full of the spirit of God, it is immediately recognizable to those with spiritual sight, and as to those without it, no amount of “‘window dressing” will make one iota of difference.

I believe that if we allow ourselves to be dictated to by the “standards current amongst men’? we will become the victims of an insidious form of prejudice. Worse than that, we will be willing victims! That will not promote God’s Cause; it will cripple it.

We will never draw the world’s attention to the beauty of the Faith of Baha’ u’llah if we clothe it in colors the world is accustomed to. It will simply blend in.

But if our souls are filled with the Light of God, and His Law is written on our hearts, then our own individual colors—vivid, pure and radiant in their diversity—colors such as the world has never before seen, will create an image that is true to self, attractive to men and women of spirit, and pleasing to God.

Maya K. Bohnhoff Grass Valley, California

To the Editor: i

The letter about the ‘“Baha’i image’”’ (September) is a typical example of a well-meant but unfortunate interpretation of the Baha’i writings to suit one’s personal views.

If we ‘“‘cook up” an image to show the outside world, we are not only hypocritical but doomed to discovery when the seeker becomes a believer and sees us revealed with all our human flaws. The image we present should be a tealistic reflection of our inner selves.

But because of the diversity of the Baha’js, there is no one image that will do. There are certain basics we stive for—cleanliness, good manners, and so on. But even these have varying standards.

Some people feel that one or two baths a week are normal, while others require a shower each

See LETTERS page 16

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�[Page 4]4/ The American Baha’i / January 1988

STORIES OF THE MARTYRS

BADI’U’LLAH FARID

Badi’u’llah Farid ranked among the best-loved and most respected scholars in the Iranian Baha’i community.

He was born into a Baha’i family in Shiráz in 1928, spent his youth in that same city and, after graduating from high school, moved to Tehran where he was employed by the Department of Education.

While working for the government, Mr. Farid attended the Law School of the University of Tehran, earning a B.A. degree. Afterward, he obtained a master’s degree in management.

As an employee of the Department of Education, he taught in schools, served as a superintendent, and, later on, became an adviser to the Ministry of Education.

As to his Baha’i activities, Mr. Farid used to give firesides and conduct numerous classes on the Holy Writings such as the Kitdb-iAqdas.

Since his knowledge of the Faith was profound, he served on the National Reviewing Committee and the National Committee of Research.

He was instrumental in founding the Institute of Baha’i Studies, the formation of which was one of the goals of the Five Year Plan established for the Baha’i community of Iran by the Universal House of Justice.

Mr. Farid also served on local Spiritual Assemblies and, shortly before the Revolution of 1979, was elected to the Spiritual Assembly of Tehran.

In his youth he had been a student of the erudite Baha’ scholar, Jinab-i-Fáḍil Mazandaréni, whom he admired and loved deeply. Jindb-i Fáḍil had written many books but only one of them was published during his lifetime.

It was Mr. Farid who, after the passing of Jindb-i Fáḍil, took it upon himself to work painstakingly to publish some of the remaining works of that unique scholar of the Faith.

Many of the enemies of the Faith in Iran knew Mr. Farid long before the Revolution swept that country in 1979.

They were well aware of the depth of his knowledge of Islam; they knew that he taught the Baha’is—youth and university students in particular—about the Writings of the Faith. They considered this a threat to themselves.

After the Revolution, several

See MARTYR page 17

Ambassador Richard Schifter (center), Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, greets Dr. Victor de Araujo, UN Representative of the Bahá’í International Community, during a Human Rights Day reception December 10 at the International Club in Washington, D.C. The reception was sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, one of whose members, vice-chairman Firuz Kazemzadeh, is standing next to Ambassador Schifter. Also present were Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Dr. Wilma Brady, administrator-general of the Bahd’ International Community’s New York office. Among the 100 or so guests were two members of Congress, Reps. Jim Leach of Towa and John Porter of Illinois, congressional staff, State Department officials, dignitaries and media representatives. (Story on page 1)

linois.

National Convention seating limited

The 79th Baha’i National Convention will be held May 19-22 in Foundation Hall at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Il After the seating of the delegates, less than 200 seats are available for friends who may wish to observe the proceedings.

Seats for visitors are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. To request seating reservations, please send your name, address and Bahá’í I.D. number to Convention Seating, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 by March 15. Seating is available by advance reservation only.

Look for information about hotel accommodations in the February issue of The American Bahá’í.

Day-long conference sets teaching plans for coming year in Alabama, NW Florida

In an historic meeting on October 25, the District Teaching Committees of Northern Alabama and Southern Alabama/Northwest Florida met with the Alabama Schools Committee to coordinate regional activities.

The group set in motion plans for a one-day institute that was held December 5 in the masstaught area of Union Springs,

Alabama.

It also laid plans for a statewide Conference on Growth patterned after the national conference held last September in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

The Alabama Conference on Growth, a one-day event, is to be held in April in a mass-taught area with a Unity Feast in the evening for local believers.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY =F Mi 1h

The Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs for Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, has begun a bus card campaign in the metro area. Forty cards such as this one were placed

Ly bed}

through the DART system in Dallas, traveling also to suburban cities, and 30 in the Fort Worth area. Fund-raising efforts for the

campaign are continuing with the hope that at least 20 cards can be kept running on the buses for as long as possible.

Decatur, Illinois, holds fifth annual American Education Week banquet

The fifth annual American Education Week banquet sponsored by the Baha’i community of Decatur, Illinois, was held November 14.

Fifty people, 35 of whom were not Bahd’js, attended the event, which was intended to attract those who would not ordinarily attend an informal Baha’i event, thus fulfilling the community’s goal to reach people from “‘all strata of society.””

Among those present were prominent members of the black and Jewish communities in Decatur including the local rabbi.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Jeanelle Norman, a college professor

and president of the Board of Education of Decatur, addressed the topic “Eliminating Prejudice: The Role of Education.””

The master of ceremonies was Alvin Deibert, a Baha’i from Alton, Illinois, who is the author of the children’s book, B.J. and the Language of the Woodland.

Entertainment was provided by a local high school drama group.

By obtaining permission to send invitations to teachers and administrators using the school system’s internal mail, the Baha’i community was able to reach all educators in the district without any cost to the community.

Singles weekend set

“Single, Alone and Growing,” a weekend for singles February 12-14 at the Bosch Baha’i School, will feature workshops led by Lisa Janti of North Hollywood, California.

Note to producers of items for sale

Notice to all Bahá’í artists, musicians and others who are producing items for distribution and sale which represent the Bahá’í Faith:

The Special Materials Reviewing Committee urges all Bahá’ís who are producing or planning to produce items for sale and/or distribution and which represent the Faith to submit their plans to the committee before investing time or money in printing or production.

The committee advises the friends that Shoghi Effendi instructed them not to reproduce likenesses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for distribution or purchase, saying, ‘‘... they should confine themselves to His photographs, as these are, of course, a much more perfect likeness of Him.’”

The committee would also like to point out that the Baha’i Directory is not to be used by the friends for mailing private advertising materials, as it is for Baha’i administrative use only.

information about the Faith.

Thanks to those who wrote Congress

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to thank all of the local Spiritual Assemblies that responded to the National Assembly’s requests to inform their congressmen about the situation of the Iranian Baha’is or to thank those congressman who have spoken out in defense of our persecuted co-religionists.

The National Assembly sends special thanks to the Spiritual Assemblies of Boulder City (Nevada), Cambridge (Massachusetts) and Radnor Township (Pennsylvania) whose letters, at the request of the National Assembly, resulted in their representatives contacting the Office of External Affairs in Washington for more

�[Page 5]

TheNational Raha‘ 9 Fund

Advancing the Faith around the World

bn

Do you have a will?

goals?

312-869-9039. Clip & Mail

To: Yvor E. Stoakley

Office of the Treasurer Baha’i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Preparing Your Will.” Name

Address

City, State, Zip Telephone ( )

Four Simple Questions

Does it include your entire estate?

Does it name every person and favorite charity (including the

Bahda’i Faith) which you would like to benefit?

Have you revised your will to meet your changing needs and

Unless you answered ‘‘yes’’ to each of these questions, you should probably review carefully your needs and goals to determine how a will can best help you achieve them, The complimentary booklet offered below can help you. Send for it or phone Yvor E. Stoakley, Fund Development Director, at

Fund Development Director

Please send me a complimentary copy of ‘“‘A Checklist for

ID No.

HUQUQU’LLAH

“It is indeed a most excellent favor, a boundless grace vouchsafed unto whosoever is privileged in this day to render service to the Cause of God and to offer the Right of God, for its goodly results and the fruits thereof will last as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven will endure. ””—Bahá’u’lláh

Payments for Huqtqu’ll4h should be made to “‘Baha’i Huququ’ll4h Trust’’ and sent to one of the Trustees:

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Tel: 301-589-8481

Dr. Amin Banani

Santa Monica, CA 90402 Tel: 213-394-5449

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH 44116 Tel: 216-333-1506

Inquiries regarding Huqiqu’ll4h should be referred to one of the Trustees or to:

Office of the Secretariat

Baha’i Huqdqu’ll4h Trust

Rocky River, OH 44116

Loan program saves thousands of dollars for National Assembly

The National Spiritual Assembly saves thousands of dollars each year by taking advantage of funds borrowed from local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Baha'is.

Current loans to the National Assembly total almost $1.5 million from 23 local Assemblies and 65 individuals.

The availability of these funds through loans from a relatively small number of Baha’is resulted in a savings of more than $60,000 in fiscal 1986-87 alone.

Grant Kvalheim, an investment banker in the Capital Markets group of Merrill-Lynch and a member of the National Assembly’s Financial Advisory Committee, says the loans are one of the best features of the National Assembly’s cash management strat The program, first announced at the 1974 Baha’i National Convention, gives the National Assembly access to funds at interest rates lower than those charged by commercial financial institutions.

In 1986-87, the National Assembly paid an average of 3.5 per cent interest for these loans while the bank lending rate during that same time period was between 7.5 per cent and 8.5 per cent.

In addition, this alternative source of working capital enables the National Spiritual Assembly to avoid the high cost of leasing and term financing. Often, these loans are either totally or partially forgiven, resulting in an even greater savings to the Faith.

The loan program, says Geoff Wilson, the National Assembly’s controller, is actually quite simple.

The National Assembly asks that the individuals and local Spiritual Assemblies that are interested in helping in this way plan to lend at least $5,000 for a minimum of one year. The interest rate, if any, is negotiated through the Office of the Treasurer.

All loans are on demand so that

lenders may recall them at any time should their circumstances change. Many Bahda’is contact the National Center eager to share their material resources but knowing they will need the funds at a later date for such things as retirement, a college education, a Baha’i Center, or pioneering.

If you or your community would like more information about this loan program, please contact the Office of the Treasurer.

The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 5

Guidance, p. 3)

“Consolidation and deepening must go hand in hand with an eager extension of the teaching work so that the onward march of the Cause may continue unabated in preparation for future plans. Now that the attention of the public is becoming more and more drawn to the Cause of God, the friends must brace themselves and prepare their institutions to sustain the gaze of the world, whether it be friendly or hostile, eager or idle.’’ (First statement from the Universal House of Justice, April 30, 1963, in Wellspring of

Pictured is a typical page from one of the first two volumes of the ‘Spirit of the Roses’ Journal, which were delivered in late Oc tober to the Universal House of Justice on behalf of the U.S, Bahda’t community.

First volumes of ‘Roses’ Journal delivered to House of Justice

In late October, Yvor Stoakley from the National Treasurer’s Office delivered the first two volumes of the ‘‘Spirit of the Roses’’ Journal to the Universal House of Justice.

The ‘‘Spirit of the Roses’’ swept across the country in response to the gift of 189 roses from the Baha’i prisoners in Iran in 1986.

As the spirit spread, it inspired activities and special contributions to the Fund. These gifts of love and sacrifice were documented in the flood of letters, Fund coupons, newspaper articles, photographs, banners, albums and art work that poured into the Baha’i National Center.

The two volumes of the Journal containing these mementos are handsomely bound with covers lettered in gold and a frontispiece (with calligraphy by Michael Hughey of Asheville, North Carolina) embellishing the first two pages of Volume I. The inside pages colorfully display the many documents.

Anne Atkinson, who supervised the assembly of materials for the Journal, was overwhelmed by the number and diversity of the responses:

“We are now working on Volume III,’’ she says, ‘‘and it’s likely that there will be a fourth volume as well.’”

The accounts of innumerable hours of devoted service and selfless devotion brought tears to the eyes of those who looked through these tokens of the American Baha’i community’s love for its fellow Baha’is in Iran.

“The Journals are an eloquent testimony to the love and appreciation of the American believers for the sacrifices of the Iranian friends,”’ says Jaci Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

Bahá’u’lláh said, ‘“‘Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.”” Certainly, the ‘‘Spirit of the Roses’”’ Journals, and the activities they portray, bear witness to the true beauty of the American Baha’i community.

The many faces of the Persian Relief Fund

How often have you asked yourself, ‘‘What can I do to help alleviate the suffering of my brethren in Iran?””

Of course, the greatest tribute we can make for their sacrifice is to dedicate our lives to establishing Baha’u’ll4h’s Cause.

Hopefully, we also more fully appreciate the privileges that they once enjoyed ... the joys of attending Feast or going to work, the gifts of sending our children off to school in the morning, accompanying them to Baha’i school, teaching the Cause, and the precious honor of giving to the Fund.

“*What else can I do?’”’ you may

ask. One channel of assistance may

be unknown to you ... the Persian Relief Fund. It was established after the Islamic Revolution by the Baha’ is of Iran to help those in need.

The Fund is presently administered by the Universal House of Justice and distributed often in the form of loans.

Like all other Funds in the Faith, it is often only words or a name until knowledge or experience gives it a face and feeling.

The faces of the Persian Relief Fund may be the faces of the elderly caught up in turmoil, cut off from all sources of income and in neéd of medicine or housing; or an orphaned student struggling to complete her education; or the faces of a widow and her child.

It may also be the face of a father who has always provided for his family but suddenly finds himself in a new country, unable to speak the language, his professional credentials not recognized in his new home.

He has no money because he could take nothing when he fled with his family from Iran. He must make a living in a new and unfamiliar job, and he still will not accept aid, asking instead that the House of Justice help those in greater need.

It may be the face of a middleaged woman who, having left everyone and everything behind in Iran, must begin a new life alone,

See RELIEF page 21 �[Page 6]* 6/ The American Bahá’í / January 1988

Special bounties unfold for two pioneers to Liberia

Among the highlights of work in the Office of Pioneering are the il letters received from our devoted pioneers all over the world. The following letter from newlyweds Mark and Sue (Ballew) St. Clair of Liberia is so special that we would like to share it with their U.S. Bahá’í family. °

Dear Friends,

Alláh’u’Abha! Greetings from Liberia, where they say the rainy season is about to end, but the present deluge is trying to postpone that for a while.

The coast of Liberia receives more than 200 inches of rain a year, all in six months. Decent rain gear is a definite ‘‘must bring’’ for pioneers.

Baha’is who don’t pioneer don’t know what they are missing. How intimately close one becomes to the Blessed Beauty! How much one learns to depend solely on Him!

Once you get ‘“‘out there,’’ that’s when you begin to really find out Who Baha’u’ lh is. He’s running the whole thing, really.

Yes, there are tests, trials and difficulties, ordeals and, as we say here, you can really ‘‘catch hard time-o.””

But the rewards! The hidden treasures He has in store for us if only we arise!

One of His greatest rewards to us came on July 11 when we were married in Monrovia. We met here at our posts in Liberia; if we hadn’t pioneered, we probably never would have met.

We fully realize that our mar

SOME GREAT MATERIALS available only from the Office of Pioneering A Manual for Pioneers by Rúḥíyyih Rabbani: a must for pioneers and traveling teachers, this practical guide by the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Kh4num covers topics of concern such as health, diet, public speaking, local customs, simple furniture-building, travel hints, Baha’i administration, etc. The book shares many personal experiences gleaned from several trips around the mer $4.50 Quickeners of Mankind: Pioneering in a World Community. This jilation contains quotes from Baha’u’ll4h, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l Baha, Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, and some of the Hands of the Cause of God about pioneering. The quotes are arranged topically and provide an inspirati guide to deepening on the ‘‘most meritorious of deeds.” $1.50 Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook by David Werner. Guidance for home diagnosis and remedies for many health problems encountered in other countries. $7 Preservation of Personal Health in Warm Climates by the Ross Institute of Tropical Hygiene, England. This health-care manual concentrates on those ailments and health concerns common to tropical climates and provides specific information about innocura skin diseases, travel and camping preparations, and more. CASSETTES Pioneer by Joany Lincoln. She has recorded in French and English many popular songs about service to Baha’u’ll4h including the ‘‘Persian Pioneer Song”’ and ‘‘Strong Brilliant Sunshine.”’ $6 PERIODICALS Pioneer Post, a quarterly newsletter compiled by the Office of Pioneering from letters and reports from U.S. pioneers in more than 100 countries. Previously provided only to pioneers, the publication, full of heartwarming stories, practical advice and moving accounts of pioneers’ spiritual growth while serving Baha’u’ll4h, is now available to the entire Bahá’í community. $4/year

NOTE: All prices include postage. Please make checks or money orders payable to “‘Baha’i Services Fund’”’ earmarked “OP: Books.’’ Send your order and payment to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

Fifteen prospective pioneers including one who is planning an ii

ternational Year of Service attended a Pioneer Training Institute held October 29-November 1 at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois. Destinations in

1 i clude Jamaica, Venda, Brazil and Puerto Rico. Highlights of the program included talks by visiting pioneers Charles and Helen Hornby of Ecuador and Lowell Johnson of South Africa.

riage, our family, was born out of pioneering for His Cause; we will be a pioneering family for the rest of our lives. A small token for the bounties He has rained upon us.

Sue has been in Liberia for nearly six years. Much has happened in that time, to say the least: financial difficulties at first, then at the 11th hour a fine job and financial security; the development of the Baha’i community of Seneweh; election to the National Spiritual Assembly; now marriage ... . what next?

She is of course quite excited about attending the International Convention in April. A great bounty!

The area of Liberia in which she works is inhabited mainly by the Krahn tribe, much disliked by other Liberians because of their backwardness, mean disposition and often barbarous acts (some Krahn still practice cannibalism).

Proof positive that Baha’u’ll4h can indeed change the hearts and souls of mankind, no matter what condition they are in, is the community of Seneweh, which has about 175 residents.

After four years of constant nurturing, love and support, this ilies: Dow bas more than 100 Ba ‘Seneweh has deepenings twice a week, holds regular Assembly meetings and weekly children’s classes, maintains its own Baha’i Fund, sends out traveling teachers, has withstood opposition from ministers sent to stop the Faith, and has its own Baha’i community farm (in addition to personal farms) to sell crops and give the money to the Fund.

They do all this by themselves. They make their own decisions based on their own consultation and knowledge of the Writings. They have become a loving community, a helping community, a strong community of Bahá’ís.

So what’s the secret behind this? Sue says the secret, magic formula is ... LOVE! Four years of love, support, perseverance and patience.

Everything, she says, boils down to the twin duties: tell the people that Baha’u’ll4h has come, and tell them what His station is.

They then have the choice to accept Him or not. If they do, then they must obey Him. Once they have the knowledge, they must make the decisions.

Give them the knowledge, then give them a lot of room to make decisions. This is important: never make the decisions for others.

Sue visited Seneweh about every two weeks for a long time, then the visits became less frequent. Now they ask her to come once in a while to visit (they call her ‘‘sister’).

A key is becoming one of the community, but at the same time not letting the intimacy detract from respect for the institutions of the Faith.

Sue makes sure she is never present when the Assembly makes a decision. She will help in consultation if asked, but the decision must always be theirs.

Now, after consultation, they even ask her to leave so they can consult further and make a decision!

Mark works as program coordinator of Africa’s first Baha’i radio station, Radio Bahá’í-Liberia.

In late October last year there

Newlyweds Sue and Mark St. Clair who met and married last

were no towers, no programs, no spots, no scripts, barely any music; only some of the equipment hooked up, a staff of Liberian youth who had received fairly good but sporadic training, and a handful of tapes.

‘When the station went on the air, less than three months later, it featured four hours per day of African traditional and African popular music, more than 100 re minutes per week of agricultural news, 15 minutes per week of health-related programming, 10 minutes per day of Baha’i devotions, an innovative half-hour weekly visit to one of Liberia’s markets, regular broadcasts of Feasts, more than 50 spots on health, nutrition and agriculture, and a staff that sounds far more professional than its training would indicate.

No one can take credit for this except Baha’u’llah.

Radio Bahá’í is now on the air six hours a day, broadcasting material in 17 languages, adding another farming program, a 15-minute weekly teaching program, and getting even more new programs ready for broadcast.

Four new Baha’i programs are now in production, and the station could be on the air 10 hours per day by the time its first anniversary comes around.

People are simply amazed by Radio Bahá’í. Broadcasting at 5,000 watts, it reaches about 90 per cent of Liberia, all the way to Freetown in Sierra Leone, much of Ivory Coast, up into Central Guinea, and confirmed reception reports have even come from Accra, Ghana.

No other station in the country, even those broadcasting at a higher output, can reach as far as Radio Baha’i. The secret? Well, it’s been said that the station broadcasts in ‘‘Abhd-watts’’!

The impact has been tremendous. We simply cannot keep enough Baha’i literature in the country, public demand has been so great. When the staff goes out to record, they are mobbed with requests for literature and information about the Faith.

While Radio Baha’i has from the outset boldly proclaimed the Faith, people can’t seem to get enough. Some have walked miles to the station to get us to tell them more.

There have been countless declarations at the station, and demands from listeners for more Ba‘ha’t pre ing.

The station is different from its

Teche Bi ani

sister stations, not only because it is the first in Africa but also because of factors such as its international reach, the great ethniclinguistic-cultural diversity of its audience (at least 16 languages are spoken in the country), its proximity to the capital city, and the fowmess.of ins compere oceomthe

ST While ctdariy/'the scitina’ gocesses are possible only because of the work of our sister stations in Latin America and the U.S. (even before we went on the air a num of the reputation of the Baha’i radio stations in development circles), Radio Bah’{-Liberia is quickly assuming its own unique niche in ‘the famil family of Baha’( stations.

