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At World Center in Haifa

Senior officers confer about external affairs

GREATLY PLEASED ANNOUNCE IMPORTANT CONSULTATIONS WORLD CENTER PAST WEEKEND WITH SENIOR OFFICERS BAHA’{ INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HOLY LAND, NEW YORK, GENEVA, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF FIVE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES. FAR-REACHING DELIBERATIONS CENTERED ON INCREASED EXTERNAL AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES FAITH. MUCH ENCOURAGED EVIDENCES EVER CLOSER TIES COLLABORATION WITH UNITED NATIONS, ITS AGENCIES AND NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS MANY LANDS, RESULTING EXPANDED SPHERE INFLUENCE FAITH FIELD INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES. HEARTENED BY REVIEW INDICATING INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES SHARE BAHA’U’LLAH’S WORLD-REDEEMING MESSAGE VAST REGIONS CHINA, SOVIET UNION AND EASTERN EUROPE. REJOICE IN MOUNTING PRESTIGE CAUSE GOD WORLD-WIDE. INVITE ALL FRIENDS JOIN IN OFFERING PRAYERS THANKSGIVING BAHA’U’LLAH FOR HIS SUSTAINED ABUNDANT BLESSINGS. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

JANUARY 5, 1989

Pictured with members of the Universal House of Justice are senior Officers of the Bahá’í Interna ‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge’—Bahd’u'lláh

The e 90 American Baha’

David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice,

addresses the ‘Vision to Victory’ conference in South Carolina.

tional Community offices in the Holy Land, New York and Geneva, Switzerland, and representa Volume 20, No. 3

tives of five National Spiritual Assemblies who met December 30January 1 in Haifa, Israel.

March 1989

South Carolina sees historic, record-breaking conference

By BILL WILLIS

Almost 900 adults, youth and children, at least three times the number of Bahá’ís present at any past event in South Carolina, gathered January 28-29 for the historic ‘Vision to Victory’ conference at Columbia’s Radisson Hotel.

Among those taking part were David Hofman, a retired member of the Universal House of Justice; Counselors Wilma Ellis and Rodrigo Tomds; two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Alberta Deas and Jack McCants; and Auxiliary Board members Elizabeth Martin and Trudy White.

Besides South Carolina, participants came from throughout the Southeastern states and from as far away as California, Washington state, England and Costa Rica.

About 400 of those at the conference completed cards pledging service to the Cause, while more

Big conferences in Los Angeles, New York City help spread ‘Vision to Victory’ teaching flames

Teaching activity across the country intensified in January and February as the National Spiritual Assembly’s two-year period of sacrificial action neared the end of its opening phase with three more “Vision to Victory’’ conferences.

With the conferences in South Carolina, Los Angeles and New York City having been completed, and only Washington, D.C. (FebTuary 23-25) remaining, the stage was set and the friends fully prepared to carry out those largescale teaching efforts that are destined to move this community ever closer to the goal of entry by troops.

Teaching is already well under way in Atlanta, Chicago, Boston

and San Jose, with other areas to be targeted by the National Spiritual Assembly as the widespread effort gains momentum in the months and years to come.

A brief recap of the two conferences held the first weekend in February:

Los Angeles

Nearly 2,000 Bahá’ís including about 600 youth and children gathered for the ‘Vision to Victory’ conference at Pasadena City College.

Among the distinguished speakers who addressed the themes of expansion, consolidation and personal sacrifice for the Cause of God were the Hand of the Cause

William Sears; David Hofman, a retired member of the Universal House of Justice; Counselors Fred Schechter and Arturo Serrano; Judge Dorothy Nelson, chairman of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; and Dr. Hossain Danesh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Contributions and pledges to the Fund and the Arc project totaled $170,000.

A “teaching fair” included booths from a number of communities in Southern California. Also represented were the Bosch Bahá’í School, the Association for Bahá’í Studies, the Chinese Teaching

See L.A./NEW YORK page 11

than $46,000 in cash and pledges was donated to the various Funds, the Arc Project in the Holy Land, and South Carolina’s Columbia Teaching Project and Tabarsi Project.

Dr. Deas opened the conference Saturday morning, pointing out that it was the ninth of 12 such gatherings planned by the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Universal House of Justice, Counselors and National Assembly, she said, ‘‘are looking to you, the believers, to lovingly touch the hearts of the waiting souls.””

Those institutions, said Dr. Deas, “‘are confident that South Carolina will lead the way spiritually.”’

Counselor Ellis then spoke about the purpose of the conference, saying that it was ‘‘to get us moving on the notion of entry by troops.””

She underscored the expectation of the House of Justice that the friends will achieve the goals the: Supreme Body has set for them.

“We are expected to reach entry by troops; they mean it!’’ she said.

Dr. Ellis explained that one purpose of the conferences is to help

the friends change their priorities.

Citing recent news of teaching victories in Bangladesh, she speculated that ‘maybe they (the believers in Bangladesh) know how to get loose and love Baha’u’lláh until they can’t sit down.””

Following her remarks, the South Carolina Coordinating Committee was introduced by Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute and a member of the committee.

The Gregory Institute, he said, “is the heartbeat of the state.””

Answering his own question as to why God had seen fit to place the Gregory Institute ‘‘in the middle of a mosquito- and snake-infested swamp,”’ Dr. Jones said he believes it was for the same reason that His Revelation began in spiritually corrupt 18th-century Persia: “‘to demonstrate His power and the validity of His new Dispensation,’”’

Saturday afternoon, Charles Abercrombie of Greenville shared some of his memories of the early days of organized teaching in South Carolina.

He fondly recalled the efforts of Eulalia Bobo who, he said, had gone to St. Helena Island to teach

See SOUTH CAROLINA page 2

itual Assemblies.

time.””

5,000 enter Faith in Bangladesh

We are delighted to reaffirm the continuing expansion of the teaching work as evinced by the news just received that, during the last three months in Bangladesh, 5,000 souls have embraced the Cause of God enabling the formation of 108 new local Spir In its report, the National Assembly commented on a receptivity unexperienced in the past, saying, ‘‘all witness ripeness of

Our hearts are filled with gratitude to Bahd’u’llh for the increasing efforts being devoted throughout the world to proclaiming, expanding and consolidating His precious Faith.

Universal House of Justice January 27, 1989

�[Page 2]2/ The American Bahá’í / March 1989

Massachusetts Bahda’is gather to discuss expansion in state

About 200 Bahá’í from across Massachusetts met Sunday, January 22, to discuss the future expansion of the Faith in that state.

The conference began with reports from communities throughout the state.

Framingham continues to be quite active with peace groups in town; the Bahá’ís took part in a parade marking the establishment of a peace park in the city.

In Fitchburg, the Bahá’ís cosponsored a picnic with the city’s Spanish Council, while in Montgomery, the town Selectmen have been contacted in order to present the peace statement to them.

A Bahá’í booth is being planned at a peace fair to be held in April in Beverly. In Montague, the “Gathering” continues to be a highly successful event.

Perhaps the most exciting news was that plans are being made to proclaim the Faith on the South Shore.

The plan includes mailing copies of the peace statement to every resident in Quincy, and perhaps in other towns as well.

Supporting the proclamation effort will be weekiy firesides and a monthly lecture series which already are in place and ongoing.

The biggest problem the South Shore faces is a lack of human resources; only a few people are actively involved in the project.

Already, other areas of the state are considering projects modeled after the South Shore plan.

Auxiliary Board member Mara Khavari told the conference about the expectations of the Interna Bahá’í representatives meet with Russians to express sympathy for Armenia quake victims

On December 15, two representatives of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations in New York City, Victor de Araujo and Mary Sawicki Power, met with the deputy Permanent Representative of the USSR to the UN, Victor Zvezdin, and the Counselor at the Mission, Semyon Dzakhayev, to express the sympathy of Bahá’ís around the world for the suffering experienced by the Armenian people as a result of the recent earthquake disaster.

The half-hour meeting included a discussion of the global nature of the Bahaé’{ community and its involvement in peace-oriented issues and social and economic development.

At the request of Mr. Zvezdin, Bahá’í statements on disarmament are being sent to him along with a copy of the peace statement, which is also being sent to Mr. Dzakhayev.

A contribution was given to the Russian representatives as a token of Bahá’ís’ concern for the wellbeing of the afflicted Armenian people.

tional Teaching Center in Haifa and the Counselors.

She explained that entry by troops has recently been defined by the House of Justice: a troop, according to the Supreme Body, is any group of people who share something in common. They may be members of the same ethnic group, or neighborhood, or even family.

She then noted that the International Teaching Center had said that the Bahd’{ community of Massachusetts has the potential and capacity to expand itself by as many as 100,000 new believers by the end of the Six Year Plan.

After lunch, those at the conference discussed the various projects for more than an hour before reconvening for a video and closing prayers.

The statewide gathering was successful because it set the stage for future deliberations on the next step that Massachusetts must take: dramatic expansion in the size of its Bahá’í community.

. Practical discussion of the goal of widespread expansion was the focus of meetings the following weekend as representatives of Spiritual Assemblies and Groups in Massachusetts met with Reynaldo Cruz, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

Mr. Cruz met with Bahá’ís from four areas of the state: with friends from the Cape on Friday evening; central Massachusetts on Saturday morning; from the Boston area on Saturday afternoon; and in western Massachusetts on Sunday morning.

In Boston, Mr. Cruz learned that the Bahd’{s in that city are distributing the peace statement widely and have set a goal of obtaining a Bahá’í Center by May of this year, while in Cambridge, a series of six meetings on the Faith has been completed at MIT with about 15 seekers attending.

Mr. Cruz pledged the support of the National Teaching Committee for the intensification of teaching activities in Massachusetts.—Rob Stockman

Chinese Teaching Committee named

The National Spiritual Assembly has announced the appointment of the Chinese Teaching Committee for 1989-90.

Committee members are Kong T. Oh (chairman), Stephanie Fielding-Troxel (secretary), Iraj Kamalabadi, Gisu Mohadjer-Niederreiter and Peter Neumann.

The committee will be working on reaching Chinese-American peoples and contacting Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees and connecting them with local Bahá’í communities.

To contact the Chinese Teaching Committee, write to P.O. Box 1274, Golden, CO 80402, or phone 303-278-8687.

the U.S.A.

The American Bahá’í (USPS 042-430) is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, $36 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Ba‘a’( National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Laura E. Hildreth, The American Bahd’( welcomes news, letters and @ther items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written clearly and concisely; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’t, Wilmette, 1 60091. Copyright © 1989 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in

South Carolina

from page 1

the Faith at a time when the Ku Klux Klan was burning crosses in the South.

As the excitement continued to build, Dr. McCants rose to tell the audience that “‘we need a vision. Where are we going right now?”

He noted that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had characterized the struggle of the Bahá’ís as one between light and darkness, and that He had often used military terms to describe the organization and actions of the friends.

Reminding the friends that ‘‘we have the bounty of Mr. Hofman and the late Mr. Borrah Kavelin agreeing to come to the United States”’ to help us win the goals of the Six Year Plan,’’ Dr. McCants said, ‘‘We are the Army of Light, and South Carolina is a special state.””

Next, the South Carolina Youth Conference Planning Committee presented its plans for a Regional Youth Conference to be held next July in Columbia. The theme will be ‘‘The Time Is Now.””

The young people, the audience was told, were busily engaged in teaching activities both before and after the ‘Vision to Victory’ conference.

Counselor Tomas reported that the Bahá’ís in El Salvador had decided that the best area in which to teach the Cause was in that country’s war zone.

As a result, he said, they had enrolled 350 new believers during a three-week period in December.

“There is no other way for the Faith to develop,’’ he said, ‘‘except as a result of entry by troops.””

Counselor Tomas stressed that “we should not be afraid of diluting our strength by enrolling great numbers.””

The opposite, he said, is true: “We will be reinforcing our strength.”

Our efforts to achieve entry by

neces:

Entertaining at South Carolina’s ‘Vision to Victory’ conference is

troops, he said, ‘thave been hampered by our lack of unity over mass teaching.”

The Counselor explained that the Bahá’ís in Central America have been following the advice of the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’ll4h Muhájir and teaching entire families. In this way, he said, the new believer is not isolated and vulnerable to attacks from relatives or neighbors.

In closing, Counselor Tomas suggested that we ‘‘must look at teaching not only as a way of reinforcing our numbers, but as a way of increasing the sphere of influence of the Universal House of Justice.

“Our teaching objective,” he said, ‘should not only be increasing our numbers but also increasing our resources.’’

Mr. Hofman, speaking next, told the friends that ‘‘South Carolina is where the action is.”

Of all the conference sites, he said, South Carolina is the only one with a long and distinguished record of action.

Mr. Hofman then paid glowing tribute to his former colleague, H. Borrah Kavelin, noting that Mr. Kavelin ‘was personally responible for saving millions (of dol

Dr. Roy Jones, director of the outstanding speakers at the South

Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Carolina conference. Seated on Hemingway, was:among the many stage is Dr. William Tucker.

Maxwell School offers chance to serve

Youth: now is the time to plan your Year of Service for the Faith.

The Maxwell International Bahá’í School offers youth ages 1825 a unique opportunity to serve the Faith in a residential educational environment.

The school depends greatly on volunteers for its operation. During these first few years of its development, young volunteers

are playing significant roles in areas that are saving the school, and the Bahá’í Fund, resources that can be used in other needed areas.

If you are interested in a Year of Service at the school, please contact the Principal, Maxwell International Bahdé’i School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, B.C. VOR 2WO, Canada.

‘Brilliant

group Stars’ from Rock Hill.

the children’s

lars) for the Bahdé’{ world community.’”

He spoke movingly of Mr. Kavelin’s obedience in serving the National Spiritual Assembly, ignoring his doctor’s advice and attending the ‘‘Vision to Victory’’ conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he became gravely ill.

He and Mr. Kavelin had come to the U.S., said Mr. Hofman, “to help you tackle the monumental task of reaching the goals of the Six Year Plan.”

The Cause of God, he said, must grow and develop so that it can have a greater influence on the re-creation of human society.

The Bahá’ís, he added, must achieve the goals of the Faith and of necessity bring on the opposition of the nations.

This, said Mr. Hofman, is to mark the last battle before the final victory—mass conversion.

A believer “‘cannot become a deepened and knowledgeable Bahá’í,”’ said Mr. Hofman, ‘‘unless and until he or she has read the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” which he called ‘‘the Charter and Bill of Rights of the Kingdom of God on earth.””

On Sunday morning, Dr. Deas introduced ‘‘those teachers who were children ages six to 13 in the 1970s’? and ‘‘the adults who served (as teachers in South Carolina) at that time.”

Those individuals then came to the front of the hall and were given a standing ovation.

“These are the souls,” said Dr. Deas, “‘who taught when racism was at its worst’ in South Carolina,

“They had the courage to pave the way,”’ she said.

One of those veterans of the Army of Light then asked Dr. Deas to tell the National Spiritual Assembly, ‘‘We are reporting for duty.”

Both of the Auxiliary Board members then spoke eloquently and from the heart about present teaching efforts in South Carolina and of the need to do much more.

The conference was then closed with song and prayer. The incredible spirit of the gathering carried over to a public symposium later that afternoon on “The Promise of World Peace”’ at which an audience of about 200 heard Mr. Hofman and Dr. Ellis explain the significance of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement.

At a reception that followed the formal program, a number of Baha’fs were seen engaged in intense conversation with seekers. �[Page 3]The American Bahá’í / March 1989 / 3

Questions and answers about Assembly elections

The following are the answers to questions most commonly asked of the National Teaching Committee in regard to Assembly elections at Riḍván. If, having reviewed these remarks, your Assembly or Bahá’í Group still has questions or would like further clarification, please contact the National Teaching Committee as soon as possible. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST) Monday through Friday. A special hotline will be set up from 8 a.m. to midnight (CST) on Thursday, April 20, and Friday, April 21, Formation

Must a previously established Spiritual Assembly re-form between sunset April 20 and sunset April 21 to be recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly?

An existing Spiritual Assembly or a community that has had an Assembly before can only re-form on the first day of Ridvan (unless an extended period is granted in advance by the National Spiritual Assembly). Assemblies that have been lapsed for lengthy durations (10 or more years) may be able to form as a new Assembly at any time during the year if permission

is granted by the National Spiritual Assembly.

When can a Bahd’{ community have an extended period in which

to elect its Spiritual Assembly?

Permission is given by the National Spiritual Assembly on a case-by-case basis each year, according to present circumstances. This permission is usually granted only if the community is not yet developed enough to call for and carry out an election at Ridvan.

Year after year, a community has a Spiritual Assembly, but those on the community list do not participate in Bahd’( activities. Should the Spiritual Assembly continue to be formed under these circumstances?

Yes. The Universal House of Justice, in a letter dated April 19, 1979, has advised: ‘While it is true that some Assemblies have unsteady foundations at first, the friends obviously do not form Assemblies to lose them. At the time of their establishment they may appear to be ‘artificially created’ but are in fact a stepping stone in the progressive development of the teaching work, a fact recognized by Shoghi Effendi.”

What happens if 15 days advance notification is not given beSore an Assembly election?

Less than 15 days advance notice will not necessarily invalidate an election. The Assembly should form and write a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly explain

Jeopardized Assemblies surpass 100

To make additions/corrections, or for information about homefront pioneering to any of these areas, please contact the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

ALABAMA—Mountain Brook, Tuscaloosa County E.

ARIZONA—Bisbee, Clarkdale, Eloy, Sacaton District, San Carlos Reservation.

CALIFORNIA—Arcata, Azusa, Cerritos, Freedom, Grover City, Healdsburg, Lakeport, Montebello, Norwalk, Orange County N. JD, Paradise, San Carlos, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Temple City, Upland, Victor JD, West Sacramento, Westlake Village, Yucaipa.

COLORADO—Westminster, Wheat Ridge.

CONNECTICUT—Westport Town.

FLORIDA—Bryant, Davie, Escambia County, Florida City, Lakeland, Lauderhill, Maitland, Sunrise.

• GEORGIA—Cordele, Doraville, Ellaville, Fayette County,

Henry County, Palmetto.

ILLINOIS—Batavia, Cairo, De Kalb, La Grange, Mounds, Northfield Twp., Schaumburg, Silvis, West Chicago.

JOWA—Council Bluffs, Iowa City, Marion.

KANSAS—Bel Aire, Derby, Dodge City, Prairie Village.

LOUISIANA—Lockport.

MAINE—Brunswick, Sanford.

MARYLAND—Annapolis, Pocomoke City.

MASSACHUSETTS—Arlington Town.

MICHIGAN—Ferndale, Pontiac, Royal Oak, St. Joseph.

MINNESOTA—Bemidji, Eagan, Moorhead, West St. Paul.

MISSISSIPPI—Warren County.

MISSOURI—Sefferson City, Rock Hill, St. Charles County, St. Louis County W.

MONTANA—Bozeman

NEW JERSE Y—Bergenfield, East Windsor, North Plainfield.

NEW MEXICO—Pajarito.

NEW YORK—Geneva, Niagara Falls, Oyster Bay, Poughkeepsie Town, Schenectady.

NORTH CAROLINA—Garner, Guilford County.

NORTH DAKOTA—Bismarck.

OHIO—Willoughby.

OKLAHOMA—Anadarko, Delaware County, Frederick.

PENNSYLVANIA—Elizabethtown Borough.

RHODE ISLAND—Cranston.

SOUTH CAROLINA—Blenheim, Bucksport, North, Pee Dee, Pendleton, Seven Pines, South Florence.

SOUTH DAKOTA—Pine Ridge District.

TENNESSEE—Knoxville, Shelby County.

TEXAS—Bellaire, Cedar Park, Denison, Fabens, Hillsboro, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Tyler, Waco.

UTAH—Murray

VIRGINIA—Chantilly, Franconia, Hampton, Orange County.

WASHINGTON—Clallam CCD No. 1, Kitsap County Central, Spokane CCD No. 1.

WEST VIRGINIA—Charleston.

WISCONSIN—Chippewa Falls.

ing the reasons 15 days notice could not be given. The election should be considered valid unless the Assembly is notified by the National Spiritual Assembly. Eligibility

Some believers, such as university students, live part of the year in one community and the rest of the year in another. In which community are they eligible to serve on the Assembly?

Believers cannot be considered members of more than one community at the same time. The locality in which adult believers reside for the longest period of time (e.g., seven out of the 12 months) should be considered the community in which they are eligible to serve on the Assembly. If the length of time they spend at each residence is about the same, they may choose the community in which they desire to hold membership.

Can believers who live just outside of the city limits but have a business and receive mail at a Post Office box in the city be considered as eligible to serve on the city’s Assembly?

Only those who actually reside within the boundaries of an established locality have the right either to vote or to be elected as a member of the Assembly.

If some Bahá’ís are planning to move into a community to help save a jeopardized Assembly but cannot physically be living in that community until after the first day of Riḍván (April 21), can they be counted as community members?

According to the current policy of the National Spiritual Assembly, if they have made a firm commitment, such as obtaining a lease or placing a down payment on a house, they can be counted as members if they are able to physically reside in the community within 90 days of the first day of Ridvan.

Are Bahá’ís who have recently been enrolled (card counter-signed) but have not yet received Bahá’í identification cards from the National Spiritual Assembly eligible for election to a Spiritual Assembly?

Unless they are from the Middle East, newly enrolled Bahá’ís may be included on the voting list.

Is a Bahá’í with credentials from another country (not a visitor) who has not yet received U.S. Bahá’í credentials eligible for election?

Yes, pending the transfer of their membership into the U.S. Bahá’í community from the community of the country in which they were last residing, Bahá’ís with credentials from other countries may be considered eligible for election to an Assembly. They must submit their credentials (return receipt requested) to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, attn: Management Information Systems, and request that their membership be transferred to the U.S. Bahá’í community. If, after 60 days following the election, the Bahá’ís still have not received their U.S. Baha'i credentials, the National Spiritual Assembly should be notified.

Are believers from other countries who do not have credentials eligible to vote for and serve on a. Spiritual Assembly?

No, such believers are not eli gible to take part in elections until their status has been verified and their transfer completed. They must contact their former National Spiritual Assembly and ask that their credentials be sent to our National Spiritual Assembly.

Can members of the community who are mentally ill or senile vote in the election and/or serve on the Assembly?

If these believers are obviously incapable of serving, they should not be considered eligible to vote for or to serve on the Assembly. The Assembly or community should immediately inform the National Assembly of their condition. If the community is uncertain whether a person is capable of serving, that person should be added to the voting list and can be elected to the Assembly. (If elected, that person must be invited to attend the meetings.) If the Assembly later determines that the person is incapable of serving (or that his/her behavior is disruptive to the functioning of the Assembly), the local Assembly should write to the National Spiritual Assembly, recommending that the person be removed from the Assembly and declared ineligible to serve on an administrative body.

For several years we have had certain Bahá’ís whose mail has been returned and whom we have been unable to visit to verify their address. Should their names by removed from the voting list?

Their names should not be removed from the voting list. Every effort should be made to visit them and to encourage them to take part in Bahá’í activities.

If a person has asked to withdraw from the Faith but the community has not received notice from the National Spiritual Assembly that the request for withdrawal has been accepted, should he or she be counted on the voting list?

If no word has been received before the election that the National Spiritual Assembly has officially accepted the request for withdrawal, that person must be counted as a member of the community.

Is a person who withdrew from the Faith and wants to be reinstated before an election takes place eligible to serve on the Spiritual Assembly?

Before a person can be reinstated, a recommendation from the local Spiritual Assembly must be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly. Once the person has been approved for reinstatement, the Assembly will be notified. Until then, he or she is not eligible to serve on the Spiritual Assembly.

If the boundaries of the civil community change during the year due to local government action (annexation, etc.), will this affect the boundaries of the Bahá’í community? Will some of the members whose residences are affected by the boundary changes be ineligible to vote as members of the former community at Ridvan?

Bahá’í community membership is often affected by civil boundary changes, and because of this, those who are eligible to serve during one year on an Assembly may not be members of the same community the next year. The National Spiritual Assembly should be notified of all changes in civil boundaries. No change in a mem bership list due to civil boundary changes should be made until the National Spiritual Assembly approves or acknowledges the changes.

Is it permissible to consider ineligible for election those who have moved into a community after the election calls have been sent?

There is no minimum amount of time Bahá’ís must be residents of a community before they can participate in a Bahá’í election. If they move to a community the day of an election, they may participate fully in it as long as the Assembly is convinced that they are making their home in that community.

Joint declaration

Must everyone sign the form at the same time? What if a member is temporarily unavailable?

Those who are unavailable to sign the joint declaration at the same time as the others may sign their name earlier or later.

If a member of the community refuses to sign or consent to serve on the Assembly, can the Assembly still be formed?

If an Assembly is forming for the first time, it is essential that all nine signatures appear on the form. If all nine signatures cannot be obtained, the formation of the Assembly has not taken place. However, if an Assembly has previously been established in the community and a person refuses to sign, or, if for any other reason one of the signatures cannot be obtained, the form should be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly with an explanation as to why the signature is missing. A decision will be made regarding recognition of the Assembly and communicated to the Assembly. Assembly election

What is the minimum number required to attend an election meeting?

No quorum is required to hold an election for a Spiritual Assembly. As long as all community members are properly notified of the meeting, the election is valid, even if no more than one person is at the meeting to vote.

Is it permissible to go to believers’ homes to collect ballots in order to form an Assembly?

In areas where it is likely that a large percentage of the beli will not attend the election meeting, it is recommended that visits be made to encourage participation. If it is found in the process that a believer will not be able to attend, absentee voting should be encouraged.

Is it permissible to vote by telePhone if a person unexpectedly Jinds he/she cannot attend the election? What about people who do not speak English, cannot write, or are handicapped?

If a person cannot attend the election meeting, he may call a person previously designated by the Assembly to accept the ballots (usually the chief teller or the Assembly secretary). Arrangements should also be made by the Assembly to help complete ballots from those who cannot speak English or who cannot, for whatever reason, attend the election.

If no one comes to the election

See ASSEMBLIES page 12 �[Page 4]4/ The American Bahá’í / March 1989

Green Acre nears 100th year with great promise, great needs

UNITED NATIONS

“Africa Focus’’ report

Last April, local Spiritual Assemblies in six cities were offered an opportunity, approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, to take part in a pilot project initiated by the United Nations NonGovernmental Liaison Service (NGLS).

The project, called ‘‘Africa Focus,”’ is designed to heighten public awareness of critical problems on the African continent.

Successful resolution of those problems requires global cooperation. Service on the project provides excellent opportunities for the Bah’fs to interact with the community at large.

All six Assemblies responded with enthusiasm.

In Cincinnati, a Bahá’í designed a slide program for public presentations and gave a welcoming speech at an ‘‘Africa Focus”’ business luncheon.

In Boston, the Bahá’í representative is collaborating on the Grassroots Task Force with many other organizations involved.

The project is also moving forward in the other pilot cities: Atlanta, Birmingham, New York and Pittsburgh.

NGLS plans to add four more cities to the list in the near future.

According to an NGLS spokesman, ‘The Bahá’ís and the Urban League are front-runners in support of the project.”

Recognizing the diversity of the Bahá’í membership, the NGLS project coordinator asked the U.S. Bahá’í UN Office to recommend an intern to work with them on “‘Africa Focus.””

From among 11 Bahd’{ applicants, Ndele Agbaw of Willamantic, Connecticut, formerly of Cameroon, was chosen and will work at the UN through May. International Literacy Year

1990 has been designated by the UN as a year in which to concentrate on the eradication of illiter acy.

Plans are being made at national and international Bahá’í administrative levels for the extensive involvement of Bahá’í communities.

For those who want to become tutors and would like to get a head start on training, there are two national organizations, among others, that can be contacted for information:

Literacy Volunteers of America Inc., 5795 Widewaters Parkway, Syracuse, NY 13214 (phone 315445-8000).

Laubach Literacy Action, 1320 Jamesville Avenue, Box 131, Syracuse, NY 13210 (phone 315-4229121).

For those already involved in literacy training, or who have related skills, the National Spiritual Assembly would appreciate receiving information about these projects and about your training (i.e., degree, certificate, diploma or experience).

Please send information to Shirley Lee, U.S, Bahá’í UN Representative, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017.

Our Sacred Obligation

National Bahá’{ Fund ‘Wilmette, IL 60091

Sometime in the spring of 1889, four men developed a plan to build a resort hotel in a quiet New England town on a lovely site overlooking the banks of the Piscataqua River.

A partnership was formed, and later that year the construction of a four-story hotel was begun.

The doors opened for the summer season of 1890 as hopes grew for it to become a popular vacation spot for travelers to southern Maine. A woman named Sarah Farmer was invited to become a fifth partner.

The commercial venture never succeeded, and with growing financial difficulties the Inn was a failure only two years after its completion.

But Sarah Farmer had a dream of her own, of a pleasant refuge from the cities and everyday life where people could congregate to refresh their minds and souls.

With a theme concentrating on

WLGI Radio honored

WLGI Radio Bahá’í was honored last November in Georgetown, South Carolina, when the Tota Tau chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity presented the station with its award for outstanding community service by a radio station.

Omega Psi Phi is the fraternity to which the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. belonged.

"JBy the Lord of the Kingdom! If one arise to promote the Word of God with a pure heart, overflowing with the love of God and severed from the world, the Lord of Hosts will assist him with such a power as will penetrate the core of the existent beings." (Tablets of ‘Abdu'lBahd, p. 348.)

the ideals of peace and religious unity, ‘‘Green-Acre-on-the-Piscataqua’’ was born.

Now, a century later, it seems ironic that the Inn once again faces a crisis, and that again it is related to financial difficulty.

Fifteen months after a campaign was launched to raise the necessary funds, we are far short of our $1.1-million goal to restore the Sarah Farmer Inn.

Construction cannot begin until at least $600,000 has been raised to carry out the first phase of the work.

If this amount is not realized within the next few months, construction will again be delayed, resulting in far greater costs and serious effects on future summer school programs at Green Acre.

The Green Acre Council and Restoration Task Force are delighted with the proposed plans that will restore the simple, refined elegance of this historic monument and ensure its continued use for future generations.

Confident in the ability of the friends from the Northeastern states to succeed, the National Spiritual Assembly, while meeting at Green Acre in 1986, marked the completion of Green Acre restoration as a specific goal of the Six Year Plan.

Ours is to determine what sacTifice we can and are willing to make to spur the victory.

While for the first time in the history of the Faith in this country, fund-raising for such a project has been assigned to a region (the Northeast), all who love Green Acre are invited and indeed encouraged to contribute to this noble enterprise. We especially appreciate the prayers of the friends around the world.

Contributions earmarked for the Green Acre Restoration may be sent to the National Treasurer’s Office or directly to the Restoration Fund, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

24-26, 1989, Toronto.