Of course, problems have arisen, but they are problems coming from growth. It’s a challenge to keep one’s eyes on the future, on the wonderful promises we have been given about the most incredible goal any people have ever strived for: the Kingdom of God on Eart!

Baha’u’ll4h said the Most Great Peace shall come. He didn’t say it may come, or that there’s a good chance it will come, or that it would be nice if it were to come. He said it shall come! How soon it comes is up to us.

We have only to rise above these (comparatively) little inconveniences and hook our hearts on His promise. These things will pass, but His Kingdom will not.

We have learned so much by pioneering, and are beginning to fully realize Who our Lord is. We have become more intimately close to Him and, at the same time, have become more awestruck by His power and majesty.

Indeed, He holds the earth in the palm of His hand. We have only to trust Him completely and to do those things we are supposed to do. He will do the rest.

As Mark likes to say, all you have to do is show up and open your mouth!

In His service,

Mark and Sue St. Clair Monrovia, Liberia West Africa

Abandon not the everlasting beauty for a beauty that must die, and set not your affections on this mortal world of dust. -Bahd'u'llah

�[Page 7]The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 7

The Bahá’í Club at the University of Virginia recently presented a copy of the statement to comedienne i Goldberg.

If your club or community has a chance to present ‘‘The Promise of World Peace” to a well-known person, be sure to call the Baha’i Office of External Affairs in advance to find out if that person has already received the statenumber is

Having heard that Ms. Goldberg was to give a talk on peace and racial harmony at UVA, club members were determined to find a way to present the statement to her,

The opportunity came during a question-and-answer period following her talk. A member of the Baha’i Club, having been called upon to speak, explained briefly what the club was, related the peace statement to Ms. Goldberg’s talk, and explained that Baha’fs all over the world are working for peace and racial harmony.

The explanation brought spontaneous applause from the crowd, and Whoopi Goldberg came to the edge of the stage to receive the statement, promising that she would read it.

.

After receiving the Campus Association Newsletter from the Association for Baha’i Studies in Canada, we thought you might like to know what some of the Campus Associations in Canada are doing. The Campus Associations are much like our clubs and associations in the U.S. Association for Bahá’í Studies at Erindale College

This is the first year that Erindale has formed its Baha’i Campus Association. One of the organized activities has been holding regular firesides throughout the year.

Doug Cameron was invited to perform at a benefit concert for the United Way. This attracted the respect and attention of the Student Council toward the Campus Association.

The Council later recognized the Association as “‘official’”’ and allocated them a budget of $268, which the Association used to adopt a foster child in Haiti.

The Association felt that although this seemed a silent effort, it had a great spiritual impact on members. Also, about 300 peace messages were presented to faculty members and students. Association for Bahá’í Studies at York University

The Association at York publishes a newsletter for its members that details its activities, events and announcements.

Among the special activities is the organization of a prayer session, which was arranged by contacting several religious groups on campus and asking for their support. The event culminated with the release of white balloons.

A lecture series on the Faith was

See CAMPUS page 31

Plan now to take part in 1988 Youth Pilgrimage

Finally, the information we’ve all been waiting for is here. Yes ... it’s the information on the 1988 Youth Pilgrimage.

It is very important that you understand that time is short and we are running later than usual in getting things organized this year, so we are asking for your cooperation. All you need to do is ask yourself these three questions:

Do I really want to go on the

Youth Pilgrimage?

Do I meet all the requirements

listed below?

The 1988 Youth Pilgrimage is from June 20-28. The minimum cost is $1,200 per person.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you must have a passport valid through January 1989. Those who are not U.S. citizens must have a re-entry permit valid through June 1989.

Only those who already have

the re-entry permit may apply. You must be between the ages of 15-24 (inclusive) as of June 20, 1988.

In the past, we’ve had a clip-out coupon in The American Bahá’í that you could send in. This year we ask that you send in a postcard with your name, address, telephone number, birth date and Baha’i I.D. number to: Youth Pilgrimage, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Postcards must be postmarked no later than February 19, 1988.

There will be two chaperones and 18 youth pilgrims. The method for choosing the pilgrims will be on a first-come, first-served basis. There is the possibility of a tour of parts of Israel before or after the pilgrimage.

Please be sure you meet all the requirements stated above before sending in your postcard.

International Youth Conference, Bloomington, Indiana:

‘The Stage Is Set’ for entry by troops

“«..There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm and irrevocable Promise is given.

“God’s own Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering momentum with every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution.

“Such an opportunity is irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions. To try, to persevere, is to ensure ultimate and complete victory.” (Letter from Shoghi Effendi dated January 28, 1939)

The day in which we live is unique in the history of humanity. The immediate future of the Baha’i world is great and demanding. nthe International Youth Conference, to be held next June 30July 4 at Indiana University in Bloomington, will be a triple conference for children, youth and adults whose program will focus on the significance of the above passage from the Guardian and whose over-all theme is ‘The Stage Is Set.’”

Also, the program for parents will focus, among other topics, on the role of parents in unleashing the potential of youth.

Meanwhile, the children will learn how to prepare for the challenging responsibilities that lie ahead of them.

The conference colors are green (symbolizing the Bab), white and gold (in reference to the Shrine of

Omid Pezeshki, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Brentwood, Tennessee, who came to this country from Iran five years ago after his grandSather, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Tehran, was executed, was honored at a banquet last October as one of 17 students at Brentwood Academy inducted into the National Honor Society.

the Bab, ‘‘robed in white and crowned in gold’’), with a touch of red (symbolizing the blood of the martyrs).

Featured will be speakers from the senior institutions of the Faith as well as youth speakers.

Special events will include a peace march using the ‘‘Peace Banners”’ (banners should be 3x5 feet, five feet horizontally, with ribbons on the corners so that several banners can be tied together); a candlelight vigil in a lovely area of the campus; and a Fund run titled ‘For the Arc ... Get Set ... Go!”

The money that is raised will go toward helping to build the Arc on Mount Carmel; pledge sheets will be available in March.

In support of the goal of the local Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington, which is to raise one million pennies by 1992, let us arise in universal participation to help in their effort.

Children, youth and adults are urged to start saving pennies for this event. Just imagine if each and every Baha’j at the conference contributed a penny! What a unific experience and a great demonstration of universal participation that would be!

Another special conference event is the ‘Seventh Valley Talent Night’? featuring musicians with original work.

If you would like to take part, please send a sample tape or a description of your talent to the National Youth Committee office.

Those of you who are interested in writing and researching can participate in the ‘‘Scholarship— Striving for Excellence’’ activity.

Papers and reports are being sought based on the Baha’i Writings and written by youth or adults for possible publication and presentation at the conference.

For a list of topics, see the December 1987 issue of The American Bahá’í, The deadline for submitting articles to the Youth Committee office is March 31.

All across the country there will be a ‘‘Peace Express”’ involving a network of caravans driving to the conference in Indiana.

Baha’i youth are encouraged to bring their non-Baha’i friends (each one bring one), to pray every morning and night, to read and study the Creative Word, and to become involved in some service projects.

Youth are also encouraged to organize a ‘‘Peace Express’’ in their area or to join other Expresses on their way to the conference,

For information about joining other caravans, contact Dale Sollars, Blackfoot, ID

83221, or phone 208-785-4495. And in case you were wondering ... registration forms will be available in March, and will be printed in The American Bahá’í and the ‘*Youth Hotline.”” Volunteers are urgently needed to help at the conference. The areas needing the most help are security, registration, and children’s

activities (‘Peace Buddies,’’ that is, teachers’ aides, are needed for the children).

If you are interested in helping, please do not hesitate to contact Layla Garrigues at the National Youth Committee office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 256.

College Clubs respond quickly to news of arrest of five more Baha’is in Iran

Many Baha’i clubs across the country responded quickly to the sad news that five more Baha’is had been arrested in Iran and that 12 others were in imminent danger of execution.

After receiving a joint letter from the National Youth Committee and the Office of Public Information and a copy of the National Spiritual Assembly’s press release, many of the clubs, working with their local Public Information Representative, were able to place articles or interviews in their campus newspapers.

For example, the Baha’: 7 Club at the University of California-San Diego was able to get a series of articles in that school’s newspa per.

The articles, which appeared in two consecutive issues, included interviews with club members who had either escaped from Iran or had relatives and friends who were affected by the persecutions there.

To protect their loved ones in Iran, the names of the students were not used.

“Tt is extremely important to bring the plight of the Baha’is in Iran to the attention of the public,’’ says Katherine Bigelow of the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs.

“But care should be taken,” she adds. ‘‘Individual Baha’is and local Spiritual Assemblies should not contact governors or U.S. government officials on behalf of the Faith without first contacting the National Spiritual Assembly.

“Likewise, we should not encourage others to pursue such contacts on behalf of the Faith, because individuals usually are not aware of activities at the national level and may be urging something that could be counterproductive.’’

The Universal House of Justice, in a recent letter to an individual Baha’i, said, ‘In view of the necessity of the Baha’i community to relate to governments ... a correct understanding of what is legitimate Baha’i action in the face of the policy of non-interference with government affairs is bound to be difficult to achieve on the part of individual friends ... hence, it is important that decis ions as to the conduct of such relationships be made by authorized institutions of the Faith and not by individuals.

“In matters of this kind, given the utter complexity of human affairs with which the Baha’i community must increasingly cope both spiritually and practically, individual judgment is not sufficient.”

When dealing with the media, even on a college campus, we must keep in mind that the public does not always understand and may even misinterpret many Baha’i terms.

Terms such as martyr, progressive revelation, Manifestation and National Assembly don’t always make sense to those who are not Baha'is.

If you have any questions about Baha’i relationships with the media, be sure to contact your local Public Information Representative, the Office of Public Information at the Bahd’{ National Center (312-869-9039), or the Office of External Affairs in Washington (202-265-8830).

Religious freedom essay contest won by 12-year-old Baha’i

Nabil Maghzi, a 12-year-old Baha’i from San Francisco, recently won first place in an essay contest sponsored by the San Francisco Council of Churches on the topic “‘What Does Religious Freedom Mean to Me?”

Nabil’s essay, for which he received a $200 prize, contrasted the conditions of religious freedom for Baha’is living in Iran and the U.S.

It was the second essay contest oe year in which he won first

. In January, he was the winner in a contest sponsored by the San Francisco middle school division on “Animating the Dream” of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ©

That essay, which contained references to the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, was read to two audiences totaling about 4,500 people on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Francisco. �[Page 8]8 / The American Baha’i / January 1988

Master blessed property with His presence in 1912

Green Acre School built on Sarah Farmer’s vision, foresight

“Green Acre,”’ Miss Farmer declared some years before her death, ‘“‘was established for the purpose of bringing together all who were looking earnestly toward the New Day which seemed to be breaking over the entire world. The motive was to find the Truth, the Reality underlying all religious forms, and to make points of contact in order to promote the unity necessary for the ushering in of the coming Day of God.”’—The Bahd’{ World, Vol. II (1926-28), p. 151

Sarah Jane Farmer, the founder of Green Acre, was the daughter of Moses Gerrish Farmer, a distinguished scientist and inventor of electric lights, and Hannah Shapleigh Farmer, a noted humanitarian involved in the Underground Railway and a home for unwed mothers.

Raised in a vigorous, intellectual community, busied herself with community activities and projects. One of her earliest ventures was to inaugurate the Eliot (Maine) Public Library to which she persuaded her poet friend, John Greenleaf Whittier, to donate an entire collection of books.

In 1889, four Eliot businessmen, aware of the desire of many residents of Connecticut and Massachusetts to spend their summer holidays on the Maine coast, agreed to build a summer resort hotel on the site of the present Green Acre Bahd’{ School campus.

Sarah was invited to join the venture as a fifth partner, and the new Eliot Hotel was soon completed.

John Greenleaf Whittier visited the resort that first summer. During his stay he gave the property

its name.

While seated before the fireplace in the main lobby one evening, he reportedly said, ‘Some people have called this God’s acres, but I call it Green Acre.’” Sarah liked the name and it has been used in one form or another ever since.

As a business venture, the hotel was a failure. However, during the course of a lecture in Boston, Sarah had a vision that lectures would have both an ideal physical and intellectual appeal in a lovely setting such as Green Acre.

Her goal would be to bring leaders of progressive thought in every field together at the Green Acre Institute.

Sarah believed in the comparative approach to the investigation of truth; thus she invited noted religious philosophers and clergy, historians, artists, educators and the like to come and present their viewpoints.

The participants would privately compare the information they received and carry away what they wished,

There was a time when literally thousands of people flocked to Green Acre to attend the celebrated programs. There was such an overflow of humanity that a tent community was built on the banks of the Piscataqua River.

While attending the Congress of Religions at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Sarah developed the idea of creating the Monsalvat School of Comparative Religions at Green Acre.

Despite her faith in the project, 1899 found Green Acre near collapse and Sarah in poor health. She was taken by a friend on a cruise of the Mediterranean where she heard about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who was imprisoned in ‘Akká at

fort and efficiency.

upgraded.

use 12 months of the year.

Green Acre Restoration Facts

¢ The Sarah Farmer Inn will retain the distinctive character and

styling of its turn-of-the-century architecture.

© Careful restoration by skilled professionals will produce an authentically preserved building with the durability, convenience and freshness of one that is newly-built. © The structure will be brought up to all codes of safety, com © Wheelchair accessibility will be provided. © Kitchen, dining and bathroom facilities will be significantly

Restoration

from page |

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá blessed Green Acre with His presence 75 years ago, He left no doubt as to the glorious future in store for it. Restoration and winterization of the Sarah Farmer Inn will ensure that future generations will be able to experience Green Acre as it has been the privilege of thousands of people from around the ee for nearly a century.

American Bahd’{ comcates ton been by the Universal House of Justice to play a major role in the completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel. This

Baha’ School during the Six Year

Plan.

Earlier this year, in a message at Ridvan, the House of Justice reminded us that ‘‘the stage is set for universal, rapid and massive growth of the Cause of God.” It is of vital importance that we prepare our learning centers for this expected growth.

The friends in the Northeast began working toward achieving this goal with a fund-raising kick-off at District Conventions in October. Bahd’{s everywhere are invited and encouraged to support this noble cause.

Contributions earmarked for the Green Acre restoration can be sent to the National Treasurer’s Office or sent directly to: Restoration Fund, Green Acre Bahd’{ School, Eliot, ME 03903.

the time.

She cabled Him, begging to be allowed to visit Him. On March 23, 1899, she walked up the stairs to the House of ‘Abbud. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood at the head of the stairs.

Sarah wrote in her diary, “ “Akka! Received by my Lord!’”

She recognized ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as

the fulfillment of the hopes of all the religions with which she had worked.

In 1901, after Sarah’s return to America, Green Acre was continued as a new kind of institution, based on the Baha’i Message. She made it clear that she considered the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh to be the fulfillment of all that religion was seeking. As a result of the new emphasis, Green Acre regained much of its old vitality.

In August 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited Green Acre and slept in the Inn, which is due for restoration. As He blessed Green Acre with His presence, He left no doubt as to the glorious future in store for it:

“‘... This is a delightful spot; the scenery is beautiful, and an atmosphere of spirituality haloes everything. In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall become the cause of uniting hearts and binding together the East and the West. This is my hope.” (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 264)

‘Abdu’l-Bahá assured Sarah Farmer that her sacrifices would be the cause of the development of a great Baha’i Center.

In 1913, it again appeared that Green Acre would fail from a lack of support; however, because of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s encouragement, the Baha’is in the Green Acre Association single-handedly arranged the summer program, and urged that Green Acre be reorganized along more realistic and consultative lines.

Many residents of Eliot joined

SARAH JANE FARMER

the Association at that time. In

August 1913, the Association adopted a proposed constitution, a decision that helped revive the sagging fortunes of Green Acre.

Sarah Farmer died in 1916 without being able to see her vision fulfilled in this plane of existence. The Inn, to which Miss Farmer devoted so much love and energy, was named in her memory.

In 1925, the Green Acre Association voted to offer the center to the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the U.S. and Canada as a summer school.

In 1928, encouraged by the Guardian to do so, the National Assembly accepted the offer, and Green Acre became the first Baha’i school in the U.S.

Rich in the history of the Faith, the Sarah Farmer Inn warrants restoration to ensure that future generations will have the same opportunity to experience Green Acre as it has been enjoyed by thousands from around the world for nearly a century.

Resolution

from page 1

abuse its Baha’i citizens with impunity.

“‘We believe that this kind of support has been a key factor in preventing the wholesale elimination of the Baha’i community of Iran. Co-sponsors and memberstates who supported the resolution have our deepest gratitude.’”

The General Assembly vote followed approval of the resolution two weeks earlier by the UN’s Third Committee.

That committee, which is composed of the entire membership of the General Assembly, concerns itself with social issues including human rights.

On November 27, the Third Committee approved the resolution by a vote of 58-22, paving the way for the General Assembly vote.

In 1985 and 1986, both the Third Committee and the General Assembly passed similar resolutions on the human rights situation in Iran. As was the case this year, those measures singled out the Bahá’ís as a noteworthy case of the persecution of minorities in Iran.

Since the present Iranian government came to power in 1979, more than 200 Baha’is have been executed, killed or disappeared.

Hundreds more have been imprisoned, while tens of thousands have lost their jobs, homes and property and have been denied the opportunity for an education.

Five Baha’ is have been executed in Iran this year, a lower number than in previous years.

The Baha’i International Community and the National Spiritual Assembly have attributed the decrease to actions such as December’s vote by the General Assembly and other forms of international pressure brought to bear on the government of Iran.

Students at Louhelen Residential College are involved in a wide range of ongoing community-based activities

In addition to their full-time studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and Mott Community College, the 15 students at the Louhelen Residential College have become actively involved in developing the community of the school and in helping the nearby Baha’i communities.

Several ongoing activites designed to enhance the quality of student life and help create a Baha’i community at the school are being held.

Baha’i Studies classes are held each Wednesday and are taught by Dr. Violet Wuerfel Clark using the Hatcher/Martin book as a text. Two weeks are spent on each chapter topic.

Some of the classes are taught by local or visiting Baha’ scholars and experts. Recent guest teachers have included Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Baha’ Institute, and Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Weekly group ‘‘family’’ meetings are held by the Resident Counselor, Elizabeth Ritter, with all of the students.

The intention is to give the students a structured forum in which to explore and evaluate their efforts to create a Baha’i communi ty on campus.

Dawn prayers are being held on the first Saturday of each month. Family-style meals are served each evening to foster group unity and help to create a school spirit.

The students help prepare meals and clean up afterward, They are also involved with serving 10 hours a week in other areas of operation at the school.

Personal and academic help are provided for the students by the school staff and local Baha’is. Randall Kizer and Cheryl Hemmler, members of the Davison Baha’i community, volunteer tutoring time on a regular basis.

The students have elected an Activities Committee which has planned and held Feasts, Holy Day observances, special dinners and a party, and a Judiciary Committee to help decide on and enforce policy.

Major activities have included a trip to the Bahd’{ House of Worship over the Thanksgiving break, and a large party hosted by Helen McCluskey, Helen and Charles Hornby, and Erma Hayden for the LRC students and the greater Ann Arbor community,

All of the students have been involved in special projects. Five of them helped Mrs. Hornby with

her revision project for “‘Lights of Guidance.”” Two others helped man a booth at the Genesee County Indian Festival.

Seven students taught classes at Louhelen’s Regional Youth Conference, while five are regular teachers for the local Baha’i children’s classes. Two also work parttime at the Montessori Academy housed at Louhelen.

Also, three of the students serve as members of the Spiritual Assembly of Davison Township.

Most of the students are presently involved in preparing a dramatic presentation of a play about Táhirih, written and directed by Carolyn Duell, to present at regional conferences.

Three students performed a musical program at a Bahd’{-sponsored dinner in Lansing, and two others have begun a concessions business to raise funds for the Are.

Students are also involved with their campus organizations, and one participates with and has been asked to read his writing at a meeting of the Genesee Writers Association.

Arise! To Teach

�[Page 9]Brilliant Star says ‘thanks’ to those who completed surveys

The editorial board of Brilliant Star magazine would like to thank all of those devoted readers, most under age 15, and some a bit over that, who completed surveys that are being sent with renewal notices. We love to hear what you think!

And the results are overwhelming. You love Brilliant Star!

Our younger readers enjoy Letters from Our Friends, the crafts, puzzles and other activities. (And yes, we will try to include more— send us ideas!).

Their parents enjoy the historical recollections and moralistic stories, and want to see many more of them.

With the January/February issue we have something for everyone. Historically, there is a moving account, “Good-bye, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,”’ illustrated by Fritz Mann, and ‘‘Unveiled Soldier’’ by Linda Naseem, illustrated by David Green.

“Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express’’ by Patsy Vaughan, illustrated by Keith Kresge, is a gripping tale of selflessness and decision-making. And ‘‘Kent’s Mask,”’ written by Kay Haugaard and illustrated by Linda Orlando, shows how one boy overcomes his shyness.

To keep our readers busy there are a song by Greg Shaw, a “‘Riddle in Rhyme’’ by Roger White, two crafty mobiles to make and a tough photo-matching activity.

All this plus our regular features, Book Nook and Parents’ Page, and a new one, ‘‘Profile,”” which shares a glimpse of some Brilliant Star authors and artists.

Back issues are available. For instance, we have been receiving letters of delight about the model to make of Sarah Farmer Inn that appeared in the November/December 1987 issue.

Requests for specific issues can ‘be made to Subscriber Service, Baha’i National Center, Wil mette, IL 60091. Back issues are $2 each.

If you haven’t already subscribed to Brilliant Star, do so now! Simply send $12 for one year (six issues) to Subscriber Service at the above address. Don’t miss it!

The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 9

Interracial unity topic at Louhelen conference

“Concepts and Models of Interracial Unity” was the topic of a conference held November 6-8 at the Louhelen Baha’i School’s Conference Center in Davison, Michigan.

The gathering, sponsored by the Association for Baha’i Studies and the Louhelen school’s Center for Interracial Unity, was attended by nearly 80 Baha’is and their guests.

Opening the conference Friday evening was Dr. Hossain Danesh, chairman of the Association for Baha’i Studies and secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, who spoke on the dynamics of creating an integrated society.

The Saturday sessions included presentations by:

¢ Dr. Jack Bain, professor of communications at Michigan State University (how communication tries to model racial understanding).

¢ Dr. Rose Helper, professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Toledo (forms of interracial cooperation).

Dr. William Peterman, director of the Nathalie P. Voorhees

Center for Neighborhood Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois-Chicago (problems and opportunities of maintaining integrated communities).

° Dr. Harry Reed, associate professor of history at Michigan

Waukesha has event for Spanish-speaking

On September 26, the Bahd’{ community of Waukesha, Wisconsin, held a proclamation event for Spanish-speaking people at La Casa de Esperanza community hall.

The main speaker was Rolando Monterrey, a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Nicaragua, who now lives with his family in Waukesha.

James Ingraham, a former pioneer to Peru who now lives in West Allis, Wisconsin, also spoke.

More than 40 people, Baha’is and non-Baha’is, were present.

The newly formed Brilliant Star Bahá’í School, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Hayward, California, and supported by Assemblies and communities in Alameda County, has been holding

a

classes twice a month for more than 40 children from nine communities, many of whom are shown with teachers and other adult Bahá’ís at a recent open house at the school.

State University (cooperation and conflict between blacks and whites in 19th-century activism).

Al Hurwitz of New Detroit

Inc. (a corporate community model of racial unity and cooperation).

The Saturday evening session was devoted to the arts with a presentation by producer/playwright Jeanne Gazel on models of interracial collaboration in the theatre.

Marvin (Doc) Holladay, a musician and professor of music at Oakland (Michigan) University, spoke on music as a model.

The closing session Sunday morning included a presentation by De Bryant, a psychologist for Michigan State University’s Benton Harbor Project, who spoke on moving toward a unified paradigm of racial unity.

This was followed by responses

Models of Interracial Unity’ held November 6-8 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School’s Conference Center in Davison, Michigan.

Dr. William Peterman of the Uni

versity of Illinois-Chicago addresses a workshop session during the conference on ‘Concepts and

from all of the speakers about the weekend’s activities as well as by audience participation.

This was the third conference

sponsored by the Center for Interracial Unity, the first on concepts and models of race unity.—Jeannie Kain-Kuipers

Louhelen hosts meeting on substance abuse

As a step toward helping individuals, families and communities recognize and assist with substance abuse problems, the Louhelen Baha’i School hosted its second intensive conference on that topic from December 4-6.

Dr. A.M. Ghadirian, a psychiatrist and author of Jn Search of Nirvana, was the keynote speaker and also conducted a workshop for the public on “Coping with Stress.””

Other workshops were conducted by representatives of local agencies that deal with substance abuse as well as by Baha’i professionals in the area.

Discussion and consultation centered on prevention and education involving various community efforts such as “‘Baha’is in Recovery Programs’’ and the San Francisco ‘‘Alcohol Education Project.’”

In addition to workshops, the participants saw and discussed a video from Alcoholics Anonymous—‘‘The 12 Steps’”—and a second video—‘‘The Honor of Us

LOUHELEN SCHEDULE

February 19-21: Singles Weekend. Paula Drewek and Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor, presenters. A fun-filled weekend with classes, recreation, devotions, social activities, etc. No children’s program planned.

February 26-28: Artists Conference planned by Michael Naylor, Marvin (Doc) Holladay, Rene V. Steiner and Jeanne Gazel. Discussions about and sharing of art by Baha’i artists, with emphasis on developing the cultural aspects of the new World Order, using art to teach the Faith, and establishing a formal organization of Baha’i artists. Writers, musicians, performing and visual artists are encouraged to attend. Limited children’s program due to the nature of the conference.

March 19-20: Naw-Riz gala! Fun, food and merriment galore!

April 1-3: ‘‘Integration of Diversity in the Baha’i Community” sponsored by the National Race Unity and Persian/American Affairs Committees.

April 8-10: Regional Youth Conference planned by the Louhelen Youth Board.

All’”—which followed the process of change in the Alkali Lake Indian Tribe as its members struggled to overcome widespread alcoholism.

On Friday evening, a joint AAAl-Anon meeting was held and was attended by conference participants as well as by many residents of Flint and Davison.

The conference enabled a group of Baha’is, some from as far away as Iowa and Georgia, to discuss

openly and in-depth the problems facing Bahá’í communities, families and individuals in dealing with substance abuse.

Additionally, the conference received considerable publicity in the area, and drew the attendance of several members of the public.

Information about the conference, as well as tapes made there, will soon be made available. Please write to the Louhelen School for information.

Donna Kime (center, holding microphone) leads the friends in singing ‘Queen of Carmel’ during

the North Carolina Bahá’í Winter

School in Reidsville.

North Carolina’s winter school helps friends prepare for Holy Year of 1992

Spirit was high at the North Carolina Baha’i Winter School, held over the Thanksgiving weekend in Reidsville.

The school, whose theme was “Strain every nerve to acquire inner and outer perfections—preparing for the Holy Year, 1992,”” featured a keynote address by Iran Muhájir, widow of the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’ll4h Muhájir and daughter of the Hand of the Cause of God Ali Akbar Furttan.

Talks and workshops were given by Rezvanieh Collestan (“Attaining Inner and Outer Perfections’’), Frank Kelleher (‘Mullá Ḥusayn—The Moth and Flame’’), Marion West (‘Prayer —A Tool for Building the New World Order’’), Dr. Monib Collestan (‘‘Attaining Divine Perfections’), William Hunter (‘‘Techniques for Teaching the Faith’), and Mrs. Muhájir (‘“Teaching— Questions and Answers’’).

Special interest groups were led by Charles Donahue (‘‘Esperanto”), Mary Lou Hiemmick (“Literacy’’) and performing artists Marvin (Doc) Holladay, Donna Kime and Anne Atkinson.

Those performers, with the help of Nabil Jurney, a vocal artist from Raleigh, presented original music, dance, drama and slides on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Invitations to Saturday’s proclamation/performance were given to residents of Reidsville by some of the youth and adults at the school.

During the final session, all teachers and performers served on a panel during which they summarized their classes and answered questions.

$2,000 was raised to help build the Arc on Mount Carmel and a cable was sent to the Universal House of Justice, which responded with appreciation and assurance of its prayers.

�[Page 10]10 / The American Bahd’{ / January 1988

Montpelier, capital of Vermont, needs homefront pioneers

In the December issue of The American Baha’i, readers were introduced to Trenton, New Jersey, as one of the National Teaching Committee’s homefront pioneering priority goal localities.

Trenton is @ state capital that, along with Pierre, South Dakota; Carson City, Nevada; Charleston, West Virginia; Dover, Delaware; Montpelier, Vermont; and Cheyenne, Wyoming, does not have a Bahá’í community large enough to form a local Spiritual Assem In an effort to urge and assist potential homefront pioneers to move to these cities, the Teaching Committee is publishing a series of articles containing helpful information about each of them. The sixth city to be highlighted in this series is:

MONTPELIER, VERMONT

Nestled along the Winooski River in central Vermont, Montpelier (mahnt-PEEL-yuhr) is an attractive community with a damp climate: heavy snowfalls and considerable rain.

There are only six Bahá’ís among Montpelier’s 8,000 residents; its Spiritual Assembly was lost in 1985.

Homefront pioneers are needed who can stay in Montpelier on a long-term basis and who are skilled in effectively teaching the Faith.

The life insurance and granite industries employ many of the townspeople. Other local industries include printing and the manufacture of plastics.

Many job opportunities are available in Burlington, 40 miles from Montpelier.

The city has two public high schools, two elementary schools and several day-care centers. For adults, there is Vermont College (a campus of Norwich University) and other universities in nearby communities,

Housing prices start at about $60,000, although houses for sale in Montpelier are not easy to find. Apartments are more readily available, with one-bedroom apartments renting from $250$300 a month, two-bedroom from $300-$500, and three-bedroom from $400-$600.

For more information about Montpelier, please write or call:

Baha’is of Montpelier, c/o Joe Boynton, RD 4, Box 558, Montpelier, VT 05602 (phone 802-2233453).

Montpelier Chamber of Commerce, State St., Montpelier, VT 05602 (phone 802-229-4619).

Montpelier Public Schools, Superintendent’s Office, 58 Berry St., Montpelier, VT 05602 (phone 802-223-6341).

For information about any of the other six state capitals that do not have Spiritual Assemblies, please contact the National Teaching Committee, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

Your decision to move to one of these cities could help win one of the goals of the Six Year Plan!

Hand of the Cause of God, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rhiyyih Khánum's "Talk to the Indians of the Westem Hemisphere" is available on cassette ta in English and in Spanish for $24 each from The National Teaching Committee, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

Los Angeles

from page 1

firesides and deepenings are held on almost a daily basis.

At the campaign’s official “‘kick-off”’ on October 20, Counselor Hedi Ahmadifyyih from Belize urged the 400 who had gathered to go into the community and find people to bring to the Baha’i Center.

He indicated that the Center needed to be used more in the teaching efforts—and since then, it has been.

On November 28, Dr. Ahmadiyyih returned to Los Angeles to take part in one of the cross-cultural events at the Baha’i Center.

After prayers were offered in 10 languages, Dr. Ahmadfyyih said he was ‘‘witnessing first-hand the real Baha’i community.” The evening, he said, was “‘a spiritual highlight”’ of his life.

The following day, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, shrugging off the effects of a severe head cold, spoke at the dedication of a 1,000-seat auditorium at the Los Angeles Baha’i Center.

The ‘‘Spiritual Conquest”’ campaign is scheduled to continue at least through next summer. Baha’is who are traveling in the Los Angeles area are warmly invited to take part.

If you are interested in participating, please phone Jeanette Roberts at the Baha’i Center of Los Angeles, 213-933-8291, for more information.

A fireside is held at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles as a part of the ‘Spiritual Conquest of the City of the Angels’ campaign which began in October and is to continue

at least through next summer, teaching members of minority groups mentioned in the Six Year Plan for the U.S. Bahd’{ community.

Does fireside teaching work? Ask Amelia

TEACHING

We would probably be surprised to learn how many of our acquaintances know something about the Baha’i Faith.

As a result of the increase in media coverage in recent years, there are millions of people who have been exposed to the basic facts about the Faith. Yet when people hear of the Faith through a proclamation effort alone, even though they may accept its principles, they usually are not yet

ready to become Baha’ is.

As a planted seed needs water and warmth to rise from dormancy, a soul needs spiritual nourishment for its awakening. The fireside provides an environment in which this process can take place.

The Guardian felt that the most effective way to teach the Faith is to make strong friends among neighbors and associates, and then invite them to firesides held in one’s home.

The fireside, he said, is the most effective teaching medium because ‘“‘intimate personal questions can be answered, and the students find the spirit of the

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Faith more abundant there.””

The following is a true story that illustrates the effectiveness of the fireside:

Six years ago, Amelia, who was astudent at Arizona State University, read a newspaper article about the Baha’i Faith. She soon forgot what she had read.

A few months later, however, Amelia met a Baha’i through her work, and asked the Baha’s to tell her more about the Faith.

Amelia suggested that they ‘‘do lunch,’’ but the Baha’i invited her instead to an informal gathering for dinner in her home—which was, Amelia later learned, a fireside.

After the fireside, Amelia offered to follow one of the Baha’is home in her car. The woman’s father and son, with whom she lived, were out of town, and Amelia wanted to make sure that the woman would be entering her home safely.

For some time prior to that evening Amelia had been having visions of a particular house on the side of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. She knew that someone living in that house would play a significant role in her life.

In her visions she was shown how to get to the house, but she had never actually gone there.

With mounting astonishment, Amelia drove behind the woman up Camelback Mountain and pulled into the driveway of the very house she had envisioned!

The woman invited her in, and there, on a coffee table, was the photograph of the Hand of the Cause of God Shu’a’u’ll4h ‘Ala’i which Amelia had seen in the newspaper several months before.

This was his home.

Amelia returned to Mr. ‘Ala’i’s home every Wednesday to learn more about the Faith. She also attended firesides at the home of the woman she had met through her work,

She felt she did not know enough about the Faith to become a Baha’i, but the firesides gave her the opportunity to learn. Eight months later, Amelia became a Baha’i.

Today, Amelia works at the Baha’i National Center, responding to inquiries from seekers living throughout the country and around the world. She refers them to Baha’is in their area and suggests that they attend firesides.

“The Baha’is whose firesides I attended became my family even before I declared,” says Amelia. “They were always there for me. If I had been left to myself, I

don’t know what would have hap pened.

“After attending firesides twice a week for several months, I wanted to become a Bahd’{ but was too shy to ask because of the enormity of the Message and because I truly felt I didn’t know enough about Baha’u’llah’s Cause. :

“At a fireside, someone finally came out and asked, ‘Why haven’t you signed your card yet?’ I signed my declaration card that day.

“Good thing, too, because if no one had ever asked me I’d probably still be attending firesides as a seeker.”

Women’s Committee to hold conferences

The National Committee on Women is planning a series of conferences in various parts of the country on the topic ‘‘Equality of Men and Women.”

Each of the conferences will focus on a particular minority group.

The first one, to be held February 20-21 in Atlanta, Georgia, will focus on the black woman and is constructed for the participation of the entire Bahd’{ community and its friends.

Workshop topics include: (1) what America needs from the black woman; (2) black women: is there a price for leadership? (3) the juggling act: women managing families, careers and Bahá’í activities; (4) Persian women: new horizons; (5) have youth achieved sexual equality; and (6) the emancipation of women.

There will also be a National Committee on Women panel discussion, and an exciting program of art and entertainment in the evening.

For more information, phone Alonzo Nesmith (803-889-3888 or 803-792-3131) or Fafar Guillebeaux (205-281-9765). V-Enrotiing New Believers" * I and I « "Traveling Teaching"

1

Two great new booklets from: I

The National Teaching Committee I

iJ Order yours today! . I Price $.50 each. I 1 Make Checks payableto: s I "Baha'i Services Fund" | « National Teaching Committee I [| BahaiNational Center! f Wilmette, IL 60091 �[Page 11]The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 11

Reaching Chinese with Message of Baha’u’llah an important step toward assuring world peace

TEACHING

One of the least recognized— but crucial—fields of teaching is within the Chinese community.

The Chinese Teaching Committee is presently making plans to reach this segment of the population. To make the best use of the resources available for this task, efforts are being directed to two promising areas—large cities and college campuses.

Since the greatest concentra A big ‘thank-you’ for your support

A big ‘thank you’’ to all those who have contributed to the Marianne Steffes Scholarship Fund at Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas.

We are again encouraging the friends to contribute to the scholarship for the 1988-89 school year which will be presented in April at the annual school banquet.

Again, thank you for your past support. We hope to be able to increase the amount of the scholarship each year.

Assembly of Lawrence, P.O.

Box 584, Lawrence, KS 66044.

tions of Chinese people are in large cities, the committee is encouraging the Baha’i communities in those areas to reach out to

Social events held in New York, Boston and Chicago have been quite successful. Attempts are being made to spread these efforts to other cities.

In the larger cities as well as on college campuses, the goal is nor to enroll visitors and students from the People’s Republic of China (mainland China), since any religious affiliation may place them in danger.

Baha’is are encouraged to befriend those from the mainland, and may familiarize them with the principles of the Faith.

Through these friends of the Faith, the country that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said ‘thas the most great capacity’ will be influenced by the principles and ideals that will lead eventually to world peace.

Even though we should not enroll persons from mainland China, there are vast ans significant Opportunities to teach other Chinese people. The Universal House of Justice has written:

“Emphasis is now being placed on reaching the millions of Chinese people who reside permanently outside China with the

Contributions should be sent | healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh.”” to the Marianne Steffes Schol- Cor of February 10, 1982) _ arship Fund, c/o the Spiritual Chinese Teaching Commit tee urges you to make opportunities to teach these precious souls.

Number of teaching projects continues to move upward toward NTC goal of 200

Listed here are upcoming or ongoing teaching projects that have either been added to the number of projects contributing to the National Teaching Committee’s goal of 200 for this year or have had information updated since the teaching projects were last printed in The American Bahai.

For each project, we have included the name and phone number of a contact person who would be happy to provide more information to those who would like to take part in their community’s project.

Los Angeles, California

“Spiritual Conquest of the City of the Angels’’ (through next summer). Jeanette Roberts, 213-933 8291. Pueblo, Colorado

“Project Arise’’ (ongoing, every other Saturday). Bill or Lori Ernst, 303-948-2219. Minneapolis, Minnesota

“‘Minneapolis Project’’ (ongoing, one weekend per month). David Ingham, 612-823-9074.

Please use the form below to report your community’s teaching project to the National Teaching Committee so that it can be added toward the goal of 200 by Ridvan. If you do not want your project to be listed in The American Bahá’í, please report it anyway but indicate in the ‘comments’ section of the form that you prefer the project remains unpublished.

iT

Contact Person:

Phone Number(s): Cost per participant: i Type Project & Goal(s):

Comments:

eS

4 Return to: National Teaching Committee, Bahs'{ National Center, Wilmette, IL. 60091

For more information, please contact the Chinese Teachii Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Plantation, Florida, plans ambitious series of firesides

An ambitious series of firesides is being held in Plantation, Florida.

On February 5, Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, will take part in a panel discussion on the topic ‘‘Is Religion the Main Channel for Establishing Peace and Order in the World? If So, What Is Wrong with Religion, as There Is Not Yet Peace and Order?”

Other panelists will be a Jewish rabbi, a Baptist minister, a college professor, a politician and a pediatrician,

On February 27, Dr. Duane Dumbleton of Jacksonville, Florida, will speak on ‘‘Facing Up to the Most Challenging Issue to Obtain Peace in the World.”

On March 26, Juana Conrad, chairman of the National Committee on Women and a founder of Women for International Peace and Arbitration, will address the

topic ‘Equality of Men and Women, a New Channel for Peace.””

She will also present a slide show of her recent trip to Moscow where she attended an international women’s conference as a representative of WIPA.

The meetings, each of which begins at 8 p.m., are held at the home of Wilbert and Christine Rayner in Plantation.

For more information, phone 305-587-9579.

Florida Baha’is play prominent role in UN gathering on hunger

Baha’is had a prominent role October 24 in a United Nations Day observance sponsored by the city of Lake Mary, Florida.

The theme of the event was “International Year of Shelter for the Homeless: Seeking Global Solutions to World Hunger.””

The opening remarks were made by Ben Levy, a Bahá’í who served as the city’s United Nations Day chairman.

Also on the program were a film, ‘‘Why,’’ which commemorates the 40th anniversary of the founding of the UN, and a panel discussion on ‘‘Solutions to the Problem of Hunger and the Homeless in Lake Mary and Seminole County.””

One of the panel members, Anthony Lewis, director of the McKnight Center of Excellence, University of Central Florida, and vice-president of the Seminole County Mental Health Board, is a Baha'i.

Ending the program was a coffechouse with music, refreshments and fellowship.

More than 100 people were pres ent last October 25 as the Bahá’ís of Fauquier County, Virginia, presented their first Quest for Peace Awards to two county residents for their work in advancing the unity of mankind. Accepting her award from Dora Hanna (right), chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Fauquier County, is

Janet Shannon, a social worker

cited for her work as a volunteer tutor of English and her chairmanship last year of a community Jair organized to help the needy. Also receiving an award was Joan Broughton, a high school physical education and driver education teacher, recognized for her encouragement of young people. An article about the awards appeared in the local newspaper.

chil

guide, while students compl

any method, variety of circumstances and seel

Order from:

800/323-1880 or

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(circle one) MasterCard / Visa

Baha'i Disribution Service 415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 312/251-1854 in Illinois

EFFECTIVE TEACHING |

Connecting Hearts with Baha'u'llah

Available from the National Teaching Committee is a course on tea for communities and individuals. The course identifies the ele a IS Eee erate found in Ce hele students ul] ciples into new patterns of s' matic teaching.

YIN WATIING FOR TRAINED INSTRUCTORS! Aitone can pick up the workbook and start immediately. Or, select someone to lead group study with the ste exercises in 4

Use the couse alone, or, for best results, combine it with actual teaching efforts as a deepening guide, ‘The principles of teaching apply for and can help expand the range of teaching skill

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Communities and group study: Be sure to order a workbeek for each student along with your instructor's guide!

Needed: If you are able to donate a new or used mimeograph machine for use by the Administrative Committee of Yucatan, Mexco, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone:

EFFECTIVE TEACHING Number Cost Student Workbook @ $2.00 ea. Instructor's Guide @ $2.00 ea. Audio Cassette @ $2.00 ea. Total cost

ASSEMBLIES IN JEOPARDY NEED YOUR HELP!

"The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of Justice be established wherein shall gather counsellors to the number of Bahd (9), and should it exceed this number it does not matter..." _Rané'vilsh

Some of our divinely ordained Houses of Justice, which are now referred to as local Spiritual Assembles, aro in dangor of being lost i the number of adult believers in the communities is not brought hack tonine before Ridvan, If you could relocate to a nearby community or to a distant post to help save one of these precious Assembiies, please contact your District Teaching Committee or the Nation

‘eaching Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: (312) 869-9039.

(312) 869-9039,

�[Page 12]12 / The American Baha’i / January 1988

We

FOR NEW BAHA'IS...

God’s Messengers carry out His purpose for mankind

One of the first things we learn about when we become Baha’fs is the idea of progressive revelation—that God has sent humanity a series of Divine Teachers, the Manifestations of God, to educate us, spiritually and materially, as individuals and as a society.

The succession of Messengers has taken place throughout history at different times and places and will continue without an end into the future.

We should, however, be careful not to overlook the fact that, rather than being simply an endless series of Divine Teachers, there is indeed a purpose which God has in store for humanity. Understanding this purpose is the key to beginning to understand the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

Consider the teachers in a school. One after another they work with the children to prepare them for a special event—gradua tion. Graduation represents a maturing, a coming of age.