1989.

ference, June 1989.

Opportunities for summer service

Are you planning your summer vacation? Here are some exciting opportunities. Combine service, adventure, learning and fun and join one of these projects.

AFRICA Botswana: ‘‘STAR ’89’’ Teaching Project, summer 1989. Zimbabwe: Bahá’í Deepening Institute, ongoing. AMERICAS

Alaska: International Youth Conference, July 12-15, 1989. Theme: ‘‘The Challenge of Our Time: Global Peace.’’

Canada: International Chinese Teaching Symposium, March

Costa Rica; Peace Conference, June 1989. Haiti: Need for French-speaking traveling teachers. Jamaica: Need for long-term, mature traveling teachers. Leeward Islands: Need for ‘‘resident teachers’? who can stay from 1-6 months. Also, need for mimeograph machine. Puerto Rico: International Youth Conference, July 13-16,

AUSTRALASIA Eastern Caroline Islands: Need for deepened, knowledgeable, mature traveling teachers who can stay for at least 1-3 months. EUROPE Iceland: ‘‘Skogar’’ Service/Forestry Project and Youth Con Norway: “‘Brennpunkt Focal Point Project,” teaching and consolidation, ongoing until Naw-Rúz 1989.

PLUS ongoing mass teaching projects in the Bahamas, Honduras, Hong Kong, Korea, Panama, Puerto Rico and Taiwan.

For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

A Pioneer Training Institute held January 14-15 at the Bosch Bahá’í School in California was attended by 34 prospective pioneers and representatives of two Spiritual Assemblies and one District Teaching Committee. Joining the Sriends were Knight of Bahd’

u’lláh John Leonard and his wife, Margaret, both long-time pioneers to the Falkland Islands. Among the possible destinations of the participants are Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, Nigeria, the Bay Islands and Indonesia.

First-ever course in Village Radio set at Puerto Rico’s Amoz Gibson Center

The first-ever Village Radio Course will be held June 19-July 7 at the Amoz Gibson Training Center for Bahá’í Media in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Instructor for the intensive three-week course will be K. Dean Stephens, professor of development communication, director of the Vanguard Trust, inventor and village radio pioneer.

Course topics will include communication and human development; radio and other development communication models; “‘village,”” “‘communication’”’ and “development” redefined; existing village stations and future possibilities; equipment; alternative energy and appropriate technology; Radio Bahá’í; and handson village radio operation and programming.

Classes and readings will be in English with some help provided for Spanish-speaking students.

The university-level course is

Hurricane victims in Jamaica need clothing, other items

The National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica reports that victims of Hurricane Gilbert need:

Nails, bedding materials, canned food, clothing (especially for men and children), plastic sheeting, and any other items you may care to send.

Please send supplies directly to the address below, labeled as follows:

“For distribution by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Jamaica,”’ 208 Mountain View Avenue, Kingston 6, JAMAICA, West Indies.

For direct monetary contributions, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

"Di: Ayudarme es ensefiar mi Causa. Este es mi inmutable mandato de Dios, eterno en el pasado, eterno en el futuro. Comprended esto, oh hombres de perspicacia.” -Bahdtutlah

around the needs and abilities of both graduate and undergraduate students.

The $450 tuition per student it ie cludes airport transportation, all course materials, and room and board for three weeks.

All graduates will receive a certificate suitable for framing. Write for information about university credit.

For more information or to register, write to the Amoz Gibson Training Center for Bahd’{ Media, HC-02 Box 14765, Arecibo, PR 00612, or phone 809-878-4189.

Tuvalu, many other overseas goals need your teaching help

Have you always wanted to go to Tuvalu? You still have a chance to fill one of the remaining International Collaboration Goals for the Six Year Plan. These communities need your help!

AFRICA: Liberia—provide traveling teachers. Malawi—Provide one resident teacher, preferably with qualifications to act as building supervisor at the Amalika Institute.

AMERICAS: Dominican Republic—Provide traveling teachers. El Salvador—Provide Chinese-speaking traveling teachers. Peru—Provide \Chinese-speaking traveling teachers.

ASIA: India—Provide Bahá’í lecturers for university and scholarly audiences. Japan—Provide Bahd’{ teachers prominent in the field of entertainment. Malaysia—Provide two teachers to develop public relations expertise among local believers.

AUSTRALASIA: Samoa, Western—Provide traveling teachers. aa ore traveling teach Roe more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

PLAN AHEAD for the following UN special observances: April 7, World Health Day June 5, World Environment Day

September 8, International Literacy Day

�[Page 5]On December 17-18, 14 members of three advisory committees to the Office of the Treasurer met in Chicago with National Treasurer William E. Davis who encouraged them to continue stimulating the National Assembly’s thinking through their consultation and recommendations.

A variety of topics was addressed in Mr. Davis’ opening remarks to the joint session of the Fund Development and Estate Planning, Financial Advisory, and Business Planning Committees.

Among the topics: the National Spiritual Assembly’s newly adopted budgeting process requiring its agencies to identify their programs in advance; the success of

MIT presents course on Faith during break

between semesters

Once again, a course on the Bahá’í Faith was presented in January during IAP (Intersemester Activities Period) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

The introductory course’s six classes covered the basics of the Faith and explored some aspects of it in greater detail.

Topics discussed were ‘‘The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction,” “Martin Luther King Jr. and World Peace,’’ “Women’s Equality and World Peace,” ‘‘A Spiritual Approach to Economic Problems,” “The Arms Race and Social Change,” and ‘The Harmony of Science and Religion.’”

New Assembly forms

On Sunday, January 29, the Bahá’ís of Warwick, Rhode Island’s second largest city, met to elect the first local Spiritual Assembly of Warwick.

Congratulations!

the nearly 20 Fund consultation meetings with local communities held in 1988; the dilemma that Fund participation by individuals is up whereas participation by local Assemblies is down; and the expansion of the role of local treasurers in processing contributions.

Mr. Davis applauded the results of the first on-premises mid-year report by agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly held in Wilmette last October, which focused on the specific tasks given to each agency.

Don Decker (Oklahoma) reported highlights of the Business Planning Committee including discussion of a business planning information center for Bahá’ís that would answer questions about forming and networking businesses.

He also noted that the committee intends to submit a series of business-related feature articles to The American Bahá’í.

The Fund Development and Estate Planning Committee report by Ron Carrigan (California) reviewed current projects including:

Two brochures in Persian—one on the spiritual principles of giving and another on Fund-related stories; a family Fund box to be field-tested soon; expansion of the “In Honor Of” program; and a proposed gift annuity program that has proved popular in other faiths as a form of planned giving.

The Fund Development and Estate Planning Committee also recommended using the Treasurer’s Nineteen Day Feast letter to the community to educate the Baha’ is on techniques of giving to the Fund including estate planning; encouraging more consultation during the Feast; volunteering committee expertise to the Green Acre fund-raising project; and

9039).

Important materials on way!

The annual mailing of budget and audit forms, and Fund participation charts is being sent out soon to all Assemblies and registered Bahá’í Groups throughout the U.S. Be on the lookout for these important materials! If you have questions about the forms or do not receive them, please write to or phone the Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (312-869

The American Bahá’í / March 1989 / 5

Three advisory committees meet with National Treasurer

‘Is your local Spiritual Assembly contributing to the National Bahá’í Fund?’

freeing up the Fund Development Director to meet more with Bahá’í communities throughout the country.

Grant Kvalheim (Connecticut) reported that the Financial Ad visory Committee’s deliberations focused on the increase of Bahá’í loans to the National Assembly from $1.3 million to $1.8 million; maximizing the equity in Bahá’í properties; and greater use of the

knowledge of local treasurers and National Treasurer’s Representatives.

The committees expect to meet again in June.

Bahá’ís in California reach out, befriend Hmong refugees, many of whom entered Faith in Asia

The Bahá’í Youth Conference held in July 1980 in San Diego, California, introduced the Faith to many Southeast Asian refugees in that area.

It also led to the discovery of a number of previously declared Baha’fs. Since then, teaching and consolidation of Southeast Asian refugees has been an ongoing task through regular projects.

The most recent of these, undertaken by a group of dedicated believers, took place last December 27-January 5.

The project was named in honor of the Iranian Bahá’í martyr, Dr. Diya’u’llah Ahrari, who was executed in Shíráz on November 21, 1982.

Bijan Bayzaee of Skokie, Illinois, a former pioneer to Laos, joined several Persian Bahá’ís in San Diego to begin the project.

The group, which included Tayyabeh Noor, Ramesh Noorassa and Shayesteh Samadini, proceeded from San Diego to Fresno by car, visiting a number of Laotian Hmong Bahá’í families in Tulare, Visalia and Porterville.

The project involved a number of Southeast Asian friends, some of whom had served on Bahá’í Assemblies in Laos. Some of them are second generation Bahá’ís.

Specific goals of the project were to find the Hmong Bahda’is who had been key figures in their communities; reach out in friendship to the generality of the Hmong people; and evaluate the progress of Asian teaching in Southern California since 1980.

These goals were realized beyond all expectations through the

Contribution Statistics Through the Month of Sharaf (Honor) Ending January 18, 1989

Monthly Contribution Goal

Contributions Received for the Month

Annual Contribution Goal (Year-To-Date) ... Contributions Received Year-To-Date Deficit on Annual Contribution Goal

Total Contributions Received (Year-To-Date) Earmarked for the Arc Participation (National Bahá’í Fund only)

Our Challenge!

«$447,368 -- $684,064

$6.263 Million $5.902 Million - $361,000

. $1.47 Million -7,940 Individuals

© We have consistently surpassed our monthly contribution goal every month for the past four

(4) Bahá’í months.

© There are five (5) more Baha'i months to be reported before the end of this fiscal year.

To reach our annual contribution goal of $8.5 million, the average monthly contributions must be $519,600 from now through Ridvan!

Pictured during a recent teaching and consolidation project among Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees in California are (left to right) Ramesh Noorassa, Tayebeh Nour,

cooperation and help of the friends in Fresno, especially the members of the Spiritual Assembly.

Significant progress was made by meeting Southeast Asian Baha’f families in their homes, addressing their immediate needs for literature and information about the Faith in their native languages, and encouraging them to play an active role in their local Bahá’í communities.

Much work remains to be done, however, in locating Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees throughout the country and helping them to achieve their full potential as active teachers and supporters of the Cause in America.

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office encourages the friends to (1) study Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 31-36, and (2) identify and consort with the Southeast Asian refugees (Bahá’í and non-Baha’f) in a spirit of love and fellowship.

Those local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís with experience in reaching out to

Mr. Srioudom, Shayesteh Samadini, Mrs. Srioudom, Bijan Bayzaee, Barbara Sellars and Greg Sellars. Also pictured are the Srioudoms’ three children,

Southeast Asians can work with other Bahá’ís and institutions of the Faith in their areas to initiate teaching and consolidation projects aimed at Southeast Asian refugees. These fellow-believers need to be located and contacted without delay.

For more information about Southeast Asian refugees and teaching and consolidation among them, write to the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office or National Teaching Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Resource center

The Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, is serving as headquarters for the National Race Unity Committee’s Resource Center.

The Center collects and disseminates information on race unity and general trends in race relations, maintains files and a data base to support the committee’s work,

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. ’’—Bahd’ u’lláh

Payments for Huqtiqu’llah should be made to ‘‘Bahá’í Huqiqu’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

Bahá’í Huququ’ll4h Trust

Rocky River, OH 44116 �[Page 6]6 / The American Bahá’í / March 1989

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha’ 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.

°

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Bahd’{ National Center is accepting applications for the following positions: Administrative Services—media services manage! payroll and benefits representati Bahd’{ House of Worship—admini trator; coordinator of volunteer services. Bahd’f Publishing Trust—associate editor. NSA Properties—custodian specialist; maintenance coordinator (Bahá’í House of Worship); project coordinator. Office of the Treasurer—controller; assistant cashier; accounts receivable/automatic contributions clerk. Interested applicants should apply to: Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312869-9039).

CAMP counselor positions: Camp Kamal is a wilderness camp whose purpose is to provide campers and staff with a small Bahá’í community experience in the outdoors. Counselors should have outdoor leadership experience and previous experience with young people. Pay is based on experience; counselor contracts are from July 2-16. To apply, contact James Lewicki, director, Camp Kamal,

Viroqua, WI

54665.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland is seeking a couple who can serve as medical doctor for the Piggs Peak Clinic and as supervisor with some knowledge of preschool education for the Piggs Peak Pre-School. These positions with the Piggs Peak Bahá’í social and economic development project must be filled as soon as possible. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-8699039.

‘THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School is seeking applications for summer positions including program assistant, recreation director, registrar, teachers for youth/children’s classes, cooks,

kitchen helpers, librarian, housekeeping, maintenance, gardener and painter. Room and board are provided. Weekly stipends are available with a minimum of eight weeks’ commitment. Volunteers are encouraged to apply for shorter durations. Summer help is needed from the end of June through the end of the August. Maintenance and grounds help are also needed in April and May. Those who are interested should contact the, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-4397200).

UNA ESTACION de televisién de habla hispana en Albuquerque, Nuevo México, tiene empleo disponible para un técnico que esté familiarizado con el mantenimiento de grabadoras de video cassette y camaras, etc. ... Hay muchas oportunidades de pioneria en la area mayor de Albuquerque. Para mds informacién, por favor comuntquese con Kambiz Victory al 505-3445589.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

THE OFFICE of Pioneering has information about these and other overseas jobs: Africa—concrete specialist, engineers, geotechnical engineer. Ni eria—research professor, public

_ agement professional, deputy director general for agricultural institute. West Africa—civil engineer, development specialists. British Virgin Islands—engineering maintenance manager. Falkland Islands—building engineer, design engineer. Trinidad and Tobago—corporate planning specialist. Malaysia—civil area engineers. Overseas—architects, chemical treatment technicians, civil design engineer, civil engineer, contract engineers, corrosion engineers, electrical engineers, highway engineers. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and Capistrano Beach, California. These beach cities are 1-2 miles from the Pacific Ocean in South Orange County which has less than 2.3 percent unemployment. Industries are mostly high-tech and with a 20-mile radius. We are about 60 miles from Los Angeles and San Diego. The weather is mild year-round, no winters and no hot summers. We are within seven miles of a two-year community college and 20 miles from the University of California-Irvine. For more information, write to the Bahá’ís of San Juan Capistrano, P.O. Box 1341, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693, or phone 714240-0165 and leave a message.

HELP! The Spiritual Assembly of Garner, North Carolina, may be lost at Ridvan. Homefront pioneers are desperately needed. Garner is a small

National Center seeks controller

The Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is seeking a qualified person to serve as controller in the National Treasurer’s Office. The position requires a CPA license and a minimum of 4-7 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 Bahá’í administration and be familiar with activities and trends in the U.S. Bahá’í community. Ability to interact with staff at all levels and to represent the National Assembly to public agencies and financial institutions is essential. Duties include helping advise the National Assembly about fund-raising strategies; helping to determine priorities in the allocation of funds for activities in the U.S. Bahá’í community; consulting and coordinating with the Bahá’í World Center’s finance department on cash management; advising local Bahd’{ communities about appropriate application of state tax-exemption laws. The controller also prepares monthly financial statements with written analyses; 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. Apply to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

bedroom suburb of Raleigh (the state capital), offering small-town coziness with big-city convenience. Three nationally-known universities—Duke, UNC and N.C, State—are all nearby. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Garner, P.O. Box 1646, Garner, NC 27529, or phone Corinne Mills, 919-779-1541.

SOUTHINGTON, a community of 45,000 in central Connecticut with five active adults and two active youth, is a District Teaching Committee goa? town. What do we have to offer? One local college; more than 10 others wit a 20-mile radius; abundant industry, locally and in the surrounding area; and above all, a friendly, active group with much inter-community activity. Contact Ray Thomas,

Plantsville, CT 06479 (phone 203-628-7831).

HOMEFRONT pioneers needed in Marion, Iowa, a suburb of Cedar Rapids with an award-winning school system. Need at least one adult Baha’ to help save the Spiritual Assembly. For information, write to P.O. Box 362, Marion, IA 52302, or phone (collect) 319-377-9505.

BE A PART of the exciting San Jose ‘Metro 1000” Teaching Project while homefront pioneering. Morgan a “bedroom community”’ of San Jose, is targeted for establishing a local Spiritual Assembly; at present, one active Bahá’í lives there. Jobs are available in San Jose for secretaries and nurses, and for computer operators and others in the Silicon Valley, only about 20-30 miles away. For formation and help, contact the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose, P.O. Box 6381, San Jose, CA 95050, or phone 408-448-0639. Now is the time ... we are the ones! Come help us win 1,000 new Baha’ fs!

NEEDED: two or more adult Baha’fs to make possible the re-formation of the Spiritual Assembly of Happy Camp, California. Retired persons ‘or those of independent means would probably do best here; Happy Camp (pop. about 2,500) is in extreme northern California, near the Oregon border on the scenic Klamath River, and job possibilities are limited. For information, write to the Bahá’ís of Happy Camp, P.O. Box 1207, Happy Camp, CA 96039, or phone 916-493-5353.

SCHOOLS

SUMMER in the Santa Cruz mountains. The Bosch Bahá’í School terviewing for summer staff: children’s teachers, recreation leaders, ki chen and maintenance workers. Room, board and stipend. Send resumé and Bahá’í references to Administrator, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

‘THE BOSCH Baha'i School in Santa Cruz, California, invites professionals in all areas of health care to take part in the design and presentation of the school’s July 1-6 session by submitting topics for presentation. We are addressing the questions: What are the relationships between religion and psychology and mental health? Between ethical values and total health? What are health issues in a spiritual context? Plus any questions you may wish to pose. Please send your proposal to Molly S. King, program director, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For more information, phone 805-9331253.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Baha'i Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Erlyne Cannon, Jesper Cantwell, Evangeline Carey, Emma Carmichael, Frances Carre (d. 1936, Mariposa, CA), Daniel Carrick, Charles Carter (d. 1978, Smithfield, RI), and Lillian Carter. Anyone knowing family members or

ADMINISTRATOR (Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office): This person should be experienced in managing or directing an organization of volunteers. Establishes good relations with eee agencies and civic groups, arranges and conducts tours

and programs, sponsors and hosts special events for the National Spiritual Assembly. Must have effective public speaking skills, general management abilities, and the capacity to interact with dignitaries, public officials and the general public. Must be welldeepened in the Bahá’í Teachings. For information and/or an application, contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

relatives who might have these letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’{ Archives is seeking copies of the following books in good or excellent condition: Bahd’u’lláh and the New Era (cloth, 1950; paper, 1938); Mysticism, Science and Revelation (paper, 1964, 1970); Portals to Freedom (cloth, 1962); and Release the Sun (cloth, 1964, 1968, 1971). Anyone having ‘copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

PERIODICALS

(CHILDREN of all ages—do you want to receive some fun, learning and excitement every other month? Subscribe to Brilliant Star magazine by writing to Subscriber Service, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. $12 for one year, $20 for two years. It’s great!

COLLECTORS, teachers, parents—back issues of Brilliant Star magazine are available. Send $2 for each issue desired. You may specify or let us choose an assortment for you. Send check or money order to Subscriber Service, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

NOT TO be missed! A free copy of the September 1988 issue of Bahd’/ News which includes an article and photographs about the fifth Continental Indigenous Council held near the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota. All American Indian believers will want to read about the consultation and fellowship at this inspiring meeting. Also in that same issue, learn about the tremendous number of new believers in Taiwan, and about a Peace Monument in Goiania, Brazil. For your free copy of the September issue of Bahá’í News, simply send a postcard with your name and address to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone us at 312-869-9039.

INDEXES to past years of Brilliant

WHO ARE WE? WHY DO WE TEACH?

Search for the treasured answers to these questions on the following pages:

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u‘Nah; pp. 197-198, 137, 339.

Selections from the Writings of the Bab; pp. 11, 133.

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; pp. 2-3. Unrestained as the Wind; pp.183-186, 8486.

Centers for Baha'i Learning; pp. 14-15.

Star magazine are available for only $2 a year. Please specify the year and send a check or money order to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

WANTED: Children’s books in English, Baha’ and general. I have the names of several pioneers who would greatly appreciate any English-language children’s books you would be willing to send. If you have books at the pre-school or elementary school level to donate to help our pioneers teach their own and other children skills in English, please write to Vonnie Lincoln,

Lyons, OR 97358, or

phone 503-859-2390.

THE ANNUAL Green Lake (Wisconsin) Baha'i Conference is celebrating its 30th anniversary in September, and the committee is seeking, all kinds of Green Lake memorabilia. Needed are stories of those memorable, hilarious, outrageous and sometimes life-changing moments that make Green Acre such a special experience, as well as old pictures, tapes, programs and whatever else the friends are able to share (or loan) for this event. Responses should be sent to the Green Lake Committee, c/o Lori J. Block, Green Bay, WI 54301, or phone 414-432-7110.

THE BAHA’IS of Great Falls, Montana, are celebrating the Montana State Centennial from July 22-August 6, and invite any and all of the friends who have ever lived in the state to join them for these days of celebration. The contact person is Karen Sheffels Whisenhunt, Great Falls, MT 59401 (phone 406-453-0658).

Indian Teaching Committee named

The American Indian Teaching Committee for 1989-90 has been appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Committee members are Ferris Paisano of Lapwai, Idaho, chairman; Oscar Arrambide of Anthony, New Mexico, secretary; and Sandy Frazier of Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

The American Indian Teaching Committee would like to obtain information on all Indian teaching activities. What is happening? What are your needs? Where do you see the teaching work going from here?

Please send your thoughts to Oscar Arrambide, . Anthony NM

88021.

Magazine honors House of Worship

The Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, is included in “Best of the North Shore 1988,” an annual feature in North Shore magazine devoted to the year’s outstanding people, events and landmarks,

“Possibly the most one-sided win in any of the categories,” the article says, ‘‘Wilmette’s Bahd’{ House of Worship is this area’s best landmark, with Lake Forest’s Market Square and the Holocaust Memorial in Skokie voted runners-up.””

�[Page 7]BAHA’i NATIONAL REVIEW

The Universal House of Justice has provided the following memorandum which was prepared by the Research Department in response to questions posed by an individual believer regarding the equality of men and women.

Questions regarding the emancipation of women

The Research Department has studied the questions raised by Mrs. ..... in her letter of October 6, 1988, to the Universal House of Justice. Mrs. ..... cites an extract from the peace statement of the Universal House of Justice about the importance of the emancipation of women and draws attention to two factors which, in her view, inhibit the achievement of the equality of women and men:

1, the use of masculine pronouns in the Bahá’í Writings,

2. conflicting attitudes within the Bahd’{ community about the necessity of striving to implement the principle of equality.

She nie deplores the absence of historical decumentation on the progress of women’s participation in the Administrative Order, and documentation concerning their exclusion from membership of the Universal House of Justice.

We provide the following response.

1. Use of pronouns

Mrs. ..... makes a number of observations about the use of masculine pronouns throughout the Bahá’í Writings and states that choice of vocabulary serves not only to creaie reality but to perpetuate the oppression of womankind. She mentions that, while intellectually, she understands that the Writings employ the generic term ‘‘man’’ for both male and female, etc., emotionally, she finds it difficult to identify with the prayers and scripture. She quotes the following extract from a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, inquires about its authenticity and the circumstances under which the instruction was provided. The extract states:

“Regarding your question as to the changing of pronouns in Bahá’í prayers: the Guardian does not approve of such changes, either in the specific prayers or in any others. They should be read as printed without changing a single word.”

The extract, cited above, is from a letter dated April 13, 1944, written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada. The question posed by the National Assembly was:

“The members wish to have your direction before undertaking to answer a question frequently raised by the friends: whether when reading a Bahá’í prayer at a meeting, a believer can change the pronouns from singular to plural, or vice versa, or change the sex of a pronoun from male to female, or vice versa, as in the prayers for healing, for the departed, and the long obligatory prayer. That is, may the friends adapt a prayer to the exact situation or are the prayers to be read in their printed form without changing a single word.””

The secretary who prepared the letter was R. Rabbani. It is interesting to note that the letter contained a long postscript in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi on the subject of the progress of the Seven Year Plan in North America.

With regard to the weight which is to be given to letters written by the Guardian’s secretaries and the process by which these letters were prepared, we provide the following extract from a letter dated February 25, 1951, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles. It states:

“Although the secretaries of the Guardian convey his thoughts and instructions, and these messages are authoritative, their words are in no sense the same as his, their style certainly not the same, and their authority less, for they use their own terms and not his exact words in conveying his

It should be noted in passing that there is one prayer, namely the long prayer for the dead, in which we are permitted to change the pronouns. See ‘Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’ll4h”’ (Wilmette: Bahd’{ Publishing Trust, 1987), p. 261. This point is elaborated in the following extract from a letter dated January 14, 1947, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer who asked about this subject:

“In regard to the question you asked him: As Baha’w’ll4h Himself specified, in the long prayer for the dead, that the gender could be changed and ‘‘his’’ said for ‘‘her,”” etc., it is permissible to do it—nay obligatory—but in all other prayers, including those for the dead, we must adhere to the exact text and not change the gender.”

Further, the Guardian in a letter dated November 10, 1946, written on his behalf, clarified the fact that:

“*,, any of the prayers which were originally revealed for a man or a woman can be said for the opposite sex, but the text must not be changed.’”

We provide for Mrs. .....’s perusal a brief compilation of extracts from letters written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice regarding the use of the masculine gender in the Bahá’í Writings.

March 1989 2. Prayers for parents Mrs. ..... ”s concerns about the inability to change pro nouns are exemplified by her comments on the prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which is cited below. She raises questions about who can pray for whom and whether mothers and daughters are not worthy of prayer. The prayer in question was excerpted from a Tablet revealed by the Master for Mr. Albert R. Windust. It was specifically written to a son in memory of his father. It states:

“O Lord! In this Most Great Dispensation Thou dost accept the intercession of children in behalf of their parents. This is one of the special infinite bestowals of this Dispensation. Therefore, O Thou kind Lord, accept the request of this Thy servant at the threshold of Thy singleness and submerge his father in the ocean of Thy grace, because this son hath arisen to render Thee service and is exerting effort at all times in the pathway of Thy love. Verily, Thou art the Giver, the Forgiver and the Kind!””

Clearly, the prayer states a general principle, namely, that God accepts ‘‘the intercession of children in behalf of their parents.”” Hence, daughters and sons can pray for both mothers and fathers. The following extract from a letter dated November 8, 1977, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer provides helpful guidance concerning the choice of prayers for parents. It states:

“The House of Justice has asked us to point out that when the friends pray for their parents, they should feel free to use for this purpose any of the existing prayers of their choice. The same thing applies to prayers for husbands or wives.”

It may be of interest to Mrs. ..... to know that there area number of prayers revealed for parents scattered throughout the Bahá’í Writings in which both mother and father are mentioned and the gender of the child is not specified. See, for example, ‘Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah,”’ rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1984), pp. 301-2, and ‘‘Tablets of Baha’u’ll4h Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas”’ (rev. ed.), (Haifa: Bahd’{ World Center, 1982), pp. 24-25.

3. Implementation of the principle of the equality of men and women

The Universal House of Justice has repeatedly stressed the commitment of the Bahá’í community to the implementation of the principle of the equality of men and women. For example, writing to all National Spiritual Assemblies on May 25, 1975, the House of Justice indicated that:

“«..,the entire Bahá’í world is committed to encouraging and stimulating the vital role of women in the Bahá’í community as well as in society at large. ...’””

And, in the Naw-Rúz 1979 message, it stated that ‘‘the encouragement of Bahá’í women to exercise to the full their privileges and responsibilities in the work of the community’’ was an essential feature in fostering the development of the “‘spiritual, intellectual and community life of the believers.””

Clearly, the local Bahd’{ community has an important role to play not only in fostering the development of women, but also in learning how to apply the principle of equality to daily life. The beloved Guardian, in a letter of November 2, 1933, written on his behalf to an individual believer, described ‘‘Bahd’{ community life” as: an indispensable laboratory where you can translate into living and constructive action, the principles which you imbibe from the Teachings. ...To study the principles, and to try to live according to them, are, therefore, the two essential mediums through which you can insure the development and progress of your inner spiritual life and of your outer existence as well. ...””

Though the principle of the equality of women and men is well known, it is evident from the following extract from the Riḍván 1984 message to the Bahá’ís of the world, that the Universal House of Justice regards progress toward its implementation within the Bahá’í community as being uneven, and, in this same message, issues a challenge to the community to set an example of the practice of equality. The House of Justice wrote:

“The equality of men and women is not, at the present time, universally applied. In those areas where traditional inequality still hampers its progress we must take the lead in practicing this Bahá’í principle. Bahd’{ women and girls must be encouraged to take part in the social, spiritual and administrative activities of their communities.””

The compilation on women prepared by the Research Department and published by the National Spiritual -Assembly of Canada in 1986 contains many useful passages from the Writings and from letters of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice on the subject of equality. The compilation contains extracts that define the Bahd’{ concept of equality, a concept which incorporates the view that men and women perform some different functions, and that this differentiation of function is an expression of the Divine Will for this Dispensation. For example, a letter dated July 24, 1975, from the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer states:

“Equality between men and women does not, indeed

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physiologically in cannot, mean identity of functions. In some things women excel men, for others men are better fitted than women, while in very many things the difference of sex is of no effect at all. The differences of function are most apparent in family life. ...’”

The compilation also addresses such issues as the roles and functions of women, the responsibilities of both men and women to work to establish equality, and suggests means of implementing the principle. It could serve as a deepening tool for individuals and communities desirous of ao their appreciation of this important Bahá’í prin ne following extract from a letter dated July 25, 1984, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, which is included in the compilation on women, provides insight into the nature of the change process and sets out some of the factors that are involved in making the practice of the equality of women and men a reality. It states:

“The principle of the equality between women and men, like the other teachings of the Faith, can be effectively and universally established among the friends when it is pursued in conjunction with all the other aspects of Bahá’í life. Change is an evolutionary process requiring patience with one’s self and others, loving education and the passage of time as the believers deepen their knowledge of the principles of the Faith, gradually discard long-held traditional attitudes and progressively conform their lives to the unifying teachings of the Cause.”

4, Documentation about the service of women in the Bahd’( administration and concerning membership of the Universal House of Justice

With regard to the need identified by Mrs. ..... for a systematic documentation of the progress of women’s involvement in the elected Institutions of the Faith, it is evident that such work remains to be carried out. While preliminary steps have been taken with the publication of books by Robert Stockman, Nathan Rutstein and others, much has still to be done. We hope that, when all the necessary source materials are assembled, including those held in Iran which are not currently accessible, Bahá’í scholars will engage in this important research work and document the history of women’s participation in all countries of the world.