Humanity, under the guidance of the Manifestations from Adam to Muhammad, has undergone preparation for a special time— the coming of age of the human race—and for a special event—the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.

It is Bahd’u’ll4h’s mission to guide us through the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

“This is the Day in which God’s most excellent favors have been poured out upon men,”’ Bahd’u’ll4h writes, “‘the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His care and lovingkindness. ...

“‘Beseech ye the one true God to grant that all men may be gra

From the Writings...

“Only those who are willing to associate the Revelation proclaimed by Baha’u’ll4h with the consummation of so stupendous an evolution in the collective life of the whole human race can grasp the significance of the words which He, while alluding to the glories of this promised Day and to the duration of the Baha’i Era, has deemed fit to utter. ‘This is the King of Days,’ He (Baha’u’llah) exclaims, ‘the Day that hath seen the coming of the Best-Beloved, Him Who, through all eternity, hath been acclaimed the Desire of the World. ...’ ‘It is evident,’ He, in another passage, explains, ‘that every age in which a Manifestation of God hath lived is divinely-ordained, and may, in a sense, be characterized as God’s appointed Day. This Day, however, is unique, and is to be distinguished from those that have preceded it. The designation “‘Seal of the Prophets” fully revealeth its high station. The Prophetic Cycle hath verily ended. The Eternal Truth is now come. ...”

“In this most mighty Revelation,’ He, in categorical language, declares, ‘all the Dispensations of the past have attained their highest, their final consummation. That which hath been made manifest in this pre-eminent, this most exalted Revelation, standeth unparalleled in the annals of the past, nor will future ages witness its like.’

““Abdu’l-Bahá’s authentic pronouncements should, likewise, be recalled as confirming, in no less emphatic manner, the unexampled vastness of the Baha’i Dispensation. ‘Centuries,’ He affirms in one of His Tablets, ‘nay, countless ages, must pass away ere the Day-Star of Truth shineth again in its mid-summer splendor, or appeareth once more in the radiance of its vernal glory. ...’ ‘ing the Manifestations that will come down in the future ‘in the shadows of the clouds,’ He, in a still more definite language, affirms, ‘know, verily, that in so far as their relation to the Source of their inspiration is concerned, they are under the shadow of the Ancient Beauty. In their relation, however, to the age in which they appear, each and every one of them ‘‘doeth whatsoever He willeth.” ’ ”’—Shoghi Effendi, quoting Bahda’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 166-67

aoe

Discuss the preceding passages with the Baha’i who taught you the Faith, or with another believer. Together consider the following questions:

What is meant by ‘‘the Day of God’’?

What is meant by “‘the Baha’i Era’’ and the end of the ‘‘Prophetic Cycle’?

aoe

The following books, along with many others, describe the significance of Baha’u’ll4h’s Revelation and are available from the

Baha’i Distribution Service:

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, especially pages 1-46,

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, by Shoghi Effendi, especially “The Dispensation of Baha’u’ll4h,”” pages 97-157.

The Advent of Divine Justice, by Shoghi Effendi—see pages containing compiled quotations of Bahd’u’ll4h, pages 75-85.

ciously assisted to fulfill that which is acceptable in Our sight. Soon will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead.”’ (Gleanings, pp. 6-7)

“The Revelation of Bahd’u’ll4h,” Shoghi Effendi writes, “‘whose supreme mission is none other but the achievement of this organic and spiritual unity of the whole body of nations, should, if we be faithful to its implications, be regarded as signalizing through its advent the coming of age of the entire human race.

“It should be viewed not merely as yet another spiritual revival in the ever-changing fortunes of mankind, not only as a further stage in a chain of progressive Revelations, nor even as the culmination of one of a series of recurrent prophetic cycles, but rather as marking the last and highest stage in the stupendous evolution of man’s collective life on this planet.

“The emergence of a world community, the consciousness of world citizenship, the founding of a world civilization and culture— all of which must synchronize with the initial stages in the unfoldment of the Golden Age of the Baha’i Era—should, by their very nature, be regarded, as far as this planetary life is concerned, as the furthermost limits in the organization of human society, though man, as an individual, will, nay must indeed as a result of such a consummation, continue indefinitely to progress and develop.” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Pp. 163)

We should not forget, in light of the powerful quotations that describe the greatness of this Day and of Bahd’u’ll4h’s Revelation, that the essence of all the Manifestations is one. They “‘are regarded as one soul and the same person,”” Baha’u’ll4h writes, though Each has ‘‘a definitely prescribed mission, a predestined revelation.”” (Gleanings, pp. 50, 52)

“The Cause We have proclaimed is such as no pen can ever describe, nor any mind conceive its greatness,’” Baha’u’ll4h writes (Gleanings, p. 99)

Yet we must make an effort to gain a clearer understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation—an effort Shoghi Effendi describes as ‘‘the first obligation and the object of the constant endeavor of each one of its loyal adherents.” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 100)

It is only in this way that we can acquire the understanding and inspiration necessary to transform ourselves in accordance with Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings, and to play our part in helping humanity achieve the promise of this Day of God.

Need Spanish-speaking Traveling Teachers to visit your community? Contact: National Teaching Committee, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

‘No paradise more wondrous’ than belief in Manifestation of God in His Day

A greater understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation is sure to awaken in every one of His followers a burning desire to see the purpose of that Revelation—the Most Great Peace and the Kingdom of God on earth—achieved.

Bahá’u’lláh informs us how we can help: “Say: To assist Me is to teach My Cause. ...This is the changeless commandment of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.’’ (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 196)

“Of all the gifts of God,’’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us, ‘‘the greatest is the gift of Teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God, and is our first obligation. Of such a gift how can we deprive ourselves? Nay, our lives, our goods, our comforts, our rest, we offer them all as a sacrifice for the Abha Beauty and teach the Cause of God.” (The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 25)

How wonderful it was when each of us first heard of Baha’u’ll4h and understood the truth of His station.

“There is no paradise more wondrous for any soul than to be exposed to God’s Manifestation in His Day, to hear His verses and believe in them, to attain His presence. ...”” the Bab writes. (Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 77)

How wonderful, also, it is to share with others the precious gift we have received.

There is much guidance in the Baha’i Writings about the nature of teaching and how we should conduct ourselves as teachers.

Before someone teaches, Baha’u’llah says, he should “teach his own self,”’ for “‘unless he teacheth his own self, the words of his mouth will not influence the heart of the seeker.’’ (Gleanings, p. 277)

We should learn more about the Faith, and also learn how to become better teachers. (The books, The Individual and Teaching and Effective Teaching, both available from the Baha’i Distribution Service, would be useful to learn

more about teaching.)

When we teach, we are trying to help another person connect his or her heart with their Lord. Teaching is a humble act.

“Tf ye be aware of a certain truth,’”? Baha’u’ll4h instructs, “if ye possess a jewel of which others are deprived, share it with them in language of utmost kindliness and good-will.””

If the person refuses the gift, we should “‘leave him unto himself and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with him.” (Gleanings, p. 289)

Even when we don’t know quite what to do, we need only arise and make an effort to teach, for ‘even if the action should not immediately produce results, or perhaps not be entirely correct, that does not make so much difference, because prayers can only be answered through action and if someone’s action is wrong, God can use that method of showing the pathway which is right.” (Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching, p. 40)

The process of continually educating ourselves and making efforts to teach the Cause is an endless cycle. In this way we receive the divine blessings that help us become true Baha’is exhibiting the attributes of Bahá’u’lláh while spreading His Teachings to help transform humanity.

This process must rest on our supreme confidence in Divine Assistance—for it is not the teacher who changes others, but the Holy Spirit. The teacher is only a channel through which the spirit acts.

“The peoples of the world,’’ Baha’u’ll4h tells us, ‘‘are fast asleep. Were they to wake from their slumber, they would hasten with eagerness unto God, the AllKnowing, the All-Wise. They would cast away everything they possess, be it all the treasures of the earth, that their Lord may remember them to the extent of addressing them but one word.””

And He urges us: ‘‘Arise to further My Cause and to exalt My

See PURPOSE page 31

Do you read this page?

Are you a new Baha’ or veteran believer? Are the articles on this page too difficult or too simple? What have you liked about this page? What would you like to see added or changed?

The National Teaching Committee is considering revising and reprinting the new believers’ page for another year. We need your comments and ideas! Please write:

National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 or call: (312) 869-9039

�[Page 13]

Alternate U.S. Ambassador to UN speaks on behalf of Baha’is In Iran

The following is a statement by Ambassador Patricia M. Byrne, Alternate United States Representative to the 42nd session of the UN General Assembly, in the Third Committee, on Item 98, the Elimination of All Forms of Religious Intolerance, November 13, 1987.

NOTE: Emphasizing the importance of religious freedom, the U.S. Ambassador cites only two examples of government denial of religious liberty, devoting equal time to the plight of Iranian Bahá’ís and the situation ir the Soviet Union. Ambassador Vernon A. Walters, the U.S. Chief Representative to the UN, also called attention in his November 23 speech reviewing human rights worldwide to the 12 Iranian Bahá’í prisoners threatened with execution.

Excerpts from Ambassador Byrne’s speech follow:

“*,..Before concluding, Mr. Chairman, I wish to mention a particularly grievous situation of religious intolerance—the outrageous persecution of the Baha’is in Iran. The Interim Report of the Special Representative on the situation of human rights in Iran, Mr. Galindo Pohl of El Salvador, contains credible allegations that Baha’is continue to be executed and to suffer arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention without trial owing to their beliefs.

“‘Baha’i cemeteries were reportedly desecrated and closed. Freedom of religious practice is denied and Baha’is are not considered equal under the law; they are ‘unprotected infidels.’

“On September 28, two Bahá’ís were executed by the government of Iran. Mr. Chairman, my delegation wishes at this point to issue a strong appeal to the Iranian authorities and to the world community on behalf of the 12 Baha’ is who also face execution in Iran because of their religious beliefs. These persons are: Mr. Ehsanullah Ayadi, Mr. Farajullah Saadati, Mr. Sohrab Dustdar, Mr. Ramezan-Ali Amuli, Mr. Behnam Pashai, Mr. Muhammed Dehgani, Mr. Ezzatullah Khorram, Mr. Mehran Tashakkor, Mr. Farid Zkiri, Mr. Vahid Qodrat, Mr. Shahroukh Haveydai, and Mrs. Parvin Fanaiyan-Edilkhani.

“The United States believes strongly that the world community cannot remain silent in the face of this impending crime. We urge all who value the sanctity of life to speak out on behalf of these persons and all the others unjustly imprisoned in Iran’s dungeons.

“The Iranian government told the Special Rapporteur that ‘Baha’ism is a foreign-affiliated political movement established througn the then Tsarist Russia and Great Britain as a means to ensure cheir colonial interests and long-term objectives in Iran.’ Mr. Chairman, these are the absurd ramblings of an outlaw regime, whose persecution of this religious minority, as well as the tragic incidents it promoted at one of the world’s most holy cities, Mecca, earlier this year need to be condemned by the international community. ...””

News from the Network

News, features, letters to editor give Faith wide press exposure

© The University of CaliforniaSan Diego’s student newspaper, The Guardian, published a twopart article in November about two Baha’i students there who escaped from Iran. The article was written by another Baha’i student at the university, Van Hutchinson.

Both letters addressed the persecution of Baha’ is in Iran and the need to draw worldwide attention to the oppression of the believers in that country.

¢ Also in November, E/ Hispano News of Albuquerque, New Mexico, published a feature arti cle about the Faith which began on the front page with a photograph of the House of Worship in Wilmette and included an overview of the history and teachings of the Faith.

The article was followed on October 21 by an editorial about the persecution of the friends in Iran.

Errors about the nature of the Faith and the Baha’i view of Muhammad provided an opportuni for the Spiritual Assembly of Colorado Springs to write a letter to the editor to clarify those matters for Gazette-Telegraph readers.

Bahda’is, Unitarians celebrate UN Day

Several years of patient work by the Baha’is of El Cerrito, California, paid off this year when members of the Unitarian Church of Berkeley invited the Baha’is to celebrate UN Day with them at their church,

The theme for the evening was “the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”

Thomas Kilpatrick, a Baha’i from Orinda, was asked to speak on the plight of Baha’is in Iran.

Two Baha’i couples, Parissa and Ben Norris of Danville and

Ijoma and Uluyemi Thomas of Oakland, performed music and songs.

A hardbound copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’’ was presented to the church on behalf. of the Spiritual Assemblies of Berkeley and El Cerrito, and two copies each were given to the minister, the Rev. Richard Boeke, and to Dr. Lucile Green, an active member of the church who organized the event.

About 25 Baha’is from several communities attended the dinner and program,

This float, sponsored by the Central Washington State Bahá’í Float Committee, has appeared in 15 parades this year with a total audience of 850,000-900,000 and has been seen on eight local television stations, marking the seventh year in a row that the committee has had a float on the

The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 13

road including an appearance at the 1984 Fiesta Bowl parade in Phoenix, Arizona, This picture was taken at the Seattle Seafair parade. The float was designed by Gene Rivas, a graphic artist from Seattle; Arne Eklund supervised the carving, painting and animating of figures on the float

which was designed to operate in wind and rain and to negotiate raised railroad tracks. The float was accompanied by a song, ‘Promise Them Peace, They Are the Children of the World,’ written by Nancy Taylor and sung by Curt Asplund.

Gulf Breeze, Florida, hosts media conference

ui Pustic

INFORMATION

About 40 Bahda’is attended a Media and Public Information Conference held October 18 in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Parks Scott of Birmingham, Alabama, former director of the Office of Public Information at the Baha’i National Center, en couraged the friends to get the word out about the Faith because most people need to hear a word or two about it before they become curious enough to investi gate.

“I heard about it for years before I ever attended a fireside,”’ he said.

“Radio is probably the least expensive way to proclaim the Faith,” said Ralph Featherstone, a radio announcer from Montgomery, Alabama.

In some towns, he said, one can

buy 30 minutes of air time for $15, and that time can be divided into many smaller segments.

Elizabeth Anderson, a journalist from north Alabama, suggested that the friends make contacts with news reporters to familiarize them with Baha’i views on current issues and trends that may in turn influence the stories they write about the Faith.

The event was sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Southern Alabama/Northwest Florida.

200 at Peace ah gee program in Portland, Oregon

About 200 people were present October 25 for the third annual Baha’i Peace Award Program at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

The event was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Portland in conjunction with the United Nations International Year of Shelter for the Homeless.

This year’s award recipient was Dr. Hideo Hashimoto, professor emeritus of religious studies at Lewis and Clark College.

Dr. Hashimoto, a retired Methodist minister, has devoted more than 60 years to the cause of world peace as chairman of the Commission on World Peace and the Commission on Christian Social Concerns of the Oregon-Idaho Conference Board of Church and Society, and as a member of the National Christian Council Center for the Study of Japanese Relations and the National Council of the Fellowship of Reconciliation.

The award program, which included music by children from the Portland Metro Baha’i School, was chaired by Lydia McCarter of Tigard, Oregon.

Attendees were welcomed by Dr. James Nafziger, president of the Oregon chapter of the United Nations Association.

Also speaking were Dr. Michael Sears, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland; Beverly

Dr. Hideo Hashimoto, professor emeritus of religious studies at Lewis and Clark College, is congratulated by Lydia McCarter of Tigard, Oregon, after receiving

Curtis, representing the Portland Shelter for the Homeless; Mehran. Adyani, a Baha’i refugee from Iran; Armando LaGuardia, a refugee from Cuba and director of

the third annual Bahá’í Peace

Award from the Spiritual Assem bly of Portland at a ceremony held October 25 at Lewis and Clark College.

the Upward. Bound program at Portland State University; and Dr. Karen Steingart, the 1986 Peace Award recipient who introduced Dr. Hashimoto. �[Page 14]14/ The American Bahá’í / January 1988

Falling dollar means higher prices for some books from overseas

The latest Baha’i Distribution Service price list, printed elsewhere in this issue of The American Bahá’í, reflects a number of price changes caused by recent fluctuations in the international currency exchange rates.

Over the past few months the currencies of several countries have increased in value by as much as 25 per cent in relation to the U.S. dollar. Particularly affected are books from England and Germany.

George Ronald, Publisher, one of the larger producers of Baha’i literature, has raised the prices of virtually all of its titles. January’s price list also reflects price increases for books from the Baha’s Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom and from Baha’i Verlag of Germany.

With the value of the dollar lower around the world, there are certain to be other long-range effects from the present economic problems which may affect the price of other books.

The January price list also includes a few price increases resulting from the higher costs of some products and services to the Baha’i Publishing Trust and Distribution Service.

Baha’i Distribution Service Top 25 Accounts, 144 B.E. Green Acre Baha’i School, Eliot,

Maine

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Los Angeles, California

Wilhelm Library, Teaneck, New Jersey

Louhelen School, Davison, Michigan

Bosch School, Santa Cruz, California

San Diego, California

New York, New York Clackamas County Northwest, Milwaukie, Oregon

Houston, Texas

Florida Summer School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Riverside, California Charlottesville, Virginia Washington, D.C.

San Francisco Baha’i Center, San Francisco, California

West Des Moines, lowa

San Jose, California Cleveland, Ohio

North Platte, Nebraska Phoenix, Arizona

Dallas, Texas

Kansas City, Missouri Indianapolis, Indiana Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Xenia Library, Dayton, Ohio

‘Peace ... The Promise’ audio tape of San Francisco Peace Conference available

from Publishing Trust

Peace ... The Promise, an audio tape of two major addresses given at the International Peace Conference in San Francisco, is now available from the Baha’i Publishing Trust.

Included on the tape is the keynote address by Dr. Ervin Laszlo, editor of The World Encyclopedia of Peace, entitled ‘‘Is Peace Possible?”’ Also included is the closing address by Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, called “Peace ...The Promise.’’ The tape is priced at $8.

415 Linden Avenue:

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Amount

Some suggestions

From the Baha’i Distribution Service

A 35-minute introduction to the Bahá’í Faith, produced by @ leading maker of educational films in England. In The Baha’i Faith—Through the Eyes of Young Baha’is, deeds and words are used to show what this religion means to some of its youthful followers. $25 VHS or Beta

qd

Nathan Rutstein’s biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Corinne True, who was known as ‘Mother True’ for her part in the building of the House of Worship in Wilmette and, with it, the North American Bahá’í community. $18.95 HC, $11.95 SC

. The first full-length biography of the Báb’s first disciple, including first-hand accounts of Mulld Husayn that have never before been published. By Iranian scholar R. MehrabKhani. $14.95 HC

ot Four films, totaling more than two hours, of talks given by the Hand of the Cause of God A.Q. Faizi. Topics include prayer and meditation, answered questions, stories and excerpts, and education of children. $49.95 VHS or Beta

>

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A film that introduces the Bahd’ Faith, using its growing community in Indi- as a model. Includes shots of the House of Worship in New Delhi and its dedication ceremonies. $25 VHS or Beta

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A children’s story set among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and around the naming ceremony for ‘Femi’s’ new brother. Femi’s family is a Baha’

family, and that means his brother gets a special name. $3.75 SC

The first three booklets in a series of 12 introducing children to some of the abstract concepts of the Bahá’í Faith.

Titles include ‘Growing,’ and ‘Why in the World?’ $8.95 for the set of three

‘God Is...,”

ones

To forthe amount of

From

A Gift of Love

“The beginning of all things is the knotwledge of God,

Baha’ w'lah fate is AG pn Fy the Baha't Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois Date issued 19 No. NG 0041 Baha'i Publishing Trust

41S Linden Avenue, Wilmete, Hingis 601

Gift certificates in any amount are available for Ayydm-i-Hd or any other time of the year. We can send gift certificates directly to one or more individuals,

�[Page 15]

for Ayyam-i-Ha

From the Baha’i Publishing Trust

d

Ive Recollections of

‘Abdi Baha and Shoghi Effendi 7a

Wa MLyAZD

A very special recollection of the time spent by a young Ali Yazdi in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and his friend and classmate, Shoghi Effendi. Blessings Beyond Measure ofJers a truly unique perspective. $12.95 HC

One of the most popular books recently published is being given as a stimulating gift for Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís. John Hatcher’s book suggests a challenging resolution to the purpose of a physical incarnation. $9.95 SC

Tapestry Notecards show 10 different views of the remarkable tapestry by Vicki Hu Poirier for the House of Worship in India. These notecards, depicting women in various Sorms of endeavor, can be used Sor Bahá’í Holy Days and observances or simply to send a short letter. $12.50 per package of 10 .

An audio tape full of the memories of those who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Remembrances are recorded from Juliet Thompson, Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan, Florence Breed Khan, Edward (Saffa) Kinney, Curtis Kelsey and Marguerite (Daisy) Smythe. $7.50 CS

For children

‘Tablet of the Heart

The 27 verses contained in Tablet of the Heart can be committed to memory by a child as part of the process of establishing a Bahá’í identity. Each quotation is illustrated, in a way that shows the diversity of the world’s children. $9.95 HC

Children and adults alike can learn from listening to Stories from the Dawn-Breakers, narrated by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Mr. Sears narrates four tapes of Zoe Meyer’s adaptation of Nabil’s Narrative. $27.95 for the set of four (with case)

Blessed Is the Spot, one of Bahd@’u’lláh’s best-known prayers, is illustrated with color drawings to help children say and remember it. This book has been a part of Bahá’í households for three decades, $8.95 HC

A tape to delight all ages. Loving Hands has a side devoted to Bahá’í identity songs for children, while the other side has songs with a more general audience in mind. Sung by the group ‘Heartbeat.’ $8.95 CS

The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 15

Ea

Terrill Hayes (left), general manager of the Bahd’{ Publishing Trust, talks things over with Dr. B. Todd Lawson of the Association for Bahd’{ Studies and Robert

Stockman (standing) of the Harvard University Divinity School during the annual American Association of Religions Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

Baha’is active at annual meeting of American Academy of Religion

The annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion, held in December in Boston, Massachusetts, included a new level of activity on the part of the Baha’i Faith.