In relation to the request for a detailed explanation about the exclusion of women from membership on the Universal House of Justice, we enclose two letters which relate to this subject. The first (enclosure 2), a letter dated May 31, 1988, from the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, addresses the question of the scriptural basis for the membership’s being restricted to men, and describes the progressive clarification and implementation of the provisions of the specific laws involved. Attention is drawn to the penultimate paragraph of this letter which states:

“With regard to the status of women, the important point for Bahá’ís to remember is that in face of the categorical pronouncements in Bah’{ Scripture establishing the equality of men and women, the ineligibility of women for membership of the Universal House of Justice does not constitute evidence of the superiority of men over women. It must also be borne in mind that women are not excluded from any other international institution of the Faith. They are found among the ranks of the Hands of the Cause. They serve as members of the International Teaching Center and as Continental Counselors. And, there is nothing in the Sacred Text to preclude the participation of women in such future international bodies as the Supreme Tribunal.

ENCLOSURE NO. 1

Extracts from letters written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to individual believers regarding the use of the masculine gender in the Bahá’í Writings

In many languages the use of the masculine gender, unless intended specifically to denote masculinity, is generic. For instance, in English we speak of the race of man, or mankind, in both instances meaning every member of the human race—men, women and children. There would be no reason to interpret ‘‘O Son of Being,’’ or ‘‘O Son of Man”’ as addressed only to males. It is the same with pronouns. (April 5, 1984)

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The principle of the equality of men and women which is firmly established by the Author of the Faith and forms one of the basic tenets of our belief will be fully realized as the human race matures in its understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, Equality will be achieved as a direct result of the adjustments the friends are required to make in their attitude toward this fundamental issue so essential to the establishment of the unity of mankind, and despite the exigencies of the languages in which the revealed Words have been received and in which they have been translated. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says: ‘‘...in His estimate there is no question of sex.” “In the estimation of God there is no gender.”’ (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 174 and 374)

The translation of the Writings of the Central Figures of the Faith must of necessity agree in full detail with the orig

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inal in conveying the exact meaning of the Words as they have been revealed. The Guardian did not even approve of the changing of pronouns in Bahá’í prayers when they are read. Therefore, no deviation in translation from the actual meaning of the words, to accommodate the general trend of thought and behavior affecting a language, is conceivable, unless, of course, the equivalent of the original word does not exist in a given language. In one of His talks quoted in The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 76, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says:

“The truth is that all mankind are the creatures and servants of one God, and in His estimate all are human. Man is a generic term applying to all humanity. The biblical statement ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’ does not mean that woman was not created. The image and likeness of God apply to her as well. In Persian and Arabic there are two distinct words translated into English as man: one meaning man and woman collectively, the other distinguishing man as male from woman the female. The first word and its pronoun are generic, collective; the other is restricted to the male. This is the same in Hebrew.””

Concerning the English language, it is interesting that the 1983 edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary gives ‘chuman being’’ as the first meaning of ‘‘man’’; and only as the fourth meaning ‘‘adult human male, opp. to woman, boy, or both.”’ Therefore, the use of ‘‘man’’ or “‘men’’ in translating the intent of the Revealer of the Words to embrace all humankind seems a good choice. (May 20, 1984)

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Ina memorandum written at the instruction of the House of Justice ... it was stated:

Obviously, therefore, it becomes a challenge not to be alienated by the use of the pronouns which must be accepted in their generic sense, and the question may be seen more as a matter of spiritual response than one of semantics. The Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum remarks upon this briefly in her recent book “‘The Desire of the World” ... page 128 ...

It is recognized that in certain circles at various times words become influenced by emotions and their meanings can assume derogatory overtones; but the language of Revelation, as far as can be determined, has always been of the highest classical order, and is the means whereby the capacity of the human spirit to aspire toward the divine realms is reinforced. (October 28, 1984)

ENCLOSURE NO. 2 THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE BAHA’l WORLD CENTRE 31 May 1988

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand Dear Bahá’í Friends,

We have been informed of a paper presented at a recent New Zealand Bahá’í Studies conference, which raises the possibility that the ineligibility of women for membership on the Universal House of Justice may be a temporary provision subject to change through a process of progressive unfoldment of the divine purpose. We present the following points as a means of increasing the friends’ understanding of this established provision of the Order of Baha’u’ll4h that membership of the Universal House of Justice is confined to men.

The system of Bahd’{ administration is ‘‘indissolubly bound with the essential verities of the Faith’’ as set forth in the Writings of Baha’u’ll4h and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. A unique feature of this system is the appointment of authorized interpreters, in the persons of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian, to provide authoritative statements on the intént of Baha’u’ll4h’s Revelation. Writing in The Dispensation of Bahd’u’lláh, Shoghi Effendi stated that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian “‘share ... the right and obligation to interpret the Bahá’í teachings.”’ In relation to his own function as interpreter, he further stated that ‘‘the Guardian has been specifically endowed with such power as he may need to reveal the purport and disclose the implications of the utterances of Baha’u’ll4h and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.’’ The significance of this important provision is that the religion of God is safeguarded and protected against schism and its essential unity is preserved.

The function of the divinely appointed interpreters is evident in the progressive disclosure and clarification of the details of the Bahá’í teachings concerning the membership of the Universal House of Justice. Baha’u’ll4h in His Writings ordained both the Universal House of Justice and local Houses of Justice. However, in many of His laws He refers simply to “‘the House of Justice” and its members as ‘‘Men of Justice,’’ leaving open for later clarification to which level or levels of the whole institution each law would apply. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant and the unerring Interpreter of His Word, not only provid ed for the establishment of National Spiritual Assemblies, to be designated at some future time as Secondary Houses of Justice, but He also outlined the means by which the Universal House of Justice was to be elected. In His Will and Testament the Master wrote:

“And now, concerning the House of Justice which God hath ordained as the source of all good and freed from all error, it must be elected by universal suffrage, that is, by the believers. ...By this House is meant the Universal House of Justice, that is, in all countries a secondary House of Justice must be instituted, and these secondary Houses of. Justice must elect the members of the Universal one. ...”” (p. 14)

And in one of His Tablets He had already written:

“At whatever time all the beloved of God in each country appoint their delegates, and these in turn elect their representatives, and these representatives elect a body, that body shall be regarded as the Supreme House of Justice.’”

In the following passage, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá referred to membership of the ‘‘House of Justice’’ being restricted to men, without a specific designation of the level or levels of the institution to which this provision applied:

“The House of Justice, however, according to the explicit text of the Law of God, is confined to men; this for a wisdom of the Lord God’s, which will ere long be made manifest as clearly as the sun at high noon.’’ (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, rev. ed. (Haifa: Bahá’í World Center, 1982), p. 80)

Later, the Master clarified that it was only the Universal House of Justice whose membership was confined to men. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote:

“According to the ordinances of the Faith of God, women are the equals of men in all rights save only that of membership on the Universal House of Justice, for, as hath been stated in the text of the Book, both the head and the members of the House of Justice are men. However, in all other bodies, such as the Temple Construction Committee, the Teaching Committee, the Spiritual Assembly, and in charitable and scientific associations, women share equally in all rights with men.”’ (From a newly-translated Tablet)

Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written on his behalf to an individual believer, provided the following authoritative elaboration of this theme:

“As regards your question concerning the membership

of the Universal House of Justice; there is a Tablet from ‘Abdu’ l-Bahá in which He definitely states that the membership of the Universal House is confined to men, and that the wisdom of it will be fully revealed and appreciated in the future. In the local, as well as the National Houses of Justice, however, women have the full right of membership. It is, therefore, only to the International House that ” (July 28, 1936) , it should also be noted, had, as attested by the above-cited extracts from His Tablets, affirmed that the ineligibility of women for election to the Universal House of Justice had been set out “‘in the text of the Book”’ and “‘in the explicit text of the Law of God.” In other words, this provision was established by none other than Baha’u’ll4h Himself.

Further, in response to a number of questions about eligibility for membership and procedures for election of the Universal House of Justice, the Guardian’s secretary writing on his behalf distinguished between those questions which could be answered by reference to the ‘‘explicitly revealed’’ Text and those which could not. Membership of the Universal House of Justice fits into the former category. The letter stated:

“The membership of the Universal House of Justice is confined to men. Fixing the number of the members, the procedures for election and the term of membership will be known later, as these are not explicitly revealed in the Holy Text.’ (May 27, 1940)

Hence, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian progressively have revealed, in accordance with divine inspiration, the meaning and implications of Baha’u’llah’s seminal teachings. Their interpretations are fundamental statements of truth which cannot be varied through legislation by the Universal House of Justice.

The progressive clarification of the details of the laws concerning membership of the House of Justice has been accompanied by a gradual implementation of their provisions. For example, based on the Texts available to the believers at the time, membership of local Houses of Justice was initially confined to men. When the Master began to elaborate on the differences between the levels of this Institution He clarified that the exclusion of women applied only to the Universal House of Justice. Thereafter, women became eligible for service as members of local and National Spiritual Assemblies. Women in the West, who already enjoyed the benefits of education and opportunities for social involvement, participated in this form of service much sooner than, for instance, their Bahá’í sisters in Iran, who were accorded this right only in 1954, “removing thereby the last remaining obstacle to the enjoyment of complete equality of rights in the conduct of the administrative affairs of the Persian Bahd’{ Community.” It is important to note that the timing of the introduction of the provisions called for by the interpretations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

and the Guardian in relation to the local and National Spiritual Assemblies, rather than constituting a response to some external condition or pressure, was dictated by the principle of progressive implementation of the laws, as enjoined by Bahd’u’ll4h Himself. Concerning the implementation of the laws, Bahd’u’lláh wrote in one of His Tablets:

“Indeed the laws of God are like unto the ocean and the children of men as fish, did they but know it. However, in observing them one must exercise tact and wisdom. ...One must guide mankind to the ocean of true understanding ina spirit of love and tolerance.’’

As mentioned earlier, the law regarding the membership of the Universal House of Justice is embedded in the Text and has been merely restated by the divinely appointed interpreters. It is therefore neither amenable to change nor subject to speculation about some possible future condition.

With regard to the status of women, the important fact for Bahá’ís to remember is that in face of the categorical pronouncements in Bahá’í Scripture establishing the equality of men and women, the ineligibility of women for membership of the Universal House of Justice does not constitute evidence of the superiority of men over women. It must also be borne in mind that women are not excluded from any other international institution of the Faith. They are found among the ranks of the Hands of the Cause. They serve as members of the International Teaching Center and as Continental Counselors. And, there is nothing in the Text to preclude the participation of women in such future international bodies as the Supreme Tribunal.

Though at the present time, it may be difficult for the believers to appreciate the reason for the circumscription of membership on the Universal House of Justice to men, we call upon the friends to remain assured by the Master’s promise that clarity of understanding will be achieved in due course. The friends, both women and men, must accept this with faith that the Covenant of Baha’u’llah will aid them and the institutions of His World Order to see the realization of every principle ordained by His unerring Pen, including the equality of men and women, as expounded in the Writings of the Cause.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice May 31, 1988

Fasting one of the pillars that sustain the Law of God

“Prayer and fasting is the cause of awakening and mindJSulness and conducive to protection and preservation from tests. ”’—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in Bahd’{ World Faith

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“As regards fasting, it constitutes, together with the obligatory prayers, the two pillars that sustain the revealed Law of God. They act as stimulants to the soul, strengthen, revive, and purify it, and thus insure its steady development.

“The ordinance of fasting is, as is the case with these three prayers, a spiritual and vital obligation enjoined by Baha’u’llah upon every believer who has attained the age of fifteen. In the Aqdas He thus writes: ‘We have commanded you to pray and fast from the beginning of maturity; this is ordained by God, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers. He has exempted from this those who are weak from illness or age, as a bounty from His Presence, and He is the Forgiving, the Generous.’ And in another passage He says: ‘We have enjoined upon you fasting during a brief period, and at its close have designated for you Naw-Rúz as a feast. ... The traveler, the ailing, those who are with child or giving suck, are not bound by the fast. ...Abstain from food and drink, from sunrise to sundown, and beware lest desire deprive you of this grace that is appointed in the

“Also in the ‘Questions and Answers’ that form an appendix to the Aqdas, Baha’u’ll4h reveals the following: ‘Verily, I say that God has appointed a good station for fasting and prayer. But during good health its benefit is evident, and when one is ill, it is not permissible to fulfill them.’ Concerning the age of maturity, He reveals in the appendix of that same book: ‘The age of maturity is in the fifteenth year; women and men are alike in this respect. ...’

“The fasting period, which lasts 19 days starting as a rule from the second of March every year and ending on the twentieth of that same month, involves complete abstention from food and drink from sunrise till sunset. It is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires.”—Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in Bahá’í News, March 1936

Smoking in relation to the Fast

‘As to the question of smoking in relation to the Fast, the Guardian’s translation of the passage to which you re�[Page 9]BAHA’i NATIONAL REVIEW

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fer is that one must ‘abstain from food and drink’ during the hours of fasting.

“This should be regarded as sufficient guidance for the Western friends for the time being.’’ (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, included in a letter of January 5, 1972)

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In one of His Tablets, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, after stating that fasting consists of abstinence from food and drink, categorically says that smoking is a form of ‘‘drink.’’ (In Arabic the verb ‘‘drink’’ applies equally to smoking.)

In the East, therefore, the friends abstain from smoking during the hours of fasting, and friends from the East living in the West do likewise. But, as stated in our letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand, this application of the divine law has not been extended to the friends in the West for the present, and therefore it should not be made an issue. (The Universal House of Justice, March 15, 1972)

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“«,,.the Universal House of Justice has instructed us to say that the prohibition of smoking as an aspect of fasting, as explained in Note 16 on page 59 of the ‘Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas,’ has not yet been applied in the west and therefore the friends should not make an issue of it.” (From a letter dated July 17, 1980, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly)

Baha’ identification

All believers are advised to have current Bahá’í identification cards at all times. Those who travel to different localities should have current Bahá’í credentials to present to the Bahá’í authorities in these localities, so that they can be admitted to Bahá’í events.

Concerning international travel, each believer should be sure to secure proper credentials from the National Spiritual Assembly before going to another country.

A traveling member of the American Bahá’í community should also inform our National Spiritual Assembly if he or she intends to contact believers in another country, so that an official notification may be forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly in that country.

No Bahá’í may travel to the Bahá’í World Center for any purpose without prior permission and without proper cre lentials.

Extracts from the Bahá’í Writings on the question of homosexuality

From the Writings of Bahd’u’lláh

Ye are forbidden adultery, homosexuality and unfaithfulness. Refrain therefrom, O concourse of those who have set their faces towards Him. By the righteousness of God! Ye have been created to purge the world from the defilement of evil passions. This is what the Lord of all mankind enjoineth upon you, could ye but perceive it. He who relateth himself unto the All-Merciful and commiteth satanic deeds, verily he is not of Me. Unto this beareth witness every atom, pebble, tree and fruit, and beyond them this eloquent, truthful and trustworthy Tongue. (Quoted by the Universal House of Justice in a letter dated December 9, 1971, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States)

From letters written on behalf of the beloved Guardian

No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong. To say that it is ideal is no excuse. Immorality of every sort is really forbidden by Baha’u’ll4h, and homosexual relationships He looks upon as such, besides being against nature.

To be afflicted in this way is a great burden upon a conscientious soul.

But through advice and help of doctors, through a strong and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap.

God judges each soul on its own merits. The Guardian cannot tell you what the attitude of God would be toward a person who lives a good life in most ways, but not in this way. All he can tell you is that it is forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh, and that one so afflicted should struggle and struggle again to overcome it. We must be hopeful of God’s mercy but not impose upon it. (From a letter dated March 26, 1950, to an individual believer)

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Amongst the many other evils afflicting society in this spiritual low water mark in history, is the question of immorality, and over-emphasis on sex. Homosexuality, according to the Writings of Baha’u’llah, is spiritually condemned. This does not mean that people so afflicted must not be helped and advised and sympathized with. It does

mean that we do not believe that it is a permissible way of Pe which, alas, is all too often the accepted attitude nowys.

We must struggle against the evils in society by spiritual means, and medical and social ones as well. We must be tolerant and uncompromising, understanding but immovable in our point of view.

The thing people need to meet this type of trouble, as well as every other type, is greater spiritual understanding and stability; and of course we Bahd’{s believe that ultimately this can only be given to mankind through the Teachings of the Manifestation of God for this Day. (From a letter dated May 21, 1954, to an individual believer)

Role of the individual when aware of a violation of Bahá’í law

“The greater the patience, the loving understanding and the forbearance the believers show toward each other and their shortcomings, the greater will be the progress of the whole Bahá’í community at large.’’ (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in ‘‘Bahá’í Life’’ compilation, p. 9)

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“There is a distinction drawn in the Faith between the attitudes which should characterize individuals in their relationship to other people, namely, loving forgiveness, forbearance, and concern with one’s own sins, not the sins of others, and those attitudes which should be shown by the Spiritual Assemblies, whose duty is to administer the law of God with justice.”” (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice dated February 6, 1973)

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“While it can be a severe test to a Bahá’í to see fellow believers violating Bahá’í laws or engaging in conduct inimical to the welfare and best interests of the Faith, there is no fixed rule that a believer must follow when such conduct comes to his notice. A great deal depends upon the seriousness of the offense and upon the relationship which exists between him and the offender.

“If the misconduct is blatant and flagrant or threatens the interests of the Faith, the believer to whose attention it comes should immediately report it to the local Spiritual Assembly. Once it is in the hands of the Assembly the believer’s obligation is discharged and he should do no more than pray for the offender and continue to show him friendship and encouragement—unless, of course, the Spiritual Assembly asks him to take specific action.

“Sometimes, however, the matter does not seem grave enough to warrant reporting to the Spiritual Assembly, in which case it may be best to ignore it altogether. There are also other things that can be done by the Bahá’í to whose notice such things come. For example, he could foster friendly relations with the individual concerned, tactfully drawing him into Bahá’í activities in the hope that, as his knowledge of the teachings and awareness of the Faith deepens, he will spontaneously improve his patterns of conduct. Or perhaps the relationship is such that he can tactfully draw the offender’s attention to the teachings on the subject—but here he must be very careful not to give the impression of prying into a fellow-believer’s private affairs or of telling him what he must do, which would not only be wrong in itself but might well produce the reverse of the desired reaction.

“If a believer faced with knowledge of another Bahá’í’s misconduct is unsure what course to take, he can, of course, always consult his local Spiritual Assembly for advice. If, for some reason, he is reluctant at that stage to inform his Spiritual Assembly, he can consult an Auxiliary Board member or assistant.

“Whatever steps are taken, it is vital that the believers refrain from gossip and backbiting, for this can only harm the Faith, causing perhaps more damage than would have been caused by the original offense.” (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer dated February 20, 1977)

A quiz on the basic provisions of Bahá’í marriage laws, teachings

The following is a quiz on the basic provisions of the Bahá’í marriage laws and teachings. Circle the response that you feel is most accurate. Answers to the questions are on page 4.

1. True or false: Marriage is highly recommended but not obligatory.

2. True or false: Bahá’í law permits marrying a person of another religion.

3. True or false: Bahá’í law requires that a non-Bahd’{ marrying a Bahá’í become a Bahá’í before the marriage ceremony may take place.

4. True or false: A Bahdé’i marrying someone who is a member of another religion is permitted to have a marriage ceremony of his or her partner’s religion, in addition to the Bahá’í ceremony.

5. True or false: A Bahá’í marriage may be held in the place of worship of another religion.

The American Bahá’í / March 1989 / 9

6. If a Bahá’í is marrying a non-Bahá’í, consent to the marriage must be obtained from:

a. the parents of the Bahá’í if he or she is under 21.

b. the person getting married who is under 21, whether he or she is a Bahá’í or not.

c. the parents of the Bahá’í.

d. both sets of natural parents.

7. With respect to consent of parents, the local Assembly:

a. must receive the statements of consent in writing.

b. must be satisfied that the consent of all parents has been given, regardless of the form.

c. may under certain circumstances take the couple’s word that their parents’ consent has beer given.

8. In giving consent to a marriage, the parents:

a. must approve of the idea of a Bahá’í ceremony.

b. need only approve of the marriage itself. ~

9. The Bahá’í Writings say that the parents:

a. may, if they wish, arrange their child’s marriage with or without the child’s permission—all that is required is the parents’ consent.

b. may arrange their child’s marriage, but only after the child has reached the age of maturity.

c. have no right to interfere in the selection of a mate.

10. The Bahá’í marriage is recognized as legal in:

a. 32 states.

b. 47 states.

c. all 50 states.

11. A local Spiritual ey in the U.S. may authorize and witness a Bahá’í marrii

a. anywhere in the rock

b. anywhere in the continental United States.

c. anywhere within its own state.

d. anywhere within its own state, although if it is to take place within the jurisdiction of another Assembly, the permission of that Assembly must be obtained.

e. only within its own area of jurisdiction.

12. The Bahá’í marriage vow consists of:

a. making a silent pledge before God.

b. saying the ‘‘Greatest Name’’ nine times.

c. saying the verse, ‘‘We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God.””

d. saying the verse, ‘‘Glorified be God, the Lord of the Kingdoms of earth and heaven.”

13. The Bahá’í marriage vow is to be recited in the presence of:

a. the local Spiritual Assembly.

b. two witnesses appointed by the local

c. two witnesses appointed by the local pera ‘Assembly.

d. either b or c.

14. The witnesses must be:

a. Baháa’is.

b. members of the local Spiritual Assembly.

c. anyone acceptable to the Assembly.

15. According to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, a Bahá’í may marry at the age of:

a. 15.

b. 18.

c. 21.

d. no age for marriage has been specified.

16. The period of engagement mentioned in the Kitdb-iAgqdas is:

a. not to exceed three Bahá’í months.

b. not to exceed 95 days.

c. not to exceed one year.

d. of unspecified duration.

17. True or faise: At this time, the law limiting the period of engagement is binding on Bahá’ís in the West.

18. True or false: If a person has been adopted, the consent of his or her adoptive parents is required before mar riage.

19. If the whereabouts of a parent are unknown, Bahá’í marriage law requires that the one who plans to be married make ________ to locate and obtain the consent of his or her natural parents:

a. no attempt.

b. an attempt.

c. an exhaustive attempt.

20. True or false: If two Bahá’ís wish to marry and the parents of one of the parties insist that the couple have the ceremony of the parents’ religion in addition to the Bahá’í ceremony, it is permissible, for the sake of unity, that the couple have both a Bahá’í ceremony and the other religious ceremony.

21. True or false: If a Bahá’í is marrying someone from another religion, it is permissible for the marriage rites of his or her partner’s religion to be incorporated into the Baha’f ceremony.

22. If a Bahá’í ceremony and another religious ceremony are to take place:

a. they both should be on the same Baha’ day (sunset to sunset).

b. they both should be on the same Gregorian day (midnight to midnight).

c. they both should take place within 19 days (one Bahá’í month).

d. they both should take place within 30 days (one Gregorian month). �[Page 10]10 / The American Bahá’í / March 1989 BAHA'i NATIONAL REVIEW

March 1989 No. 124

23. If a Bahá’í, out of ignorance of the law, marries without a Bahá’í ceremony:

a. he may lose his administrative rights.

b. he is given a chance to have a belated Bahá’í ceremony.

c. his marriage is considered as valid in the eyes of the Faith and no belated Bahá’í ceremony is required.

2A. If a Bahá’í is aware of the marriage laws but marries without a Bahá’í ceremony:

a. he will automatically lose his administrative rights.

b. he will, in most cases, be given a chance to have a belated Baha’ ceremony before removal of his rights is considered.

c. there will be no penalty imposed, and a belated Bahd’{ ceremony is not necessary because having a Bahá’í marriage ceremony is a matter of conscience.

25. If a Bahá’í should lose his administrative rights because he has failed to have a Bahá’í marriage ceremony, he may regain his rights by:

a. waiting one year.

b. getting a civil divorce.

c. having a Bahá’í ceremony.

d. bore.

26. True or false: A Bahá’í must wait one year after separation from his or her spouse before a Bahá’í divorce can be granted.

27. The main purpose of the “‘year of waiting’’ is:

a. to give one time to seek a new mate without the pressure of having to remarry right away.

b. to allow the couple a chance to reflect on their relationship and restore their union.

icy it prevent people from marrying again ‘‘on the re ind?

28. The date marking the beginning of the ‘‘year of patience’’ is determined according to when the couple:

a. establishes separate residences.

b. establishes separate residences with the intention of divorce.

c. discontinues having sexual relations.

29. True or false: A Bahá’í who was separated from his or her spouse before enrolling in the Faith must still observe a year of patience before the Bahá’í divorce.

30. A year of patience is voided when:

a. the parties obtain a civil divorce.

b. the local Assembly determines that affection and harmony have been restored.

c. the couple begins living together again.

d. the couple has sexual relations.

e. either c or d.

31. According to Bahá’í law:

a. divorce is permitted when the marriage fails to release the potential of one or both of the partners.

b. divorce is forbidden.

c. divorce is condemned, but permitted when aversion or repugnance exists.

32. At this time, a Bahá’í divorce becomes effective when:

a. one has waited one year from the date of separation.

b. one obtains a civil divorce.

c. the year of patience has ended and the civil divorce has been granted.

33. With respect to initiating civil divorce proceedings:

a. one must wait until the year of patience has ended.

b. one is free to file for a civil divorce at any time.

c. one may file for a civil divorce before the year of waiting has ended when there are compelling reasons and after consultation with one’s local Spiritual Assembly.

34. True or false: Remarriage after the death of one’s spouse is not permissible under Bahá’í law.

Answers

1, True. ‘‘Marriage is highly recommended but not obligatory.’’ (Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 39). Note: This volume is hereafter referred to as Synopsis.

2. True. ‘Marriage with unbelievers is permitted.” (Synopsis, p. 40)

3. False. See above.

4. True. ‘It is only when a non-Bahá’í partner is involved that a Bahá’í may participate in the religious ceremony of the non-Bahd’{ partner.”’ (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, May 20, 1968)

“If a Bahá’í marries a non-Bahá’í who wishes to have the religious ceremony of his own sect carried out, it must be quite clear that, first, the Bahá’í partner is understood to be a Bahd’{ by religion, and not to accept the religion of the other party to the marriage through having his or her religious ceremony; and, second, the ceremony must be of a nature which does not commit the Bahá’í to any declaration of faith in a religion other than his own.

“Under these circumstances, the Bahd’{ can partake of the religious ceremony of his non-Bahá’í partner. The Bahá’í should insist on having the Bahá’í ceremony carried out before or after the non-Bahá’í one, on the same day.” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, dated June 20, 1954)

5. False. ‘*... There should be no commingling of the old forms with the new and simple one of Baha’u’ll4h, and Bahá’í should not be married in the church or any other acknowledged place of worship of the followers of other Faiths.”’ (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, by his secretary, cited in a letter of March 23, 1966, from the Universal House of Justice)

6. (d) ‘‘Bahá’u’llah has clearly stated the consent of all parents is required for a Bahd’{ marriage. This applies whether the parents are Bahd’{s or non-Baha’fs, divorced for years or not.’’ (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, October 25, 1947)

7. (b) “‘It is preferable that consent of parents be given in writing. However, oral consent is permissible under conditions acceptable to the Assembly.’’ (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico, February 16, 1965)

8. (b) “*... it should be understood that consent to marriage is all that is required from a parent. It is not necessary that the parents consent to a Bahá’í ceremony. However, if the reason the parent refuses to give consent is the fact that the parties propose to have a Bahd’{ ceremony, then the marriage cannot take place.’’ (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, February 24, 1967)

9. (c) “‘As to the question of marriage, according to the law of God: first you must select one, and then it depends upon the consent of the father and mother. Before your selection they have no right of interference.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, published in Bahá’í World Faith, p. 372)

10. (c) All 50 states. In February 1971 West Virginia became the 50th state to legalize Bahá’í marriage.

11. (d) ‘It (the local Assembly) shall have exclusive authority to conduct Bahd’{ marriage ceremonies and issue Bahá’í marriage certificates within the area of its jurisdiction.”’ (Article III of By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly). Consequently, if an Assembly is asked to marry a couple within the jurisdiction of another Assembly, it must secure the other Assembly’s permission.

12. (c) “It is incumbent upon both parties to recite a specifically revealed verse indicating their being content with the will of God.”’ “The specifically revealed verse is “We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God.’ ”’ (Synopsis, pp. 40 and 59)

13. (c) ‘... The bride and groom, before two witnesses, must state ‘We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God.’ These two witnesses may be chosen by the couple or by the Spiritual Assembly, but must in any case be acceptable to the Assembly; they may be its chairman and secretary, or two other members of the Assembly, or two other people, Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í, or any combination of these.’’ (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland, August 8, 1969)

14, (c) See above.

15. (a) ‘‘Marriage is conditioned upon both parties having attained the age of maturity which is fixed at 15.’’ (Synopsis, p. 39)

16. (b) “‘The period of engagement must not exceed 95 days.’’ (Synopsis, p. 40)

17. False. ‘In reply to point (a) of your letter of October 2, 1977, the Universal House of Justice instructs us to say that according to its ruling, the law of the Kitdb-i-Agqdas that the lapse of time between engagement and marriage should not exceed ninety-five days is binding on Persian believers wherever they reside, if both parties are Persian. This law is not applicable, however, if one of the parties is a western believer.” (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, October 31, 1977)

18. False. ‘There is no requirement of Bahá’í law that the consent of the foster or adopting parents be obtained, although the child may wish to do so.” (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, June 16, 1966)

19. (c) “If you are satisfied that Mr. _____ has exhausted all reasonable possibilities of locating his father, you may consider that the father is legally dead and that he is therefore excused from obtaining his father’s consent.”” (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, May 27, 1966)

20. False. ‘‘The instructions of the beloved Guardian are clear on this point. When two Bahá’í are married they may not be married by the religious ceremony of another faith. It is only when a non-Bahá’í partner is involved that a Ba~ ha’{ may participate in the religious ceremony of the non-Bahá’í partner.”’ (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, May 20, 1968)

21. False. “*... you should ensure that the two ceremonies are not intermingled. The Bahá’í ceremony must be a separate one and should not take place in the church.”’ (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium, July 22, 1969)

22. (b) “‘If there is to be a civil marriage or another relig

ious ceremony besides the Bahd’{ marriage, both ceremonies must take place on the same calendar day. This means the business calendar date generally used in this country and not the Bahá’í calendar day which begins with sunset on one day and ends at sunset on the next.’ (National Bahd’ Review, March 1974, p. 2)

23. (c) “‘At the present stage in the development of the Bahá’í community, Bahd’{s who fail to have a Bahá’í marriage through ignorance of the law are in a different category altogether from those who willingly broke the law. The latter must have a Bahá’í ceremony in order to regain their voting rights; they must, in other words, obey the law they previously disobeyed; but the former should be treated in the same manner as those Bahá’ís who married before they entered the Faith and those Bahá’ís who married without a Bahá’í ceremony before the law was applied. They should be considered married and not be required to have a Baha’f ceremony.”’ (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, January 20, 1966)

2A. (b) ‘‘Where, for example, the only offense is that no Bahá’í ceremony took place, it may be possible to contact the couple concerned and arrange for the early celebration of the Bahá’í marriage, and thus avoid the necessity of depriving them of their voting rights.” (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, May 20, 1971)

25. (d) When a person has been deprived of his administrative rights because he has failed to have a Bahá’í marriage ceremony, he may regain his rights by either obtaining a civil divorce or having a Bahá’í marriage ceremony. The point is that one must correct the condition that has led to the loss of his rights, and in such a case this could be done either by dissolving the non-Bahá’í marriage or by marrying according to the laws of the Faith.