For the first time, a session of the New England Regional Committee of the Association for Baha’i Studies was held before the AAR meeting. Its topic was the creation of a dialogue between Baha’is and Christians.

Those presenting papers at the session were:

¢ Dr. Charles Courtney, professor of religion at Drew University (‘Can Inter-Religious Relations Be a No-Trump Game?’’).

¢ Dr. Ann Schoonmaker, Eliot, Maine (‘Toward a Generic Theology: Investigating the Reality Behind Religious Pluralism’’).

A roundtable discussion was held during one session after participants viewed the film ‘‘The Mission.””

During the AAR conference itself there was both a seminar on the Baha’i Faith and a booth sponsored by the Baha’i Publishing Trust and the Association for Baha’i Studies, displaying books on the Faith and manned by Publishing Trust staff members.

Presenting papers at the: AAR seminar on the Faith were:

¢ Dr. John Hatcher, University of South Florida (“The Baha’i Concept of Progressive Revelation and the Problem of a Christian Antinomianism’’).

Dr. B. Todd Lawson, Association for Baha’ Studies (‘The

Crucifixion in the Qur’4n, Islam and the Baha’i Faith’’).

The booth operated by the Baha’i Publishing Trust provided information on literature about the Faith to those teaching classes on religion as well as general information on the Faith.

House of Justice stresses universal participation in many messages to Baha’is of world

The 20th in a series of columns on the goals of the Six Year Plan.

As we draw closer to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Universal House of Justice, it is interesting to review some of the early messages from the Supreme Institution of the Faith.

In its first message to the 1963 national conventions, the Universal House of Justice mentions ‘‘the principle of universal participation.”” A year later, in its Ridvan message announcing the Nine Year Plan, the House of Justice made universal participation one of the twin objectives, with expansion, of its initial plan for the Baha’i world.

Later in 1964 a separate letter was issued that offered a further explication on the concept of universal participation. In the Six Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice calls for ‘greater attention to universal participation and the spiritual enrichment of the individual believers.”’

You, too, may be interested in doing a little private research on the origin and true meaning of this term. You are invited to read Wellspring of Guidance, the messages from the Universal House of Justice from 1963-68, and Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-1973. These two compilations of the messages from the Universal House of Justice not only show the development of specific concepts such as universal participation, but chronicle an historic 10-year period in the growth of the Baha’i Faith,

Wellspring of Guidance is $9 in hardcover and $4 in softcover.

�[Page 16]16 / The American Baha’i / January 1988

Letters

from page 3

day; they are all clean people. Some have quite formal manners, while others prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

We should be moderate and presentable—but by whose standards? Most people want to “‘look good’’—but the question is, look good to whom? In business, one’s image is targeted to a certain group; but the target group of the Baha’is is the whole world!

In the Kitdb-i-Agdas, Baha’u'll4h leaves matters of dress to the individual. So what do we choose?

Should we copy ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s dress, and wear an aba and fez? After all, He is our Exemplar.

But that’s not a practical idea, and definitely not within the bounds of moderation.

To be more realistic, should we all dress in business suits? For some seekers this would be ideal, while others might be intimidated by such formality.

Jeans and T-shirts, then? Fine, but it leaves no space for those who are dressed up.

And what if we’re too broke to buy good clothes, or have a nicely decorated home, or a shiny car? Should we wear a placard saying, “Pm a good person, but I only make $10,000 a year’’?

So much depends on personal points of view, if we are judging by appearances! If you’re an American Indian, poor but in native costume, you may be considered perfectly acceptable and very spiritual; if you’re a poor white, you may be an object of considerable scorn, from Baha’is and non-Baha’fs alike.

If we continue to judge one another according to appearance, and encourage this attitude in those who are not Bahá’ís as well, are we really working for unity in diversity? Or are we doing the opposite—encouraging prejudice and discouraging that precious diversity?

Do we want to fall into the same trap as all previous religions?

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi told the Bahá’ís that they should be recognized by their deeds and should teach the Faith through their actions, they encouraged us to better understand the Bahá’í teachings and apply them to our lives.

The purpose is not so that others will approve of us, but so that we will become more spiritual beings. The process of spiritualization encourages us to become less concerned with appearances and more aware of spiritual qualities, in others as well as in ourselves.

ABS Science Seminar Invites manuscripts

The Association for Baha’i Studies’ Science and Technology Seminar (STS) invites the submission of manuscripts or papers on topics within the areas of interest of STS.

Papers are published as part of the Reports of the Science and Technology Seminar and/or presented at the STS’ annual meeting.

Papers should be typed and sent for review to the editor-in-chief of STS, Dr. Gilbert Bartholomew, P.O. Box 1258, Deep River, Ontario KOJ 1PO, Canada.

The only ‘‘timage’’ we should strive for and preserve is the image of God—because that’s what we’re supposed to be. And the way to accomplish this is through belief, dedication, sacrifice and obedience, for these are the qualities of Baha’is.

Barbara Larkin Monajem Lilburn, Georgia

Karen Adams

Smyrna, Georgia

The power of attraction

To the Editor:

All things move either by pressure (as when a soccer ball is kicked) or by attraction (as when the body’s repair cells are attracted to a wound by chemical messengers).

Likewise, souls move continuously according to the pressures and attractions exerted by God and man. It is impossible to divorce oneself from this living arena of interwoven forces; mankind és one, and God is closer to us than our life-vein.

Within this web, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave us precious guidance in admonishing us never to burden a soul, and set an example by gently removing veils (materialism, doctrine, etc.) and allowing people to become attracted to their God, even as He was so attracted.

We pray (in the long Obligatory Prayer) that God would see us clinging to His cord, “‘through Whose movement the whole creation hath been stirred up.”’ Somehow, in experiencing this connection and attraction to the King of Creation, we do not sense the stress of our Mover’s pressure, which is impelling mankind to a new direction.

Similarly, a loyal dog at its master’s heel never feels the leash tugging; its movements are already in complete harmony with its master’s will.

The powerful personal tool of reflection reveals the wisdom of action by attraction. Which actions were the result of pressure, and which attraction? Which brought joy, and which were mechanical and dry?

Is the surging of the sea, the growing of a plant, the singing of a bird, or the evolution (or “‘unfolding’’) of life more beautiful when seen as a manifestation of pressure, or of attraction?

These physical events are certainly interpreted in many ways. Is our Obedience to our King a matter of pressure or attraction? and is that obedience rewarding?

Finally, doesn’t the peace message describe the world as merging inevitably into a unit, and doing so either by attraction (via the acceptance of the method of consultative relationships), or by pressure (after experiencing the horror of war’s bloody and irradiated victims)?

Attraction is a fore-sighted action toward goodness; pressure is a hind-sighted reaction away from evil.

As Baháa’is, we should strive to distance ourselves from all the crazy pressures by which a large part of present-day society lives (and exerts in great excess): maintaining the figure of a bulemic model or muscle-builder, owning an overwhelming number of material possessions ... even holding an aggressive view of religion which burdens its adherents with the pressure to propagate, rather than emphasizing the joy of sharing.

The insanity of yielding to these pressures would be laughable if we were somehow immune to both their influence and appalling consequences on the human level.

Helping others to act by attraction can characterize the spirit of our teaching efforts.

In becoming a Baha’i, as I did recently, I never felt pressured. My views were always considered, and then either praised or upraised. At firesides, I felt that I was not the only one learning, but that the Writings were there to help all people achieve greater enlightenment.

Pressure, on the contrary, tends to reduce religions to relatively short-lived social phenomena, as seen in the ‘dying convulsions” of the resurgent religions (as described in Section I of the peace message).

Today, the most powerful heavenly attraction is found in the unique and enormously uplifting gift of a Divine World Order, made possible by the power of the Glory of God.

As Bahda’is, we can make many people happy by teaching confidently in a spirit of service, ‘“‘inviting them into this famil one new believer, here, said.

Bruce Kinzinger Lexington, Kentucky

Disheartening tone

To the Editor:

I feel angered and disheartened by the sermonizing tone of letters that continue to appear in The American Bahd’?s “‘letters’’ column.

These letters exhort us to ‘‘perfection” in all manner of being and breathing. I believe that this neurotic striving for perfection is instrumental in producing anxious, hypervigilant Baha’is with pathological stress levels and low self-esteem.

I do believe in “‘living the life.” But I do not believe that this choice means to fall victim to anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or stress-related illnesses.

I believe that a lack of self-acceptance is often driven by an irrational belief that one must be “‘perfect”’ to be loved.

Each lover of Baha’u’ll4h (new and old-timer) is doing the best

that he or she can at any given moment. I think I am free to move onward and upward when, and only when, I have fully experienced who and where I am today. Candy Asman

Bayside, New York

‘Thanks’ to musicians

To the Editor:

This is an open letter to all the wonderful Baha’i musicians out there in this world.

I can’t tell you how much an inspiration ‘‘Baha’i music’’ is to me and, I am sure, to countless others.

Seals and Crofts, Danny Deardorff, Leslie and Kelly, and Do’a especially, great thanks to you for being who you are and letting the world know your joy.

Music is a step-ladder for the soul. It helps us all to stretch and reach with more strength than we may have had without it.

God bless you all, Baha’i musicians.

Jacqueline Dodd Auburn, California

Let’s all meet together

To the Editor:

How many people would cry out in protest if there were a group formed to deal with issues facing our community and only men could attend?

How about a group for white males only? How loud would be the cry if women and blacks were politely told that they could not attend such meetings because they were intended to teach the men in our community to be better Baha’is and the groups would not function as well if women and/or blacks were to attend.

Having spent many years trying to fight the ‘evils’ of society, I find it hard to be shut out of dialogue about sexism simply because I was born male—especially when that dialogue is within the Baha’i Faith.

When the Faith was young in the U.S., there were all-male ‘‘Assemblies’’ and female ‘‘auxiliaries,” but the system was dropped quickly, as it was not in accord with the Writings.

Women were not told to wait until they were better educated, more willing to talk in groups, or

more deepened in the Writings before they were given full status as believer

TS.

No place in the Writings do I find encouragement for us to meet separately, in any way. Not racially, not religiously, not sexually.

I am proud to be in a Baha’i community that has a woman treasurer and male secretary on its Assembly, jobs that have been traditionally reversed.

Our district had a male secretary and female chairman this year, showing, possibly, that we are starting to shed some of the traditional mind-sets in these matters.

I am not proud that we have set up meetings that exclude half the members of our communities.

L. Byron Hopper Portsmouth, Virginia

Using the Baha’i calendar

To the Editor:

In response to Kathi WrightHulett’s letter (November) about the use of our Baha’i calendar:

This problem of not using the Baha’i calendar is something that has concerned me for some time.

As often as possible, I try to use the Baha’i date first, then underneath, use the Gregorian date in parentheses. 4

With the Faith now coming out of obscurity and more into the scrutiny of the non-Baha’i world, it seems important than ever that we use our Baha’i calendar.

It should also be used in connection with the observation of our Holy Days; for example, Baha’u’llah’s birthday falls on Qudrat (Power) 9 each year.

Many of our older publications, such as Star of the West, used the Baha’i date first, then the Gregorian.

After all, our calendar was revealed by a Manifestation of God, which should make it all the more important to us.

Admittedly, this is a difficult task, living as we do in a society governed by its own calendar; yet we should all try, as Kathi said, to make our own calendar more a part of our lives.

David W. Lehning Geyserville, California

TO

UNDERSTAND

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Order through your local librarian, or send check or ‘money order to:

Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

�[Page 17]& ey. ally i + wor fidenty +

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Members of the Bahd’{ National Committee on Women are (left to right) Alonzo Nesmith, Fafar Guillebeaux, Ruby Gubatayao, Christine Rayner, Marcia Gitchell, Juana Conrad and Steven

Gonzales. Members of the committee attended the National Women’s Conference Committee’s ‘Decade of Women on the Move’ conference November 19-22 in Washington, D.C.

Members of Committee on Women

attend conference in

Members of the Baha’i National Committee on Women attended the National Women’s Conference Committee’s ‘‘Decade of Women on the Move’’ conference held November 19-22 in Washington, D.C.

This 10th anniversary conference provided an opportunity for women to come together to review the 25-plank National Plan of Action, ratified in Houston, Texas, in 1977.

In addition to many seminars and workshops of special interest to the committee, an ecumenical

Washington, D.C.

presentation included a representative of the Faith, Bahiyyih Nakhjavani of Washington.

The conference brochure contained a full-page ad submitted by the National Committee on Women.

On Friday evening, about 50 people attended a reception hosted by the committee at the Highland Hotel.

Literature about the Faith was available, and many of the guests took pamphlets and copies of the peace statement.

The National Bahd’{ Archives

would like to know the names of

the Bahá’ís in this picture. The photograph was probably taken in

JSront row. Please send any infor The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 17

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

the New York City area, as Roy Wilhelm is at the far left in the

mation you may have to the Na tional Bahá’í Archives, National Center, Wilmette, 60091.

Bahá’í IL

Seminar on Faith, Christianity held at Harvard Divinity School; peace statement given to Holocaust Center in central Florida

The Harvard-Radcliffe Baha’i Association and the Association for Bahd’{ Studies’ New England Regional Committee co-sponsored a seminar December 4-5 at the Harvard Divinity School on ‘‘The Relationship Between the Baha’i Faith and Christianity.”

The speakers and their topics:

when preparing legis

Guardian's letters.

BEI BUT ONLY

S, GROUPS

If you, your family,

or photocopies of letters

ee

Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 312-869-9039

= GUARDIAN WROTE AT LEAST 21,000 LETTERS

11,014 OF THEM ARE IN THE ARCHI BAHA'I WORLD CENTRE.

friends or Local Spiritual A:

National Baha'i Archives Committee Baha’i National Center

Fae Sather eunaie

Sraghe

Were you or your family blessed by receiving a letter from the Guardian? Do you know someone who was?

- The Universal House of Justice refers to the writings of the Guardian

ation and consulting on matters relating to the

progress of the Baha’i Faith.

- The Baha'i World Centre Archives maintains a collection of the

AND BAHA'T INSTITUTIONS

of the Guardian, please s

Baha'i Archives Committee for forwarding to Haifa. Or send them yours by registered mail, to the Archives Office at the Baha’i

PLO.

If you wish to retain the originals, they will be returned to you after the necessary copies have been made for the Archives. If you wish to donate the originals, to be kept in your name in the International Baha’i Archives,

we will send you photocopies of them in return.

BAHA'T WORLD CENTRE ARCHIVES OFFICE

TO INDIVIDUAL IN THE OF THE

Archives Office Baha’i World Centre Box 155

31 001 Haifa,

WE:

mbly have any originals nd them to the National 21f,

World Centre.

Israel

(‘Can Inter-Religious Relations Be a No-Trump Game?”’).

Also included was a round-table discussion of the film, The Mission,

.

On November 30, Baha’is representing the local Teaching Committee of Seminole County, Florida, presented a copy of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’’ to Mrs. Tess Wise, president of the Holocaust Resource and Education Center of Central Florida, a nondenominational interfaith group whose purpose is to promote an awareness of the legacy of the Holocaust, racism, hatred, bigotry and intolerance.

The Baha’i delegation consisted of Ben Levy of Seminole County,

Anthony Lewis of Winter Sptings ane Dr. Adib Rabbani of Orlan0.

Mr. Levy gave a brief introduction to the Faith, highlighting the sacrifices for peace made by the Persian Baha’is, and summarized the peace statement for the audience of about 250, only a dozen of whom were Baha’ is.

Martyr

from page 4

unsuccessful attempts were made to kidnap him. One day, however, while he was in his car, he was arrested and taken to the infamous Evin Prison.

On June 23, 1981, after having been incarcerated for more than 16 months, Mr. Farid was executed by a firing squad.

Mr. Farid was known for his extremely warm and pleasing personality; no one ever saw him angry or bitter.

He was kind, gentle, calm, dignified and humble. He knew Arabic well and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Baha’i Scriptures. His life was an example of a true Baha’i scholar.

He is survived by his wife and four children.

Cameras Rolling!

submit VI

those who enier the contest.

teaching efforts. Eni

March 15, 1988.

‘The National Teaching Committee is presenti ca Awards" of Fireside Videos. Baha'is are encouraged to IS videotapes made for fireside presentations.

There is no time limit for the videos but the tapes should be an appropriate length for a fireside presentation. They should not an in-depth explanation by the host. They should present the Faith with accuracy and dignity. Production cost is the responsibility of

FIRESIDE VIDEO CONTEST Start Your

its Second annual

uire

Winners will be announced at the National Convention of 1988. The winning videos will be made available to the community for

should be submitted to the National Teaching Committee, Bahái National Center, Wilmette, IL

60091, no later than

�[Page 18]18 / The American Baha’i / January 1988

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

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Bahá’{ National Center is seeking a qualified person to serve as controller in the Treasurer’s Office at the National Center. The position requires a CPA license and a minimum of 5-7 years of public accounting experience and/or experience with not-for-profit organizations.

Two years of supervisory experience is preferred. This person must also be well-versed in the principles of Baha'i

the activities and trends in the U.S. Baha’i community. Ability to interact with staff at all levels and to represent the National Spiritual Assembly to public agencies and financial institutions is essential. Duties include, but are not limited to, helping advise the National Assembly about fund-raising strategies; helping to determine priorities in allocation of funds for activities in the U.S. Baha’i community; consulting and coordinating with the Baha’i World Center’s finance department on cash management; advising local Bahd’{ communities about the appropriate use of funds according to Baha’ principle and civil laws and on the appropriate application of state tax-exemption laws. The controller also prepares monthly financial statements with written analyses; administers the National Assembly’s financial records including development of the budget; coordinates and supervises the annual audit; administers the National Assembly’s cost management plan to assure that funds are properly invested and available when needed; and supervises the accounting department staff. If interested, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 for an application. The deadline for applications is March 1.

CERTIFIED 0.T., P.T., psycholgist and fully certified S.M.H. teachers are desperately needed at a state mental health facility in Winfield, a lovely rural farming community in southern Kansas with an active local Spiritual Assembly and teaching work in progress. A great place to live. Your help is needed. Please call Ron Shufflebarger at 316-221-2911 or Barbara Johnson, 316-221-0513.

THE CHEYENNE River Sioux Tribe is accepting applications for the following positions: Nutritionist— Women, Infants and Children’s Program. Accountant—Tribal Accounting Department. Magistrate Judge— Judicial Department. Court Administrator—Judicial Department. Coordinator—Energy Resource Program. Secretary/Bookkeeper—Centers of Excellence Project. Physician’s Assistant (certified)—Tribal Health. For more information/applications, con Department Butte, SD 57625 (phone 605-964-4818, ext. 3115).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

WANTED: dedicated, deepened Bahá’ís to move to Roseville, California, whose Bahá’í community will number only five active members after

February ’88. Roseville is within commuting distance of Sacramento with many job opportunities in all fields and several colleges in the area. Also, it’s only three hours by car to San Francisco or the famous Sierra Ski Resorts and Lake Tahoe. For more information, write to Sharon or Lyle Hill, P.O. Box 421, Roseville, CA 95661, or phone 916-782-8640.

A HOUSE is available for the enterprising Bahd’{ individual or family willing to pioneer to the rural town of Pierson, Iowa. Once occupied by a Baha’i family, the house has since been sadly neglected but would respond to the loving care of a good handyman. The people of Pierson have been exposed to the Faith in the past and need a loving, conscientious Baha’i or family to water the Contact Robert or Jo

or phone 402-846-5409.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: enjoy the coziness of a small town with all the conveniences of a large city only minutes away! Knightdale, North Carolina, is a short drive from the state capital, Raleigh. The Research Triangle is a reasonable commute. Come to Knightdale and help activate its sleeping Baha’i community! For more information, write to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle,

Garner, NC 27529 (phone 919-772-1340), or phone Art McKinley, 919-469-2783.

HAMILTON Township, a central New Jersey community between Trenton and Princeton, wishes to communicate with families and/or individuals interested in relocating to that area. Hamilton Township is a family-oriented community with active Baha’ children’s classes, good employment opportunities, about an hour from New York or Philadelphia on public transportation. Good schools, local colleges, recreation, etc. Contact Scott

McNear, Mercerville, NJ 08620. THE SHOSHONE-Bannock Indian

Reservation at Fort Hall, Idaho, needs dedicated, patient and steadfast homefront pioneers to help strengthen and consolidate the Baha’i community. There are many difficulties and a seemingly endless apparent lack of Progress, but also much glorious potential among the deeply spiritual Native Americans there. The main industry in the area is farming, with potatoes the principal crop. Idaho State University and the ISU VocationalTechnical School are only 10 miles away in Pocatello. For more information, contact Sarah AbdulWahid, P.O. Box 593, Fort Hall, ID 83203, or phone 208-237-7645.

JEOPARDIZED Assembly in Coos Bay (pop. 14,000), on the Oregon coast at the Pacific Ocean, needs four Baha'is to move there. Mild climate, excellent community college, good retirement area with moderate rents and housing, wonderful recreation including boating and fishing. Good schools too. There are two other jeopardized ‘Assemblies in the area who are willing to work together on teaching projects. For more information, write to Mrs. Julie Rubenstein, secretary, P.O. Box 341, Coos Bay, OR 97420.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Clayton, North Carolina, a small town with three active Baha’is on Raleigh’s doorstep. Enjoy small-town life with a big city just down the road. With your help, the community can really grow! For more information, write to the Barghassa family,

Clayton, NC 27520 (phone 919-553-3702), or to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Roche,

ner, NC 27529 (phone SIT,

NEEDED: homefront pioneers to reinforce teaching efforts and help save a jeopardized Assembly that was

first formed in April 1982. The strictly residential/resort town of Paradise Valley, Arizona (pop. 12,000), borders Phoenix and Scottsdale. With a zoning ordinance calling for a minimum of one acre per house, there are no apartments or condominiums available, and the cost of a house ranges from $175,000 upward. Arizona has great diversity with abundant ‘opportunities and challenges for teaching the Faith. For more information, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Paradise Val

ley, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, or phone 602-9483582 or 602-951-8668.

ALTAMONTE Springs, Florida, has seven adult Bahá’ís and needs two more to form an Assembly. This is a fast-growing area with good employment opportunities and apartments, houses and condominiums available. For information, write to Pearl Fleischhacker,

Altamonte Springs, FL 32701, or phone 305-260-9073.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: Apex, North Carolina, is an up-and-coming small town within commuting distance of the Research Triangle and three universities—Duke, the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State—and three cities with good employment opportunities—Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Help bring the Apex Assembly to functioning status! For more information, write to Debbie Reid, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Wake County, P.O. Box 25817, Raleigh, NC 27611, or to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle,

Garner, NC 27529.

HAVE YOU ever dreamed of being part of an Assembly on an Indian Reservation? We could help you realize that dream. The Toppenish (Washington) Assembly, on the Yakima Indian Reservation, is in jeopardy and needs you before its formation date in April. Toppenish is in an agricultural and rural area; employment is high in agriculture and government with MSWs also needed. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Toppenish, P.O. Box 284, Toppenish, WA 98948, ‘or phone 509-865-5453 or 509-8655838.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

‘THE DEPARTMENT of Defense is actively recruiting for the 1988-89 academic year for its network of overseas schools. Especially needed are elementary school teachers, special education teachers for all grades, school librarians, math and science teachers, and ESL teachers. To receive application forms or more information, request a copy of ‘Overseas Employment Opportunities for Educators,”” available from Department of Defense Dependents Schools, Recruitment and Assignments Section, Hoffman Building 1,

Alexandria, VA 22331 (phone 703-325-0885). Also contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039) for information about the progress of employment plans.

INTERNATIONAL Schools Services (ISS) helps about 200 overseas American/International schools with recruitment of professional personnel. These schools serve the families of diplomats and businessmen working abroad. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, certification, and at least two years’ recent full-time teaching experience. Computer specialists are also needed. For more information or application forms, write to ISS, Attn: Mary Rabbitt, P.O. Box $910, Princeton, NJ 08543; also, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’s National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (Phone 312-869-9039) for information about the progress of employment plans.

NICARAGUA: An_ international organization is seeking an agricultural engineer with a diploma and six or more years of agricultural workshop experience. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BURUNDI: The English Teaching. Fellow Program of USAID is recruiting qualified applicants who are U.S. citizens for placement beginning in August 1988. Positions are now open in Burundi, a goal country. A Fellow is an employee of the local institution or center and not of the U.S. government. Salaries sufficient to live modestly in the local economy are paid in local currency with an additional stipend in U.S. dollars. Round-trip transportation for hiree only and group policy medical/hospitalization insurance are also provided. For more information, contact the Office of

Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

NIGERIA: Opportunity for a Human Resources Director with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. Applicants should have substantial experience at the management level in personnel or human resources for an international relations organization; experience should include manpower development and training as well as administration of personnel policies at all staff levels. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Honduras is seeking a self-sufficient Bahd’{ to direct a deepening/professional development institute in central Honduras. Twenty livein Baha’i students study for threemonth periods, deepening on the Faith and studying a profession (carpentry, poultry farming, etc.). The director administers all aspects of the institute except professional development (done by a government agency) including supervision of students and maintenance personnel, evaluation of teachers and curriculum, purchasing, weekend teaching projects, and freetime activities. Students’ ages range from 18 to 40 years. Fluency in Spanish is necessary. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE GOVERNMENT of Kenya is seeking applicants through the United Nations for a chief technical adviser in statistical data processing for April 1988. Duties include advising directors of statistics and computer service departments, conducting in-service training for systems programming, hardware use and micro-computers, writing technical reports, providing backstopping to end-user training, administering projects, developing a manual, and directing processing support. Applicants should have a degree in computer science or a related field, considerable experience in statistical data processing as well as management, and broad programming experience on main frame computers and micro-computers. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’j National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

FOUR U.S. universities are recruiting U.S. faculty to teach graduate courses for servicemen stationed at U.S. military bases overseas. All require applicants to have a Ph.D in the discipline of instruction plus university-level teaching experience. For information about current openings and specific overseas locations, write to: (1) Dr. Ralph E. Millis, University of Maryland, University College, College Park, MD 20742; (2) Boston University Overseas Programs,

Boston, MA 92215; (3) Dr. C.H. Porter, chairman, Department of History and Socia! Science,

Troy State University, Troy, AL 36082; or (4) Chapman College, 3205 Midway Drive, San Diego, CA 92110. Also, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039) for information about progress of employment plans.

BRAZIL: to all Iranian Baha’i refugees who are qualified as doctors or in other medical professions: Through the cooperation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil and the International Baha’i Refugee Office, the government of Brazil is allowing Iranian physicians with refugee status to establish themselves in that country and work in Baha’i-run clinics to be established throughout Brazil. “‘The House of Justice feels it would be highly meritorious for Bahd’{ doctors to seize this opportunity” to follow their profession while at the same time helping to carry the Cause of God to a receptive people. For those who arise to answer this call, the House of Justice will offer prayers at the Holy Threshold for their “‘wellbeing and for the success of their valued efforts."” For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SCHOOLS

LOUHELEN Residential College is accepting applications for fall 1988. A minimum of 13 additional students (for a total of 26) to enroll in the program; students live at Louhelen, have classes in Baha’i studies, and take part in Baha’ conferences, fellowship, social, recreational and devotional activities while enrolled in degree-earning programs at the University of Michigan-Fliat or Mott Community College. For information and application materials, write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-6535033).

‘THE LOUHELEN Baha’; School is now accepting applications for summer positions including children’s education director, adult program director, registrar, recreation director, dishwasher/food service assistant (two positions), assistant librarian/book sales, groundskeeper. Room and board and a stipend are provided. Applicants should be able to serve from the end of June through August 24. Those who are interested should send a brief resumé listing applicable experience and position desired to: Louhelen Bahd’{ School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

WANTED

THE NATIONAL Baha’i Archives is secking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters from the Guardian to the following deceased Baha’is: Edith Bail, Clarence Baker, Emilie Baker, Ellen A. Baptie, Bessie Barham, Lorraine Barlet, Chester F. Barnett, David D. Barnitz, Leone Barnitz, Nelson Barrus, Dwight Barstow and Christine Barth. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have the letters to any of these individuals is asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

CHILDREN’S program teaching staff sought at Louhelen: child education coordinator, master teachers, teachers’ assistants wanted for weekend conferences from January through the summer. For details and to apply, contact the Louhelen Baha’ School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

THE WOMEN of the greater Omaha (Nebraska) area have a dream: to start a day-care center. Surely we are not the only ones. Who out there has already done this? Can they give us the benefit of their wisdom? Any and all tips would be greatly appreciated. Questions: How big did you start? How did you get your first chil

�[Page 19]

CLASSIFIEDS

dren? Did you begin as a Baha’i daycare center or as a private one? What connection, if any, was there with the local Spiritual Assembly? How did you advertise? Did you begin in a home, a store-front, or what? After you got going, did you have profitsharing? Did you form a corporation? What legal advice, if any, did you receive? What do you recommend? What business and hiring tips do you suggest? Your answers would be so helpful! Please send them to Zhaleh Vafai, . Omaha, NE 68114, or phone 402-3900167.

‘THE CENTER for Interracial Unity is seeking materials on models of interracial unity and seeking to identify Baha'is who have worked and/or trained in this area. Please contact the CIU at the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

SOCIAL Security Administration employees: Bahá’í working for the SSA would like to get in touch with others for mutual support. Let’s share Positive experiences and help one another bring the Faith to bear on our jobs. Write to Lorraine Appelbaum,

Philadelphia, PA 19144, or phone 215-438-3346 (home) or 215-951-7879 (work).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking 1952-1967 district convention voting lists for Massachusetts, Virgit lina, Kentucky, northern California, Nebraska and Minnesota. Anyone having lists they could donate should send them to the National Baha’i Archives, Bahd’s National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE BAHA’IS of Bellingham, Washington, are preparing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Faith in Bellingham and Whatcom County and need information on pioneers and traveling teachers fo and from that area. If you have such information or know of anyone who does, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bellingham, P.O. Box 103, Bellingham, WA 98227, or phone Lina Zeine, 206734-6505 (evenings).

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,

PUBLICATIONS, ETC.

STILL available: the April 1987 issue of Bahd’/ News featuring the color photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the cover. A perfect gift for Ayyam-i-Ha or Naw-Rúz, and for use in your teaching and deepening. Keep several on hand for firesides or winter schools. Only $1 each from Baha'i Subscriber Service; bulk orders available. Write to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TAPES from Louhelen conferences: ‘Scriptural and Spiritual Answers to Fundamental Questions”” by Jack

Standard course for Baha’i youth The Standard is a 12-month ndence course for Baha’i youth. Begin to increase your methodical study of the Writings as requested in the Six Year Plan by subscribing to The Standard today! Simply send your name, address and $5 to the National Youth Committee.

McCants: set of four tapes, $20; “‘The Forces of Light and Darkness” by Counselor Hooper Dunbar: set of four tapes, $20; “‘Bahá’í Development: The Practical Process of Transforming Mankind” by Holly Vick: set of three tapes, $16; “‘Marriage Enrichment Institute” by Dr. Hossain Danesh, set of four tapes, $20; “Women and the Age of Equality”” by Dr. Jane Faily and “‘Women of Color in America” by Dr. Gwen Lewis: $6 per tape. Contact Reflections, Louhelen Bahd’{ School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

CONFERENCE catalog of fall, winter and spring conferences at the Louhelen Baha’i School is available from the Registrar, Louhelen Bahd’f School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

SINGLE Bahá’ís: now there’s a newsletter just for you! “Baha'i Friends—Singles Edition’? needs writers and subscribers. Cost is $5 for one year (four issues), $8 for two years (cight issues). For more information, write to Visalia Rose Publishers, P.O. Box 1721, Visalia, CA 93279.

BAHA’E literature in Spanish: we have more than 50 titles in stock including books and pamphlets. Send for our free list. Los Angeles Bahd’{ Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Phone 213-9338291.

AVAILABLE now from Images international: audio cassette tapes from the National Committee on Women “~nference for Liaisons held in Febtuary 1987. For more information, please write to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Belchertown, MA 01007.

“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 Baha’ School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

NAW-RUZ cards, four different: Shrine of the Bab, Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, the Greatest Name illuminated in color, and the ringstone symbol illuminated in color. Insides are blank; greetings supplied on separate inserts in English or Persian. Price is $7.50 for a pack of 10 of same card and greeting, envelopes included. Shipping is 10 per cent of order ($3 minimum). Illustrated flyer available on request. Write to Los Angeles Bahá’{ Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016, or phone 213-933-8291.

MISCELLANEOUS

INFORMATION about applying for the 1988 Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry may be obtained by writing to Dr. William Diehl, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. The deadline for applications in March 15.

HAVE YOU moved recently? Did your children move with you? Many times, copies of Brilliant Star magazine will be returned by the post office labeled “forwarding order expired,” and it has happened that mother and father have submitted an address change but have forgotten about the children. If the family moves, please remember to include the names and Bahd’{ I.D. numbers of the children with your address change. If your children do not have I.D. numbers, you may register them as Baha’ children through your local Spiritual Assembly or District Teaching Committee, The total number of Baha’i children registered to date is 6,244.

ATTENTION stamp collectors: The central office for the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas has a large selection of stamps for sale, The collection includes items from more than 60 countries. We would like to sell them in one lot to either a Bahá’í or non-Bahá’s collector. Please direct inquiries to Mrs. Ruth Pringle,

Costa Rica.

As part of a long-range campaign to promote peace through the year 2000, the Magic Valley (Idaho) Peace Committee has produced a 40-minute video tape that includes the participation of Baha’i entertainers Leslie and Kelly, Gordi Munro and Susan Lewis.

What is significant about the production is that all of the committee members except one are not Bahda’is.

The campaign, called ‘The Magic Peace Project,’’ was begun during the International Year of Peace in response to a proclamation by former Gov. John Evans who said that ‘‘the achievement of peace requires a new mode of thinking revolving around the concept of ‘One Earth, One Humanity and One Common Destiny.” ””

During the IYP the committee, whose chairman, Harry Massoth, is a Bahá’í, solicited dozens of ideas for promoting peace from Idaho residents and wove them around the theme of ‘Thinking Globally and Working Locally.”

The conceptual framework of the campaign was based on ideas drawn from a number of documents including ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.”

When Leslie and Kelly accepted an invitation from a group of high school students to become involved in the campaign, says Mr. Mas Miami Baha’is in news

A full-page article about the Faith and Baha’is in the Dade County, Florida, area, accompanied by a large photograph, appeared in the November 5 issue of The Miami Herald.

The article came about after a reporter for the paper noticed a Baha’i billboard and phoned the secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Miami to ask if she could interview some Baha’is and write an article about them.

Baha'is interested in Traveling Teaching in Mexico, please contact: National Teaching Committee, Baha'i National Center, Wil

mette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

“The American Bahd’{ / January 1988 / 19

Magic Valley (Idaho) Peace Committee produces 40-minute video featuring Baha’i entertainers

Magic Peace Project

Roote 1 Baw 80, Babi. Labo

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‘The Magic Peacemaker’s Video Kit,’ produced by the Magic Valley (Idaho) Peace Committee and

soth, “‘our committee was able to create a booklet outlining 10 activities presented as ‘magic tricks’ for promoting peace with each ‘trick’ being introduced by lyrics from Leslie and Kelly’s cassette, “We Are One.”

“The activities include such things as the ‘magic’ of proclamation, prayer, inspiration, positive vision, action and celebration.”

In October 1986, Leslie and Kelly spent a week in southern Idaho promoting the campaign, speaking at schools and performing in the annual ‘We Are the World”’ show.

In May 1987, Gordi Munro and Susan Lewis were invited by the peace committee to be the featured performers in a Bicentennial Concert.

It was during the latter visit that the idea of a video was conceived. The video, produced by a local television station, revolves around a conversation with members of the Magic Valley Peace Committee, Leslie and Kelly, Gordi Munro and Susan Lewis.

Highlights include Leslie and Kelly’s music video ‘‘In America” and a performance of Gordi Munro’s hit song, ‘‘Unity in Diver ‘Nep,

Peacemaker’s Kit

Featuring Bahá’í entertainers Leslie and Kelly, Gordi Munro and Susan Lewis.

sity.””

Two other sections of the video should be of special interest to Bahiis.

One is the recognition of the Faith for the statement, ‘The Promise of World Peace”; the other is a series of dramatic scenes of a white racist cross-burning and counter-rally in Idaho.

The counter-rally, which received national media attention, includes a candlelight service during which Seals and Crofts’ song, “One Planet, One People ... Please”’ was played.

The video, booklet and other materials have been packaged in a “Magic Peacemaker’s Video Kit’’ which the committee hopes to place in schools throughout the state.

After reviewing materials in the kit, the Idaho Human Rights Commission praised the efforts of the committee and said its members were ‘‘impressed with the teaching materials.”

The kits are also available for sale at $27.50 each. Please make checks payable to The Magic Peace Project and send to Harry Massoth, Buhl, ID 83316.

new from the Baha'i Publishing Trust

Introduce a Child to the Sacred Text

and sensitiv

Bahd‘i Distribution Service

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1800

27 memory verses from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

More than three dozen drawings—half in color— illustrate the quiations

ely depict the diversity of the world’s peoples and cultures

Compiled by Leslie Lundberg Illustrated by Terry Ostovar

Hardcover $995

Price valid only in the United States

�[Page 20]20 / The ‘American Bahd’{ / January 1988

Plans under way for summer 1988 Special Visits to House of Worship

far Be fh fifi

We are also beginning to work on plans for this summer’s Special Visit programs.

The dates will be Thursday, May 26, through Sunday, May 29, for the adult program, and Thursday, July 28, through Sunday, July 31, for the family visit.

Included will be a visit to the Archives, a tour of the House of Worship, and special speakers. Try to join us for this very special experience. You’ll find details for reservations in the form on this Page.

.

Guiding at the House of Worship is a special privilege in that it gives one an opportunity to teach without making the special efforts that a fireside at home demands.

At the House of Worship, all the teaching materials are at your disposal and those to be taught come to you.

The special privilege of guiding enables one to improve as a teacher, to rededicate his life to the service of our Lord, and to experience the pure joy of sharing the Faith with others.

Several elderly guides have discovered the special bounty of serving at the House of Worship. One of them travels by public transportation a long distance twice each week; another travels from Wisconsin to guide.

Your Treasurer’s Office serves you!

Do you have any questions or ideas about Fund promotion, the Automatic Contribution System, local Assembly public liability insurance, Fund development, estate planning, wills, the National, International or Continental Funds, the Persian Relief Fund, contributions, accounting procedures, gifts of securities or real estate, taxes or tax exemption?

Please call on us:

Office of the Treasurer Baha’i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone 312/869-9039

House of Worship plays host to area educators as part of a Global Studies Seminar program

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

“‘We are beginning the process of fulfilling one of the goals of a long-range plan that deals specifically with global education and the world in which we live. We need to develop a central core of teachers who have been educated about global understanding,”’ said Robert Goldman, superintendent of Evanston Township (Illinois) High School, about a recently established Global Studies Seminar at the school.

The seminar takes teachers to various places around Chicago to discuss with professionals in various fields ways to help students develop a global perspective.

On December 8, the same day on which the summit conference was opened in Washington, D.C., 48 of the ETHS Global Studies Seminar teachers and administrators came to the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette for a fourhour program that introduced them to the House of Worship, the principles of the Faith, and the local, national and international Baha’i community.

The program was hosted by the House of Worship staff and the Bahá’í community of Glencoe, helped by eight Baha’is who served as workshop facilitators.

This was the first occasion on which the House of Worship had been sought out by an educational institution to serve as a resource for teaching global consciousness.

Before the program, each semi

Teachers from Evanston Township (Illinois) High School are given a tour of the Bahá’í House of Worship during a four-hour Global Studies Seminar held there on December 8. The program, which was hosted by the Bahá’í

nar participant was given a copy of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement and asked to choose a workshop based on one of the themes in that statement.

During their welcome to the House of Worship they were congratulated for their role as educators and for their foresight in developing the Global Studies program.

The teachers toured the visitors’ center and auditorium, and were shown an introductory audiovisual program and the audiovisual program from the San Francisco Peace Conference.

They chose workshops on

Sasa Ro oo House of Worship staff and the Baha'i community of Glencoe, marked the first time that the House of Worship had been called on by an educational institution to serve as a resource for teaching global consciousness.

“Rich and Poor,’’ ‘Global Literacy,’’ “‘Racism,’’ ‘‘The Equality of Men and Women,” and “Religious Strife,’’ and spent nearly an hour exploring with their Baha’i facilitators ways in which the House of Worship and the teachings and experiences of the Bahá’í community can be used to help them with their goal of teaching global understanding to students at Evanston Township High School.

It is expected that most of the 700 freshmen in the Global Studies course will come to the House of Worship in small groups with their teachers to take part in discussions of the peace statement.

1988 Special Visit Programs to Baha’i National Center*

arranged especially for your visit by the National Archives.

See first-hand how the National Spiritual Assembly conducts its business.

are normally closed to visitors.

Tour the entire Baha’i National Center visiting the:

° Office of the Secretary

¢ National Committee Offices

¢ Baha’i Publishing Trust

¢ Baha’i Home

View relics of Baha’u’ll4h and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Learn how the construction of the ‘‘Mother Temple of the West’’ was a primary stimulus for the development of the American Baha’i community. Tour areas of the building that

Tuly 28-31

May 26-29

HOUSING

REGISTER EARLY! Please indicate the program you plan to attend and your housing choice

SPECIAL VISIT FOR FAMILIES

(Children’s classes and special activities for the family will be planned)

REGULAR SPECIAL VISIT

(No programs for children)

A limited number of rooms are being held at the HOLIDAY INN in Evanston. Rates per night: single, $55; double, $65.

I wish to make a reservation at the Holiday Inn ___

Please send a listing and rates for area hotels/motels (some of which are accessible to the House of Worship via public transportation)

I am making other arrangements for housing ___

Name. Address.

List additional names (and ages of children) here:

City se a ah Statens Mate Zip. Have fun, make new friends, and take part Phone (Area Code )

in a spiritual experience you’ll never forget. Return registration form to: Special Visit Programs, Baha’i House of Worship Activities Office, Wilmette, IL 60091

The Special Visit Programs are for Bahá’ís only!

�[Page 21]The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 21

Sharing ideas spells success for southern Oregon events

NATIVE AMERICANS

A local Spiritual Assembly often spends many hours looking for the perfect proclamation and teaching project for its community.

In southern Oregon, the Spiritual Assembly of Jackson County found that special project, and it was the result of the simple Baha’i practice of sharing ideas and learning to work together.

A member of the community Suggested at a Feast that the members consider having Kevin Locke, the wonderful Lakota Indian hoop dancer, come to Jackson County and put on a series of performances.

With that simple suggestion and a lot of help from the Concourse on High, the Assembly was able to offer southern Oregon one of the most successful proclamations ever held in the area.

There were many factors in its favor, not the least of which was the ability of four communities to work together and individually through a coordinating committee.

Also, southern Oregon was ready for the special gifts of an American Indian, and a publicity committee was organized that really did the job of publicizing Mr. Locke’s appearance.

All three local television stations included interviews and footage of Mr. Locke dancing on their evening and late-night news programs.

In addition, there were articles and photo coverage in at least four newspapers, while the public radio station also mentioned the event.

Southern Oregon State College’s Anthropology Club combined with the Baha’i Club to cosponsor a performance by Mr. Locke at the college.

Council Fire to be held in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the GREAT COUNCIL FIRE

of 1963 near Tucson, AZ: Tucson Mountain Park || Gitbert Ray Campgrounds February 27-28, 1988 For information contact: John Cook | 602/586-4555

This sharing of sponsorship offered a golden opportunity to introduce the Faith to the professors in the Anthropology Department.

More than 400 people attended the performance, and about 175 stayed afterward for a questionand-answer session in which many questions about the Faith were raised.