26. True. “If antipathy or resentment develop on the part of either the husband or wife, divorce is permissible, but only after the lapse of one full year.”’ (Synopsis, p. 42)

27. (b) “‘The primary purpose of the year of patience is to provide a means by which the parties can reflect on their relationship, make amends and restore their union.’’ (From the paper “‘ iage and Divorce,” dated January 1980, prepared for the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and sent to all local Spiritual Assemblies in this country with a letter dated January 24, 1980)

28. (b) ‘‘When someone applies to a Spiritual Assembly for a Bahá’í divorce, the Assembly must immediately investigate the situation and attempt to reconcile the couple. Only when it finds that real repugnance exists and after its attempt to reconcile the couple has been unsuccessful should it set the date of the beginning of the year of patience. In setting this date it may back-date it to the time at which the couple separated with the intention of divorce— but not earlier than that.’’ (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, June 12, 1970)

29. False. ‘‘The year of patience is required of all believers who separate from their spouses with the intention of divorce after enrollment in the Bahá’í Faith.”’ (Guidelines Sor Local Spiritual Assemblies, p. 94)

30. (e) The year of patience is voided when a couple shares a common residence or has sexual relations. If either of these criteria has been met and one or both of the parties still does not intend to continue in the marriage, a new date for the beginning of the year of waiting must be set.

31. (c) “‘Regarding the Bahá’í teachings on divorce: While the latter has been made permissible by Baha’u’ll4h yet He has strongly discouraged its practice, for if not checked and seriously controlled, it leads gradually to the disruption of family life and to the disintegration of society.” (From a letter of November 16, 1936, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer). Also, see No. 29 above.

32. (c) ‘After the year of patience has elapsed and civil divorce has been finalized, the local Spiritual Assembly grants a Bahá’í divorce by recording in its minutes the date of the Bahá’í divorce and the date of the civil divorce. ...’” (Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies, p. 95)

33. (c) ‘The Universal House of Justice has made it clear that civil divorce proceedings should not be initiated before the end of the year of waiting unless there are special circumstances which would justify such action. Such action should be undertaken only in extreme circumstances and in consultation with the local Assembly.’’

34. False. Remarriage after the death of one’s spouse is permissible.

Covenant-breakers’ materials

Should the friends receive or come across any questionable material or material that may have been written by Covenant-breakers, they should contact their local Spiritual Assembly, the National Spiritual Assembly or their Auxiliary Board member for advice.

�[Page 11]The American Bahá’í / March 1989 / 11

From the a House a) arRaIGn ‘ of ae fia fir) Dh Worship

House of Worship quote of the month; “...the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár—the Administration’s mighty bulwark, the symbol of its strength and the sign of its future glory.”” (Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahd’u’lláh, p. 80)

°

Dates for this year’s Special Visit programs at the House of Worship have been set. The regular program will be held Thursday, May 25, through Sunday, May 28, and the family program will be held Thursday, June 29, through Sunday, July 2.

These plans are conditional on the response of the Bahá’í community. A registration form and more information follows. We encourage you to consider the spiritual bounties for the teaching efforts and for your personal relationship with the Mother Temple that can result from a Special Visit to the House of Worship.

Since registration is limited, it is important that those who register let us know if their plans change. This is a courtesy to those on the waiting list who may otherwise miss the chance to attend.

The programs begin Thursday evening with a devotional service in the Auditorium, a program in Foundation Hall, and a reception in the Visitors’ Center. Friday morning, the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly addresses the visitors. After lunch comes a tour of the offices at the House of Worship, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Bahá’í Home and Bahd’{ National Center.

Saturday morning features tours of the House of Worship and the National Archives. The afternoon is left open; however, visitors are encouraged to guide at the House of Worship. Saturday evening includes talks and a discussion of several aspects of the growth of the American Bahá’í community. Sunday begins with an in-depth presentation from the Writings on the importance of the Mashriqu’]-Adhkár. To end the day, there is a visit to the bookshop, a picnic lunch, and afternoon devotions.

It is not possible to express in words the bounties of participating in devotions at the Temple. One cannot explain the joy of service at the Mother Temple of the West, and of viewing relics of Bahá’u’ll4h and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the National Archives. Join us at the ‘‘Administration’s mighty bulwark’’ and see for yourself.

Consultation Bahá'f Funds A Universal Contributions and Lamp of Administration Guidance

SC $2.50 SC $7.75

_ Reprints Now Available

John Kolstoe examines consultation—what it is, how to do it, and how to cope with the difficulties that may arise. Offers ideas on using consultation in Assemblies and meetings, at Feasts, in families, in social life and business,and in solving personal problems. George Ronald Publisher

Counsels of Perfection: A Baha'i Guide to

Mature Living HC $6.95

Genevieve Coy, a trained psychologist and teacher, applies spiritual principles to everyday living and addresses such issues as recognizing self-love; facing old age and illness; becoming more creative; making the best use of our money, time, and intelligence. Offers information for solving problems in marriage and education.

George Ronald Publisher

VISA/ MasterCard

A compilation to assist the friends in the proper appreciation of the importance and meaning of contributing to Baha’i Funds, and to remind them of the underlying principles that must govern the offering and adminstration of these

funds. Bahá’í Publications Canada

Bahá’í House of Worship Special Visit Program

Registration Form

Housing Rates per night at Evanston Holiday Inn (near public transportation to Wilmette) $60.00

Single (1 person)......

$60.00 Double (2 persons). ....

We will make your reservations, however, you will handle all financial arrangements with the

hotel.

There will be a $5.00 per person registration fee to help defray expenses of the program. Please make checks payable to the Bahá’í Services Fund.

Program desired:

Regular Special Visit: Family Special Visit:

Name & Bahá’í ID#

May 25-28, 1989

June 29 - July 2

Address

City

Telephone(Area Code)

State

ZIP

List additional names and Baha'i ID#'s here: (Give ages of children) The May Special Visit will not be a family program. You will be responsible for your children.

Return to Special Visit Program:

Baha'i House of Worship Act

ies Office, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

National Assembly appoints Hispanic Teaching Committee

The National Spiritual Assembly has appointed the Hispanic Teaching Committee for 1989-90.

Committee members are Jorge Nossa (chairman), Kathy Sudrez Remembrance of God

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Our most affordable book of prayers. Great for seekers and Baha’is. Contains 23 prayers with subject headings such as children, assistance, healing, detachment, tests and difficulties, protection, humankind, for the departed, morning, evening, etc.

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Zestful, musical entertainment that conveys Baha’ principles to children. Dave and Helene Van Manen have unique abilities for putting listeners in touch with their feelings and with everything that

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The Ayyém-i-Hé Camel From Kalimdt Press is available in

softcover only for $8.95.

Order through your Local Baha'é Distribution Repr

Penn (secretary), Armando Alzamora, José Orona and Manuela Villanueva.

The committee is responsible for increasing significantly the

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i and its World Community 10/$2.50 50/$10.00

Inexpensive pamphlets for widespread proclamation to and teaching of civic officials and the general public. Give an overview of the Faith, its history, teachings, administrative structure, and the scope of its worldwide community.

U.S. Baha’é Publishing Trust / U.S. Bahá’í Office of Public Information

The Fourth Epoch Opens VHS/Beta video ae

An impressive documentation on the development of the Faith through the first three epochs of the Formative Age. Great for firesides and deepenings.

World Center Office of Public Information 4-Volume Set with Study Guide

The Revelation of Baha'u'llah SC set $75.00

Individual volumes are available separately; volume one, $17.95; volumes two-four, $19.50 each. Study Guide, $3.50

George Ronald Publisher

New Publications an

number of Hispanic believers in the U.S.

To contact the committee, please write to: Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

and the Baha’f Community

SC $22.50

V. Mitra Gopaul shows how to use a personal computer to save time, money, and aggravation. Take committee or Assembly minutes, have a mailing list at your finger tips, make form letters, or prepare community newsletters. Track book sales, Fund contributions, or teaching activities. Requires no previous knowledge of computers. Kalimét Press

The Journal of Baha'i Studies, Vol.1, No. 2 SC $5.00

A new quarterly journal. Offers current studies on the meanings of the Baha’ texts and their application to contemporary life as well as historical investigations of the Central Figures of the Faith and of the growth and developmentofits institutions. Trilingual articles available in English, Spanish and

French upon request. Association for BahA' Studies

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Baha" Distribution Service

ugh the �[Page 12]12 / The American Bahá’í / March 1989

Ridvan election form

Please tell us where you want your Assembly mail to go to and what the Assembly’s current address is.

Remember that all Assembly mail will be sent in care of the sec retary.

Please fill in all information requested for officers of your Assembly including name, Bahá’í identification number, current address and telephone numbers.

If you are not able to elect ofJicers right away, please appoint a temporary correspondent and list that person’s name, address, Bahá’í identiSication number and telephone number in the box marked “corresponding secretary.’’ When you elect officers at a later date, report them on the local Spiritual Assembly Officer and Address Change form.

Election forms which have been sent to existing Assemblies will have the Assembly’s address label already attached over the upper right-hand box where the locality name, Bahá’í locality code

and district are requested.

If this is not the case with your Assembly, please be sure to provide your locality name, Bahá’í locality code, and district in this

box.

Your Bahá’í locality code can be found on your membership printout or your mailing label on the Assembly’s copy of The

American Bahá’í.

LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY FORMATION REPORT FORM

PLEASE TYPE OR PROT CLEARLY

PLEASE COMPLETE AND SUBMIT IMMEDIATELY EVEN IF OFFICERS ARE TEMPORARY é

ASSEMBLY MAIL ‘Send all mail for Secretary to:

Assembly address given below (Post Office Box ‘or Bahd'{ Center)

Secretary's home address

Assembly's Address:

OF ctteres thas Secretary's home ares) | eee

‘Sone Rad Rou Pot Oia Box Neer

Gry, Sain tp

Locality Name

Bahs'{Locality Code* District,

Te Commenry's BA Lociy Cote ca be fod 0 ay comp primed Asem ty ing ae

CHAIRMAN Name, Address.

COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE REPORTING AN ASSEMBLY ELECTION

For each Assembly member, please provide the following information: Votes

Name De Received

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Name ws Address City/State Zip. Home Work Poe fii re aks A yp Pom

‘hs Cote ‘Aras ‘TREASURER Name. weed. Address City/State Zp. Home Work Phone___/ Phone __/

‘os Cate ‘hm Oote

COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF THIS FORM

OTHER OFFICER (IF ANY) —_—Office Held Name 2200 ener ae:

Address City/State,

Home ‘Work Phone___/. Phone ___/.

‘ea Cote ‘Are Cote

‘individual ID numbers are on the membership list, membership card, and The American Bahd'{ sddress label

COMMITTEE

XELLOW copy to: NATIONAL TEACHING BAHA'L NATIONAL CENTER ‘WILMETTE, IL 60091

‘Keep BLUE copy for your records

Remember to send the yellow copy immediately to the National Teaching Committee and to keep the blue copy for your files.

You can look for identification numbers on your community membership printout or the person’s Bahá’í membership card.

I certify, on behalf of the Local Spiritual Assembly, that all nine ‘members of the Assembly are Bahi'{s in good standing and that they are registered by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahs'ts of the United States as members of the American Bahi'{ community

ioe ke dis Kea ° Signature PrintName IDF Home Work Pr 1 Ph 1 fom ote Cote

In this box, please list all nine names and Bahda’t identification number of Assembly members, and the number of votes each member received. Do not fill in this box if you are forming by joint declaration,

The secretary of the Assembly, or the person assigned to help in its formation, should complete this box certifying that he or she has verified the membership of each Assembly member.

Please be sure to print your name, as well as sign it, and to provide us with your telephone number(s). �[Page 13]The American Bahá’í / March 1989 / 13

Ridvan election form

Here are samples of both sides of the Riḍván election form for this year. We have highlighted each section with a brief explanation to help you with questions you may have about the form. In addition, please note the following:

1. Remember to complete both sides of the form and to include all requested information.

2. If you are not able to find an identification number or some other piece of information, please attach an explanation to the form, such as, ‘‘new believer, doesn’t have ID card yet.’’

3. If your Assembly does not receive election materials in time for Ridvdén, you may request extra forms and instructions from your District Teaching Committee, or you may cut these forms out of The American Bahá’í and use them.

4. Please review the forms before sending them in to be sure you’ve included as much information as possible and an explanation for anything you have had to omit. Remember that we are receiving and recording information from more than 1,500 local Assemblies, and sometimes inadvertent mistakes or incom plete or incorrect information on an election form will cause delays in getting your Assembly’s information properly recorded.

5. Any questions about Assembly formations can be addressed to the National Teaching Committee. A Bahá’í National Center hotline will be available on April 20 and 21 at 312-869-9039. Please call if you Jeel that there is any problem with your Assembly forming.

If you are forming by election, please complete the top section of side B.

If you are forming by joint declaration, please complete the bottom section of side B.

You can look for identification numbers on your community membership printout or a person’s Bahá’í membership card.

ASSEMBLY ELECTION (to be completed if there m~ «0 or more adult Bahá'fs in your locality)

COMPLETE ONLY ONE OF THE SECTIONS BELOW:

AROUND YATE ms

Anelection meeting was held on ,19__, at pm.

The following should be reported to the community after the ballots are counted:

Number Voting in Person .... Number Voting by Absentee Ballot ..... Total Number of Ballots Cast ..... ahs =

Number of Invalid Ballots, If Any ...

Total Number of Valid Ballots Cast...

Number of Believers not Voting .....

Total Number of Adult Believers in Locality ..,. =

Has the community accepted the tellers’ report?

Tellers: (There must be more than one)

‘Nem (Pee pred

Nase (Pee prt)

Signature of Chief Teller

Name en ri)

JOINT DECLARATION (to be completed if there are exactly nine adult Bahá’ts in your locality)

ZOmA>APrOMS 4Z—0u

oP 3B

A joint declaration was held on wl 9. pale

ID Number*

Name Signature

• Individual ID sumbers are on the membership list, membership card, and The American Bahá’í address label

PLEASE REPORT ELECTION OF OFFICERS ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM �[Page 14]14 / The American Bahá’í / March 1989

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Santa Monica, CA. 90402 Rocky River, OH. 44116 Dr. Elsie Austin

P.O. Box 927

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National Teaching Committee Baha'i National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091 �[Page 15]

L.A./New York

from page 1

Committee, and the Navajo-Hopi District of Houck, Arizona.

A program for children from school age through age 14 included drama, music, magic and a special visit by Mr. Sears.