Everyone who attended received an invitation that included a brief resumé on K¢ Locke, a quotation by Bahd’u’ll4h, and a list of future firesides with phone numbers for additional information about the Faith.

Southern Oregon is blessed by having two people who devoted many hours to setting up Mr. Locke’s performance in Chiloquin, working hand in hand with the Spiritual Assembly of Klamath Falls to ensure its success.

They went to Chiloquin a month before Mr. Locke’s arrival and held prayer meetings with the local Baha’is while generally getting a feeling for the people in the town.

They set up a meeting with Chief Edison Chiloquin, a wellknown Klamath Falls Indian leader who refused to cash his $250,000 check when all the tribal land was taken by the government.

After 20 years of negotiations, his land was restored to him last

year.

The town of Chiloquin has a population of 500. There were 95 people at Mr. Locke’s performance, 65 of whom were American Indians.

Under the careful direction of the Spiritual Assembly of Greater Grants Pass, Mr. Locke performed for an audience of 200 at the Rogue Community College cafeteria.

When it was found that the building was too low for him to be able to use the hoops required for his dance, the Bahá’ís simply moved the performance outdoors, and all 200 people followed.

Since that performance a number of college students have joined the Baha’i Club on campus.

Mr. Locke also performed at two schools, a junior high school in Klamath Falls and a private school in Jacksonville. At the private school he led the children in a snake dance and told them a story about the woodpecker and the flute.

Mr. Locke, whose Indian name means “Stands First,’’ also lectured to the Hakomi group on concepts of unity within the Ba

American Indian Teaching Activitity December, 1987 / January, 1988

-. Pe Vee.

ha’i Faith.

The Hakomi is a psychological orientation that stresses the unity of all things. Many of its teachers came to the luncheon at which Mr. Locke spoke.

One of the highlights of Mr. Locke’s visit was his interaction with the Baha’i children. He taught them a children’s prayer, “OQ God, Guide Me,” in Indian sign language.

It was a powerful time, one that neither the adults nor the children will ever forget.

Mr. Locke completed his visit with a fireside. It had been publicized in the local paper, and a number of new seekers attended.—Hilary Miller

Lakota Indian hoop dancer Kevin Locke leads children at a school in

Jacksonville, Oregon, in a traditional snake dance.

‘Weave Us Together’ provides theme at N.C. ‘New Priorities’ Conference

““Weave Us Together’’ was the theme of a New Priorities Conference held September 19-20 in Asheville, North Carolina, sponsored by more than 70 organizations including the Bahd’{is of Asheville and Buncombe County.

More than 300 people attended the conference at Asheville High School which addressed the topics of peace, social justice and the environment.

Baha’is had suggested in November 1986 that such a conference be held, and were elected to leadership roles on the planning committee.

The majority of committee members were not Bahá’ís, and while Baha’i principles were used

Relief

from page 5

and will not ask for help in the hope that others can be helped instead of her.

In a letter dated July 13, 1987, the Universal House of Justice urged our National Spiritual Assembly to remind the friends of “the necessity to contribute to this Fund.”

While the need continues to be great, the available resources are dwindling. From May through July 1987, $27,782 was disbursed in the U.S. from the Persian Relief Fund, while only $16,890 was received from the American Baha’i community earmarked for that Fund during the same period of time.

The Persian Relief Fund is a humanitarian fund and not one of those used for promoting the Faith; therefore, Baha’is and their friends may contribute.

Contributions are tax-deductible. Checks should be made out to the National Baha’i Fund, earmarked for the Persian Relief Fund, and sent to the Office of the Treasurer, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The beloved Guardian’s writings continually remind us that the Faith of Baha’u’ll4h will grow only through the twin processes of integration and disintegration. Baha’i history showers us with examples of the alternation of crisis and victory in the battle of the Army of Light against darkness.

There is no example more vivid, or equal to, the crisis facing our cherished co-workers in Iran and the subsequent world-wide victories for the Cause of God.

The Persian Relief Fund is another way of saying ‘thank you.’’

to guide consultation, it was not a “Baha’i”’ conference.

Other sponsoring organizations included the NAACP, the United Nations Association, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Educators for Social Responsibility, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Asheville-Buncombe League of Women Voters, Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council, Asheville Friends Meeting, American Red Cross, UNC-Asheville Environmental Studies Program, Peace Links, Hunger Awareness Group, local churches, social concern groups, schools and businesses.

The keynote speaker Saturday morning was Auxiliary Board member Jack Guillebeaux who addressed the issue of social justice.

Following the plenary sessions, participants had a choice of 15 workshops or three panels.

One of the workshops, on the spiritual foundations of peace, was conducted by a local Baha’i, Jean Schwandes.

A display area with more than 35 booths gave the various groups an opportunity to share their focus and expertise. At their booth, the Baha’is gave out about 100 copies of the peace statement and 150 free posters.

The conference was capped by an evening of diverse local entertainment arranged by Baha’ is Wilford Johnson and Mary Davis.

The Baha’is of Asheville and Buncombe County, through their central role in planning, their willingness to serve without special recognition, and their willingness to volunteer for any tasks required, demonstrated the principles of the Faith by their actions.

Wall Street Journal carries editorial on persecutions in Iran

A sympathetic editorial about the persecution of Baha’is in Iran appeared November 12, the anniversary of the Birth of Baha’w'llah, in The Wall Street Journal.

The teachings of the Faith, it says, ‘‘pose no threat to Iran’s religious or government leaders. Its adherents are instructed to obey the laws of the governments under which they live and to avoid partisan political involvement. Its religious dogma is certainly unoffensive; it seeks ‘universal peace’ for all humanity.’’

The actions taken by the government of Iran—‘‘jailing, torturing and killing Bahá’ís merely for adhering to their Faith,”’ the editorial concludes, “underscores how important it is that the U.S. and other nations draw attention to Iran’s persecuted religious minority.””

Louisiana will have a Baha’i ee School on February

. Contact Randy Landry, 504-446-1826.

CONTINENTAL INDIGENOUS COUNCIL South Dakota July, 1988

American Indian Baha'is are invited to attend.

Featured activities include:

preceeding campout

+ involvement of elders

traditional Indian speakers

Watch for more information in upcoming issues of The American Baha'i!

whom performed ed a ‘Grass Dance.’’

Two Sioux Indian dancers entertain at L.A.’s Cross-Cultural Program

At the Cross-Cultural Program held December 5 in Los Angeles, entertainment was provided by two Sioux dancers, one of “Fancy War Dance”’ while the other present Both dancers addressed the gathering with spiritually uplifting words in accord with the Baha’i Teachings.

Mrs. Joan Freeman (Seminole), director of the United American Indian Institute of Southern California, then spoke to the 300 people who gathered there about the needs of the urban Indian. More than half of those present were not Baha’ is.

Cross-Cultural Programs are being held every Saturday evening a GLa Coe Ler ase GET Conquest of the City of the Angels’ campaign, a teaching project focusing on minority groups mentioned in the Six Year Plan.

�[Page 22]22 / The American Baha’i / January 1988

A group of Bahá’ís from Vermont and Hartford, Connecticut, gathered recently at the home of Betsy

Hartman in Derby Line, Vermont, to celebrate the 60th Bahá’í birthday of Lorna Tasker (holding

Bahá’ís in Longview, Washington, and several surrounding communities helped mark the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh by planting daffodil bulbs November

photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá). She shared her poetry and excerpts from her diary as well as stories of her times at Green Acre from the year 1927 when she accepted the Faith,

8 in a park across the street from the public school in which Baha’ children’s classes are held every other Sunday. Later, the children had cupcakes and sang songs.

Baha'i Unity of Mankind Religious Emblem for the

Scouts of

The Baha'i Unity of Mankind Religious Emblem Program for the Scouts of America is available from the Bahd'f National Center. Orders are being accepted for the counselor's guide and scout manuals. The emblems are in the final stages of produc tion and will be available soon.

The following materials are offered for $2.00 each:

Girl Scouts:

America

Item

Quantity [Total ($2.00 each)

Counselor's Guide

Program Booklets: Brownie Scout

Junior Girl Scout

Girl Scout

Price includes handling charges:

Boy Scouts:

Item

Quantity [Total ($2.00 each)

Counselor's Guide

Program Booklets: Tiger Club and Cub Scout

Boy Scout

Varsity Scout and Explorer

Price includes handling charges:

Please make checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund." Send

order to:

National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL, 60091

Attn: Committee on Scouting

First Baha’i to graduate from Medical College of Pennsylvania honored at gala D.C. reception

Dr. Jeane Notto Washington, a recipient of five national medical awards and the first Baha’i to graduate from the prestigious Medical College of Pennsylvania, was honored by friends and colleagues last June 13 at a reception at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C.

As a student, Dr. Washington was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and was on the national dean’s list.

She was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, from which she received an award for distinguished research; was given the Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Award for Academic Excellence; the Merck Manual Award for General Clinical Excellence; the Medical College of Pennsylvania Student Government Service Award; and the Humanities Scholar Designation.

She also received a certificate of appreciation for her tutorial services to fellow students.

During the reception, the chairman, Dr. Sandra Chaff, director of Archives and Special Collections for Women at the Medical College, praised Dr. Washington’s many accomplishments and presented a cable from the Universal House of Justice which read:

“Kindly convey to Dr. Jeane Notto Washington our great happiness and warm congratulations. May this mark of recognition at so early a stage in her career inspire

Dr. Jeane Notto Washington (right) chats with Dr. Elsie Austin during a reception in Dr. Washington’s honor held last June 13 at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington,

long years of increasing distinction in the services she will render as a physician, a profession highly extolled in our sacred writings.’’ Other messages of congratulation were received from Mayor Marion Barry of Washington; Mrs. Dorothy Harasas, president of the D.C. Nurses Association; Mary Hartman, dean of students at the Medical College of Pennsylvania; Dr. Stephen Peitzman, a

D.C. Looking on is Dr. Steven Peitzman of the Medical College of Pennsylvania from which Dr. Washington was graduated last year with honors.

professor at the Medical College; Dr. Maurice Clifford, Philadelphia’s commissioner of health; and Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, a wellknown Baha’i and former Continental Counselor.

Expressions of appreciation on behalf of Bahá’ís in several areas were offered by Dr. Devi Vembu, Mohabbat Adiyyih, Shamsi Sedaghat, Theodies Washington and Dr. Elsie Austin.

Mr. and Mrs. Fatheazam among visitors

India’s House of Worship sees

The Baha’i House of Worship in New Delhi, India, witnessed a flurry of activity during September, some of which revolved around a visit by Hooshmand Fatheazam, a member of the Universal House of Justice, and Mrs. Fatheazam.

It was also a delight to welcome back, even if for a short time, the architect of the House of Worship, Fariburz Sahba.

Soon after their arrival in Delhi on September 13, Mr. and Mrs. Fatheazam paid a visit to the House of Worship. The sight of that exquisite symbol of purity, the Lotus of Bahapur, moved them to tears.

On September 17, a special prayer program was arranged in their honor. The atmosphere inside the hall, as selections from the Baha’i writings were read and prayers were chanted by the choir, was electric.

The same feeling was present during dawn prayers on Sunday, September 20, when members of seven State Baha’i Councils and one State Teaching Committee of the northern states of India and 18 Auxiliary Board members from seven states, who had come to Delhi to attend a conference arranged by the National Spiritual Assembly, were among those in the audience.

On September 18, a ‘‘Meet the Architect” program drew more than 50 invitees who asked Mr. Sahba a variety of questions.

Even before the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Fatheazam, the Temple was the site of special prayer pro grams arranged by the Spiritual Assembly of Delhi and dedicated to teachers to mark ‘‘Teachers’ Day”’ which is celebrated throughout India on September 5.

These were the organized programs during the month; but several impromptu prayer programs were held at the House of Worship due to the unprecedented visit of students from a public school in groups of 700 each day from September 16-25.

The students were given prayer cards specially prepared for school children on which were printed two prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. When the prayers were chanted for them inside the prayer hall, it was noted that the children eagerly followed each word.

An architect from England was not only impressed by the architectural beauty of the House of Worship but admitted that the Baha’i principles are truly meant for this age and firmly establish that the fundamental purpose of all religions is the same.

‘Another man, a highly qualified engineer, said he visits the Temple not only because he is attracted by its peaceful atmosphere but also because of the central teachings of the Faith which profess the unity of God, of religions and of mankind. One Sunday morning, he came especially to attend the prayer program and to investigate the Faith further.

Many groups including a number of Russian youth from Leningrad visited the Temple in September. It was amazing to see the

flurry of activity

interest the Baha’i generated in them.

Another group showing a keen interest was that of students of electrical engineering from Calicut University in Kerala State.

A group of engineers from various parts of India came to see the House of Worship because they had heard it was an architectural marvel. But they became so interested in the Baha’i principles that their leader had to remind them repeatedly that they had to return to their workshop.

Many of them gave their addresses so they could be contacted about future programs.

A small group of young photographers from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad visited the House of Worship to take photos to be shown in Moscow as part of the Festival of India exhibition depicting an Indian cultural canvas.

On September 25, three leading national daily newspapers carried an extraordinary photograph of a partial solar eclipse as seen against the backdrop of the House of Worship.

From September 25-30, the House of Worship played host to a colorful group of visitors from villages, towns and cities who were attending a religious fair ina nearby temple. The site is so close to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár that visitors to the fair invariably visit the House of Worship too.

During September, a total of 108,797 visitors passed through the portals of the House of Worship.

principles �[Page 23]

Today, transistors; tomorrow...?

The truck bounced along over the high mountain pass. It was of foreign make, and its makers had imported the engine parts from yet other nations.

The driver was a native, though his parents were the children of foreigners, who were themselves the descendants of ancient peoples whose kingdoms no longer exist. But he was most assuredly alive, and the sun was shining brightly above the forests ascending on both sides of the pass.

Tt was a voluminous, well-burdened truck, and as his trip to the border was only an hour’s duration, the driver had not troubled to secure the load with care.

The truck was jarred constantly by natural imperfection. in the concrete, laid so long ago by representatives of a distant continent who were eager for work. Up the driver would bounce to the cabin roof; there he would graze his head with no harm, and on would drone the imported radio’s music, itself a signal bouncing from a satellite of transcendent nationality.

Each time he was in mid-air, his motley cargo likewise took flight and redistributed itself with the utmost abandon. The Japanese-made transistors would fall amidst the Swiss watches, the British trench coats would tumble into the West African handbags, the Brazilian mats would slide next to the Swedish shoes, the Polynesian trinkets would adorn the ivory Eskimo carvings.

It was a happy little truck, and its contents got on famously. And they needn’t have feared separation, for they would soon be displayed in the same department store, and most likely would be purchased by the same customer to enhance the same household, and would eventually travel with their new owners back to their places of manufacture on the seats of bouncing, bumping trucks.

For now that the people have seen the compatibility of their commodities, they can’t help but follow suit and accept the invitations which the mutual purchase and transport of goods have so eloquently expressed.

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Duque de Edimburgo recibe a Mano de la Causa

A todas las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales

En una serie de eventos del 3 al 5 de octubre de 1987 la Fe Baha’i se hizo la sexta religion mundial en unirse a la Red Tocante a la Conservacién y Religién, una

alianza que abre nuevos horizontes y que se formé el afio pasado entre el World Wide Fund for Nature (Fondo Mundial para aN? Sarco

mundiales. Este nuevo paso tuvo como su

Noticias de ensefianza en E.U. Chicago, Mlinois

La comunidad Hispana Baha’i de Chicago ha estado trabajando en la presentacién del Mensaje de la Paz Mundial a varias personas prominentes en Chicago. Durante el mes de octubre de 1987, varios Baha’is y miembros de la Asamblea Espiritual Local tuvieron una entrevista con el Sr. Charles Hayes, Congresista de la ciudad de Chicago. Durante la entrevista, los Baha’is le presentaron el Mensaje de la Paz Mundial. El Congresista, quién mostré6 gran interés en el mensaje recibido y por sentir la necesidad de paz mundial, prometié compartir con todos sus colegas congresistas el Mensaje de la Paz Mundial.

Durante el mismo mes, varios Bahdé’{ Hispanos fueron invitados al Consulado de Venezuela en Chicago para presentar el Mensaje de la Paz Mundial a la Consul, Sra. Elvira de Urdaiieta. Como consequencia de la entrevista, la Sra. Urdafieta ha estado muy interesada en la Fe Baha’i y ha estado asistiendo con regularidad a las reuniones hogarefias.

Waukesha, Wisconsin

El 26 de septiembre de 1987, la comunidad Hispana de Waukesha tuvo un evento de proclamacién en espafiol e Inglés, dedicada a la comunidad Hispana de Waukesha, en la Casa de Esperanza, la cual es una organizacién fundada con el propésito de ayudar a las minorias.

Aproximadamante cuarenta personas, incluyendo no-Bahda’is, asistieron a este evento, el cual fue anunciado por la radio en Chicago y en Waukesha. También se invitaron a los miembros de la Casa de Esperanza, clubs, organizaciones sociales y civicas y oficiales locales.

El Sr. Rolando Monterrey, quién fue miembro de la Asamblea Nacional de Nicaragua, y el Sr. James Ingraham, quién sirvié como pionero en Peri, fueron los oradores de este evento.

Los Angeles, California

‘Como consequencia de la ensefianza en las comunidades Hispanas en Los Angeles, en las uiltimas cuatro semanas han habido 2A declaraciones de nuevos creyentes a la Fe.

La ‘‘Conquista Espiritual de la Ciudad de Los Angeles’’ comenzé6 en Los Angeles el pasado agosto. La meta del proyecto es aumentar el numero de los creyentes dentro de los grupos de las minorias mencionados en el Plan de Seis Afios para la comunidad Baha’i de los Estados Unidos. El proyecto, el cual comenzé como una iniciativa de los esfuerzos dentro de la comunidad, esté muy bien en camino a ser un éxito sobresaliente.

Esto ha sido un esfuerzo de la Fuerza Especial de Ensefianza Hispana del area de Los Angeles en conjunto con varios amigos Baha’is. Durante los fines de samanas, los creyentes Hispanos se reunen para ensefiar la Fe en un parque, para profundizar en los Escrituras Baha’ is y para tener reuniones hogarefias con personas quienes estan interesadas en la Fe. Todos los sébados por la noche, los Baha’i de Los Angeles se reunen en el Centro local para comer, socializar y profundizar en la Fe en una actividad de confraternizacién.

Todo comenzé oficialmente el 20 de octubre, con Dr. Ahmadiyyih, miembro del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros de Belize, quién pidié a las 400 personas reunidas a que fueran a las comunidades y buscaran personas que pudieran ser traidas al Centro Baha’i. El mencionéd que el Centro Baha’i necesitaba ser usado mas en los esfuerzos de la ensefianza—y asi ha sido desde entonces.

El proyecto esta programado a continuar por lo menos hasta el préximo verano. Bahd’js viajando a través del area de Los Angeles estan invitados a participar en la ‘Conquista Espiritual de la Ciudad de Los Angeles.’’ Si esta interesado en participar, para mas informacién, por favor llame a Jeanette Roberts en el Centro Baha’i en Los Angeles, al 213-933-8291.

Area de la frontera con México

La ensefianza masiva en esta area se ha realizado en forma gradual desde la ensefianza puerta en puerta, hasta la difusién por televisién. Esta es una area eferbecente y continua asi desde hace unos afios, en la que varias comunidades (Alamogordo, Las Cruces, Anthony, Nuevo México; El Paso, Texas; y Juarez, México) han sido anfitrién de diversas fiestas.

Estas fiestas son llevadas a cabo con el propésito de motivar alegria y para ensefiar la Fe a través de breves presentaciones sobre la Fe. Toda la comunidad del area han trabajado en la coJaboracién de estos eventos, interesados en la proclamacién de la Fe Baha'i.

Mas de 200 personas, incluyendo no-Baha’is, han asistido a estas actividades, en las que se han presentado bailarines aztecas, mariachis, folklore mejicano y entretenimiento

Recientemente, se reunieron en Las Cruces, Nuevo Méjico, cinco diferentes Asambleas Espirituales locales y otras comunidades que fueron representadas, para planear otros eventos de ensefianza en esta area y para planificar la proxima presentacién de la Fe en el programa ‘‘Nikoliko” en Juarez, México, el cual durara una hora, durante los dias de Ayyam-i-Ha.

evento sobresaliente una reunién histérica en que Su Alteza Real el Principe Felipe, Duque de Edimburgo, Presidente del WWF Internacional, recibié una delegacién encabezada por Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum.

Entre los eventos hubo una ceremonia el 3 de octubre en el famoso Jardin Zoolégico de Marwell en Winchester, Inglaterra, en la cual representantes de la Comunidad Internacional Baha’i emitieron de manera oficial una Declaracién Baha’i sobre la Naturaleza y se unieron formalmente a la Red, sefialando un nuevo nivel de colaboracién entre la Fe Baha’i y grupos que se interesan por el medio ambiente.

La iniciativa es una respuesta al énfasis dada en el Plan de Seis Ajios al “‘mayor envolvimiento de la Fe en la vida de la sociedad humana.””

Aclamada por conservacionistas y lideres religiosos como un gran paso hacia la ampliacién del apoyo por esfuerzos de conservacién en todo el mundo y hacia el ensanchamiento de las bases éticas del movimiento en pro del medio ambiente, la Red Tocante a la Conservacién y Religién se formé oficialmente en Assisi, Italia, en un evento que duré cinco dias durante septiembre del afio pasado, en en vigésimo quinto aniversario de la fundacién del WWF.

En esa ocasién se reunieron lideres religiosos en representacién de los budistas, cristianos, hindutes, judios y musulmanes con lideres conservacionistas para consultas sin precedente sobre la manera en que todos puedan colaborar al tratar con el crisis mundial del medio ambiente.

El World Wide Fund for Nature (Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza), conocido anteriormente como el World Wildlife Fund, es la organizacién privada mundial mas extensa para la conservacién de la naturaleza.

La finalidad del WWF es conservar la naturaleza y los recursos naturales, y se le puede identificar facilmente por su famoso simbolo del oso panda.

El sefior Frank Schmidt, Director-General Asistente del WWF, dijo que el WWF recibe con agrado la intervencién Baha’i en la Red.

“Como respuesta a los eventos del WWF en Assisi en septiembre de 1986,” dijo el Sr. Schmidt, “‘ha surgido un programa para la participacién de la Comunidad Internacional Baha’i en la nueva alianza sobre la religién y conservacién.

“Esto ha sido consecuencia tanto de la creciente intervencién Bahá’í en las actividades de desarrollo a nivel local en afios recientes, como de iniciativas por introducir una perspectiva espiritual en varios foros internacionales tocantes al medio ambiente.”

La ceremonia en el Jardin Ecolégico de Marwell formé parte de un fin de semana de celebraciones en la ciudad de Winchester para sefialar la participacién de los cristianos del Reino Unido en la Red del WWF, y el primer aniversario de la fundacién de la Red.

Se convirtié también en la ocasién para reconocer la unién de la Fe Bahá’í a la Red.

Las celebraciones finalizaron con un servicio especial en la Catredal el domingo 4 de octubre,

Dia de San Francisco en el calendario anglicano, para marcar el Festival de la Cosecha.

Los Baha’ is estuvieron entre los representantes de otras religiones en la Red que asistieron al evento.

Ademés de este programa para la accién en pro del medio ambiente, la Comunidad Internacional Baha’i, con la ayuda de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional del Reino Unido, patrociné varias actividades para celebrar su inscripcién como el socio més reciente en la Red Tocante a la Conservacién y Religion.

Estas actividades incluyeron un concierto de musica de la época barroca presentado el 2 de octubre en el histérico Pilgrim Hall, construfdo hace 700 afios, que se halla adyacente a la Catedral de Winchester; un segundo concierto de musica popular contempordnea en la noche del 3 de octubre, disefiado para dar la bienvenida a los “*peregrinos’’ que habian venido caminado de dreas cercanas para tomar parte en el servicio del Festival de la Cosecha; la participacin de unos de 30 Baha’is en la caminata; el comisionar una partitura original por el flautista Tim Wheater, quien también fue

patrocinado por la Comunidad

Internacional Baha’i para tocar en el servicio del Festival de la Cosecha en la Catedral de Winchester.

Para los Bahá’ís, la culminacién de todas estas actividades fue una reunién muy especial el 5 de octubre en Gland, Suiza, en la sede internacional del Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza.

Su Alteza Real el Duque de Edimburgo, Presidente de la organizacién, acepté de Amatu’l-Bahá Ruhfyyih Khánum una copia de la Declaracién Bahd’{ sobre la NatuTaieza. El tema central de la declaracién es que nuestros principales problemas con relacién al medio ambiente son de cardcter internacional y requieren un trato unido.

En el transcurso de una reunién muy cordial, el Principe Felipe dijo que los Bahá’ís eran privilegiados por tener tantas referencias especificas a la naturaleza en los escritos sagrados Bahá’ís.

También respondié con especial interés a comentarios por Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Kh4num sobre la importancia de interesar a los pueblos indigenas en la conservacién a nivel de aldea.

Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í

Oficina de Informacién Ptiblica

3 de noviembre de 1987

Haciendo entrega del Mensaje de la Promesa de la Paz Mundial al Congresista Sr. Charles Hayes de Chicago (derecha), se encuentran

(de izquierda a derecha): Charles Young, Merikh Rowshan, Tim Thurber y Cecilia Mirafzali.

Reuniones hogarefias funcionan:

Preguntele a Amelia

Seguramente nos sorprenderiamos al saber cudntos de nuestros compajfieros saben algo sobre la Fe Baha’i.

A través del incremento en lo que los medios de comunicacién han cubierto en recientes afios, hay millones de personas las cuales han sido expuestas a los principios basicos.

Aun, cuando la gente escucha sobre la Fe a través de un esfuerzo de proclamacién solamente, aunque ellos posiblemente acepten los principios, ellos usualmente todavia no estan preparados para hacerse Baha’is.

De la misma manera que una semilla que ha sido plantada necesita agua y calor para salir de su estado adormecido, el alma necesita alimento espiritual para su despertar.

Las reuniones hogarefias proyeen un ambiente en el cual este proceso puede tomar lugar.

El Guardian sintiéd que la manera mas efectiva para ensefiar la Fe es al hacer amistad con los vecinos y asociados, e invitarlos a las

reuniones hogarefias.

Las reuniones hogarefias es la forma mas efectiva de ensefiar, el Guardian dijo que, debido a que preguntas intimas personales pueden ser contestadas, y los estudiantes encuentran alli mas abundante el espiritu de la Fe.

EI siguiente relato es una historia veridica, la cual ilustra la efectividad de las reuniones hogareflas.

Hace seis afios atrds, Amelia, quién era una estudiante en Arizona State University, leyé un reporte en el periédico sobre la Fe Baha’i. Prontamente ella se olvid6 lo que habia leido.

Unos meses después, Amelia conocié un Baha’i en su trabajo y le pidié al Baha’i que le informara mas sobre la Fe.

Amelia le sugerid que almorzaran juntas, pero el Baha’i la invité a una reunién informal para cenar en su casa—el cual, ella eae supo, era una reunién hoga ‘Vea REUNIONES pag. 32 �[Page 29]a NE IT BY EE LT TE

Se RO

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Hire He 2.00 Way Out of the Dead End sc 7.95 Davning Pla HC 9.95 What Is the Baha'i Faith sc 9.50 Dawning Place sc 4.95 Wine of Astonishment sc 4.75 Dawning Place of the Pacific sc 8.00 World Peace and Bored Sovexiuant sc 3.25 Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA/LSA SC 1,00 Year with the Baha'is of India and Burma HC 8.95 Diary of Juliet Thompson sc 9.95 Youth in the Vanguard HC 5.00 Divine Therapy HC 17.95 Door of Hope sc 17.95 Children and Youth Earth Is But One Country sc 8.50 Be Education and the Bahá’í Family HC 16.50® Ali's Dream re HC 3.95 Education and the Baha'i Family sc 8.95# Anthology for the Baha'i Child sc 3.00 Eminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahd'u'llah HC 35.00 B. 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�[Page 30]SSE SSS SEE A TESTS OSES NE RPE EE EE EE Bahá’í Distribution Service Price List

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ica amma iccsasssaes|

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Lene

Baha’i Distribution Service Price List

January 1988 4

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

t Ba: rey

EN = Caan

A reprint of the popular and comprehensive introduction to the Baha'i Faith, featuring new design ® updated statistics and facts about the Baha’i community

@ some new translations of

passages from the writings ™@ new reference list

ca 3 ae

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new from the Baha'i Publishing Trust

C $1295

~ A Young Man’s Unique Recollections

Ali Yazdi’s warm personal account of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi including

e A boy’s pure delight waiting daily for a few moments with the Master

e A youth’s friendship with a “lively, happy” classmate who was to become the Guardian

116 pages with 37 photographs

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling) to:

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�[Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

On November 10, 1977, the Cherokee Indian Reservation in western North Carolina forms its first local Spiritual Assembly.

It is the 25th Assembly to be raised on an Indian Reservation east of the Mississippi River, thus winning the first homefront goal of the Five Year Plan two days before the 160th anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah, an achievement promised at the Baha’i National Convention in May 1977 by the American Indian Teaching Committee. ...

The National Spiritual Assembly approves the appointment of a team of architects headed by Christopher Alexander, professor of architecture at the University of California-Berkeley, to undertake facilities design at the Louhelen Educational Center in Davison,

In Norman, Oklahoma, more than 20,000 people receive brochures about the Faith in the mail.

Thirty of the response cards enclosed in the brochures are returned with requests for the pamphlet ‘Prophecy Fulfilled’’ and more information about the Faith.

“Our aim was to let everyone in Norman know about the Faith,” says Hafez Hafezzadeh, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Norman. ‘‘One reply even came from Dallas, Texas.” ...

Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles is the guest of honor at a dinner and dance at the Biltmore Bowl which begins the observance of ‘‘Baha’i Week’’ in that city (November 12-19).

Entertainment is by Seals & Crofts, Walter Heath and Danny Deardorff. Selections from the Writings of Baha’u’ll4h are read by Alex Rocco and Gloria Ferguson.

The week ends with a public meeting and panel discussion at the Aquarius Theatre.

Among those taking part are two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Drs. Daniel C. Jordan and Dorothy W. Nelson; singers England Dan and John Ford Coley; and comedian Stu Gilliam. ...

On October 28, the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, is incorporated, fulfilling one of the community’s goals of the Five Year Plan. ...

The directive from the Universal House of Justice that Baha’is make wider use of communications media to proclaim the Faith during the Five Year Plan gives rise in some areas to the formation of special committees to carry out the task.

In August 1976, the Greater Phoenix (Arizona) Bahá’í Media Committee is formed under the sponsorship and guidance of the Spiritual Assembly of Tempe.

Since then the committee has been actively developing and implementing media proclamation plans, concentrating its efforts on the 32 radio stations within its jurisdiction. ...

On October 28-30, more than 40 young people ages 15-25 from the New England states take part in the first Green Acre New England Youth Conference at the Green Acre Baha’ School’s Fellowship House in Eliot, Maine. ...

Viewpoint

from page 2

ments and bickerings inseparable from the pursuits of the politician,’’ he explained this guidance in terms of the Faith’s eventual emergence from obscurity:

“‘As the number of the Baha’i communities in various parts of the world multiplies and their power, as a social force, becomes increasingly apparent, they will no doubt find themselves increasingly subjected to the pressure which men of authority and influence, in the political domain, will exercise in the hope of obtaining the support they require. .

“These communities will, moreover, feel a growing need of the good-will and the assistance of their respective governments. ... Let them beware lest, in their eagerness to further the aims of their beloved Cause, they should be led unwittingly to bargain with their Faith, to compromise with their essential principles, or to sacrifice ... the integrity of their spiritual ideals.” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 65)

This brings us back to our original question: the wisdom of publishing statements that deny our non-political status. The Universal House of Justice writes:

“*...an unwise act or statement by a Baha’i in one country could result in a grave setback for the Faith there or elsewhere—and even loss of the lives of fellow believers.”” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 131)

Shoghi Effendi advised Baha’is to “‘avoid any action that might, by arousing the suspicion or exciting the antagonism of any one government, involve their brethren in fresh persecutions or complicate the nature of their task.’’

Campus

from page 7

held on three dates at which various aspects of the Faith were discussed. On one occasion, Counselor David Smith spoke on “Peace: A Bahá’í Perspective.”

All of these events have been widely advertised. The Association has also acquired an office on campus where regular hours are maintained, and this is also announced widely.

There is also a library where inquirers can drop in to read Baha’i publications.

Purpose

from page 12

Word amongst men. We are with you at all times and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty. Whoso hath recognized Me will arise to serve Me with such determination, that the powers of earth and heaven shall be unable to dea his purpose.”’ (Gleanings, p.

(The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, P. 364)

The logic of these warnings is obvious: the old world order, crumbling though it is, remains immeasurably stronger than ours in material terms. Without the protection of our governments— or at least their tolerance—we will find our freedom cut off, as has happened in Iran, Egypt, the Soviet Union and elsewhere.

A changed political climate in Israel could induce the U.S. or any country to turn its back on Iran’s Baha’is. The worldwide at The American Baha’i / January 1988 / 31

tention now focused on us actually increases our vulnerability.

This awareness need not frighten us into isolation. Our safest course, while renouncing political temptations and tactics, is to aggressively promote universal peace, pursue the social and economic development strategy of the Universal House of Justice, and, in the words of the Guardian, “build up the Baha’i pattern’ so that we ‘‘can offer it as a remedy when all else has failed.”’ (Lights of Guidance, p. 332)

“Difficult and delicate though

be our task,” Shoghi Effendi promises, ‘‘the sustaining power of Bahd’u’ll4h and of His Divine guidance will assuredly assist us if we follow steadfastly in His

way. ...

“The light of His redeeming grace ... will, if we persevere, illuminate our path, as we steer our course amid the snares and pitfalls of a troubled age, and will enable us to discharge our duties in a manner that would redound to the glory and honor of His blessed Name.’? (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 67)

Baha'i Service for the Blind

Offering the visually impaired a helping hand

The onset of old age, as well as some chronic diseases, cause many people to acquire a visual impairment. Most visually impaired people still have some vision, but they may find reading printed material increasingly difficult.

As Baha’is, we know that even though our eyes may not work as they once did, the soul still shines brightly, and there are many ways to serve.

We know that the onset of a visual impairment is no shame and need not mean the end of an active life if proper help and training are provided.

and answers Are a lot of Bahá’í books available in braille?

Yes. We strive to make books available in braille as quickly as possible. Even books as large as God Passes By or The Dawnbreakers are available in braille. Currently, all of the Sacred Writ ings are available, as are many other Baha’i books. What about other media?

Most blind people do not read braille. Therefore, we do make materials available on cassette and in large print as well as braille. Who can qualify to use this service?

Anyone who cannot read the printed word because of a visual impairment or who cannot physically hold a book or turn a page should register with the Baha’i Service for the Blind. A person need not be totally blind to use the services.

Is The American Baha’i available in braille?

Putting The American Bahá’í

into braille is beyond our resources at present, but both it and World Order magazine are available on cassette. Subscribers pay a one-time fee for the tapes and the mailing container. After that, they receive the magazines free.

Iam teaching a person who is visually impaired. Can the Service help me get teaching materials to that seeker?

Yes. Your Assembly or District Teaching Committee may borrow books from our lending library. Is there a catalog of materials available?

Yes, there are three: braille, tape, and large print. Please state

GRESS HIS SOUL.

KINDLY ADVISE IMMEDIATELY DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE WASHINGTON SOUTHWEST NEWS PASSING KNIGHT BAHA’U’LLAH FREDERICK L. LAWS RECEIVED WITH DEEP SORROW. HIS VALIANT SERVICES AFRICA AND HOME FRONT REMEMBERED WITH LOVING APPRECIATION. PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PRO UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

NOVEMBER 20, 1987.

which catalog(s) when ordering; $1 per catalog is requested. Also, please state if the catalog is required in print, braille or on cassette tape. Volunteers

Whether Baha’i or not, service for the blind is performed mostly by volunteers. The Baha’i Service for the Blind needs volunteers to read books on to cassette tapes.

A reader need not be a professional actor; he or she need only be able to read clearly and comfortably into a microphone. The

If you have access to an Apple Ie or IIc computer, you may be able to help us produce materials in braille. With the advent of braille translation programs, a knowledge of braille is no longer necessary in order to write in braille.

If you would like information about volunteer work, please write and tell us in what way you would like to help.

The Bahá’í Service for the Blind can help in a meaningful way. A visual impairment does not mean

the end of one’s ability to read the Baha’i Sacred Texts and other literature. For those who can use them, many books are available in large print, on audio cassette, or in brail

The American Bahá’í and World Order are recorded regularly on cassette. There is a free lending library, and materials can also be purchased at or below cost.

The Service for the Blind can also help you teach visually impaired seekers by lending you the necessary materials.

If you know a Baha’i who cannot use regular print and who is not receiving our service, or if you have any questions, please feel free to write to us: Baha’i Service for the Blind, P.O. Box 463, Ludington, MI 49431 (phone 616-8456364).

Now! Teaching pamphets in Spanish for only one cent each! Send your order to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

IN MEMORIAM

Leroy Arthur Chester Hutchinson —_ Randolph Pursell Lydia, SC Detroit, MI Peoria, IL

Date Unknown November 13, 1987 1987

Freddie Barnwell Rosa Lee Johnson Wilhelmina Quinichette Lobeco, SC Geneva, NY Chicago, IL September 21, 1987 Date Unknown October 1, 1987 Rosie Byers Joyce Laurent Emilia Ramirez Cowpens, SC Denver, CO Weslaco, TX

July 16, 1987 Date Unknown Date Unknown Mary Cendrowskis _ Frederick Laws Shoallah Rowhanian Marysville, MI Port Angeles, WA Bellevue, WA September 19, 1987 November 16, 1987 September 27, 1987 Marion Channell —_ Powell Lindsay Louise Sanders Beverly, MA Ann Arbor, MI Charleston, SC November 17, 1987 September 22, 1987 Date Unknown Benjamin Chestnut Emma Link Monte Smith Charleston, SC Marysville, MI Tacoma, WA

April 1987 September 19, 1987 September 1987 Stanley Dale Carl T. Meyer Jean Stephens Milwaukee, WI Torrance, CA Detroit, MI

1985 October 17, 1987 November 4, 1987 Mizell Dotson John Morgan Homer A. Tillman East Moline, IL Waukesha, WI Baltimore, MD October 30, 1987 October 21, 1987 November 6, 1987 Saeed Farid Arjen A. Morks Alberta Tipton Redmond, WA Klamath Falls, OR Monroe, LA

June 20, 1987 November 7, 1987 August 28, 1987 Francis A. Farmer Clare Newman Margaret Wadhams Bradenton, FL Kutztown, PA Manhattan Beach, CA July 26, 1987 October 22, 1987 November 5, 1987 William Groves ic Peters Grace Welch Landover, MD , MI Los Fresnos, TX November 5, 1987 November 26, 1987 Date Unknown. Harriet Hannon

Watsonville, CA

August 1987 �[Page 32]32/ The American Baha’i / January 1988

Two concerts performed last August by Red Grammer have been filmed for use in ‘Kaleidoscope Concerts,’ a special series of concerts for children to be broadcast beginning this month on the Disney cable television channel. Mr. Grammer’s concert, which in

cludes material from the ‘Teaching Peace’ recording, is scheduled to be broadcast some time in February. An interview with Mr. Grammer is to appear in a January issue of the Disney Channel magazine.

Reuniones de la pag. 28

Luego de la reunién hogarefia, Amelia ofrecié seguir a uno de los Baha’is en su auto a su hogar. El padre e hijo de la sefiora se encontraban fuera de la ciudad.

Amelia queria asegurarse de que la sefiora Baha’i entraria a su hogar a salvo.

Por algun tiempo antes de esa noche, Amelia habia tenido visiones sobre una casa en particular cerca de Camelback Mountain, en Phoenix.

Ella sabia que quién vivia en esa casa jugaria un papel significativo en su vida.

En sus visiones, se le habia mostrado como llegar a la casa, pero ella realmente nunca habia ido.

Con gran asombro, Amelia condujo detras de la sefiora por Camelback Mountain y termind en la entrada de la casa la cual ella habia visualizado!

La sefiora la invité a la casa, y en ella, en una pequefia mesa, estaba la fotografia de la Mano dela Causa Shu’a’u’llah ‘Ala’i el cual Amelia habia visto en el reporte del periddico unos meses atras. Este era su hogar.

Cada miércoles, Amelia fue a la casa del Sr. ‘Ala’i para aprender mas sobre la Fe.

Ella también asistié a las reuniones hogarefias en la casa de la mujer quien ella conocié en el

trabajo. Ella sintié que ella no sabia lo sufficiente sobre la Fe para hacerse Baha’i, pero las reuniones hogareiias le preveyeron esa oportunidad.

Hoy dia, Amelia trabaja en el Centro Nacional Bahá’í, contestando a las solicitudes de las personas interesadas en la Fe residentes en la nacién y alrededor del mundo.

Ella los refiere a los Baha’ is en ‘su area y les recomienda que atiendan las reuniones hogarefias.

“Los Baha’is que tuvieron las reuniones hogarefias a las que yo asisti llegaron a ser mi familia, aun antes de que yo declarara,’’ dice Amelia.

“Ellos siempre estaban presentes para ayudarme. Si me hubiese quedado sola conmigo misma, yo no se qué hubiese ocurrido.””

Después de asistir a las reuniones hogarefias dos veces en semana, por varios meses, yo queria hacerme Baha’i pero me sentia timida para hacer preguntas debido a lo enorme del Mensaje y porque yo realmente senti que yo no sabia lo sufficiente sobre la Causa de Baha’u’llah.

En una de las reuniones hogaTrefias, alguien finalmente me pregunté ;Por qué ti no has todavia firmado tu tarjeta?

“Yo firmé mi tarjeta de declaracién ese dia. Buena cosa, por que si nadie me hubiese preguntado, yo estaria todavia asistiendo a las reuniones hogarefias.””

fo avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHA'I, send your new address and your mailing label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

| MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

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.

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

Z Z

F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are.

Area Code Number Area Code

/

Number

Area Code Number

Name

| A 1, es ZO A re | ID# Title Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames aes: ua eis Bt s I ID# Title Full name | 3. il iy alt i IDH Title Full name ! 4. es tiiet 1D¥ Title Full name l B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: (C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: I House/Space #, Street or Description a P.O. Box or other Mailing Address I Gity State Zip Gy State Zip I D—NEW COMMUNITY: I Name of new Baha'i community Moving date

els do not have the same last name,

We do not want extra copies, please cancel the copy for the pe son(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above.

the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091

No’ U

PROFIT ORG. POSTAG PAID WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO. 479

w

Our household receives only one copy of The American Bah’. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

es ee ee ee ee ee ee

Involved in international relations? Please write

The National Spiritual Assembly would like the names of individuals who are involved in international relations, international law, world affairs, conflict resolution and related areas. Relations with national and international organizations have developed to the point at which the expertise of Bahd’{s in those areas is required.

Interested Baha’is should send a resumé or a description outlining their skills and experience to the following address: National Baha’i Office of External Affairs, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009.

Navajo translation

A translation in the Navajo language by Chester Kahn of a summary of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace”’ is now available on an audio cassette for $3 from the Native American Baha’i Institute, P.O. Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506.

New from George Ronald, Publisher

The Naming of Femi’s Brother

by Kiser D. Barnes

Order from Bahá’í Distribution Service HS LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL 1-800-323-1880 or through your local distribution representative

A delightful children’s story set among the Yoruba people of Nigeria

Five-year-old Femi has a new brother, only eight days old. Today Femi’s brother will be named in a traditional naming ceremony. But Femi and his family are Baha’is, and Femi’s brother gets a rather special name. . .

32 pages, full colour cover. Softcover $3.75

Vo postage on orders shipped within the 48 contiguous € nited States (add 15% outside this areu).

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