“The rest of the world may be in trouble,” Mr. Sears told those at the main conference session on Saturday, ‘‘but not the Bahá’ís.’”

Referring to a passage in Bahd’f World Faith (p. 401) in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says that ‘each of these (holy) souls shall be regarded as one thousand persons,’’ Mr. Sears said, ‘‘The 2,000 of us at this conference could go out and spread the teachings of Bahd’u’ll4h with the power of two million!””

He urged those at the conference to formulate audacious plans and to surmount seemingly insurmountable odds.

Those things that cause us to fail in America, said Mr. Hofman, are ‘‘the diseases and vices of our society: racism, materialism and divorce.’’

When man comes to maturity, he said, ‘‘it is the most difficult time of life. The Cause must move beyond adolescence.

“Entry by troops will cause great opposition. The troops will be needed to combat the opposition. Then will come the conversion of the masses.” °

Beyond dreams, said Mr. Hofman, ‘‘we must have vision.’’

His own vision, he said, is that of the Baha’fs carrying the Banner of Baha’u’llah to all the peoples of the world.

“This is a special moment in which we are living,” said Mr. Serrano. ‘‘We must set our minds to growing.

“The National Spiritual Assembly has called on us to grow and change. The two go together.

“We must rearrange our lives,”” he said, “to allow time to pray for the teaching work.

“‘We need to focus our energy on teaching and on reaching a new level of maturity. Too many words accompany too little action. We must grow intellectually and spiritually.”

The conference,

About 260 attend Evanston dinner honoring Dr. King

About 260 people, more than half of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended a dinner January 21 in Evanston, Illinois, in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The gala event, held at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, was sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Evanston.

Guest speakers were Harry Porterfield, a news anchor at Chicago’s WLS-TV, and Dr. Jena Khodadad, a Bahá’í from Winnetka, Illinois.

A dramatic vignette entitled “The Black Experience—A Cry for Peace’’ was presented by Ladjamaya Green, a Bahá’í from Eliot, Maine.

Among those attending the dinner were representatives from the Human Relations Commissions of Evanston and Chicago; the NAACP; the Refugee Association of Chicago; and the Spiritual Assemblies of Evanston, Chicago and Wilmette.

said Judge

Nelson, ‘‘is blessed beyond measure.”

What happens here, she said, “will affect the rest of America. And what happens in America will affect the rest of the world.”

The National Assembly, she said, ‘‘would love to hear reports that we have doubled our numbers.

“If we have unity, we can do anything.’’—Trish Swanson

New York City

As the Los Angeles conference was being held on the West Coast, between 600-700 adults and nearly 50 youth from a 12-state area gathered for the New York conference, which was held at the Sheraton Hotel in nearby Fairfield, New Jersey.

Among the special guests were Peter Khan, a member of the Universal House of Justice; Janet Khan of the World Center’s Research Department; Counselors Wilma Ellis, Robert Harris and William Roberts; three members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Juana Conrad, Robert Henderson and James F. Nelson; Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh, Mara Khavari and James Sturdivant; and Mrs. Flore Kavelin, whose husband, H. Borrah

The children take center stage to entertain with songs during the

Kavelin, a retired member of the Universal House of Justice, passed away in December.

Mrs. Conrad was the speaker at a public meeting which drew a capacity audience of 300. Her topic was ‘‘Setting the Stage for World Peace.”’

There were three declarations over the course of a weekend in which 300 pledges of service to the Cause were submitted by those at the conference and $54,000 in cash was donated to the National Fund.

A “teaching fair’? was comprised of a dozen booths set up by a number of communities and by the National Office of Pioneering and the Haverford College (Pennsylvania) Bahá’í Club.

Entertainment was by the group “Swan” and jazz pianist Mike Longo.

Mrs. Kavelin gave a moving talk in which she compared her late husband to an ancient Persian hero, Arash, who was chosen to settle a border dispute between Iran and one of its neighbors.

Arash was asked to shoot an arrow; its landing place would mark the border.

He strained every muscle while putting all his strength behind the shot, which went much farther

‘Vision to Victory’ conference in Los Angeles.

Please forward news clippings

The American Bahá’í / March 1989 / 15

XO VICL

ee The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears is pictured during

than anyone had thought possible. Afterward, Arash died from the strain.

Mr. Kavelin, she said, ‘‘was an American Arash. He put all his effort, energy, strength and love for the Faith into the teaching plans

ORY

Angeles conference.

his inspiring address to the Los

of the National Assembly and into raising the level of contributions to the Fund.

“His accomplishments are far more than anyone thought they would be. He gave his life for the Cause.” —Bill Donworth

House of Worship to host 80th Convention

The 80th Bahá’í National Convention will be held April 27-30 in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

Delegates’ seating is prearranged. After the seating of the delegates, less than 200 seats are available for those who may wish to observe the proceedings.

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

Special hotel rates ($53 per night for singles, doubles, triples and quads) have been arranged with the Hyatt Lincolnwood, 4500 West Touhy Avenue, Lincolnwood. Reservations may be made by calling (toll-free) 1-800-223-1234 by April 7. Indicate when making reservations that you will be attending the Bahd’{ National Convention.

Transportation will be provided between the hotel and the House of Worship. .

For special airline rates with Delta or American Airlines, phone Bahá’í reservations at Corporate Travel Consultants, 1-800-3230088.

There will be no children’s classes, and parents are encouraged to make other arrangements for their children. Those who bring children will be responsible for their supervision.

The National Spiritual Assembly depends on local Bahá’ís for an accurate, timely and complete assessment of what is published about the Faith. Whenever a reference to the Faith appears in a local newspaper, please send two originals of the full page containing the mention to the Office of Public Information as soon as possible. Our address is Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

We ask that you avoid making marks or notations on the original newspaper page. If you want to indicate where the Faith is mentioned, please do so on an attached note.

IN MEMORIAM

‘Theresa Adams Bakersfield, CA

May 23, 1988 Rouhaniyyah Alizedeh Mount Airy, NC

Norma Esposito Westfield, NY December 12, 1988 Sherri Lynn Estes Santa Barbara, CA

Robert Morgan Edgefield, SC July 1988 Frances Natina Redding, CA

Youth invited to ninth Touchstone Conference

Youth ages 14 and older are invited to attend the ninth annual Touchstone Conference, to be held April 7-9 at the John Knox Ranch near Wimberley, Texas.

The conference, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Cedar Park, includes group activities, canoeing, volleyball, swimming (weather permitting), a talent show, music, skits, deepening and discussions.

The camp is on the Blanco River in the Texas hill country,

about an hour and a half from Austin and two hours from San Antonio.

Accommodations are rustic; some cabins are open-air and have no heat, but include pads or mattresses. Hot showers are available. Please bring sleeping bag or sheets and blankets.

You must pre-register! For registration forms, please write to Craig or Jill Meurer, .

Cedar Park, TX 78613, or phone 512-258-2408.

July 1987 December 18, 1988 January 23, 1989 George Bassette George Gerhardt Christine Olsen Chicago, IL Oshkosh, WI Racine, WI December 29, 1988 December 10, 1988 Date Unknown Maria Bezada Joseph Hoffman Julie Player

San Bernardino, CA El Cajon, CA Darlington, SC December 7, 1988 Date Unknown Date Unknown Marshall Blake Glenn Janis Frances Ross Amherst, MA Allen, SD Little Rock, AR December 11, 1986 November 6, 1988 1986

Elsa (Judy) Blakely Mary Jane Kary Frank Sawyer Sr. St. Simons Is., GA Winner, SD New York, NY

December 31, 1988 Valerie Bourque Palm Springs, CA December 31, 1988 Jim Browning Albuquerque, NM

January 28, 1989 Ataullah Khoshbin Morton Grove, IL January 17, 1989 Ella Menefee

Bell Gardens, CA

November 2, 1987 Florence Tredop Niagara Falls, NY December 28, 1988 Yadagar Varjavandi Longview, WA

HAVE JUST LEARNED WITH DEEP SORROW OF RECENT PASSING ELSA BLAKELY KNIGHT BAHA’U’LLAH. HER OUTSTANDING HISTORIC SERVICES FAITH IN TONGA AND AMERICAS UNFORGETTABLE. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES HER SOUL MAY BE RICHLY REOE ENJOY ETERNAL PROGRESS ABHA KINGUNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

JANUARY 12, 1989

January 19, 1989 Eleanor Carney Phoenix, AZ December 1988 Jan Conley

St. Thomas, VI January 17, 1989 Francis X. Dunn Philadelphia, PA January 14, 1989

August 5, 1987 ‘Anna S. Mikuriya San Francisco, CA Date Unknown Leslie Moore Jr. Buffalo, NY

June 1987

August 13, 1987 Wallace Charging Whirlwind Mission, SD

Date Unknown

Jack White

Vance, SC

Date Unknown �[Page 16]16 / The American Bahá’í / March 1989

Assemblies from page 3

meeting but absentee ballots are obtained, can an Assembly be elected and recognized?

In all cases, an Assembly should be formed and the formation papers submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly describing any unusual or extenuating circumstances. The information will be reviewed and a decision made. In the meantime, those elected should begin to carry out the duties and responsibilities of an Assembly.

Is it permissible for people to vote for themselves?

Yes. Shoghi Effendi said, ‘This is entirely a matter of conscience; if the individual feels for some reason justified in voting for himself, he is free to do so.””

At the election meeting one of the elected members declines to serve on the Assembly. What should be done?

The newly elected Spiritual Assembly should consult, seeking the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly if necessary, and call for a by-election if a vacancy is declared. Before the person can be replaced, all members of the community must be notified of the need for a by-election.

What should be done if there is a@ tie vote for the ninth position on the Assembly?

A second ballot to break the tie must be cast by those present at the election meeting. Each voter should vote for one of those who have tied for the ninth position. No other name should be introduced on the ballot. There is an exception to this rule: If one of those involved in the tie represents. a minority, that person should be given priority without question. The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States has decided that in this country a minority is defined by race, not nationality. In all cases of doubt, or if both persons represent a minority, a revote should be taken to choose between those who have tied.

After the Spiritual Assembly is elected, it is found that a person elected to the Assembly moved

out of the community prior to the .

election. Should the person who received the next highest number of votes fill the ninth position on the Assembly or should the newly elected Assembly call for a byelection?

If the Assembly finds that an

. elected member had moved prior

to the election, the votes cast for that individual must be considered invalid and the person with the next highest number of votes becomes a member of the Assembly. If the ballots have been destroyed and the tellers do not recall who had the next highest number of pied a by-election should be called.

Reporting results

How is election information to be reported to the National Spiritual Assembly?

Shortly before Ridvan every year, the National Spiritual Assembly sends election forms and instructions to already established local Spiritual Assemblies. Communities that have not received the forms by April 10 should request them from the National Spiritual Assembly. The forms should be completed carefully according to the instructions and returned to the National Assembly immediately after the election or formation by joint declaration.

NOTE; It is preferable that Assembly officers be elected and so noted on the election or joint declaration form at the time it is returned to the National Assembly. If, however, it is not possible to elect officers immediately after the Assembly formation, a temporary secretary (someone to receive mail and telephone calls) should be appointed and recorded on the form, and the form sent in immediately. Permanent officers should be elected and reported as soon as possible on the ‘‘Assembly Officer and Address Change” form.

What should be done if a Formation Report Form cannot be obtained in time for the election or joint declaration?

The election results may be reported in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly. The letter should include the name of the Baha’f locality, the time and date when the Assembly was formed, and the names and I.D. numbers of the Assembly members. If the Assembly is formed by joint declaration, the letter should include the nine signatures of the members. If the Assembly is formed by election, the number of Bahá’ís in the community, the number of those voting in person, the number of those voting by absentee ballot, and the number of votes each elected member received must also be included. If Assembly officers have been elected, these should also be noted.

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 26-28: 16th annual Conference of Nur, Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College. Theme: ‘‘Dawn of the New Age.’”’ Preregistration for overnight guests and commuters is required by Wednesday, May 17. For registration forms and additional information write to: Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Box 3108, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or phone 717-232-9163.

June 25-29: Camp Louhelen (Michigan) for young people entering grades 3-6. To register, write to: Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313653-5033.

July 5-15: Camp Kamal (Wisconsin) for young people entering grades 5-11. To register, write to: James Lewicki, director, Camp Kamal, Viroqua, WI 54665.

July 21-29: Camp Green Acre (Maine) for young people entering grades 3-6. To register, write to: Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 S. Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-0019.

July 24-28: National Bahá’í Camp Directors’ Institute, Louhelen (Michigan) Bahá’í School. An intensive five-day program directed toward camp directors and program directors who will soon be implementing and directing a Bahd’{ camp. Attendance is limited to nine; applications are required. To secure one, write to econ Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI

This form may be used for one person or

Z

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

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F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

lease indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are.

|] Area Code Number Area Code Number Name 1 ip

1 Area Code = Number Name | © We receive extra copies because:

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We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(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 1.D, numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

Our household receives only one copy of The American Baha'i. | wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, 1.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAI Wilmette, Illinois 60091

NON-PROFIT ORG. US. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO, 479

! f The American Baha'i, send ire family. Please be lis IEMONANGS Your new address and your mang labelto FULL NAMES AND LD. NUMBERS for I I TELL US YOUR MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYS- all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who NEW ADDRESS ‘TEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, will be affected by this change. IL 60091, ki here ee eee dress will be. pe I 1 I IDF Title Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames I 12. ! I ID# Title Full name I Rape Title Full name 4. I IDF Title Full name ! | I B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: CC—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: | House/Space #, Street or Description P.O. Box or other Mailing Address City State Zip City State Zip I D—NEW COMMUNITY: l ! I I Name of new Baha'i community Moving date 1 ! ! | | I | | ! l ! | | I 1

HA’i NATIONAL CENTER

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Justice Society sets fourth annual Conference

In an effort to support the intensified teaching efforts launched by the National Spiritual Assembly in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and San Jose, the Bahá’í Justice Society has scheduled its fourth annual meeting and Conference

N.Y.-area Bahá’ís take part in service to honor Dr. King

On January 16, Bahá’ís from the New York City area took part in a memorial observance honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in White Plains.

The event, sponsored by the African-American Men of Westchester County, was attended by about 5,000 people.

Bahá’ís from Northern and Southern Westchester County and New York City sponsored a teaching display booth which drew a constant stream of interested seekers.

The booth featured a center panel with photographs of Dr. King and other black leaders with quotations from Dr. King that ts a brilliant focus to the dis Y.

for June 9-11 in Atlanta,

The conference theme is ‘‘Economic Justice: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor.”

Topics to be addressed will range from global economic independence and development to local grassroots entrepreneurship.

Workshops and speakers will cover such topics as the effect of poverty on access to the legal system, the role of education in achieving economic justice, the spiritual basis of economic rela tionships, and the role of agriculture and ecology in economic development.

Confirmed speakers include Dr. Gregory Dahl of the International Monetary Fund.

Teaching activities are planned in the Atlanta area before, during and after the conference for those who wish to come early or stay on.

Mark your calendars and watch for further announcements. Inquiries should be directed to Ted Amsden, 313-568-6554,

A Call is Raised for Traveling Teachers in the Four Project Sites

The success in expansion of the Faith in the four national teaching project sites has highlighted the need for traveling teachers to play a part in the second of the twin processes of teaching—the work of consolidation. If you have the time and resources to travel to Atlanta, Chicago, San Jose, or Massachusetts to assist in this effort, please contanct the National Traveling Teaching Coordinator;

Mr. Sam Williams P.O. Box 971 Yadkinville, NC 27055 Phone: 919/679-2133

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